Chapter 14:
After Fashion week Andrea and Isabella found themselves swarmed with work. DeMarzio Paris was a big success, opening week was chaos. Cameras were everywhere; models, designers, and fashion lovers from all over came out for the opening ceremony. Once the announcement went out that they had opened business took off. Isabella spent an additional week working out last minute problems with the seamstresses and additional help, while Andrea smiled and answered questions for the French press.
Surprisingly DeMarzio Milan went off like an explosion. Everything happened faster than anyone had anticipated so after being home for a week, Andrea packed up the kids and along with Isabella and Aubrey; they flew out to Italy for two weeks. Isabella's godson Marco and his sister Cristina agreed to run things for them once they returned to New York. They took care of setting up for easiest access and organization for anyone visiting, Cristina and Aubrey interviewed assistants for Cristina, Isabella and Marco worked with the previous DeMarzio seamstress and had back orders on the biggest sellers stocked and ready to go. Andrea met with local magazines and newspapers, giving short interviews and talking about her latest designs.
After everything was in order Andrea took her daughters out. They visited friends from school, old neighbors, Rory's old teachers, and Ms. Satori. The girls loved being back in Italy, seeing old friends, and playing on the beach. They told anyone who would listen all about life in America, Dalton, and of course Miranda and the twins. When the shows started, Andrea made sure to spend every moment she could tucked away at the house. She took her daughters back with her everyday just to spend the time with them. When she had to be in meetings the girls would stay with Isabella or sit with Aubrey to wait for her. They had spent the remaining time of their days swimming, painting, having picnics, and just enjoying their time with each other.
When they returned to New York every one of them were excited. Italy would always be the girls' birthplace and first home, Italy would always be the place she fell in love and married, Italy would always hold a place in her heart, but New York held the people they loved and cherished. In the short amount of time they had lived there, New York had become home. By the time they made it through customs and to the waiting car both Rory and Lexxi were fast asleep. With Isabella's assistance, Andrea managed to get the girls into the house, changed, and tucked into bed.
Andrea was deeply focused on a painting she'd been inspired to start while sitting on the beach in Italy, she'd been working on it off and on since the idea came to her during their last week there. Concentrating intently on the painting she worked freely, her paintbrush working across the canvas with the grace of a dancer. She was focusing so much on the painting that she almost missed the vibrating of her cell phone sitting on the counter behind her. She frowned, laid down the palette, and picked the annoying contraption up.
"'Lo" she murmured distractedly, her mind already back on the painting.
"Made it back I see." Miranda's soft voice came through the phone.
Andrea smiled to herself, her paintbrush coming to a halt, "Hey lover." she responded putting the paintbrush in the sink, "Of course I made it back. Nothing much could get me to stay away on a permanent basis these days."
"How was the trip?" Miranda inquired.
Andrea groaned, "It was... hectic. Busy, very busy. We worked everything out though. We've managed to get everything up and running. The business from the first two nights alone covered all of the expenses used to get things started and then some. Momma is so excited."
Miranda's soft chuckled sent a shiver through her as she crossed the room, "You know what I hated most about it though?" she sighed.
"Mm..."
"You. I miss you Mira. It's been almost a month since I've been home, and almost as long since I've seen you. I have to say, I don't like it much."
She could hear Mirada's breath catch when she spoke and immediately began to chew her bottom lip.
"I missed you too Andrea. We'll do lunch tomorrow, bring the girls a long." Miranda said after a moment.
"Sure. The girls will love that. They talked about you three the entire vacation to anyone that would listen. It was adorable." she said voice just higher than a whisper, "How are things going at Runway?"
"The amount of incompetence I'm surrounded by on a daily basis seems to increase rather than decrease."
"The usual then?" Andrea says laughing softly.
"Mm..."
She smiled and leaned her forehead against the window of her studio, "Someday, somehow, they will learn and live up to expectations. And the girls are doing well?"
"Yes. Caroline asked about you today, she's working on a paper for school; she wants to write it on you. You've inspired her." Miranda's voice was light and warm, full of love. Andy could feel her smile through the line.
"Wow... she... wow. I... um... well..." she mumbled staring into the darkness outside, "How... why... what is the assignment?"
"The assignment is for them to write a paper on someone who inspires them and why. Caroline chose to write her paper on you, if that is alright with you of course." Miranda stated.
Andrea was speechless for a few moments before clearing her throat, "I'll...uh... wow... I'm honored, truly. It would be no problem to help her. Have her call me tomorrow, or we can discuss it in part during lunch."
"You'll tell her at lunch. She'll be delighted."
Andrea laughed and shook her head, "No problem. I'm glad I can help her out." she sighed and made her way out her art studio and down to her bedroom.
"What is it?" Miranda asked.
"Nothing baby, just..." Andrea said pulling off her coveralls and collapsing on her bed. "I have this horrible feeling Mira... one I can't shake... maybe... I'm just... tired."
"Get some sleep love. I'll see you in-"
"No! Mira, don't go. I..." Andrea stated interrupting Miranda before she could end the call, "I... don't want to yet. Just... stay... talk to me. I've missed your voice."
"Hm... alright."
Andrea let out a relieved sigh and shifted on the bed curling up around one of her pillows. They talked for a few more hours just catching up with one another, talking about life, the children, work, and anything else that came to mind. Their conversation was airy and light, full of laughter and Andrea's giggling. Andrea fell asleep with a smile on her lips and Miranda's soft and richly melodious voice in her ear.