A/N: This one is going out with a massive shout out to Callie-G over on FFNet for providing the prompt.
Summary: Years after the events in Paris, Miranda finds one of her darling Bobbsey's remained in touch with the assistant that got away, Andréa (Call me Andy) Sachs. What will happen when the editor comes face to face with her past? Will she still see a lot of herself in the brunette?
Disclaimer: As always, I am just fooling around with these characters. I do not make any money from them because Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox own them.
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Andy's cell vibrating, had the woman pulling away from their embrace and Miranda watched as the younger woman glanced at the caller ID and frowned.
Catching her eyes, Miranda caught the muttered apology and gave her a nod of understanding, still keeping a firm hold on Caroline.
Stepping further away, Andy ran her fingers through her bangs. "Hi, mom." She answered warily. There was a long pause as she listened to the other end of the line. "I'll arrange for the first flight back to New York." Her voice, after listening to whatever had been said, was cold. "Well, can you at least arrange for her to get to the airport?" The response had Andy growing red-faced. "You fucking assholes! I can't fucking believe you would throw your 14-year-old great-niece out. You make me sick!"
Miranda stepped away from Caroline, speaking quietly. "I will call your father and ask if we can borrow his plane. We need to leave for Cincinnati immediately. Go get your sister and pack an overnight bag for me and yourselves. Go, quickly."
Andy continued to pace. "I don't give a fuck who she said she loves, even if it is Cassidy Priestly. I know she will be loved, more than anything else in this world, in return."
Miranda's eyes widened in surprise pulled her cell out, hitting the speed dial for the twin's father, she was grateful he answered immediately. "James, hello. May I ask a favour? Cassidy friend is stuck in Cincinnati and we need to be there..." She licked her lips as he interrupted. "... Well, I do not see how that matters, but it is her best friend, Isabel." Miranda listened intently as James told her to hold on and made a few calls in the background.
Andy stopped pacing. "Mom, you will give her the cell, wallet and her art supplies or so help me God I will rain so much pain on you...Yes..." She snapped at the woman on the other end of the phone. "Aw, you think her kicking at your door, screaming for her things is bad now. Aren't you worried about what the neighbours are going to say? Yea, well, that's nothing to what I will do when I get there..."
Miranda smirked, realising her Andréa had her own fire breathing capabilities, especially where her children were concerned. Miranda was surprised when James told her the plane would be ready in 45 minutes.
"...Yes, thank you, Dad. I'll call her now." Andy stabbed at the end key and took a deep shuddering breath.
James's final words stunned her. "Andy's a good woman and Izzy is simply beautiful. Tell them both I said hello and take care of them." His tone was light.
"Thank you, James. I promise." Miranda whispered.
"Good, because I remember she made your life better once upon a time. It would be a shame to let that go a second time." James's voice held a smile. "That's all." He teased.
Miranda couldn't help but chuckle. "You are incorrigible, Jimmy. Send my love to Alison and Jon." She mentioned his wife and son easily.
"Love you, Mira," James told her softly before disconnecting the call.
Andy was on the phone again, waiting for it to be picked up when Cassidy and Caroline barrelled into the room dropping three matching Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Shoulder Bags beside the door.
They wrapped themselves around their mom as the brunette spoke quietly. "...Isabel, no!" She exclaimed hotly. "My little love, my Fizz-bomb, you did nothing wrong. It's Aunty Joanna and Uncle Richard who are at fault, not you." Her voice wavered slightly. "Now, I need you to listen to me. Please, I need you to stop the tears and call Moe's Taxis. Have the driver take you to The Phelps. I will book a room for you right now, order room service or something. I will be there as soon as I can. Please, honey..." A sob tore from Andréa's throat at the young girl's next words. "...don't worry yourself about the cost, Izzy, we'll manage..."
Cassidy stepped towards Andréa quickly and gestured to the cell. It was handed over and the brunette clapped her hand across her mouth, turning away from them all, unable to stop her tears.
Miranda could see Andy was slightly embarrassed. She fired a quick text and received a response immediately. She stepped closer to Andy to offer her reassurance while Cassidy spoke gently into the cell.
"Fizzy, please don't cry. Andy is here with me, Mom and Care. We are coming to get you and bring you home..." Cassidy stated softly. "We will have the whole week before you go to your camp and I go to my dad's."
Miranda brushed Andy's hair from her face. "The plane will be waiting. I'll have Emily working on the reservation, once it is confirmed I will call and speak to the concierge. Isabel will get whatever she needs while she waits for us. Now, I shall wake Ethan and help him into his shoes and jacket. We can stop at your apartment quickly and..."
"No! I mean...you don't need to do this...I mean...I can manage and..." Andy closed her eyes, flustered.
"Darling, I would like to help you bring your daughter home quickly. Please, let me." Miranda requested.
Cassidy's voice caught their attention. "...Yes, I would like that. We could go bowling." She giggled. "Maybe we can talk Andy into asking my mom out properly and having a double date. Care can babysit the little monkey-man, or maybe we could have a family day...Oooh, the zoo, I like that idea." Cassidy laughed. "That's brilliant. Go call that cab. I'll see you soon..." Cassidy blushed bright red. "..You too."
"Oh, God," Andy whispered, catching Miranda's eyes. "We're going to have to create some serious ground rules for those two."
"No bowling double dates." Miranda's lips twitched.
"No sex." Andy breathed. She overheard Miranda's gasp of surprise as she stepped away, making her way out of the kitchen and towards the small library. "I'll get Ethan, he'll be like a bear with a sore skull once he been woken up."
"Cassidy, I think we need to talk..." Miranda's words had Andy chuckling as she walked into the library.
She looked down at her son and was surprised at the sight of his beautiful, sleepy, blue eyes. "Hey, sunshine."
"Mommy, me likes it here..." Ethan smiled up at her. "It smells good, like M'wanda."
She couldn't help but return his wide smile. "Yes, it does. Now, we need to hurry, we have a big aeroplane to catch."
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Miranda was slightly stunned at the location of Andréa's apartment but also quite pleased. The journalist had settled on the Upper East Side, close to The Dalton School, less than ten minutes' walk on 92nd Street.
She adored the apartment itself. It was modern and comfortable with lots of natural light, brightly coloured walls, hardwood floors and a fully fitted kitchen with dark granite countertops. It was a stable living situation for the small family with its three bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms. On closer inspection there were certain things she would change, for example, having a toilet she could use without pressing close against the bathtub or sink.
She remembered fondly the days of living in an apartment that, at the time, caused what she claimed was permanent damage to her psyche. She knew it was is a rite of passage for the 20-something-year-old Miriam Princhek, who ran from London to Paris and then finally to New York City in her quest for success. Miranda's first New York apartment was actually shared with Nigel. She had a small windowless room that held only a single bed and it was also a thoroughfare for the Junior Copywriter turned Creative Director, and the numerous men he invited over, to get to his room. It was less than ideal.
Caroline, Cassidy and Ethan had sprawled on the sofa. The twin's watched TV while Ethan looked at a picture book, occasionally trying to catch their attention and tell them a story. Miranda sat at the small dining table confirming details with staff at the Phelps and firing off instructions to Emily. She followed Andréa's movements as she buzzed around the apartment, gathering things for herself, Isabel and Ethan efficiently. Her final task was to place a purple rabbit from Isabel's bedroom on top of their things.
Miranda arched an eyebrow and Andréa explained. "It was the last thing she received off Amy. Izzy thinks she doesn't need it now she's growing up, but..."
Miranda smirked. "Say no more. I am aware Caroline still sleeps with her raggedy mouse."
"Mo-om! No, I don't!" Caroline blushed, clearly embarrassed.
"So if I look in your bag, I won't find a half-chewed, well loved, pink mouse, Bobbsey?" Miranda asked.
Cassidy grinned as Caroline groaned. "I admit I still have my blankie. I can't sleep without it."
Andréa smiled softly at the redheads, she gestured for them to follow her and was surprised when they did without question. Ethan continued to sit quietly as he recited the story to himself by heart. Miranda saw the little boy was used to keeping himself occupied.
Miranda stood and followed, hovering hesitantly in the doorway of what was clearly Andréa's bedroom. On top of the royal blue duvet was a Sleepytime stripy Puffalump Pony. The brunette grinned ruefully and shrugged as the twins giggled. "You can see from this, you are never too old to find comfort in something from your childhood."
Miranda stepped closer to the brunette and smiled. "I will have to show you my stuffed bear." She offered.
"Yours doesn't count, mom," Caroline stated. "I mean, who, other than you, would be gifted a Louis Vuitton Monogram Bear? And I know you were furious when you missed out on the Steiff Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear that came up for auction."
"Who pays $2.1 million for a stuffed bear anyway?" Cassidy asked with a sly grin.
"Two point one mill...holy shit!" Andréa stuttered.
"Language, darling." Miranda hissed.
"Seriously? You can't hit me with sort of cash figure and expect me not to cuss." Andréa stated, blushing. "I mean, whoa, that's a shit ton of money to spend on a stuffed bear."
"It's one of a kind, darling." Miranda sniffed, pretending to be annoyed. "Now if we are done comparing our snuggle buddies, it is time to go." She spun on her heel with Caroline and Cassidy following.
"Yes, Miranda," Andréa called out after her. Stepping into the living room, she collided with the editor and blushed as Miranda pulled her close, cupping her face.
"One day, I will happily take that elephants place," Miranda whispered, brushing an errant curl from the brunette's eyes.
"M'wanda?" Ethan's gruff, little voice had her turning towards the little boy.
"Yes, little man?" Miranda asked.
"How does an airplane stay in the sky?" Ethan's question stunned the editor and she swallowed, not knowing how to answer.
"Well..." Caroline interjected. "...the plane's engines are made to move it forward really fast and that makes air flow quickly over its wings. It throws the air down towards the ground creating an upward force that overcomes the plane's weight and holds it in the sky."
"Can we go on the airplane now?" Ethan whined giving the two older women his best puppy dog eyes.
Miranda caught Andréa's eyes and saw her mouth opening and closing at Caroline's concise response. Tapping the younger woman's chin, she smirked as he mouth snapped closed.
"Yes, sunshine. We are going now." Andréa stated, pulling herself together. "Go get your book, we are not missing out on our bedtime story."
Ethan charged to his room, whooping in delight. "Yay, we's going on a big airplane."
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The flight was quick and it felt like no time at all had passed before Miranda was leading them all towards a large seven-seater SUV, which was already equipped with a child seat suitable for Ethan. Andy smiled, knowing Miranda had no doubt given Emily instructions without really giving too much away.
She had been stunned to realise the redhead still worked for the editor as her personal assistant but Miranda had explained every offer she made to move the Brit on was met with an instant refusal. The second assistant's still entered Runway and then left with regularity, very few seeing out their full year but none leaving with the same panache as she had.
When they settled into the car, Andy prepared to drive them downtown. It was almost time for supper, and Ethan was becoming cranky. Cassidy settled in beside the little boy and spoke to him quietly as they chose a movie on Netflix on her iPad. Caroline switched her Kindle on and listened to an audiobook.
As the car moved seamlessly through traffic, the silence that grew between the two older women was not comfortable. The closer they got to the hotel, the tenser it became and Andy's eyes flicked towards the silver-haired woman often trying to gauge the change in her mood. Miranda kept her eyes averted, watching the passing scenery with disinterest.
"You realise I do not expect anything to come from us all being together," Miranda stated quietly,
The words startled Andy and she felt tears spring to her eyes and blinked them away quickly. "Oh, okay."
Miranda sighed and turned away from the passenger window. "What I mean is, we have only just reconnected, so the twins and I will share one room and you, Isabel and Ethan shall have the other. I do not expect anything more until we have had time to decide upon things further."
A warm hand landed on Andy's thigh and she felt a wave of relief. Andy looked in the rear view and watched Cassidy and Ethan. Cassidy caught her eyes and smiled. "We could talk now," She stated. Miranda turned towards her further, and she continued to speak, keeping her eyes on the road. "What I want is simple really. I care for you, a lot, I always have. And I really want to be able to show you that."
"But?" The query surprised Andy.
"But I know that you will bring far more to any relationship we enter than I can. You are at the very top of your career, and I'm still fairly middle of the road in terms of my position at the Mirror. You dine at the best restaurants and can bid a cool two mill on a teddy, whereas I still juggle my finances each month to make sure my children get what they need. They come first before I even attempt to organise dinner out at a reasonably priced eatery." She sipped from a bottle of water. "I'm often grateful Dalton has a uniform policy, it ensures Izzy doesn't feel the difference in stature, although many of shitty comments she receives are because the other children know she entered the school on a full scholarship."
"She was clearly the best candidate. I remember there were twenty other very talented young people who applied. She deserves her place at Dalton more than those with the cash flow to afford the exorbitant fees." Miranda reassured. "She should not be ashamed.
"She isn't. But I sometimes wondered, once word got out about my past relationship with Runway, and by extension with you, that there would be accusations of favouritism," Andy admitted. "But then again, we've had no contact since Paris."
"I only assisted in the final shortlist of candidates. I had no idea, with Isabel's surname being different, that she was in any way related to you. Up to this morning, I had no idea you had a place in my youngest daughters life." Miranda stated.
"I've counteracted Izzy's requests to change her name to Sachs," Andy admitted.
Miranda nodded, not really understanding her reasoning. "I want to know why, but that can wait. In regards to the rest, the differences you have outlined, I refuse to allow them to come between us if you are willing to give us a chance." Her hand rubbed along Andy's thigh, causing her breath to hitch. "Before now, Andréa, I could not let myself think of you, because you were the one thing I could not let myself hope for. That was what caused my disappointment, not you." Miranda pulled her hand away as if she'd been burned. She turned her eyes back to the windows. "Never you." She whispered.
Andy was unwilling to break the tenuous connection. She placed her hand on top of Miranda's and entwined their fingers. Swallowing a lump in her throat, she focussed on the road ahead. "We'll be there soon." She husked. "I can't wait to have my little girl in my arms."
"I think there's a queue," Miranda smirked and her eyes flicked towards Andy. "I believe Cassidy may beat you to it."
"We'll see." Andy smiled. "Although I think it will be worth it losing out to Cass."
"You knew?" Miranda accused.
Andy nodded. "Yes, we talked about it a few days ago. Izzy was giving herself the summer to ensure her feelings didn't change. She did not wish to hurt Cass with false hope. However, it seems her mind is already made up."
"How will that work for us?" Miranda asked.
"Do you have a problem with them possibly dating?" Andy asked. "I know they are young, but..."
"No, not really a problem as such. They are almost fifteen. It's just..." Miranda pursed her lips. "...well, if we eventually blend our family, how will that work?"
Andy's eyes widened in shock. They hadn't even been on a date and Miranda was worried about their eventual future. "Um, I have no idea." She admitted. "But before we think of all that, I have a question to ask..."
Flicking the indicator, she pulled in front of the hotel and Caroline and Cassidy stowed their electronics away before helping Ethan out of his car seat.
A Valet greeted the children warmly and did a double take when Miranda stepped gracefully from the car. Andy grinned and stepped around the car towards the older woman, tossing the keys at the gaping valet.
Miranda looked up, her eyes shining with affection. "Your question, Andréa?" She queried softly.
"Will you go on a date with me? I can, in all honesty, promise our first date won't be in a bowling alley." Andy offered a bright megawatt smile, her eyes expressing her hope.
"Acceptable," Miranda whispered as a loud squee rent through the air.
Andy spun around to see a familiar whirlwind of blonde curls roar past her, flinging herself towards Cassidy. She felt Miranda's shoulders shake as she chuckled at the sight of Isabel and Cassidy wrapped tightly around each other, still letting out their shrill squeals of happiness at being together. Entwining their hands, Andy pulled Miranda towards their children as their luggage was carried inside the hotel.
With her free hand, Andy tapped Isabel on the shoulder, she grinned as Isabel extracted herself from Cassidy's arms, beaming a smile at the two women which was almost as bright as her guardian's. Andy let go of Miranda's hand and opened her arms. Isabel launched herself into the safety and comfort of them.
A small cough had Andy looking over Isabel's shoulder into familiar dark eyes topped with salt and pepper hair. She frowned at the tall man, now gazing at her son raptly, amazement in his expressive eyes as he took in the dark curls and blue eyes.
She felt the young girl nuzzle into her chest and caught her muffled words. "...don't have to come here and see them again, do I?"
She spoke loudly enough for the man to catch the firmness of her tone. "No, my little love, you don't have to do anything you do not wish to. Neither of us does."
Pulling away from Isabel slightly she caught a flash of hurt in the older man's eyes. Encouraging Isabel towards the hotel entrance with a small push, she watched as Caroline picked Ethan up and held her hand out to Cassidy. They stepped beside Isabel and moved together into the large foyer. She could feel Miranda's eyes flicker between herself and the man, who would be easily recognisable as her father. Spinning on her heel she made to follow the children when his voice called out to her.
"Andy, wait!" The plea in his voice had her closing her eyes and her steps faltered.
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