4

It was Andy's turn to ask the questions. "How did you become the Queen of Fashion Miranda?"

"Hmm- a lot of hard work, long hours and in the beginning, luck! I too was a bit of a prodigy." Glancing at Andy, "It would seem I have an exceptionally high I.Q. I graduated from college at the young age of eighteen. I had studied Journalism, words were my passion. I got a job as an assistant editor for Runway magazine, writing for them. It wasn't until I began helping with layouts, out of sheer boredom no less, that I discovered passion anew." The excitement in her soft voice as loud as could be. "The colours and fabrics, how a stitch here or there could change the look of a piece of clothing completely on different people. I decided covering the information and sending to the masses wasn't enough. I wanted to decide what the masses would choose." The incredible drive and emotion in the older woman's voice had Andy on the seat of her chair waiting for more. "I began learning everything I could from design to sewing to colours, fabrics, anything and everything, I soaked it up like a sponge. Then one day my opinions began to turn heads. My ideas were getting attention. By thirty I was the youngest Editor and Chief of Runway magazine, among others, in history." Miranda smiled as the crescendo of her story ebbed. "Now, almost two decades later I am the most respected and sometimes admired person in the industry." She took a drink from her wine glass empting it's contents.

"And you think I have a gift" Andy laughed, "Lady, that has got to be the best description I've ever heard to define someone's innate stubborn streak."

Both women laughed.

After putting her boots back on "I think it's time I head west." Andy said then stood, "may I say good bye to Caroline and Cassidy?" she asked as she walked toward the door.

"I will not be responsible for the repercussions if you do not." Miranda led her to the bottom of the stairs. "Girls" she spoke in her normal tone. Suddenly two red tornados came barreling down the stairs. "Andy is leaving and what have I told you about running down the stairs."

"Sorry Mom."

"Sorry Mom."

"Come, walk Andy to the door with me and say good night."

"We're so glad we met you Andy" said Cassidy with a hug.

"We can't wait to see you again." Caroline followed with a tighter hug.

"I can't wait to see you again either. Maybe this weekend, if it's okay with your Mom you can show me the sights or somethin."

"That would be acceptable."

"Yeah" in stereo, twin style

"We'll arrange something tomorrow while Andy is at the office. Now up to bed, I'll be there to tuck you in shortly."

"Night Andy"

"Night Andy"

"Good night Caroline, good night Cassidy. Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite."

They giggled as they climbed the stairs to go to bed.

Miranda opened the door and nodded to Roy who was waiting, she had called him while the girls said their good byes.

"Miranda, I want to thank you for makin my first day back in New York such a memorable one. You've made me welcome in your home and that is somethin I will not forget."

Miranda felt a lump in her throat from the woman's gratitude. When was the last time anyone had thanked her so sincerely. "I assure you Andy, it was my pleasure and you are welcome here anytime." And she meant it. How strange.

"I'll see ya tomorrow. Sweet dreams Miranda." Andy walked to where Roy stood waiting by the open door, looked over her shoulder at Miranda before she got in and gave her a little wave and a wink.

Miranda chuckled, "Good night Andy." Then watched as the car drove away. "What an unusual day" then turned and walked back into the house.

Miranda woke the next morning feeling exceptionally good. Maybe she could fire someone by lunch, to add to what should be a wonderful day. Because at two, Andy would be there and she found herself looking forward to it. Yes, the first incompetence she came upon would bring her joy and cement a full and happy day.

When Miranda returned from her lunch meeting with Donatella around 1:30 she found Andy Sachs waiting for her in her office. She was early. No matter, this would give Miranda a chance to show her what kind of might she wielded. She walked into her inner office, "Hello Andy. You're early."

"Yep, just couldn't stay away from you." She chuckled

Miranda grinned, "flattery will get you no where. How was your morning?" she walked around to her chair and sat down.

"Very good thank you, and yours?"

"Absolutely invigorating." With a evil looking Cheshire grin, "I had a grown man in tears, a designer on his knees begging for mercy and fired a layout editor all before lunch."

Andy laughed. "I'm beginning to see how the "Dragon Lady" nickname was acquired.

"Would you like some coffee? Emily."

"That would be wonderful"

"Yes Miranda"

"What would you like Andy?"

"Just a plain O' cup a Joe works fine for me."

Miranda looked at Emily "coffee, that's all."

"Yes Miranda"

"Okay, that trick you have got to teach me." The younger woman grinned.

Miranda smiled, "You have your secrets and I have mine."

Andy chuckled.

"Emily" The thin red head from yesterday came into the room.

"Yes Miranda"

"Tell Nigel I want to see him now. Insure the closet is empty of any bodies. Call and make reservations at that place that makes that salad I like. Instruct Roy we will be using the limo not the town car and get me video on the CMA shows for the last five years. That's all."

"Yes Miranda"

"That is never going to get old!" Andy laughed.

Miranda knew this afternoon was going to be very enjoyable. Not only was Andy not intimidated by her, she was enjoying herself watching Miranda work. "It never does." She smirked

The other Emily returned with their coffee just as Nigel was walking into the room. "Nigel. I'd like you to meet Andy Sachs." Said Miranda

Andy stood to shake his hand "A pleasure sir"

Nigel shot a look to Miranda then back to Andy and shook her hand, "No, the pleasure is all mine."

She sat back down and he sat in the chair next to her facing Miranda.

"Andy has asked for my help in finding her a new style to suit her needs for the CMA Awards show where she will be performing. She'll need a gown to wear to the show and another for her performance. Is that correct Andy?"

"It is." Andy sipped her coffee

"I've had Emily evacuate the closet. I thought we could go down there, try a few things on and see where it takes us."

"Sounds like a great idea." Nigel and Miranda stood, Andy followed. Nigel walked to the door, "Ladies"

"Thank you Nigel" Andy said

The three found themselves standing in the dressing room suite just outside the closet. Andy was standing in front of a large set of three mirrors waiting patiently as Miranda and Nigel circled around her like wolves stalking their prey.

"I think vintage," Nigel eyed the singer up and down.

"Yes, I agree. Dior, Valentino, definitely Chanel. Miranda seemed lost in thought as her eyes caressed Andy's body.

"Now that's one I know." Andy spoke breaking the spell the two were in. "She was one incredible woman, definitely one to emulate."

Miranda looked at the younger woman and Andy could see she had gained more respect in the older woman's mind.

"Right" Nigel said, moving off into the closet to retrieve the afore mentioned gowns. When he returned he held three dresses. A beautiful black Chanel, a vibrant red Dior and a silvery Valentino. "We'll start with these and go from there." He hung the dresses in a large cubical with a curtain for modesty sake and motioned her in.

"Start with the silver Valentino Andy" Miranda said taking her seat in the chair facing the changing room and dressing mirrors.

"You're the boss" the singer said with a sly grin. She entered the room and pulled the curtain not quite closed.

"I'm going to get some shoes for her." Miranda nodded her approval and Nigel left for another area of the closet.

Miranda looked back to the changing room when she heard a soft humming coming from inside. Through the opening of the curtain her eyes were drawn to the soft supple curves of pale white silky skin. The older woman looked at women's bodies all day, every day. She saw them as moving mannequins, a form on which to display her beautiful clothes. But now, her eyes roamed the body behind the curtain and found herself wanting to know if the skin felt as wonderful as it looked. Once she realized what she was thinking a blush began to rise from her neck to the tips of her ears. 'Where on earth did that come from?' But she didn't look away.

Andy saw the woman's reflection in the mirror out of the corner of her eye as she stepped into the gown and pulled it up her over her hips and slid her arms into the sleeves.

Nigel walk in with a pair of black stilettos in his hands and drew both women's attention away from the situation.

Andy stepped out of the room and turned her back to Miranda, "Would you please." Referring to the zipper on her back.

"Of Course" Miranda stood and the instant her fingers grazed the younger woman's skin, both women felt a jolt of energy from the touch and both issued a soft gasp.

"Thank you" Andy turned to her with her pink cheeks.

"These should work," Nigel said, "I guessed you a size eight."

"You guessed correctly sir. Neither of you are allowed to laugh when I fall on my kiester when I try to walk in them though." She grinned "Maybe I could just wear my boots under the dress. It's not like anyone will see them." She teased knowing it would get a rise out of the fashionista, who did indeed send her a steely glare.

"You absolutely will not!" Nigel exclaimed and she laughed.

She slid the shoes on and stepped back for their review. "Well?"

Again they looked her over with careful scrutiny, lifting here, tugging there. "I don't know" Miranda said to Nigel, "what do you think?"

Andy felt like a human doll being dressed up for display. Nigel lifted her arms out to the sides. His eyes caught on the blue cloth wrapped around her right wrist, and motioned towards it, "well this will have to go."

Andy jerked her hand away and stood back with a panicked look on her face, "NO!"

Nigel lifted his hands away like they had been burned.

Miranda stepped in not knowing why but seeing she needed to calm the woman at once. "It's okay Andy." Andy snapped back to reality when she heard the soft spoken words of the woman and relaxed.

"Sorry," looking from Miranda to Nigel, "it's just that…it's my trademark. I have to wear it I never take it off. She looked into Miranda's eyes hoping she could convey the importance without giving a more detailed explanation. Her eyes were pleading. She saw the understanding in the older woman's eyes at once. "It would be like you changing you hair just to make an outfit look differently. Your beautiful hair is part of who you are. This," she touched the bandana, "is part of who I am." Then she gave them one of her incredible smiles.

"Then we will make it work." Miranda stated matter of fact, leaving no room for discussion. "Now, let's try the Dior I think."

"Okay" Andy walked back to the small room after Nigel stepped up to unzip her. Once the other two dresses were scrutinized on her they told her to change back into her jeans and red silk blouse accompanied by her cowboy boots. Miranda was convinced the singer could wear a potato bag and look beautiful, but decided at that moment only something specially designed for her would be the only accessory to her amazing beauty.

The three returned to Miranda's office and sat in their previously emptied seats. Only moments after contemplation Miranda spoke, looking at Nigel. "I believe the only answer to this dilemma is that the dresses be designed by MP specifically for Andy."

Nigel's eyes became as big as silver dollars, "What? Really?" Andy noted the surprise in his voice.

"Yes. That is the only logical and acceptable solution."

"Wonderful! What would you like me to do?"

"Nothing, for now. I shall take care of everything myself. Thank you Nigel for your assistance today.
Knowing that was his cue to leave, he stood and took Andy's right hand in his and touched his lips to it gently. "It truly has been a pleasure Miss Sachs" he rose from his bent position, "I look forward to seeing you again and anxiously await your next musical surprise." He winked and left the office.

Andy looked at Miranda who was now watching her closely "So"

"So" the other woman replied

"Who ids this MP and why was Nigel so stunned when you said it?"

"A designer, who several years ago was marked to become the best, better than Chanel even," she grinned, "but chose a different path and retired from designing."

"Alright" Andy was beginning to worry now about the woman's decision. People don't just come out of retirement to do something as simple as design not one but two gowns for a person as unimportant as her. "You think this MP will be willing do this?"

"I do."

"Okay how do I get a hold of them?"

"You already have." Miranda grinned, waiting for the realization to finally hit the younger woman. It did and her face lit up like Miranda could have only have hoped it would.

"YOU?" Andy almost yelled

"Indeed" the fashionista was leaning forward on her arms on her desk.

"Miranda," Andy stood and walked over to stand in front of her desk. "That is the single most incredible thing anyone has ever offered to do for me," Miranda began to blush. "But you are too busy, I can't, won't ask that of you." Andy felt a strong ache in her stomach. Desire?

"You didn't. I offered. Discussion closed." Miranda leaned back in her chair and watched as Andy slightly stumbled back a step before dropping into the chair behind her when her legs hit it. "I. I don't know what to say."

"There is nothing required for you to say."

"Thank you Miranda. Thank you." Again the young woman felt her gratitude wasn't enough to show just how much she appreciated this kindness and new found friendship.

"Believe me when I tell you Andy, It is an honor and a pleasure to do this for you."

Andy wanted to just jump up and hug the woman, but knew it wasn't the time or the place. No, she would find a way to thank her properly and soon.

"Now that that is settled, I was informed to ask you for you presence at dinner again tonight, if you don't have any other plans." Miranda asked

"I would absolutely love that, one condition though"

Miranda raised an eye brow. "which is?"

"I cook for the three of you." Andy gleamed

"Acceptable" Miranda grinned broadly

"How is six? Will you be home by then?" Andy asked

"Yes"

"Okay, if it's alright with you I'll be at the townhouse around five to start."

"That's not a problem. I'll call R…"

"No need Miranda. I'll drive myself. I need to go shopping before anyway." Andy interrupted

"Very well, I'll see you at six. The girls should be home to let you in. Just ask Maria for what ever you may need." Miranda rose to walk her out.

"Sit. I'll show myself out. You've put off enough work today for me. See ya later." Andy rose and left smiling all the way back to her hotel.