AN: Again, my loving thanks to Weez for her editing and suggestions. Yes, I understand that you are really an alpha. Any mistakes are mine in the end.
Please note the lyrics and music of the final song are my own original work and are copyrighted.
Unexpected Grace – Chapter Eight
Today was the day.
Andy had awoken in the late morning, surprisingly refreshed. No dreams had haunted her sleep. She had the sense of time slowing down as if she was poised high above a cliff ready to take a dive into the unknown in slow motion.
She dressed quickly and went out for a run on this sunny Saturday morning. For the city that never sleeps, Saturday was still a day off for most and people wandered the streets and the paths of her favorite park at a more relaxed pace than the usual weekday hustle. The sunlight felt good on her skin as she ran in and out of shadows of the trees.
She used the run to work out the last details in her head concerning the evening and her plans for Miranda. She felt confident, not of the outcome of the plan, but of the steps she was putting in place. It would involve some help from her friends. She'd have to loop them in before Miranda's arrival this evening.
Sprinting the last block home, she ran up the stairs. Inside her apartment, she dumped clothes as she stripped. Once in the shower, she let the hot, hot water pour down her body sluicing off sweat and NY city streets along with some of her anxiety. Soon, the bathroom was steamy from her post-run shower. She wiped the mirror with the edge of a damp towel, creating a streaky window to peer into and looked herself in the eye. Her face looked rested and the dark shadows of fatigue had dissipated. Her cheeks were flushed from the exercise and heat of the shower.
She saw an edge of panic in those brown depths. Shit, it's Miranda fucking Priestly! Are you freaking crazy! She took a couple of long, deep breaths, forcing herself to ease her grip on the edge of the sink. I can do this…I can do this….I can. She took in a last huge breath and blew it out, forcing her shoulders to relax.
In the kitchen, she ate her muffin, barely tasting it. It had berries in it, red ones, but that was as far as she noticed. It could have been sawdust for all she cared. It was fuel. She headed to the couch sipping from a cup filled with a blend of peppermint and chamomile tea, hoping it would help her stay calm.
Everything she needed was packed: music, stands, backup microphone and cable, extra cable for the guitar, makeup, and a thermos of her favorite tea with extra honey and lemon. She had forgotten to pick up a strap for the guitar but she could always sit on a stool, balance it over her thigh and play. She hoped she had not forgotten anything else. Clothes and shoes were Nigel's department and she was pretty sure he knew not to put her in some droopy sleeved top that would get in the way of the guitar strings.
She stood and paced, wringing her hands. It was not the singing that was giving her that jittery, edgy, finger-stuck-in-an-electric-outlet feeling. Normally, stage fright passed as soon as she started singing. It had always been that way. It was all the rest of it that had her worked up. She had not seen Miranda in months. Anticipation and an edge of fear that kept slipping back in had a hold on her, as she saw those changeable blue eyes in her mind's eye. Please see me, all of me and all I have to give.
A rolling wave of nausea forced her to sit down abruptly with a small groan, hand over her stomach. The butterflies in her stomach were starting to feel more like a tribe of Tribbles bouncing off the walls. To calm herself, she wiped her hands on her jeans, grabbed the guitar and started to play, taking herself through the song she had written.
She was interrupted by a knock on the door. Opening it, she smiled at Doug and Michael standing there, their hands full with instruments and gear.
"Hi you two, right on time. Come on in." She gave them both a welcome kiss on the cheek as they passed her.
Doug dumped his bass on the floor and flopped on the couch, panting. "Andy….next apartment…..lower floor."
Michael laughed as he sat down next to him. "The answer to that is…..exercise, something you avoid like the plague, my friend. And hello, Andy. Are you ready for this?"
"Ready? Ready as I'm ever going to be for an impromptu gig with less than 48 hours of notice. And guys, I need to talk to you about…mmm, something. Um, how about a beer? Tea maybe, I have tea." Nervous eyes looked at both of them in turn as she partially stood, ready to wriggle out of the conversation.
Doug sat up, knowing from her tone that this was something important. "What's up, Andy? We're listening. Sit, sit."
Andy sat back down, perching on the edge of her chair. "Well, ok…you know that job I had at Runway with the evil boss from hell? The boss I left in Paris during Fashion week?" Her eyes shifted evasively, not quite meeting Doug's.
Doug took her hand and held it, nodding, "Yeah?"
"Remember how proud I was that I walked away, rejected that crazy life, insane job, and infuriating dragon of a boss?"
"Yes, but I remember it a little differently. Proud, indignant ….perhaps…. but you seemed deeply shaken and sad for weeks after that, months really." He gently squeezed her hand.
Andy looked at him in surprise. Doug was always the quiet, observant one of her friends. "Yeah, well…..I never realized until a few days ago that she pushed me out of her life, her world. She set me up to leave her."
Michael frowned. "Why would she do that, Andy? "
Fighting the tears that threatened to fill her eyes, she pulled her hand away from Doug's and stood, unable to sit still, speaking rapidly. "Because she thought she had to, because she cared enough to let me go, because she's afraid… She tried to do what she thought was the best for me…because she loves me. She thought she was doing the "right thing". Her fingers made little quotation marks in the air.
Doug smiled softly. "I'm not surprised, not one bit. The intensity you had with her doesn't come out of a vacuum. You spoke of her with such fire and passion in your voice." He paused and then stood and faced her, his eyes kind and open. "And you love her too, don't you, Andy?"
Doug's arms came up and she moved into his welcoming hug. "Gods, yes! I love her. I'm in love with her, crazy as it may sound, damn it. I want her in my life." She burrowed her head into his shoulder for a few seconds leaving a damp spot on his shirt. Before stepping back, her hand came up to wipe the remaining dampness from her eyes. "Damn, I'm a frazzled mess."
"She's going to be there tonight, isn't she? She goes to Nigel's parties. I think she was there the first time I met him. Damn, woman! You do have fine taste." His eyes twinkled at the memory of the elegance that was Miranda. He had been surprised by her grace and seemingly genuine welcome when they were introduced.
Andy could see the pieces starting to fall in place in Doug's mind. He chuckled. "Well, shit… and that's why Nigel asked us to play, to get you two in the same room together."
Michael laughed. "And because we all sound so darn good together, don't forget. I don't know all the characters here but I do love a good romance. Sounds like fun. Do we kidnap her or what?"
Andy looked appalled, "No, absolutely not…..well, maybe her heart actually but that part is up to me. But I do need your help."
"So, what's the plan, my friend?"
With that, Andy launched in to her ideas for the night, taking them through what she wanted to create and orchestrate that evening, step by step. Afterwards, they spent the next hour going through the changed set list that Andy had created. It was going to be a short set of a handful of songs all chosen for a purpose. Lastly, Andy grabbed her guitar and took them through the song she had finished the day before so they could add at least minimal backup.
As they finished, Doug took her hand, running his thumb over her slightly tender calloused fingertips. "It's good to hear you play again. I've missed it. You and that guitar are something special, Andy." He held her eyes for a moment before continuing "Seriously…your song is … well, I don't have words. If this doesn't touch her heart, nothing will. If that happens, promise me you will let go and walk away, no matter what it costs you."
Andy paused, pain flitting briefly through her eyes, "I'm going to hope that it doesn't come to that, Doug. Thank you for being here. I don't know if I could do this without all of you around me."
Michael spoke up from the window, "Taxi's here, let's get out of here. Now, if you change your mind about the kidnapping….."
The evening was settling on New York City as they arrived a little early and got their gear out of the cab. As Doug paid the driver, he looked up at the sign with the name of the restaurant displayed, La Nuit Sombre. "Hey Andy, doesn't that mean The Darkest Knight, like Batman, ya know?"
Andy could not help but roll her eyes. "Doug, you are such a doofus sometimes! Not Batman! Don't you remember your early lit courses or even those French courses we took? La Nuit Sombre, the Dark Night. Remember the Dark Night of the Soul, mystic reference to metamorphosis?"
"Jeez, Andy, you're such a lit major, sometimes. I'm teasing you."
"Little tense here, sorry Doug. But I'm hoping for that transformation…for someone."
The front of the restaurant had a lovely terrace lined by small bushes marking off the area filled with tables and chairs. The front windows were huge framed doors that swung open to the interior during good weather. A small sign "CLOSED: Private Party" adorned the front door.
They pushed through the main door and put down their gear, looking around. The restaurant was richly elegant. Buffet tables had been set up close to the bar. Small tables covered with black table cloths and comfortable chairs were clustered around the small performance area. Each table had a small candle contained in a translucent glass votive, waiting to be lit. Waiters in black pants and shirts were setting up the dishes, glasses and cutlery for the party on the buffet table. Delicious smells were wafting from the kitchen.
The ceiling was high and made of refinished patterned tin that shimmered a mat silver. Subtle pendant lighting and wall scones cast pools of light, creating a sense of intimacy and space at the same time. The walls were burgundy and black, accenting the rich natural wood of the bar. Close to the bar, swinging doors opened to the kitchen area. The floor was carpeted with a deep burgundy carpet. Tables had been grouped, leaving open space for people to circulate and talk. A few more private booths were nestled in the back. The stage was a simple raised platform with one step up. Small spotlights flooded the area and accented the rich indigo velvet curtain at the rear. The sound system was all set up, microphones ready for them. They just had to set up their amps. A single high stool waited for Andy.
Andy turned as she heard Nigel's voice greeting them, "Hello, my friends. What do you think? Isn't this place incredible or not?" The excitement in his voice was clear.
"It's gorgeous, Nigel. How did you find it?"
"A friend brought me here and I fell in love. You know how I adore these kinds of places. He introduced me to the owners. You know my parties; I love to connect people and places. Jacques and Marie were happy to do this with me tonight. Speaking of which…"
Nigel turned to a man in a black chef's jacket with the name of the restaurant embroidered on the upper pocket. "Andy, let me introduce you to Jacques one of the owners… Jacques, my good friend Andy."
His Parisian accent brought a melodic lilt to his words, "Bienvenue Andréa, oui? Welcome to La Nuit Sombre. Nigel has told me you're playing tonight and I'm looking forward to hearing you." Warm dark eyes smiled in welcome. "It's not often we find a musician of such beauty gracing our little stage."
A throaty feminine laugh interrupted as an arm slipped around the man's waist, "Jacques, at least let her set her guitar down before you start flirting". A trim dark haired woman with deep, gorgeous thick-lashed eyes turned to Andy and took her hand, "French men… charm is in the DNA, they can't help themselves. Welcome, I'm Marie"
Andy found herself thinking, It's not just the men with that charm gene. "Bonjour, Jacques et Marie. And that's about the extent of my poorly remembered university French. We're happy to be here. What an amazing place! And these are Doug and Michael, my band mates. We're going to set up and do a quick sound check. We don't want to interrupt your preparations."
"No problem, just behind the curtain there's a door that leads to a backstage room with a private bathroom. You can change and get set up before you play. Let us know if there's anything you need. We left water and glasses for you" Marie smiled. She and her husband headed back to the kitchen and bar.
Nigel followed Andy toward the stage. "Jacques and Marie are serving a delicious selection of charcuterie; you know those wonderful sliced meats we had in Paris? And all kinds of cheeses, various pâtés, small bite size quiche Lorraine bits, steamed mussels in a wine and garlic sauce, antipasto platters, crackers and sliced baguette, and who knows what else. I wanted food that people could sample and easily carry on a small plate. Then there are the wines, mostly French of course. This is going to be so wonderful! Make sure you come out and get something to eat."
"And Andy, the clothes are in the back waiting for you."
"Thanks, sounds amazing. And thanks so much for asking us to play. Why don't you come back stage after we warm up and I catch you up on what I need from you tonight? You've done so much already."
"See you in a little while, Andy."
They set up quickly, stepped up on the stage and ran through a song or two, adjusting the tone and balance of the voices and instruments. Andy stood at one side, with Michael next to her and Doug on the far side. They formed a semi-circle so they could interact easily during the set. Andy made sure that the table Nigel had reserved was in her direct line of sight, adjusting her microphone stand. She could imagine Miranda sitting there with the spill of the light from stage catching the edge of the table. The four chairs she had planned for were gathered around the table. The tables were close, enough so not to allow easy escape once someone was seated.
The acoustics were excellent and the sound filled the space warmly. Andy's voice resonated cleanly in the room, barely needing a microphone. Small adjustments would be needed later but they could do that on the fly. Andy plugged in her guitar just to check the volume, and then put it aside in the back room. Applause echoed from the staff setting up around them as they finished.
By now, it was 7:30 and Andy did not want to be seen by Miranda when she arrived. She slipped into the room behind the stage to wait.
Around 8:00 people started to arrive and mingle. Marie was the hostess for the evening, graciously welcoming and taking coats, directing people toward the food, the wine and the bar. Slowly the place began to fill up. Easy conversation and laughter could be heard. It was an easy relaxed environment.
Nigel always attracted the most eclectic, interesting friends. He knew people scattered from all the arts, dancers, artists, photographers, musicians, poets, writers, actors, film makers. You never knew who you would meet and end up talking with for hours. People from the fashion industry were scattered through the mix. He knew bankers and lawyers and chefs and people from just about every profession there was. The food was always wonderful and interesting, the wine and booze always the best, the conversation was scintillating and the places he found were unique and worth coming back to. Perhaps it was the blend of all these things but his parties were well loved and looked forward to by those he invited. This one would be no exception.
Backstage, Andy was eyeing the bag with the clothes Nigel had left for her. Doug had already opened his and was oohh'ing and aahh'ing happily. Nigel had dressed him in Armani with loose cut black slacks and a black turtle neck with two small silver zippers on either side of the neck. Michael would be wearing Dior Homme. Nigel chose slim fitting styled black pants that fit his runner's body trimly and a black shirt with subtle geometric patterns woven into the fabric and sleeves that easily rolled up so his hands were unencumbered. They tried on their plumage and were out the door to get some food.
Andy was a little concerned. She had been expecting some long elegant, designer deal, probably some sheath of a sexy, black dress from one of the big names in fashion. But there was no way that was what was in the bag. It was too heavy. Slowly unzipping the bag, she saw leather, buttery-soft black leather with just a hint of blue in the color. She lifted the clothing from the bag in total surprise. This was performance ware. It was a three piece outfit of thin, form fitting, low riding leather pants, a waist length cross zipping jacket and a sleeveless body clinging vest. Andy ran a hand over the leather. It was so sensually soft and ultra feminine. Finally, a pocket discharged wispy black panties and a lacy, see-through bra. A small box disclosed stud earrings in a sapphire blue, completing the outfit.
Oh Nigel, what have you done? In the bottom of the bag there was a pair of ankle high slouch boots with a low heel. She sighed in relief. Standing and singing in heels made it hard to breathe and support tone. One final item was hanging with the others. It was a 3 inch wide strap of matching leather, a guitar strap. On the strap was a replicate of the dragon on her guitar in a silvery under layer shining through a cut out in the leather. She smiled. Everyone gets new clothes tonight.
Ok, then. This should be interesting. I'll have to just trust the master.
She shook her head and quickly changed, not daring to look in the mirror. When she finally did, she gasped. This was not biker girl gear. This was elegant and streamlined, darkly sexual. The leather fit like a second skin on her tall form, emphasizing sleek womanly curves and gently cut muscle.
Gods, I look like every lesbian's wet dream. I guess that's the point. There were no studs or visible fasteners, just sleek, mat, blue-black leather covering the length of her body, a body that begged to be petted. She ran her hands down her body, feeling the softness and quiet warmth of the leather, imagining someone else's hands doing exactly that.
A quiet knock on the door was accompanied by a woman's voice. "Andy?"
"Come on in, Emily."
Emily entered with Serena, her lover, in tow. "Bloody hell! You look …amazing, I hate to say it but…wow! And music? I had no idea that you sang. Oh,... and Nigel caught us up on what's up tonight. It's about time! Finally worked up the guts to go after her, I see. Took you long enough."
Andy put down the cup of teas she was drinking, reached out and drew Emily into a hug, smiling as Emily tugged herself out of the embrace. "Enough….we've work to do."
"About time? Hmmmm, yes. I'm so glad you're here. And congratulations, Nigel clued me in and I heard the announcement yesterday. You're going to be great at this. I am so happy for you. "
"Yes well, I am, of course, thrilled as you can imagine. But enough of that. We're here as your personal beauty assistants, Andy. Take a seat." Andy knew her well enough to know her crisp tone covered her excitement and pleasure in the new position.
"Remember those Chanel boots? Multiply that one thousand times and that's what you look like. Very impressive. And you know how she reacted to those. She's going to be stunned." Serena stated as she quickly added a few curls to Andy's long hair, giving it more volume and movement. "I have orders from Sir Nigel to make your eyes really pop."
By the time Andy turned to look in the mirror, Serena had worked her magic. She had subtly augmented Andy's natural beauty without creating any sense of artificial stage makeup. Her eyes were huge, shadowed into the tiniest edge of dark blue. Full lips were luscious with color. The blended foundation accented her cheekbones. She looked and felt delicious.
Right then, Nigel knocked and entered. He stood in front of her and took both her hands in his, looking her up And down. "Andy, you look incredible, just as I imagined. You're going to knock her dead. It's unpredictable and surprising and oh, so very sexy. My designer friend who created this outfit will be thrilled. You'll get to meet him later. He's been designing for a very, um, particular set of clients and has decided to go mainstream. I'd say this works. "
She tossed her head back and hit a pose, one hand confidently on her hip as she turned to look at herself in the full length mirror. "Nigel, you better be right. I feel like sex on a stick right now. It's a little….scary."
She looked around the room."And thank you all for this …... Now let me tell you what's about to happen and what I need from all of you."
After she finished, Nigel, Serena and Emily left to mingle and watch for Miranda's expected entrance, ready to move into place according to plan. Roy had phoned as he pulled away from the townhouse to give them a head's up.
Doug and Michael returned with a plate of food for Andy, which almost got dropped when Doug saw her. He just gaped for a moment. "Holy smokes, Andy!" Michael just grinned.
She laughed, feeling more confident by the minute. "What is it about leather that turns men into drooling fools? And Doug, you're gay, what's with that?" She shook her head frowning slightly. "Yeah, well…let's just practice a bit, ok? I can't eat and I need to make sure I can breathe and move in this." She shook out her hands, nervously, muttering under her breath,"…besides musically seducing the woman that I love, only that."
They ran through a few songs, checking their tunings. Doug went out on stage to place some glasses of water and do a final check of their setup. Andy took out her guitar and attached and adjusted the new strap, did a final check and placed the guitar in a stand right by the door where it was easy to reach. She ran a fingertip over the Dragon, and whispered, "A little magic, please?"
They were ready to go. Now they waited.
Miranda had taken a rare day all to herself. She had gone to her favorite spa and had a swim, used the whirlpool and had a massage. She left late in the afternoon, feeling relaxed and fluid. Roy dropped her off at the townhouse. She'd read for an hour and made herself a light dinner. Any worries and regrets were locked away into a deeply buried vault. She was as ready for this evening as she ever would be.
She chose her clothing carefully, dressing comfortably in tailored black slacks, and a silvery gray, off shoulder, loose fitting cashmere sweater, adding a black and silver belt low on her hips. Prada heels completed her outfit. Her makeup was light, not the heavy industrial application she kept in store for benefits and public occasions. This was to be a relaxing social evening.
As she finished, she looked at herself critically in the mirror. The fatigue had faded in the last few days. She did not think that most would notice that lingering edge of fragile sorrow in her eyes. She saw it and expected to see it for all her days. She sighed and with a final spritz of her favorite perfume, flicked off the lights and headed downstairs.
She'd been tempted to just not show up but she owed this to Nigel and once she was there, she knew she would enjoy herself. And Nigel had sworn to her that Andréa would not be there tonight. At least, she would not have to deal with that painful possibility. She would not have to be The Miranda Priestly there, thankfully. She could practice being Miranda v. 2.0, the softer, wiser woman.
She grabbed her coat and purse and walked out, feeling confident, as she heard the click of the door behind her. Roy surreptitiously sent a message on its way as the Mercedes pulled away from the curb carrying her to her destination.
Nigel had been greeting guests as they arrived and was on watch for Miranda's car after receiving Roy's message. When he saw the silver Mercedes pull up, he signaled Emily and Serena who moved closer to him to work as sentries if needed. He opened the door for Miranda, sweeping her in.
"Miranda, I am so glad you could make it. Let me have your coat. You look lovely tonight. I like that relaxed, easy look." He gently led her over to meet Marie and Jacques. "Jacques, Marie let me introduce you to Miranda Priestly, Editor-in-Chief of Runway."
"Enchanté, Madame Priestly. We are so pleased that you are here tonight and hope that you enjoy our little establishment. Bienvenue and if there is anything you would like that you do not see, just ask one of us. We'll be glad to take care of you."
"Merci beaucoup. Call me Miranda, please. What a lovely restaurant! I'm sure everything will be superb."
Nigel directed her toward the food and helped her prepare a plate of tidbits to sample. Jacques appeared with a bottle of Nuits-Saint-Georges Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2006.
"I think you might appreciate this... from our private collection." He'd previously uncorked the bottle to let it breathe and now poured her a sample to try.
She sipped, savoring the wine as it rolled over her palate, noting the smoothness and the gently fruity overtones and hint of vanilla. "This is lovely, thank you Jacques. A wonderful selection." She held out her glass to be filled.
"Thank you, I'll leave the rest of the bottle on your table. 2006 was a wonderful year for the grapes." He left with a small half bow.
She was exceptionally pleased by the care and the generous welcome she had received and found herself relaxing. She'd nibbled at the food on her plate and found everything to be delicious and expertly prepared.
Nigel smiled to himself as another piece of the plan fell into place to increase Miranda's level of comfort. He'd asked Jacques for a recommendation and to personally deliver the wine to their reserved table.
Nigel directed Miranda through the crowd with Serena and Emily keeping their distance discretely. Their job was to jump in if anything delayed Nigel's herding Miranda toward the table in front of the stage.
Nigel moved Miranda graciously through the gathering, staying close. Miranda smiled easily, acknowledging those she knew and was warmly inquiring with those she was just meeting, always asking questions about their line of work. She was a well-known patron of the arts and respected for her involvement and support. She conversed knowledgably about various projects many of the artists were involved in.
Soon, Nigel covertly gave a signal to Emily. Checking to make sure Miranda's back was turned, she made her way to the stage door and knocked three times, a ten minute warning. She left quickly to not draw attention to her actions.
"Miranda, we have something special tonight. I have a band that's going to do a couple of songs. I had a chance to hear them the other day and asked them to play tonight. Why don't we take a seat? We'll start in a few minutes."
He led her to the table he'd reserved. They "accidentally" ran into Emily and Serena and Nigel invited to sit with them. Nigel made sure he was on the outside with Miranda next to him. Emily and Serena took the other two seats, effectively boxing Miranda in so she could not easily leave with the tables so close. Nigel refilled Miranda's glass as she sat.
Miranda was slightly surprised. Nigel usually did not have live performances at his parties. But this must be something very special if he had just recently heard them and invited them so quickly.
On each table, there was a plate with petit fours of different flavors. Each little cake had a small plasticized slip of paper sticking out from the center. Marie had called laughingly called them French fortune cookies and had created them just for this party. Nigel picked up the plate, and offered one to Miranda. Normally, she avoided sweets but these were so delightful she was tempted enough to take one.
Nigel innocently asked her,"What's your fortune, Miranda?"
She read the slip of paper in perfect French."L'amour est à portée de la main. Or…, "Flipping it over she read with a snort, Love is within reach." I could only wish.
Nigel smiled to himself. Ah, and another small piece falls into place. All the petit fours at this table had exactly the same fortune. Emily and Serena had each been instructed to quickly make something up if somehow they had to read one.
Miranda glanced over at Serena and Emily. Serena had casually dropped her arm over Emily's shoulder and was idly stroking the exposed skin there. Emily reached up for that hand, turned her head and kissed it, placing it back on her shoulder. Miranda felt a small tang of envy at that affectionate touch. She squashed it quickly and smiled understandingly at the couple. She knew that they had moved in together recently. They looked happy, content. She was pleased that they felt comfortable expressing their care for each other in front of her. It spoke to a level of trust that she hoped she had earned.
She smiled, almost affectionately. She hesitated a second before saying, "Love was certainly within reach for you two. It is good to see you two together. You both look radiant. I'll have to send you an invitation to dinner with me and the girls at my home. I'd love to spend some time with you two outside Runway." Was that so hard, letting that softer side of you speak out? Maybe I really can do this.
Emily looked absolutely tongue tied until Serena kicked her ankle under the table. "That would be …lovely, Miranda. We'll look forward to hearing from you." Internally, she cringed. Just wait until she figures out our part in all this.
Thank you." Serena smiled warmly, "Yes that would be wonderful." She took Emily's hand and squeezed reassuringly having caught that thought from her lover.
The lights dimmed to a low glow as Marie caught Nigel's signal. The stage spotlights came up lighting the rich blue velveteen curtain at the back as Nigel stepped up on the stage and went to the microphone. "Hello, everyone. Thank you so much for coming tonight. Please step forward and take a seat. Tonight, we're going to hear a group I recently discovered and invited to our party. They are something special. Please welcome them warmly!" Nigel stepped off the stage and returned to his seat as light applause spread through the house.
Doug and Michael entered first, plugged their instruments into their amps and started softly playing. Andy stepped on the stage as they completed their preparations. She claimed the stage like she owned it, wrapping her hand around the microphone and standing, calm, confident and centered, feet apart, almost a warrior's stance. She checked out the room as the guys started the opening licks of the first song. Her eyes flicked over the table where Miranda was sitting. Perfect, right where I wanted you. Her breath caught at the sight of the woman before her and the enormity of what she was about to do. Now…. hear me, see me, Miranda.
Miranda's eyes grew wide as soon as she saw Andy walk on stage. She froze, her blood running hot and cold, caught between fight or flight. She looked quickly to see if there was a way she could easily leave and found herself completely blocked in. Seeing there was no way out, she carefully settled back in her chair, back rigid, jaw clenched.
Miranda looked at Nigel with haunted eyes, her sense of betrayal bleeding from that look. The raw pain he saw almost made him regret his part in this. He felt Miranda lean closer and heard her fierce whisper, "How could you do this to me? You told me she would not be here."
He looked back at her with compassion. "Trust me, Miranda, just trust me."
Miranda turned her head, unwilling to even look at him anymore. She swallowed hard. The deluge of emotions threatened to overcome her. She stared at the woman on the stage, breathing slowly and steadily trying to contain the rising panic. She could not lose it here.
As Doug and Michael picked up the rhythm starting to drive the song, Andy lifted the microphone out of the clip, nodded to her partners, moved to the edge of the stage ….and began. She'd picked Dave Mathew's, You and Me, as the opening song. They started out softly, instruments building below the vocals. The richness and clarity of her voice rang through the room, drawing everyone into the exuberant celebration of love that the song offered. Each time they hit the chorus in three part harmony, Andy looked right in Miranda's eyes and sang to her, "You and me together we could do anything….The two of us together, yes, yes, we could do anything, baby". Then she looked away and continued to the end of the song, smiling and playing to the room, hips moving to the rhythm. As they finished, surprised, enthusiastic applause broke out.
As they applauded, Emily and Serena looked at each other, astonished at what they had just heard. Noting Miranda's frozen posture and shallow breathing; Emily looked over at Nigel accusingly. "You never mentioned that she was this bloody good. They're brilliant, absolutely brilliant."
Nigel smiled. "Yes, they are…she is. The hell with writing, she should be out there performing, singing in front of people. I have a few people to introduce her to later. "Glancing at Miranda, from the corner of his eye, he could see how thrown off balance she was but…..most importantly, she had stayed.
The direct look she had gotten from Andréa had Miranda flustered and unsure. She was astounded by the voice she was hearing. How did I never know this about her? She sounds incredible. Her eyes roamed over the woman in front of her drinking her in, aching, feeling a deep visceral reaction to her svelte beauty. And that leather, her fingers twitched, itching to touch, to stroke. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, as liquid heat pooled deep in her pelvis. Inwardly, she groaned. Gods, she has matured into such deep beauty …so strong and confident.
Ok, I'll sit through this torture and leave as quickly as I can excuse myself without making some kind of scene. Almost involuntarily she relaxed the smallest amount, giving herself permission to listen, to watch and absorb. She would ferret away the memory of this unlikely, unexpected event. It might be the last time she would see her.
The guys quietly started to softly lay down the rhythm for the next song while Andy launched into an introduction. "I'm Andy and with me are Doug on bass and Michael on lead guitar. We're thrilled to be here tonight! Our thanks to Jacques and Marie for their warm welcome. And thank you, Nigel for inviting us. Congratulations to Nigel and Emily for their new positions at Runway. You both so deserve this. I was lucky enough to work with them and their Editor-in-Chief Miranda Priestly who is with us tonight." Her eyes beamed a challenge to Miranda as she indicated where she sat. Miranda felt her professional mask slam into place with the acknowledgement.
As the light applause died down, Andy got ready to announce the next song as they guys picked up the tempo. "Phew, it's a little warm in here." She unzipped and peeled off the outer jacket, exposing the sleeveless leather vest that emphasized all of her sleek upper body and the full curves of her breasts with the V cut that buttoned down the front." She smiled at the wolf whistle from the back. She pulled up the stool from behind her and sat, hooking a foot over the lowest rung as she grabbed the microphone.
"You know, love is a challenge. It gives you the highest highs and the lowest lows. You know what I mean?" she smiled at the audience murmur of response." Uh-huh, exactly! You meet someone, you fall head over heels and they just don't see you no matter what you do. Or even harder, they noticed but decided they were not the one for you." Looking directly at Miranda, she continued." And they push you out of their life. And it hurts… hurts so deeply."
The slow, longingly, lush beauty of the Beth Sorrentino's Amazing, would shimmer with her voice. Notice me, Miranda, notice me, hear me…. let the music touch you. She kept her eyes focused on Miranda and sang the first line, "If I had a dollar for every time you said my name the way you do, I'd be wealthy but in the end, I can't buy anything like you. It's amazing how you notice little things…you don't notice me." And again she looked away and continued singing, carrying that edge of sorrow to each corner of the room.
Notice you? I notice, Andréa. Damn you, I notice. I've noticed for a long time. And yes, I did exactly that, pushed you away so you'd avoid the pain of being with me. It suddenly hit her, how painful it must be to be on the receiving end of such behavior. Miranda's eyes widened at the realization of the pain she had caused. I wonder if she has figured out what I did? Her hand reached for her wineglass and she forced the tremble from her fingertips as she lifted it and sipped, grateful for the steadying action as appreciative applause rolled from the audience.
"And it pisses you off, 'cause you just want to shake them and say, ...Hey, I'm standing right here. Right here in front of you, within your reach and I'm not going anywhere."
With a nod from Andy, Doug and Michael started the fill for the next song, building up a driving bass line and scintillating guitar lead. Andy let herself rock with the rhythm, standing and putting the microphone back in its clip, keeping one hand around it and leaning into Willie Porter's Set Yourself Free. She hit the chorus throwing out the challenge of the lyrics of the song. "Hey, hey give up the pretense. When you gonna be true to something you believe. When you gonna give me something I can feel, when you gonna show me all you've concealed." Her eyes skirted over Miranda's table, half-growling the words, an edge of anger in her eyes.
Miranda's tension seemed to pour off of her. As dark eyes found hers, the lyrics hooked into her deeply, stirring the deep pool of isolation, pulling on a tendril of pain and bringing it to the surface. Miranda swallowed tears that felt like glass. It's just a song, it's not about me. She can't have seen that deep inside me, no one can. And god, she sings like a dark angel. That voice is like liquid silver tearing my heart into shards. She barely noticed the applause as she numbly joined in.
"Then there's the direct approach where you just go up to them and lay your heart out there. Maybe this is someone whose has been hurt way too many times and the walls she's built up are so thick, she doesn't even know how to let them down anymore. And you'll do anything to touch her and climb over that wall."
Doug's bass set the rhythm with a gentle, repetitive five note cascade, as Michael slid in softly backing the melody. Andy dropped her head, closed her eyes and started to sing Holly Long's Trust, starting softly and building in volume. Mid-way through, she opened her eyes and sang right to Miranda, holding her eyes the whole time. "Gotta trust me with your dreams, trust that I can see inside them, trust me with your dark things, trust me that I can find the light inside them. You gotta look at me like a mirror and know that I am right here, right now, with you, that I see all the open wounds and that I really, really love you." She kept her focus on those sea blue eyes aiming her message into them, tuning out the rest of the room….. Oh Gods, hear me, woman.
The world grew smaller with only music and words linking them. Miranda felt mesmerized seeing only Andy's eyes on her, lasering deeply into her heart. She heard every word and felt stripped bare. Miranda shivered deeply as she realized what Andy was doing. She's singing to me, all these songs. They are for me, every one of them. Love… she loves me and ...yes, she knows exactly what I did and why. She knows that I love her.
Nigel, watching her closely, saw her go pale and gasp a whispered, "No, this cannot be happening." He reached out a hand out to her, taking her tightly fisted hand in his. "Breathe, Miranda." He felt desperate fingers curl around his and clench, her anger forgotten.
She found herself in a turbulent inner fight as her walls started to crumble, as her desire surfaced, desire for the beauty before her, for the love, the passion she was hearing.
Andy saw her reaction and as the applause started to fade, she quickly moved to the back of the stage, reached through the curtain, opened the backstage door and took her guitar from the stand. As she did, Doug did the introduction. "We're going to do a last song. I've known Andy for many years. She is a talented songwriter but shy about it. She wrote this song yesterday and this is the first time she's sung one of her songs in public. Believe me, it's well worth the wait. Her song is titled Unexpected Grace."
She caught Doug's look of encouragement, slipped the guitar strap over her back and stepped up to the microphone. The dragon inlay glowed in the light echoed in the insert in the guitar strap.
She softly said, "Miranda, this is for you."
Tuning out the soft murmur of the audience at her words, she took a deep breath and began to play. The song started with intricate solo guitar work that moved over the entire length of the neck setting a musical theme that repeated. Michael gently came in, finding harmonies to complement the melodic line. As Andy started to sing, Doug's bass slid in, anchoring the song. This was the last piece in the spell she was trying to weave.
As she began to sing, Andy reflected on how the song came into being. The first verse was more a piece of her own story, how she got to this place in her life. Her eyes found Miranda's as she watched her every breath.
Miranda sat, stunned, unable to think. She focused on breathing, only breathing and…she listened, hearing every word. A subtle flash of light from the dragon on the guitar twinkled into her eyes. She barely noticed.
Love seems to find me in mysterious ways. It slipped through a window and into my days. It stayed the night over and was gone with the dawn, an unexpected grace.
With the next verse, she expressed her discovery of loving Miranda, and hopefully, Miranda's experience of finding love for her. And oh, you do take my breath away.
One moment you're standing your heart on your sleeve, the next you're a prisoner of impossible dreams. You turn 'round a corner your breath… taken away, by unexpected grace.
The feeling of exposure was almost too much to bear for Miranda but she could not escape those eyes. Impossible dreams, yes, you are my impossible dream, Andréa. What are you trying to do to me?
As the instrumental verse began, Andy stepped off the stage and moved forward until she was standing right in front of the small table where Miranda sat. Relying on the strength of her voice to carry to the room, she stood and sang her heart out to the woman she loved, hoping she could hear the invitation her words and music offered.
So throw your heart open, walk into the world, love will be waiting in mysterious ways. I'll stay the nights over and live on through your days, with unexpected grace, your unexpected grace, you're my unexpected grace.
As the last chord rang out, shimmering in the air, there was a collective sigh from those gathered, followed by gentle applause as they stood. The audience seemed to realize they had just experienced an unprecedented event.
Miranda stood slowly on weak legs. Shell-shocked and shaky, she lifted a trembling hand and reached out, gently stoking the strings of the guitar, not even aware of the single tear that had left a track down her cheek. "I'll…..," she cleared her throat, barely whispering." I'll be in the car waiting for you; Roy….Roy is parked at the curb. Join me …please, Andréa."
With that, she pushed her way through those around her, grabbed her coat and was gone. Emily and Serena watched her go with concern before turning to Andy. Emily barked, "Go!"
Doug held out a hand, "Give me the guitar, Andy, I'll put her away for you. Go get her!"
Handing Doug the guitar, she shrugged back into her jacket. Nigel sent her an encouraging smile as she made her way through the party crowd, thanking those who stopped her for a word or two as she made her way to the door. The car was visible through the glass. Stepping through the door, she inhaled deeply.
Well, here goes.
Miranda had stumbled into the car, escaping as fast as she could.
"Roy, we'll be leaving in a few minutes." She hit the button to slide up the privacy screen and immediately collapsed, bending forward over her knees, hands coming up to cover her face as tears finally released. What had just happened? She hastily sat up, smoothing her clothes, wiping her eyes. She'll be here any second. What do I say, what do I do?
Just then, Andy entered the car from the driver's side as she always had, swinging long legs in and sitting back against the leather seat. Her gaze took in the woman before her, the tear tracks and the obvious state of almost panic she was in.
With a shaky voice, Miranda began, "Andréa, I don't know what that was all about but….I can't…"
Andy leaned in and reached forward quickly, two fingers gently covering Miranda's lips. "Stop, …hush now …..You do know what that was about, exactly what that was about…...We are not having this conversation right now. Listen to me." The pain she saw in those blue eyes touched her though she knew there had been no other way to do this. She held those eyes with her own as she spoke, her voice low and calming.
"Roy will drive you home. You will pour yourself a glass of wine, take it upstairs with you and run a bath. Put in those lavender bath salts you love from Provence."
"As the bath runs, you will light candles in the bathroom." She reached into the pocket of the vest and handed her a microdrive and a small scroll tied with a blue-black ribbon." You will insert this chip into the sound system you had installed and put the remote by the bath. You will turn off all the lights, strip and get into the bath. You will drink your glass of wine and listen to this song that I just sang for you and recorded on this chip. You will open the scroll and read the words."
"You will not fret and worry and deny and build a higher wall that neither of us can cross, vault over nor break through. What you will do is listen to your feelings, good, bad, indifferent, whatever they may be….. about me, about us. We both know there is an Us, named or not."
"Then you will put on your favorite nightgown, slip into bed and sleep restfully. You'll rise and shower and dress, eat breakfast, have coffee. And make a choice."
"There are two things you may choose between. Roy will be waiting at your door. He will bring you to me at 8:00 tomorrow morning. Or you may choose the opposite and walk away from this, from me, forever."
The fingertips that were resting on Miranda's lips could not help but give a slow, gentle caress across those trembling lips.
"Know that whatever you decide, Miranda, you are loved, so deeply loved. I hope to see you in the morning."
Her eyes lingered a moment longer and with that, Andy opened the door and slipped from the car, closing the door firmly behind her. She tapped on the window to let Roy to drive away. Not looking back, she reentered the restaurant.
Miranda did not see the tears that came to her eyes as she stepped toward the door. Andy knew that Miranda was probably in shock and taking advantage of that was not an option. She had done everything she could to create this invitation. It was the most loving thing she knew to do, to give her that space. It was Miranda's choice now to come to her.
From the car, Miranda watched her go as Roy pulled away from the curb, shaken by Andy's calm assurance and the love in her eyes. She carefully put herself back together in the time it took to get to her home, taking deep calming breaths, feeling the panic and tremors recede.
Miranda did everything Andy had asked of her, almost in a daze. She slipped the microchip with the song into the player mounted in the bathroom and hitting the replay button, listened to the song over and over again. The slip of paper with the lyrics had fallen to the floor. At the bottom below the handwritten lyrics, where the words:
For Miranda, you are my unexpected grace. This is my gift and my invitation, my invitation to possibility. Love is truly within reach.
Yours always, Andréa
She listened long and she listened hard. The guarded walls around her heart rose and fell as her mind came up with every excuse for why this would not work. And each excuse was met with her rising feeling of wanting a relationship with Andy, exploring what it would mean to love this woman, to have this woman in her heart and her bed. Bit by bit, those walls fell enough for the tears to come. The bath slowly cooled. All those emotions of fear, frustration, love, desire and denial rose and fell, sweeping through her as she allowed herself to have them until she reached an exhausted calm. She made her way to bed and fell in, tucking the lyrics beneath her pillow.