Quick and only note: Is it good? Is it bad? I don't know.
You be the judge of that, let me know whatever you think.
Suggestions, ideas, corrections, whatever it is, tell me.
I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.
Also, ideas for a title would be really appreciated.
She turned around. She never turns around. For no one. But the girl didn't answer. Even worse, she wasn't there. Did the paparazzi-? She called, but the girl didn't answer. The second call, and she very rarely made second calls, went to voicemail. The girl hasn't come with her. Left her. Her. What was she thinking? What was going on? But she couldn't lose face now. Straight face. Just go on, is what she told herself. Miranda Priestly wasn't alone, even if the girl didn't show. She was never alone. The press was always there, and she couldn't let them see her inner turmoil. Stephen left, that was fine, she didn't really love him anymore anyway. They've stopped loving each other a while ago if she was honest with herself. At least she stopped. Him having an affair made it easier. The press wouldn't blame it all on her. Well, they might, Dragon, Snow Queen, whatever. She didn't care. Her daughters though. They never bothered to become close with Stephen, maybe that should've been a sign, but to disrupt their life with such a trivial thing as a divorce. She worried what it would do to their view of the world. Is love something that lasts only for short periods?
Well, Miranda wondered that herself, but she didn't have time for that today. The girl had left. No time for that either, besides, it doesn't matter anyway. She went on with the show, her public appearance mattered now and being distressed because of an assistant? That wouldn't fit in her schedule. Luckily, she didn't have much time to bother about the girl leaving her behind. Leaving her. The nerve.
The show went on.
Back home, no one asked her what happened to the girl, why she wasn't there anymore. Did Miranda fire her? Did something happen to her? Nobody dared to ask. Emily and Nigel knew some of what happened, Miranda wasn't going to explain herself to them or anyone for that matter. She has had enough on her hands with Emily and her broken leg and this new assistant girl. She let Emily choose again. Obviously, her own judgement was slightly put off. It didn't, matter anyway. HR had let her know right away that she was obligated to give the girl that left, she didn't want to think of her name, a letter of recommendation. Recommendation! What a joke, what was she supposed to write about a girl that left without notice, was not competent enough to fulfill her duties – which wasn't that hard in the first place - and on top of it all, didn't even bother to take her job seriously? She was honest though in her letter. The girl wanted to get out? She's getting out. Become a reporter? She shall have it - as far away from fashion as possible so she'd never have to see her face again.
Life went on, Stephen had moved out, the girls had taken it quite well, to her own surprise. She had to admit, she felt relieved. Coming home to a whining husband that didn't bother to care for her demanding job was not something she enjoyed. Being told she was wrong is nothing she was used to and didn't want to get used to either. Instead of fighting with Stephen, she got to spend the time with her daughters. Which was great. She couldn't grasp it, but something felt wrong anyway. It was not the girls or Stephen; she knew that for sure.
Just four weeks after the Paris fashion week, she saw her. Across the street, when she went out to some meeting. The girl had noticed too. She smiled and waved at her. Likely presuming Miranda would return a smile or wave, but no, she kept her face neutral and got into the car. The girl went on, wherever she was going, and the car started.
That girl, something about her made Miranda smile. While she was alone in her car anyway. After that day, she's seen her several times. Never smiled, never waved. The girl took the same route, every morning at the same time. Miranda saw that from her office window. No, she hadn't planned on looking out for her, but looking at well-dressed people was her job after all, and so it happened. By coincidence she noticed that the girl must work close by, because she went to lunch close by many times, either by herself or with a colleague or two. Sometimes, not too often though, she even saw her on her way home, from the office or her car. She went home alone, as far as Miranda could tell, but since she didn't see her every day, she couldn't be sure. After a few weeks the girl stopped waving, then she stopped smiling, some days she didn't even bother to look up to try to catch a glimpse of Miranda or make eye contact. It bothered Miranda more than she cared to admit.
A few weeks ago, when she saw the girl with colleagues a few times, Miranda started to subscribe all renowned newspapers in the city. With her letter of recommendation, she'd be offended if the girl had started working at some lowkey paper. She quickly found out for which paper the girl had started working. She wouldn't say she was pleased, but she didn't disapprove either. Miranda started to read that paper every day.
"Since when do you read newspapers? I mean, I know since when, I've noticed. Do please tell me why though?" Nigel, he always thought he could read her. Sometimes he's right, but not nearly as often as he thought.
"I was wondering why sales dropped, we need more advertisement space and I want to make sure we send our business not to just any paper." It was late already; the office wasn't fully staffed anymore, and Miranda hat already kept an eye out for the girl. Maybe it was suspicious that she read the paper that late of the day. She quickly lost that thought though.
"So, you want to make sure that 'The New York Mirror' isn't some skanky paper?" He didn't believe her, Miranda could tell. "And since when do you help out the sales department?"
"And since when did you start worrying about my interests?" He chuckled, he's always cared about Miranda, even after she screwed him over. She hadn't made it up yet, but he wasn't bitter anymore.
"Anything particular in the news? Something worth reading?" Every day, before Miranda went home, Nigel had noticed, she read the daily news. It started a while ago. At first it was all newspapers of the city, then it was only one. The same, every night. She was less – well less of something – when she'd finished reading it.
"No." She quickly closed the paper, before Nigel had moved around her desk to check out what article made her stay in the office. He noticed her pursed lips and lack of eye contact when he looked at her.
"How's the divorce?" The change of subject slightly confused Miranda, she hadn't bothered to think of Stephen for a while now. They had a prenup, her assets were save. They had no children together and the reporters quickly left the subject alone after she'd threatened their bossed to take Runways advertisement elsewhere. It wasn't too bad, but since she started reading the papers herself, she didn't like to read about herself.
"It's fine. Stephen wants to get out. He's getting out" Strange, Deja-vu, but she couldn't quite put it. Nigel seemed to notice. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, there hasn't been much coverage about it in the papers…" Ah, that's what he's getting at. Well, she certainly didn't read the news because of Stephen.
"No, not since I've spoken to them." He was trying to figure out what was going on, Miranda saw it on his face. She didn't know what he was looking for, but whatever it was, he didn't find it.
"I'm going home." She glanced at the watch on her desk, it was quite late already. She wondered why he'd stayed so late. "You should send your assistant home." She just gave him a look, at which he shrugged. "They can't all be as committed and persistent as Andy. Some of them do need rest, every now and then at least." The sharp intake of air at the mention of the girl didn't go quite as unnoticed as Miranda would've liked, Nigel stopped on his heels, turned around rather smoothly and almost gaped at Miranda. She watched him, he watched her. Then he looked at the paper, still in her hands and ready to open to continue reading whatever it was she was reading. He looked between the paper and Miranda's face several times, before he raised an eyebrow. "What are you reading anyway?" She didn't answer, she wouldn't even know what to say. "You know I can just pick up a copy myself…" Still no answer. He knew though and it made sense. Andy and he had stayed somewhat in touch, and she'd mentioned to be working again, for a newspaper, not which one, but Mirandas secrecy and change in behavior made it obvious now. "You know, we've kept in touch. She's doing okay." He gave her a sympathetic smile, which she didn't return. She didn't know what he believed to have figured out, but was curious and so, she didn't stop him. "Andy-" Another sharp intake of air, which was noticed but not mentioned. "- is a reporter now."
"And why do I care?" Sounding nonchalant, but they both knew otherwise.
"You tell me. Anyway, she's told me a while ago, she was quite excited. Luckily her newfound sense of style, thanks to my wonderful lessons, didn't go lost with her leaving. Otherwise, I probably couldn't stand to look at her over drinks." And he'd gotten the response he hoped for, she looked right at him, almost angrily.
"Drinks?"
"Yes. She likes her job-" Miranda looked away at that, pretending not to understand how anyone could settle for a job like that after Runway. "She's single-" A raised eyebrow. "Her boyfriend and she had broken up right after Paris. Something about another woman." Miranda put the newspaper down quite furiously to Nigel's surprise.
"And why are you telling me all this." Nigel just shrugged; he had figured it out. He'd known Miranda long enough, after more than twenty years of friendship, especially in this business. He knew her. More than she liked to admit probably, but it was good to have friends, even for someone like Miranda Priestly. "What's strange to me though, is that she hasn't moved, still living in that shabby place. Like she's waiting for something. Funnily enough she also hasn't changed her number, I had to look it up in our system when I had to return the favor of an invite."
"I still don't know why-" She took of her glasses and gave him an unnerving look, at least tried to, but Nigel didn't flinch.
"Send your assistant home. Call a cab, not Roy." He smiled at her, reassuringly he hoped. Roy would know where she was going if she called him, he'd keep his mouth shup of course but it would still make Miranda uncomfortable.
"Excuse me?"
"Good night, Miranda." Still smiling, he left.
After another twenty minutes she called for Emily, that wasn't her name, but Miranda hadn't bothered to learn it yet. She'd been lost in thoughts for a while, her and Nigel's conversation hat been quite surprising.
"Y-yes Miranda?" Did the girl just yawn? This was getting ridiculous.
"Leave. I'll pick up the book myself."
"A-Okay, thanks. Good night." And with a wave of hand, she dismissed the girl. But although Nigel suggested it, she didn't call a cab, but she didn't call Roy either. The book wasn't ready yes, she still had some time left to decide.
What did Nigel expect? What was she supposed to do? Why would she do anything? Yes, yes, Andrea did well for herself, got a new job, got rid of the fool that cheated on her. But she had also left Miranda. Left her. The book had been given to her already, but the girls were in bed by now, so she didn't have to hurry.
How long does she stay awake anyway? Would she pick up the phone if Miranda called? Did she still have her number saved? And if Miranda showed up at her place – Miranda looked at her watch – at 11 o'clock if she were to leave soon, would she open the door? Would she be alone? Nigel mentioned she and her boyfriend had broken up, but Andrea was a beautiful, bright, young girl and most likely wouldn't stay single for long. Miranda rubbed her temples. She didn't really understand why she was even wondering all these things, but she also couldn't stop herself.
Andrea was bright, brighter than most girls that Miranda had gotten to know or worked with. She had learned so quickly and Miranda was impressed with her sooner than anyone had expected. She was also beautiful, Miranda could admit that easily, it was her job after all to look out for beauty. The dark her, fair skinned and lean figure made her quite attractive. Of course, she wasn't the right size for this industry, but for an average girl, yes, her figure was nice. And Nigel was right, after a few stops to the closet and some of his input, she did dress rather nicely. Eventually even without his input. Even nowadays she still does, Miranda had seen it. And young. The girl was so young. Almost half her own age. Gosh, youth, something she couldn't keep, but also didn't miss. The world seems so black and white to young people, although there are so many nuances in between. She didn't often bother to think of her past, her life was in the now after all.
Yes, she liked Andrea. She had been the best assistant so far and exceeded her expectations up until she left. Nigel was right, she was looking out for her, but she would not stoop down to call her or just show up at the girl's door.
Miranda grabbed her stuff, put on her jacket, grabbed the book, and left the office. She was the last one apparently. Miranda just left, too tired, confused and lost in thought to really pay attention, she just got in the car, gave the driver the address and started to look through the book. There weren't many changes needed tonight, which satisfied her. At least she wasn't surrounded by complete fools, although sometimes it felt that way. The car came to a halt and the driver turned around, which didn't go unnoticed by Miranda and to her utter surprise he expected something of her, because he wasn't Roy. She looked outside, this wasn't her address, and this wasn't her car. In her confused state and used to not admit confusion, she paid him, took her purse and book, and left the car. As soon as she stepped out of it though, she closed her eyes. She had taken a cab to Andrea's address; Nigel had gotten in her head. This was ridiculous. She was honked at, so she quickly got off the street and at least one driver yelled some obscenity at her, but she didn't listen. To her utmost horror, the noise didn't go unnoticed. These building obviously weren't as soundproof as her own townhouse.
Some people shut their windows, or took a quick glance and the commotion, pedestrians also looked, and she heard a dog bark somewhere. Whether all that was because of her or not, didn't matter. She was frozen and she never froze, but there was the girl. The girl that had left. Dared even. Her. Andrea. And what kept her frozen on the spot was the look they exchanged. Andrea seemed just a shocked to be honest.
After what felt like eternity, but were more likely just a few seconds, Andrea contained herself. She swallowed, Miranda noticed, then smiled and gave Miranda a nod as if greeting her and went on. Her building was right there, she got her keys and was about to get inside.
"I… "Miranda didn't know what to say, she didn't even know what she wanted. None of this made any sense to her, but to her surprise the girl stopped in her tracks. She hadn't spoken up, just a whisper like always, so that meant the girl was quite aware and maybe even hoping to hear something from Miranda. She felt foolish and didn't like it, but to her astonishment the girl came forward.
"It's kinda cold, you want a coffee? It's not as good or hot as Starbucks, but it'll probably do." And without waiting for a response, she held the door open for her former boss. As if in trance, Miranda started walking, inside the building and followed the girl into her apartment.
It was a horrible place. The building screamed bulldozer, but at least it didn't smell funny, and she hadn't heard any gunshots yet. The apartment itself was, well, it was alright. Andy was luckily not a hoarder or a messy person. Yea, some new furniture and a good cleaning wouldn't harm this place, but considering the building itself, why bother, she'd probably have to move out soon anyway so this place can be taken down.
"Alright, as soon as you're done judging my place let me know. Here's the coffee." She almost pushed it into Mirandas hands, while taking her purse and the book and placed them on the table.
„I... "She still didn't know what she wanted to say. Didn't know why she was here or anything anymore apparently.
"You know when I moved in with Nate, I was unemployed." Andy sat down on her couch with her cup, didn't look at Miranda and seemed quite at easy. "His salary had to pay for it and with what you were paying me, we still couldn't move." She laughed. "At one point my dad even gave me money so we wouldn't go into debt. But my new job pays alright, I can pay my bills and all that."
"I... "What was going on with her?
"You-?" Andrea just looked at her, Miranda could tell she knew what was going on. This all seemed rather ridiculous to her and like a haze. Nigel seemed to know something. This girl seems to know something. Why was she here? "Do you want to take a seat or?" She patted the place next to her on the couch, Miranda yet had to make eye contact, but started to move. Once she sat Andrea started again. "How are the girls?"
That was easy enough she hoped. "Fine." Well okay, at least she almost started speaking. Miranda cleared her throat, suddenly feeling quite uneasy. "They're fine."
"Who's with them now?"
"The nanny of course." What about the girls? Why is she asking about them? This is getting - she doesn't even know anymore. Andrea stood up, went to the kitchen, and returned with a bottle of scotch.
"I'll have something stronger; you want one too? It's probably not as nice as the stuff you're used to, but it'll do the job just fine." Miranda just nodded and took the glass that Andrea was offering her. They just sat there in silence. "You want to watch some TV?" Miranda almost snorted, like she'd do something so mundane as watch TV, while having a glass of scotch. It wasn't as bad as she'd expected, it burned down her throat and tasted rather cheap, but the girl was right – it did the job. "Well, alright, we can talk instead. Like you could tell me- "
"TV would be fine." Andrea chuckled, turned on the TV and held out the bottle to give Miranda a refill if she wanted one. She accepted.
She didn't pay attention to the TV or the noise outside that came through the not-soundproof-windows. She was painfully aware of her current situation, her position, and her uncomfortable closeness to the girl. The girl seemed to enjoy the Tv, she made noises, laugh, chuckle and whatnot.
"I'm starving, you want something to eat? I wanted to order pizza, but I can order something else if you'd rather- "
"Pizza's just fine." Fine, fine, fine, are there no other words in her current vocabulary? The girl started to dial. It's all getting worse by the minute. What time was it anyway? She checked her watch, 11:20pm. Huh, it felt like much more time had passed than that.
"You've got to go somewhere?" The girl hadn't made the call yet, instead watched Miranda.
"No."
The girl seemed surprised, but didn't say anything, just wanted confirmation for the food. "So… pizza?"
"Yes." Another sip of the drink.
"Alright." She'd made the order and informed Miranda that the places she'd ordered at was just across the street, so instead of having it delivered, she was going to pick it up in twenty minutes.
"You want to hear about my new job?" It seems Andrea wasn't paying as much attention to the TV either, maybe the show or movie or whatever was playing wasn't good. Miranda couldn't tell, she paid no attention whatsoever. Miranda pursed her lips, Andrea went on. "Or maybe Runway?" She had to stop herself from rolling her eyes and instead finished her drink and refilled it herself this time. She was going to be really drunk if they won't have that pizza she was promised. "Hmmm… well" Andrea chuckled. "We could talk about why you're here." Miranda froze, Andrea stopped laughing. "I'm just kidding." She patted her knee; Miranda was still frozen. "You know what, I'mma pick up that pizza, be right back." And then she just left Miranda. Again. Miranda was already getting quite drunk. She considered getting up and looking around, but since the pizza place was just across the street, she didn't. And apparently it was quite close, Andrea was already back, it couldn't have been more than three minutes.
"Here we go... you need a plate or something?" Miranda shook her head no and the girl sat back down on the couch. Was she even closer now? She opened the carton and held it out for Miranda to take a slice. She couldn't help herself and took it, she hadn't eaten pizza in, well, she didn't even remember how long it had been.
"Thank you." Andrea raised an eyebrow, probably surprised. "Andrea, I…" The girl just smiled at her. Did she pity Miranda? Did she believe this to be funny? What was she thinking? Miranda couldn't even comprehend her own feelings at this moment, let alone the girls. Saying her name was already bad enough.
"Miranda?" No answer. "You know, we don't have to talk." The girl took another slice and turned back to the TV. "You don't have to tell me why you showed up here tonight or why you've been ignoring me all these times or anything. We can sit in silence while watching TV- "She pointed the remote at the TV and lifted her chin in its general direction. "Or I can turn it off. We can talk about something else entirely, work, Runway, your daughters or- "Miranda couldn't bare the rambling anymore, she couldn't focus on the TV which helped her ignore this whole ordeal she was in. She realized she enjoyed the pizza and took another slice as well and strangely enough, before considering, she spoke up.
"I've heard you and the cook have broken up." The TVs volume was turned down and the girl turned to face her. Both were surprised, although for different reasons. Miranda was surprised she'd reclaimed her capability to speak in full sentences. Andrea on the other hand was surprised about the topic that the woman had chosen, not that she minded.
"Ha, well, yea. It was coming for a while, we both just ignored it, I guess. Well, he saw it wayyy earlier…" Miranda just tsked, of course he did, Nigel had mentioned another woman. "But I didn't want to see it I suppose, he was right though- "Miranda hat to stop herself from grumbling, but Andrea noticed. How can the girl say it though? He certainly was not right to believe cheating was in any way acceptable. "Ay, you know what? It's over, I'm okay with it, it wouldn't have been fair to him." Miranda, for the first time tonight actually looked at the girl. With disbelieve. Andrea thankfully didn't notice and continued eating and zapping the remote. Fair to him? "But I'm fine, he's fine, so it's all good. He got a new job too, moved to Boston." At least he is nowhere near Andrea. Miranda couldn't believe what she was hearing though, this girl, too good for the world to understand how wrong this cad was. "How about you? I've read about Stephen in the news." Andrea looked at her again and Miranda almost gulped when those dark brown and certainly stunning downturned eyes locked with her own. "Not much though… I suppose you threatened them somehow?" She gave her an amused and mischievous smile.
"The divorce is coming along quite quickly. It's almost all sorted out, although I'm not fully aware of the current state. The lawyers are handling it and once it's done, my lawyer will inform me." None of this is Andrea's business, so why is she telling her this? And for crying out loud, she's a reporter now.
Her worries didn't go unnoticed. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." And she believed her. Andrea offered her the pizza box again, but she declined. After Andrea put the box back down, finished her slice and refilled her and Miranda glass and they both started drinking again, Andrea chuckled. "You know, it's kinda strange." Confusion visible on Mirandas face. "Oh, come on, you being here? It is strange. This isn't your neighborhood, I'm not your type of people and besides we haven't talked in weeeks, or, well, I suppose we've never actually talked… or drank together…" After a moment, it looked like she gathered her thoughts, maybe the girl was more drunk than Miranda was, she continued. "Well, drinking at functions doesn't really count, does it? And we've only ever talked not about work or you insulting me or throwing commands at me once. And that was, well, to be honest I felt uncomfortable." Miranda's reaction, the glimpse in her eyes, made Andrea wish to explain herself. She of course could understand why the girl had felt uncomfortable, with her boss being in a state like that and emotionally disturbed. How unprofessional of her. Miranda absentmindedly shook her head. "I was so very sorry- "Hah, of course, pity. Exactly what Miranda did not want. "I know you were worried about your girls-" True. "I hadn't thought about what the press would say until you mentioned it- "What a reporter. Biggest news in the industry and she doesn't see it. Shame. "I wanted to hug you, comfort you, but you know, you're not really the touchy type. Or you know, you're just you." What's that supposed to mean? If Miranda weren't so intoxicated now, she could quite easily see what the girl meant. "And that's fine, it wasn't my place anyway. It might not have felt sincere anyway, I was not surprised about Stephen, and I know you surely don't want to hear this, maybe someone's said it already, although I can't imagine who'd dare, it's good that he's gone." The girl started to get nervous, obviously the liquor gave her more bravery than she had expected, while also leaving her incompetent to stop her ramblings. "I'm sorry, but you know, that's what I think. You deserve someone better." Yes, because so many men would put up with her demands, she had such a broad choice of suiters. Then she apparently had another approach to try to climb her way out of this. "Also, the girls. They never liked him." How would she even know? "When they send me up the stairs, I thought it was because they wanted to trick me, but there were more stunts they tried to pull on me- "Miranda was going to have a talk to them about trying to trick her assistants. "And it somehow often involved putting him in a bad light or make him uncomfortable. Of course, it made me uncomfortable too, but the snickered behind the banister at him… so I figured it was more about him than me, they didn't care about me I guess."
"Your guess, would be incorrect." Her voice almost cracked. Miranda wasn't sure why she spoke up, it was nice to hear Andrea's thoughts, nobody else dared to speak about it. At least not with her.
"Huh… okay." She yawned. She didn't even bother to cover her mouth or hide it.
"I should lea- "
"Oh no, you don't have to."
"It's getting late." Miranda finished her drink.
"Hmm. Yes. But! I don't have to work tomorrow morning and you are Miranda Priestly, you can get into the office whenever it pleases you." That was not entirely true, she did have responsibilities after all. But everyone bent to her schedule so, yea, technically she was able to be late whenever it fit her. Why was she even considering it? She still didn't understand what was going on, why she came or sat with that girl in this apartment and ate pizza for Christ's sake. While lost in her thoughts, the girl had refilled both their glasses. Her behavior was also confusing to Miranda. Why did de girl invite her in? Without asking questions? Why'd she has drinks and food with her? The alcohol was getting to her head – Miranda took another sip – although she was already in a haze before she even had her first drink…
They both stayed put on the couch, slowly finished their drinks, while the girl couldn't stop yawning. They watched TV, Miranda had no clue what exactly, and the girls breathing became more even over time. Miranda took the glass from her hands and put it on the table before she was going to fall asleep and drop it. "Thanks." Another yawn. "It's nice. Sitting here with you." Yes, it was. After just a few more moments, before even the next commercial came up, the girl was fast asleep, but just in case, Miranda waited a few more minutes, before she got up, put their glasses in the sink, the pizza box on the kitchen counter. She called a cab, while searching for a blanket. Miranda didn't want to step into the bedroom area out of respect, but apparently had no choice if she wanted to give the girl a little more comfort. She tucked the girl in, Andrea looked quite peaceful. Her face was completely relaxed, her features so soft and youthful, Miranda wanted to touch her cheeks, but stopped herself. Instead, she grabbed her purse, wrote down her number on a piece of paper, before realizing the idiocy of it all. She crumpled it up, threw it in trash that was just standing next to the kitchen, grabbed her coat and purse again and left without taking another look. This time she was leaving her.
Luckily the drive to her townhouse didn't take long, even in the city that never sleeps, traffic isn't that busy at 2am. At home, sleep came easily to her, although it was not peaceful. Miranda did wake up on time, she never slept in, and didn't remember the troubles of her dreams. She did however remember last night. With dread she remembered what had happened last night, where she'd gone, but she put it aside and decided to get ready. Miranda arrived at her office at 9am, which wasn't that far off her regular routine for anyone to notice. The previous night had been on her mind the whole time, ever since she had opened her eyes this morning. The day was passing at such a slow pace today, eventually she ordered her assistant to fetch her some lunch. Fetch, hmm.
While enjoying her steak and checking up on some of her emails Nigel entered her office. Miranda just rolled her eyes, what did he want now? He had already ruined her perfectly fine night yesterday. He started telling her about some minor inconveniences in his department, she didn't really care, she knew he had already fixed them. "-but I did see you come in this morning." Huh? What, why was it about her now again? "You didn't have it on you and its caused havoc. Where'd you put it?" Confusion clearly spread on Mirandas face, so Nigel continued. "The book?" No response from Mirandas side. "The book? Where is it?" And Miranda realized what he was talking about, where it was, where she'd left it.
To hide her shock, she pursed her lips, swallowed the piece of her steak. She had to come up with an answer and fast. She cut another piece of steak. "I'm certain it will reappear."
Nigel scoffed. "Reappear?"
"Yes, and as you said yourself, you didn't see me holding it, so mustn't have misplaced it. Now, may I finish my lunch?" It was not a real question.
"Of course." But instead of leaving, he took a seat opposite of her. Her lips tightened. "No one in this building has the book. I've checked. You didn't bring it in this morning, and you were late, so what's going on?" Worry was clearly written on his face; he hadn't made the connection to his suggestion from last night quite yet. Maybe he thought she was getting sick, or something was going on with the twins, or maybe even something about her divorce. "You know you can talk to me."
"Yes, and I'm certain I did. I haven't misplaced the book and I would like to finish this steak before it gets cold. Is there anything else I can help you with as of this moment?" Again, not really a question but rather a passive aggressive dismissal.
"Alright, I'm sure the book will show up. Maybe someone will fetch it." She freezes for second, luckily Nigel had already turned around and was leaving her. He didn't know what that word meant to her, did he? He couldn't. But him and the girl did stay in touch and even before they got along quite well. She could've told him. Miranda doubted it anyway, because yesterday he was more persistent with his implies.
She finished her steak and tried to come up with a plan of action. Her assistant was called to her office, she was to call Roy as soon as possible. Then Miranda tried to access personal files, but to her frustration she was denied access to former employee's files. Nigel had said her number was still accessible in their files, but she surely was not going to ask him for it, or anyone else for that matter. She informed her assistant that was leaving for a personal matter, no further explanation needed, and ordered her to reschedule her meetings and redirect any calls she might get. She left. Outside the building, Roy was already waiting. She gave him the address and with a raised eyebrow he started the ride. Once at their destination, he got out and opened the door for her and after a deep breath she got out.
"I need twenty minutes, be ready." He nodded and left. Another breath and then he headed for that building again. The intercom system was not properly labeled, many names were unreadable, some tags were half scratches off. It was unnerving. Then someone, someone Miranda would like to never see again, left the building, opening the door for her. She might not know which run-down nametag was of her former assistant, but she'd been here last night and remembered which apartment she was staying in. Yes, staying in, it could certainly not be called living. The girl needed to find a better place; Miranda surely didn't want to encounter that person ever again. In front of the girl's apartment, she took another breath, shook her head, and put on her face of steel. Then she knocked on the door, just barely loud enough. She heard some commotion inside and waited.
"Yea?" The girl opened the door without even looking at Miranda, sleep still apparent on her face and even emphasized by Andrea by rubbing her eyes. Ludicrous.
"Don't you use your door chain?" This was New York city after all, and this neighborhood didn't seem like the place where you should put down your guard. Another reason the girl had to move.
"Huh? Mir-?" Still not quite awake yet but realizing who was standing in front of her door, she stepped aside and opened the door further.
"Or the viewer?" Miranda stepped inside.
"I, uh, need a moment." A yawn, again. What is it about this country girl? Then Andrea left her standing and went to her bedroom. Miranda saw that she had in fact slept on the couch and was relieved that she had thought of putting a blanket on her. In this light, at least there was enough natural light in this place, although the isolation was probably horrible, she took another look around. The furniture wasn't too bad, it suited the girl's style, but it probably wasn't her taste alone, after all she did used to live with this boyfriend of hers.
The building itself was in fact in horrible condition. The windows were old, she could tell by one look at the frames. There was a small plastered up crack on one wall, the building control department of the city surely didn't do its job in this area. The kitchen tiles were at least 10 years old, and the flooring was rundown, not shabby yet, but still.
The girl returned, most likely from the bathroom and Miranda realized she did not want to see the state of it. A move had to take place and rather sooner than later.
"Good morning, Miranda." The girl was chipper already and headed for the kitchen, turned on a machine and the smell of coffee started to fill the place. There was some noise and to Mirandas surprise she noticed that the girl had a fully automated coffee machine.
"It's past one o'clock." She responded flatly.
"Well, I've been up late, as you know, and I told you I don't have to work today." She smiled at Miranda and handed her a cup of coffee, steaming hot of course.
"You said this morning." It's like she'd forgotten why she was even there. Again.
"Yea, I gotta go to some event tonight, but that's all."
"Hmm." Miranda enjoyed her coffee, it was good coffee, she wondered what brand the girl bought. Maybe she did make better money at her new job. Then why didn't she move?
"You wanna come?" Miranda must've looked perplexed because she was. "To the event? It starts at around eight. I'll give the address to Emily, so you don't have to decide now." Then she told her what it was about, some Art Gallery with some sort of political exhibition. Why had she come again? They were sitting at the kitchen table; Miranda hadn't even realized that she had taken her coat of and almost finished the coffee. The girl just continued rambling about the event.
"It's nice that you came back, but I guess it wasn't actually for my coffee." She wiggled her eyebrows at Miranda.
"The coffee's just fine."
"Yea thanks, but I know why you're here." She does?
"It's over there" The girl pointed in the general direction of either her bathroom or bedroom, Miranda couldn't tell, but either way, the girl couldn't be serious. She added "On the table." When she realized Miranda looked at her bedroom, she narrowed her eyebrows.
The book. Yes, that's why she came. Perfect. "Yes, well, that's all." She rose from her seat.
"It's only been ten minutes. You've got time."
"Hm?"
"You told Roy to return in twenty I assume?" Always so precise.
"Yes twenty, it took a while to get inside. This building is horrible, I couldn't make out a single nametag."
"Ah yes, the super isn't great." She just shrugged and enjoyed her coffee.
"Why do you live here?"
"Excuse me?" Confusion apparent on her face.
"You work at the 'The New York Mirror', don't you?"
"Ah, yea and some freelancing work…"
"You could afford to move."
"Oh. Yes, I could. But then, how would you know where to find me?" She just laughed a little, finished her coffee and put the cup away. Miranda said nothing. She couldn't be serios, could she? "Kidding. But truth be told, yes, I could move, and I might, but it's not actually that easy to find a nice place that won't put regular people in debt in this city." It was implied that regular people excluded Miranda. "It doesn't matter anyhow, I was considering taking a foreign correspondent position, or something like that, where I get to travel."
She used to travel at Runway, could've done more if she'd stayed. Tsk.
"Where?" The girl looked confused, Miranda huffed and elaborated. "Foreign? So where?"
"Oh, okay. I don't know yet… I was just considering a chance of scenery, you know." The girl just shrugged her shoulders.
"When do you plan on leaving?"
"I haven't put much thought into it yet." Clearly. "It's not like I applied to any job so far, just an idea. Might do me good."
"I see." How could a so poorly planned matter be a good idea?
"What about you? You'll travel to London soon, right? And then Paris."
"For a week each time. You know this." Miranda saw right through the deflection.
"Of course."
"Why?" To Miranda's dismay the girl couldn't follow her conversation today at all, apparently her capability to listen had failed her in the past weeks. And she's calling herself a reporter! "Why do you feel the need to travel? Change your scenery as you've put it so eloquently." She was waving her hand in the air as if the matter wasn't quite worthy enough to be discussed.
"Ah… hm, well it's not that easy to explain." A rueful smile plastered her face.
"Try." Miranda wanted to know; she expected the boyfriend had something to do with it.
Whether she was buying time or trying to gather her thoughts, Andrea let out a long breath. "Before Nate and I broke it off- "she was right. Of course, she was, she stopped listening, it didn't matter. All these young girls and their broken hearts. "- he told me I was having a relationship with someone else. Sadly, I must admit, he wasn't completely wrong, although I didn't understand that yet and sure as hell didn't admit it." Wait, what? "Anyway. We broke off, I lost contact with her too and now I'm alone." Her who? "My friends stopped being my friends long before we broke up, they didn't like my change. It doesn't really matter; they were fine as long as they benefitted from it."
"So, the other woman, Nigel mentioned something, it's not an affair the boy had?"
"He's not a boy, Miranda." Yes, he is, just like the girl is a girl. "But no, he didn't have an affair. Neither did I, not if we agree that an affair is a sexual relationship between two people, who are having a relationship with someone else."
"You- "
"Yes, it was my fault. I can admit that. Sadly, I must also admit, I don't regret it. Nothing ever happened, she, ah, never knew. Never even really, um, has gotten to know me? I don't know. She gave me quite the hard time." Andrea laughed bitterly. "Still does apparently when we talk." So, they're still in contact. Andrea's face flushed while she was talking. She must still be fond of that woman. The girl cleared her throat and looked into Mirandas eyes and she saw that they've turned glassy. "Can we talk about something else? It doesn't matter anymore."
"No- "Andrea looked taken aback now, Miranda stopped. "I've to go." At least Miranda was getting her thoughts back in order now. All this was quite confusing still. Miranda got up, put on her coat, grabbed her purse, and turned to the girl.
"Oh okay, yea. Consider coming tonight? If you've got the time that is.
"I will. Consider it, I mean."
They were standing at the door, Miranda felt unsure about how to say goodbye. She never bothered with her employees, but the girl wasn't an employee. She wasn't a friend either, was she? Andrea didn't seem to worry about this, she put a hand on Mirandas elbow, leaned in and gave Miranda an air-kiss. She just stood still while it happened.
"Goodbye Miranda. It really is nice to see you again." She smiled at her, Miranda returned it and, with a not, left.
Miranda left the building, Roy was already waiting outside – it must've taken her far longer than twenty minutes, but he didn't say anything when she got into the car.
"Runway?"
"Yes."
All these new information, this whole situation with that girl gave her a headache. She closed her eyes for the ride and tried not to think of anything.
They've been stuck in traffic for a while and trying not to think didn't do her headache any good, so when she stepped into the building and her assistant appeared, she just ordered a coffee and a pain reliever. Then she dropped her coat and purse on her desk, went into her office and told them not to disturb her.
She took the pills, leaned back in her chair, and waited for the pain to subside. She couldn't stop her thoughts though. Andrea had had an affair. Or something. With whom? If they've broken up around fashion week and her friends had abandoned her, then there's not many people left. Who could've sparked an interest? Who'd she met around that time? Christian Thompson came to her mind, but it was a she. Which alone surprised Miranda. She tried to remember what exactly the girl had said. Never knew her, gotten to know her… so that ruled everyone from Paris out.
Gave her a hard time in the beginning, that could be anyone in this industry, but since shestill does, it rules out quite a few people. As far as Miranda could tell only Nigel and Emily had stayed in touch with Andrea. Come to think of it, Andrea had tried to get a hold of all items Emily would like. At the time Miranda thought, it was petty and when Emily started to dress in Andreas clothes, she thought Andrea had given them to Emily out of guilt. But maybe it was something else entirely.
She heard some fidgeting outsider her office, turned on her chair and called for her assistant.
"What's going on?"
"There's, um, someone here." The girl hadn't stopped fidgeting, where was Emily? "They want to see you."
"I told you; I do not wish to be disturbed. Is it so difficult to- "Then she saw who had shown up. She pursed her lips and let out a puff of air. "Send her in."
"I, ah- "
"That's all." The girl almost ran out and talked to the intruder and led her into Mirandas office. Who was back on her chair, turned toward the window and still closed eyes. The headache had lessened, but not yet vanished.
"Can't get enough of me? Or do you want to give me an official invitation for tonight?" Or maybe she wants her job back, Miranda was definitely ready to let the new girl go.
"Actually, no." Was all Andrea said, before a loud thumb startled Miranda. "Just came by to drop this off because you've forgotten it. Again." And there was the book. On her desk. This was embarrassing, but Miranda didn't let that show.
"Oh yes, why thank you. You didn't have to. Next time call my assistant and she can send Roy."
"Next time?"
"Figure of speech." She nonchalantly waved her hand in the air again.
"Okay. Hey, but I can give you an official invitation." She looked through her purse before getting out a flyer and handed it to Miranda, who absentmindedly took it. "It's a small studio, they don't have the financial resources yet to print individual invitations on cardboard. Once they do, I'll let them know to send one to you."
"Okay."
"Anyway, I see you're busy." A blatant lie, they both knew it, Miranda had not done anything, and the girl could tell with one look inside the office. She'd worked at this place after all. "I better get going."
"Where to?" She had a theory and now had the opportunity to test it.
"Oh, um, I dunno. Told you, I'm not busy today."
"Take a seat."
"So, it is you, that can't get enough, huh?" Andrea laughed and as soon as she realized that Miranda was not in the mood, she backpaddled. "Just kidding. Sorry."
"I do not appreciate this silliness." She leaned back again in her chair and turned around. They both sat in silence and Andrea was getting more uncomfortable by the minute.
"Miran- "Miranda only raised her hand to silence the girl. Just barely five minutes after she's offered the girl a seat, her theory was about to be tested. She heard her assistants talk and heard Emily hissing at the new girl.
"Emily." That's all she said, and Emily came running and stopped right in front of the desk, next to Andrea. She had turned around too late to see Emily's reaction to Andrea's presence, but that wasn't important. "Look who came to visit us."
"I, um, didn't actually." Miranda raised an eyebrow at Andrea, who shut up right away.
"Ah yes I hear, I didn't know you had a meeting scheduled."
"We didn't." Emily's eyes grew wide at that, Miranda didn't allow for spontaneous visitors. Everyone knew it. So, why'd she left Andrea come by? Miranda watched both girls, while Andrea only once looked at Emily with a smile and then only at the floor or Miranda, Emily looked at Miranda, then Andrea, at Mirandas desk, Miranda again and so on. Her eyes just kept on growing until they were about to fall out and it was not a good look on the girl. Unfortunately, Miranda could see it, Emily had realized that the missing book had reappeared, at the same time the missing assistant had reappeared. She still had to test her theory, so far, she couldn't confirm it. "So. Paris." Andrea gulped and Emily's jaw dropped, only for a second. "Isn't it nice that Andrea has given you all her pieces?
"I, ah, yes, it is. I've thanked her profoundly for them." Miranda saw that Andrea was trying to not burst out laughing, Emily probably could tell too. So, that wasn't entirely true. But Andrea seemed to be above it, Emily's lie didn't seem to bother her. Neither did her presence. Hm.
She looked at Emily. "That's all." The girl hurried away; confusion written all over her face. Andrea also looked confused, but also amused. Andrea didn't seem to mind Mirandas antics, right now at least. She just sat there with her.
"What time are you going to the exhibit?"
"It starts at eight, so I'll be there at about seven I think."
Miranda took a quick glance at her watch, it was later than she had anticipated, already past 3pm. "I will have a small meal before and get changed. You're welcome to join me." Miranda got up, told Emily to take the book to Nigel, cancel everything on her schedule for today and that she likely wouldn't be home when she was going to drop the book by. Emily made notes and nodded; the other girl avoided eye contact altogether. "Andrea?" Miranda almost smirked when she heard the girl hurry towards her, just like she used to. The new assistant, to everyone's surprise had already gotten Miranda's items, Miranda took them from her with a smile. Miranda watched this with a lowered eyebrow and when Andy offered to help her get into the coat, Emily nearly fainted. Then Miranda strode towards the elevator, while Andrea said her goodbyes, to the new girl and Emily. She stopped in front of the elevator and once the girl had caught up with her and she had taken another look at her, she changed her mind.
"Do you want to borrow something from the closet for tonight?"
"The- Oh. Do you have something specific in mind? I'm not completely up to date with this stu- with the current development of the industry." Mirandas lips curled upward, ever so slightly, but it didn't go unnoticed by Andrea, and she blushed. Walking past out-of-the-way-jumping employees, they entered the closet. Some employees inside had the right mindset and left right away; the other fools just needed one clearing of Mirandas throat to realize their mistake. Then they were alone.
Miranda did what she does best, rummaging through several pieces. Every now and then she looked at Andrea before settling on certain piece. Eventually and after only twenty minutes she had put together three complete outfits for the girl to wear.
"Put them all in a bag, then we will leave. Wait at the elevator for me."
"All right." The girl looked slightly fazed but did as she was told. Then Miranda went back to her assistants and ordered a taxi asap. When she returned, Andrea was waiting by the elevator. They both stepped in and left Runways offices.
While Andrea most likely wondered why they were getting in a cab instead of taking Mirandas car, she didn't mention it. She didn't have to wait too long for an answer though. Miranda had given the driver the address and once the car had started to roll, she turned to the girl.
"I wondered if it was Emily, but I suppose I was wrong?"
Andrea's mouth formed a small o, she closed it, smiled, and shook her head. "No. not Emily. Is that what that was about?"
"It couldn't have been someone new from Paris." Miranda was thinking out loud, her mind has been in mazed since last night.
"Why are you wondering about it anyway? It doesn't matter, I told you." Her smile had vanished, and Miranda looked out the window.
"Not Emily, not Serena, she's too far out of your league for you to even wonder…"
"Wow, okay, umm, Miranda, please-" She didn't pay attention to what the girl was saying. At least not much.
"There probably wasn't enough interaction with the other girls… they also don't seem to be in your league."
"You're making me uncomfortable." Ah, uncomfortable, huh?
"I'm sorry. Tell me then." For whatever reason, Miranda had a strong desire to know.
"Miranda, I don't-" She pleaded with her.
"I don't accept this."
The girl just looked perplexed, she opened her mouth, closed it, took a deep breath, and began. "I, uh, okay. I won't tell you her-uh, the name. I can tell you that I haven't worked with her, she is far out of m league and uh…"
"And?"
"She's married." The girl just looked down at her hands, which she fumbled with, to Mirandas annoyance.
"It was already established that she was in a relationship of sorts, I need something else." Need? They were both surprised about her choice of words.
"What? There were no rules or anything-"
"Andrea."
She was irritated by the questioning and almost grunted before she continued. "She has kids, she's from Europe, she's older than me, she is beautiful, smart and funny." The girl sputtered all this out, without taking a breath, then inhaled and asked: "Is that enough?"
Miranda pursed her lips, narrowed her eyes, and spoke with utter disbelieve. "Jacqueline Follet?"
"What? Nooo. No, no, no, no. definitely not. Please Miranda, drop it now. It doesn't matter. Out of my league, married, kids, aren't that enough reasons for me to stay away?" She laughed slightly but more out of discomfort than actual humor.
"I suppose. You will tell me, maybe not today. Soon though."
"Why do you even care?"
"I had high hopes for you before you- " Miranda paused for a second. "Left."
"You wanted me to be you." She started to sound irritated, almost angry even. The pace of their conversation also accelerated, almost to an argument.
"Not me, like me Andrea."
"It's not who I am. I'm a loyal person." Miranda scuffed. They both knew, she was talking about what happened with Nigel. "I am."
"You left me." How loyal can one be, when they leave their employer during the most important week of the yeas?
"That wasn't disloyalty-"
"It wasn't?" It was Mirandas turn to scoff and almost even laugh.
"No! It was precaution." Andrea wasn't yelling at her, but she certainly had raised her voice.
"Tsk." Miranda turned away again; she won't let anyone raise a voice at her.
The girl sensed this and took a deep breath before she continued. "We can argue about this all night long if you want, but I enjoyed your company last night and today. You take the right to push me about things I do not want to talk about, I might as well ask you some questions." Miranda still looked away. "Do tell, why you appeared at my place, in the middle of the night-"
"It was barely eleven pm." Miranda waved her hand dismissively, without looking.
"Ate pizza with me, had drinks with me, without telling me what was going on? Or maybe you'd rather tell me why you care where I live? Or which country?"
"That's enough." She had stopped waving and just held her hand up, turned, and gave the girl a look that was meant to say not-one-more-word. It didn't.
"I don't need you to explain yourself to me. I just enjoy your company. I just wished; you wouldn't expect me to explain myself either." She took another deep breath. "You're not my boss anymore. We can try to be friends if you want. But friends respect each other's boundaries." Again, with the sympathetic smile, Miranda wasn't sure she could stand that.
The car came to a halt. Miranda looked at Andrea, really looked at her. "For now. Real friends are honest with each other though."
"Alright, once we're real friends, you tell me your secrets and I'll tell you mine." Since Miranda still couldn't quite comprehend why she had the nagging need to know this about the girl, she would settle for this. For now. Then Miranda paid the driver, they got out of the car and got inside Mirandas townhouse.
"You can use the guestroom on the first floor to chance and she which outfit you'd like to wear."
"Alright. Be right back."
Miranda, in the meantime went to the kitchen, she had to take another pain reliver. She put up a kettle and started to prepare tea. This was going to be a long day.