All I want Is You 3/?
CLOSE ENCOUNTER.
A WEEK LATER.
elisewarburton@runway.net.co
Hi Andy!
Miranda would like you, along with the other writers, to sit in on the run-thru to discuss a problem which has appeared.
Please be at the conference room by 5:00pm.
Thanks!
⦁ Elise Warburton,
PA for Miranda Priestly.
Looking to the time Andy's eyes widened. Shit! It was 2:30 and she was still interviewing a car fanatic for her AUTO UNIVERSE piece in Long Island. She knew she shouldn't be surprised by the last minute meeting as it always happened when she had been Miranda's assistant. It was obvious something major must be going down with RUNWAY to warrant a meeting with the writers.
On the plus side she would get to see Miranda and her whole body buzzed with excitement and anticipation as it felt like it had been weeks since seeing the immaculate older woman, the both of them having been extremely busy with their own jobs, and neither of them needing to see each other in person with Andy not being able to come up with any plausible reason to contact the RUNWAY editor. She hadn’t wanted to push her luck so soon.
She turned back to the gruff old man who couldn't stop talking about his favourite cars that had nothing to do with the article she was writing as he kept going off topic, but she pretended to politely listen and managed to get him back onto the subject at hand and to get more information for her piece.
Fifteen minutes later she fled from the corner bar, hoping and praying that she didn't smell too much like stale beer, and ran as fast as she could to catch the next Subway which of course was delayed.
When she finally made it to Elias-Clarke it was 5:15pm. Oh my god, oh my god, I am so fucking late for my first ever group meeting with the writing team and Miranda. Shit, shit, shit!
Rushing out of the elevator and down the hall way she ran into Emily who was walking around the corner the same time she was.
“Bloody hell, Sachs! Why don't you push me over next time!” Emily snapped, still unimpressed to see that she was still working for Miranda, no doubt wondering what was oh so special about her to get a second chance.
“Sorry Em, I am soooo late!”
“I know. The meetings nearly finished.” Emily said, laughing as she began walking away.
Andy's eyes widened at those words and she high tailed it down the hall way, pushing through the glass doors into the conference room where everyone stopped talking and turned to stare at her. “I am so sorry I'm late, Miranda!” She breathlessly said as she fell into one of the swivel chairs causing it to spin around making her have to quickly grab onto the table to halt its movement before she spun around a second time. “Sorry.” She whispered again as Miranda glanced in her direction.
“Now that all of you are finally here we need to go over the middle of the Autumn and Summer issue...”
Andy pulled out her notebook, quickly flipping it open to a blank page, picking up her pen ready to write down notes as Miranda began speaking. The older woman explained several things that were being changed and pulled before turning her attention on their writing.
“I don't understand how hard it is to write one tiny article about lipstick, but this!” Miranda lifted up a piece of paper, glaring at Matthew. “This does not belong in RUNWAY.”
Andy's eyes widened as she watched Miranda scrunch up the paper and throw it in the direction of the trash can. “And your piece on the CHANEL jackets has been done before. It's like you hunted down an old copy of RUNWAY, copied an article and changed it around in your own words.”
“I, no, I would never do such an aw-“
“Did I say you could speak?” Miranda glared, shaking her head and throwing another piece of paper down. “And Madelyn... this piece on the Autumn collection is incredibly dull. Your last few pieces haven't been to your usual standard that I expect of you. All of you.” She said, briefly looking at each of them aside from her.
Andy waited with baited breath for her own article, which is her first for RUNWAY, to get mentioned and criticised. Please play nice with me.
“Sydney fashion week is fast approaching and I would like you to go with Andrea who can coach you through on your piece about Katrina West’s latest trend.”
Me?! Going to Sydney?! Being a mentor?! Andy couldn't believe her eyes. “Umm, that's in Australia.” She voiced and Miranda looked up at her as if she was dumb. “I mean, that is..." Holy wow! See... this is why she loved journalism!
“Do you have a problem with that?” Miranda questioned, raising an eyebrow, staring her down.
“No, definitely not.” Andy replied, continuing. “You just took me by surprise. Australia is, wow, I never thought I'd be so lucky to go. But I must say I'm shocked to be asked to give Madelyn tips when I would have thought Dimitri would be the better person for the job as he has been working here the longest and knows more about this stuff than I do.” She said, turning to look at him who smiled at the compliment before turning back to Miranda.
“Your work is the most exceptional I've seen in a very long time and the rest of you need to read Andrea's article, study it and write more like that and not all this dribble I've been seeing lately.”
Andy felt incredibly awkward feeling all eyes on her and knowing most of them were hating her right now. She knew most of the employees weren't impressed to see her back and this would only make them even more annoyed with her which is why she was kind of glad she's barely spent any time in the offices.
That was the one thing she enjoyed about the old MIRROR offices and her job at AUTO UNIVERSE is that the people were friendly and would at least acknowledge her even if they didn't like her.
“However if you wish to decline this offer that is your decision.” Miranda spoke, cutting through her thoughts.
Shaking her head Andy responded. “No. Thank you for this opportunity, Miranda, I won't let you down.” She replied, smiling at Miranda their eyes connecting until the RUNWAY editor quickly looked away and back at her notes. “And I look forward to getting to know you, Madelyn, and trying my best to help you with some tips and tricks.” She said to the young woman, at least a couple years younger than her, who smiled at her albeit a forced smile.
“I feel the same way.” Madelyn replied, only to be polite in front of their boss, turning to Miranda. “Thank you.”
Andy bit the inside of her lip. It was clear that Madelyn was well and truly not happy about this arrangement. Hopefully though they would be able to work together as smoothly as possible.
“That's all that needs to be said.” Miranda spoke, waving them away. “Remain seated, Andrea.”
Andy halted her movement, sitting back down into the chair slowly looking to Miranda.
“Are you close to finishing your next piece?”
“Very close, Miranda.” Andy replied.
“Good. That's all.”
Raising an eyebrow she watched as Miranda stood and began walking out. “Miranda, I...” she wanted to know why the older woman was keeping her away from the offices. Was it deliberate or not? She knew that the other writers spent quite a few days here now and then. However she wanted to keep the peace with Miranda, knowing the rule to not question her, and was simply thankful for the second chance.
“Yes?” Miranda impatiently asked.
“Thank you.” Andy lamely said, smiling. Maybe soon we can work more closely together.
“Next time use a town car.” Miranda said before leaving the room.
Sitting back in her chair, shoulders slumped, Andy sighed and rubbed her eyes. She had to have hope that Miranda wasn't deliberately keeping her away because when she looked in those gorgeous blues she was so sure she saw what would have to be glowing in her own eyes. Attraction and admiration.
Never say never, sweetie! She heard Doug's words echo through her mind. She had to have faith that someday soon an event of some sort will arise where they're to work together and hopefully bring them closer like the good old days.
~*~
Andy's wish came true eight days later when she came across a problem in her piece that she needed Miranda's advice on.
The RUNWAY editor guided her through her problem with that glorious soft voice and didn't get at all frustrated with all the questions Andy had whirling around her mind, but the one she really wanted to know she couldn't ask. Is Miranda interested in me or am I so up over my head that I'm imagining seeing things in her eyes?
“Mmm yes, that is much better.” Miranda commented reading over the paragraph of article Andy had been having trouble with. “But that ghastly pen. I don't know how you can write with it.”
“What's wrong with it?” Andy frowned. It was a five dollar pen and for her that was expensive for such an item!
“It's getting ink all over your fingers.” Miranda pointed out, shaking her head.
“Oh, yeah...” Andy trailed off, laughing. “Guess I'm just used to it.” She shrugged, looking at Miranda who looked very unimpressed and didn't find it funny. She looked back down to her notebook where she had been doodling a random tree whilst the RUNWAY editor read her work.
“You like to draw.” Miranda commented, looking over briefly.
“Oh.” Andy laughed again. “I dabble in it, but I can't say I'm all that good.”
“That's the one thing I've never been good at. Drawing.”
“Oh, I'm sure that's not true!” Andy replied, shaking her head, watching as Miranda lifted up a notepad and her eyes widened at what she saw. Stick figures that were jumping over a skipping rope and nearby was a dog, a very shaggy dog, standing and watching. She bit her lower lip, and tried not to laugh. “I think that is-“
“Absolutely horrid. Like a three year old drew it.” Miranda cut in, closing the notepad.
“It's super cute.” Andy replied, wondering what other stick figure sketches Miranda had hidden away in her notepad of the girls and Patricia.
Miranda rolled her eyes. “Cute.”
“Yeah.” Andy smiled a closed lip smile.
“Cute is what you say to a three year old. Or a pet.” Miranda huffed.
Biting her lip Andy couldn't help but to laugh now. “I'm sorry.”
“Well, we all can't be as talented as you.” Miranda shocked her by saying and she saw just how shocked the older woman was with her own words.
“Ah, wow... I don't know what to say to that.” Andy replied, seeing Miranda's cheeks reddening. Oh, come on! She has to be into me! She treats me differently than everyone else, her eyes soften, and she is always relaxed.
Miranda remained quiet, continuing on with her work she had been doing before she had arrived.
Feeling like her time was well and truly up Andy began collecting together her papers. “This... this has been nice.” She softly said, watching as Miranda's hand stopped writing, as she began putting her laptop in her bag.
“Yes.” Miranda agreed with her, slowly looking to her over the tops of her glasses, causing her heart to flutter and body buzz with joy. “Unlike that other writer who could never look me in the eye.”
“I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to look you in those eyes.” Andy said, staring deep into them. So beautiful. She wanted to say, but held back. The last thing she needed was to get this completely wrong, that Miranda wasn't attracted to her, that it was all in her own head, and be fired for implying Miranda a lesbian. She didn't want to jeopardise this wonderful opportunity of being able to know Miranda again even if it only was from afar.
Biting her lip before standing from the chair Andy broke the eye contact and spoke. “It’s getting late.”
“Yes.”
Andy was surprised to see the older woman also finishing up for the night, closing down her MacBook and putting it in her large Prada bag. “My girls will be home from their fathers by now. They spent the weekend out at sea on his yacht instead of it being docked at shore like normal. I won't hear the end of their fishing stories.”
Andy softly chuckled. “Sounds like they would have had an absolute blast.”
“Mmm.” Miranda hummed. “Have you ever been fishing?”
Andy was surprised by Miranda's random question, but she seemed genuinely curious. “We try to catch the fish in the dam back home but they're never interested so... no.” She laughed. “How about you?”
“Nearly every second weekend with Eric, years ago, that it got to the point I got sick to death of catching and eating fish. The lobsters were always a delight though.” Miranda replied. “Do you get sea sick?”
Again Andy was surprised by the question. She shrugged. “I wouldn't have a clue. I've never been on a boat. However I can go on roller coasters, ride in cars, and travel on planes and I don't get motion sickness so I might be alright on a boat.”
“I got a bout of sea sickness once and trust me you never want to experience that.” Miranda replied, continuing. “Thankfully though it only happened the one time, Eric still thinks it was a stomach bug, but the ocean had been rougher and windier that day. At least they make pills which stop that if it were to happen again.”
“That's true so even if I were to get sea sick I could pop one and I'd be right as reign.” Andy smiled as she took the glass of whisky Miranda had surprised her with offering whilst they worked and finished it.
The older woman simply nodded, a curve in her lips, as she picked up their glasses and put them on her drinks trolley to be washed tomorrow by the cleaner. “Do you need a lift home?”
“The subway station is on the corner.” Andy replied, smiling. “My friend Doug will be waiting for me.”
“Good. I'm glad you don't take it home alone.” Miranda said as she flicked off the lights and they exited her office into the now dimly lit assistant’s area and through the glass doors into the hall way.
Well, sometimes I do. Andy thought but did not say. “Thanks again for your help tonight.” She said as they stopped at the elevators. “This is where I must bid you a good night though. I've got to collect something from my desk upstairs. Have a great night with Cassidy and Caroline and please let me know if there is anything I can do seeing as you've only got Elise now.” She added, having learnt Miranda had fired Amanda earlier today.
“That's very sweet Andrea but I think I demanded enough out of you the first time. Elise and I will be fine.” Miranda replied, stepping into the elevator.
“Okay.” Andy replied, smiling as she clicked the button for the second elevator. “Good night.”
“Good night.” Miranda replied, their eyes connecting and remaining that way as the doors closed.
Andy growled in frustration. She was getting super confusing signals from Miranda. It's like the older woman wanted to be in her company but wasn't allowing herself. Maybe she's scared to open up after what that jerk Stephen did. She mused as she stepped into the other lift. If only I could be correct.
~*~
Covering her face with her hands Miranda sighed. She could see it in Andrea's eyes that the brunette knew that she was attracted to her. She also knew that Andrea must be excited by the prospect but also confused as she also knew how mixed her signals must be. What are you doing you stupid old fool?! She asked herself. Pull yourself together! You're not a horny teenager. Act your own age!
But as Miranda walked out through the lobby she couldn't help but think maybe she should simply throw all caution to the wind and give in to temptation. Even if it were to end badly what was the harm in a bit of fun in the meantime?! Bloody hell, you definitely deserve it! All these years strictly focused on building an empire. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had fun with another person that weren’t her daughter’s.
Sighing she was thankful when her phone began ringing but wasn't thankful any more once she heard why Nigel was ringing informing her of a major catastrophe halting the shoot in Japan due to a 6.5 magnitude earthquake. The one time she needed everything to run smoothly with the biggest shoot of the year and Mother Nature had to throw a spanner into the works. “Is everyone okay, no one injured?”
“We're all okay, but very shaken.” Nigel replied, his voice trembling. “They're issuing a tsunami warning for the Fukushima area.”
That was definitely not good. A tsunami hitting that would be global disaster.
“I hate to ask, but is there still a chance the shoot can be done there?!” She questioned.
“We can still do it.”
Miranda breathed a sigh of relief.
“That’s if the photographer hadn't collapsed and is in hospital and hasn't woken back up.” Nigel informed. “I can contact Simone and see if she is available.”
Miranda stopped as she had been about to get into the car. Bloody hell! “So, It’s not going to continue!” she snapped as she got into the Mercedes.
“If Simone can’t do it she might know someone else.”
Sighing Miranda nodded. “I'll give one last try with Demarchelier but if not and with how you're all feeling just get on the plane and come home. We can try again in a couple weeks.” This shoot was after all for the November issue and they had plenty of time.
“There are a few kinks.” Nigel commented. “Maybe this earthquake is a sign. Not to mention the models have been the worst you've hired in a long while. They do look stellar in the couture though.”
“See how you go, but if we can’t get a photographer we'll pick up with it in a fortnight.” Miranda responded.
“Right now I need a stiff one, and I’m not talking alcohol!”
Miranda’s eyes widened at those words, the old way of Nigel speaking so openly to her making her miss their friendship. She was about to ask how his relationship was going when Nigel continued speaking, telling her he had to go.
They said their goodbyes before she dropped her phone next to her. She sighed, covering her eyes as she closed them. She was extremely exhausted. God I need a break! She thought, but there was no break in sight.
A few moments past before she felt her phone vibrate once more.
Sighing again she looked down to her phone to see Andrea’s name on the screen in the form of a text message. Her body buzzing in delight as she opened the text message.
I just saw the Breaking News about the Japan earthquake. Is everyone okay?!
Smiling at the concern Miranda began messaging back. Just spoke to Nigel. As expected they're shaken, but no injuries to our team. The photographer on the other hand collapsed so now I am potentially halting the shoot until next month.
Andrea responded: Sorry to hear about the photographer, I hope he'll be alright. As for everyone else I am relieved. I'd hate to have to experience an earthquake especially one that large!
When I was in Chile years and years ago there was a 7 magnitude. A horrible moment. I'll never forget the devastation I saw. Miranda replied, and waited to hear back from Andrea.
Oh Miranda! That's horrible. I'm sorry you had to experience that.
“Mmm.” Miranda hummed, thumb hovering over her keypad. I still have nightmares. She typed before erasing the words and closed her phone.
Seconds past and she snatched up her phone once more. Thank you. Was all she typed, sending the text. “I'm lucky to be alive and to know someone as exquisite as you.” She thought, and wanted to say, but didn't as she closed her phone and her eyes as the Mercedes continued stopping and starting in the late night traffic.
http://pure-ecstasy6.livejournal.com/42266.html
~*~
A WEEK LATER.
elisewarburton@runway.net.co
Hi Andy!
Miranda would like you, along with the other writers, to sit in on the run-thru to discuss a problem which has appeared.
Please be at the conference room by 5:00pm.
Thanks!
⦁ Elise Warburton,
PA for Miranda Priestly.
Looking to the time Andy's eyes widened. Shit! It was 2:30 and she was still interviewing a car fanatic for her AUTO UNIVERSE piece in Long Island. She knew she shouldn't be surprised by the last minute meeting as it always happened when she had been Miranda's assistant. It was obvious something major must be going down with RUNWAY to warrant a meeting with the writers.
On the plus side she would get to see Miranda and her whole body buzzed with excitement and anticipation as it felt like it had been weeks since seeing the immaculate older woman, the both of them having been extremely busy with their own jobs, and neither of them needing to see each other in person with Andy not being able to come up with any plausible reason to contact the RUNWAY editor. She hadn’t wanted to push her luck so soon.
She turned back to the gruff old man who couldn't stop talking about his favourite cars that had nothing to do with the article she was writing as he kept going off topic, but she pretended to politely listen and managed to get him back onto the subject at hand and to get more information for her piece.
Fifteen minutes later she fled from the corner bar, hoping and praying that she didn't smell too much like stale beer, and ran as fast as she could to catch the next Subway which of course was delayed.
When she finally made it to Elias-Clarke it was 5:15pm. Oh my god, oh my god, I am so fucking late for my first ever group meeting with the writing team and Miranda. Shit, shit, shit!
Rushing out of the elevator and down the hall way she ran into Emily who was walking around the corner the same time she was.
“Bloody hell, Sachs! Why don't you push me over next time!” Emily snapped, still unimpressed to see that she was still working for Miranda, no doubt wondering what was oh so special about her to get a second chance.
“Sorry Em, I am soooo late!”
“I know. The meetings nearly finished.” Emily said, laughing as she began walking away.
Andy's eyes widened at those words and she high tailed it down the hall way, pushing through the glass doors into the conference room where everyone stopped talking and turned to stare at her. “I am so sorry I'm late, Miranda!” She breathlessly said as she fell into one of the swivel chairs causing it to spin around making her have to quickly grab onto the table to halt its movement before she spun around a second time. “Sorry.” She whispered again as Miranda glanced in her direction.
“Now that all of you are finally here we need to go over the middle of the Autumn and Summer issue...”
Andy pulled out her notebook, quickly flipping it open to a blank page, picking up her pen ready to write down notes as Miranda began speaking. The older woman explained several things that were being changed and pulled before turning her attention on their writing.
“I don't understand how hard it is to write one tiny article about lipstick, but this!” Miranda lifted up a piece of paper, glaring at Matthew. “This does not belong in RUNWAY.”
Andy's eyes widened as she watched Miranda scrunch up the paper and throw it in the direction of the trash can. “And your piece on the CHANEL jackets has been done before. It's like you hunted down an old copy of RUNWAY, copied an article and changed it around in your own words.”
“I, no, I would never do such an aw-“
“Did I say you could speak?” Miranda glared, shaking her head and throwing another piece of paper down. “And Madelyn... this piece on the Autumn collection is incredibly dull. Your last few pieces haven't been to your usual standard that I expect of you. All of you.” She said, briefly looking at each of them aside from her.
Andy waited with baited breath for her own article, which is her first for RUNWAY, to get mentioned and criticised. Please play nice with me.
“Sydney fashion week is fast approaching and I would like you to go with Andrea who can coach you through on your piece about Katrina West’s latest trend.”
Me?! Going to Sydney?! Being a mentor?! Andy couldn't believe her eyes. “Umm, that's in Australia.” She voiced and Miranda looked up at her as if she was dumb. “I mean, that is..." Holy wow! See... this is why she loved journalism!
“Do you have a problem with that?” Miranda questioned, raising an eyebrow, staring her down.
“No, definitely not.” Andy replied, continuing. “You just took me by surprise. Australia is, wow, I never thought I'd be so lucky to go. But I must say I'm shocked to be asked to give Madelyn tips when I would have thought Dimitri would be the better person for the job as he has been working here the longest and knows more about this stuff than I do.” She said, turning to look at him who smiled at the compliment before turning back to Miranda.
“Your work is the most exceptional I've seen in a very long time and the rest of you need to read Andrea's article, study it and write more like that and not all this dribble I've been seeing lately.”
Andy felt incredibly awkward feeling all eyes on her and knowing most of them were hating her right now. She knew most of the employees weren't impressed to see her back and this would only make them even more annoyed with her which is why she was kind of glad she's barely spent any time in the offices.
That was the one thing she enjoyed about the old MIRROR offices and her job at AUTO UNIVERSE is that the people were friendly and would at least acknowledge her even if they didn't like her.
“However if you wish to decline this offer that is your decision.” Miranda spoke, cutting through her thoughts.
Shaking her head Andy responded. “No. Thank you for this opportunity, Miranda, I won't let you down.” She replied, smiling at Miranda their eyes connecting until the RUNWAY editor quickly looked away and back at her notes. “And I look forward to getting to know you, Madelyn, and trying my best to help you with some tips and tricks.” She said to the young woman, at least a couple years younger than her, who smiled at her albeit a forced smile.
“I feel the same way.” Madelyn replied, only to be polite in front of their boss, turning to Miranda. “Thank you.”
Andy bit the inside of her lip. It was clear that Madelyn was well and truly not happy about this arrangement. Hopefully though they would be able to work together as smoothly as possible.
“That's all that needs to be said.” Miranda spoke, waving them away. “Remain seated, Andrea.”
Andy halted her movement, sitting back down into the chair slowly looking to Miranda.
“Are you close to finishing your next piece?”
“Very close, Miranda.” Andy replied.
“Good. That's all.”
Raising an eyebrow she watched as Miranda stood and began walking out. “Miranda, I...” she wanted to know why the older woman was keeping her away from the offices. Was it deliberate or not? She knew that the other writers spent quite a few days here now and then. However she wanted to keep the peace with Miranda, knowing the rule to not question her, and was simply thankful for the second chance.
“Yes?” Miranda impatiently asked.
“Thank you.” Andy lamely said, smiling. Maybe soon we can work more closely together.
“Next time use a town car.” Miranda said before leaving the room.
Sitting back in her chair, shoulders slumped, Andy sighed and rubbed her eyes. She had to have hope that Miranda wasn't deliberately keeping her away because when she looked in those gorgeous blues she was so sure she saw what would have to be glowing in her own eyes. Attraction and admiration.
Never say never, sweetie! She heard Doug's words echo through her mind. She had to have faith that someday soon an event of some sort will arise where they're to work together and hopefully bring them closer like the good old days.
~*~
Andy's wish came true eight days later when she came across a problem in her piece that she needed Miranda's advice on.
The RUNWAY editor guided her through her problem with that glorious soft voice and didn't get at all frustrated with all the questions Andy had whirling around her mind, but the one she really wanted to know she couldn't ask. Is Miranda interested in me or am I so up over my head that I'm imagining seeing things in her eyes?
“Mmm yes, that is much better.” Miranda commented reading over the paragraph of article Andy had been having trouble with. “But that ghastly pen. I don't know how you can write with it.”
“What's wrong with it?” Andy frowned. It was a five dollar pen and for her that was expensive for such an item!
“It's getting ink all over your fingers.” Miranda pointed out, shaking her head.
“Oh, yeah...” Andy trailed off, laughing. “Guess I'm just used to it.” She shrugged, looking at Miranda who looked very unimpressed and didn't find it funny. She looked back down to her notebook where she had been doodling a random tree whilst the RUNWAY editor read her work.
“You like to draw.” Miranda commented, looking over briefly.
“Oh.” Andy laughed again. “I dabble in it, but I can't say I'm all that good.”
“That's the one thing I've never been good at. Drawing.”
“Oh, I'm sure that's not true!” Andy replied, shaking her head, watching as Miranda lifted up a notepad and her eyes widened at what she saw. Stick figures that were jumping over a skipping rope and nearby was a dog, a very shaggy dog, standing and watching. She bit her lower lip, and tried not to laugh. “I think that is-“
“Absolutely horrid. Like a three year old drew it.” Miranda cut in, closing the notepad.
“It's super cute.” Andy replied, wondering what other stick figure sketches Miranda had hidden away in her notepad of the girls and Patricia.
Miranda rolled her eyes. “Cute.”
“Yeah.” Andy smiled a closed lip smile.
“Cute is what you say to a three year old. Or a pet.” Miranda huffed.
Biting her lip Andy couldn't help but to laugh now. “I'm sorry.”
“Well, we all can't be as talented as you.” Miranda shocked her by saying and she saw just how shocked the older woman was with her own words.
“Ah, wow... I don't know what to say to that.” Andy replied, seeing Miranda's cheeks reddening. Oh, come on! She has to be into me! She treats me differently than everyone else, her eyes soften, and she is always relaxed.
Miranda remained quiet, continuing on with her work she had been doing before she had arrived.
Feeling like her time was well and truly up Andy began collecting together her papers. “This... this has been nice.” She softly said, watching as Miranda's hand stopped writing, as she began putting her laptop in her bag.
“Yes.” Miranda agreed with her, slowly looking to her over the tops of her glasses, causing her heart to flutter and body buzz with joy. “Unlike that other writer who could never look me in the eye.”
“I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to look you in those eyes.” Andy said, staring deep into them. So beautiful. She wanted to say, but held back. The last thing she needed was to get this completely wrong, that Miranda wasn't attracted to her, that it was all in her own head, and be fired for implying Miranda a lesbian. She didn't want to jeopardise this wonderful opportunity of being able to know Miranda again even if it only was from afar.
Biting her lip before standing from the chair Andy broke the eye contact and spoke. “It’s getting late.”
“Yes.”
Andy was surprised to see the older woman also finishing up for the night, closing down her MacBook and putting it in her large Prada bag. “My girls will be home from their fathers by now. They spent the weekend out at sea on his yacht instead of it being docked at shore like normal. I won't hear the end of their fishing stories.”
Andy softly chuckled. “Sounds like they would have had an absolute blast.”
“Mmm.” Miranda hummed. “Have you ever been fishing?”
Andy was surprised by Miranda's random question, but she seemed genuinely curious. “We try to catch the fish in the dam back home but they're never interested so... no.” She laughed. “How about you?”
“Nearly every second weekend with Eric, years ago, that it got to the point I got sick to death of catching and eating fish. The lobsters were always a delight though.” Miranda replied. “Do you get sea sick?”
Again Andy was surprised by the question. She shrugged. “I wouldn't have a clue. I've never been on a boat. However I can go on roller coasters, ride in cars, and travel on planes and I don't get motion sickness so I might be alright on a boat.”
“I got a bout of sea sickness once and trust me you never want to experience that.” Miranda replied, continuing. “Thankfully though it only happened the one time, Eric still thinks it was a stomach bug, but the ocean had been rougher and windier that day. At least they make pills which stop that if it were to happen again.”
“That's true so even if I were to get sea sick I could pop one and I'd be right as reign.” Andy smiled as she took the glass of whisky Miranda had surprised her with offering whilst they worked and finished it.
The older woman simply nodded, a curve in her lips, as she picked up their glasses and put them on her drinks trolley to be washed tomorrow by the cleaner. “Do you need a lift home?”
“The subway station is on the corner.” Andy replied, smiling. “My friend Doug will be waiting for me.”
“Good. I'm glad you don't take it home alone.” Miranda said as she flicked off the lights and they exited her office into the now dimly lit assistant’s area and through the glass doors into the hall way.
Well, sometimes I do. Andy thought but did not say. “Thanks again for your help tonight.” She said as they stopped at the elevators. “This is where I must bid you a good night though. I've got to collect something from my desk upstairs. Have a great night with Cassidy and Caroline and please let me know if there is anything I can do seeing as you've only got Elise now.” She added, having learnt Miranda had fired Amanda earlier today.
“That's very sweet Andrea but I think I demanded enough out of you the first time. Elise and I will be fine.” Miranda replied, stepping into the elevator.
“Okay.” Andy replied, smiling as she clicked the button for the second elevator. “Good night.”
“Good night.” Miranda replied, their eyes connecting and remaining that way as the doors closed.
Andy growled in frustration. She was getting super confusing signals from Miranda. It's like the older woman wanted to be in her company but wasn't allowing herself. Maybe she's scared to open up after what that jerk Stephen did. She mused as she stepped into the other lift. If only I could be correct.
~*~
Covering her face with her hands Miranda sighed. She could see it in Andrea's eyes that the brunette knew that she was attracted to her. She also knew that Andrea must be excited by the prospect but also confused as she also knew how mixed her signals must be. What are you doing you stupid old fool?! She asked herself. Pull yourself together! You're not a horny teenager. Act your own age!
But as Miranda walked out through the lobby she couldn't help but think maybe she should simply throw all caution to the wind and give in to temptation. Even if it were to end badly what was the harm in a bit of fun in the meantime?! Bloody hell, you definitely deserve it! All these years strictly focused on building an empire. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had fun with another person that weren’t her daughter’s.
Sighing she was thankful when her phone began ringing but wasn't thankful any more once she heard why Nigel was ringing informing her of a major catastrophe halting the shoot in Japan due to a 6.5 magnitude earthquake. The one time she needed everything to run smoothly with the biggest shoot of the year and Mother Nature had to throw a spanner into the works. “Is everyone okay, no one injured?”
“We're all okay, but very shaken.” Nigel replied, his voice trembling. “They're issuing a tsunami warning for the Fukushima area.”
That was definitely not good. A tsunami hitting that would be global disaster.
“I hate to ask, but is there still a chance the shoot can be done there?!” She questioned.
“We can still do it.”
Miranda breathed a sigh of relief.
“That’s if the photographer hadn't collapsed and is in hospital and hasn't woken back up.” Nigel informed. “I can contact Simone and see if she is available.”
Miranda stopped as she had been about to get into the car. Bloody hell! “So, It’s not going to continue!” she snapped as she got into the Mercedes.
“If Simone can’t do it she might know someone else.”
Sighing Miranda nodded. “I'll give one last try with Demarchelier but if not and with how you're all feeling just get on the plane and come home. We can try again in a couple weeks.” This shoot was after all for the November issue and they had plenty of time.
“There are a few kinks.” Nigel commented. “Maybe this earthquake is a sign. Not to mention the models have been the worst you've hired in a long while. They do look stellar in the couture though.”
“See how you go, but if we can’t get a photographer we'll pick up with it in a fortnight.” Miranda responded.
“Right now I need a stiff one, and I’m not talking alcohol!”
Miranda’s eyes widened at those words, the old way of Nigel speaking so openly to her making her miss their friendship. She was about to ask how his relationship was going when Nigel continued speaking, telling her he had to go.
They said their goodbyes before she dropped her phone next to her. She sighed, covering her eyes as she closed them. She was extremely exhausted. God I need a break! She thought, but there was no break in sight.
A few moments past before she felt her phone vibrate once more.
Sighing again she looked down to her phone to see Andrea’s name on the screen in the form of a text message. Her body buzzing in delight as she opened the text message.
I just saw the Breaking News about the Japan earthquake. Is everyone okay?!
Smiling at the concern Miranda began messaging back. Just spoke to Nigel. As expected they're shaken, but no injuries to our team. The photographer on the other hand collapsed so now I am potentially halting the shoot until next month.
Andrea responded: Sorry to hear about the photographer, I hope he'll be alright. As for everyone else I am relieved. I'd hate to have to experience an earthquake especially one that large!
When I was in Chile years and years ago there was a 7 magnitude. A horrible moment. I'll never forget the devastation I saw. Miranda replied, and waited to hear back from Andrea.
Oh Miranda! That's horrible. I'm sorry you had to experience that.
“Mmm.” Miranda hummed, thumb hovering over her keypad. I still have nightmares. She typed before erasing the words and closed her phone.
Seconds past and she snatched up her phone once more. Thank you. Was all she typed, sending the text. “I'm lucky to be alive and to know someone as exquisite as you.” She thought, and wanted to say, but didn't as she closed her phone and her eyes as the Mercedes continued stopping and starting in the late night traffic.
http://pure-ecstasy6.livejournal.com/42266.html
~*~