Returning Home 3-A
"So...you still haven't told me what you think of my new place," Andy yelled from inside the kitchen "Come on. You know how much I appreciate your taste." Andy had recently purchased a condo in downtown Manhattan. She was apprehensive about investing in something permanent in hopes that she would eventually move back into the townhouse. After moving in three weeks ago she barely had any furniture in the place.
Her guest replied from the living room with a heavy accent, "It's warm and cute like you, Andy."
"Don't flatter me, Serena. I need help decorating, and you have an eye for aesthetics. I was wondering if you could help me..."
"Say no more. What kind of friend would I be if I left you...umm...How do you say?" Serena placed her index finger to her lip and looked towards the ceiling. "Oh yes....destitute that's the word I'm looking for."
"Very funny," she said walking over and passing her a glass of wine. "I would like to get the rooms set up as soon as possible. The children need a place to sleep when they're here." The last time she let Drew and Gus sleep in the bed with her she woke the next day with a sore back.
"It's not like you don't have the money. Why not just hire someone?" Serena and Andy had bonded over the past two years. Coincidentally they enrolled in the same cooking course a month after Andrea's seperation from Miranda. She was depressed and needed something to occupy her time in between jobs. Every since then they have been consistently meeting for dinner. Each week that Andy is in town they attempt a new recipe. Lately they had been experimenting with French cuisine. When dinner is unsuccessful they order in or eat at some place Miranda wouldn't dare venture. They ate at the "Fatty Crab" last week after Andy's kitchen debacle. Much to Andy's surprise cooking with her old colleague is very therapeutic. Serena complains about the struggles of maintaining a long distance relationship, while her lover resides in Paris working for French Runway. In return, Andy vents about her "lack of romance".
"I want to personalize it. I pretty much moved in with Miranda directly after Nate....and... I mean you saw my last apartment. I wouldn't exactly call it a home. Besides if you help me I will be sure to return the favor." Andy said with a sly grin. She knew the transition was hard on the boys and wanted them to feel as comfortable as possible, especially since she would be spending more time in New York. Her place wasn't nearly as big as Miranda's, but it would have to do for now.
After taking a sip of her wine, Serena looked over at Andy who was sitting next to her on the couch and said, " And how do you plan to do that?"
"I'm very resourceful. I will think of something...Now if memory serves me correct it's my turn to choose next week's recipe. I am selecting the Duck confit. " Andy said finishing off her glass of wine.
"That might be hard to swing. Miranda has been on a killing spree at work and it's only Monday. I'm sure I don't have to remind you what it's like working for the Ice Queen. Next week is the release of a new issue."
"No, no need to remind me. Well if you can't make it I will miss your company, but we can just reschedule. I've canceled on you enough over the past two years, maybe I should be on the receiving end for once " she said with a chuckle "More wine?"
"Sure, one more glass and then I should head home." Andy picked up both their glasses and headed back in to the kitchen.
"Serena looked around the room and took notice of the papers and books scattered everywhere, "Are you writing again?"
"Yeah. I have been doing a bit of research. Please, excuse the clutter. What do you think of the idea of me doing freelance under a pseudonym?"
Serena picked up a stack of nearby papers and scanned the pages. "Why not? You're a talented writer, Andy. You could have been as much of a success as a journalist as you are as an actress."
Ring! Ring! Ring! Andy called from inside the kitchen, " Can you answer that for me?"
"Hello...Serena...uh huh...I'll get her." Serena took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. "Andy! It's Miranda"
"Shit" What could she want at this time of night? Andy handed Serena her glass of wine and picked up the phone."Hello."
"Andrea... may I ask what my employee is doing at your house at this hour."
"No, you may not. However you may continue with your reason for phoning. I must say I am surprised to hear your voice. I have grown accustom to that of your new Emily." After the incident involving the kiss a couple of months ago, Miranda had been avoiding Andy like the bubonic plague.
"I had to let her go-"
"Something you do all to well" she interrupted without taking her eyes off Serena, who was holding a candid picture of Andy with her Oscar for Best Actress.
"If I could continue without further interruption...I was calling to make sure that you were still on schedule to pick up Andrew and Augustus on Friday. My flight to Miami is at 7:00 so be at the house no later than 6:00." Miranda disconnected the phone call before Andrea could respond.
"Well...that went well," she said tossing the phone on the couch. Turning her attention back to Serena, "You like what you see?" The photographer captured Andy perfectly with her head tilted back laughing. Her hair was pulled up accentuating her neckline and shoulders. It was Andy's favorite photo from that evening besides the ones including Miranda and the children.
"Yes, very much. Classic black suits you nicely." Serena said placing the photo back "Vintage Valentino?"
"Correct. Miranda chose the gown."
"She chose well. I see why you won Best Dress." She finished off her glass "I should get going. I have an early start tomorrow."
"Okay," Andy said taking the empty glass from Serena and placing it on the table. "I'll walk you out." She lead Serena to the door. Before opening it she leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks for the wonderful meal and house warming gift. I will be sure to put the espresso machine to good use."
"Boa noite" she ran her fingers through Andy's dark locks and kissed her on the forehead "Until next time, Andrea." Serena's accent sent shivers down Andy's spine. Immediately after locking up, Andy stripped off her clothes and headed to take a cold shower.
*******
Lately she has been reading about the aesthetics of virtue. The philosophy consisted of mix between Confucius and Gandhi's ideas. Reaching a tranquil state had been difficult to accomplish with all of the chaos surrounding her life, perhaps some positive reinforcements might help. Andy decided to take Serena's advice and hire a decorator. She had an appreciation for Asian furniture, so with the exception of the boys' bedrooms and guest rooms the entire apartment reflected the same mood. While the oriental style dominated the theme, she was able to include some nice antique pieces from India without causing it to look cluttered.
Unlike Andrew, Augustus had a profound respect for the arts. After a lot of begging, Andy was able to convince Lily to paint Gus' bedroom wall with her own reinterpretation of Salvador Dali's portrait, Manhattan Skyline. Her interior designer, Lila Dupree, located some contemporary pieces on short notice that blended really well. She paired the Dalilip's sofa with a Bracelli lamp, giving the room a very chic look. Andy couldn't imagine having a room as cool as this when she was their age.
In contrast to his little brother, Drew was much easier to please. His fascination with astronomy surprised Andy. For a smartass he was quite brilliant. Two weeks ago Lily introduced Andy to an up and coming artist named Yasmine, who worked wonders with glass. Andy was shocked at how quickly she was able to mold a celestial globe together. She knew that Drew would value Yasmine's creation. Like most boys his age he was into sports. His favorite athlete is Rafael Nadal. In addition to Dali, Lily also painted a life size mural of the tennis icon. Andy took him to see Rafa play at Roland Garros when they visited her in Paris last year. Since then she has taped all of his matches, in order to make sure Drew doesn't miss any. She doesn't get to see them as often as she'd like to, so when she's with them she gives them her undivided attention. After taking one last look to ensure everything was properly arranged, she took off to pick up the kids thinking to herself 'I guess I will have to sign that CoverGirl contract''
*******
Andy arrived at the townhouse at 5:45 that evening. She was greeted by the housekeeper. "Hola Maria! Dame un besito, guapa." Andy immediately pulled the older woman into a hug, placed a kiss on her cheek and whispered "Te echo de menos."
Maria laughed "We miss you around here too, Andy."
"Have Cassidy and Caroline already left? I know this is their weekend with John."
"Si Andy. You just missed them, but they said they would be sure to visit with you when they return early on Sunday."
"That sounds perfect."
Andrea's attention turned to the boys who were running down stairs with their bags in tow. "Hello darlings. Are you ready for a weekend full of fun and ice cream?" she said kneeling down to pull them both into her arms.
"Cool Mom. Can we have pizza too?" Augustus asked.
"Yeah. Let's go Mom. Mother is pestering us about cleaning our rooms."
"Slow down just a second. Yes we can order pizza. Now I would prefer you made sure your rooms are clean prior to leaving. That way we can avoid your mother's wrath." They quickly relented once she started tickling them.
"Okay, okay...we're going. Come on Gus let's race."
Andrea was sitting at the table eating a piece of Maria's flan when Miranda entered. She was wearing a black Michael Kors blouse with a pair of white- fitted pants from Bill Blass. "Andrea, I should arrive by 5:00 on Sunday. Make sure they're ready when I come to collect them from your place."
" I...I was hoping to have dinner with them. Would you mind if we all ate together? I was thinking of preparing grilled salmon and salad." She continued to look down at her plate to avoid staring at Miranda's cleavage.
It seemed as though centuries had passed before she replied, " A civil meal together is acceptable."
"So... how is work?"
"Same as usual. I continue to be surround by incompetent employees. I am flying to Miami to oversee a photo shoot that has been rescheduled three times now."
Andy stood up to place her plate and fork in the dishwasher, "I'm sure you'll sort everything out."
"Have you read any interesting scripts lately?" Andy was startled by the inquisition. Miranda rarely asked Andrea about anything remotely related to her career.
"Some...I am thinking of taking a break so I can spend more time here in New York."
She cleared her throat, "Well that's good. I know the children will appreciate having you around on a more consistent basis."
"Do you need Roy to drive you home?"
Andrea finally broke down and hired a driver after the Oscars. With the increase media attention she could no longer use public transportation,"No. Mark, my new driver, is waiting."
"Mom! We're ready now." the boys came running into the kitchen.
" Am I correct to presume everything is in its proper place? "
"Yes mother."
Miranda ran her hands through their hair and kissed each son on the forehead. "Alright darlings. Be good for Andrea. I will see you Sunday."
"We will" they said giving her their biggest smile. She shook her head in amusement. It was ridiculous how much they favored Andy.
Miranda turned towards Andrea, "Make sure they get to bed on time, otherwise I will have difficulty convincing them after my return."
"Alright. We'll see you on Sunday, Mira." She picked up their bags and lead them to the car awaiting them outside.
TBC
Her guest replied from the living room with a heavy accent, "It's warm and cute like you, Andy."
"Don't flatter me, Serena. I need help decorating, and you have an eye for aesthetics. I was wondering if you could help me..."
"Say no more. What kind of friend would I be if I left you...umm...How do you say?" Serena placed her index finger to her lip and looked towards the ceiling. "Oh yes....destitute that's the word I'm looking for."
"Very funny," she said walking over and passing her a glass of wine. "I would like to get the rooms set up as soon as possible. The children need a place to sleep when they're here." The last time she let Drew and Gus sleep in the bed with her she woke the next day with a sore back.
"It's not like you don't have the money. Why not just hire someone?" Serena and Andy had bonded over the past two years. Coincidentally they enrolled in the same cooking course a month after Andrea's seperation from Miranda. She was depressed and needed something to occupy her time in between jobs. Every since then they have been consistently meeting for dinner. Each week that Andy is in town they attempt a new recipe. Lately they had been experimenting with French cuisine. When dinner is unsuccessful they order in or eat at some place Miranda wouldn't dare venture. They ate at the "Fatty Crab" last week after Andy's kitchen debacle. Much to Andy's surprise cooking with her old colleague is very therapeutic. Serena complains about the struggles of maintaining a long distance relationship, while her lover resides in Paris working for French Runway. In return, Andy vents about her "lack of romance".
"I want to personalize it. I pretty much moved in with Miranda directly after Nate....and... I mean you saw my last apartment. I wouldn't exactly call it a home. Besides if you help me I will be sure to return the favor." Andy said with a sly grin. She knew the transition was hard on the boys and wanted them to feel as comfortable as possible, especially since she would be spending more time in New York. Her place wasn't nearly as big as Miranda's, but it would have to do for now.
After taking a sip of her wine, Serena looked over at Andy who was sitting next to her on the couch and said, " And how do you plan to do that?"
"I'm very resourceful. I will think of something...Now if memory serves me correct it's my turn to choose next week's recipe. I am selecting the Duck confit. " Andy said finishing off her glass of wine.
"That might be hard to swing. Miranda has been on a killing spree at work and it's only Monday. I'm sure I don't have to remind you what it's like working for the Ice Queen. Next week is the release of a new issue."
"No, no need to remind me. Well if you can't make it I will miss your company, but we can just reschedule. I've canceled on you enough over the past two years, maybe I should be on the receiving end for once " she said with a chuckle "More wine?"
"Sure, one more glass and then I should head home." Andy picked up both their glasses and headed back in to the kitchen.
"Serena looked around the room and took notice of the papers and books scattered everywhere, "Are you writing again?"
"Yeah. I have been doing a bit of research. Please, excuse the clutter. What do you think of the idea of me doing freelance under a pseudonym?"
Serena picked up a stack of nearby papers and scanned the pages. "Why not? You're a talented writer, Andy. You could have been as much of a success as a journalist as you are as an actress."
Ring! Ring! Ring! Andy called from inside the kitchen, " Can you answer that for me?"
"Hello...Serena...uh huh...I'll get her." Serena took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. "Andy! It's Miranda"
"Shit" What could she want at this time of night? Andy handed Serena her glass of wine and picked up the phone."Hello."
"Andrea... may I ask what my employee is doing at your house at this hour."
"No, you may not. However you may continue with your reason for phoning. I must say I am surprised to hear your voice. I have grown accustom to that of your new Emily." After the incident involving the kiss a couple of months ago, Miranda had been avoiding Andy like the bubonic plague.
"I had to let her go-"
"Something you do all to well" she interrupted without taking her eyes off Serena, who was holding a candid picture of Andy with her Oscar for Best Actress.
"If I could continue without further interruption...I was calling to make sure that you were still on schedule to pick up Andrew and Augustus on Friday. My flight to Miami is at 7:00 so be at the house no later than 6:00." Miranda disconnected the phone call before Andrea could respond.
"Well...that went well," she said tossing the phone on the couch. Turning her attention back to Serena, "You like what you see?" The photographer captured Andy perfectly with her head tilted back laughing. Her hair was pulled up accentuating her neckline and shoulders. It was Andy's favorite photo from that evening besides the ones including Miranda and the children.
"Yes, very much. Classic black suits you nicely." Serena said placing the photo back "Vintage Valentino?"
"Correct. Miranda chose the gown."
"She chose well. I see why you won Best Dress." She finished off her glass "I should get going. I have an early start tomorrow."
"Okay," Andy said taking the empty glass from Serena and placing it on the table. "I'll walk you out." She lead Serena to the door. Before opening it she leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks for the wonderful meal and house warming gift. I will be sure to put the espresso machine to good use."
"Boa noite" she ran her fingers through Andy's dark locks and kissed her on the forehead "Until next time, Andrea." Serena's accent sent shivers down Andy's spine. Immediately after locking up, Andy stripped off her clothes and headed to take a cold shower.
*******
Lately she has been reading about the aesthetics of virtue. The philosophy consisted of mix between Confucius and Gandhi's ideas. Reaching a tranquil state had been difficult to accomplish with all of the chaos surrounding her life, perhaps some positive reinforcements might help. Andy decided to take Serena's advice and hire a decorator. She had an appreciation for Asian furniture, so with the exception of the boys' bedrooms and guest rooms the entire apartment reflected the same mood. While the oriental style dominated the theme, she was able to include some nice antique pieces from India without causing it to look cluttered.
Unlike Andrew, Augustus had a profound respect for the arts. After a lot of begging, Andy was able to convince Lily to paint Gus' bedroom wall with her own reinterpretation of Salvador Dali's portrait, Manhattan Skyline. Her interior designer, Lila Dupree, located some contemporary pieces on short notice that blended really well. She paired the Dalilip's sofa with a Bracelli lamp, giving the room a very chic look. Andy couldn't imagine having a room as cool as this when she was their age.
In contrast to his little brother, Drew was much easier to please. His fascination with astronomy surprised Andy. For a smartass he was quite brilliant. Two weeks ago Lily introduced Andy to an up and coming artist named Yasmine, who worked wonders with glass. Andy was shocked at how quickly she was able to mold a celestial globe together. She knew that Drew would value Yasmine's creation. Like most boys his age he was into sports. His favorite athlete is Rafael Nadal. In addition to Dali, Lily also painted a life size mural of the tennis icon. Andy took him to see Rafa play at Roland Garros when they visited her in Paris last year. Since then she has taped all of his matches, in order to make sure Drew doesn't miss any. She doesn't get to see them as often as she'd like to, so when she's with them she gives them her undivided attention. After taking one last look to ensure everything was properly arranged, she took off to pick up the kids thinking to herself 'I guess I will have to sign that CoverGirl contract''
*******
Andy arrived at the townhouse at 5:45 that evening. She was greeted by the housekeeper. "Hola Maria! Dame un besito, guapa." Andy immediately pulled the older woman into a hug, placed a kiss on her cheek and whispered "Te echo de menos."
Maria laughed "We miss you around here too, Andy."
"Have Cassidy and Caroline already left? I know this is their weekend with John."
"Si Andy. You just missed them, but they said they would be sure to visit with you when they return early on Sunday."
"That sounds perfect."
Andrea's attention turned to the boys who were running down stairs with their bags in tow. "Hello darlings. Are you ready for a weekend full of fun and ice cream?" she said kneeling down to pull them both into her arms.
"Cool Mom. Can we have pizza too?" Augustus asked.
"Yeah. Let's go Mom. Mother is pestering us about cleaning our rooms."
"Slow down just a second. Yes we can order pizza. Now I would prefer you made sure your rooms are clean prior to leaving. That way we can avoid your mother's wrath." They quickly relented once she started tickling them.
"Okay, okay...we're going. Come on Gus let's race."
Andrea was sitting at the table eating a piece of Maria's flan when Miranda entered. She was wearing a black Michael Kors blouse with a pair of white- fitted pants from Bill Blass. "Andrea, I should arrive by 5:00 on Sunday. Make sure they're ready when I come to collect them from your place."
" I...I was hoping to have dinner with them. Would you mind if we all ate together? I was thinking of preparing grilled salmon and salad." She continued to look down at her plate to avoid staring at Miranda's cleavage.
It seemed as though centuries had passed before she replied, " A civil meal together is acceptable."
"So... how is work?"
"Same as usual. I continue to be surround by incompetent employees. I am flying to Miami to oversee a photo shoot that has been rescheduled three times now."
Andy stood up to place her plate and fork in the dishwasher, "I'm sure you'll sort everything out."
"Have you read any interesting scripts lately?" Andy was startled by the inquisition. Miranda rarely asked Andrea about anything remotely related to her career.
"Some...I am thinking of taking a break so I can spend more time here in New York."
She cleared her throat, "Well that's good. I know the children will appreciate having you around on a more consistent basis."
"Do you need Roy to drive you home?"
Andrea finally broke down and hired a driver after the Oscars. With the increase media attention she could no longer use public transportation,"No. Mark, my new driver, is waiting."
"Mom! We're ready now." the boys came running into the kitchen.
" Am I correct to presume everything is in its proper place? "
"Yes mother."
Miranda ran her hands through their hair and kissed each son on the forehead. "Alright darlings. Be good for Andrea. I will see you Sunday."
"We will" they said giving her their biggest smile. She shook her head in amusement. It was ridiculous how much they favored Andy.
Miranda turned towards Andrea, "Make sure they get to bed on time, otherwise I will have difficulty convincing them after my return."
"Alright. We'll see you on Sunday, Mira." She picked up their bags and lead them to the car awaiting them outside.
TBC