Reminder: This story is rated M. :)
Andrea healed well after her surgery, and again began taking daily medication to prevent future growths. Miranda was grateful that it wasn't as serious a medical condition as she feared, and despite wanting to talk to Andrea more about the fact that she knew she could never have children, she was afraid to broach the subject. She knew Andrea was waiting for her to reveal the details of the babies' father, but she also knew the young woman would never ask. It was as if, by holding onto that one private bit of information, she was leaving room for a wisp of insecurity. She wasn't proud of her actions, but she feared her relationship would dissolve if it were any other way.
The twins' first birthday was a small, private affair. For some reason, the press had taken a renewed interest in the young Priestly women, and the last thing she wanted was to have her family's celebration under the scrutiny of the media. As she did several months ago, she included a few candid photos of the girls with their birthday cake and presents next to her Editor's Note, as a sort of reward for those who paid the premium for a quality magazine like Runway.
It was a busy summer with outings and trips and visits and photo shoots and picnics nearly every weekend. Before she knew it, her family was again gathering at her home to share a Thanksgiving feast. While everyone was still sitting in the dining room, Mary Ann joined Miranda in the kitchen and helped her to load the dishwashers.
"I need to ask you something," Miranda said nervously.
"Of course. Is everything alright?" Andrea's mother responded.
"Yes, it's just, I'm having trouble finding a birthday gift for Andrea this year. I want to do something more meaningful. Last year, I planned to have Emily and Serena babysit so Andrea and I could go out for a while, but Andrea wasn't feeling well, so we ordered in and just had a very quiet night. I want to do something special this time."
"Hmm, I see. Knowing Andy, she would appreciate any gift that you put thought into—it doesn't have to be fancy or expensive."
"I know. Cassidy and Caroline are making her cards, and I think they have something planned from the babies, too. I'm just at a loss."
"Well I think you've given her more than she's ever wanted. Maybe instead of giving her something, you could do something for her to make her feel special and cared for, like a relaxing bubble bath or something," Mary Ann said.
"She doesn't take bath alo—" Miranda caught herself, blushing furiously, and focused on the dish she was holding in her hands. "She prefers not to bathe alone."
"Oh, well…um, you know, just something that shows her how much you think about her," she said. "I'm going to see if anyone needs anything," she said, heading back into the dining room.
Miranda closed the dishwasher and leaned against the counter. "Of course!" she said to herself. She had the perfect gift in mind and she would easily be able to prepare it in the next four days.
On November 30, Andrea's twenty-seventh birthday, Cara arrived at the townhouse earlier than usual and took care of the twins' morning routine so that Miranda could spend some time with the young woman. Miranda didn't plan to head to the office until the afternoon, and she talked to John and arranged for Andrea to work a half-day as well. At the time Miranda's alarm would typically go off, she quietly snuck out of bed and into the bathroom, turning the shower on so Andrea would not be suspicious. A short time later, Miranda turned the shower off, and emerged from the bathroom in new, hot pink lace and satin lingerie from La Perla, complete with sky-high stilettos. She carried a single cupcake on a plate, piled high with frosting.
"Darling," Miranda said, sitting next to the young woman. "Time to wake up, sleeping beauty."
Andrea groaned and tried to pull the covers over her face.
Miranda dipped her finger in the icing and smeared a tiny bit on her lips before leaning over and kissing Andrea gently. "Birthday girl," she whispered, "you'll have to be awake to receive your present."
Andrea's tongue licked the remaining frosting from her lips and her eyes opened wide.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart," Miranda said, kissing her again.
"Thank you," she said, pushing herself up against the pillows. "What are you—oh god, fuck, that's so hot," she said. "Is that for me—I mean, you're not leaving the house in that, are you?"
Miranda grinned. "It's entirely for you, don't worry. Now, how would you like your cupcake?"
Andrea's eyes widened.
"I can tie you to the bed and feed it to you," she whispered, peppering kisses along Andrea's wrist. "Or, you can tie me to the bed and eat it off of me."
"That sounds delicious," Andrea said, "but I don't want you tied up."
"Whatever the birthday girl wants," Miranda said.
"Wait—will you—will you just stand up and walk around in those heels for a second?"
Miranda winked at her and set the cupcake down on the nightstand as she paced back and forth a few times, modeling her lingerie in the insanely high heels. "Shall I strip, too?" she asked, sticking her thumb inside the garter belt.
"No, not yet. Come here," she said, patting the bed next to her.
Miranda crawled next to her and was happy to see how pleased she seemed to be. Miranda reached for the cupcake on the nightstand and pressed it against her lips, creating a trail of icing down her neck, across her breasts, and down her stomach. She could hear Andrea's breath hitch at the gesture. Gently lifting her hand up and squeezing her legs together, she crumbled the rest of the cupcake over her stomach and pelvis. With her sticky hand, she reached up and stroked Andrea's cheek, slipping her fingers into the woman's mouth.
In a low, quiet, incredibly sexy voice, Miranda began to slowly sing: "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, An-dre-a, happy birthday to you."
"Oh, Miranda, this is so fucking sexy," she said, gently straddling her and placing her hands on either side of Miranda's head. She bent down and began licking the frosting from her neck, traveling down towards her cleavage, moaning as she licked and sucked on the woman's perfect skin.
She pushed the padded bra cups down for a moment so she could palm the editor's breasts and give them each the attention they deserved. She licked and sucked and bit the hard nubs, eliciting deep, guttural moans from the woman that reverberated through her chest.
"Jesus, Miranda. this is the best birthday present ever," Andrea said, moving upwards once again to kiss her on the lips. "My two favorite things in the whole wide world."
"What's that?" Miranda asked.
"You and frosting."
Miranda laughed a full, hearty laugh, and kissed her softly. "Darling, I don't think you finished your cupcake."
"Saving the best for last," Andrea said as she dragged her tongue across Miranda's stomach. Most of the crumbs had already fallen to the sheets, except where they pooled at her apex. "Mmmm, ohhh, Miranda," Andrea mumbled as she licked at the crumbs.
Miranda felt her gently pushing her legs apart, so she complied, letting Andrea's tongue swipe her folds and circle her clit long enough to stave off the orgasm that had been building for the past twenty minutes.
Deciding the young woman had enough for the moment, Miranda laced her fingers in her hair and gently drew her upwards, kissing her and tasting a mix of herself and cupcake on the woman's tongue.
"Darling, there's another present," Miranda said, pointing to the dresser. "And while you're up, strip for me."
Andrea grinned and eagerly jumped from the bed, rocking her hips and swaying her body as she pulled off her silk camisole and boy shorts. "This?" she asked, pointing to a black shoebox.
Miranda nodded. "If you don't like it, it's okay," she said. "I just thought—now would be a good time, I mean, if…"
Andrea gasped when she took the lid off the box. "A Feeldoe?! You're okay with that?"
Miranda smiled when she saw how Andrea's face lit up. "Of course, I'm the one who bought it for you," she said, rolling her eyes. Miranda propped herself on her elbows and watched Andrea stroke the smooth purple silicone. "Come here," she said.
Andrea obeyed and climbed onto the bed, straddling the woman while she held the object in her hand.
"Darling," Miranda said, placing her hands on the woman's slender hips, "come closer," she said, tugging her forward. She gently pressed her lips to Andrea's slick folds, slipping her tongue into her hot center.
"Oh god," Andrea moaned, pulling back.
Miranda looked up, her eyes full of concern. "Are you okay? Was that painful?"
"No, no, it felt good—too good. One second longer and I, well, I want to come when I'm inside of you," she said, leaning down and kissing Miranda softly.
Miranda wrapped her fingers around the dildo in Andrea's hand. "Let me," she said. She swirled her tongue around the "pony" end and reached down, parting the young woman's folds and sliding it into place. "How's that?"
Andrea straightened and thrust her hips forward. "You tell me," she said, grinning.
Miranda gently traced her fingers down the appendage, trembling with anticipation. "Oh, please," she gasped as Andrea slid further down her body. Her legs instinctively wrapped around her waist as Andrea thrusted forward. "Uhhhh!" she choked. The sudden thrust was unexpected—and deep.
Andrea pressed a kiss to Miranda's temple, then another to her forehead.
"Wait," Miranda gasped, reaching out to still the young woman's hips. "Wait, just give me a second," she said. "I'm not—you know—used to it so deep."
"Oh, god, I'm sorry," Andrea said, blushing. "I got carried away." She pressed a kiss to Miranda's closed eyelids and reached down, unclasping the woman's bra and kneading her breasts.
Slowly, Miranda opened her eyes and nodded.
Andrea bent down, sucking on the skin of Miranda's neck as she began rocking her hips, thrusting in and out of the woman, grinding against her clitoris. She could feel Miranda's pulse racing. Her tiny whimpers faded into quiet gasps and chuffs. The pale skin of her chest grew pink with exertion, and she could feel the tendons tightening in her neck as her head went backwards. Andrea gently traced her fingers down Miranda's neck and shoulders, watching as the woman beneath her parted her lips ever so slightly before her body melted into the mattress.
The sight was intensely erotic. Never before had she been able to watch the woman come undone quite like this. Within seconds, her own orgasm washed over her and she collapsed shamelessly onto the older woman.
After a few minutes, Miranda brushed the brunette's hair out of her eyes and softly cupped her cheek. "Happy birthday, Andrea," she said quietly. "I hope it's been a good birthday so far."
Andrea hummed with pleasure and turned to roll over onto her side. Miranda quickly reached down and guided the object out, tossing it aside. Andrea lay on her back next to the woman and began giggling.
"What is it?" Miranda asked, propping herself up on one elbow.
"There are so many crumbs in the sheets," she said. "You know, you wasted a perfectly good cupcake."
"Well, I hardly think it was a waste," Miranda said, grinning. "And for your information, there are five more downstairs. One for each of us tonight, and Cate and Callie can share."
"Oh shit," Andrea said. "The girls. We're all going to be late." she quickly tried to sit up, but Miranda grabbed her wrist, stopping her.
"I arranged for Cara to come early today," Miranda said. She looked over at the clock. "Cassidy and Caroline are already off to school, and Cara's downstairs with the babies. They're not expecting me until this afternoon, and I informed John that you would need the morning off for an appointment. It's all taken care of."
"Wow…thank you."
"You're welcome. I love you, darling. I hope this birthday is better than last year's."
"Miranda, last year's was great because I shared it with you and the girls. I mean, yes, this year is infinitely better so far, but it's not a competition. I love that you put so much thought and preparation into this. I love you."
"I have one more present for you, but I'd rather give it to you after we've showered. So, will you take a shower with me?"
Andrea grinned. "Since you don't have anywhere to be for at least three hours, I'd love to."
Nearly an hour later, Miranda stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in her bathrobe. She carefully stripped the sheets from the bed and threw them in the corner by the door. Andrea soon followed, her hair and body each wrapped in a towel.
"The girls have something for you that they'll give you tonight, but here," Miranda said, handing her a larger box with a white bow. "I wanted to give you something that shows how much I think of you each and every day. You are a permanent fixture in my life, Andrea Sachs, and I never, ever want you to doubt that."
"This…this is your date book," Andrea said, pulling the leather-bound notebook from the box. "I thought you keep all of these at Runway, in case we ever need to reference something?"
"Well, maybe one of the assistants misplaced the 2008 calendar," she said. "Open it."
Andrea unfastened the leather strap and opened it, carefully flipping through the pages. Miranda had a strict rule about only using fine tip black ink pens, particularly in her calendar. As she flipped the pages, she noticed that every page had "A" or "Andrea" traced over in red ink a few times.
"I had to flip back for something last week, and I realized just how many times a day I was scribbling down something to tell you, something about you, sometimes just your name…or even just some hearts in the margin. The other night, I went through and traced your name—it's in there over one thousand times. I lost track," Miranda said, shrugging. "I will warn you that there were a few days when I was a little frustrated about something, so don't get upset. I just didn't think you'd appreciate a redacted version—it probably wouldn't have the same effect."
Andrea closed the journal and took a deep breath. "Miranda," she said with a shaky voice. "This means more to me than I think you'll ever know." She reached over and wrapped her arms around the woman. "Thank you."
The next two years were the happiest years of any of their lives—Cassidy and Caroline included. Miranda and Andrea were more comfortable in their roles, both professionally and personally, and everything just seemed more relaxed—rather, Miranda was more relaxed, so everyone around her could take a deep breath.
Cate and Callie had just turned three years old, and they celebrated with a huge party in the Hamptons. Andrea invited some of her cousins and their kids, and Miranda let Caroline and Cassidy invite a few of their friends from school, too. In total, there were about fifty guests, though Miranda and Andrea spent most of their time chasing after their daughters, so they didn't have the opportunity to say hello.
The following morning, the three-year-olds woke them early, crawling into their bed. "Moom," Callie whined, "you said pancakes today—and strawberries. Did you forget?"
Andrea hugged and kissed her daughter. "Good morning, my love bug," she said. "And no, I did not forget. I was just so tired from your big birthday party yesterday that I thought we could sleep in a little bit, okay?"
Callie frowned and crossed her arms over her chest, turning to Miranda for support. "Mama?"
"Oh, sweetie, I'm soooo tired. I want pancakes, too, but I think I will need at least one hundred kisses from each of you before I can get up," Miranda said.
"Me too?" Catherine asked.
"Oh yes, I'm verrrry tired," Miranda said.
Both girls started kissing her cheeks over and over, pausing every few minutes to ask whether that was one hundred yet. They erupted in giggled when they bumped heads, and all the chatter apparently woke the others.
"Andy, is she making them give her a hundred kisses again?" Caroline asked.
Andrea pressed her finger to her lips and gestured for her to come sit on the bed.
"Where's everyone else?"
"Grandma Helen and Grandma Mary Ann are downstairs making breakfast for everyone."
"Oh okay. Did your friends have a good time yesterday?"
"Yeah. Thanks again for letting Julia stay the night with us. She hates when her dad forgets about her like that. Her mom texted her that she was on her way and would be here by ten."
"She's always welcome to stay with us—make sure she knows that. School nights, weekends, whatever," Andrea said. "I better get up so I can say hello to her mother." She turned to the twins, still showering Miranda with kisses. "Almost there—three more! Ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred!" she said.
"Yay! Pancakes!" Callie shouted, climbing off the bed and racing downstairs.
"Wait for me!" Catherine said, following her.
"I've got them," Caroline said, rushing after them and helping them to slowly walk down the stairs. At least the stairs in the townhouse were carpeted. These were slippery hardwood, and sometimes they needed a little reminder to go slow.
"Were you going to just let them do that all morning?" Andrea asked, curling up next to the other woman.
"Mm-hmm," Miranda said, grinning. "You could pick up where they left off, you know."
Andrea leaned over and kissed her lovingly. "Helen and my mom are apparently feeding everyone downstairs, and Julia's mother is on her way."
"Oh, I forgot…that poor girl. I think it was always my fear that I would be one of those parents. James has been very good about that—actually, we've both worked really hard to make sure that they always understood they were our number one priority. And then, these past few years with your presence…the fact that you not only put them before yourself, but before me, too…I'm just eternally grateful that they will never know that kind of hurt."
"Of course not. I told Caroline that Julia is always welcome to stay with us. You don't mind, do you?"
"No, but one of us should be down there when her mother comes," Miranda said, getting up. "You take your time. I can get ready in five minutes." She grabbed a white cotton sundress from the closet and a few minutes later, emerged from the bathroom looking gorgeous as ever. Miranda winked at the young woman before heading downstairs.
After the birthday party, Helen decided to stay in New York with them for a few weeks. One night when they were sitting around the dining room table enjoying Helen's homemade fried chicken, Cassidy turned and whispered something in Andrea's ear.
"You'll have to ask, sweetie," Andrea said.
"Cassidy, is everything alright?" Miranda asked.
"Yeah, Mom. It's fine."
Miranda pursed her lips and stared at her.
"Okay. Um, there's this concert coming up, and it's at the Garden, and it's sold out. A bunch of our friends tried to get tickets and couldn't…Jack made this stupid comment that you wouldn't even be able to get tickets."
Miranda frowned. There was nothing she despised more than the girls' classmates mocking her in front of them at school. She always insisted that her daughters should never be put in the position to defend their mother to their peers. "Darling, do you want to go to the concert?"
"Yes, we would love to go," Caroline said, interrupting.
Miranda rolled her eyes. "Is this just because of what that boy said? I hadn't heard you mention anything before."
"Mom, it's One Direction. We've basically spent all summer listening to them and watching their videos online," Cassidy said, rolling her eyes right back. "Of course we want to go."
"Actually, Miranda, Cassidy was telling me about the concert a few weeks ago, but if I remember correctly, it falls on Labor Day weekend and that's when the four girls are going to Boston to visit Grandma Helen and Grandpa George," Andrea said.
"Yeah," Cassidy said with a shrug. "That's why I didn't say anything. We already had plans."
"Well don't miss a concert on account of me and your grandpa. You can visit us anytime!" Helen said.
Cassidy's eyes lit up, and she quickly turned to look at Miranda, then Andrea, then back to Miranda. "Mom?"
"I can't make any promises now," Miranda said, "but I will make a few calls tonight before I go to bed and see if they can't fit just two more people into that sold-out arena."
The girls erupted in squeals, which Cate and Callie instantly wanted to join in on. Andrea leaned over to Miranda. "We live in a zoo," she said.
"Mmm, yes," Miranda replied, taking a sip of her wine as she watched her children interact. "The primate house, I believe."
The following day, Miranda arrived home at 5:45 PM, just as Andrea was climbing the steps of the porch. "Andrea, help carry these," she said, handing her a few gift bags as she climbed out of the town car.
"What's all this?"
"I got us tickets for the concert—you, me, and the two girls. But I want to tease them a little bit, so just go along. Plus, I can't leave Cate and Callie out," she said, walking up the front steps. "Girls," she called. "Come here, I brought presents for you!"
Miranda cringed as they heard the stampede coming down the stairs.
"Mmm, elephants," Andrea said.
"I was thinking more like rhinoceros," she said, gasping as Cate came running for her, nearly tackling her with her hug. "Hi my darling, did you have a good day?"
"You know, Mom usually brings us presents when she's trying to apologize for something," Caroline whispered before they reached the first floor. "I bet she couldn't get those tickets."
"It doesn't matter," Cassidy said, shrugging. "Hey, Mom, Andy."
"Hi Bobbsey, here you go," she said, handing both her and her sister a bag. She turned around and handed Andrea a bag as well, and she had two left.
"Mama, who is that for?" Catherine asked.
"Well, one is for Grandma, and the other is for me."
"Grandma went to the store with Cara. Can we open them?" Caroline asked.
"Yes, go ahead."
"I got a purse like Mommy's!" Callie shouted. Indeed, it was a miniature pink Chanel quilted bag.
"I got one, too!" Catherine said, pulling out a similar bag in purple.
Caroline and Cassidy both pulled out white screen printed One Direction shirts, and Miranda couldn't help but notice they looked inside the bag to see if there was anything else.
"Thanks, Mom, this is cool," Cassidy said quietly.
"Hey look, I got a t-shirt like that, too, but it's black," Andrea said. "Miranda, what'd you get?"
"Hmm, let's see," she said, digging through the bag. "I also got a black t-shirt, and, oh, just four tickets for the concert on September 5th…front row," she said, pulling them out and grinning.
"Mom!" Cassidy cried, running up to her and giving her a giant hug and kiss. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is so cool!"
Caroline also thanked her, then asked, "Wait, so you're both coming with us?"
Miranda shrugged. "I'm presuming Andrea is coming…"
"Hell y—I mean, heck yes!" she said, giggling.
"Mama, what 'bout us?" Catherine asked, tugging on Miranda's dress.
Miranda kneeled on the floor to address her daughter. "Sweetheart, concerts are for grown-ups, and on special occasions, teenagers. You and your sister Callie are too little."
"What's a concert?" Callie asked, turning to Cassidy.
"A concert is when a band plays music in front of tons and tons of people. It's really loud, and it can hurt your ears, especially little kid ears," she said sweetly.
"And girls, I'm sorry to inform you, but you will be wearing earplugs. I'll have my assistant pick up some of those transparent ones so that no one will notice," Miranda said.
"Thanks, Mom. Really, this is awesome. Wait—are you and Andy going to wear those shirts?" Caroline asked.
"Well, I'm not going to wear this," Miranda said, gesturing at the silk Prabal Gurung sheath dress she was wearing. "Plus, I think we'll all have a better time if we're less conspicuous, you know? We don't want 'Miranda Priestly Attends Concert with Offspring' to be the morning headline," she added.
"Can we tell our friends now?" Cassidy asked? "Jack is going to freak out."
"Yes, sweetheart, but make it quick. We're sitting down for dinner in about fifteen minutes," Miranda said.
On Friday, September 4th, Miranda took a vacation day and rode with her youngest daughters to Boston, where they would be staying with their grandparents for the weekend. It would be the first time they were spending the night somewhere that wasn't home, and without Miranda, Andrea, Caroline, or Cassidy.
The previous weekend, they arranged for their four girls to have a "sleepover" at Emily's apartment, and they did fine. Still, she was nervous, and she knew Andrea was, too. Helen reassured her that they would be absolutely fine, and that she and George and their golden retriever Bucky would be more than enough distraction. Helen wanted them to stay for an entire week, but Miranda thought it best to play it by ear. She fully expected to be driving out to Boston early Sunday morning to pick them up.
It was strangely quiet that evening at the townhouse. Cassidy and Caroline were upstairs making sure they knew every word to every song before the concert tomorrow, and Miranda and Andrea were curled up on the couch in the study. It was their favorite position: Andrea sitting at one end of the couch with her feet up on the coffee table and her computer in her lap, Miranda on the opposite end of the couch with her iPad or the Book, her knees bent and her toes resting on Andrea's thigh (or, if it was cold, tucked under Andrea's leg). They have—on more than one occasion—fallen asleep in that position. Tonight, though, they took advantage of the quiet and decided to turn in early and watch a movie in bed. As much as she loved when the girls came in their bed to cuddle, she was extremely glad the co-sleeping arrangement ended years ago.
The next morning, a knock on their bedroom door woke them. "Mom? Andy? Can we come in? Are you decent?"
"Yes, come in," Miranda said, sitting up in bed. "What's wrong? We were still asleep."
Cassidy looked over at the TV and noticed the DVD player screensaver was on the screen. "Did you guys fall asleep during the movie again?"
"I think I fell asleep before it started," Andrea admitted. "What time is it?"
"It's 8:58," Caroline said. "Grandpa emailed us earlier and said the girls slept well, and that they were going to try and FaceTime us at later."
"Okay, and…?" Miranda asked.
"It's quiet here without them. I kind of miss them," Cassidy said.
"Alright, you two, come on up here," Miranda said, lifting the covers. She and Andrea learned years ago to always be wearing pajamas in the morning since more than half the time, one of their children ended up in their bedroom before they were out of bed. "Is there anything special you want to do today before the concert?" Miranda asked.
Later that night, Roy dropped the four ladies off at the concert after waiting in traffic for nearly thirty minutes just to get to the entrance. Luckily, Cassidy supplied Roy with a One Direction CD to play, informing everyone that this was the perfect opportunity to "get into the spirit."
"Girls, are you sure you're okay with me wearing this?" Miranda asked before they stepped out of the car. "I just didn't want to draw unnecessary attention."
"Mom, it's fine. We won't have fun if people keep trying to get a photo of you, so it's good. Really."
Miranda sighed, looking at herself in the mirror and adjusting her wig one last time.
"Come on, Miri, let's go," Andrea said, opening the door. Miranda just shook her head and followed them out. They were led down to a standing-room only area near the stage and given lanyards to wear around their neck and display their ticket at all times.
Within about thirty minutes, the opening act came on, and by 8:30, One Direction took the stage. Andrea and Miranda stood behind the girls, and it was such a delight to see how excited they were at the entire experience. At one point, Harry reached his hand out to the crowd and they were both screaming at the top of their lungs because he touched their hands. Miranda smiled at her daughters. .
About two hours into the show, the lights went down and they quietly began playing the chords to one of their most popular songs—also one that was playing nonstop for the past few days in the Priestly home. While Caroline and Cassidy sang at the top of their lungs, Miranda reached her arm around Andrea and slipped her hand in the younger woman's back pocket.
She leaned closer and began to sing into her ear: "Everyone else in the room can see it—everyone else but you…Baby, you light up my world like nobody else. The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed, but when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell, you don't know-oh-oh, you don't know you're beautiful."
Andrea pulled Miranda closer and gently kissed her on the cheek, picking up where she left off: "If only you saw what I can see, you'll understand why I want you so desperately. Right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe you don't know-oh-oh, you don't know you're beautiful. Oh-oh-oh, that's what makes you beautiful."
"Andrea," Miranda whispered, tracing her finger over the brunette's lips. She quickly closed the distance between them, hungrily kissing the young woman while the arena full of screaming teenage girls sang along with the song.
After a while, Andrea pulled away and leaned against Miranda's shoulder, gently swaying to the rest of the music. When the concert was over, Cassidy and Caroline thanked Miranda again and again. Andrea pulled out her phone to make sure she didn't have any missed calls or texts from Helen, and she gasped as she opened her email.
"What?" Miranda asked.
"Um…so, that wig worked. No one recognized you," Andrea said, handing her phone over. "But they definitely have pictures of us kissing. Leslie just sent us this."
"What's wrong with that? They've put pictures of you kissing in the trash papers before," Caroline said. "We still had an awesome time, Mom."
"Sweetheart," Miranda said, shaking her head. "The photographers didn't recognize me, so they think Andrea was kissing someone else," she said. She watched as finally understood what she was saying.
"Can't you just tell them it was you? That Andy wasn't cheating?" Cassidy said.
"No, Cass, it doesn't really work that way. They don't care what we have to say. If we try to get involved, they'll make it into a really big deal. I'm just glad you two aren't in the photo," Miranda said. "I'm going to send Leslie a quick note back, explaining the situation. Let her deal with it."
"Mom, couldn't you just start wearing that wig to work and stuff? Then they'd feel stupid for not noticing your new hair?" Caroline asked.
"Or…this could be a good time to dye your hair dark brown," Andrea said, wagging her eyebrows. "I seem to remember a conversation..."
Miranda chuckled as she shook her head. "I'll think about it. But if I do anything, it will only be semi-permanent. I don't want to damage my hair—then I will for sure be wearing a wig!"
"I love you, you know that, right?" Andrea asked.
Miranda smiled. "I do know that, but I'll never tire of hearing it, darling."
TBC
A/N: Only a few more chapters left... reviews are always appreciated :)