All I want Is You 6/?
ONE STEP CLOSER
The Next Morning.
The whole time Miranda applied her make-up she was fantasising about the brunette beauty. You. She said, pointing to her reflection. Are ridiculous!
Shaking her head she picked up a tube of lipstick from her vast collection. She wished she could talk to Nigel about her conflicting feelings knowing he would have the best advice. This thought only made her sad as she missed the friendship that they once had. I really need to get a grip back to reality!
“Mom! Where's my jacket?!”
Thankfully she was pulled back to the present and she had her girls to distract her. At least for a little while. “What jacket?”
“My red jacket!” Caroline said, appearing in the doorway.
“Caroline, you have several red jackets.” Miranda replied as she put her make-up away and walked out of the bathroom, flicking the lights off as she went, and entered the closet to get dressed as currently she only wore a towel.
“You know, the one with the black stripes on the front pocket!” Caroline said in frustration, following her to the closet, stopping in that doorway.
“Did you try the laundry?” Miranda asked, pulling open her lingerie drawer. I wonder which ones Andrea would prefer? She mused as Caroline spoke in the background as she browsed her selection.
“Mom!” Caroline groaned. “You aren't even listening!”
“I am listening.” Miranda replied, looking over at her daughter who had her arms crossed in front of her. “You're looking for your red leather jacket that has the black stripes on the front pocket.”
“Cassidy doesn't have it so I don't know where it is and I want to wear it after school with Darcy!”
“Who's Darcy?”
“My new friend from piano lessons! I already told you!”
“Piano friend...” Miranda said, trying to jog her memory. “Oh yes, I remember.” She didn't really.
“Anyway! I need to find my jacket!”
“Alright, give me five minutes.”
“No! I need to find it now! Roy will be here shortly.”
“Someone's a bit fiery today.” Miranda commented, smirking as she tightened the towel around her and left her room with her daughter.
“It's that time of the month!” Caroline growled.
“Ahhh. I definitely don't miss that.”
“Don't rub it in! I wish I could get my lady parts taken out too!”
“You might decide to have children in the future and you need those lady parts.” Miranda pointedly spoke.
“Babies. Ugh, no thanks.” Caroline replied. “Am I right, Cass, babies?!”
“A big NO!” Cassidy replied. “Pregnancy sounds horrible!”
“All the throwing up in the morning.”
“Always needing to wee.”
“Not being able to get comfortable.”
“Yuck!” They chorused, ending their rant.
“I get that you're teenagers, but this room could do with some serious tidying.” Miranda commented as she began looking around for a red leather jacket with black stripes on the front pocket. “No wonder you can't find anything with all these piles of clothes everywhere! I think it's time we do some throwing out of items you don't wear anymore and take them to the shelter next month when we run the soup kitchen.”
“Okay!” The girls chorused. They were always happy with helping others who didn't have the luxuries they do.
“Here's a red leather jacket.” Miranda pulled out from under the crinkled up duvet which had fallen to the ground from Caroline's bed. Her daughter spoke before she had time to look at the front of it.
“Ugh, mom! That's not it! You brought that for me just the other day.”
Miranda bit the inside of her lip. Elise found and ordered it for you. She guiltily thought, but didn't say.
“Honestly mom! What is up with you lately!”
“Yeah! You've been acting real strange!”
“Really distant. Like you're thinking of someone.”
“Unless... are you sick?” Cassidy worriedly asked.
“Sick? What, no?! I'm not sick!” Miranda replied. “I've just got a lot going on with RUNWAY.”
“When don't you have a lot going on with RUNWAY.” Cassidy rolled her eyes. “No no, this is different...”
“You've been thinking about someone, haven't you?” Caroline questioned.
“I have no time to think about anyone.” Miranda replied but her girls weren't giving up.
“It's Andy, isn't it?!” Caroline asked.
Miranda froze at those words. How did they know?! God they really did know her better than she knew herself sometimes. “That is the most inappropriate thing I've ever heard you say not to mention utterly ridiculous!”
“Why?” They chorused.
“Because I'm old enough to be her mother for goodness sake!”
“So it's not because she's a woman?!” Cassidy asked.
“What? No.” Miranda shook her head. “I've always been open to love from both sexes.”
“But it's never happened before.”
“Until now with Andy.” Caroline replied.
“The only now with Andrea is that she works for me and that's that!” Miranda replied.
“Dad married Candice and she's even younger than Andy.”
“Only by like a year.” Cassidy said to Caroline who shrugged. “Still. Caro has a point.”
Sighing Miranda ignored their words as she continued searching for the jacket.
“When we saw Andy in the park the other month all she could talk about was you. Kept asking how you were, if you were doing okay after Paris and what ugly Stephen did.” Cassidy said.
“She really likes you, Mom! Her eyes light up when she says your name.”
“And she was so disappointed when we told her we were at the park with Cara and not you.”
“I would even bet on it that she loves you!” Caroline said.
“That's enough chatter!” Miranda snapped. Her girls instantly stopped talking as she looked heavenward.
“If you really have deep feelings for her then nothing else should matter.” Cassidy softly said.
“Screw what other people think!” Caroline said as they came up to her, putting their arms around her and holding her tightly. “We only want you to be happy, mom.”
“To be loved and adored by someone the way you deserve to be and just think that if our suspicions are correct about Andy then she'd be the best person for the job.”
Miranda couldn't believe what she was hearing. She was getting the support and blessing from her daughters to go ahead and date Andrea. “Oh bobbsey's. I love your young outlook on life, but there are so many things that could go wrong.”
The girls shrugged and Caroline spoke. “You're both grown-ups and can figure out any problems that might occur.”
“Even Cara commented how beyond her years Andy is.”
“You always tell us that life is too short to be sad and hold back from what we truly want. I think you need to listen to your own advice.” Cassidy said, patting her mom on the arm as she and Caroline moved away to continue looking for the jacket.
Miranda remained silent as Cassidy and Caroline's words sunk in. They really were incredible and really did have some valid points. Life is too short. She thought and pondered on that as she moved into the bathroom which also looked like a clothes bomb had gone off.
“We already checked the laundry basket!” Caroline called out.
“Twice!” Cassidy said.
Raising an eyebrow Miranda picked up the basket and tipped it upside down, adding to the rest of the mess, as the clothes and towels and a book, however that managed to get in there, fell out. She looked into the now empty basket where there was a dried up towel seemingly stuck on the bottom. Pulling it up off the sticky basket she found underneath what they were searching for. “You didn't look hard enough it seems.”
“What?!” Caroline yelled.
“No way!” Cassidy yelled as they ran to the door way.
Rolling her eyes Miranda reached in and pulled out the jacket. “What is that?! Glue?!” She asked feeling her sticky fingers as glitter fell out of the tangled up towel and jacket.
“Oh yeah! That's right! I remember putting it in there now.” Caroline replied.
“Of course you do.” Miranda replied, shaking her head as she wandered out of the bathroom.
“Are you going to think about what we said?” Cassidy asked.
“Make sure this room is tidy by the time I get back tonight.” Was all Miranda said as she began walking out of the room with the jacket to put in the washing machine. “Understood?”
“Yes, moooom!” The girls said with annoyance and with that continued getting ready for school.
Miranda began making her way for the staircase and their words swirled around her mind for the rest of the day.
~*~
“Anything happen yet?!” Doug asked as she walked into the apartment.
“No!” Andy frustratingly replied, dumping her things on the table, collapsing onto the couch next to her friend who was eating Chinese. “She's doing my head in!”
“Patience is virtue.” Doug commented as he leant over and picked up one of the unopened boxes. “Vegetable Chow Mein.”
“Oooh. Thanks!” Andy said, grabbing one of the plastic forks and digging in. “All I can say is she's lucky I have the patience I do!” She said around her large mouthful of veggies and rice noodles.
“You know what I think?” Doug asked before slurping some of his soup.
“What?”
“I need to come by the office and check her out while she's all distracted by you. You know with my keen eye I'll be able to tell what it is she's thinking.”
“As cool as an idea that is Miranda is going to be slammed these next few days.”
“I won't stay long. I'll come by, say I'm looking for you, but then you'll walk in just as I've arrived and if she lights up the way you say she does whenever you're around I'll be able to tell if it's because she's glad to have someone with an actual IQ that knows how to do their job or if it's because she lurrrrves you."
Shrugging Andy spoke. “I guess we could try.”
“There's never any harm in trying.” Doug replied, nudging Andy as they continued eating, but not before the brunette let out a long sigh.
~*~
Two Days Later.
Doug still hasn't been able to come by the office to sus out the Miranda dilemma as his own work has become hectic.
Sighing once again, sighing being one of the things Andy constantly did now, due to her frustrating Miranda dilemma as she leaned back in her chair.
Looking at the time her eyes widened. She had been working for a solid three hours. Her stomach grumbled to tell her it was way past dinner time and that she better get a wriggle on with fixing something up for herself.
Looking in her wallet she realised she had enough to get a bite to eat from the cafeteria downstairs which thankfully was open 24/7 due to some of the other offices in the building being important businesses that ran all day and all night. One of them was an extremely private office that you can't even enter the reception area without an appointment.
Just as she was entering the cafeteria her cell rang in her hand. She was thrilled to see Miranda's name as they haven't spoken since the older woman came to see her up at her office. “Hi, Miranda!”
~*~
Miranda waited patiently for the brunette to answer and when she did in that cheerful voice she smiled, biting down on her glasses. “I know you're busy with your AUTO UNIVERSE work, but I also know that you're still in the building.” She began speaking, swallowing her mouthful of sour cream and chives dip. “Elise has been such a scatter brain lately.” Not to mention exhausted. She thought to herself, continuing to speak. “She delivered The Book but forgot the dry cleaning and I didn't notice this until half an hour after she left and because I've been running her ragged I didn't want to call her back when she'll no doubt be home by no-“
“I can bring it to you.” Andrea cut in.
Miranda sighed, she had been hesitant to ask the brunette, but wasn't at all surprised when Andrea jumped at the chance. “I wouldn't have asked any other night, but it's the girls' school uniforms for throughout the week.” She explained, putting the leftovers from dinner into the fridge. I really shouldn't be asking her.
“I don't mind, really, and like you said I'm already in the building and closer to your house. Elise has a fiancé waiting at home, I have no one, it's A-Okay! I've still gotta wrap things up here though. Is 11pm too late to drop by?”
“No, that's fine.” It's really not. I should have called Elise back. She thought to herself as she opened and closed her mouth. “That's all.”
“For now, yes.” Andrea replied in that cheeky sounding way.
Quickly disconnecting the call Miranda couldn't believe that within two hours Andrea was going to be standing in her house once again. She knew that it wasn't going to be long until she stopped dancing around Andrea, let her guard and worries slip away, to allow her emotions for Andrea to be known. She ached for Andrea and was sick of fighting with herself over the whole should she or shouldn't she...? Not to mention Cassidy and Caroline's words had stuck with her all day which was even better knowing she had their support.
~*~
Pulling the dry cleaning out from the town car Andy turned around to look up at the magnificent townhouse. She was so excited to be back here.
Biting her lip she began walking to the door, walked up the steps and had been about to ring the bell when the door opened with Miranda and Patricia standing on the other side.
As soon as Patricia saw her the St. Bernard got incredibly excited.
“Hey girl!” She excitedly spoke, leaning down with her free hand, mindful of the dry cleaning bag, and petted Patricia. “Awww, yesss, aren't you such a good girl?!” She cooed, being an absolute dog lover, before standing and looked at Miranda who had been watching her. “Hi!” She said, taking in Miranda's attire. A casual, yet expensive, sweater and creamy coloured slacks. Her feed clad in fluffy slippers. This caused her heart to flutter. The older woman was no different with the comforts in her own home as other people.
“Here is your dry cleaning.” She cheerfully said and was thrilled when Miranda moved aside to let her in.
When it became evident that the older woman wasn't going to take the dry cleaning from her she walked through the foyer, stopping at the closet which she opened, entered and hung the clothes up.
“This house really is somethin' else!” Andy couldn't help but say as she looked at Miranda who had a hand atop Patricia's head, petting her softly.
“Mmm, yes, I owe it all to Marianna Fettering.” Miranda responded.
“Wasn't she-“
“The editor of RUNWAY before me.” Miranda replied, walking back into her house with Patricia following her. “Well, I appreciate you delivering Cassidy and Caroline's dry cleaning when I'm sure you just want to get home.”
Shrugging Andy spoke. “Not really. A lonely apartment isn't always fun. I get bored easily.”
Their eyes connected and they stayed like that, silently, for a few seconds. She watched as Miranda opened her mouth, hesitated, before continuing to walk towards the kitchen. “I have to finish going over The Book.”
“You know I'm always happy to help out whenever you need it.” Andy replied as she began walking backwards to the foyer, their eyes connecting again, before she nearly tripped down the small set of stairs. She swore that right before she tore her eyes away from Miranda's to steady herself that the editor looked worried and looked ready to reach out for her. “Sorry, I'm super clumsy at times. Doug's always laughing at me. He's a great friend though. The best a girl could ever have.”
Just like before she swore it looked like Miranda wanted to reply with something but decided against it.
“I hope you're using the town car home?” Miranda instead asked.
“Yes, but only because my feet have too many blisters! I forgot what it was like to wear heels again.” Andy replied, but quickly added. “I love wearing them though. I am so grateful to you that I get free range of the RUNWAY closet.”
“That's a perk of the job.” Miranda replied over her shoulder as she moved into the kitchen. “Don't be late for tomorrow's meeting.”
Meeting? What meeting? Andy thought, but didn't ask. “Definitely not. Wouldn't want to annoy my boss again.” She grinned, and couldn't help but wink as Doug's words echoed in her mind. Just go for it, rub it in her face what she is missing! “Good night. Hope you have sweet dreams. I know I will!” She spoke, softly laughing and bit her bottom lip as she spun around and walked down the steps and out the door to the waiting car which took her home and like normal she enjoyed a glass of red, did some writing, before climaxing and whispering Miranda's name as she fell asleep.
~*~
Like normal Andy woke to the sound of her buzzing phone, her alarm going off.
Picking it up her eyes widened and a gasp escaped her lips. Shit, shit, shit! She had set the wrong alarm. She's supposed to be at RUNWAY in 60 minutes.
“Oh no, no, no, no! I will not be late again!” Andy loudly said as she jumped up out of bed, stumbling over the blankets, and hurriedly entered the bathroom.
~*~
Andy entered the elevator with ten minutes to spare. She couldn't believe she had made it here in time.
The doors of the elevator began closing but were reopened when someone ducked in at the last minute. Someone is in a hurry. She thought as she continued typing away, chuckling at what she was writing.
“Something funny?”
Andy's thumbs stopped moving as soon as she heard that voice and those oh so familiar words Miranda had used towards her on her very first day at RUNWAY.
Smiling widely Andy looked up to see Miranda standing beside her looking absolutely stunning as always. “Hey! Good morning!”
“Morning.” Miranda murmured. “You should check out the jokes column in the NY Times. The girls and I took all morning to get our laughter under control.”
Andy was taken aback by these casual words. She must have had sweet dreams after all! She thought, smirking as she spoke. “I haven't seen it yet but I definitely will when I get the chance. I slept in, my alarm didn't go off at the right time, and I had to skip breakfast and run to catch the subway.”
“You could use the town car more often.”
“Oh no, I wouldn't feel right with that outside of my RUNWAY hours.” Andy replied.
“I wouldn't mind.”
“I would.” Andy replied. “Thank you for the offer though. You're very sweet.”
Miranda simply nodded and turned away before looking back at her. “You have...” she cleared her morning croaky voice. “You have lipstick on your...”
Andy couldn't believe it and had to control herself from moaning at the feel of Miranda's thumb which touched the left bottom corner of her mouth.
“Thanks.” Andy whispered, her body trembling as Miranda pulled her hand away. “Note to self; don't apply lipstick when you're running through Brooklyn!” She nervously laughed, whole body buzzing and arousal pooling between her legs.
“Sounds like you need to buy a new alarm clock.” Miranda commented just as the doors opened to RUNWAY and they both stepped out only to be greeted by Emily who snapped her mouth shut upon seeing Miranda having not ridden the elevator alone.
“Irv is in your office and he's far from happy.” Emily informed once she got her shock under control.
Rolling her eyes Miranda walked past the two of them, and headed for the office.
“Hey Em!” Andy cheerfully said. “How are you?”
“What is going on with that woman?! She allowed you to ride in the elevator with her!” Emily said, still unable to wrap her head around it.
Shrugging Andy spoke. “I wouldn't have a clue. She doesn't say much.” It was true, the editor was a woman of few words.
Both their phones buzzed before they began to go their separate ways.
“Elise. The run-thru is being pushed to tomorrow.” Emily spoke, reading the email before Andy even had time to get out her phone.
“Still got those assistant instincts to always have your email open?” Andy asked, smiling and thinking fondly back to her assistant days which she dearly missed.
“Some things are hard to shake!” Emily replied as she began walking away. “At least you managed to shake away those horrible things you used to call clothes!”
“About that... Em, that actually was my grandmother’s skirt and I was wearing it because it was the third anniversary of her death.” She said, watching as the red head froze. “Yeah, so maybe next time don't bag someone out because of whatever they've chosen to wear. We all aren't lucky to be able to wear the clothes we do now.”
Emily laughed at those words. “What? Do you expect an apology?!” The Brit continued laughing, shaking her head. “You should know me better than that!”
“I know, I simply wanted you to know because it's something that has always bugged me.” Andy responded.
“Serena does say I should be kinder.” Emily replied, pausing for a moment, then began laughing again. “There would be more chances of pigs flying than me being... kind.” She snorted.
“That's not true. You were kind to me at the benefit we both had to attend.” Andy pointed out.
“I... well, I have to get back to work.” Emily replied, walking away.
“I like you too, Em!” Andy laughingly said as she pressed the button for the elevator seeing as she had no reason to be here anymore. She might as well go up to see if Bryan needed her for anything.
“I don't know what you're talking about!” Emily replied, but she saw the small smile that the British woman was trying to hide.
Chuckling Andy stepped into the elevator and made her way up to her second job.
http://pure-ecstasy6.livejournal.com/43129.html
~*~
The Next Morning.
The whole time Miranda applied her make-up she was fantasising about the brunette beauty. You. She said, pointing to her reflection. Are ridiculous!
Shaking her head she picked up a tube of lipstick from her vast collection. She wished she could talk to Nigel about her conflicting feelings knowing he would have the best advice. This thought only made her sad as she missed the friendship that they once had. I really need to get a grip back to reality!
“Mom! Where's my jacket?!”
Thankfully she was pulled back to the present and she had her girls to distract her. At least for a little while. “What jacket?”
“My red jacket!” Caroline said, appearing in the doorway.
“Caroline, you have several red jackets.” Miranda replied as she put her make-up away and walked out of the bathroom, flicking the lights off as she went, and entered the closet to get dressed as currently she only wore a towel.
“You know, the one with the black stripes on the front pocket!” Caroline said in frustration, following her to the closet, stopping in that doorway.
“Did you try the laundry?” Miranda asked, pulling open her lingerie drawer. I wonder which ones Andrea would prefer? She mused as Caroline spoke in the background as she browsed her selection.
“Mom!” Caroline groaned. “You aren't even listening!”
“I am listening.” Miranda replied, looking over at her daughter who had her arms crossed in front of her. “You're looking for your red leather jacket that has the black stripes on the front pocket.”
“Cassidy doesn't have it so I don't know where it is and I want to wear it after school with Darcy!”
“Who's Darcy?”
“My new friend from piano lessons! I already told you!”
“Piano friend...” Miranda said, trying to jog her memory. “Oh yes, I remember.” She didn't really.
“Anyway! I need to find my jacket!”
“Alright, give me five minutes.”
“No! I need to find it now! Roy will be here shortly.”
“Someone's a bit fiery today.” Miranda commented, smirking as she tightened the towel around her and left her room with her daughter.
“It's that time of the month!” Caroline growled.
“Ahhh. I definitely don't miss that.”
“Don't rub it in! I wish I could get my lady parts taken out too!”
“You might decide to have children in the future and you need those lady parts.” Miranda pointedly spoke.
“Babies. Ugh, no thanks.” Caroline replied. “Am I right, Cass, babies?!”
“A big NO!” Cassidy replied. “Pregnancy sounds horrible!”
“All the throwing up in the morning.”
“Always needing to wee.”
“Not being able to get comfortable.”
“Yuck!” They chorused, ending their rant.
“I get that you're teenagers, but this room could do with some serious tidying.” Miranda commented as she began looking around for a red leather jacket with black stripes on the front pocket. “No wonder you can't find anything with all these piles of clothes everywhere! I think it's time we do some throwing out of items you don't wear anymore and take them to the shelter next month when we run the soup kitchen.”
“Okay!” The girls chorused. They were always happy with helping others who didn't have the luxuries they do.
“Here's a red leather jacket.” Miranda pulled out from under the crinkled up duvet which had fallen to the ground from Caroline's bed. Her daughter spoke before she had time to look at the front of it.
“Ugh, mom! That's not it! You brought that for me just the other day.”
Miranda bit the inside of her lip. Elise found and ordered it for you. She guiltily thought, but didn't say.
“Honestly mom! What is up with you lately!”
“Yeah! You've been acting real strange!”
“Really distant. Like you're thinking of someone.”
“Unless... are you sick?” Cassidy worriedly asked.
“Sick? What, no?! I'm not sick!” Miranda replied. “I've just got a lot going on with RUNWAY.”
“When don't you have a lot going on with RUNWAY.” Cassidy rolled her eyes. “No no, this is different...”
“You've been thinking about someone, haven't you?” Caroline questioned.
“I have no time to think about anyone.” Miranda replied but her girls weren't giving up.
“It's Andy, isn't it?!” Caroline asked.
Miranda froze at those words. How did they know?! God they really did know her better than she knew herself sometimes. “That is the most inappropriate thing I've ever heard you say not to mention utterly ridiculous!”
“Why?” They chorused.
“Because I'm old enough to be her mother for goodness sake!”
“So it's not because she's a woman?!” Cassidy asked.
“What? No.” Miranda shook her head. “I've always been open to love from both sexes.”
“But it's never happened before.”
“Until now with Andy.” Caroline replied.
“The only now with Andrea is that she works for me and that's that!” Miranda replied.
“Dad married Candice and she's even younger than Andy.”
“Only by like a year.” Cassidy said to Caroline who shrugged. “Still. Caro has a point.”
Sighing Miranda ignored their words as she continued searching for the jacket.
“When we saw Andy in the park the other month all she could talk about was you. Kept asking how you were, if you were doing okay after Paris and what ugly Stephen did.” Cassidy said.
“She really likes you, Mom! Her eyes light up when she says your name.”
“And she was so disappointed when we told her we were at the park with Cara and not you.”
“I would even bet on it that she loves you!” Caroline said.
“That's enough chatter!” Miranda snapped. Her girls instantly stopped talking as she looked heavenward.
“If you really have deep feelings for her then nothing else should matter.” Cassidy softly said.
“Screw what other people think!” Caroline said as they came up to her, putting their arms around her and holding her tightly. “We only want you to be happy, mom.”
“To be loved and adored by someone the way you deserve to be and just think that if our suspicions are correct about Andy then she'd be the best person for the job.”
Miranda couldn't believe what she was hearing. She was getting the support and blessing from her daughters to go ahead and date Andrea. “Oh bobbsey's. I love your young outlook on life, but there are so many things that could go wrong.”
The girls shrugged and Caroline spoke. “You're both grown-ups and can figure out any problems that might occur.”
“Even Cara commented how beyond her years Andy is.”
“You always tell us that life is too short to be sad and hold back from what we truly want. I think you need to listen to your own advice.” Cassidy said, patting her mom on the arm as she and Caroline moved away to continue looking for the jacket.
Miranda remained silent as Cassidy and Caroline's words sunk in. They really were incredible and really did have some valid points. Life is too short. She thought and pondered on that as she moved into the bathroom which also looked like a clothes bomb had gone off.
“We already checked the laundry basket!” Caroline called out.
“Twice!” Cassidy said.
Raising an eyebrow Miranda picked up the basket and tipped it upside down, adding to the rest of the mess, as the clothes and towels and a book, however that managed to get in there, fell out. She looked into the now empty basket where there was a dried up towel seemingly stuck on the bottom. Pulling it up off the sticky basket she found underneath what they were searching for. “You didn't look hard enough it seems.”
“What?!” Caroline yelled.
“No way!” Cassidy yelled as they ran to the door way.
Rolling her eyes Miranda reached in and pulled out the jacket. “What is that?! Glue?!” She asked feeling her sticky fingers as glitter fell out of the tangled up towel and jacket.
“Oh yeah! That's right! I remember putting it in there now.” Caroline replied.
“Of course you do.” Miranda replied, shaking her head as she wandered out of the bathroom.
“Are you going to think about what we said?” Cassidy asked.
“Make sure this room is tidy by the time I get back tonight.” Was all Miranda said as she began walking out of the room with the jacket to put in the washing machine. “Understood?”
“Yes, moooom!” The girls said with annoyance and with that continued getting ready for school.
Miranda began making her way for the staircase and their words swirled around her mind for the rest of the day.
~*~
“Anything happen yet?!” Doug asked as she walked into the apartment.
“No!” Andy frustratingly replied, dumping her things on the table, collapsing onto the couch next to her friend who was eating Chinese. “She's doing my head in!”
“Patience is virtue.” Doug commented as he leant over and picked up one of the unopened boxes. “Vegetable Chow Mein.”
“Oooh. Thanks!” Andy said, grabbing one of the plastic forks and digging in. “All I can say is she's lucky I have the patience I do!” She said around her large mouthful of veggies and rice noodles.
“You know what I think?” Doug asked before slurping some of his soup.
“What?”
“I need to come by the office and check her out while she's all distracted by you. You know with my keen eye I'll be able to tell what it is she's thinking.”
“As cool as an idea that is Miranda is going to be slammed these next few days.”
“I won't stay long. I'll come by, say I'm looking for you, but then you'll walk in just as I've arrived and if she lights up the way you say she does whenever you're around I'll be able to tell if it's because she's glad to have someone with an actual IQ that knows how to do their job or if it's because she lurrrrves you."
Shrugging Andy spoke. “I guess we could try.”
“There's never any harm in trying.” Doug replied, nudging Andy as they continued eating, but not before the brunette let out a long sigh.
~*~
Two Days Later.
Doug still hasn't been able to come by the office to sus out the Miranda dilemma as his own work has become hectic.
Sighing once again, sighing being one of the things Andy constantly did now, due to her frustrating Miranda dilemma as she leaned back in her chair.
Looking at the time her eyes widened. She had been working for a solid three hours. Her stomach grumbled to tell her it was way past dinner time and that she better get a wriggle on with fixing something up for herself.
Looking in her wallet she realised she had enough to get a bite to eat from the cafeteria downstairs which thankfully was open 24/7 due to some of the other offices in the building being important businesses that ran all day and all night. One of them was an extremely private office that you can't even enter the reception area without an appointment.
Just as she was entering the cafeteria her cell rang in her hand. She was thrilled to see Miranda's name as they haven't spoken since the older woman came to see her up at her office. “Hi, Miranda!”
~*~
Miranda waited patiently for the brunette to answer and when she did in that cheerful voice she smiled, biting down on her glasses. “I know you're busy with your AUTO UNIVERSE work, but I also know that you're still in the building.” She began speaking, swallowing her mouthful of sour cream and chives dip. “Elise has been such a scatter brain lately.” Not to mention exhausted. She thought to herself, continuing to speak. “She delivered The Book but forgot the dry cleaning and I didn't notice this until half an hour after she left and because I've been running her ragged I didn't want to call her back when she'll no doubt be home by no-“
“I can bring it to you.” Andrea cut in.
Miranda sighed, she had been hesitant to ask the brunette, but wasn't at all surprised when Andrea jumped at the chance. “I wouldn't have asked any other night, but it's the girls' school uniforms for throughout the week.” She explained, putting the leftovers from dinner into the fridge. I really shouldn't be asking her.
“I don't mind, really, and like you said I'm already in the building and closer to your house. Elise has a fiancé waiting at home, I have no one, it's A-Okay! I've still gotta wrap things up here though. Is 11pm too late to drop by?”
“No, that's fine.” It's really not. I should have called Elise back. She thought to herself as she opened and closed her mouth. “That's all.”
“For now, yes.” Andrea replied in that cheeky sounding way.
Quickly disconnecting the call Miranda couldn't believe that within two hours Andrea was going to be standing in her house once again. She knew that it wasn't going to be long until she stopped dancing around Andrea, let her guard and worries slip away, to allow her emotions for Andrea to be known. She ached for Andrea and was sick of fighting with herself over the whole should she or shouldn't she...? Not to mention Cassidy and Caroline's words had stuck with her all day which was even better knowing she had their support.
~*~
Pulling the dry cleaning out from the town car Andy turned around to look up at the magnificent townhouse. She was so excited to be back here.
Biting her lip she began walking to the door, walked up the steps and had been about to ring the bell when the door opened with Miranda and Patricia standing on the other side.
As soon as Patricia saw her the St. Bernard got incredibly excited.
“Hey girl!” She excitedly spoke, leaning down with her free hand, mindful of the dry cleaning bag, and petted Patricia. “Awww, yesss, aren't you such a good girl?!” She cooed, being an absolute dog lover, before standing and looked at Miranda who had been watching her. “Hi!” She said, taking in Miranda's attire. A casual, yet expensive, sweater and creamy coloured slacks. Her feed clad in fluffy slippers. This caused her heart to flutter. The older woman was no different with the comforts in her own home as other people.
“Here is your dry cleaning.” She cheerfully said and was thrilled when Miranda moved aside to let her in.
When it became evident that the older woman wasn't going to take the dry cleaning from her she walked through the foyer, stopping at the closet which she opened, entered and hung the clothes up.
“This house really is somethin' else!” Andy couldn't help but say as she looked at Miranda who had a hand atop Patricia's head, petting her softly.
“Mmm, yes, I owe it all to Marianna Fettering.” Miranda responded.
“Wasn't she-“
“The editor of RUNWAY before me.” Miranda replied, walking back into her house with Patricia following her. “Well, I appreciate you delivering Cassidy and Caroline's dry cleaning when I'm sure you just want to get home.”
Shrugging Andy spoke. “Not really. A lonely apartment isn't always fun. I get bored easily.”
Their eyes connected and they stayed like that, silently, for a few seconds. She watched as Miranda opened her mouth, hesitated, before continuing to walk towards the kitchen. “I have to finish going over The Book.”
“You know I'm always happy to help out whenever you need it.” Andy replied as she began walking backwards to the foyer, their eyes connecting again, before she nearly tripped down the small set of stairs. She swore that right before she tore her eyes away from Miranda's to steady herself that the editor looked worried and looked ready to reach out for her. “Sorry, I'm super clumsy at times. Doug's always laughing at me. He's a great friend though. The best a girl could ever have.”
Just like before she swore it looked like Miranda wanted to reply with something but decided against it.
“I hope you're using the town car home?” Miranda instead asked.
“Yes, but only because my feet have too many blisters! I forgot what it was like to wear heels again.” Andy replied, but quickly added. “I love wearing them though. I am so grateful to you that I get free range of the RUNWAY closet.”
“That's a perk of the job.” Miranda replied over her shoulder as she moved into the kitchen. “Don't be late for tomorrow's meeting.”
Meeting? What meeting? Andy thought, but didn't ask. “Definitely not. Wouldn't want to annoy my boss again.” She grinned, and couldn't help but wink as Doug's words echoed in her mind. Just go for it, rub it in her face what she is missing! “Good night. Hope you have sweet dreams. I know I will!” She spoke, softly laughing and bit her bottom lip as she spun around and walked down the steps and out the door to the waiting car which took her home and like normal she enjoyed a glass of red, did some writing, before climaxing and whispering Miranda's name as she fell asleep.
~*~
Like normal Andy woke to the sound of her buzzing phone, her alarm going off.
Picking it up her eyes widened and a gasp escaped her lips. Shit, shit, shit! She had set the wrong alarm. She's supposed to be at RUNWAY in 60 minutes.
“Oh no, no, no, no! I will not be late again!” Andy loudly said as she jumped up out of bed, stumbling over the blankets, and hurriedly entered the bathroom.
~*~
Andy entered the elevator with ten minutes to spare. She couldn't believe she had made it here in time.
The doors of the elevator began closing but were reopened when someone ducked in at the last minute. Someone is in a hurry. She thought as she continued typing away, chuckling at what she was writing.
“Something funny?”
Andy's thumbs stopped moving as soon as she heard that voice and those oh so familiar words Miranda had used towards her on her very first day at RUNWAY.
Smiling widely Andy looked up to see Miranda standing beside her looking absolutely stunning as always. “Hey! Good morning!”
“Morning.” Miranda murmured. “You should check out the jokes column in the NY Times. The girls and I took all morning to get our laughter under control.”
Andy was taken aback by these casual words. She must have had sweet dreams after all! She thought, smirking as she spoke. “I haven't seen it yet but I definitely will when I get the chance. I slept in, my alarm didn't go off at the right time, and I had to skip breakfast and run to catch the subway.”
“You could use the town car more often.”
“Oh no, I wouldn't feel right with that outside of my RUNWAY hours.” Andy replied.
“I wouldn't mind.”
“I would.” Andy replied. “Thank you for the offer though. You're very sweet.”
Miranda simply nodded and turned away before looking back at her. “You have...” she cleared her morning croaky voice. “You have lipstick on your...”
Andy couldn't believe it and had to control herself from moaning at the feel of Miranda's thumb which touched the left bottom corner of her mouth.
“Thanks.” Andy whispered, her body trembling as Miranda pulled her hand away. “Note to self; don't apply lipstick when you're running through Brooklyn!” She nervously laughed, whole body buzzing and arousal pooling between her legs.
“Sounds like you need to buy a new alarm clock.” Miranda commented just as the doors opened to RUNWAY and they both stepped out only to be greeted by Emily who snapped her mouth shut upon seeing Miranda having not ridden the elevator alone.
“Irv is in your office and he's far from happy.” Emily informed once she got her shock under control.
Rolling her eyes Miranda walked past the two of them, and headed for the office.
“Hey Em!” Andy cheerfully said. “How are you?”
“What is going on with that woman?! She allowed you to ride in the elevator with her!” Emily said, still unable to wrap her head around it.
Shrugging Andy spoke. “I wouldn't have a clue. She doesn't say much.” It was true, the editor was a woman of few words.
Both their phones buzzed before they began to go their separate ways.
“Elise. The run-thru is being pushed to tomorrow.” Emily spoke, reading the email before Andy even had time to get out her phone.
“Still got those assistant instincts to always have your email open?” Andy asked, smiling and thinking fondly back to her assistant days which she dearly missed.
“Some things are hard to shake!” Emily replied as she began walking away. “At least you managed to shake away those horrible things you used to call clothes!”
“About that... Em, that actually was my grandmother’s skirt and I was wearing it because it was the third anniversary of her death.” She said, watching as the red head froze. “Yeah, so maybe next time don't bag someone out because of whatever they've chosen to wear. We all aren't lucky to be able to wear the clothes we do now.”
Emily laughed at those words. “What? Do you expect an apology?!” The Brit continued laughing, shaking her head. “You should know me better than that!”
“I know, I simply wanted you to know because it's something that has always bugged me.” Andy responded.
“Serena does say I should be kinder.” Emily replied, pausing for a moment, then began laughing again. “There would be more chances of pigs flying than me being... kind.” She snorted.
“That's not true. You were kind to me at the benefit we both had to attend.” Andy pointed out.
“I... well, I have to get back to work.” Emily replied, walking away.
“I like you too, Em!” Andy laughingly said as she pressed the button for the elevator seeing as she had no reason to be here anymore. She might as well go up to see if Bryan needed her for anything.
“I don't know what you're talking about!” Emily replied, but she saw the small smile that the British woman was trying to hide.
Chuckling Andy stepped into the elevator and made her way up to her second job.
http://pure-ecstasy6.livejournal.com/43129.html
~*~