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 Twelve:
Andy stepped towards Miranda as she saw her smile. "Sweetheart?" She whispered.
"Yes, my darling?" Miranda queried.
"I just...I'm...Never mind." Andy stuttered. She turned her back on Miranda and stalked to her luggage frustrated with herself for her inability to voice what was in her mind.
Miranda looked back at the brunette as she searched her bags for clothes wrapped in nothing but a towel. She took a deep breath and stepped towards her. "Andréa tell me what you want." She requested softly.
Andy continued to rummage through her luggage, unable to look Miranda in the eye. "I wanted...I was going to ask...fuck!" Andy spun around and Miranda saw the fire in her eyes. "Part of me thinks you should be at home with the twins, not here putting up with me and my family dysfunction."
"Well if you don't want me here..." Miranda stated sadly and turned away.
Andy grabbed her wrist. "I do. It's just...well you keep having to pick up the pieces as my world falls apart repeatedly." Andy shook her head. "I'm scared that you may tire of it and I don't want to lose you too."
"My darling, no!" Miranda moved closer. "Look at me!" She asked. Andy raised her eyes to Miranda's and got lost, drowning in the depths of blue. "How many times must I tell you, I am not going anywhere? I'm in this for as long as you allow," Miranda told her, her sincerity clear in the softening of her eyes. "None of this is on you, you are a casualty of other people's betrayal, their inability to cherish a genuine soul, a diamond in a world of stone." Miranda shook her head sadly and grabbed Andy's hand, looking down she realised it was used to punch Stephen, she raised her eyes again. "I'm sorry, I forgot." She whispered trying to let it go.
"It doesn't hurt Miranda, the bruising looks much worse than it is." Andy entwined their fingers and stepped towards Miranda as she lifted the bruised hand to her mouth and placed a gentle kiss on it.
"I am where I want to be, my darling, with you," Miranda told her before turning Andy's hand and placing a kiss on her palm. "To be as loyal and as protective of you as you are to me." She kissed the inside of Andy's wrist softly. "To love you the way I can see you love me." She smiled and let go of Andy's hand as she heard a slight hitch in the young woman's breathing.
"What I said about you not being here, it wasn't what I was going to say," Andy admitted.
"No? So what was it?" Miranda queried.
"I want you to take me to bed," Andy whispered.
Miranda looked at softly. "Are you sure? Once we do this there cannot be any regrets."
"Sweetheart I wouldn't have regretted it if it had happened yesterday. We met each other almost a year ago now, we had a professional relationship until recently, and over time I got to know you, and...Well...Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with you. We even had one date..."
"Two." Miranda reminded her. "We had coffee yesterday. If we had got around to folding laundry that would be three, four would have been Les Mis and lunch today would be five." Miranda reminded her of what she had told her the day before as they strolled through the park. "Now I will not take you to bed right this second, but it will happen my Andréa. We should get dressed and ready for the day."
"Well if you insist," Andy muttered breathlessly.
Miranda smiled brightly and pulled Andy into a tight hug. "It is so right holding you in my arms Andréa. You surround me with your warmth and it's like I am finally home. But we need coffee and a decision is needed on what you want to do today."
"I want to go to my par...Mom's, there are things I would like to take back to New York." Andy told her as she stepped back and turned back to her luggage. Grabbing a pair of jeans, underwear and a t-shirt. "I will not be particularly fashionable today."
Miranda rolled her eyes and smiled as she stalked over to her own luggage. Pulling out a pair of black Sass Bide skinny legged jeans and a white Ralph Lauren polo and her chucks. She found underwear and turned towards Andy who had pulled on her underwear and jeans as Miranda's back was turned. She watched as Andy pulled a red V-neck fitted t-shirt over her head and smoothed it across her toned stomach. "You are lovely, my darling," Miranda told her sincerely.
"I'm not wearing one label," Andy admitted.
Miranda stalked over and walked around the brunette. "With being as tall as you are the boyfriend jeans are perfect, even with the distressed design. Slung low on your hips they fit your backside perfectly before offering a loose fit along your beautiful long legs. The fitted t-shirt works well with them. It is casual, but it suits you." Andy smiled at her in disbelief. "What shoes are you planning on? Your converse?"
"I'll wear ballet flats," Andy told her with a small smile.
"Acceptable." Miranda offered her a smile in return. "I'd cuff the jeans though."
"I will, thank you. I'll just go do something with my hair." Andy told her as she sauntered to the bathroom.
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By the time Andy had come out of the bathroom, her hair tied in a high ponytail, Miranda was dressed. Sat on the edge of the bed she spoke quietly into her cell. "I don't care how you do it, James, if you're going to do it, do it...Yes, dinner next week sounds acceptable...I will check her availability and get Emily to arrange it. Thank you for calling." She disconnected the call and sighed.
"How are the twins?" Andy asked surprising Miranda.
"They are good, they enjoy their time with their father but they claim they are missing me. It wasn't really the reason for my call to James. We were discussing Nate." Miranda looked up. "He is being relieved of his position at the Oak Room effective of tomorrow."
Andy winced. "I didn't want him losing his job over this. Not really."
"It is not just over this. I helped finance this venture with James, I am one of a few silent partners." Miranda smiled at Andy's look of amazement. "James and I had a discussion before this about the hiring a sous chef who wasn't fitting in. He had given attitude to the head chef and alienated other chefs in the kitchen." Miranda scowled. "I did not understand who it was at the time but I mentioned to James two weeks ago that if it was me running things he would be fired. James called me this morning to ask for advice. His sous chef, Nate, hadn't arrived at work last night. He called 45 minutes after his shift started, to tell them he was stuck in New York, a death in the family."
"What? No? That doesn't sound like something he'd do." Andy whispered.
"Well, it seems he's using the death in your family to shirk his responsibilities to his employer. That is unacceptable and along with his poor attitude, that is what is responsible for his losing the position. I pointed that out to James, and once he heard what Nate said to us both I have been assured there will be no recommendation coming from the Oak Room." Miranda sighed. "It will make it difficult for him to find work in both New York and Boston and I need to warn you that there may also be repercussions from this."
"How? Andy asked.
"I warned Nate yesterday afternoon that if he didn't leave your apartment, I would have the job taken from him. It was not an idle threat at the time. I also told Doug when I found out about Nate and Lily that I would ensure he could not find a job on the East Coast. I may have also threatened to speak with Roy about some Marine style retribution."
Andy sat beside the editor and grasped her hand. "Did you speak with Roy?"
"No, Nigel did," Miranda admitted. "Roy picked Nigel and Doug up to take them to the airport and Nigel explained what had occurred since being in Cincinnati. Let's just say Roy was not too thrilled by the young man's actions towards you, he appreciates loyalty, and it is why he's been driving me for the last 15 years."
"Well, we'll handle whatever comes from this together sweetheart." Andy smiled sadly. "A restaurant like the Oak Room was always Nate's dream. I feel bad for him but it sounds like he's brought it on himself. Even if you demanded his immediate release, I wouldn't blame you. His behaviour towards you has been reprehensible."
"I was trying to remain passive, for you. It is well known I can unleash my fury on those who cross me, but after speaking with Doug I realised I did not want to take that action, that it could affect what we are building together."
"It would only affect us if we let it," Andy told her pulling her in a one-armed hug until Miranda's head was resting on her shoulder. "All I ask is that you are honest with me Miranda." She breathed, kissing her temple. "Now if you want to finish getting ready for the day, I'll order us a fresh pot of coffee and some breakfast."
Turning Miranda placed a soft kiss on Andy's cheek. "Thank you Andréa."
"It should be I thanking you," Andy whispered softly.
"You have multiple times. As you are aware, my darling I do nothing I don't want to." Miranda told her with a smirk. "James would like us both to have dinner with him soon. I said I would check with you."
"Your first husband wants to have dinner with me, your assistant?" Andy asked in disbelief.
"No, my first husband and the father of my babies would like to meet my...my girlfriend Andréa, rather than the assistant of the same name." Miranda clarified.
"What's the difference?" Andy muttered looking down at her hands.
Miranda stalked towards her, tilting Andy's chin and catching her eye she gave just a one-word answer. "Everything."
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After breakfast and a pot of hot coffee, Andy and Miranda made their way out of the Hotel and into a cold but bright winter day. Miranda shivered into her leather jacket causing Andy to look at her concerned. "The winter here takes getting used to, at least it's not snowing. Will you be okay?"
"Miranda grinned. "It's a bit chilly after being indoors. I should have brought a better jacket. You seem to be managing with yours though and mine is shearling-lined."
"Andy smiled. "I'm used to this. I had 18 years of these winters before moving to California for a year and then onto Chicago." Before entering the car Andy spoke quietly to the driver, and he gave her a quick nod of understanding as Miranda looked on in curiosity.
"What was that about darling?" She asked.
"Ah, I need to make a quick pit stop," Andy muttered as she held the door open for Miranda. Moving quickly around to the passenger side she slid into the car and it moved into traffic. Within five minutes they were at Saks Fifth Avenue and Andy exited the car quickly. Leaning back in towards Miranda she grinned. "I'll be five minutes."
Miranda smiled at her. "I'll be waiting. I'll send some emails." She waved her cell at Andy.
Andy ran through the store, to the accessories department. Finding a red scarf and beanie set she smiled happily. Looking around she saw a Burberry scarf and got it for Miranda. Within five minutes she was back in the car and they were moving through traffic to Indian Hill.
Miranda was gazing at Andy curiosity clouding her eyes. "Are you going to show me what you purchased?" She asked.
Andy pulled out her red beanie and scarf and handed the bag to Miranda. "This is for you." She smiled happily when Miranda looked into the bag and grinned as she pulled her the Burberry scarf out and wrapped it around her neck.
"Thank you, my darling. That was very thoughtful of you." Miranda told her gently.
"You're welcome." Andy blushed. "I wouldn't want you getting cold and sick because of this weather."
"I'll do my best not to become an incubus of viral plague." Andy sniggered. "Can you tell me about your childhood home?" Miranda asked.
"Well it's a shingled roofed ranch style brick house, it's open plan. It sits on just over four acres of woodland. It's all marble and hardwood floors, beamed ceilings and has multiple wood-burning fireplaces. It was built back in '78. It has 4 bedrooms and 4 1/2 bathrooms and a fully converted basement. That's where Doug made his home when he stayed with us."
"It sounds like it would have been a beautiful place to grow up," Miranda told her.
"It was...it is a beautiful home. It holds lots of wonderful memories. There are lots of sad ones too." Andy smiled sadly. "It's not seemed like home for a long time."
"What changed? Brad?" Miranda queried.
"Partly. God this is hard to talk about. Would you mind if we waited 'til we got to the house?" Andy asked.
"Not at all. If it is something you cannot talk about I understand." Miranda told her.
"It's probably time I spoke of it," Andy told her softly. "I've never really spoken about it before now, mom tried but I couldn't," Andy admitted.
Miranda held her hand gently as they continued the drive to Andy's childhood home.
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As they drove up towards the house Miranda gaped at the large house that Andy grew up in. As the car came to a stop outside the house Miranda looked at her. "It's a charming house Andréa."
Andy grinned. "Come on, sweetheart." It'll be warmer inside, and mom enjoys good coffee so I'm sure there's some available."
"That would be amazing, darling." Miranda stepped out of the car and looked around seeing the large over-sized picture windows, as Andy met her and clasping her hand led her to the door. Pulling her keys out she opened the door and stood aside gesturing for Miranda to enter.
As Miranda entered Andy followed and grasping her hand she pulled the older woman towards the kitchen as she loosened her scarf and jacket. Entering the room she frowned at the dishes and coffee left on the table. Shaking her head, she released Miranda's hand and shrugged her jacket off, placing it on the back of one of the chairs, she moved towards the coffee maker. "Please make yourself comfortable. I'm just going to get rid of this mess." Andy told her waving her hand between the Kitchenaid coffee maker and the table. "And then I'll put fresh coffee on."
"I'll help," Miranda said as she took her coat and scarf off mimicking Andy's previous movements and laying them on the back of a chair. She grabbed plates and cutlery from the table and placed them beside the sink. She looked out at the screened in porch that walked out to a wraparound deck with a built-in spa. The outlook offered great views. She ran hot water into the sink and rinse the plates.
Andy grinned at her as she cleaned out the filter on the coffee machine. "Look at us being all domestic."
Miranda smirked at her. "I have washed dishes occasionally, darling."
Andy moved the rinsed dishes into the hidden dishwasher until the table was clear of everything. Miranda cleaned out the coffee carafe carefully and handed it back to Andy as she moved to seat herself at the table as Andy busied herself with the coffee machine. "You heard my tirade to Jill last night," Andy spoke quietly. "Asking if Nate told her how selfish and lacking I am. They're feelings I carry with me every day. The selfish part is for staying with him knowing I didn't truly love him. The lacking, well there are multiple areas where I may be found so."
"You also have multiple traits to admire. Your passion, your ferocious loyalty, your ability to meet any challenge head-on. You are an incredible young woman." Miranda told her.
Andy walked over to the table with the coffee and sat down next to the older woman. Looking down she stared into her coffee cup. "I got pregnant at 20, after my first time with Nate." She let out a bleak bark of laughter. "We were drunk and not as careful as we should have been. A few days after it happened I came home for the summer vacation, as a family, we went to Hawaii and Nate visited occasionally at weekends. I was in two minds about building a relationship with him but he continued to pursue me." Andy said sadly. "Anyway towards the end of the vacation, my dad went away on business. I was here with mom and Jill when I was hit with severe pain, vomiting and bleeding. They rushed me to the ER." She looked up and offered a weak smile. "I found out I was six weeks pregnant and it was an ectopic pregnancy, as it was detected early I could be treated with drugs to stop the...well foetus...developing. I went for a further check-up and investigation showed it may have been caused by asymptomatic endometriosis. I'd had no symptoms, well apart from the irregular periods at times of stress. It had been causing damage for years. There was a chance for more children though there would always be a risk of another ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage."
"I'm sorry, my darling," Miranda whispered clasping the brunette's hand in hers
Andy shrugged. "It's something I had to come to terms with."
Miranda looked up quickly. "You just said your endometriosis diagnosis meant you may be able to have children. But last night you asked Jillian if Nate had shared with her you couldn't give him the babies he wanted."
"Andy closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Eighteen months ago I was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure. I'd gone to seek help as I was having terrible night sweats and hot flushes, I was irritable and sex had become painful, not that I was interested, anyway. Due to the additional health implications they put me on hormone replacement therapy, I also take calcium and vitamin D supplements. Other than Nate you are the only other person I have told."
Miranda was shocked. Knowing she could start her own menopause was devastating enough. She couldn't quite fathom how her Andréa would feel, to be told at 23, the diagnosis. "Oh, my darling..." She whispered.
"There's still such a stigma associated with infertility, a lack of understanding. I've walked away from so many situations where there's been a pregnancy announcement, not because I'm not happy for the couple but because I'm sad for myself, that I'll never hold a child and see my own eyes staring back at me. Or when someone asked when Nate and I would try for babies. It is like the death of a dream." Andy whispered hoarsely fighting her tears. "The diagnosis left me feeling numb and then it broke my heart. It left me assuming I was less of a woman. And Nate, with Lily and Jill, I think it is my fault. I caused the strain in most of my relationships with people."
"Why would you think that?" Miranda asked softly.
"Before Runway, I'd been struggling to focus on completing tasks, I had difficulty concentrating. I couldn't sleep. I had continuous feelings of guilt and worthlessness. I was experiencing nothing but bitterness and anger. And because no-one could seem to understand I pulled away from everyone. After I got the job at Runway, I put all my energy into it, pulling away even further. And I found I didn't mind, the job kept me busy enough not to dwell on my pain and I became happier, it allowed me to become tired enough I can sleep so I am well rested." Andy tried to explain.
"Did you try therapy?" Miranda asked.
"Yea, talking to a stranger didn't help, and I found I couldn't talk to my family or friends either."
"Why me?" Miranda queried.
"Because I trust you," Andy admitted honestly.
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At Andy's declaration of trust, Miranda was shocked. Few people had given her their trust so willingly. "You trust me?" Miranda questioned incredulously. "Why?"
"I listened to you, got to know you, we built a relationship with one another and I saw who you are, not just through your words but also your actions. You aren't necessarily an open book Miranda, but you are a straight shooter. You are guarded but you also don't lie about who you are. Why shouldn't I trust in that? I know I have the tendency to wear my heart on my sleeve and I often let myself be too vulnerable to this world and the people in it. But like you I never lie about the woman I am."
"I learned in life, to trust very few people. I used to tell people of the pain and the happiness of my life but it seemed that people truly didn't care. There are a few good people in this world, I recognize them. Yet, mostly I find myself disappointed by the people I expected the most from. You are one exception, Andréa." Miranda admitted. "I loved James, all he knew was how to lie and cheat. How do you open your heart to someone else when everyone you have loved has only deceived you and let you down?"
"Its life sweetheart, it is bittersweet. It's making mistakes, learning and growing. And with that, you have to open your heart to trust and open your heart to life and love. Personally, I take the bad with the good and try to count my blessings. I also try so hard to be a good person. It seems I am just now getting all the shitty people out of my life but I refuse to be cold-hearted and to not love because without love we are nothing. We all need love, it is what keeps us going." Andy smiled. "And I think you recognise that."
"Whatever do you mean?" Miranda asked as she got up to grab them both another coffee.
"Well I mentioned that you're guarded, I also know how private you are. Yet I have found a willingness in you to open yourself up. You have told me things about yourself which I'm sure has made you feel exposed and vulnerable. And you have been amazingly caring and considerate. You have been there when I needed someone, we've spent much time together and you don't seem overly displeased with my company." Andy grinned at Miranda as she sat down and handed her a fresh coffee. "Thanks." She said appreciatively.
"I enjoy your company," Miranda told her softly, affection burning in her eyes. "What else makes you trust me?" Miranda asked.
"Up on the roof that day you told me I wouldn't lose you, and I believed it. It offered me a security I have not experienced before. And since then you informed me multiple times you aren't going anywhere, even when it's been an inconvenience. It's knowing you are the person who will never abandon me, never leave me alone and stranded and never give up on me or let me go." Andy's eyes started to tear. "That is why I trust you." She whispered.
"I've meant every word my darling. Now dry your eyes, we came here for a reason and we have just three hours until we meet Nigel and Douglas for lunch."
"Would you like to see the rest of the house?" Andy asked.
"I will be happy to see whatever you choose to show me, we can always return for the grand tour another time."
"Then I'll just show you the important stuff." Andy grinned as Miranda rolled her eyes.
"Really, darling?" Miranda grinned back at her as she stood. "Lead the way Andréa. I can't wait to see whatever stuff you show me."
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