A/N: This was 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.
I want to thank the those that continue to provide encouragement by commenting on my fics. This chapter comes with a shout-out to all the Mirandy Dinosaurs, may your love of the fandom continue to push it to flourish and especially to XVnot15 for providing us with so much Mirandy goodness with her unending enthusiasm and the Mirandy Fun and Frolics.
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.
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Chapter Seventeen:
She had returned to Runway on that Thursday after the Christmas holiday in a good mood. Her children were happy, and she had her Andréa back. Her future looked brighter than ever. What had made the morning spectacular was waking up entangled with the glorious woman she loved.
Upon sitting at her desk she came face to face with an email from Irv and the day went downhill rapidly from there. Everyone was filled with incompetence and the layouts being provided were nothing short of lacklustre.
Irv had taken delight in informing her that the board wanted her to account for her actions, something she loathed to do, but in this instance, it seemed like a necessary evil. Stalking to the penthouse offices that housed Irv and the other Elias Clarke board members she prowled through the corridor's until she reached the boardroom. This room provided wonderful views of Manhattan and Miranda usually delighted in this.
Today felt different. Stepping into the room she was amazed at the sight before her. Every board member was sat in his or her place with Irv at the helm of the table. The gentlemen stood and waited for Miranda to sit at the far end of the table from Irv and she was graced with a few smiled from the women present.
"You are late, Miranda." Irv seethed through his teeth.
Miranda snorted elegantly and raised her eyebrow at the little man. "I have it in my email, just here, that you wanted me in this godforsaken meeting at 12 pm." She waved her cell slightly. "Since it is only 11:45 am, I am in fact not in fact late, everyone else is simply early, Irving. Now I suggest you don't attempt to make me out to be a fool or you will be the one that ends up looking foolish." Miranda smirked as Irv's jaw dropped. Watching the man's reaction she had to stifle her laughter. Sitting gracefully she placed her cell on the table in front of her and clasped her hands on her lap. "Now would you like to explain why I am here?"
"You have brought the press to our door again, Miranda." Irv sputtered accusingly. "First the divorce now this...this...lesbian fling."
"Ah yes, but who was it that fed the story to the press? No-one at Runway would dare, their NDA's stop them from disclosing any detail regarding my personal life." Miranda's tone was soft yet cold.
"I would also like to know that." Thomas Clarke added. "Only someone who was at the Runway party would have known about Miranda's party guest." He smiled at Miranda. "How is Andy, Miranda?"
"She is very well. She seems to be happy to be home and her father is in New York at the moment. They are spending the day with the twins." Miranda smiled happily. "It was Ice Skating this morning and I believe they have plans to visit MOMA this afternoon."
"And her writing? A little bird told me she's due to be published in Rolling Stone?" The questions came in rapid succession from Diane Truman, one of the major shareholders.
"Her writing is coming along well. She has completed four pieces for Rolling Stone about her travels through India, Nepal, Thailand and New Zealand over the last three months. She was waiting for a response from Mark about an exclusive regarding our relationship, but as of this morning that was not forthcoming." Miranda smirked.
"Why aren't we requesting an exclusive?" Charles Elias asked hesitantly. "It would be good for OutinNY."
"Claire in editorial has asked that Andréa submits pieces for Runway. A fresh perspective of designs showcased in Paris, the impact of the LGBTQ community in fashion, An exclusive about our relationship, etcetera." Miranda waved her hand around dismissively. "I, however, believed there may be some who would try to accuse me of nepotism." She glared balefully at Irv when she mentioned this and the three people who had questioned her followed her gaze as he flushed angrily.
"She is an assistant, not a very good one if her behaviour in Paris is anything to go by..." Irv trailed off at Miranda's expression of fury. Swallowing hard, he continued. "...half dressed, banging on the door as we held a meeting."
"Ah, the meeting where you attempted to oust me from my position?" Miranda smiled coldly. "The meeting where I provided the list of every photographer, editor, writer, designer and model that would follow me if I left Runway? That meeting? Yes, she banged on the door enthusiastically and with good reason." Miranda smiled. "She wanted to warn me of your betrayal. That kind of loyalty was not something taken for granted. So when she requested to leave after the luncheon, I allowed it, as Nigel advised at the party. You saw us leave hand in hand and then hand-fed the story to David Poole over at the New York Post."
A few heads popped up at this and there was a consternation on some faces. Charles Elias turned to Irv and his face was filled with horror. "Who?"
"Who, what, Charlie?" Irv spat.
"Who was to replace Miranda?" Charles asked.
"I think the idea was that Jacqueline Follet would take my place, she instead moved to James Holt. The ridiculously high salary was too great an opportunity to miss." Miranda smirked.
"Do you have proof of Irv leaking your story?" Diane asked.
"Yes, it was confirmed by David Poole himself after I threatened to sue for defamation of Andréa's character. He printed a retraction this morning after receiving the communication from my legal team." Miranda spoke cooly. "I have also ensured one of his reporters was fired after he harangued my children to the point that Andréa had to physically intervene. I noticed a step-by-step report had landed in the New York Mirror this morning." Miranda sighed "Frankly, I do not see how my private life has anything to do with the job I do at Runway. I work hard to create a thing of beauty every month and that in turn lines your pockets, and my own, with the profits. Those profits come from my hard work and commitment. A dedication that I have allowed in the past to take time away from my family." Miranda shook her head. "No more. With Irv at the helm, undermining my work, I will give the bare minimum to ensure the magazine gets out each month. That's all." Miranda stood quickly causing Charles Elias and Thomas Clarke to rush to their feet. "If there is nothing else, I have a magazine to run." She spun on her feet until she heard a voice calling out to her.
"Miranda, one last thing." Miranda sighed and turned to see Diane Truman on her feet.
"Yes Diane," Miranda asked. She liked this woman quite a lot, she was no nonsense and was a ball-breaker in her professional life.
"How can you say you provide profits when over the last year they have fallen," Diane asked.
"Have profits fallen?" Miranda queried. Seeing a few nods she frowned. "Have I increased the expenditure outside of my budget so adversely?" Miranda knew the answer to this question.
"Your budget has been raised twice in the last year, and yet every quarter you go over it," Diane explained.
"No, my budget has not increased, not that I have seen or been made aware of, anyway." She looked at Irv who shifted his eyes away. Pulling out her cell she whispered. "Emily, come to the boardroom with the expenditure files for this last year." She disconnected the call quickly and sat back in the chair. "My assistant will be here shortly with my budget reports for the last fiscal year."
After a few minutes of awkward silence, there was a timid knock on the door before it opened. Andy walked in hesitantly. "Hi, sorry to interrupt, um, I ran these up for Emily, she ended up on a call with Demarchelier regarding the shoot next week." Miranda turned at her voice and offered a wide smile.
Standing she grabbed the folder from Andy and handed it to Diane with a smirk. "This should tell you all you need to know." She turned back to Andy. "Hello, my darling." She husked watching as Andy shuffled from foot to foot, blushing furiously.
"Um, I'll just go, I only popped in on the off chance to see if you had time for lunch, but you're busy and..." Andy trailed off at Miranda's smile."...I didn't mean to interrupt."
"Sit down for a few, we're nearly done here," Thomas stated as he, Charles and Diane looked through the figures.
"You were the first assistant for a time, just before Paris weren't you?" Charles asked Andy as he stood and pulled a chair up next to Miranda's.
"Um, yes, just for a short time, before I left and Emily was incapacitated." Andy's voice showed her nervousness as she sat.
"Please don't be nervous. I know as Miranda's first assistant, you are entrusted with the responsibility for the budget reports." Charles was curious.
"Yes, it is something that Emily or I did as standard each month. At the end of the quarter, the report was given to Miranda, who checks it over before signing off on it. She then has copies made before sending it to Mr Ravitz." Andy clarified.
Charles looked up and smiled. "You and Emily have done well with these Andy. They're extraordinarily detailed."
"Um, thanks. It's mainly Em's doing." Andy stuttered. "I just followed what she did."
"Well thank you. These are clear and explain a few things we have been concerned about." Thomas looked up at Andy and smiled widely. "Go on now and take Miranda for lunch, time with family is important."
"Thanks, Tom." Andy grinned as she stood. "It's nice to see you all again. Charlie, give that beautiful grandbaby a big smooch from me."
"Will do Andy, and I'll tell Ellen you said hi." Charles smiled up at her.
Miranda smirked at Irv's look of shock as Diane whispered. "She's such a nice young woman, and I know first hand she's quite the talented writer."
Andy linked her arm through Miranda's as she led them from the room. As she closed the doors behind them she whispered. "Don't worry Miranda, it was copies of the copies I gave them."
"Oh, I'm not worried. I also have copies at home." Miranda smirked up at the young woman. "Now let me look at you." Miranda stepped back and let her eyes trail up Andy's slim body, taking in her new red Converse, the dark 7 for All Mankind skinny jeans and Ralph Lauren t-shirt. She was wearing her soft leather St Laurent jacket and had a pair of Gucci sunglasses on her head. Running her fingers through the smooth hair of she pursed her lips.
Andy chuckled. "It's not like you'll never see it curly again, Sweetheart."
"You are beautiful, my Andréa," Miranda whispered as they moved along the corridor to the elevator. Stopping at the doors she turned to see Andy blushing. "What?" She queried.
Andy exhaled deeply. "Your voice, when you say my name as if you're purring." She spoke through gritted teeth. "It makes me want to devour you."
"Mm, as wonderful as that sounds, I'm hungry for food," Miranda admitted.
"A raincheck then?" Andy grinned as Miranda shivered at the promise held in her voice. The elevator arrived, and they stepped in.
"Now tell me, my darling, how did you come to be on a first name basis with three of the major shareholders of Elias Clarke?" Miranda was curious.
Andy giggled. "My natural charm, obviously."
Miranda snorted. "Yes, which you have an abundance of. However, that doesn't tell the full story."
"There's not much to tell. Charlie stopped the elevator door for me one day after I ran through the lobby. He saw me juggling coffees, about a dozen bags from different designer's and my cell as it rang. It was Em was demanding my presence. Anyway, he had an Orchid in his hands and I politely told him it was a beauty. We got talking, and I found out about Ellen's love of Orchids. She was upset as she was struggling to get a second bloom. I gave him some tips, and they worked." Andy grinned.
"And Thomas and Diane?" Miranda queried.
"I interviewed Diane when I was at Northwestern, she recognised me when I worked here. Tom overheard my conversation with Irv at the Met Gala." Andy bit her lip. "He told me afterwards I handled the situation beautifully."
"Well, that is something." Miranda breathed. "They are a force within the publishing world, greater than even I."
"I don't need their help, Miranda. I have achieved what I have on my own and I will work towards my dreams in my own way. I don't look to them for support, I know I will get that from you should I need it." Andy looked at the older woman and smiled at the happiness in her eyes. "I didn't set out to charm the founding family of Elias Clarke or one of their major shareholders. Frankly, I go out in the world and treat everyone with kindness and respect. It seems to generate it back with only a few exceptions." As they exited the elevator side-by-side Andy mumbled. "What do you think the board will do with Irv?" Andy was still seething about her run-in with the paparazzi the day before and was aware it had been Irv who had unleashed the press.
"I have no idea, but I believe we will find out soon enough," Miranda smirked.
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Lunch had been a pleasant diversion, with much comfort being found in each other's company as they ate their soup and sandwiches at the local deli. Andy had explained that Richard had taken the twins out for an afternoon of fun.
As they walked back to Elias Clarke, they saw Irv being led from the building by Security and handed a box of items. Andy stopped as Irv glared at Miranda and her fist clenched at the hatred in his eyes. With a small shove, Eduardo moved Irv towards the waiting town car. "Mr Ravitz, you need to move from the front of this building." He turned away, a scowl highlighting his face, as he stepped into the waiting car and was chauffeured away.
"Well..." Miranda said lightly. "...It looks like there may be changes ahead."
"If you need to work late, just text me and I'll organise some dinner to be sent," Andy responded. "Between me, Cara and Dad we can keep the twins amused." Andy smiled softly as Miranda turned to face her. Lifting her hand she brushed Miranda's forelock out of her face. "Thank you for taking the time to have lunch with me."
"Will you walk up with me?" Miranda asked.
"I should go do some writing or something. I've sat on my butt long enough." Andy grinned.
"At least let me call Roy for you," Miranda stated.
"Miranda, sweetheart, the subway's just a block away." Andy grinned at the older woman's shudder. Stepping closer she leant and brushed a kiss on Miranda's cheek. "I love you, Mira. Now go, rule your minions with an iron fist and ensure you scare the best out of them." She stepped back and saw Miranda's small smile.
"I love you, my darling. All being well I'll be home before six." Miranda cupped Andy's cheek in her gloved hand before spinning in her heel and entering the building. Andy couldn't help but chuckle as the clacker's scattered to avoid Miranda.
"You really love her, don't you?" The voice came from behind her and she spun around to find Diane Truman looking at her curiously.
"Um, yes. Yes, I do." Andy shrugged.
"I must say, I was shocked to read the news on Sunday. I assume it has been hard for you and Miranda." Diane spoke lightly.
"I don't care what the press says about me, but Miranda feels differently. She wants to protect me and the twins." Andy admitted. "The paparazzi followed us this morning as we walked through the Park, that's the reason for the sunnies on my head. It was the twins idea to save me being blinded by the flashes." Andy grinned
"Miranda seems happy. It's good to see." Diane uttered. "Will you join me for coffee?"
"Sh...sure." Andy stuttered. Diane gestured towards the Starbucks down the street and Andy walked beside the older woman quietly as they made their way out of the cold. "What will you have?" Andy asked.
"I'll get them. Let me guess..." Andy nodded as Diane smiled. "...You look like a hazelnut Macchiato kinda girl?"
Andy grinned. "How did you know?"
"It's what you ordered when you interviewed me. I never forget something as important as a coffee order." Diane laughed at Andy's look of disbelief. "Grab a seat, Andy. I'll join you in a few minutes." Diane moved away to get coffee from the counter as Andy's eyes scanned for a table. Spotting a table with two seats by the window Andy sat nervously, pulling at her fingers.
Diane sat, placing a coffee in front of the brunette. Looking at the young woman she was curious. "I remember you from the interview at Northwestern after I gave that speech to the business graduates. Your questions were well thought out, and you somehow got me to open up in a way I never have before." Diane grinned ruefully. "I was surprised to see you at Runway, I thought you were made for better things."
Andy looked up sharply, a frown marring her forehead. "I initially believed the same, but I had bills to pay. I realised eventually I was not too good for Runway, in fact, it was a position that brought me down a peg or two." Andy grinned. "I needed it, I had a serious chip on my shoulder. I learned a great many things as Miranda's assistant."
"I didn't mean to sound rude, Andy." Diane really didn't want to offend the young woman, with Miranda's support they could make life awkward for her.
"No offence was taken." Andy breathed. "What's this about Diane?" Andy waved her hand airily.
"We want you to write for us," Diane stated. "After the meeting with Irv ended, I spoke to Marc at Rolling Stone." She smirked at the young woman. "He is pissed you will not allow Christian Thompson to interview you and Miranda, and he is not willing to give you full editorial control."
"It's his loss." Andy shrugged.
"He also said he would counteract your request with one of his own, either you give the exclusive, with Christian, or your other articles will be pulled from future editions," Diane spoke softly. "It's too late to pull the first article, but he meant what he said."
Andy shrugged again. "I wrote them for me, a way to channel my creativity as I travelled. It was something I didn't always have time for when working at Runway. If Marc chooses not to use them, that's on him."
"You really don't care, do you?" Diane was amazed.
"Nope." Andy grinned. "I realised something a long time ago when Miranda was taking me to task for something or another, I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself. Rolling Stone has paid me well for the four stories. It's his loss, not mine. I will not work with Christian Thompson, and if Miranda had her way, he'd be wearing his own balls as earrings."
Diane guffawed loudly. "I heard about her run-in with him in Paris. He must have really riled her for her to lose control like that."
"Christian has a certain way of pushing people's buttons. He's an arrogant ass-hat," Andy claimed hotly. "So writing, is that for Runway or Elias Clarke as a whole?" Andy asked.
"As a whole. We will have a new C.E.O coming on board shortly, things will be changing. We need people loyal to Elias Clarke." Diane raised an eyebrow at Andy's look of disbelief. "I know your loyalty is with Miranda, not Runway. But we were impressed by Miranda's recounting of how you tried to warn her about Irv's manoeuvring against her, we have found out some of the board were in agreement of the takeover, however, it was due to the false information we had. Charles, Tom and I believe you would make a good edition as an all round staff writer. We'd set you up with your own office, and any writing you take on for any of our publications and those issued externally relating to Elias Clarke news would give you full editorial control."
"I need to talk this over with Miranda. It's a wonderful offer, so thank you." Andy was amazed.
"What are your concerns, Andy?" Diane asked.
"I wanted to freelance," Andy admitted. "To be free to come and go as I wanted, to choose the stories I write and not be bound to somebody else's whims."
"Do you plan on leaving New York?" Diane asked.
"No," Andy was adamant. 'I am here for as long as Miranda wants me." Andy looked down. "This is all so new, and with the press interest..." Andy trailed off and shrugged. "...It is something that will affect the whole family."
"I remember you mentioning you wanted to write a range of articles on women in power. When you interviewed me it was to be the start of a range of articles delving into women's place in business. Why did you stop at my interview?" Diane queried.
"Northwestern was your Alma Mater. So the university allowed me to publish your story. When it came to the women of Brown, Stanford, Columbia and Harvard they had little interest. It was an idea I had to let go." Andy smiled sadly. "My mom said it was a pipe dream, why would these extraordinary women take the time to talk to me?"
"I did. And it was enlightening. I went home that evening, thankful for the opportunity to put my story out there, albeit for the Daily Northwestern. If it changed one person's perspective it would be worthwhile." Diane grinned and sipped at her expresso.
"It changed mine," Andy admitted honestly. "You seemed like a force of nature. Miranda has the same effect. It's astounding what women like you do to succeed."
"What will you do to succeed, Andy?" Diane asked. Andy looked up into warm green eyes and grinned.
"Well, that all depends." Andy's smile widened. "How would you feel about another interview?"
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Andy made her way back to the townhouse slowly, she thought about the offer Diane had made. The older woman had said she would courier contracts across within the day. She wanted Miranda's feedback on the offer before deciding but it sounded like a good step towards the future she wanted.
Arriving at the townhouse she frowned at the milling press as she made her way up the stoop. Unlocking the door she saw Cara wiping her hands on a dishcloth as she made her way towards Andy.
"Hey, Cara." Andy grinned. Cara's reaction to her presence as she'd entered the kitchen had been just as Miranda predicted.
She'd pulled Andy into a tight hug and whispered: "Thank God you're here." Bet fire lettings go, slapping her arm and whispering "It's about fucking time you came home."
Andy noticed Cara bitings her lip nervously as she helped Andy out of her jacket and hung it in the closet. "What's up, Cara?" Andy asked suddenly wary.
"Miranda's home and two sets of documents were delivered to you. I had to sign for both." Cara whispered.
Andy heard the faint call of her name and bit her lip. "Thanks, Cara. She picked up the envelopes and made her way quickly to Miranda's study. "Hey sweetheart," Andy called from the doorway.
Miranda turned in her chair and Andy could see the ice filling Miranda's eyes. Stepping up to the older women she was shocked by her tone. "Where have you been?"
"Coffee with Diane," Andy told her truthfully.
"Really, so that's why I received this?" Miranda pushed a photo towards her. Looking down she saw it was a photo of her and Diane saying goodbye outside Starbucks. Diane was kissing her cheek.
Andy laughed. "Oh shit. Is that the best people can come up with?" She looked at Miranda and saw the hurt flashing in her eyes before she turned away. "Miranda, seriously? You can't believe this is anything other than innocent, surely?"
"It looks far from innocent, Andréa." Miranda hissed, keeping her eyes averted.
Andy felt the sting of tears. "Fuck you, Miranda. I can't believe you could even contemplate I'd do something like that to you." Andy clenched her jaw. "It's been just five days since I returned, to you Miranda." Andy thundered as she turned away. Her tears flowed freely. Dropping the envelopes on the floor she made her way to the door.
"What is to stop me from thinking it is not more than this kiss, Andréa? I have been trying to call you and..." Miranda faltered as Andy spun around and glared at her furiously. "...You slept with Christian in Paris."
"I did not cheat though, Miranda. Nate and I had finished when I was drunkenly taken advantage of. I was incapable of saying no." Andy was furious. "And for your information, the reason Nate had I had finished was because of you, he could sense my growing feelings for you, Miranda," Andy yelled angrily.
"You have dropped your mail," Miranda whispered her eyes closed against her heartbreak in Andy's eyes.
"None of it is important, not anymore." Andy spat through her teeth. She left the office slamming the door behind her. She saw Cassidy poking her head over the bannister as she moved through the house. Making her way to the back garden and sat looking up at the grey sky, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as she cried.
She felt a blanket wrapped around the shoulders as her sobs ceased. "She didn't mean it," Cassidy whispered. "Please don't leave us again."
"I can't stay if she doesn't trust me, my little love. Without trust, there is no basis for a relationship." Andy looked at the little girl as she sat beside her and wrapped thin arms around her waist.
"Mom loves you," Cassidy told her.
"But that doesn't mean she trusts me. I have given no reason for her to doubt me." Andy husked rubbing her chest. She felt in her jeans pocket and pulled out her inhaler. "This sucks."
Cassidy watched her intently as she removed the cap and shook her inhaler. Breathing out gently Andy put the mouthpiece between her teeth and closed lips around it before pressing down as she continued to breathe. "Are you okay?" Cassidy asked quietly.
Holding her breath Andy nodded and removed the inhaler and fitted the cap back into place. She breathed normally again and husked. "I'll be fine. Go on in, honey. You don't want to get cold."
Cassidy stood up and looked down at Andy sadly. "I hate mom sometimes. She pushes everyone away."
Andy frowned. "Don't say that, Cassidy. Your mom loves you and Caroline more than anything."
Cassidy bent quickly and kissed Andy's cheek. "We love you, Andy."
"I love you too, Cass," Andy said.
Cassidy ran into the house. Looking up her eyes met swirling blue, and she sighed. "Just leave me be, Miranda," Andy asked.
"We need to talk," Miranda stated softly.
"Why? So you can accuse me of fucking someone else? So you can push me away?" Andy asked sadly. "Consider me pushed."
"No," Miranda exclaimed. "Don't say that." Miranda sat beside her and looked down to see Andy fidgeting with her inhaler.
"This has shown me exactly how little you think of me. Thank you very much for your lack of faith." Andy fought against a fresh wave of tears.
Miranda was panicked. "I'm sorry Andréa. I do trust you, with my life and my heart. Please, I was angry and..." Miranda trailed off as Andy shook her head against the words. "...I know about the job offer. Charles and Diane emailed me. Diane's partner also received a photograph." Miranda sighed. "It seems someone may have it in for us." She tried to explain.
"I don't know if there is an us, Miranda," Andy stated. Standing quickly she dropped the blanket. "I need space to think, Miranda. I can't fucking breathe. Just leave me alone."
Miranda watched panicked as Andy let herself out if the back gate and ran in the direction of the park. "What the hell have I done?" She sobbed.
Miranda turned from the retreating brunette to find Richard looking at her, his eyes gentle. "She'll be back." He told her.
"For how long though? How long before I push her away for good?" Miranda fought against the tears.
Richard stepped beside the older woman. "Andy's angry and hurt right now, but it never lasts long. She'll come round and she'll forgive you."
"I don't know if I deserve her forgiveness," Miranda whispered. "Not this time."
Richard shook his head. "You know how she feels about what her mother did, she was perfectly clear on that yesterday. What were you thinking accusing her of the same?"
"I wasn't thinking, I just reacted," Miranda admitted. "And if I lose her, I don't know if I could forgive myself."
"She simply needs time, Miranda. Give her that much." Richard spun on his heel and moved away. "By the way, her cell died, that is why she didn't answer your calls." He left the woman looking toward where Andy had run off.
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