Thirteenth Floor - Part 3
For notes and disclaimers, see Part 1
The next morning Andy came in early since she hadn’t been able to sleep the night before. As soon as she closed her eyes she saw Vivian rubbing her hands, saying she was going to take Miranda. Andy knew this was her own damn fault. Stupid crush. She shook her head. It wasn’t a crush. She was in love with her boss and she didn’t have a snowball’s chance with the woman. Why didn’t she keep her mouth shut when Vivian asked about Miranda? Every word she uttered convinced Vivian that Miranda was a truly exceptional woman. Who wouldn’t want to spend a lifetime getting to know Miranda Priestly?
Andy had to talk to Vivian. She had to convince her to leave Miranda alone. After dropping her bag and coat on her desk, she made a quick visit to the thirteenth floor. The ghost models were milling about but paid her no attention. Vivian was nowhere in sight and her office was just as dim and dusty as last evening. Andy paused in the doorway. Something about the office bothered her but she couldn’t put her finger on it. She finally decided her worry for Miranda was making her crazy.
When Miranda glided out of the elevator, the first thing she noticed was that Andrea looked frazzled and out of sorts. Her usual bright doe-like eyes were blood shot and dull. Although fashionably dressed, she wasn’t carrying herself with her typical assurance. Miranda frowned when she noticed Andrea chewing her bottom lip while jotting down the daily instructions. She flung her coat and bag at Clarice’s desk and dismissed Andrea at the office door with ‘that’s all.’
Miranda stalked around her desk to stand in front of the windows. The office had been running smoothly, Miranda hadn’t felt the need to fire anyone lately, and the magazine was crisis free. What was wrong with Andrea? Miranda gasped and clutched the windowsill. Was it personal? Was a new significant other in the picture? Miranda had exceptional hearing and was able to overhear everything Andrea told Clarice, personal and professional. Not once in the sharing of personal information did Andrea mention a love interest. Surely that would be something the young woman would mention in passing to a co-worker.
“Andrea.” Miranda called as she turned and pulled out her chair. As she sat she expected to see her first assistant. Instead Clarice stood just inside the doorway holding a pen and notebook.
“Yes, Miranda.” Clarice shivered at Miranda’s fierce glare.
“I believe I called for Andrea,” Miranda growled. “Did my words magically transform?”
The young woman’s eyes went wide and she shook her head. “Nnno, Miranda. Andy said she would be right back. She had to take care of something.” Clarice’s hands trembled slightly and her voice wavered.
Miranda pursed her lips and stared at the anxious woman. With a flick of her hand she was dismissed.
Andy sprinted down the back hallway. When she left Miranda’s office she gambled that she could make a quick trip to check on Vivian and get back before her boss noticed. Just in case her gamble did not pay off, Andy made two more stops on her return. As soon as she cleared the office door Clarice started gesturing wildly and pointed to the inner office. Before Andy could slip into her seat she heard Miranda call.
“Yes, Miranda.” Andy tried to slow her heavy breathing.
Miranda pulled her glasses off and glared at her assistant. “Where have you been? I expect you to be at your desk not out running a marathon.”
Andy stepped forward. “I’m sorry Miranda,” she apologized as she placed two folders on the desk. “I picked up Serena’s report on the latest beauty products and the color swatches from Nigel.”
Miranda pursed her lips. Andrea had anticipated her once again. Serena told her yesterday the report would be ready soon. Nigel had also promised the swatches today. However, neither item was crucial. Andrea was taking her attention to detail to a new level. A dangerous level in Miranda’s opinion. Andrea looked like she could fall over any second. It was time for a change. “Andrea, have Clarice deliver the book tonight. Tell everyone the run through is in half an hour.” She shot one last glare at her assistant before leafing through Serena’s report.
“Yes, Miranda.” Andy stumbled out of the office. This was it. Clarice had proven she was a capable assistant. Miranda would be in good hands when Clarice became first assistant.
Andy pulled open her top drawer and took out the townhouse key. She hid her fear with a bright smile and walked over to Clarice. “You must guard this with your life.” Andy did her best to impress the seriousness of this duty on Clarice. She explained exactly which table with the flowers received the book and which set of closet doors to open and hang the dry cleaning. As far as the twins were concerned, Andy warned her that the girls were pranksters. She was never to go upstairs.
Clarice was awestruck by the confidence Miranda and Andy had in her. She promised to do everything just as Andy instructed. Before she could bask in her expanded duties, Miranda sent her out to gather skirts from Calvin Klein.
Except for taking notes during the run through, Andy was stuck at her desk answering phones and sending e-mails. After working with Miranda for eighteen months, she could sense when Miranda was watching. There was no way she could slip out to confront Vivian. She thought lunch would be her best chance, until Miranda decreed a working lunch. Between bites of steak Miranda discussed plans for an upcoming shoot. Andy scribbled notes and nibbled on a Caesar salad.
When Miranda had another conference call, Andy knew this was her best chance. She would have to be quick because Clarice was out on another errand. As soon as Miranda picked up the transferred call, Andy was out of the office and on the way to the freight elevator. Vivian’s office was still dark. Andy called and cursed but it made no difference. She made it back to the office just as Miranda finished her call.
Andy checked Miranda’s schedule. Miranda would be in the office for the rest of the afternoon. How was she going to sneak away to see Vivian? She had to convince Vivian to leave Miranda alone. Miranda was too important - to her girls and to Runway. There was no way Andy was going to let Vivian have Miranda.
Later that afternoon, the schedule angels smiled and Miranda got involved in another conference call. Andy told Clarice she would be back soon. She slipped out of the office before Clarice had a chance to say anything.
Ten minutes later, Clarice heard the handset slam into the cradle.
“Andrea.”
Clarice cringed. She had no idea where Andy was or how long she would be gone.
“Where is she?” Miranda stood in the doorway glaring at her second assistant.
“She had an errand to run?” Clarice grimaced at her pathetic explanation.
“I am the only one to assign errands. Where is she?” Miranda took a step closer and stared at Clarice.
“I don’t know, Miranda. She ran out of here about ten minutes ago. She said she would be right back.” Clarice sank back into her chair, trying to make a smaller target of herself.
“If she gets back before I do, chain her to her desk. This is ridiculous.” Miranda strode out of the office.
Clarice wiped her sweaty hands on her skirt. In spite of the stress, she liked her job. But she was in no hurry to move into the first assistant’s desk.
Emily and Nigel where hunched over Nigel’s desk reviewing proof sheets when Miranda stormed in interrupting their meeting. “Nigel, have you seen Andrea?” Miranda put her hands on her hips and scanned the office for her missing assistant.
Nigel gave Miranda a puzzled look. “Six? No, I haven’t seen her since this morning.” He ran a hand over his bald head as he thought. “Is she making a coffee run?”
“No,” Miranda huffed. “She’s been disappearing and re-appearing all day. I called her phone but she’s not answering.”
Emily shook her head. This was the first opportunity she had in days to meet with Nigel. How dare that cow screw this up for her. “Maybe she’s on the thirteenth floor,” Emily muttered softly as she gathered her notes.
Miranda’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline. “What did you say?” She turned her laser stare on her former assistant.
Emily cringed. “I’m sorry, Miranda. I didn’t mean anything.”
“Emily, what about the thirteenth floor?” Miranda took a step closer to Nigel’s desk.
“It’s just something Andy said a few weeks ago.” Emily shrugged, confused by Miranda’s interest. “I told her the floors were misnumbered and that Auto Universe was really on the thirteenth floor.”
Nigel’s shocked eyes locked with Miranda’s. “Go!”
Miranda whirled and bolted out of the office.
Emily’s mouth dropped. Her head swiveled from the doorway to Nigel and back again. “What was that all about?”
Nigel propped his elbows on the desk and dropped his head into his hands. “This building does have a thirteenth floor. E-C management hasn’t been able to rent it because people complain that it’s haunted. The only way to access it is from the freight elevator.”
Emily felt the blood drain from her face. “Andy uses the freight elevator for her coffee runs.”
Miranda strode out of the freight elevator and down the hall. She turned right at the T and hurried down the short corridor and across the open area to the brightly lit office. She heard voices and moved to the side of the doorway to listen.
“Vivian, you can’t take Miranda.” Andy paced in front of the glass-topped desk. “Her girls need her.” Andy threw her hands up. “Runway needs her. You love Runway. If you take Miranda the magazine will suffer.”
Vivian tilted her head in amusement and watched Andy’s frantic movement. “Miranda’s girls still have their father.” She held up her hand at Andy’s outraged squawk. “Runway will be fine. Nigel will be an able editor.” Vivian leaned back in her chair and smirked. She caught just a glimpse of white hair to the right of her office doorway. “Besides, why do you care? Even if I don’t take Miranda, you’re due to move on soon.”
Andy stopped pacing and dropped into one of the visitor chairs. “I just do. I know I have to leave one day. But I’ll know that Miranda is here, taking care of her girls and Runway. I don’t want to live in a world without Miranda Priestly.” Andy wiped her cheek. “Take me, Vivian,” she said softly. “I’ll stay with you.”
Miranda stepped into Vivian’s office. “Vivian is not taking anyone.”
“Miranda,” Andy leapt from her chair and jumped in front of her boss. “You can’t be …” She paused when she saw the look Miranda was giving Vivian. Her brain finally caught up with her boss’ words. “Wait. You know each other?” Andy glared at Vivian then Miranda and back again.
Miranda rolled her eyes. “You didn’t tell her?” Miranda crossed her arms and gave Vivian a pointed look.
Vivian rose from behind her desk and mimicked Miranda’s pose. “She didn’t ask. I didn’t tell.”
Andy stamped her foot and pointed her finger at Vivian. “You didn’t think to mention that you knew Miranda! Every night you asked me how my day went, how was Miranda. Then you scare the hell out of me by saying you’re going to take Miranda. You were playing with me? Was that it?” Andy whirled around and rushed towards the door, but she was stopped by Miranda’s hand on her wrist.
“Andrea, wait.” Miranda gently tugged the young woman back towards the desk. She maintained her hold on Andy’s hand. “I see Vivian at least once a month.”
Andy finally realized what had been bugging her and she slapped her forehead. “The magazine. I knew something didn’t add up. It was on the desk even when you weren’t here.”
Vivian rounded her desk to stand next to Andy. “I met Miranda and Nigel when they first came to the magazine. Miranda made sure I always had the latest issue of Runway.” Vivian ran her ghostly hand down Andy’s arm. “I wasn’t playing with you. If anything, I was guiding you. I wanted you to admit how you felt for Miranda.”
Miranda cleared her throat and squeezed Andy’s hand. “Vivian has been chiding me on my lifestyle for years. She was afraid I would end up like her.” Miranda paused and swallowed the lump in her throat. “Vivian was right to remind me of what I had to lose. Although I wasn’t able to manage a successful marriage, I did make time for my girls.”
Miranda glared at Vivian. “It seemed that lately when we spoke, your name continued to come up. Vivian knew I thought very highly of you and encouraged me to explore changing our relationship. I told her it could not happen while you were my assistant.”
Andy lowered her head and stared at her and Miranda’s hands. “You kept firing the second assistants,” she grumbled. “You knew I wouldn’t leave you without an adequate replacement.”
Miranda sighed and rubbed her forehead. “I may have allowed my subconscious to influence my decisions. I’m sorry for holding you back.”
Andy raised Miranda’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “I’m not.” Andy gave Miranda a brilliant smile. “I’m giving my two week notice. I’ll have something in writing tomorrow.”
***
Epilogue - Six months later
Miranda led a contingent of current and former Runway employees down a short hall to a set of glass doors. Nigel slipped around his friend and boss to punch in his access code on the newly installed cipher lock. He then held the door open allowing Miranda and her guests access to the newly renovated space.
Miranda stood in the middle of the large open area and nodded in approval. Displays were strategically placed throughout highlighting Runway’s storied career. Historic Runway covers had been blown up and adorned the walls. In one corner near the windows was a recreation of Vivian Martine’s office. Her original glass-topped desk had been discovered in a basement storage room. A rack holding various pieces of 1950s fashion was placed near the desk as if ready for a run through.
Miranda, Nigel, and the rest wandered around the room looking at the displays and reading the attached notes. Andy slipped up beside Emily as she gazed in awe at Vivian’s desk. “Amazing, isn’t it, Em,” Andy bumped her friend’s shoulder.
“Yes,” Emily whispered. “This was your idea?” Emily turned and stared wide eyed at the fashion history scattered around the room. There were so many things to look at and study. She could envision spending hours here.
“I had some help,” Andy shrugged. Miranda was impressed when Andy explained her original deception of turning the thirteenth floor into the closet. It turned out the Closet was outgrowing its old location. Miranda and Nigel had been discussing various alternatives. One of which was to move out of the Elias Clarke building entirely. Taking over this unused floor meant that Runway’s main offices would stay put and the Closet would have room to grow.
The entrance to the new Closet was in the corner opposite Vivian’s desk. The glass doors were secured by another cipher lock. Access was also available via the main elevators. However, the panel sported an ornate C and a keyed lock instead of the normal button. Only staff assigned to the closet and an additional select few were entrusted with keys.
The new Closet boasted state of the art climate control to maintain the couture and accessories in optimum condition. Whole rooms were set aside for purses, shoes, dresses, coats, scarves, and even belts. Inventory control had also gone high tech when the staff was trained in the use of a new computer system to track every item brought into the Closet.
Once the plans for the new Closet were in place, Andy brought up the idea of a Runway museum. It would be accessible to Runway employees and their guests. There were plans for additional exhibits for future displays.
“I’m speechless, Andy. This is all so marvelous.” Emily shook her head hardly able to comprehend what her former co-worker had done.
“Thanks, Em. I like to think of it as my gift to Runway.” Andy actually considered it a thank you to Vivian. When Andy confessed how she felt, she never expected Miranda to reciprocate. Since that night they had slowly built a relationship.
“So, Em, you know Miranda and I are dating.” Andy gave Emily a nudge.
Emily covered her eyes and groaned. “Please don’t remind me. The shock almost made my head explode.”
Andy smirked and wrapped her arm around Emily’s shoulder. “Anyway, it’s your turn Em. It’s time to get a life.”
Shaking off Andy’s arm, Emily glared. “What are you prattling on about? I have a life.”
“Nope, you have a career.” Andy crossed her arms and studied the floor. “Do you know how Vivian Martine died?” She glanced up to see Emily’s slow shake of her head. “She died in the middle of the night. Here at Runway. At her desk.” Andy sighed and wiped a tear from her eye. “She died alone, Em.”
Andy gently grabbed her friend’s shoulders and looked her in the eyes. “I don’t want that to happen to you.” She gave Emily a soft shake when the woman tried to protest. “I know it drives you crazy, but I’m your friend. And as your friend, it is my job to make sure something like that never happens to you.”
Emily turned her head away from Andy’s intense gaze, blushing from embarrassment. “It doesn’t so much drive me crazy,” she whispered. “I don’t have a lot of experience with friends. Just you, Nigel, and Serena.”
Andy let go of Emily’s shoulders and grabbed her hands. “That is why tonight you are going to leave the office at 5:30. You have reservations at Daniel’s for 7:30.”
Emily’s mouth dropped open in shock. “What?”
“Yep, you have a date. It will be the perfect opportunity for you to wear that dress you were telling me about - the Westwood.” Andy squeezed Emily’s hands before letting them go.
“But, but,” Emily stuttered. “Who?”
“Serena,” Andy grinned.
“What?” Emily paled as she took a step back. She briefly considered running back to the elevator.
Andy grabbed her hand again, recognizing Emily’s flight response. “Serena has been asking you out for the last two months.” Andy got right up into Emily’s face. “Just do it.”
Emily opened and closed her mouth several times before regaining her composure. “Right.” She gave Andy a small nod. “I’ll, umm, I’ll go clear my desk so that I can leave at a reasonable time.” She squeezed Andy’s hand before hurrying back to the elevator.
“Nicely done.” A familiar low voice purred into Andy’s ear.
“I thought so.” Andy looked over her shoulder at Vivian. “Will all of this keep you interested?”
Vivian looked around and gave a blasé sniff. “I suppose it’s something.”
Andy smirked as she looked at everyone still marveling at the exhibits. “Try not to scare anyone, okay? They’ll hang around longer if they’re not frightened out of their wits.”
“Spoilsport.” Vivian vanished. All that was left was the smell of Chanel No. 5 perfume.
“Darling, are you ready?” Miranda glided up to Andy and kissed her cheek.
“Sure. Dinner at the townhouse?” Andy took her girlfriend’s hand as they left the Runway museum and walked down the hall to the freight elevator.
“Yes, the girls are waiting.” Miranda followed Andy into the car. “Emily seemed to be in a hurry. Did she agree to dinner with Serena?”
“Yes, she did. I thought she’d put up more of a fight.” Andy leaned against the elevator wall secretly pleased with herself.
“Well you can be very persuasive.” Miranda smiled as she gazed into her lover’s eyes. “Just as you persuaded Vivian to welcome the Closet and Museum into her domain.”
Andy shrugged as she stepped closer to Miranda. “She’ll enjoy all the hustle and excitement.”
Miranda wrapped her arms around Andy’s waist. “As soon as I get my bag we can get out of here and enjoy our own hustle and excitement.” She sealed the promise with a kiss.
Moving fully into the embrace, Andy buried her face in Miranda’s neck and whispered, “Yay.”
The next morning Andy came in early since she hadn’t been able to sleep the night before. As soon as she closed her eyes she saw Vivian rubbing her hands, saying she was going to take Miranda. Andy knew this was her own damn fault. Stupid crush. She shook her head. It wasn’t a crush. She was in love with her boss and she didn’t have a snowball’s chance with the woman. Why didn’t she keep her mouth shut when Vivian asked about Miranda? Every word she uttered convinced Vivian that Miranda was a truly exceptional woman. Who wouldn’t want to spend a lifetime getting to know Miranda Priestly?
Andy had to talk to Vivian. She had to convince her to leave Miranda alone. After dropping her bag and coat on her desk, she made a quick visit to the thirteenth floor. The ghost models were milling about but paid her no attention. Vivian was nowhere in sight and her office was just as dim and dusty as last evening. Andy paused in the doorway. Something about the office bothered her but she couldn’t put her finger on it. She finally decided her worry for Miranda was making her crazy.
When Miranda glided out of the elevator, the first thing she noticed was that Andrea looked frazzled and out of sorts. Her usual bright doe-like eyes were blood shot and dull. Although fashionably dressed, she wasn’t carrying herself with her typical assurance. Miranda frowned when she noticed Andrea chewing her bottom lip while jotting down the daily instructions. She flung her coat and bag at Clarice’s desk and dismissed Andrea at the office door with ‘that’s all.’
Miranda stalked around her desk to stand in front of the windows. The office had been running smoothly, Miranda hadn’t felt the need to fire anyone lately, and the magazine was crisis free. What was wrong with Andrea? Miranda gasped and clutched the windowsill. Was it personal? Was a new significant other in the picture? Miranda had exceptional hearing and was able to overhear everything Andrea told Clarice, personal and professional. Not once in the sharing of personal information did Andrea mention a love interest. Surely that would be something the young woman would mention in passing to a co-worker.
“Andrea.” Miranda called as she turned and pulled out her chair. As she sat she expected to see her first assistant. Instead Clarice stood just inside the doorway holding a pen and notebook.
“Yes, Miranda.” Clarice shivered at Miranda’s fierce glare.
“I believe I called for Andrea,” Miranda growled. “Did my words magically transform?”
The young woman’s eyes went wide and she shook her head. “Nnno, Miranda. Andy said she would be right back. She had to take care of something.” Clarice’s hands trembled slightly and her voice wavered.
Miranda pursed her lips and stared at the anxious woman. With a flick of her hand she was dismissed.
Andy sprinted down the back hallway. When she left Miranda’s office she gambled that she could make a quick trip to check on Vivian and get back before her boss noticed. Just in case her gamble did not pay off, Andy made two more stops on her return. As soon as she cleared the office door Clarice started gesturing wildly and pointed to the inner office. Before Andy could slip into her seat she heard Miranda call.
“Yes, Miranda.” Andy tried to slow her heavy breathing.
Miranda pulled her glasses off and glared at her assistant. “Where have you been? I expect you to be at your desk not out running a marathon.”
Andy stepped forward. “I’m sorry Miranda,” she apologized as she placed two folders on the desk. “I picked up Serena’s report on the latest beauty products and the color swatches from Nigel.”
Miranda pursed her lips. Andrea had anticipated her once again. Serena told her yesterday the report would be ready soon. Nigel had also promised the swatches today. However, neither item was crucial. Andrea was taking her attention to detail to a new level. A dangerous level in Miranda’s opinion. Andrea looked like she could fall over any second. It was time for a change. “Andrea, have Clarice deliver the book tonight. Tell everyone the run through is in half an hour.” She shot one last glare at her assistant before leafing through Serena’s report.
“Yes, Miranda.” Andy stumbled out of the office. This was it. Clarice had proven she was a capable assistant. Miranda would be in good hands when Clarice became first assistant.
Andy pulled open her top drawer and took out the townhouse key. She hid her fear with a bright smile and walked over to Clarice. “You must guard this with your life.” Andy did her best to impress the seriousness of this duty on Clarice. She explained exactly which table with the flowers received the book and which set of closet doors to open and hang the dry cleaning. As far as the twins were concerned, Andy warned her that the girls were pranksters. She was never to go upstairs.
Clarice was awestruck by the confidence Miranda and Andy had in her. She promised to do everything just as Andy instructed. Before she could bask in her expanded duties, Miranda sent her out to gather skirts from Calvin Klein.
Except for taking notes during the run through, Andy was stuck at her desk answering phones and sending e-mails. After working with Miranda for eighteen months, she could sense when Miranda was watching. There was no way she could slip out to confront Vivian. She thought lunch would be her best chance, until Miranda decreed a working lunch. Between bites of steak Miranda discussed plans for an upcoming shoot. Andy scribbled notes and nibbled on a Caesar salad.
When Miranda had another conference call, Andy knew this was her best chance. She would have to be quick because Clarice was out on another errand. As soon as Miranda picked up the transferred call, Andy was out of the office and on the way to the freight elevator. Vivian’s office was still dark. Andy called and cursed but it made no difference. She made it back to the office just as Miranda finished her call.
Andy checked Miranda’s schedule. Miranda would be in the office for the rest of the afternoon. How was she going to sneak away to see Vivian? She had to convince Vivian to leave Miranda alone. Miranda was too important - to her girls and to Runway. There was no way Andy was going to let Vivian have Miranda.
Later that afternoon, the schedule angels smiled and Miranda got involved in another conference call. Andy told Clarice she would be back soon. She slipped out of the office before Clarice had a chance to say anything.
Ten minutes later, Clarice heard the handset slam into the cradle.
“Andrea.”
Clarice cringed. She had no idea where Andy was or how long she would be gone.
“Where is she?” Miranda stood in the doorway glaring at her second assistant.
“She had an errand to run?” Clarice grimaced at her pathetic explanation.
“I am the only one to assign errands. Where is she?” Miranda took a step closer and stared at Clarice.
“I don’t know, Miranda. She ran out of here about ten minutes ago. She said she would be right back.” Clarice sank back into her chair, trying to make a smaller target of herself.
“If she gets back before I do, chain her to her desk. This is ridiculous.” Miranda strode out of the office.
Clarice wiped her sweaty hands on her skirt. In spite of the stress, she liked her job. But she was in no hurry to move into the first assistant’s desk.
Emily and Nigel where hunched over Nigel’s desk reviewing proof sheets when Miranda stormed in interrupting their meeting. “Nigel, have you seen Andrea?” Miranda put her hands on her hips and scanned the office for her missing assistant.
Nigel gave Miranda a puzzled look. “Six? No, I haven’t seen her since this morning.” He ran a hand over his bald head as he thought. “Is she making a coffee run?”
“No,” Miranda huffed. “She’s been disappearing and re-appearing all day. I called her phone but she’s not answering.”
Emily shook her head. This was the first opportunity she had in days to meet with Nigel. How dare that cow screw this up for her. “Maybe she’s on the thirteenth floor,” Emily muttered softly as she gathered her notes.
Miranda’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline. “What did you say?” She turned her laser stare on her former assistant.
Emily cringed. “I’m sorry, Miranda. I didn’t mean anything.”
“Emily, what about the thirteenth floor?” Miranda took a step closer to Nigel’s desk.
“It’s just something Andy said a few weeks ago.” Emily shrugged, confused by Miranda’s interest. “I told her the floors were misnumbered and that Auto Universe was really on the thirteenth floor.”
Nigel’s shocked eyes locked with Miranda’s. “Go!”
Miranda whirled and bolted out of the office.
Emily’s mouth dropped. Her head swiveled from the doorway to Nigel and back again. “What was that all about?”
Nigel propped his elbows on the desk and dropped his head into his hands. “This building does have a thirteenth floor. E-C management hasn’t been able to rent it because people complain that it’s haunted. The only way to access it is from the freight elevator.”
Emily felt the blood drain from her face. “Andy uses the freight elevator for her coffee runs.”
Miranda strode out of the freight elevator and down the hall. She turned right at the T and hurried down the short corridor and across the open area to the brightly lit office. She heard voices and moved to the side of the doorway to listen.
“Vivian, you can’t take Miranda.” Andy paced in front of the glass-topped desk. “Her girls need her.” Andy threw her hands up. “Runway needs her. You love Runway. If you take Miranda the magazine will suffer.”
Vivian tilted her head in amusement and watched Andy’s frantic movement. “Miranda’s girls still have their father.” She held up her hand at Andy’s outraged squawk. “Runway will be fine. Nigel will be an able editor.” Vivian leaned back in her chair and smirked. She caught just a glimpse of white hair to the right of her office doorway. “Besides, why do you care? Even if I don’t take Miranda, you’re due to move on soon.”
Andy stopped pacing and dropped into one of the visitor chairs. “I just do. I know I have to leave one day. But I’ll know that Miranda is here, taking care of her girls and Runway. I don’t want to live in a world without Miranda Priestly.” Andy wiped her cheek. “Take me, Vivian,” she said softly. “I’ll stay with you.”
Miranda stepped into Vivian’s office. “Vivian is not taking anyone.”
“Miranda,” Andy leapt from her chair and jumped in front of her boss. “You can’t be …” She paused when she saw the look Miranda was giving Vivian. Her brain finally caught up with her boss’ words. “Wait. You know each other?” Andy glared at Vivian then Miranda and back again.
Miranda rolled her eyes. “You didn’t tell her?” Miranda crossed her arms and gave Vivian a pointed look.
Vivian rose from behind her desk and mimicked Miranda’s pose. “She didn’t ask. I didn’t tell.”
Andy stamped her foot and pointed her finger at Vivian. “You didn’t think to mention that you knew Miranda! Every night you asked me how my day went, how was Miranda. Then you scare the hell out of me by saying you’re going to take Miranda. You were playing with me? Was that it?” Andy whirled around and rushed towards the door, but she was stopped by Miranda’s hand on her wrist.
“Andrea, wait.” Miranda gently tugged the young woman back towards the desk. She maintained her hold on Andy’s hand. “I see Vivian at least once a month.”
Andy finally realized what had been bugging her and she slapped her forehead. “The magazine. I knew something didn’t add up. It was on the desk even when you weren’t here.”
Vivian rounded her desk to stand next to Andy. “I met Miranda and Nigel when they first came to the magazine. Miranda made sure I always had the latest issue of Runway.” Vivian ran her ghostly hand down Andy’s arm. “I wasn’t playing with you. If anything, I was guiding you. I wanted you to admit how you felt for Miranda.”
Miranda cleared her throat and squeezed Andy’s hand. “Vivian has been chiding me on my lifestyle for years. She was afraid I would end up like her.” Miranda paused and swallowed the lump in her throat. “Vivian was right to remind me of what I had to lose. Although I wasn’t able to manage a successful marriage, I did make time for my girls.”
Miranda glared at Vivian. “It seemed that lately when we spoke, your name continued to come up. Vivian knew I thought very highly of you and encouraged me to explore changing our relationship. I told her it could not happen while you were my assistant.”
Andy lowered her head and stared at her and Miranda’s hands. “You kept firing the second assistants,” she grumbled. “You knew I wouldn’t leave you without an adequate replacement.”
Miranda sighed and rubbed her forehead. “I may have allowed my subconscious to influence my decisions. I’m sorry for holding you back.”
Andy raised Miranda’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “I’m not.” Andy gave Miranda a brilliant smile. “I’m giving my two week notice. I’ll have something in writing tomorrow.”
***
Epilogue - Six months later
Miranda led a contingent of current and former Runway employees down a short hall to a set of glass doors. Nigel slipped around his friend and boss to punch in his access code on the newly installed cipher lock. He then held the door open allowing Miranda and her guests access to the newly renovated space.
Miranda stood in the middle of the large open area and nodded in approval. Displays were strategically placed throughout highlighting Runway’s storied career. Historic Runway covers had been blown up and adorned the walls. In one corner near the windows was a recreation of Vivian Martine’s office. Her original glass-topped desk had been discovered in a basement storage room. A rack holding various pieces of 1950s fashion was placed near the desk as if ready for a run through.
Miranda, Nigel, and the rest wandered around the room looking at the displays and reading the attached notes. Andy slipped up beside Emily as she gazed in awe at Vivian’s desk. “Amazing, isn’t it, Em,” Andy bumped her friend’s shoulder.
“Yes,” Emily whispered. “This was your idea?” Emily turned and stared wide eyed at the fashion history scattered around the room. There were so many things to look at and study. She could envision spending hours here.
“I had some help,” Andy shrugged. Miranda was impressed when Andy explained her original deception of turning the thirteenth floor into the closet. It turned out the Closet was outgrowing its old location. Miranda and Nigel had been discussing various alternatives. One of which was to move out of the Elias Clarke building entirely. Taking over this unused floor meant that Runway’s main offices would stay put and the Closet would have room to grow.
The entrance to the new Closet was in the corner opposite Vivian’s desk. The glass doors were secured by another cipher lock. Access was also available via the main elevators. However, the panel sported an ornate C and a keyed lock instead of the normal button. Only staff assigned to the closet and an additional select few were entrusted with keys.
The new Closet boasted state of the art climate control to maintain the couture and accessories in optimum condition. Whole rooms were set aside for purses, shoes, dresses, coats, scarves, and even belts. Inventory control had also gone high tech when the staff was trained in the use of a new computer system to track every item brought into the Closet.
Once the plans for the new Closet were in place, Andy brought up the idea of a Runway museum. It would be accessible to Runway employees and their guests. There were plans for additional exhibits for future displays.
“I’m speechless, Andy. This is all so marvelous.” Emily shook her head hardly able to comprehend what her former co-worker had done.
“Thanks, Em. I like to think of it as my gift to Runway.” Andy actually considered it a thank you to Vivian. When Andy confessed how she felt, she never expected Miranda to reciprocate. Since that night they had slowly built a relationship.
“So, Em, you know Miranda and I are dating.” Andy gave Emily a nudge.
Emily covered her eyes and groaned. “Please don’t remind me. The shock almost made my head explode.”
Andy smirked and wrapped her arm around Emily’s shoulder. “Anyway, it’s your turn Em. It’s time to get a life.”
Shaking off Andy’s arm, Emily glared. “What are you prattling on about? I have a life.”
“Nope, you have a career.” Andy crossed her arms and studied the floor. “Do you know how Vivian Martine died?” She glanced up to see Emily’s slow shake of her head. “She died in the middle of the night. Here at Runway. At her desk.” Andy sighed and wiped a tear from her eye. “She died alone, Em.”
Andy gently grabbed her friend’s shoulders and looked her in the eyes. “I don’t want that to happen to you.” She gave Emily a soft shake when the woman tried to protest. “I know it drives you crazy, but I’m your friend. And as your friend, it is my job to make sure something like that never happens to you.”
Emily turned her head away from Andy’s intense gaze, blushing from embarrassment. “It doesn’t so much drive me crazy,” she whispered. “I don’t have a lot of experience with friends. Just you, Nigel, and Serena.”
Andy let go of Emily’s shoulders and grabbed her hands. “That is why tonight you are going to leave the office at 5:30. You have reservations at Daniel’s for 7:30.”
Emily’s mouth dropped open in shock. “What?”
“Yep, you have a date. It will be the perfect opportunity for you to wear that dress you were telling me about - the Westwood.” Andy squeezed Emily’s hands before letting them go.
“But, but,” Emily stuttered. “Who?”
“Serena,” Andy grinned.
“What?” Emily paled as she took a step back. She briefly considered running back to the elevator.
Andy grabbed her hand again, recognizing Emily’s flight response. “Serena has been asking you out for the last two months.” Andy got right up into Emily’s face. “Just do it.”
Emily opened and closed her mouth several times before regaining her composure. “Right.” She gave Andy a small nod. “I’ll, umm, I’ll go clear my desk so that I can leave at a reasonable time.” She squeezed Andy’s hand before hurrying back to the elevator.
“Nicely done.” A familiar low voice purred into Andy’s ear.
“I thought so.” Andy looked over her shoulder at Vivian. “Will all of this keep you interested?”
Vivian looked around and gave a blasé sniff. “I suppose it’s something.”
Andy smirked as she looked at everyone still marveling at the exhibits. “Try not to scare anyone, okay? They’ll hang around longer if they’re not frightened out of their wits.”
“Spoilsport.” Vivian vanished. All that was left was the smell of Chanel No. 5 perfume.
“Darling, are you ready?” Miranda glided up to Andy and kissed her cheek.
“Sure. Dinner at the townhouse?” Andy took her girlfriend’s hand as they left the Runway museum and walked down the hall to the freight elevator.
“Yes, the girls are waiting.” Miranda followed Andy into the car. “Emily seemed to be in a hurry. Did she agree to dinner with Serena?”
“Yes, she did. I thought she’d put up more of a fight.” Andy leaned against the elevator wall secretly pleased with herself.
“Well you can be very persuasive.” Miranda smiled as she gazed into her lover’s eyes. “Just as you persuaded Vivian to welcome the Closet and Museum into her domain.”
Andy shrugged as she stepped closer to Miranda. “She’ll enjoy all the hustle and excitement.”
Miranda wrapped her arms around Andy’s waist. “As soon as I get my bag we can get out of here and enjoy our own hustle and excitement.” She sealed the promise with a kiss.
Moving fully into the embrace, Andy buried her face in Miranda’s neck and whispered, “Yay.”