Best Present Anybody Ever Gave To Me (Part 1/3) - The Devil Wears Prada - Miranda/Andy
Title: Best Present Anybody Ever Gave To Me (Part 1)
Fandom: The Devil Wears Prada
Rating: PG-13
Pairings/Characters: Miranda/Andy, Caroline, Cassidy, Serena/Emily
Summary: Miranda's eyes narrowed. The flight? Andrea needed gifts for her family? Serena was going home with Andrea for Christmas? Were they really that serious? She had thought… but no. Here it was. Cold, hard facts. If Serena was going home with Andrea for Christmas, then things were far more serious than she had ever imagined.
Spoilers: For the whole movie, although I changed the ending.
Word Count: 22,816
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that is any way mentioned in this story.
Author's Note: I started this story 3 years ago and finally finished it as part of my 'Get Things Finished By The End Of The Year' push. I think it was originally supposed to be a Secret Santa present, but I've no idea who for or what, if any at all, the prompt was. So... It was betaed by the amazing damelola who salvaged it and made it readable. Honestly, if it's any good, it's because of her. 3 years writing, people. I don't even know. Even though it's a little late for Christmas, I still hope you enjoy.
Andy Sachs was on the phone, talking to James Holt's assistant, trying to find a time when Miranda could come by to preview his newest collection when there would be no chance that Jacqueline Follet would be anywhere within a hundred-mile radius. As they finally settled on a meeting time, Andy clicked open an instant message window and typed quickly.
Six Is The New Four: James Holt - Wednesday - 2:00 PM
A second later she heard Emily's keyboard clicking and a reply showed up in the box.
I Love My Job: Got It.
Andy hung up the phone and caught Emily's eye. She gave a quick smile and nod, and then picked the phone back up to call the next person on her list.
She and Emily were getting along much better since she had gotten back from Paris. Although Emily had been extremely pissed off at Andy for going in the first place, Andy had done her best to get back in Emily's good graces. The entire suitcase of clothing and accessories that she had brought back had gone a long way in assuring that, but there were other factors as well.
Andy had kept Emily up to date on everything that happened in Paris, including tipping her off about the divorce and having her get in contact with Leslie to set up a meeting for Miranda as soon as they got back. All of her notes were emailed to Emily every night, as well as anything Miranda had said she would need or want once she got back to the States. Because of Andy's information, Emily had everything ready for Miranda's return, which led to a pleased Miranda. Well, for a Miranda value of ‘pleased’, anyway.
And so it was that both women--but Emily especially--realized that they worked beautifully as a team. They had continued to build on that since Andy got back, and things had been going more smoothly than possibly ever before at Runway. Miranda still found plenty of things to complain about, but they were usually not directed at Emily or Andy.
I Love My Job: Did you get in contact with Chelsea?
Six Is The New Four: I tried earlier but got no answer. I left a message.
I Love My Job: Of course. I was in touch with Jocelyn. They can move the production meeting up to 11.
Six Is The New Four: Perfect. Now she can make it to the girls' recital with no problems.
I Love My Job: Yet another crisis averted.
Andy giggled slightly at that and Emily was grinning when she caught her eye.
The IMs had been Andy's idea. Miranda could hear what went on in the outer office quite well from her own and she tended to get annoyed if the assistants had to continually exchange information verbally. She liked a quiet office. This way, they kept their speakers turned off and all that was heard was the clicking of the keyboards--which not even Miranda could object to--and the information was passed quickly and efficiently. It also made them look much more prepared. Miranda was surprised how each assistant seemed to know what the other knew without ever needing to discuss it. Plus, it was a nice way to gossip or even chit chat without Miranda getting annoyed. Not that they had much time to do that sort of thing.
"Andrea, have you spoken to Chelsea?" Miranda asked, coming out of the office. Emily held out her coat and bag.
"I left a message that she was to call me as soon as possible,” Andy replied. “Emily spoke to Jocelyn and they can move the production meeting to 11, which means that your lunch with Lagerfeld can be moved up to 12:30, I've already called and confirmed with his assistant and the restaurant, and all your other meetings have been moved forward so that you can leave by 3 to be at Dalton by 3:30."
Miranda's lips quirked upwards. "Tell Nigel I need those proofs on my desk when I get back. Confirm Patricia's appointment with the vet for Thursday at 3. One of you will have to take her. Go to Calvin Klein and get me the skirts for the shoot. Call Jackson and confirm that we got the loft for the Chanel shoot.” Miranda paused, seemingly out of commands. “And Andrea, remember that the girls have requested your help this evening."
"Absolutely Miranda. I’ll be over at 7?” Andy hesitated, in case that didn’t suit Miranda. With no objection, she continued. “Emily has agreed to wait here. Then I can come back and relieve her at 9 and will bring the Book to you as soon as it's ready. I've already confirmed Patricia's appointment and I will be able to take her, so Emily can be here in case you need anything for the Dolce & Gabbana preview. We have a tentative confirmation from Jackson, but we'll solidify it today. "
Once again Miranda looked pleased. She nodded once and then left the office. Emily was already on the phone with Roy, making sure he would be waiting out front for her. Andy picked up her phone and dialed Jackson.
Six Is The New Four: Jackson just confirmed. We've got the loft from 11 until 5 that day. Hopefully that's all we'll need. If we need it longer, he's sure he can work something out.
Although Miranda was gone and they were free to talk aloud, they were both now so used to the IMs that they continued on as though she was still there. Plus, this way, if she happened to come back unannounced, they would not be caught in the middle of conversation.
I Love My Job: He better be. The last time took two days. This better not be anything like that. Who's getting the skirts from Calvin Klein?
Six Is The New Four: I can go grab them, and pick up her Starbucks on the way back, unless you want to get out and away from the phones since you'll be here later tonight. Thanks for that, by the way.
I Love My Job: Oh please, it's nothing. At least I don't have to deal with the little brats. What are they having you do anyway?
Six Is The New Four: They're working on their papers for their English class. I'm editing.
I Love My Job: You mean you're writing them for them.
Six Is The New Four: No, I mean I'm editing. The girls have finally learned to do their own homework. :P
Since the night in Miranda's hotel room in Paris, Andy had made it her goal that things would be kept as normal as possible for the twins during the divorce. She had done everything she could to make sure that the twins were coping with everything. They, of course, had tried to take advantage and make Andy do their homework for them, but she had put her foot down. She had offered to help them with things, and soon realized that the reason they didn't want to do their homework was because it was too easy for them. They were incredibly intelligent, and were bored in all of their classes, which was probably why Miranda got so many letters sent home from teachers.
Andy had taken it upon herself to talk to the head of Dalton, letting him know in no uncertain terms that she was very displeased, and Miranda would be equally, if not more so, displeased by the fact that it had gone unrecognized that Cassidy and Caroline were performing at above grade level. She also let it be known that she was sure other parents would feel the same way if they were informed. By the following Monday every student at Dalton was being tested and classes were being reformed. Now the girls were actually interested in what they were doing, and Andy truly was only there to help them with things like editing their papers.
Still, she made it a priority to keep up with them, letting them know that she was interested in how they were doing, and although they complained about it, she knew deep down that they liked having someone care in that way.
Andy also learned quickly that Miranda, and therefore she herself, had been worried about nothing. Oh, the papers did write things about the divorce, but anytime they mentioned the girls, Andy called and threatened legal action against them if they didn't stop writing about them and soon they all got the message. Although she hadn't actually gone to law school, she still knew enough to make them nervous, which was enough for her. But besides that, the girls honestly were not affected by the divorce. They had never really liked Stephen, he had never taken the time to really bond with them, and so they didn't care at all that their mother was divorcing him.
They did like their time with Andy though. It seemed that although they weren't upset, they did want to do normal things, probably because they'd never actually done them before. The first time Andy suggested doing something 'normal' like going to the movies, they'd stared at her for a full minute blankly. "Like, in a theater? With other people?" Cassidy had asked. Andy had laughed. "That's usually what going to a movie means… unless you're a Priestly, apparently."
They had agreed and had had a great time. Since then, Andy made sure that every other weekend they were with their mother, she and the girls went and did something. So far those things had been going trick or treating, going to the movies, and going shopping. Andy was surprised that Miranda allowed her to take the girls, but apparently even Miranda realized how well the girls were doing now that they were spending time with Andy and she never questioned it. Neither did Andy.
She looked at her screen to see the message from Emily.
I Love My Job: Well, will wonders never cease. Anyway, you can go to Calvin Klein.
Six Is The New Four: Ok. I'm heading out now. You'll have to tell Nigel about the proofs.
I Love My Job: Consider it done.
Andy grabbed her coat and bag and smiled as she passed Emily. "Thanks, Em."
Emily picked up the phone and called Nigel, who headed right up with the proofs. Once he had put them on Miranda's desk, he stopped to talk to Emily. "So where's Six?"
"She had to run to Calvin Klein to get skirts for Miranda."
"And you got stuck answering phones."
"Please, I'd rather be doing this than running about town. Plus, it gives me practice at manning things without Andy here."
"And why would you need that?" Nigel leaned in, looking intrigued.
"Not for any reason you're thinking of. She's going to Miranda's to help the brats with their homework tonight, so I'm staying here."
"Ah. Yes. She has become rather… involved with them lately hasn't she?"
Emily rolled her eyes. "Yes. Although god knows why anyone would actually want to spend time with those monsters. I mean honestly, does the girl really have nothing better to do with her free time? For god's sake, even I'm not that bad."
Nigel chuckled at that. "That's very true. But as we know, Nate is out of the picture and after the little… misadventure with Christian Thompson in Paris," Emily scoffed, "I don't think Andy's stepped back out onto the dating scene yet."
"Well, she needs to get laid. And soon. I mean, this place is running like clockwork, for once I actually don't mind coming to work, and if you tell her I said this, I'll kill you, but… she's the cause of that. Which is all well and good, but she does not need to turn into a slave to this job. I've been there and done that."
"Yes, but who can we set her up with?"
"Well, there's the new girl over at Chanel."
"Mm. Or the new Calvin Klein - wait a minute, what?" Nigel nearly gaped as he realized what Emily had just said.
"Chanel's new girl. She's very attractive, and rumor has it she's single."
"She. Girl. As in female. Of the same sex as Andy."
Emily rolled her eyes. "Honestly Nigel, one would think that you of all people would not be this slow on the uptake."
"Are you telling me that Andy, our Andy, bats for my team?"
"I'm telling you that Andy bats for both teams. But since she's been striking out with men lately, I figure she's about ready to trade her Blahniks for her Birkenstocks." Emily shuddered at the word 'Birkenstocks'--she was open-minded about everything but fashion crimes.
"No. She'd never make that mistake again. Thank god." Nigel also shuddered. "But you're serious? Andy is bisexual?"
Emily nodded. "She told me herself."
"Wow." Nigel was about to say more but his cell phone went off. He checked the display and cursed under his breath. "I have to go do damage control. Be back for the run through."
"Nigel!" Emily called after him. "Don't go telling everyone about this, alright?" But he was already gone.
**
Andy arrived back to Runway just as Miranda's car was pulling up. She managed to catch the elevator and just get the skirts on the rack and the coffee on her desk before Miranda entered. If the clackers had been looking at her a little strangely, or whispering as she walked past, Andy had taken no notice, so intent on getting her task done on time.
The coat and bag were tossed on her desk this time, and Emily was already standing, following her into her office. "Nigel dropped the proofs off there. He said he liked the second set much better than the first. Jackson confirmed us for the loft from 11 to 5, but if we need more time, we can have it. Chelsea also finally called back and confirmed for Friday at 1. I've added it to your schedule. Everyone is in the conference room waiting."
Andy wiggled her mouse and saw that Emily had already sent her a copy of Miranda's updated schedule. She quickly deleted the old file and opened the new one so she would be ready to go. Miranda sipped her coffee and nodded, then headed for the conference room. Emily followed after her.
**
The thing about the Runway offices was that with the glass doors, sound carried rather well through them. Miranda liked it that way, as she always liked to be aware of what her staff was saying, especially if they didn't know she was around. It was not often that she heard something that shocked her. She was used to all the complaints about her, the nicknames - Dragon Lady, Ice Queen and the like. But today she was definitely not the topic of conversation.
"No way. I don't believe you."
"I'm telling you, she swings both ways." Lucia said vehemently.
"You're lying."
"I swear to god. I heard it from Nigel, who heard it from Emily, who heard it straight from her." Miranda's ears perked at this and she cast a quick glance at Emily who looked red in the face.
"Well, I for one think it's no one's business."
"You would."
"Oh shut up. Besides, what does it matter?"
"It matters because she's sexy. And now half of us have a shot that we didn't know we had before."
"Are you saying that you're…"
"No. But I'm saying that I wouldn't mind for one night." Lucia was laughing.
"Me either."
"Jocelyn, you're married!"
"And Andy's hot."
Andy. Miranda's gaze swung back to Emily, who looked ready to sink into the floor. Nigel approached and nodded at them. "Hello ladies." Emily was glaring at him and Miranda… well he wasn't sure he'd ever seen that particular look on Miranda's face before.
"Nigel." She managed, following him as he walked into the conference room. Everyone quickly stopped talking and went directly into work mode.
"Emily, you are dismissed. That's all." Miranda said, the word 'Andy' still spinning through her head.
Surely they couldn't have been talking about - No. That was ridiculous. There had to be plenty of other women with that name, besides her assistant. Although Miranda did pride herself on knowing the names of everyone on staff--it was so much easier to terrify someone unexpectedly simply by calling their name. There were no other ‘Andy’s, certainly not ones who came into close contact with Emily in order to confide secrets.
And anyway, Miranda thought as she geared up for the meeting, why on earth did Andrea Sachs’ sexuality matter to her?
**
"Andy, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have told him." Emily really did sound apologetic, which made Andy think that she should mark this day down on a calendar or something. When had Emily ever cared about her before? Sure, they had gotten more friendly, and she had told her about her sexuality without much worry but… they still weren't exactly having sleepovers or calling each other after hot dates to gossip or anything. Which could have more to do with the fact that Andy hadn't had a hot date - or any date - since Paris than anything, but she refused to acknowledge that.
"Miranda knows?"
"Yes."
"Miranda. Miranda knows?"
Her brain was stuck on that part. The rest of it wasn't so bad. It wasn't as though she was fully in the closet or anything. She had come out to her family long ago and they were all fine with it. Lily and Doug knew, and Nate himself had known. She just hadn't divulged the information to anyone at work because she didn't think it was important enough to mention, especially not when she had first been swimming for her life.
And now… well how was she was supposed to bring it up now? What was she supposed to do, say "Oh by the way, Miranda, I'm bisexual and when you look at me like that, I get a little turned on" when Miranda looked over her outfit one morning? Or how about "Yes Miranda, I confirmed with Jackson and Patricia's vet and made the reservations for your lunch with Patrick next week. I'm also bisexual, and I had the tires rotated on your car."? That would go over beautifully. So she just hadn't said anything.
"My god, would you get over it, yes! Miranda knows. Everyone on the bloody staff probably knows by now. But I only told Nigel. He's the one who told everyone else."
"Miranda knows." Andy whispered again, and she honestly thought that Emily might be ready to reenact the famous 'Snap Out Of It' scene from Moonstruck with her, but the sound of heels clicking down the hallway was suddenly heard, and everything else was shoved to the wayside as the two prepared for Miranda's entrance.
Miranda and Emily, for their parts, acted as though nothing had happened. Miranda was rattling off a list of things that needed done and Emily was nodding along. Andy herself was processing what was being said, enough that she would know what needed to be done, and yet she could not bring herself to get up from the desk or move at all. Her heart was thudding wildly in her chest and she felt suddenly very naked and exposed.
She was bisexual and Miranda knew it now. How long would it be before she started to question why Andy was so willing to do whatever she asked? Of course Emily did the same things, but Emily loved fashion and worshipped the ground Miranda walked on. Until this job, Andy had most definitely not worshipped or even known anything about Miranda, and very little about fashion. Apparently though, Miranda didn't care, because she disappeared into her office without a word or even a look to Andy.
Andy was finally relaxing, reaching for the phone to call one of the people Miranda had rattled off to Emily, when Serena approached, stopping at the front of her desk. "Hey Andy," she smiled.
"Oh, um, hi Serena. What's up?"
"Nothing really. I was just wondering… are you doing anything tonight?" Andy didn't notice the way that Emily quickly made an excuse on the phone and hung up. Nor did she notice how Miranda put down the proofs she had been looking at in her office. All Andy saw was Serena's smiling face.
"I'm going to help the twins with some homework stuff and then coming back to wait for the Book. And of course I'll have to deliver it to Miranda once it's done."
"What about after that? After you're off work?"
"Oh, um…" Andy had planned to go home, put on some sweats, and curl up with a carton of Ben & Jerry's for a Law & Order marathon. This was not what she told Serena. "I don't have any plans."
"Would you like to go out for a drink?" Andy didn't notice the intense stares the two of them were receiving from Miranda and Emily.
"Sure. That would be great. Who all is coming?"
Serena's smile faltered for a second at that. "It would… just be us."
"Oh." Andy said, suddenly understanding. "Oh! Um, yes. Yes. Sure, that would be… I would like that actually."
Serena grinned. Emily glared. Miranda's lips started to purse, but she held herself in check. "Fabulous. I'll see you tonight."
"Ok." Andy smiled as Serena left, then went back to her phone calls as though nothing had happened.
**
Miranda was in her study when she heard the door open and the sound of twin feet rushing down the stairs, a noise which always heralded the arrival of Andrea. Since getting back from Paris a month and a half ago, Andrea had been actively involved in the girls' lives.
At first Miranda had been too busy to take much notice and by the time that she had, a bond had apparently been formed between the three. The girls were excelling at school and seemed happier and more content all around. She was no longer receiving notes from the teachers about bad behavior from the girls, and even their father said he noticed a positive change in them. So how could Miranda possibly disapprove of Andrea's presence in her home and her children's lives? Especially when it had been Andrea who had taken the initiative to start the interactions, and Andrea who had managed to keep her daughters almost completely out of the papers during the divorce.
Andrea, who seemed so open and yet remained such a mystery. Andrea, who she saw so much of herself in. Andrea, who she had just learned was bisexual. Of course it didn't matter. Miranda didn't care one way or the other about people's sexuality. Hell, the fashion industry would be nothing without gays and lesbians, and Miranda had never cared about or questioned the sexuality of any of her staff before. If she had found out that Emily or Jocelyn or Lucia or Paul were gay, she would not have batted an eyelash, in fact she probably wouldn’t even have paid attention--interrupting the conversation in order to get some work done.
But with Andrea… it was a shock. The girl seemed almost too wholesome, too naïve--at least when she had first started at Runway--to be anything other than conventional. She’d seemed quite happy with that boyfriend, and then there was that idiotic affair with Christian Thompson that still burned to this day for reasons she did not want to think about. Not once had Miranda caught Andy even looking at another woman, even when they were surrounding her dressed in nothing but lingerie.
Andrea was certainly an attractive woman; Serena thought so at least. And once again, there was a burn, a slight anger there, that Miranda could not explain. Why should she care that Serena had asked Andrea out for drinks? She didn't. Oh, she could pretend to be worried that Andrea’s work would start to slip if she got involved with someone, but that had never been a problem before. Andrea was one of the best assistants at putting work--and Miranda’s requirements--above everything else.
Yet since she had heard the news in the conference room, she had been unable to fully concentrate. Images had started to come to her unbidden. Andrea with women, with Serena, pale, soft white skin gliding against other smooth curves. Arms and legs tangled, hair everywhere. It nearly drove her to distraction, and she could not get rid of the images. She should not care at all about this, and yet it was all that she could think about.
Miranda shook her head and stood, heading up the stairs to the twins' study room where she knew they would all be. Sure enough as she neared the door she could hear Andrea's voice. "This is really good, Cass. I circled a few grammatical things and starred a paragraph that I think you should look at. You could definitely make it stronger, which will help with the overall message of the paper. But other than that, it looks great."
"Awesome. Thanks Andy."
"What about mine?"
"Horrible. Absolute rubbish." Andy replied, but even without seeing her face, Miranda knew she was teasing.
Caroline began to laugh. "Come on, Andy!"
"It was as equally awesome as your sister's. Although I did catch a few typos you'll have to correct. And I think you can make your introduction better. Your conclusion packs a punch, but if the intro isn't strong, no one's going to read that far. You understand?"
"Yeah, definitely. But… what can I do to make it stronger?"
Miranda peeked around the corner, catching sight of Andrea and Caroline leaning over the paper, their heads almost touching. Cassidy was sitting at her laptop making the corrections Andrea had pointed out. "Well, you could always start with a good question. That usually draws people in. Or a quote by a famous person. If you can start like that, people usually pay attention."
"Cool." Caroline grinned, then grabbed the paper and headed to her own laptop.
Andrea allowed herself to fall back on the couch, letting out a sigh. She looked exhausted in that moment, and Miranda quietly reflected that since the return from Paris, Andrea had been the last one to leave the office every night, and close to the first one there in the morning. She had had some relief from Emily, but between the time she'd been spending with the twins and all the things Miranda had been assigning her to do--just to see how much she really could ask of the girl--Miranda didn't know when Andy had time for sleep.
"So what are you doing tonight, Andy?" Cassidy asked, still pecking away at the keyboard.
"Going back to Runway to wait on the Book so I can bring it back to your mom. And then I'm meeting Serena for drinks."
"Cool." Caroline chimed. Apparently everything Andrea said was cool.
"You are still going to take us Christmas shopping this weekend, though right?"
"Of course."
"And you're going to help us wrap them after?"
"Um… yeah, if you want me to." Andy couldn't quite imagine the Priestly twins wrapping presents, wasn't that what the gift wrap counters at the stores were for? But if they wanted to attempt it, Andy was willing to help.
"And you'll help us make Christmas cookies?"
"And take us ice skating."
"And I really want to go to Macy's to see Santa."
"Ooh, yeah, that'd be cool."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold up a second." Andrea sat up, looking over at each of the girls. "You realize there are still two weeks until Christmas right? Christmas shopping is a definite this weekend, and we can even do the wrapping. As for the others… if we make the cookies now, they'll be stale by Christmas. Why don't we wait on them until sometime next week or next weekend? And the ice skating and Macy's ideas are good ones, but… I suck at ice skating. And Macy's will be really crowded. Are you sure you want to stand in the line?"
"Can't you use Mom's name to get us to the front or something?" Caroline asked, and Miranda felt herself wince just slightly.
Andy rolled her eyes. "We'll see, but probably not this weekend okay?"
The girls sighed, but agreed. "Okay. But Christmas shopping."
"Definitely."
"Definitely." Andy agreed. "So, are you two done with my services for the night?"
The girls looked at each other and then finally nodded. "Yeah, we're cool."
"Alright. Then I am headed back to Runway to relieve Emily. I will see you both later." The girls jumped up and ran over to give Andrea a hug, shocking Miranda in the process. She'd never seen them openly offer affection like that before to anyone but herself and her ex-husband. As Miranda moved down the hall, it seemed that the mystery of Andrea Sachs was only growing.
**
Andy felt nervous sitting across from Serena, ordering a glass of wine. It had been a while since she had been on any date and even longer since she had been on a date with a woman. Serena smiled easily at her though, as though she could tell what she was thinking.
"So, how long have you known?"
"Oh, wow, um, okay, going right there." Andy felt her cheeks growing hot. "It's been… forever it seems. I think I always sort of knew. I've been 'out', I guess, since before college. My family was really great about the whole thing, and my close friends know. And now everyone at work knows."
"You didn't want us to?"
"I didn't really care one way or the other. I didn't think it mattered. At the time I was with Nate and things were okay there and… truthfully? When I first walked in there, I got enough flack about how I looked. I could only imagine the comments if everyone found out."
Serena nodded at that. She understood. "What about you? How did you know?" Andy asked.
Serena laughed at that. "I guess, how I was brought up, we've just always been less concerned with sexual labels like you are here. We're all sexual beings and I've always felt it was about attraction and the relationship, rather than if the person was this, that, or the other. It should just be about someone you find stimulating, that you like to be around, that makes you feel good, that makes you feel sexy. And so I've never labeled myself as one thing or another. I've always just been."
"We are really stuck on labels here, aren't we? And especially in this world." Andy motioned around, meaning the fashion industry.
Serena reached up to brush her hair out of her eyes, and something caught Andy's eye as she did. She grinned, reaching over and taking hold of Serena's left wrist. She pulled her hand over closer and then turned it up so that her wrist was exposed. "You have a tattoo," Andy was referring to the star on the inside of her wrist.
"I do." Serena smiled.
"Why did you get it?" Andy asked as she traced her fingernail slowly over the lines of the star.
"So pretty girls like you would do that."
Andy laughed. "Seriously, there has to be a story behind it. What is it?"
"I grew up in Brazil, as you know. And in my town, you could see the stars so brightly at night. My grandmother always told me that each of us has our own special star, because we are each special. And that when you look to the sky, the first star that catches your eye is your star. And anytime you need help, you just look to your star. I loved that. But when I moved here, you can't see the stars at night. I missed being able to find my star. So, I decided to get the tattoo, so that I would always know where my star was."
"That's really beautiful." Andy told her sincerely, her eyes slightly wet.
Serena's smile was radiant. "Do you have any tattoos, Andy?"
"No. I've always sort of wanted one but… I've never gotten around to it. Or found something special enough. I think it has to have a meaning, like yours does."
"I agree with that. You'll find something someday. Or you won't."
Andy nodded. "So, is that why you asked me out for a drink? Because I'm a 'pretty girl'?"
Serena looked thoughtful. "It was strange hearing them talk about you the way they were in the conference room. I wanted to defend you. And I wanted to be able to come and talk to you, to make sure you were okay with all of this. It can be difficult."
Andy nodded, realizing that she had been wrong about Serena's intentions. Serena seemed to notice her look. "It's not that you are not attractive. You are very, very attractive Andy. And it is possible, depending how this goes, that something could happen. But that was not my intention tonight. I… have feelings for someone else, to tell you the truth."
"You do?" Andy's eyes widened. "Who is it? Why haven't you told them? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror? You could have anyone you wanted!"
Serena's laugh was wry this time. "Not anyone. She has no idea the way I feel about her. And she's straight so…"
Suddenly Andy's stomach clenched. What if Serena cared for Miranda? Andy already knew she didn't have any kind of chance with the editor, but if Serena wanted her in that way, she had even less. Serena was gorgeous and could turn anyone's head… even Miranda's. Andy couldn't deal with that thought.
"Do I… I mean… does she work at Runway?"
Serena looked down at the table. "Yes."
Oh god. Andy felt vaguely like throwing up, and reached for her glass. "Who, um, I mean, only if you want to tell me of course but…"
Serena met her gaze. "Emily."
"Em-Emily?" Andy took a long drink, suddenly wanting to grab Serena and kiss her for saying that name.
"Yes. I have been attracted to her for a few years, but I know nothing will ever come of it."
"Have you ever… tried?"
"No. I couldn't. I know she does not feel the same way and I could not bear to lose our friendship."
"So you stay quiet?" Andy reached across the table and took Serena's hand.
"Yes." Her eyes flew up to Andy's face. "Please don't tell her."
"Oh, no, of course not. I would never…" Andy chewed her lip. "I have feelings for someone else as well."
Serena studied her for a few moments and then chuckled softly. "Oh Andy, not you too."
Andy's brow furrowed at that.
"Miranda." Serena supplied the name and Andy felt her cheeks going red.
"How - how did you…. Am I - my god, am I that obvious?"
Serena squeezed her hand. "No. But everyone goes through the Miranda phase, whether they're gay, straight, or bisexual."
"I don't think this is just a phase, Serena." Andy admitted aloud for the first time ever. "I know I'll never be able to… she'll never… but I just…" She gestured aimlessly with her hand.
Serena nodded in sympathy, then studied her for a few minutes. "She does treat you differently. Maybe it is possible."
Andy sighed. "Somehow I think you and Emily are more possible than Miranda and I. But it's just nice to be able to talk about this with someone. I sort of painted a bad picture of Miranda at the beginning to my family and friends and I didn't feel comfortable telling Emily or Nigel, and now it appears that it's a good thing I didn't or Miranda would've known in five minutes."
Serena laughed and raised her glass. "Oh sweetheart. A toast. To the women we can't have and the friends who help us through it."
Andy clinked her glass with Serena's and finished the rest of her drink with a small smile. "I’ll drink to that!"
**
Andy was in a good mood the next morning, even though her date had turned out not to be a date at all. It had still been wonderful to talk to Serena, she was incredibly intelligent and witty and they had not once lacked for conversation. Plus, she felt such relief from being able to talk to someone about Miranda. So it was that Andy found herself humming slightly under her breath.
I Love My Job: I am assuming from your inane humming that your date went well last night?
Andy could practically hear Emily's voice as she read the message.
Six Is The New Four: It was very nice, yes.
I Love My Job: And did you…
Andy had to bite her tongue so as not to laugh.
Six Is The New Four: I slept in my own bed last night.
I Love My Job: That didn't answer the question.
Six Is The New Four: Oh, it didn't? ;-)
Emily was about to reply when Miranda entered. Andy was ready to catch the bag and coat and smiled at her when she caught her eye. "Good Morning, Miranda."
Miranda ignored her, walking straight to her office, although suddenly she felt rather ill. Why was Andrea that chipper this morning? Did it have anything to do with the drinks with Serena last night? And why did she care if it did or it didn't? This silly distraction really had to stop.
"Get Serena to bring those layouts up to me. Now." She needed to see for herself how Serena was acting this morning.
Emily reached for the phone, but Andy already had Serena on the line.
"Serena, Miranda needs those layouts brought up right away, please."
"Anything for you, pretty girl." Serena replied, and Andy's cheeks went slightly pink as she hung up the phone.
Serena arrived in the office two minutes later, looking relaxed and happy herself. She gave Andy a quick little wink as she walked past her into Miranda's office. That was her first mistake.
It honestly wasn't Serena's fault. The girl had had nothing at all to do with the layouts, besides being the one to bring them to her. But Miranda felt like killing the messenger today, especially after the messenger had winked at Andrea that way before entering. She proceeded to rip the layout, and Serena, apart for a good ten minutes, and found that with every minute Serena looked more and more deflated and she herself felt better and better. Finally she dismissed her with a "That's all" and settled down into her chair, feeling much better about her day now.
Serena came out of Miranda's office looking rather beaten down. Andy couldn't blame her after the way Miranda had ripped into her. She was walking past Andy's desk, her head down, when Andy reached out and grabbed her arm. She came to a stop and looked at Andy in surprise. "Andy, what are-"
Andy flipped Serena's left hand over and slid her finger under her sleeve, gently tracing the star tattoo. Once she had finished she released Serena's hand and gave her a smile. Serena smiled back at her. "Thank you," she mouthed and then headed back toward the art department. Andy noticed Emily was looking at the spot where Serena had been, and she just smiled at her before turning back to her computer.
Miranda's foul mood returned full force.
On to part 2
Fandom: The Devil Wears Prada
Rating: PG-13
Pairings/Characters: Miranda/Andy, Caroline, Cassidy, Serena/Emily
Summary: Miranda's eyes narrowed. The flight? Andrea needed gifts for her family? Serena was going home with Andrea for Christmas? Were they really that serious? She had thought… but no. Here it was. Cold, hard facts. If Serena was going home with Andrea for Christmas, then things were far more serious than she had ever imagined.
Spoilers: For the whole movie, although I changed the ending.
Word Count: 22,816
Disclaimer: I do not own anything that is any way mentioned in this story.
Author's Note: I started this story 3 years ago and finally finished it as part of my 'Get Things Finished By The End Of The Year' push. I think it was originally supposed to be a Secret Santa present, but I've no idea who for or what, if any at all, the prompt was. So... It was betaed by the amazing damelola who salvaged it and made it readable. Honestly, if it's any good, it's because of her. 3 years writing, people. I don't even know. Even though it's a little late for Christmas, I still hope you enjoy.
Andy Sachs was on the phone, talking to James Holt's assistant, trying to find a time when Miranda could come by to preview his newest collection when there would be no chance that Jacqueline Follet would be anywhere within a hundred-mile radius. As they finally settled on a meeting time, Andy clicked open an instant message window and typed quickly.
Six Is The New Four: James Holt - Wednesday - 2:00 PM
A second later she heard Emily's keyboard clicking and a reply showed up in the box.
I Love My Job: Got It.
Andy hung up the phone and caught Emily's eye. She gave a quick smile and nod, and then picked the phone back up to call the next person on her list.
She and Emily were getting along much better since she had gotten back from Paris. Although Emily had been extremely pissed off at Andy for going in the first place, Andy had done her best to get back in Emily's good graces. The entire suitcase of clothing and accessories that she had brought back had gone a long way in assuring that, but there were other factors as well.
Andy had kept Emily up to date on everything that happened in Paris, including tipping her off about the divorce and having her get in contact with Leslie to set up a meeting for Miranda as soon as they got back. All of her notes were emailed to Emily every night, as well as anything Miranda had said she would need or want once she got back to the States. Because of Andy's information, Emily had everything ready for Miranda's return, which led to a pleased Miranda. Well, for a Miranda value of ‘pleased’, anyway.
And so it was that both women--but Emily especially--realized that they worked beautifully as a team. They had continued to build on that since Andy got back, and things had been going more smoothly than possibly ever before at Runway. Miranda still found plenty of things to complain about, but they were usually not directed at Emily or Andy.
I Love My Job: Did you get in contact with Chelsea?
Six Is The New Four: I tried earlier but got no answer. I left a message.
I Love My Job: Of course. I was in touch with Jocelyn. They can move the production meeting up to 11.
Six Is The New Four: Perfect. Now she can make it to the girls' recital with no problems.
I Love My Job: Yet another crisis averted.
Andy giggled slightly at that and Emily was grinning when she caught her eye.
The IMs had been Andy's idea. Miranda could hear what went on in the outer office quite well from her own and she tended to get annoyed if the assistants had to continually exchange information verbally. She liked a quiet office. This way, they kept their speakers turned off and all that was heard was the clicking of the keyboards--which not even Miranda could object to--and the information was passed quickly and efficiently. It also made them look much more prepared. Miranda was surprised how each assistant seemed to know what the other knew without ever needing to discuss it. Plus, it was a nice way to gossip or even chit chat without Miranda getting annoyed. Not that they had much time to do that sort of thing.
"Andrea, have you spoken to Chelsea?" Miranda asked, coming out of the office. Emily held out her coat and bag.
"I left a message that she was to call me as soon as possible,” Andy replied. “Emily spoke to Jocelyn and they can move the production meeting to 11, which means that your lunch with Lagerfeld can be moved up to 12:30, I've already called and confirmed with his assistant and the restaurant, and all your other meetings have been moved forward so that you can leave by 3 to be at Dalton by 3:30."
Miranda's lips quirked upwards. "Tell Nigel I need those proofs on my desk when I get back. Confirm Patricia's appointment with the vet for Thursday at 3. One of you will have to take her. Go to Calvin Klein and get me the skirts for the shoot. Call Jackson and confirm that we got the loft for the Chanel shoot.” Miranda paused, seemingly out of commands. “And Andrea, remember that the girls have requested your help this evening."
"Absolutely Miranda. I’ll be over at 7?” Andy hesitated, in case that didn’t suit Miranda. With no objection, she continued. “Emily has agreed to wait here. Then I can come back and relieve her at 9 and will bring the Book to you as soon as it's ready. I've already confirmed Patricia's appointment and I will be able to take her, so Emily can be here in case you need anything for the Dolce & Gabbana preview. We have a tentative confirmation from Jackson, but we'll solidify it today. "
Once again Miranda looked pleased. She nodded once and then left the office. Emily was already on the phone with Roy, making sure he would be waiting out front for her. Andy picked up her phone and dialed Jackson.
Six Is The New Four: Jackson just confirmed. We've got the loft from 11 until 5 that day. Hopefully that's all we'll need. If we need it longer, he's sure he can work something out.
Although Miranda was gone and they were free to talk aloud, they were both now so used to the IMs that they continued on as though she was still there. Plus, this way, if she happened to come back unannounced, they would not be caught in the middle of conversation.
I Love My Job: He better be. The last time took two days. This better not be anything like that. Who's getting the skirts from Calvin Klein?
Six Is The New Four: I can go grab them, and pick up her Starbucks on the way back, unless you want to get out and away from the phones since you'll be here later tonight. Thanks for that, by the way.
I Love My Job: Oh please, it's nothing. At least I don't have to deal with the little brats. What are they having you do anyway?
Six Is The New Four: They're working on their papers for their English class. I'm editing.
I Love My Job: You mean you're writing them for them.
Six Is The New Four: No, I mean I'm editing. The girls have finally learned to do their own homework. :P
Since the night in Miranda's hotel room in Paris, Andy had made it her goal that things would be kept as normal as possible for the twins during the divorce. She had done everything she could to make sure that the twins were coping with everything. They, of course, had tried to take advantage and make Andy do their homework for them, but she had put her foot down. She had offered to help them with things, and soon realized that the reason they didn't want to do their homework was because it was too easy for them. They were incredibly intelligent, and were bored in all of their classes, which was probably why Miranda got so many letters sent home from teachers.
Andy had taken it upon herself to talk to the head of Dalton, letting him know in no uncertain terms that she was very displeased, and Miranda would be equally, if not more so, displeased by the fact that it had gone unrecognized that Cassidy and Caroline were performing at above grade level. She also let it be known that she was sure other parents would feel the same way if they were informed. By the following Monday every student at Dalton was being tested and classes were being reformed. Now the girls were actually interested in what they were doing, and Andy truly was only there to help them with things like editing their papers.
Still, she made it a priority to keep up with them, letting them know that she was interested in how they were doing, and although they complained about it, she knew deep down that they liked having someone care in that way.
Andy also learned quickly that Miranda, and therefore she herself, had been worried about nothing. Oh, the papers did write things about the divorce, but anytime they mentioned the girls, Andy called and threatened legal action against them if they didn't stop writing about them and soon they all got the message. Although she hadn't actually gone to law school, she still knew enough to make them nervous, which was enough for her. But besides that, the girls honestly were not affected by the divorce. They had never really liked Stephen, he had never taken the time to really bond with them, and so they didn't care at all that their mother was divorcing him.
They did like their time with Andy though. It seemed that although they weren't upset, they did want to do normal things, probably because they'd never actually done them before. The first time Andy suggested doing something 'normal' like going to the movies, they'd stared at her for a full minute blankly. "Like, in a theater? With other people?" Cassidy had asked. Andy had laughed. "That's usually what going to a movie means… unless you're a Priestly, apparently."
They had agreed and had had a great time. Since then, Andy made sure that every other weekend they were with their mother, she and the girls went and did something. So far those things had been going trick or treating, going to the movies, and going shopping. Andy was surprised that Miranda allowed her to take the girls, but apparently even Miranda realized how well the girls were doing now that they were spending time with Andy and she never questioned it. Neither did Andy.
She looked at her screen to see the message from Emily.
I Love My Job: Well, will wonders never cease. Anyway, you can go to Calvin Klein.
Six Is The New Four: Ok. I'm heading out now. You'll have to tell Nigel about the proofs.
I Love My Job: Consider it done.
Andy grabbed her coat and bag and smiled as she passed Emily. "Thanks, Em."
Emily picked up the phone and called Nigel, who headed right up with the proofs. Once he had put them on Miranda's desk, he stopped to talk to Emily. "So where's Six?"
"She had to run to Calvin Klein to get skirts for Miranda."
"And you got stuck answering phones."
"Please, I'd rather be doing this than running about town. Plus, it gives me practice at manning things without Andy here."
"And why would you need that?" Nigel leaned in, looking intrigued.
"Not for any reason you're thinking of. She's going to Miranda's to help the brats with their homework tonight, so I'm staying here."
"Ah. Yes. She has become rather… involved with them lately hasn't she?"
Emily rolled her eyes. "Yes. Although god knows why anyone would actually want to spend time with those monsters. I mean honestly, does the girl really have nothing better to do with her free time? For god's sake, even I'm not that bad."
Nigel chuckled at that. "That's very true. But as we know, Nate is out of the picture and after the little… misadventure with Christian Thompson in Paris," Emily scoffed, "I don't think Andy's stepped back out onto the dating scene yet."
"Well, she needs to get laid. And soon. I mean, this place is running like clockwork, for once I actually don't mind coming to work, and if you tell her I said this, I'll kill you, but… she's the cause of that. Which is all well and good, but she does not need to turn into a slave to this job. I've been there and done that."
"Yes, but who can we set her up with?"
"Well, there's the new girl over at Chanel."
"Mm. Or the new Calvin Klein - wait a minute, what?" Nigel nearly gaped as he realized what Emily had just said.
"Chanel's new girl. She's very attractive, and rumor has it she's single."
"She. Girl. As in female. Of the same sex as Andy."
Emily rolled her eyes. "Honestly Nigel, one would think that you of all people would not be this slow on the uptake."
"Are you telling me that Andy, our Andy, bats for my team?"
"I'm telling you that Andy bats for both teams. But since she's been striking out with men lately, I figure she's about ready to trade her Blahniks for her Birkenstocks." Emily shuddered at the word 'Birkenstocks'--she was open-minded about everything but fashion crimes.
"No. She'd never make that mistake again. Thank god." Nigel also shuddered. "But you're serious? Andy is bisexual?"
Emily nodded. "She told me herself."
"Wow." Nigel was about to say more but his cell phone went off. He checked the display and cursed under his breath. "I have to go do damage control. Be back for the run through."
"Nigel!" Emily called after him. "Don't go telling everyone about this, alright?" But he was already gone.
**
Andy arrived back to Runway just as Miranda's car was pulling up. She managed to catch the elevator and just get the skirts on the rack and the coffee on her desk before Miranda entered. If the clackers had been looking at her a little strangely, or whispering as she walked past, Andy had taken no notice, so intent on getting her task done on time.
The coat and bag were tossed on her desk this time, and Emily was already standing, following her into her office. "Nigel dropped the proofs off there. He said he liked the second set much better than the first. Jackson confirmed us for the loft from 11 to 5, but if we need more time, we can have it. Chelsea also finally called back and confirmed for Friday at 1. I've added it to your schedule. Everyone is in the conference room waiting."
Andy wiggled her mouse and saw that Emily had already sent her a copy of Miranda's updated schedule. She quickly deleted the old file and opened the new one so she would be ready to go. Miranda sipped her coffee and nodded, then headed for the conference room. Emily followed after her.
**
The thing about the Runway offices was that with the glass doors, sound carried rather well through them. Miranda liked it that way, as she always liked to be aware of what her staff was saying, especially if they didn't know she was around. It was not often that she heard something that shocked her. She was used to all the complaints about her, the nicknames - Dragon Lady, Ice Queen and the like. But today she was definitely not the topic of conversation.
"No way. I don't believe you."
"I'm telling you, she swings both ways." Lucia said vehemently.
"You're lying."
"I swear to god. I heard it from Nigel, who heard it from Emily, who heard it straight from her." Miranda's ears perked at this and she cast a quick glance at Emily who looked red in the face.
"Well, I for one think it's no one's business."
"You would."
"Oh shut up. Besides, what does it matter?"
"It matters because she's sexy. And now half of us have a shot that we didn't know we had before."
"Are you saying that you're…"
"No. But I'm saying that I wouldn't mind for one night." Lucia was laughing.
"Me either."
"Jocelyn, you're married!"
"And Andy's hot."
Andy. Miranda's gaze swung back to Emily, who looked ready to sink into the floor. Nigel approached and nodded at them. "Hello ladies." Emily was glaring at him and Miranda… well he wasn't sure he'd ever seen that particular look on Miranda's face before.
"Nigel." She managed, following him as he walked into the conference room. Everyone quickly stopped talking and went directly into work mode.
"Emily, you are dismissed. That's all." Miranda said, the word 'Andy' still spinning through her head.
Surely they couldn't have been talking about - No. That was ridiculous. There had to be plenty of other women with that name, besides her assistant. Although Miranda did pride herself on knowing the names of everyone on staff--it was so much easier to terrify someone unexpectedly simply by calling their name. There were no other ‘Andy’s, certainly not ones who came into close contact with Emily in order to confide secrets.
And anyway, Miranda thought as she geared up for the meeting, why on earth did Andrea Sachs’ sexuality matter to her?
**
"Andy, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have told him." Emily really did sound apologetic, which made Andy think that she should mark this day down on a calendar or something. When had Emily ever cared about her before? Sure, they had gotten more friendly, and she had told her about her sexuality without much worry but… they still weren't exactly having sleepovers or calling each other after hot dates to gossip or anything. Which could have more to do with the fact that Andy hadn't had a hot date - or any date - since Paris than anything, but she refused to acknowledge that.
"Miranda knows?"
"Yes."
"Miranda. Miranda knows?"
Her brain was stuck on that part. The rest of it wasn't so bad. It wasn't as though she was fully in the closet or anything. She had come out to her family long ago and they were all fine with it. Lily and Doug knew, and Nate himself had known. She just hadn't divulged the information to anyone at work because she didn't think it was important enough to mention, especially not when she had first been swimming for her life.
And now… well how was she was supposed to bring it up now? What was she supposed to do, say "Oh by the way, Miranda, I'm bisexual and when you look at me like that, I get a little turned on" when Miranda looked over her outfit one morning? Or how about "Yes Miranda, I confirmed with Jackson and Patricia's vet and made the reservations for your lunch with Patrick next week. I'm also bisexual, and I had the tires rotated on your car."? That would go over beautifully. So she just hadn't said anything.
"My god, would you get over it, yes! Miranda knows. Everyone on the bloody staff probably knows by now. But I only told Nigel. He's the one who told everyone else."
"Miranda knows." Andy whispered again, and she honestly thought that Emily might be ready to reenact the famous 'Snap Out Of It' scene from Moonstruck with her, but the sound of heels clicking down the hallway was suddenly heard, and everything else was shoved to the wayside as the two prepared for Miranda's entrance.
Miranda and Emily, for their parts, acted as though nothing had happened. Miranda was rattling off a list of things that needed done and Emily was nodding along. Andy herself was processing what was being said, enough that she would know what needed to be done, and yet she could not bring herself to get up from the desk or move at all. Her heart was thudding wildly in her chest and she felt suddenly very naked and exposed.
She was bisexual and Miranda knew it now. How long would it be before she started to question why Andy was so willing to do whatever she asked? Of course Emily did the same things, but Emily loved fashion and worshipped the ground Miranda walked on. Until this job, Andy had most definitely not worshipped or even known anything about Miranda, and very little about fashion. Apparently though, Miranda didn't care, because she disappeared into her office without a word or even a look to Andy.
Andy was finally relaxing, reaching for the phone to call one of the people Miranda had rattled off to Emily, when Serena approached, stopping at the front of her desk. "Hey Andy," she smiled.
"Oh, um, hi Serena. What's up?"
"Nothing really. I was just wondering… are you doing anything tonight?" Andy didn't notice the way that Emily quickly made an excuse on the phone and hung up. Nor did she notice how Miranda put down the proofs she had been looking at in her office. All Andy saw was Serena's smiling face.
"I'm going to help the twins with some homework stuff and then coming back to wait for the Book. And of course I'll have to deliver it to Miranda once it's done."
"What about after that? After you're off work?"
"Oh, um…" Andy had planned to go home, put on some sweats, and curl up with a carton of Ben & Jerry's for a Law & Order marathon. This was not what she told Serena. "I don't have any plans."
"Would you like to go out for a drink?" Andy didn't notice the intense stares the two of them were receiving from Miranda and Emily.
"Sure. That would be great. Who all is coming?"
Serena's smile faltered for a second at that. "It would… just be us."
"Oh." Andy said, suddenly understanding. "Oh! Um, yes. Yes. Sure, that would be… I would like that actually."
Serena grinned. Emily glared. Miranda's lips started to purse, but she held herself in check. "Fabulous. I'll see you tonight."
"Ok." Andy smiled as Serena left, then went back to her phone calls as though nothing had happened.
**
Miranda was in her study when she heard the door open and the sound of twin feet rushing down the stairs, a noise which always heralded the arrival of Andrea. Since getting back from Paris a month and a half ago, Andrea had been actively involved in the girls' lives.
At first Miranda had been too busy to take much notice and by the time that she had, a bond had apparently been formed between the three. The girls were excelling at school and seemed happier and more content all around. She was no longer receiving notes from the teachers about bad behavior from the girls, and even their father said he noticed a positive change in them. So how could Miranda possibly disapprove of Andrea's presence in her home and her children's lives? Especially when it had been Andrea who had taken the initiative to start the interactions, and Andrea who had managed to keep her daughters almost completely out of the papers during the divorce.
Andrea, who seemed so open and yet remained such a mystery. Andrea, who she saw so much of herself in. Andrea, who she had just learned was bisexual. Of course it didn't matter. Miranda didn't care one way or the other about people's sexuality. Hell, the fashion industry would be nothing without gays and lesbians, and Miranda had never cared about or questioned the sexuality of any of her staff before. If she had found out that Emily or Jocelyn or Lucia or Paul were gay, she would not have batted an eyelash, in fact she probably wouldn’t even have paid attention--interrupting the conversation in order to get some work done.
But with Andrea… it was a shock. The girl seemed almost too wholesome, too naïve--at least when she had first started at Runway--to be anything other than conventional. She’d seemed quite happy with that boyfriend, and then there was that idiotic affair with Christian Thompson that still burned to this day for reasons she did not want to think about. Not once had Miranda caught Andy even looking at another woman, even when they were surrounding her dressed in nothing but lingerie.
Andrea was certainly an attractive woman; Serena thought so at least. And once again, there was a burn, a slight anger there, that Miranda could not explain. Why should she care that Serena had asked Andrea out for drinks? She didn't. Oh, she could pretend to be worried that Andrea’s work would start to slip if she got involved with someone, but that had never been a problem before. Andrea was one of the best assistants at putting work--and Miranda’s requirements--above everything else.
Yet since she had heard the news in the conference room, she had been unable to fully concentrate. Images had started to come to her unbidden. Andrea with women, with Serena, pale, soft white skin gliding against other smooth curves. Arms and legs tangled, hair everywhere. It nearly drove her to distraction, and she could not get rid of the images. She should not care at all about this, and yet it was all that she could think about.
Miranda shook her head and stood, heading up the stairs to the twins' study room where she knew they would all be. Sure enough as she neared the door she could hear Andrea's voice. "This is really good, Cass. I circled a few grammatical things and starred a paragraph that I think you should look at. You could definitely make it stronger, which will help with the overall message of the paper. But other than that, it looks great."
"Awesome. Thanks Andy."
"What about mine?"
"Horrible. Absolute rubbish." Andy replied, but even without seeing her face, Miranda knew she was teasing.
Caroline began to laugh. "Come on, Andy!"
"It was as equally awesome as your sister's. Although I did catch a few typos you'll have to correct. And I think you can make your introduction better. Your conclusion packs a punch, but if the intro isn't strong, no one's going to read that far. You understand?"
"Yeah, definitely. But… what can I do to make it stronger?"
Miranda peeked around the corner, catching sight of Andrea and Caroline leaning over the paper, their heads almost touching. Cassidy was sitting at her laptop making the corrections Andrea had pointed out. "Well, you could always start with a good question. That usually draws people in. Or a quote by a famous person. If you can start like that, people usually pay attention."
"Cool." Caroline grinned, then grabbed the paper and headed to her own laptop.
Andrea allowed herself to fall back on the couch, letting out a sigh. She looked exhausted in that moment, and Miranda quietly reflected that since the return from Paris, Andrea had been the last one to leave the office every night, and close to the first one there in the morning. She had had some relief from Emily, but between the time she'd been spending with the twins and all the things Miranda had been assigning her to do--just to see how much she really could ask of the girl--Miranda didn't know when Andy had time for sleep.
"So what are you doing tonight, Andy?" Cassidy asked, still pecking away at the keyboard.
"Going back to Runway to wait on the Book so I can bring it back to your mom. And then I'm meeting Serena for drinks."
"Cool." Caroline chimed. Apparently everything Andrea said was cool.
"You are still going to take us Christmas shopping this weekend, though right?"
"Of course."
"And you're going to help us wrap them after?"
"Um… yeah, if you want me to." Andy couldn't quite imagine the Priestly twins wrapping presents, wasn't that what the gift wrap counters at the stores were for? But if they wanted to attempt it, Andy was willing to help.
"And you'll help us make Christmas cookies?"
"And take us ice skating."
"And I really want to go to Macy's to see Santa."
"Ooh, yeah, that'd be cool."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold up a second." Andrea sat up, looking over at each of the girls. "You realize there are still two weeks until Christmas right? Christmas shopping is a definite this weekend, and we can even do the wrapping. As for the others… if we make the cookies now, they'll be stale by Christmas. Why don't we wait on them until sometime next week or next weekend? And the ice skating and Macy's ideas are good ones, but… I suck at ice skating. And Macy's will be really crowded. Are you sure you want to stand in the line?"
"Can't you use Mom's name to get us to the front or something?" Caroline asked, and Miranda felt herself wince just slightly.
Andy rolled her eyes. "We'll see, but probably not this weekend okay?"
The girls sighed, but agreed. "Okay. But Christmas shopping."
"Definitely."
"Definitely." Andy agreed. "So, are you two done with my services for the night?"
The girls looked at each other and then finally nodded. "Yeah, we're cool."
"Alright. Then I am headed back to Runway to relieve Emily. I will see you both later." The girls jumped up and ran over to give Andrea a hug, shocking Miranda in the process. She'd never seen them openly offer affection like that before to anyone but herself and her ex-husband. As Miranda moved down the hall, it seemed that the mystery of Andrea Sachs was only growing.
**
Andy felt nervous sitting across from Serena, ordering a glass of wine. It had been a while since she had been on any date and even longer since she had been on a date with a woman. Serena smiled easily at her though, as though she could tell what she was thinking.
"So, how long have you known?"
"Oh, wow, um, okay, going right there." Andy felt her cheeks growing hot. "It's been… forever it seems. I think I always sort of knew. I've been 'out', I guess, since before college. My family was really great about the whole thing, and my close friends know. And now everyone at work knows."
"You didn't want us to?"
"I didn't really care one way or the other. I didn't think it mattered. At the time I was with Nate and things were okay there and… truthfully? When I first walked in there, I got enough flack about how I looked. I could only imagine the comments if everyone found out."
Serena nodded at that. She understood. "What about you? How did you know?" Andy asked.
Serena laughed at that. "I guess, how I was brought up, we've just always been less concerned with sexual labels like you are here. We're all sexual beings and I've always felt it was about attraction and the relationship, rather than if the person was this, that, or the other. It should just be about someone you find stimulating, that you like to be around, that makes you feel good, that makes you feel sexy. And so I've never labeled myself as one thing or another. I've always just been."
"We are really stuck on labels here, aren't we? And especially in this world." Andy motioned around, meaning the fashion industry.
Serena reached up to brush her hair out of her eyes, and something caught Andy's eye as she did. She grinned, reaching over and taking hold of Serena's left wrist. She pulled her hand over closer and then turned it up so that her wrist was exposed. "You have a tattoo," Andy was referring to the star on the inside of her wrist.
"I do." Serena smiled.
"Why did you get it?" Andy asked as she traced her fingernail slowly over the lines of the star.
"So pretty girls like you would do that."
Andy laughed. "Seriously, there has to be a story behind it. What is it?"
"I grew up in Brazil, as you know. And in my town, you could see the stars so brightly at night. My grandmother always told me that each of us has our own special star, because we are each special. And that when you look to the sky, the first star that catches your eye is your star. And anytime you need help, you just look to your star. I loved that. But when I moved here, you can't see the stars at night. I missed being able to find my star. So, I decided to get the tattoo, so that I would always know where my star was."
"That's really beautiful." Andy told her sincerely, her eyes slightly wet.
Serena's smile was radiant. "Do you have any tattoos, Andy?"
"No. I've always sort of wanted one but… I've never gotten around to it. Or found something special enough. I think it has to have a meaning, like yours does."
"I agree with that. You'll find something someday. Or you won't."
Andy nodded. "So, is that why you asked me out for a drink? Because I'm a 'pretty girl'?"
Serena looked thoughtful. "It was strange hearing them talk about you the way they were in the conference room. I wanted to defend you. And I wanted to be able to come and talk to you, to make sure you were okay with all of this. It can be difficult."
Andy nodded, realizing that she had been wrong about Serena's intentions. Serena seemed to notice her look. "It's not that you are not attractive. You are very, very attractive Andy. And it is possible, depending how this goes, that something could happen. But that was not my intention tonight. I… have feelings for someone else, to tell you the truth."
"You do?" Andy's eyes widened. "Who is it? Why haven't you told them? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror? You could have anyone you wanted!"
Serena's laugh was wry this time. "Not anyone. She has no idea the way I feel about her. And she's straight so…"
Suddenly Andy's stomach clenched. What if Serena cared for Miranda? Andy already knew she didn't have any kind of chance with the editor, but if Serena wanted her in that way, she had even less. Serena was gorgeous and could turn anyone's head… even Miranda's. Andy couldn't deal with that thought.
"Do I… I mean… does she work at Runway?"
Serena looked down at the table. "Yes."
Oh god. Andy felt vaguely like throwing up, and reached for her glass. "Who, um, I mean, only if you want to tell me of course but…"
Serena met her gaze. "Emily."
"Em-Emily?" Andy took a long drink, suddenly wanting to grab Serena and kiss her for saying that name.
"Yes. I have been attracted to her for a few years, but I know nothing will ever come of it."
"Have you ever… tried?"
"No. I couldn't. I know she does not feel the same way and I could not bear to lose our friendship."
"So you stay quiet?" Andy reached across the table and took Serena's hand.
"Yes." Her eyes flew up to Andy's face. "Please don't tell her."
"Oh, no, of course not. I would never…" Andy chewed her lip. "I have feelings for someone else as well."
Serena studied her for a few moments and then chuckled softly. "Oh Andy, not you too."
Andy's brow furrowed at that.
"Miranda." Serena supplied the name and Andy felt her cheeks going red.
"How - how did you…. Am I - my god, am I that obvious?"
Serena squeezed her hand. "No. But everyone goes through the Miranda phase, whether they're gay, straight, or bisexual."
"I don't think this is just a phase, Serena." Andy admitted aloud for the first time ever. "I know I'll never be able to… she'll never… but I just…" She gestured aimlessly with her hand.
Serena nodded in sympathy, then studied her for a few minutes. "She does treat you differently. Maybe it is possible."
Andy sighed. "Somehow I think you and Emily are more possible than Miranda and I. But it's just nice to be able to talk about this with someone. I sort of painted a bad picture of Miranda at the beginning to my family and friends and I didn't feel comfortable telling Emily or Nigel, and now it appears that it's a good thing I didn't or Miranda would've known in five minutes."
Serena laughed and raised her glass. "Oh sweetheart. A toast. To the women we can't have and the friends who help us through it."
Andy clinked her glass with Serena's and finished the rest of her drink with a small smile. "I’ll drink to that!"
**
Andy was in a good mood the next morning, even though her date had turned out not to be a date at all. It had still been wonderful to talk to Serena, she was incredibly intelligent and witty and they had not once lacked for conversation. Plus, she felt such relief from being able to talk to someone about Miranda. So it was that Andy found herself humming slightly under her breath.
I Love My Job: I am assuming from your inane humming that your date went well last night?
Andy could practically hear Emily's voice as she read the message.
Six Is The New Four: It was very nice, yes.
I Love My Job: And did you…
Andy had to bite her tongue so as not to laugh.
Six Is The New Four: I slept in my own bed last night.
I Love My Job: That didn't answer the question.
Six Is The New Four: Oh, it didn't? ;-)
Emily was about to reply when Miranda entered. Andy was ready to catch the bag and coat and smiled at her when she caught her eye. "Good Morning, Miranda."
Miranda ignored her, walking straight to her office, although suddenly she felt rather ill. Why was Andrea that chipper this morning? Did it have anything to do with the drinks with Serena last night? And why did she care if it did or it didn't? This silly distraction really had to stop.
"Get Serena to bring those layouts up to me. Now." She needed to see for herself how Serena was acting this morning.
Emily reached for the phone, but Andy already had Serena on the line.
"Serena, Miranda needs those layouts brought up right away, please."
"Anything for you, pretty girl." Serena replied, and Andy's cheeks went slightly pink as she hung up the phone.
Serena arrived in the office two minutes later, looking relaxed and happy herself. She gave Andy a quick little wink as she walked past her into Miranda's office. That was her first mistake.
It honestly wasn't Serena's fault. The girl had had nothing at all to do with the layouts, besides being the one to bring them to her. But Miranda felt like killing the messenger today, especially after the messenger had winked at Andrea that way before entering. She proceeded to rip the layout, and Serena, apart for a good ten minutes, and found that with every minute Serena looked more and more deflated and she herself felt better and better. Finally she dismissed her with a "That's all" and settled down into her chair, feeling much better about her day now.
Serena came out of Miranda's office looking rather beaten down. Andy couldn't blame her after the way Miranda had ripped into her. She was walking past Andy's desk, her head down, when Andy reached out and grabbed her arm. She came to a stop and looked at Andy in surprise. "Andy, what are-"
Andy flipped Serena's left hand over and slid her finger under her sleeve, gently tracing the star tattoo. Once she had finished she released Serena's hand and gave her a smile. Serena smiled back at her. "Thank you," she mouthed and then headed back toward the art department. Andy noticed Emily was looking at the spot where Serena had been, and she just smiled at her before turning back to her computer.
Miranda's foul mood returned full force.
On to part 2