Part 22

Sunday night rolled around and after spending the day with her girls, including enduring the latest Harry Potter movie, Miranda felt saddened by the fact she still hadn't heard from Andrea. She was starting to wonder all sorts of things; one was that maybe that night was all indeed a dream, except her body was still a little sore so she knew that it wasn't. Then she tittered off thinking that this was payback, and Andy really didn't mean a word of anything she said to her that night. Then started to think maybe something terrible had happened to her, but she would have found that out…right?

She took a shot of scotch and finally decided to turn in early so she didn't have to think about what other scenarios to why she hadn't heard from Andrea. Like maybe she was just too busy being with that hideous French woman or that idiot Mr. Thompson.

…

Andy found herself swamped with filming all day Sunday, and she didn't get back to her apartment until well after midnight. She finally got word from Nigel; he left her a voice mail asking what she wanted. He informed her that he was in some far off jungle for a re-shoot that Miranda made him do at the last minute and the cell reception was iffy at best. She tried to call him back, but once again it went straight to his voicemail. She was just mad because she should have asked him for Miranda's new number the first time she left him a message.

She thought about calling Miranda's house that late, but she knew she had to be asleep, and she didn't want to wake the girls. Plus she had an exhausting day and wasn't in the mood to do the rounds with her, not when she knew she was probably in the dog house for not calling her as it was. She would have if she knew her new cell number. God what a mess!

Monday afternoon came before Andy knew it, and she was finally done with her day and she hurried toward Elias-Clark building. She even smiled down at the very hot Starbucks coffee in her hand.

She was glad to see that Michael still worked there in security, and she strutted through the lobby, her stilettos echoing across the marble floor, a reminder to another time. She grinned up at the large man as she removed her sunglasses and was pleased to see a huge smile grace his lips, telling Andy that he did remember her.

"Oh my god, it is Andy Sachs."

"It is me; good to see you Michael."

"You remembered me," he boasted.

"Of course," she continued to smile.

"What are you doing here? I mean you are….I mean…" he babbled over his words, completely star struck.

Andy leaned in. "I'm still me, and I was hoping I could go up and see Miranda, and bring her this." She held up the hot coffee.

"Uh," he mumbled. "I should at least…"

Andrea cut him off. "Please? I really would love to surprise her."

He sighed and swung open the brass gate to the elevators. "Go, before I change my mind."

"I owe you," Andy relayed, and moved past him and into the next elevator. She rode it to the sixteenth floor, like it was any other day so long ago when she was Miranda's assistant.

The doors slid open and she could see the place hadn't changed much other than a few unrecognizable people. She exhaled a nervous breath at being back in this place. She hadn't been here since before she left to Paris, it felt strangely weird, but she held it together, even if her heart was beating extremely fast. A few people gave her an odd look, but never pondered on it, or even stopped her.

She finally opened the door to Miranda's office and right away she noticed Emily about the exact time the Brit noticed her.

"What in the bloody ass hell are you doing here?" she whispered, and quietly skittered over to stop her from getting any closer.

"Um why else but to see Miranda. Is she here?"

"You can't just show up here unexpected…" she barely got out before the familiar smooth tone rang out.

"Emily."

The Brit bared her teeth. "Go away," she hissed and about turned away to go see what her boss needed, but Andy had a better idea.

"No Em, let me," she said, grabbing her wrist. "Please, and well..."

Emily's shoulders sagged. "I'm an idiot," she relented, cutting off Andrea. "And if she…"

Andy silenced her with a soft hug. "Thank you and she won't."

If Andy's heart was beating fast before, now she was certain it was going to race right out of her chest. She blew out a huge breath as she strutted into Miranda's office just like she had done so many, many times. As soon as she entered she noticed that Miranda was in her chair and had her back to the door, just like she did that day when she delivered the Harry Potter book to her.

She couldn't help her wide grin as she placed the hot coffee on the desk making a loud sound of it as she did. "You're coffee Ma'am," she purred with nothing but pure silk in her tone, and right away she noticed Miranda's back stiffen and faintly heard her breath catch.

It took longer than she thought before Miranda had finally turned her chair and her eyes quickly narrowed in on her, and without any emotion in her features she forcefully grabbed the coffee.

"Ah, so I see that you didn't hit your little head on the pavement after all," she harshly spat. "Missed your old name did you…and Emily," her voice dripped in ridicule. "I was starting to think the worse….but it's apparent you just forgot how to use a phone, or maybe just because you're a star now you apparently think you can do whatever you like, maybe with whomever as well, but not with me, " she fired.

Andy could definitely see that Miranda was not as happy to see her as she had hoped. Yup…I'm so in the doghouse. "Yeah, about that…"

"No, no, I don't want to hear your excuses Andrea. In fact as you can see I am rather busy."

"So you really want me to GO?" Andy retorted, emphasizing the word GO. Her eyes were determined to show she wasn't hurt by Miranda's tone. "And not tell you what actually happened? You basically don't care to hear….so in essence everything you told me was a bold faced lie."

Miranda's nostrils flared and she quickly shot up out of the chair and went to the office door. "Emily," she said tightly. "Hold my calls." She then closed the door and turned back toward Andy.

"You think you can just show up here and start in on me like I am an idiot fan of yours…and think I will believe your stupid story… to which I can't even receive a simple polite text from you?" she huffed in irritation. "Was this some sort of payback? Because Andrea, I am so not in the mood for your games, and the other night meant more to me then a qui…."

Andy swiftly pulled out her phone and held it out, interrupting the other woman. "I deleted your cell phone number," she said rather loudly. "I also blocked your number, and well it's apparent that I didn't memorize your new number. I did however call your old number, but as you know it is no longer in service. So I called your house number but all I got was your damn voice mail. I even called Nigel, but it seems he is in some remote jungle somewhere, and cell service there is shitty. Don't believe me if you want, but it's the god damn truth."

"You blocked me?" Her voice sounded wounded even as she hurled the words at her.

Andy inhaled deeply to calm herself. "It was before, and yes, okay I blocked you. I couldn't stand to have you hurt me again, so I couldn't hear your voice."

That seemed to diffuse the older woman somewhat, and Andy could see her chest rise and fall with her own deep breaths. She crossed her arms over her chest and now wouldn't even look at her.

"Is this how it is always going to be?" Her voice was now softer, and even a tad bit timid. "Because I don't think that I…" she trailed off, getting too emotional and didn't want Andrea to see it so she cleared her throat.

"God I hope not, and I promise it is the truth….and for what it is worth I am sorry," Andy softly said, and ventured closer to the other woman, who still had yet to look at her. "Hey," she said moving around and dipping her head. "Look at me."

Miranda finally turned her gaze toward her. "Andrea," she conceded. Her voice was tight and right away Andy saw the start of tears in her blue eyes.

"Shit," Andy cursed, her heart breaking from seeing this woman like this. "Come here," she opened her arms and was so relieved that Miranda didn't push her away, but actually pivoted and fell against her, hugging her back.

"Okay, so this is still new, and we both need to work on our communication skills," she whispered against the shell of her ear.

Miranda floated her hands over the small of Andy's back, fighting with the emotions that suddenly filled her chest. She was relieved it was just a stupid misunderstanding, and more than a little annoyed with herself at the way she was always leaping for the worst.

Miranda continued to trace her fingers over her silky shirt as she nuzzled the side of her neck. Andy drew back only so she could slip her arms around the editor's neck to pull her down for a soft kiss.

The soft kiss turned into another, and another, and Miranda was wondering if it would always be this intense. She was getting a little carried away as Andy sucked her tongue into her mouth, feeling it down deep. Realizing where they were, she pulled herself free and jerked away from Andy's grasp.

"Not here," Miranda breathed harshly, wiping her lips.

Andy laughed throatily as they parted. "Gad. …that bites!" Having Miranda in her office was clearly a long time fantasy of hers.

Miranda took another deep breath and held her hand up, then checked her watch. "I have a meeting in less than five minutes."

"Well," Andy pouted sadly. "Then this really bites."

"I will admit that you are right, that it does indeed bite." She ran her hands over her dress to smooth it out, thinking that having sex with this woman here in her office was one of her long time fantasies, back when that would have been a big taboo. "May I see you later?" she quipped, clearing her throat.

Andy's head fell. "No, I…"

Miranda suddenly huffed loudly in annoyance, "Got other plans huh," her voice bit hastily as she walked back to her desk. "Figures," she hummed quietly. "Well if that's all…"

"Miranda," Andy drawled, blocking her next response by erasing the distance between them and pulling Miranda to her, kissing her soundly on the mouth. Growling, she rested her forehead against Miranda's as they gathered their breath. She could feel the retort coming and Andy just shook her head and pressed a finger to her lips. "No, no, now listen."

Miranda wanted to growl this time, but only raised an eyebrow in interest. "I would love to see you later, but the thing is I won't be here to do so."

"Why is that?"

"I have to fly home tonight."

"Home as in?"

"Home as in L.A. I am sorry, but I had this all planned before we…" she gestured between them and sighed sadly.

"I see." Miranda took a step back. "So how long will you be away?"

Andy groaned. "Tuesday."

"Oh." Miranda looked a little relived. "So only for a day."

"Tuesday next week," Andy informed her. "Then I will be extremely busy filming for the next two weeks."

"So what are you saying?"

Andy grimaced and closed her eyes, mentally preparing herself for what she had to tell her next. "I will see you next Tuesday, that is if you are free…but starting next Wednesday I will be extremely busy, but I will make time for you."

Miranda now couldn't hold back her growl. "Oh well feel free to pencil me in."

"It's not like that….and you know if it was reversed, what would you want me to do…. not be understanding?"

"Are you implying that I am not?"

"Uhgggg!" Andy threw her hands up. "You have to stop with this. I will make this as clear as I can." She tugged back on Miranda's hips, pulling her close again. "I love you," she said clearly, her eyes never leaving Miranda's. "And I want to be with you. Do you want me as well or will it be too hard for you to pencil me in?"

Miranda's jaw tightened and she paused long enough to give Andrea doubts about them, and it pained her. She needed to stop this, so she glided her hands up Andy's toned bare arms. They were sculpted just right, and this silk shirt showed them off spectacularly. Her mind suddenly went momentarily to who designed this exquisite top that fit Andy's figure perfectly. Her fingers played with the collar on her shirt and that's when she realized she just couldn't pinpoint who she was wearing. "Who is this?"

Andy blinked. "I just …." She pulled out of the embrace and shook her head. "I can't believe you."

Miranda smirked and yanked her back to her. "Oh stop being so dramatic."

"Me, dramatic? Oh no, honey that is all you."

Miranda nipped tenderly at her lips. "I want to be with you as well, Andrea, and somehow, some way, we can try to make this work. Well, only if you start learning how to use a telephone."

"Ha ha very funny." Andy glared playfully and kissed her again.

Still drifting her fingers down the front of her blouse, Miranda sighed. "So next Tuesday, huh?"

"I'm sorry, yeah….I have to go back and do some promotions for the other movie."

"Oh?"

"Yeah I have Ellen on Wednesday."

Miranda actually looked impressed. "Really?"

"Yeah, I'm actually a little nervous about it."

"You'll be fine, Dear, but on the other hand I will not." Once again she narrowed in on the front of her shirt. Her lips twisted slightly in thought, but they did not purse, so Andy took that as a good sign.

She couldn't suppress her grin. "You just can't help it can you….you're dying to know."

"I relent, tell me, Darling and if I hear it is a Jaclyn Smith, well, I just won't know what I'll do."

Andy burst out in laughter. "Well I noticed you did keep my Gap hoodie," she teased.

Miranda sighed, but a slight smile remained. "All right I did; so what? I only kept it because it smelled like you." She traced a finger across her throat, then she dipped her head and inhaled her scent before placing a soft kiss to her neck. "Mmmmm," she purred. "So are you going to tell me?"

Andy decided she had tortured her long enough, or was it Miranda who was now torturing her? "It's mine," she relayed, leaning her head back to enjoy more of Miranda's lips to her neck, when she abruptly flinched back.

"Excuse me?" She blinked before her eyes went wide.

"Yeah, I designed this….well with the help of James."

"James Holt?" She dropped her hands away. "Is this why you were with Jacqueline?" Fire now laced her blue eyes. "Why didn't you come to me?"

Andy slapped both hands over her face. "Are you hearing yourself? How could I have come to you? Hell, I wanted to tell you in New Mexico, but after you kicked me out that morning, and then what you told me at the shoot, I was like screw that and to hell with not telling you," she exhaled.

"Honestly I really never wanted to see you again." Her eyes stained with tears thinking back to the day she watched Miranda leave her dressing room.

This time it was Miranda who ran a hand over her white hair. "I'm sorry, Darling." She took a slow breath. "You are right, that is one thing I regret the most. Not my finest hour," she admitted, her voice suddenly uncertain. Sighing, the editor slipped her arm around the younger woman's torso and hugged her lightly. "It's very beautiful, almost as much as the person that is wearing it." She drew back and kissed her briefly. "You really have to leave tonight?"

"I have an early morning call. It's cheaper to film some of this movie in the sound stages in Hollywood."

"Miranda," Emily voiced as she knocked against the door.

"Your four o'clock is here."

"Can you at least wait until this meeting is over?"

Andy slowly shook her head. "My flight leaves in about an hour, in fact, I really need to get out of here or I may miss it."

Miranda had a look on her face, one in which Andy knew she had never seen before and it broke her heart. "I'm sorry."

She moved in and kissed her softly. "I'll call you as soon as I land." Then her eyes went wide. "Shit, give me your phone."

Miranda clued in and quickly handed it to her as she opened the door to inform her assistant that she would be ready in one minute.

Andy quickly took care of the phone situation and still had time to thoroughly kiss Miranda and tell her she would miss her and would call her every day before she had to let her go.

Miranda watched her walk away from her office, just like she had all those years ago when she was her assistant, but this time she wasn't going to be back in fifteen minutes bringing her coffee. No she was leaving her, to get on a jet plane and to fly across the country.