A/N: This is my first attempt at Fanfiction. I woke up with the idea in my head after inhaling so much DWP/Mirandy fanfic. This is not beta'd. All mistakes are my own.
Disclaimer: I do now own any of the Characters belonging to The Devil Wears Prada. These are owned by Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox.
Summary: Andy leaves Paris with final words for Miranda.
A/N 2: I have spent some time since my last update editing this story in the hopes it would coax my muse from hibernation. There are no major changes to the storyline/plot.
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Chapter Six:
"Oh My God that has to be the largest Christmas tree I've seen in my life," Andy whispered to Cassidy and Caroline as they hit Fifth Avenue and she spotted the annual Rockefeller tree.
'Instead of powering thousands of standard bulbs, 30,000 multi-coloured LED's were used to light it up this year." Caroline told her.
"It's more environmentally friendly," Cassidy said.
Miranda smiled at the three of them as they discussed the decorations and as Andy explained that although the use of LED's was much more energy efficient, it wasn't an affordable option for everyone.
Cassidy and Caroline hit the shops like a whirlwind dragging the women from store to store on a whim.
"My girls like you," Miranda told her as they followed the twins from shop to shop with their arms linked.
"I like them too, they're gorgeous. Cassidy told me I had to stay and Caroline has demanded I take her with me should I travel again." Andy shook her head and smiled at the older woman as she smirked.
"I think you may struggle to get away from us," Miranda said as they entered Anthropologie.
"Who says I want to get away? I like this...Us." Andy whispered to Miranda as she took in her surroundings.
"Mm, that's good," Miranda whispered back as she let Andy go to wander through the store.
Andy lost herself in Anthropologie's two-story branch, initially with the books and stationery. The art gallery blew her mind. This provided Cassidy, Caroline and Miranda time to find the items they wanted from some neighbouring shops.
When they met back up Andy had purchased a new journal. She knew it would be needed to write the new memories she was creating. She did not want to forget a single moment.
They dashed over to Macy's where Andy bought herself an over-large NY Yankees t-shirt too much eye-rolling from the three Priestly's. She grinned at the three of them and shrugged.
As they made their way out of Macy's, Andy's attention taken up by Miranda asking what they wanted for lunch, she walked into someone, finding her shoulders grabbed to stop her from falling.
"I'm so sorry. Excuse me." She said flustered. As she looked up, she saw the wide expression of disbelief on Nigel's face.
"Six?" he questioned.
"Nige!" She squealed happily hugging him hard and placing a kiss on both his cheeks.
Pulling away from her he held her at arm's length, still holding her shoulders. "God, I've missed you. You are radiant and so thin. That tan does wonders for you and your hair is amazing. When did you get back?" He asked.
Laughing Andy told him quickly of her return the previous day. As she looked away from him to the three Priestly's behind her he followed her glance and finally noticed Miranda and the twins looking on amused.
Releasing Andy he walked over to Miranda grinning. Brushing a kiss on her cheek. He said. "Hello Miranda, it's wonderful to see you." Leaning over to ruffle the twin's hair he asked. "And you two, are you being good to your mom and keeping out of mischief?"
"Yes, Uncle Nigel." They said in unison.
He looked at the twins and raised his eyebrow in disbelief.
"We had a good morning. We helped Andy make mom breakfast and kicked her butt in a tickle war." Cassidy explained.
"And now we've just finished our Christmas shopping," Caroline told him.
Laughing he looked towards Andy in amazement. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
Catching Miranda's eye he said. "I know you said you didn't want to come to the Runway Christmas party tonight but I hope you'll be there." He leaned in to whisper dramatically. "It's a plus one event as I recall."
Smirking Miranda shook her head slightly. "We'll see." She breathed, noticing Andy looking at her with a twinkle in her eyes. Grinning, she told him. "I may show my face for a short time. I will have to determine if I can find myself a plus one. I do hate going to these things alone."
This caused Nigel to chortle. "I'm sure you'll find someone." He winked at Andy. "Anyway, I should be off. I have to find a Secret Santa gift at Irv's insistence." He rolled his eyes. "Irritating little man." This caused laughter all around. Turning back to Andy, Nigel grabbed her into a bear hug and said. "If I don't see you before the festivities call me, okay? We need to do drinks."
Smiling Andy answered. "Sure thing Nige." She watched him leave, weaving his through the foot traffic on Fifth Ave. She looked back towards Miranda. "So lunch?" She asked smiling.
After much deliberation and even more pouting from the twins and Andy they made their way to the Tick Tock Diner where they all ordered Club Sandwiches and Frosty Shakes.
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Arriving back at the Townhouse by mid-afternoon all four of them were ready to relax. As they removed their coats Cassidy and Caroline grabbed Andy's bags, which they had picked up from the hotel on their way home, and dragged them up the stairs.
"Hey! Careful with those." Andy called after them.
Smirking Miranda grabbed Andy's hand and dragged her down to the kitchen. Pushing the young woman up against the counter she captured her lips in a kiss as she curled her fingers around Andy's waist. "Oh God! I can't get enough." Miranda husked as they came apart.
Pulling Miranda back to her she hugged the older woman close. Sighing in her contentment as Miranda returned the embrace fiercely. "We should go on up before we're caught hugging again," Andy told her.
"Too late," Caroline smirked as she entered the room. "Cass told me about the hug-fest last night. Now it's my turn." Walking up to the two older woman Caroline wrapped her arms around both of them and squeezed tightly.
"You okay, Caro?" Andy asked gently as she brushed the young girl's hair back out of her eyes.
Caroline looked up into the chocolate eyes and smiled. "Of course. We are glad you're here. You make our mom happy. She smiles more now. That's something both me and Cass love. So thank you."
Andy blushed and held the young girl tighter as Cassidy ran into the kitchen. Observing the three hugging she threw her arms around the three of them. "Group hug!" She squealed causing Andy to laugh.
Untangling herself from the embrace Miranda looked down at her daughter's smiling. "Was there a reason you both barged into the kitchen Bobbsey's?" She asked.
"Juice." They both replied in unison as their grip tightened on Andy.
Andy moved towards the fridge without letting go of the twins, causing them to wrap themselves around her legs and erupt into laughter. Miranda laughed with them. "Juice for the limpets." Andy grinned as she released her hold on them as she opened the fridge. Looking at the choices she asked, "Orange, Apple or Tropical?"
"Tropical." They both declared unanimously.
"Right then, if you could find it in your hearts to release me I will get you your drinks," Andy told them happily. Looking up at the young woman both twins grinned at her and let her go, moving to their mom they wrapped her hands around her instead. Andy looked towards Miranda. "Coffee?" She asked.
"Mm yes please," Miranda responded.
Andy set up the Jura coffee machine and poured juice into two glasses for the twins. Placing the drinks on the breakfast bar the twins finally let go of their mom and grabbing their drinks left the room and made their way to the den.
"About tonight, would you like to join me at the Runway Christmas party?" Miranda asked hesitantly.
"Are you sure?" Andy queried. Raising her eyebrow imperceptibly she looked towards the brunette. Andy smiled. "I know, I know you never make offers you don't mean."
Andy laughed.
"I'm glad you have taken notice," Miranda smirked.
"What about the twins?" Andy asked her.
"The twin's father will be here at 6 pm to take them for the night. As they are having Christmas day with me and spent Thanksgiving here, he wanted to have them for Christmas Eve." Miranda explained
"Oh dear. Poor Charity." Andy laughed out loud. "I wonder what mischief they will inflict."
Miranda snorted. "Whatever it will be will be legendary knowing my girls." Miranda looked at Andy eyes sparkling with amusement. "And now Nigel has put the idea in my head, I cannot wait to observe everyone's face when I arrive with you on my arm, especially Emily's."
Andy giggled. "Oh my God you're so wicked, now I know where your daughters get it from."
"Oh yes," Miranda whispered as she caught the brunette in another blistering kiss.
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They spent the afternoon watching the twins play Wii, occasionally joining them for a game of bowling, Mario Kart or Dance Dance Revolution. Andy laughed at Miranda's blatant competitiveness but she held on to her mantle of reigning champion of Dance Dance Revolution. Andy became the title-holder of Mario Kart much to the twin's horror.
As the afternoon wore on Miranda took Andy back to the kitchen where they prepared enchiladas for dinner. "It's been a good day," Miranda told her as they stood side by side chopping meat and vegetables.
"It's been a perfect day." Andy smiled. "The girls are beautiful Miranda. I understand why you are so proud of them. They're amazing."
Miranda laughed. "Well, they are their mother's daughters after all." Andy sniggered, and they continued to prepare dinner in companionable silence, moving around each other as if they had been cooking together for years. "Are you worried about tonight?" Miranda asked quietly as she finished prepping the meat, covering it and placing it in the fridge.
"A little," Andy told her honestly. "People will say what they want to say but I don't want this relationship to affect your professional career."
"By people, I assume you mean Irv?" Miranda stated.
"Well yeah. He's a major ass-monkey and I don't want him making your life any more difficult because of me." Andy told her.
"I may have to use that description. It is so very apt." Miranda chuckled. "To be honest, darling my personal life has no effect on my professional one. I have worked hard to be where I am, and I could retire tomorrow and have enough money to be comfortable for the rest of my life, if not my children's and grandchildren's lives. There's also the fact you no longer work for me, however, if we had started this relationship while you were employed at Runway then it would have been reported to HR and that would be that. There's nothing in my contract that states I cannot form a relationship with an employee, or ex-employee in this instance. And to be honest, if I receive one hint of discrimination based on my relationship with you I will sue. It would also be the one and only time I hand-feed a story directly to the associated press."
"Are you worried?" Andy returned her question.
"Not at all." Miranda clarified as she moved to embrace Andy from behind resting her cheek against Andy's shoulder. "I am happy, I feel loved beyond measure. There's nothing more I can ask for."
"That's all that matters then," Andy replied gently as she finished chopping the vegetables. Turning in Miranda's arms she looked down at the editor and brushed her fingers gently through the older woman's forelock. "I love you, Miranda." She whispered.
"I took a while to realise what these feelings are but I love you too my darling, more than I can express," Miranda told her.
"So what should I wear tonight?" Andy grinned. "As you know most of my things are back in Ohio and although you haven't said a word against yesterday's outfit I doubt something similar would be ideal for tonight."
"What would you be most comfortable in my darling?" Miranda questioned.
"Well..." Andy's eyes twinkled mischievously. "...That NY Yankees top would be great with a pair of Levi's, and I have my converse."
"I don't care what you wear," Miranda told her honestly. "You'll be beautiful, regardless. I would like you to keep your hair natural though."
Looking at the older woman she asked. "Do you really like it this way?"
"Of course I do, it's stunning. So wild and luxuriant. When the light hits and I see how sun-streaked, it is and I can see the red undertone. It gives it that glossy chestnut colour that reminds me of beautiful autumn days." Miranda told her as she ran her fingers through it.
"Wow," Andy said breathlessly as she gave Miranda one of her megawatt smiles. "I can see why you're an editor. You certainly have a way with world Priestly."
"So I've been told, however, it's not usually a good thing." Miranda snickered as she let the brunette turned back to cook.
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Dinner was a lively affair with lots of chatter and laughter between Andy and the twins as Miranda looked on happily, occasionally commenting with an observation or opinion on whatever was being discussed.
Miranda lost herself in thoughts of a brighter future surrounded by love, laughter and lots of noise. She was amazed at the difference the last two days had brought to her life.
As dinner was demolished, and the twins stacked the dishwasher with plates Miranda was roused from her thoughts by one of her daughters.
"Mom, are you going to the party tonight with Andy?" Cassidy asked.
Responding with a smile Miranda said. "Yes, Cassidy. I asked Andréa to escort me and luckily for me, she agreed."
"So is this like your first date?" Cassidy asked Andy, mischief lighting up her blue eyes.
"Well...I...I...I have no idea. I suppose so." Andy stuttered. Miranda laughed hard at seeing the reaction on Andy's face that tears sprang in her eyes. All three of the women turned to her as she attempted to get her mirth under control.
"Well if this is your first date what are you going to wear?" Caroline asked curiously as she turned back towards Andy. "I read in Cosmo that you should always make a good impression on a first date."
"I don't know, Caro. Your mom's seen me at my best and my worst so I think she's may already have an opinion on my style. Anything's got to be better than a hideous skirt and Doc Martin's right?" Andy laughingly replied. The three Priestly women laughed with her. "Why don't you both help me choose?" Andy asked the twins with a wide grin.
"Awesome." They both grinned at the brunette as they grabbed her hands and dragged her from the room.
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Miranda took herself up to the master suite shortly after to find Cassidy and Caroline lying on her bed. The door of the bathroom was closed. Glancing over at the twins cuddled together she said. "Bobbsey's did you help Andréa find something to wear?"
"Yes mom," Cassidy answered.
"She will look awesome. She's going to rock the show." Caroline told her mom grinning widely.
Miranda lay down next to her daughters and pulled them close. "Are you ready to go to your fathers? He will be here shortly and I need to get ready."
"Yes, we have a big night planned," Cassidy told her.
"Don't tell me," Miranda warned smiling at her daughters. "We will want to hear all about it tomorrow though."
Hearing the doorbell the twins clambered off the bed. Caroline rushed from the room, after hugging Miranda quickly, to answer the door as Cassidy ran to the bathroom door banged upon it twice "See you tomorrow Andy." She shouted. Hearing a muffled response she launched herself at Miranda and hugged her tight. "Love you, mom."
"I love you too Bobbsey," Miranda told her young daughter. "Tell your father hello."
"Will do. See you tomorrow." Cassidy replied as she charged from the room thundering down the stairs.
Shaking her head Miranda walked to the bathroom door and knocking lightly requested entry. Hearing the confirmation she opened the door to find Andy sat at the vanity wrapped in nothing but a towel attempting to tame her hair.
"I shouldn't be too much longer," Andy told her as they locked eyes through the mirror.
"Take all the time you need," Miranda told her breathlessly, eyes roaming the expanse of tanned skin on display. "I'm going to shower." Miranda stepped towards the woman and placed a soft kiss on her temple. "You are exquisite." She hummed.
Spinning around Andy took hold of Miranda's hips and pressed her forehead into her chest. "Thank you for today," Andy muttered.
"No darling, thank you," Miranda responded running her fingers through Andy's hair before letting go and walking towards the shower.
She showered quickly and as she walked out caught Andy's staring at her in open admiration. She caught the other woman's eye as she wrapped a large bath towel around herself and winked.
"Oh, my God," Andy whispered to herself as she felt a surge of heat in the pit of her stomach.
Miranda quirked her eyebrow upon hearing the younger woman's words. "Is there a problem Andréa?" She purred.
Catching Miranda's eye she blushed. "Nope, no problem at all sweetheart," Andy told her.
Miranda smirked and sauntered over to the woman, pushing herself up against her back she wrapped her arms around her. "We could stay home," Miranda told her. "If you're not ready for this."
"Sweetheart I am so ready. I've waited three months and more." Andy breathed. "And we have the house to ourselves tonight, we don't have to stay all night."
"Okay then. I need to do my hair and makeup" Miranda replied squeezing the younger woman again.
"Time to get ready to rock this show," Andy told her. Miranda snorted in laughter as Andy untangled herself from Miranda and walked from the bathroom.
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When Miranda entered the bedroom, hair and makeup complete, still wrapped in a towel, she found Andy in a pair of black Sass Bide skinny-legged jeans, paired with Junya Watanabe's 'Romantic in Black' fall collection boots, a red scoop-neck t-shirt and a black Dolce Gabbana waistcoat.
"Do I look okay?" Andy asked hesitantly.
Looking the young woman up and down Miranda exhaled a breathy "Acceptable" to her which caused Andy to give her one of her brightest smiles.
"I was worried I may be a bit too casual," Andy told her.
"Nonsense, you look lovely. It is a staff Christmas Party with, knowing Irv, cheap booze and unacceptable finger food. You will outshine everyone else with your smile alone. Now I see a hint of writing on that t-shirt, show me." Miranda requested.
Unbuttoning her waistcoat she offered a small smirk as she showed Miranda. The t-shirt held the Runway logo in bold white with the words "Does it best" written in italics underneath. Behind the logo was a silhouette of a woman.
Miranda let out a loud chuckle and pulled Andy in for a hug. "I love it! I have to say I prefer this to your Vogue t-shirt from Paris."
"Ah that Vogue t-shirt. I will remember it with fondness." Andy giggled. Grinning down at Miranda she explained. "It was destroyed by a wayward goat in Nepal."
Miranda snorted and Andy caught her muttered, "good riddance." under her breath as she let go of Andy and moved towards her closet. "I will make space in here for your clothes," Miranda noted.
"I can always put my things in the guest room closet," Andy told her.
"Nonsense. That would be unacceptable. If we are sharing a bed, then we share closet space." Miranda told her determinedly as she looked for something to wear. Finding what she was looking for she slipped on a new La Perla thong and strapless bra and pulled on a red strapless Nina Ricci dress. Choosing understated jewellery she walked out of the closet and asked. "How do I look?"
Andy was sat at the end of the bed, eyes closed. Upon hearing Miranda's voice her eyes opened and the flash of astonishment on her face delighted Miranda. "Wow...you look...just wow!" Andy exhaled breathlessly.
"I'm glad you approve," Miranda smirked. "We have time for a drink before Roy gets here. Come." Miranda held her hand out for the young woman who grabbed it lightly and was guided from the room.
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Andy and Miranda arrived at Elias Clarke around 45 minutes after the Runway party started. As Andy exited the Town Car, she held her hand out to assist the editor. Miranda stalked through the foyer and was waved through Security by Eduardo. As Andy attempted to follow her she was stopped.
"Sorry, Andy I can't let you in," Eduardo told her sadly.
Andy rolled her eyes. "Seriously? Did you see who I followed in?" She asked incredulously. Andy looked behind Eduardo to see Miranda walking back to see what the hold-up was.
"Andy, I'm just doing what I was told off that frosty redhead upstairs," Eduardo explained. "She said it was ordered from above."
Overhearing the final part of the conversation Miranda hissed at him. "You will give Andréa a permanent pass unless you want to lose your position in the next five minutes. She has full access to Runway regardless of what any of my Personal Assistants may advise. In the future, I require all security requests concerning Runway brought to my attention."
"I...I...Yes, Ms Priestly." Eduardo stuttered as he allowed Andy through the turnstiles. "I will have the permanent pass ready by the time you leave." He confirmed.
Andy thanked him quietly as she moved towards the elevator banks with Miranda. Looking at Miranda Andy could see her jaw tensed, she was obviously fighting her anger. "Miranda?" Andy questioned as they entered the elevator. "Em was probably just doing what she thought was right. I never really explained the whole Paris thing to anyone. Everyone assumes I just upped and left you and they would conclude you'd be angry with me."
"You shouldn't have to explain yourself to anyone. Don't think I haven't noticed you gave her 80% of the clothing you accrued in Paris, as my first Assistant they were by right yours. It was a gesture she should be extraordinarily grateful for. The closet gained the rest. What she did was based on spite. And to say it was ordered by me is unforgivable." Miranda seethed.
Andy cupped Miranda's face forcing her to meet her gaze. "Sweetheart please let's forget it." She requested.
"If you insist darling." Miranda concurred, capturing Andy's hand against her face. "You're too forgiving sometimes," Miranda told her smiling before letting go.
"So where are they holding this shindig?" Andy queried.
"Well, they've opened the conference rooms. As you know the walls fold back allowing for a larger open space." Miranda rolled her eyes. "I was hoping Irv would let us have it externally but with his infinite penny pinching it wasn't to be." She sighed heavily. "Next year I will pay for the blasted thing out of my own pocket." As the doors of the elevator dinged they stepped out of the elevator and Miranda turned to Andy and told her. "I need to go to the office. I'll meet you in there."
"Are you sure your guard dog won't throw me out?" Andy giggled.
"Well, I know how tenacious you are though so I doubt she would be successful. I promise I'll be right there." Miranda said and smiled. Pressing Andy's hand softly Miranda turned and walked in the opposite direction.
Walking towards the location Andy was hit with a nervousness. As she neared the door leading to the room, she heard the quiet thrum of music and chatter. "Time to gird your loins, Andy." She mumbled to herself as she entered the room. Eyes scanned the room looking for Nigel knowing he would ease any tension. He was nowhere to be seen.
As people recognised her a hush fell over the room and she threw out a tentative smile.
A disturbance came from the far side of the room followed by a screech in a strident British accent. "Oh no! You fucking didn't?" Emily hurled herself towards the brunette. "You need to fucking leave now." The voice demanded.
"Hiya Em." Andy smiled at the redhead. "So lovely to see you as always."
Attempting to pull Andy towards the door Andy stood firm. Emily looked back at Andy placing her back to the doorway as the temperature of the room changed.
Andy smiled happily as Emily continued her tirade. "Move your fat arse. You can't be here. Leave now before Miranda arrives." Emily demanded. "If I find out who let you in their job will be gone." She seethed, stomping her foot in frustration.
"Em, I..." Andy tried to explain.
A cold, calm voice hit Emily from behind. "Oh do shut up Emily, you do not have the power to release any personnel from their positions, and frankly I'm finding your behaviour towards MY guest quite tedious."
"Miranda..." Emily exclaimed as she looked towards the door where Nigel and Miranda stood. Nigel was nursing a scotch and grinning at Andy. Miranda held a bottle of Macallan and two glasses in her hands. "I was just trying..." Emily stumbled over her words in a rush to explain.
"I am well aware of what you were trying Emily. Insulting and manhandling Andréa, however, is not, nor ever will be, part of your job description." At those words, Nigel leaned in and whispered in Miranda's ear causing both of them to lean into each other chuckling.
"But...but..."
Miranda waited for an explanation and when it wasn't forthcoming she rolled her eyes. "Go enjoy yourself, Emily," Miranda told the Brit exasperated, she moved past her and handed Andy the glasses. "I think it's time we got this party started," Miranda stated.
After watching Miranda lead Andy and Nigel to a table and pouring the whiskey things returned to normal by Runway standards. The alcohol flowed, and the food wasn't touched and as things relaxed more people came over to say hello to Andy before disappearing.
Serena was the first to arrive and sit herself down. Smacking a quick kiss on Andy's cheek she said. "It is good to see you querida. You are glorious."
"Thanks, Serena. You're looking pretty amazing yourself." Andy told the Brazilian blushing profusely.
"Hey, Six if you've stopped with the mutual appreciation you should show me and Serena your t-shirt. Miranda told me about it and I know she thinks it's brilliant." Nigel piped in.
Looking towards the editor and receiving a slight smile and a nod of approval Andy grinned and fumbled with the buttons. "Okay then, here you go." Peeling her waistcoat apart Serena and Nigel took in the Runway logo with the silhouette and smiled.
"You know those would be great for advertising," Serena said quietly to Andy.
"Oh, it was just done as a bit of fun in Thailand at a design your own shirt store at one of the markets. I had just lost that Vogue t-shirt to a goat and needed something to replace it. The colour just goes with the dark jeans and vest I'm wearing tonight." Andy told Serena shyly.
Nigel snorted. "You lost your t-shirt to a goat? You have to tell us that story."
As Andy launched into the story, she had Nigel and Serena laughing uproariously, Miranda sat stifling her laughter but held a wide twinkle of amusement in her eyes. The Runway staff looked at the scene with disbelief. As Andy finished her tale, she noticed ice filling Miranda's eyes as she looked beyond Andy.
"Irv..." Miranda said coldly.
"Ah, Miranda. I heard the laughter from the corridor, I never expected it to be coming from a table where your presence was so abundant." Irv leered nastily at her. "And to my further shock, the laughter was brought on by your disappearing assistant." He glanced at Andy before looking away, dismissing her entirely. "I'm surprised you allowed her back in your presence."
"Aha! Did you hear the insane rumours about Andy's disappearance? All that nonsense, Assistant slays the dragon and takes flight." Nigel said before gulping down his Macallan and pouring himself more. "As always Paris was a crazy week, as you're well aware. It's funny how the rumour mill works, it's perfectly obvious there was nothing sinister in her disappearance in Paris. She is here at our request which shows she left on good terms and that her relationship with most of the people here at Runway remains as good as it always was."
Miranda and Andy looked at Nigel in disbelief while Serena excused herself knowing things were about to get heated.
"Andy here had the opportunity to travel Asia and write about the experiences, she's to be published in Rolling Stone in the next couple of issues," Nigel told Irv happily. "Miranda recognising talent when she sees it gave her blessing and away the little bird flew. And I must say the experience has left her glowing. Doesn't she look fabulous?" Nigel asked him.
Irv huffed at Nigel and muttered. Miranda caught the trailing end of the sentence. "...she's nothing special."
"That's where you are wrong Irving," Miranda stated as fire replaced the ice in her eyes. "Andréa was always worth more than the position she held in my employ. As my assistant she was the best at what she did, doing the job with absolute determination and unfailing grace all while maintaining her integrity, her genuine generosity and unwavering kindness. She left Runway, and she conquered the world on her own terms while gathering her own life experiences. She is extraordinary. Anyone who truly knows her should be proud of her."
Irv was flabbergasted, he had never heard Miranda speak so highly of someone. Unable to form a cohesive retort he spun on his heels and stalked away.
"Good bloody riddance," Andy muttered as she poured herself a drink. "That man is an insufferable ass-monkey." She smirked at Miranda as she placed a hand on Miranda's thigh under the table causing the older women to gasp slightly the hand moved. Leaning over to Miranda Andy whispered. "Is it home time yet?"
"Oh yes," Miranda responded breathlessly.
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After their run-in with Irv, the trio found the spark of enjoyment they had been experiencing had diminished.
Andy kept her hand on Miranda's thigh under the table as they finished their scotch, she could see that Miranda was still tense. She had agreed upon going home, Roy had been sent a text and was on his way.
Looking towards Nigel Andy asked him the question that had been running through her mind since Miranda's arrival at the party. "Nige? What did you whisper to Miranda before when Em was doing her guard dog act?"
"Six, everyone saw Emily's reaction when you walked in and they expected fireworks. When Miranda arrived and saw what was happening, she started breathing fire. I thought Em was done for, so after Miranda told her it wasn't her job to insult or manhandle you I thought I'd try to take the heat out of the situation. I laughingly reminded my friend here that it was now her job as your girlfriend to manhandle you correctly. It worked." Nigel smiled at them both.
Miranda raised her eyes to Nigel and offered him one of her real smiles. "You're a good man Nigel. Thank you for tonight. I don't know why you said what you did to Irv, but it was wonderful to realise you have my Andréa's back and are ready to fight her corner." Miranda sighed.
"I said what I know to be true. I saw how both of you were that night in Paris, how much it hurt you both. And I never told you but I witnessed that final hug in the lobby of the hotel as you said goodbye. You two have always connected on a level that's inexplicable. Em knew it and if tonight's pouting is anything to go by, she is jealous." He told them rolling his eyes. "I know for a fact that if Six had gone the right way about things, told you she wanted to leave to travel and had given the correct notice you would have given your blessing but I don't believe you would be together now, your barriers would still be up in full force. I know I may have embellished a little with Irv, as I am prone to do on occasion, however it was to ensure you didn't eviscerate him entirely and I was hopeful that it would allow you both a bit more time together without outside interference."
"I don't know if that will have worked tonight Nige," Andy told him.
"Why ever not, my darling?" Miranda questioned the young woman.
"Sweetheart, your speech after he said I was nothing special was proof enough of stronger feelings than an ex-employee should have for an employee. The only time you ever get that defensive is towards your twins. Irv left this table confused and angry, he'll be thinking of your words of praise and he'll work things out, he was unable to get the last word in, which for a megalomaniac like him is unacceptable." Andy told her giving the older woman a smile that made her heart sing.
Miranda snorted. "Well if he is going to work things out we should really give him something to work with."
Nigel smirked. "You really do make a beautiful couple. This one will keep you on your toes, Miranda. You've certainly been missed Six." Nigel heard the text tone indicating Roy was here. "And on that note ladies, I should also be off. The night is still young and I hope to spend it dancing in strong arms and God willing I'll manage to grab myself a cheeky Christmas kiss under the mistletoe."
Miranda and Andy laughed as they got up from the table with him. As they followed in his wake Miranda entwined Andy's fingers into hers and swept them from the room, as every single pair of eyes in the room observing their clasped hands.
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