FF: Housesitter - Part 3/4
FF: Housesitter -
Part 3/4
Author: Widdy
Disclaimer: I don't own the Devil Wears Prada, Miranda or Andy. I also don’t own the film Housesitter, unfortunately someone else does so I'm just borrowing them and I will return them after I'm done.
Rating: PG
Feedback: Yes feel free to feed me.
Pairing: Andrea/Miranda
Summary: When successful architect Miranda Priestly’s lover Stephen suddenly decides that their relationship is not working. Their dream house becomes nothing more than a monument to his rejection. That is until a chance encounter with a waitress turns her life upside down.
A/N: I have always loved the movie and I have been playing with this idea for months. I have changed some aspects to fit this story. I have had to extend this to four parts, so everyone gets an extra part.
Part 3
“You what?” Nigel asked as he placed his wine glass back upon the bar and gave Miranda his undivided attention.
“I thought you would love the idea.” Miranda replied offhandedly as she looked away from Nigel’s questioning gaze.
“Of marriage?” Nigel asked, not understanding what Miranda was trying to say.
“Of me living with a woman,” Miranda elaborated, “besides it isn’t a marriage. It’s a simple arrangement, in which I will share my house, in exchange for which she will argue with me in public and generally make my life look really pitiful.”
Nigel adjusted his glasses, “that’s marriage Miranda.”
Rolling her eyes Miranda picked up her own wine glass as swirled the red liquid, “is it your mission in life you question my every decision in life?”
Nigel shrugged, “Someone has to.”
“I’m a grown woman Nigel.” Miranda informed her friend as she took a sip of her wine.
“I know, that’s why I’m mystified.” Nigel said with a shake of his balding head.
“She has agreed to help me get Stephen back.”
“I thought you wanted to close the book on that chapter on your life?” Nigel asked with a frown.
“Well I changed my mind.”
“God Miranda.” Nigel huffed.
Glaring at Nigel Miranda drained her glass, “Nigel, I know you don’t particularly like Stephen.”
“Like Stephen? Miranda I can’t stand the man. Who was it who wiped away your tears when he decided that a house wasn’t an appropriate engagement present?” Nigel raised his eyebrows in question.
“Don’t exaggerate Nigel.”
“Six days straight,” Nigel continued, “I thought you would use up the entire western world’s supply of Kleenex.”
“Nigel, I love Stephen.”
Nigel shook his head, “No, you just don’t know any better. You have been pining after him for years.”
“Oh shut up.” Miranda pouted.
“No dear I will not.” Nigel told Miranda with a smirk, “Enough about Stephen, I want to know all about this wife you have acquired.”
****
Miranda quickly brushed her sweaty hands upon her skirt before she opened the gate that led to Stephen’s house. It was a neat two story house. It was the same one that Stephen had grown up in, and three doors down from where her parents lived. It wasn’t as grand as her family’s Victorian affair, and it wasn't as big, but it had a simple charm all of its own. He had inherited it when his Mother had died a few years ago and he had lived in it ever since.
It had been three weeks since her deal with Andrea and things were moving slowly as far as Stephen was concerned. Andrea on the other hand seemed to be having a great time. The townsfolk, surprisingly to Miranda had taken her ‘little wife’ into their hearts. Every time she was forced to go anywhere with Andrea, the brunette was greeted by smiles, hugs, and waves. She even knew the town firemen by name.
As she arrived at the door, Miranda tugged on her blouse loosening it a little and ran her fingers through her hair causing her perfect styling to been ruffled. Sucking in a breath of air Miranda pinched the area around her eyes and her cheek bones.
With her ruse set in place, and looking as if she had been crying. Miranda lifted her fist and knocked on Stephen’s door.
Miranda smiled as the door opened and Stephen appeared. He looked over his shoulder uncomfortably.
“May I talk with you Stephen?” Miranda caused her voice to waver as she leaned her body heavily upon the door frame.
“Err...” Stephen hesitated.
“Please, I just had a huge fight with Andrea. I came home from work and she just started in at me...” Miranda paused and looked down at her feet, “I’m sorry to come here like this, I should have...”
“No, Miranda its ok, it’s just...” Stephen tried to explain but gave up as he looked back over his shoulder, “why don’t you come in?”
“You’re sure?” Miranda responded although she started to step over the threshold.
“Yeah, please come in.” Stephen stepped aside and allowed Miranda to enter his home.
Miranda shook her head and allowed her shoulder’s to dip for a dejected effect.
“I don’t even know even know how I ended up here, I just walked out of the house and started wandering the streets. I just wasn’t thinking, because of Andrea. But before I knew it I was here, I was going to go back to the house but,” Miranda turned and threw Stephen a small smile, “then I saw the light in your window and I just needed someone to talk to.”
Miranda frowned slightly as Stephen nodded nervously and then looked over her shoulder again. “Miranda?”
Miranda gave Stephen her full attention.
“Andy is here.”
“She is?” Miranda asked caught of guard. She felt her irritation rise. She didn’t know what Andrea was doing here, but it was messing with her plan.
“You bet your ass I am.” Andy’s voice said causing Miranda to turn in shock.
“What the hell are you doing here?” “Miranda asked outraged that Andy was intruding on her attempts to get Stephen.
She was sitting at Stephen’s dining table with her legs crossed and her arms folded. The clothes she was wearing weren’t anything Miranda had seen before; she knew however she had paid for them. In fact she had insisted that Andrea change her wardrobe, she couldn’t walk around looking like a hobo; while she was suppose to be married to her, it didn’t fit the lie they were perpetrating.
Miranda suspected that her Mother had taken Andrea shopping. The two had formed some sort of strange bond over the weeks and both took every opportunity that they could to gang up on her. Miranda felt a deep kinship with her Father; she just didn’t know how he put up with her Mother all these year. The only plus side was that when she had Stephen back, she wouldn't have to put up with Andrea’s lies any longer. She wondered how long her Mother would stop talking to her for when the ‘divorce’ happened.
Looking over the now stylishly dressed young woman, Miranda’s mind tracked backwards. She had interrupted her and Stephen on various occasions over the past three weeks. It had started when they had been about to kiss in the bathroom and had progressed from there. Every time Stephen visited, Andrea was around them.
“No, in think the question should be, what the hell are you doing here?” Andy asked with a jut of her head.
“Oh God!” Stephen groaned as he rubbed his forehead.
Miranda could see that he was uncomfortable and that he wanted to be anywhere rather than here.
Looking back to Stephen Miranda held up her hands, “Stephen! You have to understand that I am trying so hard to make this marriage work.”
“Oh that is rich!” Andy spat with a short sharp laugh.
“Rich?!” Miranda barked back.
“Please, can you two not argue just for one night?” Stephen asked quietly as he looked from one woman to the other.
Looking back at Andrea Miranda felt her ire rise. She didn’t know why she was here, but she knew she had to use the situation. Andrea liked to lie and Miranda was fast learning how to keep up with her. Seeing that this was a moment that required a lie Miranda pounced.
“She promised she would never see her again.” Miranda howled as she turned from Stephen and gazed at Andy.
Miranda watched on as corner of Andy’s mouth twitched before she uncrossed her arms and pointed her right index finger into her chest. “Oh and that’s my fault?”
“Yes,” Miranda nodded, “it's not like its mine.”
“Oh no?” Andy inquired and then focused her attention upon Stephen. “Why don’t you ask Mrs Matrimony here when the last time we slept together was?”
Miranda didn’t move. She could feel Stephen’s eyes burning holes into the side of her face. It wasn’t like she could tell the truth; they had only slept together the one time.
The only sound was that of Stephen clearing his throat nervously. She knew she couldn’t keep silent, she knew she had to lie, but as she scrambled for a suitable fabrication all Miranda could draw was a blank.
Cursing Andrea for bring up the subject of sex Miranda licked her lips. “What?”
Miranda watched as Andy’s eyes widened and her head nodded slightly in what she interpreted as encouragement. When she didn’t pick up the baton Miranda saw Andrea’s lips purse.
“You want to tell her the truth?” Andy asked Miranda.
Miranda shook her head and looked away. Andrea started this as far as Miranda was concerned she could finish it.
“Once.” Andy jumped in without missing a beat, “Once, in I don’t want to tell you how long.”
Miranda felt Stephen’s eyes on her again.
“You wanna tell her why?” Andy asks
“Me?” Miranda responded. The answer she really wanted to give was hell no.
“I’ll tell you why, because our Ms Priestly lives with a, little dark secret.”
Both Andrea and Stephen started at Miranda. Even couldn’t stop her Miranda’s eyes from opening in horror as she dreaded what Andrea was going to say next. She she was so unpredictable, it was like playing a game of Russian roulette. Her lies were so complex and off the wall that Miranda felt herself sinking half of the time.
“Look I really don’t want to get involved...”
“Oh but your already involved. “ Andy cried as she stood up from the chair she had been seated upon. “You’re the secret. “
Miranda followed ever word gobsmacked as and Andrea walked towards Stephen.
“Oh she’s tried to overcome it god love her, she’s tried to forget about you,” Andy looked back at Miranda. “For a time there I thought we were really going to make it. You felt so close to me Miranda.”
Andy smiled gently as she got caught up in her own lie., “We used to wash each other’s hair, and everything with our relationship was just so perfect.”
Miranda tilted her head upwards and sighed and she tried to imitate a look of remembrance.
“And then came Maui.”
Miranda watched on as Andy turned and leaned heavily on Stephen’s fireplace for support.
“What happened in Maui?” Stephen asks as he turned back to Miranda.
Miranda shook her head and held out her hand towards Andrea. “Well...” Miranda stuttered, “Andrea might as well tell it.”
Feeling weak in the knees Miranda flopped down onto Stephen’s sofa and stared wide eyed at Andrea’s back. She know she must be using the time to think of the next part of her lie or hoping she was picks it up, well Miranda thought. It was her story, she can finish it.
“Well we went there to celebrate her promotion.” Andy turned back to them and gave a sad smile, “and she was so happy then, almost too happy some might say. She was working so hard, and trying to have fun and to please me in every possible way. She would chase me into the surf and she would pull me into the cabana, we would dance and we would drink, and she would toss macadamia nuts up into the air and catch them in her mouth.”
Stephen turned around as Miranda looked away with her fist pressed to her mouth.
“Breaking her tooth in the process.” Andy continued before she made her way over to where Miranda sat, “We have to spend the entire last day of our vacation looking for a dentist to do an emergency crown.”
Miranda looked back at Andrea as she felt the sofa dip and the brunette take her hand. “And I’ll never forget holing her hand as she sat in that dentist chair, waiting for her to wake up from that gas they had given to her.”
Miranda couldn’t help but be impressed by Andrea’s lie. She didn’t know how she did it but she was like a classically trained actress, were deception was concerned.
“She had that cotton wool hanging out of her mouth. She gazed up at me,” Andy paused and rolled her eyes upwards, “and she said...Stephen?”
Miranda watched as Stephen’s mouth dropped open in shock.
“Oh... Stephen.” Andy sighed angrily and dropped Miranda’s hand.
Miranda adopted a look of dejection and looked towards Stephen and slowly nodded indicating what Andrea was saying was the absolute truth.
Miranda felt Andrea stand and she shifted her gaze to her.
“I came here tonight, because when you walked out that door, I had to see if this was where you would come.” Andy said the last part with a hitch and then ran out of Stephen’s house.
“Andrea...” Miranda called as she turned on the sofa and looked towards the front door.
“What are we going to do?” Miranda asked as she pushed herself up.
She knew she had to go after Andrea, however she didn’t want to.
“Oh Miranda.”Stephen breathed.
Before she could take a step however Miranda found herself in Stephen’s arms.
****
Andy took a deep breath as she swiftly made her way from Stephen’s house. She had been all ready to tell a tale of how Miranda was still hung up on him, when Mirada had shown up. She had been fuming when she had heard the other woman’s voice. Andy knew she could handle the situation on her own, but Miranda always complicated things.
It wasn’t just what she said, it was the fact that people looked to her for confirmation. Sometimes it wasn’t too bad because of the fact that they could play off each other, but most of the time, things just ended up getting out of control, fat.
Looking up at the darkening sky, Andy was just thankful of the fact that they had escaped the situation relatively unscathed.
“Wait, Andrea.”
Andy halted as she heard Miranda call out her name. She was the only one who called her by her full name, apart from her Mother. Glancing over her shoulder Andy watched as Miranda looked left and then right before she ran over the road after her.
“What?” Andy asked as she turned and faced Miranda.
“That was brilliant.” Miranda gushed as she graced her with a huge smile.
Andy felt her heat skip as she stared at Miranda, Stephen didn’t realise how lucky he was. She still found it hard to believe that Miranda would put up with everything she had done, just to get him back. Andy didn’t think he was worth it. There was something about him that just oozed slime. He seemed to have a way about him, she had seen the way his eyes had lit up when she had mentioned Miranda had been promoted. She felt for Miranda, she knew Stephen was only after one thing. Her money. She knew if anyone knew what she had done they would say that was why she was here, but Andy knew it wasn’t, she didn’t want Miranda’s money.
“I think he is defiantly starting to come around. Thank you!”
Andy shrugged with a half smile. She had made a deal with Miranda and as much as she wanted to tell Miranda to get over Stephen, she intended to honour the deal. “Hey, I’m just doing my job.”
“Doing your job? Maui, the dentist, maybe you went over the top with the macadamia nuts, but I’ll let that go.” Miranda laughed, “My God, did you come up with all that on the spot?”
“Yep.” Andy nodded. Lying was something she had become an expert at over the years; necessity had forced her hand at times.
“Jesus, you are some kind of genius Andrea.” Miranda threw up her hands, “you’re like the Ernest Hemmingway of bullshit.”
Andy laughed as Miranda smiled at her. She had received some complements in her time, but Miranda’s was defiantly one of the best.
“No, no,” Miranda shook her head, “your like the Venus De Milo, you’re a work of art.”
“Oh, stop.” Andy blushed as she waved of Mirada’s praise.
“Why? It true.”
Seeing that Miranda wasn’t going to let her get away with not accepting the compliments Andy dipped her head, “Thank you.”
****
Miranda sighed as she placed her dessert spoon upon her plate. Her Mother had insisted that both and Andrea come for lunch. Miranda had been hesitant, but as usual Andrea hadn’t given her a chance to say no. Miranda would have been angry, but after yesterday with Stephen Miranda had acquitted to let her ‘wife’ have her way.
“Now Miranda,” Charlotte started, “your father and I have been talking, but before you say anything I just want you to know that this isn’t something we want to force on you.”
Charlotte smiled as she looked from Miranda to Andrea. “What we would like you to consider is a little reception.”
“A what?” Miranda asked convinced she had heard her Mother wrong.
“So many people have been coming up to us. Now that the word is out.” Jonathan responded, “They have been asking what they should do. In terms of gifts and what not.”
Miranda sputtered as her Father looked at Andrea and smiled.
“Gifts?” Andy asked as her eyes lit up.
Seeing this Miranda shook her head firmly, there was no way on earth she was going to let this happen. It was bad enough with the house, and the furniture, but to have her family and friends buy gifts in celebration for a wedding that never took place; it was a step too far. “Absolutely not! No gifts!”
“Miranda, why not? We aren’t talking anything lavish.” Charlotte frowned in disapproval.
“Lavish?” Miranda rolled her eyes, “Mother that’s all you know. Remember my tenth birthday party?”
Charlotte nodded, “Yes.”
“An elephant Mother, you hired an elephant and half of a travelling circus.” Miranda could remember the day well. She had been ecstatic at the time, now she just used it as an example of what her mother liked to call a little party.
“It was your birthday.” Charlotte said with a shrug.
“Come on Miranda, where’s the harm?” Andy asked as she looked into her eyes.
“Harm Andrea?” Miranda asked. There was no way she was letting them talk her into this.
Before anyone could say anymore Miranda knew she had to get out of the room. She was close to losing it. Standing up Miranda grabbed her plate and Andrea’s and then marched out of the dining room and into the adjoining kitchen
Standing at the sink Miranda took a deep breath and tried to calm her beating heart. She had asked herself over the past weeks if Andrea’s was trying to kill her. Now she was convinced that Andrea just liked having fun at her expense.
After dropping the plates into the ceramic basin Miranda turned and headed back to the dining room to gather her parent’s plates.
As she entered the room again she observed Andrea looking at her parents.
“Is this the type of thing where I can go register?” Andy asked to Miranda’s horror.
“Yes, we could even go together.” Charlotte offered happily.
Hearing the joy in her Mother’s voice, Miranda’s shoulders rose automatically as if she was defending off a blow. She couldn’t believe that Andrea was doing this to her.
“Darling?” Miranda called out sweetly from her position by the kitchen.
“What is it honey bun?” Andy asked equally as sweet.
Miranda narrowed her eyes at the sudden nickname, “Don’t you think you think a reception is a really horrible idea?”
Miranda held her breath as Andrea looked at the ceiling contemplating her question. Eventually she looked back down and raised her eyebrows and answered. “Nope.”
Clenching her jaw Miranda painfully exhaled, “I mean this could be dangerous. Our marriage is in a very ambiguous state at the moment.”
Charlotte nodded, “Which is why your Father feels, and I must say that I agree that this reception might be just what the doctor ordered. You know give this marriage a fresh start.”
“I completely agree Mrs Priestly.” Andy said defiantly.
Having heard enough Miranda lifted the plates from in front of her parents and headed back into the kitchen to escape her parents and Andrea’s planning.
As she reached the sink Miranda heard her Mother’s voice drift in from the dining room.
“That’s another thing. Andrea, I hope this doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable, but I would like you to call me Mom.”
The sound of breaking crockery filled the air.
“Miranda I hope that wasn’t my best china you were breaking” Charlotte asked warningly.
Miranda hurried back into the dining room and looked at her Mother in disbelief, “You joking right? Won’t even let me call you Mom.”
“Oh don’t be such a baby Miranda.” Charlotte said as she pushed herself up from her chair.
“I’m not,” Miranda persisted, “I remember how you told Aunt Kathryn that before I had been born you had been toying with the idea of making me call you Charlotte.”
“I have no idea where you get these things from Miranda. Andrea shall we head into the living room?”
“Of course, and no it wouldn’t make me feel uncomfortable at all.” Andy smiled as she to stood and reached out and linked Charlotte’s arm. “Mom.”
Charlotte beamed Miranda found herself having to force a smile onto her face when her parents looked at her.
Following them into the living room Miranda was internally seething. She was not allowing this reception to happen, even if she had anger both her parents. Miranda sat upon the two-seater sofa next to Andrea and shot her a look of reproach and a warning to keep her mouth shut.
“Now, let me lay out our thinking here.” Charlotte said as she sat in her chair. “Uncles, Aunts, first cousins, Andrea’s parents of course, and any siblings or relatives you might have who would like to come.”
“I think this is getting way to out of control.”
“A marriage is bigger than two people Miranda.” Jonathan said.
“Yeah, but we don’t have to invite her family.”
“Miranda! I didn’t raise you to be so rude.” Charlotte chastised, “We would like to meet them, and they are out family now.”
Taking Andrea’s hand Miranda gave her a small smile.
“Well, Andrea’s parents are... dead.” Miranda winced as Andy squeezed her hand, hard. She regretted the comment the moment she said it. She didn’t know if Andrea even had parents, she hadn’t taken the time to ask.
“Oh no, dear I am so sorry.” Charlotte apologised softly as she turned her attention to Andy.
“It's ok, Mom” Andy loaded emphasis upon the title that Miranda’s mother had asked to be called by. “They died a long time ago.”
“What about other family dear?” Charlotte asked Andy, “you have a sister am I right? Travis was telling me how she lives in Toledo.”
Andy nodded, “yes that right...”
“She is an alcoholic and they don’t get along.” Miranda interrupted and got another painful squeeze for her troubles.
“Oh...” Charlotte trailed off with a sigh of sadness.
“I just don’t think a reception would be wise.” Miranda insisted with a small shake of her head.
“Well...” Andy started.
Seeing her opportunity to clamp down this situation once and for all Miranda pounced.
“No!” Miranda gave Andrea a hard look and then turned back to her mother. “No.”
****
Miranda momentarily took her eyes of the road and looked at the brunette strapped into the seat next to her. They had left her parents fifteen minutes ago and Andrea had been less than pleased. Miranda knew it had to do what she had said in her parents’ house about Andrea’s family. The former waitress had just got in the passenger seat and had rebuffed every offer of conversation.
“You angry aren’t you?” Miranda asked as she changed gear and gently squeezed the accelerator.
“I am not angry.” Andy spat though clenched teeth.
Shaking her head Miranda looked back at the road, “Well your acting like you’re angry.”
“I’m not.” Andy instated.
Growling Miranda noticed the traffic lights had changed, she pressed the break, flung the car into neutral and coasted to a halt.
“What the hell would you have done in my place?” Miranda demanded as she glared at the red light hanging above her head.
Miranda didn’t have to look right to know that Andrea was boring a hole into the side of her head.
“Miranda I told you I’m not angry, my parents are dead, my sister is an alcoholic and we hate each other’s guts.”
Turning her attention back the road Miranda scowled and sped off from the lights.
****
“Did you really design this?” Nigel asked as he stared at the screen of the laptop.
“Yeah.” Miranda sighed heavily as she leaned back in her chair. She was exhausted.
“Jesus Miranda it’s brilliant.” Nigel breathed as he entered a few commands into the laptop and highlighted several areas of Miranda’s design.
“I wouldn’t go that far.” Miranda said waving of Nigel’s praise.
Nigel stepped back, “God it is so depressing to work alongside some one of your calibre, I’m just glad I don’t have to compete with you on the floor anymore.”
“Thanks Nigel.”
“When did you come up with this?” Nigel asked as he pointed back at the screen.
“This morning, or last night I can’t remember.” Miranda shrugged as she pushed both her hands through her hair.
“Have you been here all night?”
Miranda nodded, “Stephen already thinks I made partner.”
“Why the hell did you tell him that Miranda? Are you insane?” Nigel asked puzzled as to why she would tell such a potentially damaging lie.
Miranda couldn’t help but laugh, “I didn’t Andrea did. So what do you think? Can you show this to Irv while I go and grab a shower, something to eat and a coffee?”
“I... I can’t.” Nigel stuttered as he took a step backwards.
“Why the hell not, your my second?” Miranda frowned.
Nigel licked his lips and adjusted his glasses nervously, “because if I go in there and he starts raving about how ingenious the design is, Miranda I’ll say I did it.”
“What?” Miranda cried outraged.
Miranda watched in disbelief as Nigel nodded his head and hummed low in his throat. She couldn’t believe that he would do that to her, she knew he had a ruthless streak. He had picked it up of her. Miranda had dragged him up from the bullpen of the third floor all the way to up to the twenty-fifth and senior management.
“How could you do that? Were the hell are your ethics Nigel?”
“You would do the same.” Nigel responded with a raised eyebrow.
Miranda cleared her throat and dipped her head, because she knew deep down that Nigel was right. She had done something’s that she wasn’t proud of in her time at the firm and she probably would take the praise if the positions were reserved. It was a cutthroat business after all.
“Beside, my ethics lay in the fact that I know this about myself so I am not going to take that in there and screw you over.”
Closing her laptop Miranda stood and marched over to the door in her office, she pulled open the door and fixed Emily was a stare.
“Emily, get me someone from the printing department on the phone, and get me an appointment with Mr Ravitz.”
“Today?” Emily asked as she looked up from her monitor.
Rolling her eyes Miranda shook her head, “No Emily, half an hour ago.”
“Yes Miranda!”
Glad that at least one person was playing by her rules Miranda turned back to her office and Nigel.
Continued
Author: Widdy
Disclaimer: I don't own the Devil Wears Prada, Miranda or Andy. I also don’t own the film Housesitter, unfortunately someone else does so I'm just borrowing them and I will return them after I'm done.
Rating: PG
Feedback: Yes feel free to feed me.
Pairing: Andrea/Miranda
Summary: When successful architect Miranda Priestly’s lover Stephen suddenly decides that their relationship is not working. Their dream house becomes nothing more than a monument to his rejection. That is until a chance encounter with a waitress turns her life upside down.
A/N: I have always loved the movie and I have been playing with this idea for months. I have changed some aspects to fit this story. I have had to extend this to four parts, so everyone gets an extra part.
Part 3
“You what?” Nigel asked as he placed his wine glass back upon the bar and gave Miranda his undivided attention.
“I thought you would love the idea.” Miranda replied offhandedly as she looked away from Nigel’s questioning gaze.
“Of marriage?” Nigel asked, not understanding what Miranda was trying to say.
“Of me living with a woman,” Miranda elaborated, “besides it isn’t a marriage. It’s a simple arrangement, in which I will share my house, in exchange for which she will argue with me in public and generally make my life look really pitiful.”
Nigel adjusted his glasses, “that’s marriage Miranda.”
Rolling her eyes Miranda picked up her own wine glass as swirled the red liquid, “is it your mission in life you question my every decision in life?”
Nigel shrugged, “Someone has to.”
“I’m a grown woman Nigel.” Miranda informed her friend as she took a sip of her wine.
“I know, that’s why I’m mystified.” Nigel said with a shake of his balding head.
“She has agreed to help me get Stephen back.”
“I thought you wanted to close the book on that chapter on your life?” Nigel asked with a frown.
“Well I changed my mind.”
“God Miranda.” Nigel huffed.
Glaring at Nigel Miranda drained her glass, “Nigel, I know you don’t particularly like Stephen.”
“Like Stephen? Miranda I can’t stand the man. Who was it who wiped away your tears when he decided that a house wasn’t an appropriate engagement present?” Nigel raised his eyebrows in question.
“Don’t exaggerate Nigel.”
“Six days straight,” Nigel continued, “I thought you would use up the entire western world’s supply of Kleenex.”
“Nigel, I love Stephen.”
Nigel shook his head, “No, you just don’t know any better. You have been pining after him for years.”
“Oh shut up.” Miranda pouted.
“No dear I will not.” Nigel told Miranda with a smirk, “Enough about Stephen, I want to know all about this wife you have acquired.”
****
Miranda quickly brushed her sweaty hands upon her skirt before she opened the gate that led to Stephen’s house. It was a neat two story house. It was the same one that Stephen had grown up in, and three doors down from where her parents lived. It wasn’t as grand as her family’s Victorian affair, and it wasn't as big, but it had a simple charm all of its own. He had inherited it when his Mother had died a few years ago and he had lived in it ever since.
It had been three weeks since her deal with Andrea and things were moving slowly as far as Stephen was concerned. Andrea on the other hand seemed to be having a great time. The townsfolk, surprisingly to Miranda had taken her ‘little wife’ into their hearts. Every time she was forced to go anywhere with Andrea, the brunette was greeted by smiles, hugs, and waves. She even knew the town firemen by name.
As she arrived at the door, Miranda tugged on her blouse loosening it a little and ran her fingers through her hair causing her perfect styling to been ruffled. Sucking in a breath of air Miranda pinched the area around her eyes and her cheek bones.
With her ruse set in place, and looking as if she had been crying. Miranda lifted her fist and knocked on Stephen’s door.
Miranda smiled as the door opened and Stephen appeared. He looked over his shoulder uncomfortably.
“May I talk with you Stephen?” Miranda caused her voice to waver as she leaned her body heavily upon the door frame.
“Err...” Stephen hesitated.
“Please, I just had a huge fight with Andrea. I came home from work and she just started in at me...” Miranda paused and looked down at her feet, “I’m sorry to come here like this, I should have...”
“No, Miranda its ok, it’s just...” Stephen tried to explain but gave up as he looked back over his shoulder, “why don’t you come in?”
“You’re sure?” Miranda responded although she started to step over the threshold.
“Yeah, please come in.” Stephen stepped aside and allowed Miranda to enter his home.
Miranda shook her head and allowed her shoulder’s to dip for a dejected effect.
“I don’t even know even know how I ended up here, I just walked out of the house and started wandering the streets. I just wasn’t thinking, because of Andrea. But before I knew it I was here, I was going to go back to the house but,” Miranda turned and threw Stephen a small smile, “then I saw the light in your window and I just needed someone to talk to.”
Miranda frowned slightly as Stephen nodded nervously and then looked over her shoulder again. “Miranda?”
Miranda gave Stephen her full attention.
“Andy is here.”
“She is?” Miranda asked caught of guard. She felt her irritation rise. She didn’t know what Andrea was doing here, but it was messing with her plan.
“You bet your ass I am.” Andy’s voice said causing Miranda to turn in shock.
“What the hell are you doing here?” “Miranda asked outraged that Andy was intruding on her attempts to get Stephen.
She was sitting at Stephen’s dining table with her legs crossed and her arms folded. The clothes she was wearing weren’t anything Miranda had seen before; she knew however she had paid for them. In fact she had insisted that Andrea change her wardrobe, she couldn’t walk around looking like a hobo; while she was suppose to be married to her, it didn’t fit the lie they were perpetrating.
Miranda suspected that her Mother had taken Andrea shopping. The two had formed some sort of strange bond over the weeks and both took every opportunity that they could to gang up on her. Miranda felt a deep kinship with her Father; she just didn’t know how he put up with her Mother all these year. The only plus side was that when she had Stephen back, she wouldn't have to put up with Andrea’s lies any longer. She wondered how long her Mother would stop talking to her for when the ‘divorce’ happened.
Looking over the now stylishly dressed young woman, Miranda’s mind tracked backwards. She had interrupted her and Stephen on various occasions over the past three weeks. It had started when they had been about to kiss in the bathroom and had progressed from there. Every time Stephen visited, Andrea was around them.
“No, in think the question should be, what the hell are you doing here?” Andy asked with a jut of her head.
“Oh God!” Stephen groaned as he rubbed his forehead.
Miranda could see that he was uncomfortable and that he wanted to be anywhere rather than here.
Looking back to Stephen Miranda held up her hands, “Stephen! You have to understand that I am trying so hard to make this marriage work.”
“Oh that is rich!” Andy spat with a short sharp laugh.
“Rich?!” Miranda barked back.
“Please, can you two not argue just for one night?” Stephen asked quietly as he looked from one woman to the other.
Looking back at Andrea Miranda felt her ire rise. She didn’t know why she was here, but she knew she had to use the situation. Andrea liked to lie and Miranda was fast learning how to keep up with her. Seeing that this was a moment that required a lie Miranda pounced.
“She promised she would never see her again.” Miranda howled as she turned from Stephen and gazed at Andy.
Miranda watched on as corner of Andy’s mouth twitched before she uncrossed her arms and pointed her right index finger into her chest. “Oh and that’s my fault?”
“Yes,” Miranda nodded, “it's not like its mine.”
“Oh no?” Andy inquired and then focused her attention upon Stephen. “Why don’t you ask Mrs Matrimony here when the last time we slept together was?”
Miranda didn’t move. She could feel Stephen’s eyes burning holes into the side of her face. It wasn’t like she could tell the truth; they had only slept together the one time.
The only sound was that of Stephen clearing his throat nervously. She knew she couldn’t keep silent, she knew she had to lie, but as she scrambled for a suitable fabrication all Miranda could draw was a blank.
Cursing Andrea for bring up the subject of sex Miranda licked her lips. “What?”
Miranda watched as Andy’s eyes widened and her head nodded slightly in what she interpreted as encouragement. When she didn’t pick up the baton Miranda saw Andrea’s lips purse.
“You want to tell her the truth?” Andy asked Miranda.
Miranda shook her head and looked away. Andrea started this as far as Miranda was concerned she could finish it.
“Once.” Andy jumped in without missing a beat, “Once, in I don’t want to tell you how long.”
Miranda felt Stephen’s eyes on her again.
“You wanna tell her why?” Andy asks
“Me?” Miranda responded. The answer she really wanted to give was hell no.
“I’ll tell you why, because our Ms Priestly lives with a, little dark secret.”
Both Andrea and Stephen started at Miranda. Even couldn’t stop her Miranda’s eyes from opening in horror as she dreaded what Andrea was going to say next. She she was so unpredictable, it was like playing a game of Russian roulette. Her lies were so complex and off the wall that Miranda felt herself sinking half of the time.
“Look I really don’t want to get involved...”
“Oh but your already involved. “ Andy cried as she stood up from the chair she had been seated upon. “You’re the secret. “
Miranda followed ever word gobsmacked as and Andrea walked towards Stephen.
“Oh she’s tried to overcome it god love her, she’s tried to forget about you,” Andy looked back at Miranda. “For a time there I thought we were really going to make it. You felt so close to me Miranda.”
Andy smiled gently as she got caught up in her own lie., “We used to wash each other’s hair, and everything with our relationship was just so perfect.”
Miranda tilted her head upwards and sighed and she tried to imitate a look of remembrance.
“And then came Maui.”
Miranda watched on as Andy turned and leaned heavily on Stephen’s fireplace for support.
“What happened in Maui?” Stephen asks as he turned back to Miranda.
Miranda shook her head and held out her hand towards Andrea. “Well...” Miranda stuttered, “Andrea might as well tell it.”
Feeling weak in the knees Miranda flopped down onto Stephen’s sofa and stared wide eyed at Andrea’s back. She know she must be using the time to think of the next part of her lie or hoping she was picks it up, well Miranda thought. It was her story, she can finish it.
“Well we went there to celebrate her promotion.” Andy turned back to them and gave a sad smile, “and she was so happy then, almost too happy some might say. She was working so hard, and trying to have fun and to please me in every possible way. She would chase me into the surf and she would pull me into the cabana, we would dance and we would drink, and she would toss macadamia nuts up into the air and catch them in her mouth.”
Stephen turned around as Miranda looked away with her fist pressed to her mouth.
“Breaking her tooth in the process.” Andy continued before she made her way over to where Miranda sat, “We have to spend the entire last day of our vacation looking for a dentist to do an emergency crown.”
Miranda looked back at Andrea as she felt the sofa dip and the brunette take her hand. “And I’ll never forget holing her hand as she sat in that dentist chair, waiting for her to wake up from that gas they had given to her.”
Miranda couldn’t help but be impressed by Andrea’s lie. She didn’t know how she did it but she was like a classically trained actress, were deception was concerned.
“She had that cotton wool hanging out of her mouth. She gazed up at me,” Andy paused and rolled her eyes upwards, “and she said...Stephen?”
Miranda watched as Stephen’s mouth dropped open in shock.
“Oh... Stephen.” Andy sighed angrily and dropped Miranda’s hand.
Miranda adopted a look of dejection and looked towards Stephen and slowly nodded indicating what Andrea was saying was the absolute truth.
Miranda felt Andrea stand and she shifted her gaze to her.
“I came here tonight, because when you walked out that door, I had to see if this was where you would come.” Andy said the last part with a hitch and then ran out of Stephen’s house.
“Andrea...” Miranda called as she turned on the sofa and looked towards the front door.
“What are we going to do?” Miranda asked as she pushed herself up.
She knew she had to go after Andrea, however she didn’t want to.
“Oh Miranda.”Stephen breathed.
Before she could take a step however Miranda found herself in Stephen’s arms.
****
Andy took a deep breath as she swiftly made her way from Stephen’s house. She had been all ready to tell a tale of how Miranda was still hung up on him, when Mirada had shown up. She had been fuming when she had heard the other woman’s voice. Andy knew she could handle the situation on her own, but Miranda always complicated things.
It wasn’t just what she said, it was the fact that people looked to her for confirmation. Sometimes it wasn’t too bad because of the fact that they could play off each other, but most of the time, things just ended up getting out of control, fat.
Looking up at the darkening sky, Andy was just thankful of the fact that they had escaped the situation relatively unscathed.
“Wait, Andrea.”
Andy halted as she heard Miranda call out her name. She was the only one who called her by her full name, apart from her Mother. Glancing over her shoulder Andy watched as Miranda looked left and then right before she ran over the road after her.
“What?” Andy asked as she turned and faced Miranda.
“That was brilliant.” Miranda gushed as she graced her with a huge smile.
Andy felt her heat skip as she stared at Miranda, Stephen didn’t realise how lucky he was. She still found it hard to believe that Miranda would put up with everything she had done, just to get him back. Andy didn’t think he was worth it. There was something about him that just oozed slime. He seemed to have a way about him, she had seen the way his eyes had lit up when she had mentioned Miranda had been promoted. She felt for Miranda, she knew Stephen was only after one thing. Her money. She knew if anyone knew what she had done they would say that was why she was here, but Andy knew it wasn’t, she didn’t want Miranda’s money.
“I think he is defiantly starting to come around. Thank you!”
Andy shrugged with a half smile. She had made a deal with Miranda and as much as she wanted to tell Miranda to get over Stephen, she intended to honour the deal. “Hey, I’m just doing my job.”
“Doing your job? Maui, the dentist, maybe you went over the top with the macadamia nuts, but I’ll let that go.” Miranda laughed, “My God, did you come up with all that on the spot?”
“Yep.” Andy nodded. Lying was something she had become an expert at over the years; necessity had forced her hand at times.
“Jesus, you are some kind of genius Andrea.” Miranda threw up her hands, “you’re like the Ernest Hemmingway of bullshit.”
Andy laughed as Miranda smiled at her. She had received some complements in her time, but Miranda’s was defiantly one of the best.
“No, no,” Miranda shook her head, “your like the Venus De Milo, you’re a work of art.”
“Oh, stop.” Andy blushed as she waved of Mirada’s praise.
“Why? It true.”
Seeing that Miranda wasn’t going to let her get away with not accepting the compliments Andy dipped her head, “Thank you.”
****
Miranda sighed as she placed her dessert spoon upon her plate. Her Mother had insisted that both and Andrea come for lunch. Miranda had been hesitant, but as usual Andrea hadn’t given her a chance to say no. Miranda would have been angry, but after yesterday with Stephen Miranda had acquitted to let her ‘wife’ have her way.
“Now Miranda,” Charlotte started, “your father and I have been talking, but before you say anything I just want you to know that this isn’t something we want to force on you.”
Charlotte smiled as she looked from Miranda to Andrea. “What we would like you to consider is a little reception.”
“A what?” Miranda asked convinced she had heard her Mother wrong.
“So many people have been coming up to us. Now that the word is out.” Jonathan responded, “They have been asking what they should do. In terms of gifts and what not.”
Miranda sputtered as her Father looked at Andrea and smiled.
“Gifts?” Andy asked as her eyes lit up.
Seeing this Miranda shook her head firmly, there was no way on earth she was going to let this happen. It was bad enough with the house, and the furniture, but to have her family and friends buy gifts in celebration for a wedding that never took place; it was a step too far. “Absolutely not! No gifts!”
“Miranda, why not? We aren’t talking anything lavish.” Charlotte frowned in disapproval.
“Lavish?” Miranda rolled her eyes, “Mother that’s all you know. Remember my tenth birthday party?”
Charlotte nodded, “Yes.”
“An elephant Mother, you hired an elephant and half of a travelling circus.” Miranda could remember the day well. She had been ecstatic at the time, now she just used it as an example of what her mother liked to call a little party.
“It was your birthday.” Charlotte said with a shrug.
“Come on Miranda, where’s the harm?” Andy asked as she looked into her eyes.
“Harm Andrea?” Miranda asked. There was no way she was letting them talk her into this.
Before anyone could say anymore Miranda knew she had to get out of the room. She was close to losing it. Standing up Miranda grabbed her plate and Andrea’s and then marched out of the dining room and into the adjoining kitchen
Standing at the sink Miranda took a deep breath and tried to calm her beating heart. She had asked herself over the past weeks if Andrea’s was trying to kill her. Now she was convinced that Andrea just liked having fun at her expense.
After dropping the plates into the ceramic basin Miranda turned and headed back to the dining room to gather her parent’s plates.
As she entered the room again she observed Andrea looking at her parents.
“Is this the type of thing where I can go register?” Andy asked to Miranda’s horror.
“Yes, we could even go together.” Charlotte offered happily.
Hearing the joy in her Mother’s voice, Miranda’s shoulders rose automatically as if she was defending off a blow. She couldn’t believe that Andrea was doing this to her.
“Darling?” Miranda called out sweetly from her position by the kitchen.
“What is it honey bun?” Andy asked equally as sweet.
Miranda narrowed her eyes at the sudden nickname, “Don’t you think you think a reception is a really horrible idea?”
Miranda held her breath as Andrea looked at the ceiling contemplating her question. Eventually she looked back down and raised her eyebrows and answered. “Nope.”
Clenching her jaw Miranda painfully exhaled, “I mean this could be dangerous. Our marriage is in a very ambiguous state at the moment.”
Charlotte nodded, “Which is why your Father feels, and I must say that I agree that this reception might be just what the doctor ordered. You know give this marriage a fresh start.”
“I completely agree Mrs Priestly.” Andy said defiantly.
Having heard enough Miranda lifted the plates from in front of her parents and headed back into the kitchen to escape her parents and Andrea’s planning.
As she reached the sink Miranda heard her Mother’s voice drift in from the dining room.
“That’s another thing. Andrea, I hope this doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable, but I would like you to call me Mom.”
The sound of breaking crockery filled the air.
“Miranda I hope that wasn’t my best china you were breaking” Charlotte asked warningly.
Miranda hurried back into the dining room and looked at her Mother in disbelief, “You joking right? Won’t even let me call you Mom.”
“Oh don’t be such a baby Miranda.” Charlotte said as she pushed herself up from her chair.
“I’m not,” Miranda persisted, “I remember how you told Aunt Kathryn that before I had been born you had been toying with the idea of making me call you Charlotte.”
“I have no idea where you get these things from Miranda. Andrea shall we head into the living room?”
“Of course, and no it wouldn’t make me feel uncomfortable at all.” Andy smiled as she to stood and reached out and linked Charlotte’s arm. “Mom.”
Charlotte beamed Miranda found herself having to force a smile onto her face when her parents looked at her.
Following them into the living room Miranda was internally seething. She was not allowing this reception to happen, even if she had anger both her parents. Miranda sat upon the two-seater sofa next to Andrea and shot her a look of reproach and a warning to keep her mouth shut.
“Now, let me lay out our thinking here.” Charlotte said as she sat in her chair. “Uncles, Aunts, first cousins, Andrea’s parents of course, and any siblings or relatives you might have who would like to come.”
“I think this is getting way to out of control.”
“A marriage is bigger than two people Miranda.” Jonathan said.
“Yeah, but we don’t have to invite her family.”
“Miranda! I didn’t raise you to be so rude.” Charlotte chastised, “We would like to meet them, and they are out family now.”
Taking Andrea’s hand Miranda gave her a small smile.
“Well, Andrea’s parents are... dead.” Miranda winced as Andy squeezed her hand, hard. She regretted the comment the moment she said it. She didn’t know if Andrea even had parents, she hadn’t taken the time to ask.
“Oh no, dear I am so sorry.” Charlotte apologised softly as she turned her attention to Andy.
“It's ok, Mom” Andy loaded emphasis upon the title that Miranda’s mother had asked to be called by. “They died a long time ago.”
“What about other family dear?” Charlotte asked Andy, “you have a sister am I right? Travis was telling me how she lives in Toledo.”
Andy nodded, “yes that right...”
“She is an alcoholic and they don’t get along.” Miranda interrupted and got another painful squeeze for her troubles.
“Oh...” Charlotte trailed off with a sigh of sadness.
“I just don’t think a reception would be wise.” Miranda insisted with a small shake of her head.
“Well...” Andy started.
Seeing her opportunity to clamp down this situation once and for all Miranda pounced.
“No!” Miranda gave Andrea a hard look and then turned back to her mother. “No.”
****
Miranda momentarily took her eyes of the road and looked at the brunette strapped into the seat next to her. They had left her parents fifteen minutes ago and Andrea had been less than pleased. Miranda knew it had to do what she had said in her parents’ house about Andrea’s family. The former waitress had just got in the passenger seat and had rebuffed every offer of conversation.
“You angry aren’t you?” Miranda asked as she changed gear and gently squeezed the accelerator.
“I am not angry.” Andy spat though clenched teeth.
Shaking her head Miranda looked back at the road, “Well your acting like you’re angry.”
“I’m not.” Andy instated.
Growling Miranda noticed the traffic lights had changed, she pressed the break, flung the car into neutral and coasted to a halt.
“What the hell would you have done in my place?” Miranda demanded as she glared at the red light hanging above her head.
Miranda didn’t have to look right to know that Andrea was boring a hole into the side of her head.
“Miranda I told you I’m not angry, my parents are dead, my sister is an alcoholic and we hate each other’s guts.”
Turning her attention back the road Miranda scowled and sped off from the lights.
****
“Did you really design this?” Nigel asked as he stared at the screen of the laptop.
“Yeah.” Miranda sighed heavily as she leaned back in her chair. She was exhausted.
“Jesus Miranda it’s brilliant.” Nigel breathed as he entered a few commands into the laptop and highlighted several areas of Miranda’s design.
“I wouldn’t go that far.” Miranda said waving of Nigel’s praise.
Nigel stepped back, “God it is so depressing to work alongside some one of your calibre, I’m just glad I don’t have to compete with you on the floor anymore.”
“Thanks Nigel.”
“When did you come up with this?” Nigel asked as he pointed back at the screen.
“This morning, or last night I can’t remember.” Miranda shrugged as she pushed both her hands through her hair.
“Have you been here all night?”
Miranda nodded, “Stephen already thinks I made partner.”
“Why the hell did you tell him that Miranda? Are you insane?” Nigel asked puzzled as to why she would tell such a potentially damaging lie.
Miranda couldn’t help but laugh, “I didn’t Andrea did. So what do you think? Can you show this to Irv while I go and grab a shower, something to eat and a coffee?”
“I... I can’t.” Nigel stuttered as he took a step backwards.
“Why the hell not, your my second?” Miranda frowned.
Nigel licked his lips and adjusted his glasses nervously, “because if I go in there and he starts raving about how ingenious the design is, Miranda I’ll say I did it.”
“What?” Miranda cried outraged.
Miranda watched in disbelief as Nigel nodded his head and hummed low in his throat. She couldn’t believe that he would do that to her, she knew he had a ruthless streak. He had picked it up of her. Miranda had dragged him up from the bullpen of the third floor all the way to up to the twenty-fifth and senior management.
“How could you do that? Were the hell are your ethics Nigel?”
“You would do the same.” Nigel responded with a raised eyebrow.
Miranda cleared her throat and dipped her head, because she knew deep down that Nigel was right. She had done something’s that she wasn’t proud of in her time at the firm and she probably would take the praise if the positions were reserved. It was a cutthroat business after all.
“Beside, my ethics lay in the fact that I know this about myself so I am not going to take that in there and screw you over.”
Closing her laptop Miranda stood and marched over to the door in her office, she pulled open the door and fixed Emily was a stare.
“Emily, get me someone from the printing department on the phone, and get me an appointment with Mr Ravitz.”
“Today?” Emily asked as she looked up from her monitor.
Rolling her eyes Miranda shook her head, “No Emily, half an hour ago.”
“Yes Miranda!”
Glad that at least one person was playing by her rules Miranda turned back to her office and Nigel.
Continued