A/N: This prompt came from Facebook's DWP Mirandy Page. I have been trying to coax my muse out from her winter hibernation by feeding her a particular nutty chocolate bar. Anyway, the prompt I was given is as follows;
Andy catches Miranda having a Snickers and almost dies of shock.
Disclaimer: As always I am simply fooling with these characters. I do not own or make any money from them. They are owned by Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox.
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Chapter Two:
Since that fateful night six weeks before, when she found her boss in the kitchen area eating her secret stash of snickers, there had been small changes in Andy and Miranda's relationship.
They experienced the trials of Paris Fashion Week. Nate had left, Miranda received divorce papers, and her vulnerability had caused Andy's flight straight into the arms of Christian Thompson, which forced the realisation of her depth of feelings for her boss. Irv attempted his coup against Miranda to replace her with Jacqueline Follett, Miranda's hand had been forced to destroy Nigel's dream career move and replace him with Jacqueline at James Holt International. Andy's ensuing escape from Miranda after she pointed out their similarities and then the subsequent return to Miranda ended the week from hell.
When Andy returned to Miranda's suite after a few hours roaming Paris Miranda had already returned from the usual after show events. They spent the rest of their evening talking over a bottle of wine and an indulgent treat or two from La Maison Du Chocolat. Andy's apologies were dismissed as unnecessary and promises were made that she would see out her contract at Runway and the hope expressed that she would stay at Runway longer.
Now in New York, they spent more of their working day together. Miranda took Andy to different meetings; from those with the board of Elias Clark to designer showrooms for previews, crisscrossing the streets of New York sat alongside each other in the Town Car.
Andy still delivered the book nightly and sometimes Miranda called her into the Study where they shared a glass of wine as Miranda spoke to her of the changes needed in the Book and if she was early enough she met the twins in the foyer and exchanged a few words with them about their lives. Other changes had occurred too. On the nights Miranda worked late Andy made her way to the kitchen to brew tea, going to her desk she grabbed two chocolate bars and then made her way into the editor's office.
They sat on the sofa, shoes off, knees tucked under them slightly angled towards each other as they drank their tea and indulged in their chocolate treats. Sometimes they talked, other times they sat silent, and, yet their silences were never uncomfortable. They had developed an understanding between each other that brought them a semblance of peace.
This quiet time spent together had become a highlight of their hectic week.
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Having left the Marc Jacobs showroom they entered the Town Car and set off for Runway. Andy could not get that night in the kitchen out of her mind, the simple pleasure that Miranda had taken, the deeply sensuous moan from the sweetness against her tongue played on a continuous loop. She wanted to be the one who caused Miranda to make that noise, repeatedly.
"Oh my God, I just want to kiss her." Andy thought as she took a glance at the older woman beside her. "You need to get a grip, Sachs. It will never happen." Andy told herself sternly as she frowned.
Miranda turned and looked at Andy, seeing a frown on the young brunette's face she asked, "Is everything okay, Andréa?"
"Yes, Miranda," Andy said lightly.
Miranda rolled her eyes at her young assistant causing the young woman to blush and avert her eyes. Pushing the privacy window up Miranda once again looked at Andy, one eyebrow raised inquiringly. "Andréa, I realise that I am not exactly approachable, and I understand that I can be blunt but... well... I hope you understand I am here for you should you need someone to speak with?"
"Miranda, I realise that. Truly I do, and I appreciate everything I have experienced at Runway and as your assistant," Andy told her.
"Why am I sensing there's a 'but' coming?" Miranda asked.
"Because there is one," Andy told her. "I cannot remain at Runway indefinitely. My tenure will be up next month and I need to move on. I cannot give up on my dreams of writing." She watched as Miranda went pale and looked away, her gaze floating towards the outside world, not seeing anything beyond. "Miranda?" Andy questioned. "Please say something."
Miranda couldn't look at the young woman knowing her time with her was now limited. She continued to gaze out of the car window. "You must do what you wish," Miranda told her coldly as the car pulled up to Elias Clark.
As the town car came to a halt Miranda launched herself out of the vehicle before Roy could open the door and stalked her way through them to the elevator banks. Jabbing the button firmly she tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for it to arrive at the ground level. She sensed her assistant behind her as Andy finally caught up to her as the doors opened. Allowing herself to glance up she pursed her lips at the numerous clackers making their way around her, all avoiding her.
Entering the now empty elevator she looked up to Andy, who was standing hesitantly outside. Nodding imperceptibly Andy made her way to the back of the elevator leaving enough space between herself and Miranda. Rather than pushing the button for Runway on level 17 Miranda swiped her card and selected the level for the roof terrace on 45. Spinning around to face Andy she noticed the look of bewilderment on the young woman's face.
"Miranda, you have the run through in 15 minutes," Andy told her.
"Cancel it, push it back... Whatever. I don't care. Tell my lawyer to notify my ex-husband I am not giving in to his ridiculous demands, clarify that Stephen rescinded all rights to alimony when he actively broke our praying by sleeping with that prepubescent harlot," Andy saw the flicker of sadness in the editor's eyes.
Looking down she fired a quick email to Emily and Nigel.
Sender: asachs
Recipient: nkipling, echarlton
Subject: Run through
Hey guys
Miranda wants the run through pushed back for the first available time on tomorrow's schedule. Quick checks show this should be 9 am. Can you please confirm this Em? Migé please try to get everyone to use the additional time to ensure everything is ready. If it's not perfect expect fireworks. I'm unsure what time we'll be in the office. Call me if you need anything.
Andy x
Andy cell went off. She was fending off emails and calls from those whose schedules she had changed. The last call caught the editor's attention.
"Hi, Nigel... No!... No! The last time we had drinks you had me in that karaoke bar singing Vogue and had a 3 day hangover afterwards... I am not going... No... Yes, tomorrow... Em will confirm... Well, obviously she explained every detail of her decision-making process. And then we brushed each other's hair and gabbed about last night's Beauty and the Geek... well yes I would be one of the geeks... Yes, even with the makeover... Do you know you're ridiculous? Okay! I'll talk to you later." Disconnecting the call she ran her hand through her hair in frustration. Looking up she caught a smirk on Miranda's face and blushed.
"Vogue? Really Andréa, I wish I had seen that." Miranda said.
Andy scoffed. "You have seen nothing until you see Nigel belting Build me up Buttercup or Emily smashing out Hit Me with Your Best Shot while knee deep in a mojito-induced haze." Miranda chuckled at the images that popped into her mind, causing Andy to smile widely at her. "You should join us for the next Runway drinks," Andy told her.
"Mm, I don't think anyone would appreciate me being there," Miranda said.
"I would," Andy told her softly as the doors opened to the roof. Miranda blushed and exited the elevator. Following Miranda towards a set of French doors, Andy came to a standstill, stunned. This was the first time she had been on the rooftop terrace as it was only accessible to the execs. As the winter sun shone through the silver strands of Miranda's hair creating a halo of light around the editor Andy thoughts returned to its new constant loop. "Oh my God, I just want to kiss her." Unable to stop herself Andy muttered. "Oh wow! So beautiful."
Miranda smirked. "I always find it peaceful up here." She told the brunette.
Glad that Miranda had misunderstood Andy took the time to absorb the rooftop terrace. It was a haven. Hedging and bamboo enclosed the space on either side of the building, there was a central partition providing privacy. The outlook was encased in a glass surround; the view of the New York skyline was breathtaking. The floor was covered a deep redwood with perfectly matching wooden outdoor furniture. The oasis included frangipanis, Magnolia's, Agaves, Bougainvillaea's, hardy plants that would survive in this setting.
Miranda led her to one of the enclosed seating areas. "Come sit down. We need to talk." Miranda told her.
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They sat opposite each other, a table between them. Andy was pulling on her fingers in her nervousness.
"Why do you want to leave, Andréa? I want your honesty." Miranda asked looking at the young woman.
"I... well... I figure out it is time to move on, Miranda." Andy told her averting her eyes.
"I asked for honesty." Miranda clarified ice filling her eyes. "You are a poor liar; it's one of your most redeeming traits."
Andy looked up into the ice-filled eyes and tried to be as honest as she could without telling the editor her deepest desire. "I don't fit, in Miranda. No matter how much I try. I may possess the clothes but I still stand out. I do not worship Runway the way the others do. If I'm honest most of the time I still don't recognise my Marc Jacobs from my Michael Kors." Andy said.
"I can see you believe that. I see the sincere conviction in your eyes, yet there's more to this decision which I will get to the bottom of." Miranda declared.
"Some things are best left unspoken, Miranda, please don't push this." Andy requested gently.
"If you insist, I will let this matter slide for now. However, be warned, Andréa, we will revisit this matter." Miranda insisted.
"Yes Miranda," Andy whispered as she looked down at her hands.
"You have been able to do this job better than most. Which is something remarkable for someone who claims they don't fit? Why do you think that is, Andréa?" Miranda asked.
"Although you still terrify me occasionally, I can see past the editor-in-chief, beyond the illusion you portray in the world. I can see you; I can read you." Andy whispered looking back up at the woman opposite.
"I terrify you?" Miranda asked. "Even now?"
Andy gave her a small nervous smile. "Not as much as you used to. There are moments though that can be tremendously overwhelming. I guess it's more the persona than the actual person." Andy explained hesitantly.
"I understand. Well, the reason for this talk is that I want you to reconsider leaving. You have almost reached the one year mark. Emily is ready to move to the Art Department, and I was hoping you would move up to the first assistant position; you are already doing most of the work now. I could arrange for you to work with the Editorial team too, with Claire's approval. There's no full-time position at this time, but you could be a good fit and it would give you that writing experience you crave." Miranda coaxed.
"You would trust me in the editorial team?" Andy gasped in astonishment.
"I trust you with my life, Andréa, you come into my home almost every night; we've spent time together, and you have shown a loyalty that has been unwavering... well except on one occasion..." Miranda stalled at this. They both looked back on those few hours in Paris when Andy had disappeared leaving Miranda at the steps of the Petit Palais. "... Then there's the way you speak to my children in a way no-one else does; you regard them as individuals rather than assuming that because they shared the same womb and look-alike that they are the same unit." Miranda explained. "But the main thing is that you are talented and it would be remiss of me not to allow that natural aptitude to flourish," Miranda said offhandedly.
"Wow." Andy breathed.
"Well yes." Miranda blushed.
Andy whispered. "I still can't stay Miranda. I'm sorry but..."
Miranda cut her off. "All I ask is that you consider your options, Andréa. Give it a few days. That's all."
"... I can't." Andy whispered, feeling the prick of tears sting her eyes and looking down quickly in the hope Miranda wouldn't notice.
Moving around the table Miranda perched by her side. Cautiously she touched Andy's chin and lifted her face so they were at eye level. Miranda saw the whirl of emotions behind the glistening chocolate eyes. "I think it's time we revisited the other reasons you wish to leave," Miranda told her gently. She noticed as Andy's shoulders shook as the tears fell. Miranda moved her hand from Andy's face and stood up. She gave the younger woman time to calm herself and herself the time to gather her thoughts.
The last thing Miranda wanted to do was to blunder her way through this conversation with her usual acerbic bluntness and do irreparable damage to the lovely young woman. She had tried over the last few months to be kinder to her assistant. Paris had opened her eyes to the risk that Andréa could walk away. By letting her go Miranda would lose the sense of peace created by this beautiful young woman's innate calmness. And that would be unacceptable.
Gathering her focus Miranda looked towards the young woman. She caught her staring, desire plain in her eyes. "Oh!" Miranda exclaimed as the heat of the gaze hit her in the pit of her stomach. Embarrassed at being caught in her perusal Andy looked down at her lap. "Look at me, Andréa." Miranda requested. At the raising of those pools of chocolate, she became flustered. "Hero worship, just like the rest." She whispered not realising Andy heard the words.
"No Miranda. Not that, never that!" Andy declared hotly as she stood and stalked towards the older woman. "How dare you even attempt to label my feelings... as... as hero worship?"
Miranda stepped back, having never seen Andy so angry or hurt, even when she had been at her most vicious.
"I didn't know who you were when I met you 11 months ago. I didn't read Runway. I had no fucking idea... I thought fashion was frivolous, doing women a disservice, leaving them with the awareness they're less than perfect due to being a size over the industry norm. I thought the clothes designed weren't made to fit anyone over a size 2 unless individually tailored. I assumed that this industry is the root cause of society's focus on body image..." Andy was furious.
"I... you..." Miranda stuttered before Andy cut her sentence off.
"No Miranda! You need to let me finish. I didn't appreciate fashion was about art and that all these perpetually skinny women allow the designers to create their art from a blank canvas. My God Miranda, this job has taught me, so much, and I appreciate all this more than you will ever realise. And I need you to trust me when I say you are distinctly human; you are flawed. I see that and I absolutely adore that part of you. I'm not like the others who place you on a pedestal as Goddess of the fashion world, an icon, some deity to worship at the Runway alter, only to grow distant when they find you have feet of clay. As I've said I do not fit in here." She tried to calm herself.
Miranda's eyes tore up at Andy's words. "You can't mean that," Miranda told her.
"I can, and I do, Miranda. You asked for my honesty, well here it is. This isn't a recent thing for me. I have been fighting my feelings for months, trying to make sure it doesn't affect my work or my relationship with you. I've let my feelings for you turn my personal life to shit, Nate left me and my childhood friends followed him. My new friendship with Nigel, Emily and Serena is one of the few things to have kept me going outside Runway, and Emily only offers her friendship under extreme sufferance." Andy sniffed back her tears. "I'm tired of fighting against my feelings Miranda, knowing what I feel for you is impossible. And that is why I need to leave." Andy told her as tears flowed from her eyes and she walked away from Miranda.
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Miranda hurried after Andy as she walked away. Reaching out she grabbed her by the shoulder, spinning her around quickly Andy stumbled into her. Miranda's arms circled her waist to stop her falling and Andy's eyes closed as she whimpered at the contact. "Look at me, Andréa," Miranda demanded. Andy looked down at the older woman and as they made eye contact Miranda saw the tears still flowing, and embarrassment clouding her features. "Don't you dare walk away from me again; do you hear me?" Miranda said to her as she lifted her hand to brush away the tears. "You cannot deposit all that on me and just walk away." She explained gently. "That's not fair."
Taking a stuttering breath Andy looked down. She was self-conscious and did not know what to say to make things right.
"Please come and sit." Miranda requested hesitantly. "I have questions I want answers to and then it's my time to talk; if that's okay with you?"
"Okay," Andy told her taking a deep breath as Miranda released her hold on her waist, clutched her hand and led back to the seats.
"Andréa, I realise you are embarrassed about your outburst and if I could take that mortification away and ease your agitation I would. What I need to understand is why today? What prompted your decision to tell me you're leaving? Have I done something?" Miranda wanted to know but was hesitant.
"I'll answer what I can Miranda. Just so you know, you've done nothing wrong, I swear. My decision is based on what I perceive is the right thing to do. I'm finding it harder to be near you and not to act on my feelings, my head and my heart are in a constant battle of wills and I'm tired." Andy closed her eyes and breathed deeply. "The last thing I ever wanted to do is put you in a situation you are not comfortable with. As I said, even amid my anger, I know the way I feel is impossible. Why today? I cannot answer concisely but it's everything I've already mentioned and possibly more than I cannot think of right now."
"I see," Miranda told her.
"I don't think you do Miranda. I told you some things are best left unspoken and yet when you lifted my gaze to yours you saw something in my eyes that made you push for answers. What is it?" Andy asked her.
"I thought it was my turn to ask questions," Miranda stated. "When I caught your eye before they twinkled with something akin to love... hunger or desire would be the most appropriate words to describe what I saw," Miranda whispered. "But your eyes before that, when I read them as I touched your face, they held fear, confusion and sadness... a world of pain. I told you earlier that you are a poor liar. It is always your eyes that give you away, Andréa; they're so expressive. I hope you never lose that. But I also hope that is your happiness I see shining in those beautiful eyes more than your pain. They are truly the gateway to your soul." Miranda told her grasping her hand.
"Your anger and frustration with me were justified. I didn't mean to call what I saw in you, hero worship; it was a random fleeting thought not meant to be expressed out loud. I know better than that without you telling me. You are no Emily; that's one thing I've learned to appreciate the most about you. I always knew if you came to respect me, it would have been earned rather than something ingrained due to my position at the helm of Runway as Queen of Fashion. I'm so sorry." Miranda said.
"You apologised... you never apologise..." Andy stuttered.
"I have been known to on the rare occasion when I am in the wrong. It's not something that happens often enough to be noticeable." Miranda smirked which caused a glimmer of a smile to erupt on Andy's face. "So these feelings?" Miranda queried. "I refuse to label them in case I incur your wrath again. May I ask when they started?"
"It's hard to define; there are numerous moments. Looking back it could have been around the time of your Cerulean rant." Andy told her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"I do not rant." Miranda sputtered the denial strongly.
Laughing gently Andy raised her eyebrow at Miranda showing her incredulity before turning serious. Taking a deep breath she attempted to gather her thoughts. "I will be honest with you Miranda. I admit that frightens me as I don't quite know how you'll react."
"As you are aware, Andréa, I would rather you bamboozle me with brilliance than baffle me with bullshit," Miranda smirked again and Andy let out a loud gasp of laughter at the editor's words.
"Never change Miranda," Andy told her.
"I don't plan to," Miranda said.
Getting her amusement under control Andy explained her feelings. "When I first worked for you, there were times I could have easily pushed you into oncoming traffic; you were that infuriating. And then one day I realised that should I do so I would probably just run out into the traffic to push you back to safety, probably killing myself in the process. You are a force of nature Miranda. I know in my heart and soul that the world would be a poorer place without you in it."
Miranda smiled gently at that. "And?" She queried.
Andy looked at her. "And as I've said there are various incidents that run through my mind that could be the defining moment of realisation for my feelings." Andy tried to gather her thoughts. "The Cerulean moment is the first; it was the first time you took it upon yourself to explain something to me, to make me understand the importance of what you do." Andy sighed. "You probably don't even realise what a gift that was. It is well known across the industry you never explain yourself." She took a deep breath. "There was that look you gave me after Nigel's makeover; I was in your office prepping for the day; you entered while you were on the phone to Patrick and stopped mid-conversation; you looked me over and there was so much approval, and I nearly melted at the intensity of your scrutiny." Andy grinned. "The final thing that comes to mind was the Harry Potter debacle. You were so surprised when I handed you that bound copy and when you looked at me as if you had never seen me before, I felt like I was magical. I was sure you wanted me to fail so you could fire me."
Miranda snorted at that. "I would never..."
"Yes you would, you've done it before now for far less." Andy counteracted. "That night with my chocolate was the final defining moment; I was so annoyed when I realised my stash had been found; I was ready to call Emily and fire a rocket up her ass, and then I heard the most divine sound coming from behind me, it was you, just casually sat there on that kitchen bench, barefoot and eyes closed, a moment of pure joy expressed in a sensual moan of delight. Wrapping your beautiful mouth around that Snickers bar, it was captivating. And then you saw me and you moved to jump down off that bench so gracefully then threw that wink at me as you stalked past, it was so unexpected and mischievous, I nearly combusted on the spot." Andy looked down and blushed. "So yeah those are just a few moments off the top of my head."
"I had no idea, Andréa..." Miranda trailed off.
"You weren't meant to," Andy told her. "I was going to leave and trying to get over this. You were supposed to let me go."
Turning serious Miranda asked. "You want me to let you go?"
"Yes... No! I don't know anymore." Andy was confused.
"What do you know, Andréa?" Miranda asked.
"This... what I have admitted today... this has changed everything Miranda. Things can't go back to what they were."
"I see," Miranda said breathlessly.
"I lost a five-year relationship and 20 years of friendship recently." Andy looked away sadly. "And although I am sad about it, it wasn't a massive loss. It hasn't filled my life with a gaping hole. The huge sense of loss and the gaping hole opened when I was walking away from you in Paris. That's why I returned to you. I decided it was better to have you in my life as my boss than lose you from my life altogether. I didn't understand how hard it would be to do this. I can't keep hiding what I feel Miranda. It's eating away at me."
"I have one final question for you and then you will let me speak. You have stated multiple times that your feelings are impossible." Miranda caught her eye. "Why?"
"Because in my head I recognise they could never be returned. If I acted on them, the way my heart tells me to, and then I could be left even more humiliated than I am right now." Andy was honest knowing she could not get away with half-truths. Feeling overwhelmed her tears streamed again.
Pulling the young woman close Miranda attempted to soothe her. "Hush darling. It will be okay. You won't lose me. I promise." Miranda told her as she rubbed circles on her upper back.
As Andy found herself surrounded by Miranda's unique scent, she found herself at peace, and gradually calmed down. Continuing to rub circles into Andy's upper back, Miranda took the time to gather her thoughts before extracting herself from the embrace.
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As Miranda got up from the seat, she paced. Andy could see Miranda was battling with her internal voices, her arms gesturing now and then and the soft muttering under her breath. She was mesmerising. Andy watched her worry clear in her eyes, but she would let the older woman speak when she was ready.
Spinning around Miranda saw Andy watching and relaxed. Walking back to the seating area she sat next to Andy again and reached over to grasp her hand. Looking at Andy she said. "I'm sorry you saw me like that, Andréa. I became aware many years ago of the negative self-talk that went on in my head. For years, I tried many ways to deal with it. I mentioned it in therapy a short time ago and my therapist asked me whose voice it was. I was so taken aback. I always assumed it was my voice telling me I couldn't do something I wanted to do, telling me I am an impostor and that everyone who ever liked me would eventually find out I am not lovable, worthy or even productive, that I am a phoney, a nobody." Miranda sighed heavily. "My therapist instructed me to ask questions to the voices and to ask them what else they had to tell me. After I asked a few clear questions, I realised I could to hear the derisive voices of my parents, the old boyfriend's, my husbands and even a few so-called friends. We are working through the reasons I hear my voice; I took over where the abusive and controlling people in my life had left off. I've continued to feed negativity about myself to my belief system. I adopted their opinions as my truth."
"I hope you realise that those things that were said to you and about you were lies. They were not true and they are not true. You are as equally deserving of life, fullness, joy, happiness, freedom and love as anyone else on this Earth." Andy told her tenderly.
"Am I? I'm not so sure." Miranda admitted sadly.
"How are you able to think that, Miranda? You are loving, passionate, sensitive, intelligent and persistent. You have a strong moral compass; you go after your goals with a drive and abandon which shows just how much you care. It takes a lot of courage to stay in the position you have maintained over the years. You're an amazing woman." Andy declared. "It's true you can be unapproachable; you're aloof; your assertiveness can sometimes come across as aggressive and you're blunt to the point of rudeness but that's due to the position you hold, not you."
"Yes well. I need you to let me talk now and I need for you to listen to me, Andréa. No interruption regardless of what I say." Miranda stated.
"Okay." Andy agreed.
"I still want you to reconsider and stay at Runway, at least for a short time. As I told you, I would like to give you some editorial work. It will look good on your resume and open more doors for you. If you left now to work at a newspaper, you would start in the bull-pen writing court reports, obituaries and filler pieces. I don't want your work; your talent to get lost. I am newly amazed by you; at the confirmation of your awareness, that fashion is art. I want that awareness, your realisation to be put to use here at Runway." Miranda declared. "My initial thought about you wanting to leave Runway is that it would be unacceptable if I lost the calmness and peace you exude and bring to my life. Upon further reflection, you are what I would miss the most. Just you, Andréa, and all you are. The spark of your laughter when you're amused, your beautifully genuine smile and the swirl of emotions in your expressive eyes."
Miranda caught Andy's eyes. "I would miss the way you meet every challenge I give you head-on, the quiet time we share in the office and in my home, hearing you take the time to discuss the latest trend or explain your views about a poem or book with my girls. I have watched you closely and seen you grow into the breathtaking woman I see before me every day, the woman I found the need to explain myself to, the one I cannot tear my eyes from every morning as I enter my office, bewildered at the transformation and the subtle twists you establish to create your own personal style. You are other-worldly; you cast your spell wherever you go, bewitching all, treating everyone with respect and kindness. I would miss being in the presence of someone I can be myself with, the person I inadvertently gave my heart to." Miranda finished the last sentence in a whisper.
As Andy tried to speak Miranda shot her a look. "No interruption, Andy." Miranda reminded. Having Miranda use her nickname caused the young woman's lips to a quirk in disbelief. "Let me finish. You were right when you said what had been admitted would change everything. Things can't go back to what they were. You have given me the hope for more. More of this." She waved her hand between them. "More of what we have been building. Hope for a future filled with love. Your feelings aren't impossible, darling, haven't I made it clear you can do anything?" At this Miranda graced the young woman with a large genuine smile and pulled her close whispered. "You may speak now if you can find the words."
"I... So I... I'm not dreaming am I?" Andy stuttered.
Pulling back Miranda looked at the smiling brunette. "No darling, this is not a dream." She clarified.
"So you did just call me Andy?" She asked Miranda teasingly.
"Well yes. I suppose I did." Miranda rolled her eyes and Andy laughed. "It was a slip of the tongue." She murmured.
Smothering her laughter Andy looked at the older woman in amazement. "How long have you felt like this Miranda?" She questioned.
"There's million moments ingrained in my mind. For me the defining moment was Paris. There were two moments that week. The night you found me in my suite, no make-up on, crying over that blasted fool and his divorce by fax. You looked at me that night without pity, but a willingness to assist, compassion and empathy. You wore that beautiful grey skirt and that black blouse; you had a hint of cleavage I struggled to take my eyes off. When you asked me if there was anything else you could do I nearly crumbled. The following night is the night we sat and drank wine after you returned and you'd bought those delectable little treats from La Maison Du Chocolat. I was so lost that afternoon without you. Even Donatella noticed and commented, that without my Andréa, I had lost my usual sparkle. I was so relieved when you knocked on my door that evening; I swore to myself I would try to be kinder, more approachable. I realised at that moment at La Place de la Concorde that I don't want to be without you, you've provided me with a peace and contentedness I have barely known before. I was terrified you'd leave me again." Miranda explained.
"Well, I hope you realise you may be quite stuck with me now," Andy told her.
"I hope so," Miranda whispered hesitantly.
"So what's next?" Andy queried looking concerned.
"Well, I think I should take you for dinner and drinks or we could do something plebeian like bowling or the movies." Miranda laughed.
"So you want to take me on a date then?" Andy asked breathlessly.
Rolling her eyes Miranda let out a peal of laughter. "Yes, I suppose I do." She responded.
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