A/N: Here's chapter 3. We'll see how long this ends up being. I've got the next two chapters partially written. Well they're in the notebook I take every day to work, but I've yet to finish typing them up.

Andy woke up with a smile on her face for the first time in months. She couldn't wait to dress herself in clothes from the Closet and make her way to Runway. It was her first day back to the office officially and she had the contract Miranda had demanded signed. She was confused at first at parts of it. There was, of course, a clause demanding confidentiality and an NDA that she would have to sign for Miranda, but the editor had included specific clauses about allowing Andy to write articles for other publications, provided they did not compete with the magazine.

At first Andy had been surprised, but she realized Miranda probably knew a lot more about the state of the publishing industry than she did and she had allowed Andy to continue to write what she pleased while working as her assistant.

She thought back to the late nights she'd spent waiting for the Book, sitting at her desk outside of Miranda's office, not daring to do anything but Runway related work while she waited. Now however, she was as good as being to told to use that time for her own writing as long as she was able to keep up with Miranda's work.

As she perused her closet, she wondered what inside she could wear to work without feeling like she was back to the days when she wore a "lumpy blue sweater". Her taste had improved in the last year, largely thanks to Nigel's patient wardrobe selections and lessons, but she did not have the budget the magazine did. Just before Andy grabbed a pair of True Religion jeans her doorbell rang. She frowned, grabbing her robe pulling it on as she answered the buzz.

"Hello?"

"Delivery here for Andrea Sachs." The disembodied female voice called up. It sounded vaguely familiar to her. Andy pushed the buzzer, letting the man into the building. Minutes later, she heard a soft knock.

She opened the door to see, of all people, Emily. The redhead had a scowl on her face. "Of course, Miranda made me do this before I go back to the art department." She handed Andy another garment bag. "For you to wear today."

Andy took the bag, an amused smile on her face. "Tell Nigel thanks."

Emily rolled her eyes. "Miranda selected these last night. I was to drop them off here and make sure you got safely to work in the car I took over."

"Right." Andy opened the bag, grinning as she saw a Gucci motorcycle jacket, jeans, and a Chanel blouse. "Make yourself at home, Em. It will only take a few minutes and we can head over."

She couldn't help but feel special knowing Miranda had picked out the outfit for her. She realized with amusement that it was similar to the one she'd worn to her interview at the Mirror, the last time she'd seen Miranda before yesterday. Apparently, the Editor-in-chief had remembered that day just as well and Andy did.

Andy couldn't help the surprise as she saw that Miranda's outer office contained only one desk now; her old one. She wondered what they could do with that empty space. Maybe she could convince Miranda adding an espresso machine would be a good idea. Emily trailed along behind her, pointing out to Andy where all the keys and components she would need to be first assistant were stored.

"And, hopefully for the last time I'll man the phones. Go get her coffee Andrea."

Andy grinned, opening her phone to create an order on the Starbucks app.

When she returned, Miranda was standing at Andy's desk, no bag or coat in sight.

"Here Miranda, your coffee." Andy handed it to the silver haired woman and was pleased to see her lips crinkle up at the edges. Miranda was trying not to smile.

"Andrea, follow me into my office. Close the door."

Andy blinked, feeling apprehensive. Who would man the phones while she was in Miranda's office?

"Uh-uh okay." She walked into the office, noting with pleasure that the only thing that had changed was the picture of Stephen Miranda once had on her credenza. Miranda sat at her desk, her glasses moving across her lips.

"I have… an offer for you, Andrea." Miranda looked over the brunette, only now assessing her outfit and Andy got the sense she was pleased by it.

"In addition to being your assistant Miranda?" Andy was intrigued.

"Yes. It appears that Irv has decided Runway needs to connect to the younger generation by creating a Runway blog."

Andy blinked, unable to understand the connection. "So, because I want to be a journalist, I should contribute?"

Miranda pursed her lips. "I know this isn't exactly the Janitors Union type writing, but Irv wants a day by day blog from Paris and will not allow the budget to increase so we can have a staff writer working this."

Andy couldn't help but clench her fists and feel her heart speed up as she heard about Irv. "That jackass. He'll do anything to try and undermine you, won't he?"

She watched as Mirada's lips twitched and she took a sip of her coffee. "Yes, I believe will stop at almost nothing. Of course, if you do this, we will pay you as a freelance writer for each post. I need to talk to Editorial to see if we have any contracts yet for digital media. I'd be prepared to pay up to $1.00 a word. It would be seven 1,000 word articles talking about the preparations and experience of Paris Fashion Week."

Her mouth dropped open. At that rate, Miranda would be paying her thousands for seven blog posts. "I-I-I uh'd be honored Miranda. If you think I can write for Runway, I mean it would be amazing."

Miranda bit her lip. "The other part is, we might not be able to let you write for a competing magazine or paper while you write these."

Andy nodded. "This is like twice what I'd be able to make writing for The Mirror Miranda, if you want my writing I'll be loyal to you and the magazine." She took the moment to reach into her bag and hand over the contract. "And here is this, signed by me."

Miranda nodded. "Get me Jim from Editorial, make sure everyone is prepared for the run-through to be moved up to 12:30 today. I need scarfs from Hermes, we're waiting for Calvin Klein skirts. The girls have a recital this evening, I need two bouquets of flowers and cards. I want to be reminded at 5:00 pm so I may go to the recital. That's all."

Andy nodded. "The phones. Miranda would you mind if I forwarded them to my cell phone so I can run to Hermes and-"

Miranda raised an eyebrow. "Andrea you know to do this job. Do it."

Andy nodded, retreating to her desk and forwarding the phones before starting Miranda's errands.

It was now 4:45 and Andy glanced at Miranda's office. She was on the phone with Patrick, and it looked like this call would be taking longer than ten minutes. She ran her hand through her hair, debating if it would be best to interrupt Miranda or rather, the best way to interrupt her.

After taking a moment she grabbed a sheet of paper, scribbling a message to Miranda.

Miranda, it's nearly 5:00 PM. If you can't make it to the recital I'd be happy to go see the girls play so they know you're thinking of them.

Andy took the note, trying to walk as quietly as possible into Miranda's office. As soon as she'd taken a step inside Miranda's blue eyes caught her own. She passed the note over, watching as Miranda read.

"Patrick, one moment." Miranda put her hand over the receiver.

"Andrea, you don't have to do this. I appreciate the thought-"

Andy smiled, shaking her head. "I know. Like I said I'd be happy to Miranda. Though calls may have to go to voicemail for a few hours."

Miranda's eyes narrowed at Andrea, as if trying to read what her motivation was. "Acceptable. I'll have Emily man the phone if needed. We shouldn't be receiving many calls."

Andy nodded, turning to leave, but she was interrupted by Miranda's voice. "Thank you." The words were nearly too soft to hear but Andy turned and nodded at her boss.

She found driving to Dalton a relaxing yet nerve-wracking experience. She'd only been to the school a few times, to pick up homework for the twins. It would be interesting to see all the other parents and nannies at the school. She slipped into the auditorium silently, finding a seat near the front, where she was sure the twins would see her. In the seat beside her, she sat the bouquets and cards from Miranda.

The performances were standard children's pieces, many with some mistakes, but Andy found it a relaxing way to end her work day. She perked up as the twins took the stage, and they searched the crowd, frowning as they didn't recognize anyone. Andy stuck her hand up, grinning at them when they smiled at her.

The piece was familiar to her, but she couldn't place it. It was surprisingly well done, and Andy couldn't help but whistle and clap loudly as the piece ended, watching Caroline and Cassidy's faces turn red.

She watched them exit the stage and stood, making to grab the flowers when a petite hand took the flowers. Her head snapped up and she met Miranda's smiling face.

"You made it. I'm sure Caroline and Cassidy will be happy to see you."

Miranda hummed. "I managed to see the last minute or so of the performance. They sounded quite good."

"They were amazing Miranda! I wish I could play as well as they do." Andy took the second bouquet and followed Miranda backstage. She was nearly bowled over as two red-headed girls ran at her, hugging her.

"Andy! Andy! Did you see us!" The voices were a combination of Caroline and Cassidy, both girls clinging to Andy.

"Your mom and I did. It was a very inspired performance, you two." She looked to her left, seeing Miranda smiling at her and the twins.

"It is one of my favorite pieces girls. I do love Bach."

Andy nodded, handing the purple bouquet to Cassidy as well as two cards. "I'm very glad my boss let me take some time off to go see this." She winked at Miranda, surprised to see the woman smiling naturally at her.

"Well of course Andrea, there would be nothing to do at the office if I was here, so it is natural for you to be off as well."

"Mom!" Cassidy interrupted, "Can Andy come with us for our dinner?"

Andy opened her mouth, about to reply when Miranda spoke. "If Andrea wants to, she is welcome to join us Bobbsies, but she might have some work she needs to do or friends she wanted to meet."

Miranda turned to her, and Andrea saw her raised eyebrow, but also the question in her eyes. She was truly inviting her.

"I do have to go get the book for you mom tonight, but that won't be done until about 10 pm, so I should have time to go eat with my favorite bosses' children."

She saw Miranda relax a fraction, apparently pleased with her answer. Soon Andy had two girls pulling her towards the exit as Miranda followed behind, shaking her head at the three young women.

They reached the car, and Andy realized Miranda had hired a larger car this evening, perfect for the four of them to ride in.

"So, where do you two go after your recitals?" She buckled herself in, surprised when Miranda took the seat next to her, not leaving any space between them.

Caroline answered. "We take turns choosing. Today though, since you've never been out, you should pick right mom?"

Miranda lips were pursed, trying to contain a smile at her children. "Indeed Andrea. This is the first time you've had dinner with us and as our guest, you should choose."

Andy twisted her fingers, nervous. "Uh, well what kind of food would everyone eat? I'd hate to choose something that not everyone likes."

Caroline and Cassidy looked at one another, silently communicating as twins do, before answering in unison. "Pizza. Italian is good."

Andy turned to look at Miranda, seeing her nod. "Well then, if you're up for waiting in line for some pizza, I know a great place. Joey's."

Miranda looked over at Andy. "Really Andrea, they're nearly teenagers. I'm sure they'll enjoy this… Joey's."

Andy laughed, "I'm sure you will too. I know you like a classic margherita, Miranda. They make the best I've had in the city."

Miranda gave Andy a questioning glance, as if to ask how she knew that. Andy ignored her, turning to the red headed girls. "So, I haven't seen you girls in a year. How's school been?"

The rest of the drive to the pizza parlor was spent with the twins talking happily about the drama at Dalton, their favorite classes, and their interest in playing sports.

As the car pulled up to Elias Clark so Andy could wait for the book, Miranda stopped her exit by grabbing her hand and speaking quietly. "Thank you, Andrea. You didn't have to give up your entire evening for my children."

Andy squeezed Miranda's hand back. "Anytime Miranda, I mean it. They're great kids."