Part 23

Miranda entered her townhouse, her mind so thoroughly tired. She had pulled it off and refinished the magazine just in time for print. Although she was grateful that she actually did hear from Andrea as soon as she landed, their phone calls were few and far in-between.

She moved over to that area of her living room and perched on the edge of the cushions, and then finally relented and sunk back against them. Kicking off her heels, she sighed as she checked her phone and read the text Andrea sent her earlier.

Hi honey! See look I do know how to use a phone…LOL

I miss you like crazy. Sorry we've been so busy.

I will make it up to you I promise as soon as this movie is over.

I am heading into film so I can't take my phone with me.

I will call you as soon as I can.

Love you

It was now Friday evening and Miranda had nothing to do. Her girls were away for the night at a sleepover and she stared at the emptiness in the room, finding that she missed Patricia. The poor St Bernard had died two years earlier. She had thought about getting another dog, but with her girls busy with their school schedule, she knew none of them had time.

Sighing again she checked her watch with a frown and fretted as she thought about spending the night alone. Then a slow canny smile graced her lips. "Maybe," she thought. "Yes, I can do this." Miranda gazed down at Andrea's text again and then bounced up from the sofa and raced upstairs to pack, and have Emily book her a flight to L.A.

…

Andrea dropped into her own sofa as soon as she finished her bath. Her body screamed with exhaustion and she lolled her head back and closed her eyes. She had about drifted off to sleep when suddenly she realized it was getting late back east. She rubbed a tired hand over her face and reached for her phone. She smiled down at her text and then her brow furrowed when she didn't see one for her.

She knew Miranda wasn't a huge texter, but shit how hard would one it be to send a simple text to say she at least got it. She half sighed, half grumbled, thinking about how Miranda got on her for not sending one simple text to her just days ago.

She rolled her eyes and quickly dialed her number, and began to pace once she got her voice mail for the second time. "Um are you in a meeting or something? Wish I knew…it's getting late there. Just call me when you get this." Andrea forcefully ended the call and dropped the phone on the kitchen counter.

She grabbed a fine bottle of wine from the wine cooler and poured herself a glass, and was about to head out to the back patio and watch the waves roll in when she heard the buzzer ring.

Puzzlement hit Andy's brows as a voice rang out. "Andy it's me."

Andy slightly smiled and opened the door for her friend. "Hey, what you doing here?"

"Do I need a reason to visit you?" Lily breathed and slid past her.

"I just got home, well sort of," Andy informed. Her voice sounded somewhat weary as she closed the door. "I was just about to head outside."

Lily just ignored her friend and plopped down on the sofa like she owned the place. "Sorry, I just ….I didn't want to be alone tonight."

Andy shuffled back into the room and peered down at the other woman. "What's going on?"

"Neil," she muffled. "We had a fight."

Andy wanted to roll her eyes. She was so not in the mood for this, but since Lily was her friend, she had no choice. "Wine?"

"Yes please," Lily answered, but made no attempt to get up and get it herself.

"Oh let me," Andrea whispered to herself, and poured another glass and brought it to the other woman.

Lily grinned as soon as the wine hit her lips. "Ooo this is the good stuff." She plopped her feet up on Andy's coffee table and leaned back.

Andy now had to roll her eyes. "Um, the least you could do is take your shoes off first."

"Gezzz, someone is testy tonight," Lily grumbled and flung her shoes off. "Someone needs to get laid," she mouthed mockingly.

"And that someone isn't me," Andy voiced back, getting a little annoyed with her friend.

"Yeah? And why is that? Have you been holding out on me?"

Andy took a huge gulp of her wine. "No, and are you sure Doug hasn't told you anyways?"

Lily jerked up and glared at her friend. "Excuse me? You told Doug and not me?"

"I didn't tell him he…."

Lily interrupted her. "Then how in the hell does he know? And more importantly, why haven't you told me?"

"Because." Andy shrugged. The truth was she hadn't told Lily because she knew how she felt about Miranda, in fact she about lost her as a friend when she worked for her so she didn't know how to tell her that she was now in love with the woman, especially tonight. She took a sip of her wine and then turned to walk toward the back door that led out to the beach. "I want to sit outside and have some peace and quiet, I had a long day."

"What are you going to do…leave me here?"

"You could join me outside if you want. Besides in another five minutes you'll be on your phone calling Neil anyways."

"That's not true."

"You do it all the time."

"What the fuck is going on with you?" Lily snapped.

Andy turned back and glared. "Nothing, I am just tired and I actually wanted some alone time tonight."

"So basically you're saying you don't want to spend time with me?" Lily argued. "I can't believe how you treat me."

"Oh no you don't…..I treat you damn good, I take you everywhere so you can meet celebrities, I even took you to Ellen. But I am really started to doubt your friendship."

"Say it!"

"Say what?"

"You think I am using you?"

"If the shoe fits." Andy felt her blood pressure begin to rise and a sudden ache appeared at her temples. "Well, when was the last time you did something for me?" she bit grouchily.

"Oh I see, this is that kind of a friendship. I never helped you get your god damn job at the news station or anything?"

"You only got me out here so you didn't have to move out west by yourself….that and you needed someone to help you pay rent and buy groceries."

Lily narrowed angrily. "That's what you think? What the hell, Andy?"

"Not like you weren't fucking pissed at me over the Nate situation," Andy hurled at her. "Then all of a sudden you had to move and so I became your best friend again."

"That is not true. I was only mad at you for a while because of what that horrible woman did to you. You just never saw it…. we did. She changed you..… You weren't yourself, but once you wised up I…" she trailed off and her eyes went wide at hearing what she was actually admitting.

"I see now." Andy shook her head. "You only want me when I'm useful to you or for what I can do for you. And right now I am not in the mood so I'm going outside to be alone," she heaved. She started to open the door, and then turned back. "I want you gone when I get back down here."

"This is the thanks I get?" Rage heated Lily's face and she snarled. "I know something is up with you, and I know damn well it has to do with whoever it is that you're fucking."

Andrea swallowed down her anger before she actually threw her wine glass at her friend. "I'm gonna pretend you didn't say that….besides didn't you just say I needed to get laid? So which is it?"

Just then Andrea's doorbell rang, startling them both. They just stared at each other for a moment until finally Lily groaned loudly and threw her hands up. "Oh let me get it for you, Your Highness, since I never ever do a thing for you." She stomped over to the door and threw it open.

White shock filled her features as soon as she saw who it was. "No fucking way," she hissed.

Miranda narrowed in on the woman, then stepped back a few feet on the porch and checked the number on the house. "Um yes, is this Andrea Sachs resid…." She didn't get to finish because Lily was now up in her face.

"You are not welcome here; get the fuck out of here," she yelled.

Andrea got there just in time to see her friend about to shove Miranda. "Lily," she screamed and yanked her arm back. "Where the hell do you get off?"

Worry flooded Miranda's blue eyes and she blinked, not knowing what to do. She searched Andy's brown eyes and shock and wonderment clouded hers. "Miranda?"

"Darling?" She went with. "I wanted to surprise you; is this a bad time?"

Andy's chest heaved in surprise and excitement. "Bad time for you to surprise me, nooooooo …..never. You are always welcome here." She now smiled and threw herself against the other woman, wrapping her arms around her.

"Oh you got to be kidding me…..fuck this shit!" Lily spat. "You are choosing her over me yet again."

"Lily," Andy snarled in a warning.

"The initial M." Her hand flayed out in fury. "It was her all along wasn't it? God I am such an idiot and now she has turned you against me. Can't you see this woman is bad news? She doesn't actually want you, Andy. You seriously can't be this dumb."

Miranda winced at the harsh words directed at Andrea and she glared at Lily, who glared right back. "Oh no you don't. Your evil glare doesn't scare me, bitch, so back the fuck off and leave my friend alone." Her nostrils flared. "Leave now!"

Andy had heard enough, and now shoved herself up into Lily's face. "No, you leave now, or I'll throw your ass back into your car."

"Excuse me?"

"Lily, this is my house, not yours, and Miranda is my guest here. In fact, for your information, I love her, and if you threaten her one more time I will remove you off of my property for good."

A loud cackle echoed through the night's sky and with it Lily finally relented, but made one last comment. "You're a god damn idiot. You do know you could have anyone you wanted…and yet you pick her of all people." She glared at Andy then grabbed her bag and left, leaving Andy and Miranda still standing on the front porch as she squealed her tires and disappeared.

It took a full minute after Lily's car was out of sight before Andy turned toward Miranda and slipped her arms around and pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'm so sorry," she breathed against her ear.

Miranda held her back and shook her head. "What was that about?"

Andy sighed. "Not really sure," she grumbled, and then just closed her hand around Miranda's. "But seriously, what are you doing here?"

A tiny smiled dipped Miranda's lips. "I wanted to see you; is that okay?"

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"Um surprise," Miranda said.

"Wait how did you know where I live?"

"That was the easy part, Nigel."

"Nigel? You got in contact with him over my home address, and I couldn't even get a phone number from him."

"Because you see the photo shoot is over and he is now home."

Andy suddenly waved it off as a huge smile filled her full lips. "I don't care, you're here," she said in a high happy voice.

Miranda warmly smiled as well. Her arm slipped around Andy's shoulders and drew her body back to her, hugging her, then she sought out her lips. The younger woman responded immediately, her mouth sweet and responsive to Miranda's, and once again it was that spark that began to ignite all the way through her. With a groan she drew back.

"You okay?"

"Hmm, yes, but why don't you show me around first."

"Oh god, I am sorry; where are my manners?" She finally brought her inside, closing the door behind them.

Andy watched as Miranda slowly took in her surroundings. "This is yours?"

"It is."

"I'm impressed, it's very beautiful."

"I like it, and well I was just going to go outside and watch the waves roll in." She paused. "Would you care to join me? I have wine."

"Did you already have dinner?"

Andy's head fell. "No," she shrugged. "Have you yet?"

Miranda shook her head. "No, I had coffee on the plane is all."

"Oh well, let me cook something then."

"Darling, you don't have to do that, but I am actually hungry. We could order?"

Andy grinned. "That's true, and…" she trailed off and narrowed in on the clock in the kitchen. "It isn't too late either, so we can order something good." She turned back toward the woman she loved. "What would you care for?"

Miranda just gazed upon Andy, then traced soft fingers down the side of the younger woman's face and then down her neck. Not sure what to do under Miranda's penetrable stare, Andrea cocked her head back. "What is it?"

Miranda inhaled and slowly shook her head. "She's right, you know."

Confused Andy's brow furrowed. "She's right? Who's right?"

"Your friend, the one who just left."

"No, just….wait about what?"

"You could have anyone you wanted, and yet here you are with me. And you know damned well I don't deserve it."

Andy gave her a stern look, then growled at the other woman, playfully pulling her into an embrace where she wrapped her arms around her slender waist. Pressing her face against the smooth skin of Miranda's throat, she inhaled her scent.

"You know it is true," Miranda said quietly as she rejoiced in holding on to the other woman. She couldn't believe how good it felt having her in her arms and she loved it. Begrudgingly, she leaned back to look down into her beautiful brown eyes.

Andy lifted her head, her lips brushing over the older woman's. "Eh, I know nothing other than how I feel right now, with you here in my house and you with your arms around me." She smiled against her lips.

Miranda felt tears nip at her eyes so she deepened the kiss, her lips parting, and she explored Andrea's mouth hungrily, tasting the desire and devotion awaiting her. When they finally separated, Miranda breathed shakily. "This is….we um should maybe eat, and maybe actually talk this time, Darling."

"Don't tell me you flew all this way just to talk? Because we could have done that over the phone," she bantered.

Miranda's lips quirked in a half grin. "Okay fine, but…" she noticed Andy advance and she pressed a finger to her lips stop her. "Food first, or I may pass out on you yet again."

Now Andrea giggled. "Then let me hurry and order, because I need that Miranda vigor …" she bounced her brows playfully then added. "All. Night. Long."

Miranda shook her head at her. "Oh god, you didn't?"

Andy only laughed and hurried and called the closest and fastest place that delivered.

Miranda accepted the glass of wine from the younger woman as they both dug into their noodles with stir fried lamb. Andy couldn't suppress her pleased grin as she watched Miranda enjoy the food that she had ordered for her.

Miranda noticed it, and scoffed. "Oh please, don't feel that impressed with yourself."

"Why not? You like it." Andy hummed.

"I do, but don't act like this is a big feat, it's not like you weren't my assistant or anything."

Andy lightly chuckled and sipped at her wine. "Feeling better?" she asked, giving her a saucy look that instantly made Miranda swallow, even though she had nothing in her mouth.

"I am." She cleared her throat and took a sip from her glass.

"Good." Andy tried to eat more of her stirfry, but Miranda was just too distracting, so she found she was staring at her. She knew it was probably rude to do that while someone was eating, but she just couldn't believe she was there at her table… in her house, eating from take out from one of her favorite restaurants.

"What are you thinking about?" Miranda interrupted Andy from her thoughts.

Andy lifted her chin, sighed happily, and smiled again. "You of course."

"Oh?" Miranda toyed pursing her lips, lifting an arrogant brow.

With that look, that was supposed to be threatening to most, it was now lined with playfulness and Andy seemed frozen by it. It made Miranda laugh seeing her so dazed. "Are you okay Darling?"

Shaking her head slightly, Andy blinked. "Yeah, yeah….sorry," she exhaled. "So, may I ask how the girls are now?"

Miranda licked her lips. "They are just fine. In fact, they are at a friend's house, and I told them I would be back Sunday evening…." She trailed off seeing how that sounded. "I actually reserved a suite, so I won't be imposing on you; I know that you are busy."

"Hey, no, don't…I'm so glad that you are here. And," she emphasized, "Mi casa es su casa, and honestly I wouldn't want it any other way." She reached over and gathered Miranda's hand in her own. "Please stay here, I mean what's the point of you going to a hotel, since I'll just follow you there?"

"I didn't really think ahead, only as far as I really wanted to see you…so I ….."

Andy only pulled her hand up so she could place a kiss to it, which interrupted Miranda's train of thought. "I love that." She now placed a warm kiss to her palm and instantly she heard Miranda's breath catch.

She grinned as she looked up to see desire once again fill her blue eyes. "You know, we could always save the rest of this meal for later."

Miranda inhaled sharply, and kept her voice as even as she could. "Oh and why is that?"

Andy stood up and pulled on her hand, making Miranda stand as well. "Because I don't know about you, but right now I am only hungry for one thing."

Miranda slipped her arms around Andy's neck, drawing her in to her and capturing her mouth in a passionate kiss. "I believe I agree with you."

"Here let me show you my room." Andy began to lead her up the stairs, when she heard her cell phone ringing on the kitchen counter where she had left it. "Oh shit." Not sure what to do, she decided to ignore it.

"Go answer it, I understand."

"It's late; it's probably just a wrong number or something."

"Or it could be important."

Andy relented, but was irritated and grumbled as she answered it. "Yeah?"

Her eyes went wide. "Oh yeah George, yeah it is late. Oh okay. What is it?"

Miranda slowly began to go through Andrea's kitchen to find containers to put their forgotten leftovers in as she tried to ignore Andy's phone conversation. Soon she noticed Andy cover the mouthpiece. "Hey this is work stuff, it may take longer. I am so sorry."

Miranda wanted to feel bad, but how could she. So she waved it off. "I understand I will be just outside, since your backyard is the ocean."

"I will hurry."

Soon Miranda was alone in the star filled sky, breathing in the ocean air.