Part 26

Andy struggled up through the morass of darkness that clung to her and reluctantly fought to open her eyes. She breathed deeply, recognizing immediately that she felt very weak. It took all of her strength just to open her eyes. She realized she was in her bed in her room at her penthouse in New York. For a moment she was unsure how she had gotten there, then slowly, the memories of being deathly sick came back to her. She even recalled Miranda being there with her the entire time, even when she protested over and over again that she didn't need to be there.

She made a sound, swallowing against a sandpaper throat as she looked around. Her head felt too heavy to lift, and it was an effort to even move her eyes. "Well hello there, Darling." The voice was unmistakably Miranda's, but she had yet to see her. "How are you feeling?"

Summoning her all her muscles, she rolled over and finally her eyes found the older woman sitting in the chair in the corner of her room, her eyes locking on to hers over the glasses that were hanging off of her nose.

Andy could see she was immersed in her work, but she was somewhat surprised to see her there. "What are you doing here?" she uttered, her voice hoarse.

A tiny smile graced Miranda's lips, and to the untrained eye anyone else wouldn't have noticed it, but Andrea did. "I'm here because you needed me," she told her directly. "Would you care for some tea?"

"Umm," Andy wiped at her eyes, trying to erase the sleepiness she was still feeling, but very pleased she no longer felt nauseous. "What time is it?"

Miranda shut the book in her lap and removed her glasses, then stood up and came before Andrea, who now found the strength to lean half way up on the bed. The older woman reached out and tenderly traced her fingers over her brow. "I'm glad you finally got your color back," she told her gently. "So tea?"

Andrea raised an eyebrow weakly. "I have tea?"

Miranda nodded. "You do. Would you like to try to eat something as well?"

The brunette hesitated a moment, contemplating if food sounded alright. "I suppose, but I don't think there is anything in my kitchen."

Miranda smirked, and Andy watched it with intrigue. "What?" she asked, but the editor just waved it off.

"You want to try to eat in there?" She motioned toward the dining room and held out a hand for Andrea to take.

"Yes," Andy replied with a croak, but didn't take her hand. "I gotta get out of this bed." She went to stand and swayed from being so weak, but Miranda was there to catch her.

"I got you, Darling."

Andy felt gross and flinched slightly from Miranda's hold. "You don't have to. I bet I smell. Plus I am the poster girl for the Incubus of Viral Plague."

"Oh would you stop it," Miranda protested shortly. "But if it will make you feel better, why don't you go shower and I'll warm you up some soup and tea."

Andrea nodded with a frown. "Thanks, but …" her brow furrowed in confusion as she faded off when she noticed the time, then gave her an odd look and blinked. "It's 6:30?" She glanced to the window and then back to Miranda. "How long have I…?"

"I came over here yesterday evening. It's only Wednesday night."

"Holy shit, I missed that much?"

"You slept a long time, Dear. I think you needed it after all the vomiting you were doing."

"I remember seeing your doctor, by the way he was so nice, thank you…" she felt her throat close from being emotional, and for how Miranda had swept in and took care of her no questions asked. She never had that, well not since she had moved out of her parent's house. Tears now at the forefront of her eyes, her lip quivered. "And thank you," she cried. "You didn't have to, not for me and I'm sorry."

Gently Miranda touched Andy's cheek, stroking it carefully. "Shhh," she soothed her, "It's all right, Andrea, and there is no need for that." She carefully pulled her in for a hug.

Andrea clung to her, then was reminded that she had been sick and cringed as she pulled away. "Let me shower, and god Miranda, I so hope you don't get sick. That was awful."

"Yes, I'll agree, here let me help you," she offered, and Andy held her hand out.

"I think I can mange," she noted in a low voice. "You already have done so much." She took a step toward the bathroom when she swiveled back. "Oh no," she fretted.

"What is it?"

"I supposed to be to work today. I need to call my producer, oh god," she panicked.

Coming back to her, Miranda brought her hand to Andy's. "I took care of it, Sweetheart," she remarked in a definite tone, squeezing her hand.

"How?" Andy drawled.

"I hope you don't mind, but I confiscated your phone and found the number to your assistant and told her to take care of it."

"I didn't think you'd…. you shouldn't have stayed. You have your girls and work," Andy began. She felt her chest tighten and was unable to form words as another round of tears hit her. She immediately broke down from hearing this from Miranda, and couldn't believe that she would do all this for her. I guess she really does love me. She just couldn't wrap her head around it. Even after everything they had been through, Miranda was really here, not at work, and taking care of her even when she was so grossly sick.

Miranda drew her in and wrapped her arms about her. She felt her sobs shake her body and just pulled in her in tighter. "You can't keep me from worrying about you," Miranda told her. "I care too much."

Andrea opened her eyes, drew back and looked up at her. "I know, but what about you? I mean your girls? I know that they need you, and Runway….god Miranda, they both need you. You should go."

There was a pause and then Miranda chuckled lightly, low in her throat. "Are you already trying to get rid of me? Plus I believe you needed me more."

"I just worry, and I would die if you got sick."

"Right now you are my first priority. So go take that hot shower and I'll warm that soup up for you."

Andrea wiped at her nose and nodded, then puzzlement weighed heavily on her brow. "Wait what kind of soup?" she asked, now feeling the effects of not having anything to eat in so long. "Did you cook? There is nothing in the apartment."

Miranda grinned. "Don't be silly, Darling; I made Maria make her famous chicken noodle," she quipped with an air of satisfaction in her eyes.

"You did?" Andy's lips pursed and she wanted to cry again, and instantly Miranda shook her head at her.

"Oh no you don't." She turned her toward the bathroom. "Go!" she demanded.

….

Miranda had Andrea's soup ready along with tea on the small dining table when the younger woman walked in. Her hair was still wet and she was wearing only a robe. "Right here," she pointed to the chair.

"Oh," Andy said, then began to pull her chair out when Miranda did it for her. "Oh," she repeated now in surprise. She let the older woman slide her chair in and then felt a warm hand brush her hair from the side of her neck, followed by warm soft lips.

"I'm glad you're feeling better," she husked.

Andy's eyes slipped shut and she automatically reached up behind her and wrapped her arms around Miranda's neck. "Me too," she whispered into the side of the editor's neck. "I love you, and I owe you so much for doing this."

Miranda kissed her again and then reluctantly drew back. "Then pay me back by eating and getting your strength back," she demanded with a firm point to the soup.

The moan escaped Andy's lips as she took a long sip of the warm soup. "This is so good," she muttered.

"I'm glad." Miranda was wiping the kitchen counter off and didn't notice Andrea watching her. She eyed the entire room, and then craned her neck to look beyond this area. She noticed her luggage was no longer there; in fact the entire apartment looked immaculate.

"Holy shit," she heaved. "Did you clean?"

Miranda placed the dish cloth over the sink to dry and snorted. "Don't be absurd; what do you think I pay Maria for?" She winked, then came and paced a tender kiss to Andy's forehead. "Finish eating, I need to go over a few things for work."

She watched Miranda walk away with the usual sway to her hips, and she couldn't help the tiny giggle that escaped her throat. The feeling of being here, being taken care of like this, was almost too much. Almost.

….

Later Andrea did feel so so much better, but as she laid there she knew it didn't have much to do with the soup, although it was delicious, but everything to do with having her head in Miranda's lap and her perfect fingers tracing over her scalp, neck and part way down her back.

She was in total bliss as they stared at some show on TV. "Are you sure you are not needed at home?"

"No, I am right where I need and want to be," she reminded her gently.

"Is it weird that I love this?" she asked softly. "I mean being here like this with you. I mean….. don't get me wrong I love having sex with you, but this is something I used to dream about," Andy rambled. "I …oh nevermind. ignore me, I'm being stupid."

"Hey, no, I understand, and I have to admit I actually agree with you. I confess, it is something I never knew I wanted before now."

Andy turned in her lap and stared up at her, ignoring the sting of tears once again. She drew her hand up and traced her fingers down the side of Miranda's cheek. It was a mushy, cheesy moment as they both smiled at each other.

The moment didn't last as the chime to her door sounded. Stunned Andrea gave Miranda, then the door a strange look. "Are you expecting someone?" the editor asked.

"No," Andy replied, and moved when the door sounded again.

Miranda slid past Andy and got up and padded barefoot to the door. She took a quick peek at the peep hole. With an exuberant eye roll and a groan, she pulled the door open.

"Miranda?" Jacqueline bit with aggravation, not prepared to see this woman at Andy's apartment. "What are you doing here?"

"I know why I am here, but you? I mean I didn't think you were invited."

Andy slowly got up from the couch and that's when the French woman noticed her. "Andrea?" Her eyes widened as she took her in. "Are you okay, Dear?"

"What are you doing here?"

Jacqueline swiftly moved from the door and Miranda and came before Andy. "You do not look well, what is it?"

Andy sighed. "I had the stomach flu."

"Oh my," Jacqueline uttered, and placed a caring hand to the side of Andy's cheek. "I was worried when you didn't show up at the fitting tonight with James."

"Crap, I totally forgot. I'm sorry."

Jacqueline waved it off. "No worries, I told James that something must be wrong since we didn't even get a call from you. It was so unlike you." She paused. "I started to think you changed your mind, you know from what I did to you. I should apologize to you for that," she told her seriously, then placed a tender kiss to her cheek.

Miranda stood with her arms crossed watching and trying to keep herself calm as she wondered exactly what Jacqueline did to her. All she really wanted to do was push the French bitch out of the apartment, away from Andrea and lock the door.

"It's okay." Andy was always one for forgiveness, and well she really wanted this fashion line of hers to go through. "It's fine, let's just forget about it."

Jacqueline turned and glared at Miranda, then back to Andy. "I hope she was here to help you, and not make you wait on her," she fired.

And just like that Andy started to regret letting it go with Jacqueline. "Hey, don't…. she's been great." She then gazed at Miranda and offered her a affectionate smile. "Wonderful in fact."

Miranda finally went to Andy's side and now rubbed the cheek that Jacqueline previously kissed, almost like she was rubbing it off and staking her claim. Usually with anyone else Andy would be annoyed by that, but with Miranda she found herself loving it. "I'll let you two talk."

"You don't have to…"

"I have to make a phone call anyhow, I won't be long." She then placed a soft kiss to her lips, then gave Jacqueline a warning glare before she slipped from the room.

A moment of silence passed and finally Jacqueline's breath fell out in a rush. "My Chéri, I just don't understand this."

"Um," bewilderment knitted Andrea's brow together. "Understand what?"

Jacqueline patted Andy's hand. "I wish you could see this….I guess we all have to live and learn."

"Um still not following."

"That woman in there will only hurt you, you have to see that….I mean you worked for her for hell's sake, you know what she is like," she heaved, shaking her head. "God I don't want you to hurt, Chéri."

"I appreciate your concern, but you don't need to worry. So do you need anything else? As you can see I am still not 100% yet."

"Just one thing…. take care of yourself, and I will call you to reschedule." She hugged her softly, and then a big grin split her lips before she kissed the same cheek again, making her point. She turned to leave, but then turned back toward Andrea. "Oh one more thing…..why don't you ask her about the new boy toy she has on the side?"

Andrea blinked and her heart suddenly fell to her gut, leaving a burning worried ache that now filled her empty chest. "Whhhh…aaatttt? Did you just….why can't you just be happy for me? I don't believe this….why would you make this up?" Andrea stammered, now getting upset.

Jacqueline came back toward her and tried to gather Andy's hands in her own, but the younger woman wouldn't let her and took a step back. "Just leave and you can forget about the fashion deal we had. I'll find someone else."

Firming her jaw, Jacqueline's nostrils flared. "Don't be absurd, this shouldn't affect our business dealings," she reprimanded. "I just thought you should know. It's not my fault if you don't believe me."

"Why should I?" Andy all but cried.

The other woman tucked a hair behind her ear and exhaled a long breath, then pulled out her phone. It took her a minute to find what she was looking for and when she did she handed the phone to Andy. "Here, see for yourself."

Andy quickly pulled the phone up and saw an image of Miranda and some young man, young enough that he could be her brother. And the photo was not innocent; it was of them in a tight embrace and kissing, in front of Miranda's townhouse no less.

It made her sick seeing Miranda with him and the tears began to slip down her cheeks. "Oh Andrea," Jacqueline whispered throatily. "Come here." She pulled her into her arms and held her.

Andy was still in shock and just let her hold her. "She will always look for the next eligible bachelor; she will not be with you. Don't you know that's just how Miranda works? Her image is too important," she whispered as a warning against her ear. "There is no way she would ever come out with this, you're just her dirty little secret."

Andy drew back, sniffing as she wiped her eyes and nodded, clearly still in shock, so much so she didn't see Miranda come back into the room. "Something going on here that I should know about?" There was a certain sting in the older woman's voice that both Jacqueline and Andy picked up on.

Andy shook her head as more tears fell from her eyes. Her face paled and she covered her mouth with her hand. "Oh god, I think I'm going to be sick," she faded off, and pointed toward the other room before she stepped carefully around both women and left them alone.

Miranda's glare hardened. "What the hell did you do this time? Way to go making her sick," she snarled.

Jacqueline only held her smirk. "Oh, Chéri," she said, her voice dripping with smug satisfaction. " she said, "Don't blame me, this is all on you, dear," she voiced coldly. "You are bad news, Priestly and Andrea is sweet and does not need to be used by the likes of you. Just let her go and be happy, stop torturing that poor girl."

"You know what, you don't have a clue you never did, nor will you ever. Just leave, and if I have my say which I pretty much know I will, she will never see the likes of you ever again. I promise you that….business or not," she warned with fire in her blue eyes.

That made her smirk once again as she shook her head. "Ah there is that controlling side I knew you had. Trying to control her already," she chuckled with ruthless satisfaction. "You will show your true colors eventually, you always do Miranda. It's just a matter of time before she sees it." She began to saunter back to the door, but added before she left. "Oh that poor poor girl," she tsked, with an evil grin.