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 just 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 Six:
Walking into the restaurant Andy was amazed at the soft whisky-bar lighting, dark mahogany panelled walls, beamed ceilings, wooden flooring and small intimate tables. As Miranda was greeted warmly by the Maître D' they found themselves being led past the bar to a table for two, as they made their way across the restaurant Miranda went tense as she made eye contact with Stephen at the bar. His eyes were glazed as he nursed a scotch in his hand. As Miranda stalled slightly Andy stumbled into her.
"Miranda?" Stephen questioned slurring slightly.
"Good evening Stephen." Miranda nodded to him, disapproval clear in her gaze. "Come Andréa." Reaching behind her Miranda grasped Andy's elbow pulled her forward as she led her to their table.
Stephen let out a jovial laugh. "Jesus Miranda, it's a bit sad that you need to bring your assistant to dine with you. Are you now so pathetic you aren't able to find yourself decent company?"
Miranda stiffened her spine. Spinning around Miranda stalked towards her ex, looking into his bloodshot eyes she leaned in and whispered. "She is a damn sight better company than you and your fucking scotch. If you make a scene Stephen, I swear I will destroy all hopes of you gaining anything from our pathetic excuse of a marriage. Now I will enjoy my dinner date."
"Da...Date?" Stephen slurred. "You've got to be fucking kidding Mi...Miranda?" He hiccuped and waved at the bartender for a refill. "I will tell my Lawyer about this."
"Oh really?" Miranda grinned evilly. "Isn't this your prepubescent whore coming into the restaurant now? Maybe I should let my lawyer learn that you are dating a minor," She nodded towards the door as a young blonde came rushing in. Miranda rolled her eyes at him.
"She is not a minor." Stephen stuttered.
"Oh Stephen, you should really do your homework. She is 17, and only just that." Miranda grinned evilly at him. "I am aware that the age of consent in New York is 17 but I possess proof that this relationship was happening beforehand." She let ice fill her eyes. "I want you to play nice and sign the fucking divorce papers, drag this out any further and I will ensure you are hit with Statutory Rape charges, even if charges do not stick your reputation will be ruined. Do not cross me further Stephen, I'm warning you." As Stephen sputtered Miranda stared him down. "That's all."
Miranda stalked back to their table where Andy was sat nervously. Looking up at the older woman as she eased herself into the chair opposite she saw the evil glint in Miranda's eye.
"Are you okay?" Andy asked gently.
Miranda glanced at the young woman opposite. Seeing the concern expressed within those mocha eyes she said. "I will be yes. I imparted the importance of this divorce, to my soon to be ex-husband."
"Is that his new girlfriend?" Andy asked shocked. At Miranda's nod of acceptance, she whispered. "She looks about 14. Jesus he must be crazy to let you go for that child."
At Andy's genuine words Miranda softened slightly. "That's sweet of you to say, but as you realize I am not an easy person to deal with."
"That's true, but I think it'd be worth dealing with to be with you," Andy told her with a smile.
Miranda grinned back at her. "You say that with the confidence of youth darling. I have yet to find someone up to the challenge."
Andy smirked and whispered across the table. "Challenge accepted." Miranda chuckled. As they looked at each other Andy became nervous. "So this, tonight?" Andy asked. "I would understand if you wanted to leave, with him being here and everything."
"No!" Miranda told her. "You said when we made time for this it would be us talking and getting to know each other. I would like to know you better." Miranda told her causing Andy to smile. "We could start by playing 20 questions." Andy laughed as the server came to the table.
Looking up at him Andy smiled. "Are you ready to order?" She asked Miranda.
"May I order for both of us?" Miranda asked.
"Yes, of course," Andy told her smiling.
"Okay so my first question, do you have any food allergies?" Seeing Andy shake her head in a negative Miranda smiled. "Me either." Looking at the server she said. "Bring us a bottle of Chianti. We will both start with the Frutti Di Mare Antipasti, for Primo Piatto, the Risotto and the Paccheri. For desert Chocolate mouse and Cannoli. That's all." She grinned at the brunette. "I hope you're hungry."
"Wow," Andy whispered. "Sounds like a veritable feast. So what would you like to learn about me?" Andy asked.
Miranda looked at the young brunette contemplatively. "Who has been the biggest influence in your life? Mine would be Coco Chanel."
"Why?" Andy asked curiously.
"She revolutionised women's fashion, the way women wore clothes, from trousers to the little black dress and from designer perfume to possessing a suntan. She made women look beautiful, smell beautiful and feel beautiful. So who would be yours? Miranda questioned softly.
"I would say, Virginia Woolf, she believed in intellectual freedom but her writing shows her struggle to find meaning in her own existence. It is something I have been able to relate to. To The Lighthouse had the biggest impact on me, it made me reconsider how I think and find direction." Andy smiled.
"What is the meaning of life? That was all - a simple question; one that tended to close in on one with years, the great revelation had never come. The great revelation perhaps never did come..." Miranda quoted softly.
"...Instead, there were little daily miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in the dark." Andy finished the quote and smiled. "That's one of my favourite quotes. No matter how much you search you may never find the true meaning of life, of why we are here."
"And what do you perceive as the meaning of life? Why are you here Andréa?" Miranda asked with evident curiosity.
"I think I am here to make a difference in the world. That may sound naïve but I believe the biggest thing I can do is to go out in the world and offer kindness and acceptance. As for the meaning of life, that's something I'm still trying to work out, but I believe love plays a massive part, why else would we possess the capacity to love so freely and so very fiercely?"
"I don't think I have ever thought of it in that much depth. You make a valid point and back it up with your firm beliefs. I must admit that I had never experienced such fierce love until my girls were born. I hope they go out in the world and make a difference." Miranda told her.
"I'm sure they will. They are wonderful children now and I honestly believe they will both carry that into their adulthood." Andy said brightly. "So I have a question for you." Andy blushed. "I've heard your fake social laugh and you occasionally chuckle or snigger. I've heard your genuine laughter once or twice, which is like music. What things typically make you laugh?"
"Well..." Miranda was hesitant. "I maintain a twisted sense of humour. I love bad puns and a good sarcastic quip. My conversations with my daughters lead to lots of laughter, sometimes we don't even realize why we're laughing. I love the twins temper tantrums, their little outbursts, the things they say and do, well it can be so cute and they get even crazier the more I laugh. The awkwardness and weirdness of other people and when people fall down are other things that tickle my funny bone. Miranda told her.
"I undoubtedly caused real belly laughs when I first came to Runway then." Andy gave one of her most brilliant smiles. "Awkward...yes. Weird...yes. Clumsy...oh dear God yes."
Miranda smirked. "When you first wore heels, it was like watching a foal finding its feet after it is born. I never laughed at you directly due to your ability to laugh at yourself, but I admit it caused some chuckles. You are becoming quite graceful these days." She chuckled happily. "So what about you? What makes you laugh?"
"Oh, that's easy." Andy grinned. "Bad pick-up lines."
"Give me your best-worst pick-up line." Miranda requested.
"Oh okay..." Andy trailed off as she tried to recollect the worst ones she had been subjected to. "Okay, here goes." Giving Miranda a smouldering glance she whispered. "If it's true we are what we eat, then I could be you by morning."
Miranda snorted and clapped her hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter. Her shoulders were shaking and tears of laughter formed. Removing her hand she laughed loudly as she took up her napkin to wipe her eyes. Seeing her reaction Andy giggled, and they both sat there trying to get themselves under control.
"Oh, Jesus. That has to be the funniest yet sexiest thing I've ever had said to me." Miranda chortled. "The expression in your eyes as you said it. My word Andréa. If you looked at me like that all the time I'd have melted a long time ago." Miranda said still chuckling as the server brought their Antipasti.
Andy grinned and said. "So fair's fair. Give me one of your best-worse pick-up lines." Andy requested.
"Okay so in the spirit of fairness I'll share. This one was actually said to me." Miranda sniggered as she leaned across the table. "I may not be Fred Flintstone, but I bet I can make your Bed Rock."
Bursting into laughter Andy couldn't form a concise response. Each time she tried she laughed harder until her stomach ached. After a few minutes of uproarious laughter, Andy said. "Okay, so I can't believe someone had the nerve to say that to you."
Miranda smirked. "His actions after that were a bit of a disappointment." She told the brunette.
Andy giggled again causing Miranda to catch her eyes across the table and offer her a wide, genuine smile.
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As dinner continued Miranda and Andy continued to question each other. "So what's your favourite movie of all time?" Miranda asked as she twirled her wine glass between her fingers.
"Classic, modern or modern classic?" Andy asked with a grin.
Miranda rolled her eyes. "Trust you to throw a curve-ball. Just answer the question."
"Well, I am unable just to pick one. I prefer the classics. Gone with the Wind or A Streetcar Named Desire are my classic choices. The Colour Purple would be my modern classic and Brokeback Mountain and the Harry Potter franchise would be my modern choices."
"I think Brokeback will become a classic, it was a masterpiece." Miranda smiled. "You are eclectic in your preferences. It's good to realise you appreciate the classics. I enjoy movies as you are now aware. I love all things, Disney. My favourite's classics would be Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Philadelphia Story. Modern classic has to include Star Wars. Modern movies include Harry Potter and Memoirs of a Geisha."
"And you say my taste is eclectic," Andy smirked as they finished their Antipasti. "The Frutti Di Mare was lovely. Are you happy for me to question you more?" Andy smiled, picking up her wine she sipped it and hummed in pleasure. Miranda gasped, a jolt of desire going directly to the pit of her stomach. As Andy caught her gaze, she raised her eyebrow in question. "Miranda?" She asked. Miranda blushed and looked down. Leaning across the table Andy took her hand. "Look at me, sweetheart."
Getting herself back in control Miranda looked up, her face still flushed. "You can ask me anything darling."
Andy smirked. "Okay, so what were you like as a child?" Miranda looked shocked at Andy's question. Andy looked across at her. "You said I could ask anything."
"Yes well..." Miranda was nervous. "I don't normally talk about it...it's hard." Miranda bit her lip.
"Look I won't push you to divulge something if you don't want to," Andy told her gently as she placed her hand on top of Miranda's. "All you have to do is tell me if there are subjects you do not wish to discuss."
Miranda shook her head and removing her hand from Andy's finished her wine. "My grandmother used to tell me I was an odd child, I rarely smiled, barely laughed. I was a serious little thing, really. I was a dreamer and deep thinker, people would tell me I was an old soul. I didn't do particularly well at school, my education came much later." Miranda looked apprehensive as she poured them both more wine.
The server came and whisked their empty dishes away before returning to them with their mains. Looking up at Andy she saw her looking astounded at her large plate of Paccheri with pork meatballs and sausage in tomato sauce. She gave her a small smile.
"I was born into a poor immigrant family in the East End of London Andréa. My father was a Polish Jew, he made it to England in 1940 alongside 20,000 other men and joined the army fighting in France. While on leave he met my mother, she was from an ordinary working-class Jewish family." Miranda snorted. "Anyway they got married and a few years after the war ended they had my sister, followed quickly by twin brothers, four years later they had me and then a year later my mother found out she was pregnant again, the baby and my mother died in childbirth, at that point my maternal grandmother moved in to help with the raising of her grandchildren." Miranda sighed. "It wasn't an easy time. London was changing but the government could never keep up with the needs of the expanding population. Many areas remained derelict for years after the blitz destroyed them."
Andy was stunned. "You should be proud of who you are Miranda, you've done awe-inspiring things with your life, you worked your way up from nothing to the very pinnacle of your profession." Andy shook her head in wonder.
Miranda drank more wine as she watched Andy eat her pasta as she played with her risotto. "So Douglas told us about the teenage Andréa who had the ability to turn her best friend gay and who went stag to Prom but I want to know more."
Andy looked up, quickly swallowing her food she grinned. "I was a shy kid and really socially awkward. My little sister Jill is the one with all the feminine grace, I was a total tomboy. My older brother Brad was my closest friend other than Doug. Because of him, I played soccer and softball and he taught me to throw a punch." Andy smiled at her recollections. "Brad believed in justice, he wouldn't stand by watching someone getting bullied, even if the odds were against him, so I used to jump in too."
"Andy the brawler, protector of the underdog. I can picture that clearly." Miranda smiled.
"I've never heard mention of a brother." Miranda queried softly.
"He passed away at 13." Andy looked down at her plate.
"I'm so sorry, my darling." Miranda clasped her hand lightly.
"Anyway, puberty happened." Andy continued. "I had terrible growing pains which put a stop to the sports. I also become quite withdrawn after Brad died so my mom enrolled me in drama classes in the hope they would give me more confidence and bring me out of myself. I taught myself the guitar, and I found I could sing." Andy smiled. "I've been playing the piano since I was four. That was something my Grams, and I did together, she spent her early twenties singing and playing in jazz bars."
Miranda looked at her smiling softly in the candlelight. "And where did the love of writing and literature come in?"
"Well, that was always there. When Brad and I weren't on one of our great adventures, I was writing them down or sat out in our backyard reading." Andy smiled sadly. Seeing the sadness Miranda raised her eyebrow. "No-one in my family gets it, that love of reading and writing. They're all so very practical. Brad got it, so did my Grams." Andy admitted. "Without them, home is just another place I don't fit in."
"You'll realise one-day Andréa that you are not meant to fit in. You were born to stand out. To shine in your own uniquely brilliant way, to make that difference we discussed earlier. I expect you will make an even bigger difference with your written words."
Andy smiled brightly at Miranda's words. "I didn't put it on my resume but I was accepted to Stanford law on a full scholarship. I did pre-law for a year before I decided it wasn't the career for me. I would be good at it, I know that, and I would have walked into the family business at the end of it like my sister Jill will. Instead, I transferred to Northwestern and for the first time did what I wanted and not what was expected."
Miranda shook her head in amazement. "That just proves how much underlying strength you possess, it will take you far in life Andréa. You will be a force of nature, my darling." Miranda ate more risotto before pushing her plate to one side.
As Andy looked over at her she saw the candlelight creating a halo around Miranda's silver hair. Miranda caught her gaze and smiled. "So the tattoo Douglas mentioned. Is that the only one?"
"No, there are two tattoos. Both hold great meaning for me. They are in places that aren't easily accessible and can be covered unless I wear something ridiculously revealing." Andy smirked.
Miranda gazed at her. "I never wanted one myself but some tattoos, when tastefully done, are beautiful. The fact yours hold meaning for you doesn't surprise me. There is a hidden depth behind that beautiful smiling face."
Andy blushed as she pushed her plate to one side. Picking up her wine glass she finished her drink and asked. "Do you cook? I know you have Cara at home."
Miranda threw Andy a look of disbelief. "Yes, of course. I find cooking innately relaxing. I hired Cara as I struggle to find the time to do what I need to between home and Runway. The twins and I bake occasionally too. Do you cook?"
"I can cook yes. Nate took most of the pleasure out of it, as a chef he was often overbearing in the kitchen, nothing I did was right. Now I am living alone most of the time I don't see the point. I throw something easy together, salads and basic pasta dishes or I eat on the run. Cereal is always an easy dinner option too." Andy smiled at the older woman as she rolled her eyes. "Well we're nearly at the dessert course and we've not quite managed the full 20 questions. I'm a fairly uncomplicated open book so what else do you want to know about me, Miranda?" Andy asked as their plates were removed.
Taking a sip of her wine Miranda sat back and thought about what information she wanted about the young woman opposite. "Have you ever had feelings for a woman before?"
Andy blushed. "There has been one or two attractions to women over the years, nothing I acted upon and certainly nothing as strong as what I hold for you." She bit her lip nervously at the admission as Miranda smiled warmly.
"Well, I must admit you are the first. I've been surrounded by many beautiful women over the years and not one of them captured my attention the way you do." Miranda told her. Looking at the brunette she whispered. "I have enjoyed tonight. Would you like to do this again? You can choose what we do."
Andy gave the woman opposite a mega-watt smile. "Do you have plans tomorrow evening? I have two tickets for Les Mis at the Broadhurst."
"You like musicals?" Miranda questioned as dessert was brought to the table.
"I fell in love with them in my drama classes. I always signed up for them. My favourite has to be Cats."
"I would love to go with you tomorrow. The girls really want to watch Wicked. I should get us tickets." Miranda said.
"I'll arrange three tickets on Monday." Andy smiled.
"Four, you'll be coming too," Miranda told her gently.
"Wow, okay. So...me, you, Caroline and Cassidy? Won't they wonder why we are spending so much time together?"
"They know why Andréa. I don't have a habit of hiding things from them that may affect their lives and they are both also very perceptive. They saw how concerned and distracted I've been this past week so we had a discussion." Miranda smiled. "They like you by the way."
"Well, that's good to know." Andy picked up one of the Cannoli and bit into it lightly. Closing her eyes against the flavour she moaned happily. Swallowing the delicate cream filled pastry she muttered. "Oh my God that's delicious."
Miranda choked on her wine upon hearing Andy's moan. "Jesus Andréa." She whispered as she caught her breath, her eyes burning with desire as she looked at the young woman.
Seeing the intensity expressed in the editor's eyes Andy smiled widely and leaned forward.
"Do you want to get out of here?"
"God yes," Miranda whispered. Signalling for the check the server came over and handed it over to Miranda. Without looking at the total Miranda slipped her card into the bill folder, handing it back she sat back and finished her glass of wine. Once the server had returned, she signed the bill with a flourish and stood. "Are you ready?" She asked Andy breathlessly, holding her hand out to the brunette she pulled her from the chair and grabbing their coats they made their way through the restaurant.
Andy felt her left arm being grasped as she followed Miranda towards the door.
"Hey, Ahn-drey-ah." Stephen slurred at her.
Andy rolled her eyes. Leaning towards him she said. "Mr Tomlinson, I would very much appreciate it if you take your hands off me."
Stephen stood up and grabbed her arm in a vice-like grip as he swayed. "I'd like to see you make me. You know I was thinking, it's obvious you've never experienced a real man since you're willing to tie yourself to my frigid bitch of an ex-wife." He sniggered and stepped into Andy's personal space. "Maybe you should try me."
She closed her eyes and choked back the bile forming from the stench of whiskey fanning over her from his breath. Andy took a deep breath as the Maître D' and their server approached cautiously. "I've asked you politely once. Now let me fucking go." She seethed.
Stephen laughed and seeing red Andy formed a fist with her free hand and launched it into his nose, delighting in the crunch of the knuckle on delicate bone.
"Ow." He let go of her arm and stumbled back onto his backside groaning in pain as he clutched his nose. "Ow! You fucking bitch, you've broken my fucking nose."
Andy looked down at him and laughed. "You call yourself a real man. You are a pathetic drunken asshole, an absolute disgrace. I wouldn't touch your tiny little dick even if you were the last man on Earth, I'd chop the fucker off, That's if you could even get it up. You make me sick to my stomach Stephen." Andy was on a roll. "Frankly I'd punch you again in a heartbeat if I thought it would knock some common decency into you but you're just a fucking cretin. Say what you want about me, I don't fucking care. But at least you know the consequences of disrespecting Miranda in my presence." Andy stared him down her eyes cold. "How does it feel to a real man like you to have a young girl like me knock you down on your ass? You were asked to release your hold on me twice, you refused. What I did tonight was an act of self-defence, a pre-emptive strike. You deserved it." Andy spun around only to face Miranda. Seeing the look of shock and disgust filtering through the older woman's eyes she closed her eyes. "Oh fuck what have I done?" She whispered.
Feeling a gentle touch on her hand she opened her eyes to see Miranda's eyes filling with tears. "We need to get your hand checked Andréa. It's swelling."
"Yes, Miranda." She whispered hoarsely.
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