The end credits rolled and as Caroline rose from her place on the beanbag and headed for the lights, Pava slowly slid her hand out of Mary's. “That was a lovely movie.”
Andy sighed and released her hold on Miranda's arm, lifting her head from the older woman's shoulder. “It's one of the most romantic movies of all time.”
“They both died in the end.” Dorothy wondered how her daughter thought dying was romantic.
“They were together in the end.” Andy reminded her mother then turned to gaze at Miranda, “He was her heart and she was his, always.”
Miranda's eyes burned into Andrea's, but the white haired woman didn't respond.
“Jane Seymour is really pretty.” Cassidy's forehead wrinkled as all eyes turned on her. “What? She is!”
Miranda chuckled, “Yes, she is.” An amused blue eye winked at the girl, “Christopher Reeve was quite a striking man in his day as well.”
Caroline sighed, “Yeah, he was the best Superman, ever.”
Pava chuckled, “Well, it was a lovely movie anyway.” She stood and stretched, almost automatically holding her hand out to assist Mary up.
“I agree.” Mary took her long time friend's hand and stood as well, “It was very sweet.” She too stretched, but yawned as well, “It's been a long day though so I think I'm going to turn in.”
“Me too.” Pava laughed, “I'm not used to walking around all day.” Her dark eyes twinkled, “It was completely worth it though,” her gaze turned to Mary, “everything was beautiful.”
Andy grinned, “Maybe we can find time to go to a few galleries before you leave. Do you remember my friend Lily?” She paused and waited for both her mom and Gram to nod affirmatively. “The gallery where she works has some great pieces.”
“That sounds nice.” Dorothy smiled, “I would like to see Lily again and that nice boy, Doug.” She stretched her linked fingers out in front of her. “I think I'll head on to bed as well.”
Andy nodded and looked pointedly at the girls, “It's about bedtime for you guys too, eh?”
“Awww...”
“Big day tomorrow...” Andy reminded them, “Lots of people in and out...”
Cassidy rolled her eyes, “I guess so.”
“It is getting a little late, later than our regular bedtime during school anyway.” Caroline shrugged and stood. “Good night, Grandma.” She hugged Dorothy then turned to Pava, “Good night, Gram.” She hugged the older woman, whispering something in her ear that widened Pava's eyes considerably.
Finishing the hug, Pava stood her full height and looked down at the unrepentant girl. Tapping Caroline's nose with her index finger, Pava chuckled. “I knew it the first time I saw you... Trouble.”
Caroline grinned and nodded to Mary before she stepped out of the way to allow Cassidy to hug Gram good night. Cassidy too whispered something to Pava that made the old woman grunt in surprise.
Laughing as she stood, Pava shook her head, “Two peas in a pod... I swear.”
Andy and Miranda chuckled as the girls began to move toward the door, their young voices chorused goodnights to their guests, “Good night, Grandma... Good night Gram...” There was a long pause before they reached the door and then just as they left the room they said, “Good night... Grandma Mary!” The silence in the TV room was broken by the sound of hastened footsteps up the stairs, giggles and doors slamming.
All eyes turned to the shocked woman. Mary shook her head, “I...”
Wrapping her arm around Mary's shoulder, Pava smiled, “S'okay.”
Miranda moved forward and reached out, grasping both Mary's hands, “My daughters are very perceptive. Often moreso than any child has the right to be, but they are only eleven and not exactly tactful with their observations.” She squeezed the hands in hers lightly and smiled, “I will tell them not to call you grandma if it makes you uncomfortable.”
“No, it's not that...” Mary returned the pressure on her hands and nodded, “I don't mind.”
“Okay...” Miranda's eyes only flickered once to the arm around Mary's shoulders, “Good night then. Sleep well.” With a nod to Pava, Miranda released her hold on Mary's hands and took a step back. She watched the pair walk out of the room, Pava's supportive arm dropping to Mary's waist. Miranda smiled as she felt Andrea's arm sliding around her waist then Dorothy spoke quietly.
“Do you really think they...”
Miranda's arm found its way around Andrea's waist and they turned to face the inquisitive woman. “I believe they are very good friends and that Mary is quite fragile at the moment. I don't care to speculate any further than that.”
Dorothy nodded, “Of course.” She patted her daughter's cheek, “Good night, Sweetheart.”
“Night, Ma.” Andy smiled but never released her hold on Miranda. “Rest well.”
Dorothy nodded to Miranda, “Good night.”
Miranda returned the gesture, “Good night, Dorothy.”
Andy watched her mother leave the room then turned to the woman in her arms, “Alone at last.”
“Mmm...” Miranda soaked in the closeness. “Not for long...” Resting her head on Andrea's shoulder, Miranda sighed, “Bethany will be here with the Book soon.”
Groaning at that, Andy pulled away, “Of course she will.” With a sigh, the brunette slid her hand down Miranda's arm and twined their fingers together, “C'mon, let's go tell the girls goodnight then we can go to the kitchen. I'll buy ya a cup of coffee while we wait.”
The girls were in bed and already dozing off when Miranda and Andrea arrived in their rooms. Normal good nights were said quickly and although Andrea took Miranda's hand to lead the older woman to the kitchen, Miranda had her own ideas of what to do while they waited for the Book.
“Miranda?” Andy questioned as she was being led upstairs.
“Shhh...” The older woman smiled and turned, as the bedroom door closed behind them, pushing Andrea against the solid wooden panel. “Alone at last.”
“Mmmm...” Savoring the feeling of Miranda's warm body pressing against her, Andy responded enthusiastically to the lips moving against hers. Miranda didn't give her any chance to say anything for several long moments. When the kiss broke, Miranda murmured.
“My heart. Always.”
Aware that the Book would be delivered soon, Andy took the initiative. Guiding Miranda backward, they reached the bed and fell into it, limbs tangling together. Her quiet murmur drew Miranda up short.
“What?”
“Hmmm... what?” Andy stopped, hoping like hell she didn't actually say what she was just thinking.
“You said 'going for the record'...” Miranda narrowed her eyes at the younger woman, “What does that mean?”
Laying back on the bed, Andy covered her eyes with her arm, “It means I'm an idiot who can't manage to keep her thoughts to herself...” she sighed and admitted, “It's a game I play...”
Miranda pulled away, “Game...”
“Mmmm...” Andy winced slightly at the expression on Miranda's face. “I um... see how long I can keep you distracted from the Book.”
“I see.” Miranda moved away slightly and sat on the edge of the bed. She felt Andrea also sit up and move nearer. Ignoring the long arms surrounding her shoulders, the editor asked quietly, not sure if she wanted to know the answer, “And how long is the record?”
“Not counting the trip to London...” Andy kissed the shoulder under her cheek, “Two hours and seven minutes.”
Reaching over, Miranda threaded her fingers into Andrea's dark hair. She held the young woman's head steady and gazed deeply into the darkened eyes for a long moment before whispering, “Shall we go for the record then?” Andrea's trademarked and patented dazzling smile appeared.
“Let's shall.”
###
Miranda looked up from the Book when she heard movement in the kitchen. Rising from her favorite chair in the sitting area just outside the kitchen, the editor picked up her empty wine glass and moved to investigate the noise. It had only been about six hours since their guests had retired for the evening, but for some reason it didn't surprise her to find the older woman in the kitchen. “Pava?”
“Oh, hello.” The tall older woman smiled and leaned against the counter, “I was tryin' to be quiet. I didn't think anyone was up.”
“Mmm...” Miranda licked her lips and smiled, because the curve in the counter that Pava was leaning against was exactly the spot Andrea often used for that purpose. “I was just up doing some work.”
“Work?” Pava tilted her head, “At this hour?” The clock had read three a.m. when she left her room a few minutes ago.
“Yes,” Miranda smiled, “I'm often up at this hour.”
“Have you slept at all?” Pava was worried for the woman, it had only been six hours since they had all retired for the evening.
“I did, a little, and will return to bed soon,” Miranda smiled a bit wickedly, “Tomorrow won't be a terribly stressful day, and we can sleep tomorrow night, rest on Sunday.”
Pava nodded. “Even though I don't really work anymore, weekends are wonderful things.” She looked around, “Where do you keep your glasses? I was looking to get a sip of water.”
“Cabinet next to the refrigerator.” Miranda pointed to the door in question.
“Ah... Thank you.” Pava reached into the cabinet and with barely a glance at her hostess, pulled two glasses from the shelf.
Miranda bit down on her lips to stop her smirk, Pava isn't the only one who wants a sip of water. Suddenly Miranda realized who she was talking to, Andrea's grandmother, a woman who had known Andrea all her life. “May I ask you a question?”
Pava lowered her head and looked at the glasses for a heartbeat before nodding. “Sure.”
“Was Andrea prone to nightmares as a child?”
“What?” Pava whirled to face her soon-to-be granddaughter, “Is she having them now?”
Miranda nodded, “Yes.”
“What are they about?” Pava moved forward to lean on the preparation island across from where Miranda was sitting.
“She can't tell me.”
“I'll talk with her tomorrow,” Pava nodded, “maybe she can tell me.”
“No... it's not that she won't tell me... she can't.” Miranda explained, “She can't remember them.”
“Hmmm...” Pava sighed. “She did have nightmares when she was little, but I don't know if she remembers having them. She was very young at the time.” Pava exhaled slowly, “It was after my husband John, her Gramps, passed away.” She shook her head and returned to her task, grabbing the glasses, filling them from the tap at the sink. “She had them for several months, she would flail in bed... and wake up screaming sometimes.”
Miranda nodded, “Yes, that sounds very similar to what is happening now.”
“When did they start?” Pava took a sip of her drink, waiting for the answer.
“Honestly, they started back at the beginning of our relationship, when the crazy woman threatened to kill us both.” Miranda spoke calmly. “They had tapered off somewhat, but then the whole charity event hostage situation occurred and that was the night I believe she found out about Mr. King's passing.”
“Mmm...” Pava nodded, “Death is the trigger then.”
“That would make sense,” Miranda sighed, “And I became ill recently...”
Oddly familiar dark eyes narrowed, “Ill? Are you okay?”
Miranda waved off the concern, “Yes, I'm fine. A few antibiotics took care of the problem.”
“What was the problem?”
“I had some sort of infection,” Miranda shrugged, “The Doctor explained that I had probably come into contact with a bacteria my immune system couldn't fight in its weakened state.”
“Weakened?”
“Yes, I hadn't been sleeping well, working long hours, not eating correctly. Stress plays a large role in our health.” Miranda moved from her seat to make herself a drink.
“And yet, here you are at three a.m., working.” Pava grinned at Miranda's rolling eyes.
The editor had only taken a sip of her drink when rapid footsteps on the stairs caught both women's attention. She barely had time to set the glass down before a wide eyed Andrea rushed into the room, looked around wildly and dove for Miranda with a frantic cry.
Miranda found herself wrapped in long strong arms and returned the embrace as well as she could, soothing the young woman in the process. “Shhh... I'm here. I'm here, it's okay.” Blue eyes looked over Andrea's shoulders at Pava, who looked back with sympathy.
Moving closer Pava reached out making slow circles on her granddaughters back. “Everything's fine, Darlin', Miranda's here, we're all here...”
Andy tightened her grip on Miranda but her voice was a whisper, “Oh God, I couldn't find you... Miranda, I woke up and... don't leave me... please...”
“Shhh...” Kissing the temple hiding under Andrea's dark hair, Miranda returned the embrace as tightly as she dared, “I'm here...” Guiding the distraught young woman back toward the staircase, Miranda soothed, “I'm right here... come with me, we'll go back to bed...”
Pava's forehead wrinkled with worry for her granddaughter but she moved away, trusting Miranda to handle the situation. She picked up the forgotten glasses of water and followed the couple up the steps, parting with them on the third floor. The older woman gave Miranda an encouraging nod before entering her guestroom.
Miranda led Andrea on up to their room and settled her on the bed. “I will be right back, Andrea.”
“No!” Andy clung to the woman, “Please, don't leave.”
“Shhh... I'm just going to the bathroom.” Miranda assured her and tucked her under the blanket. “I will be right back.” She leaned over to press her lips against Andrea's forehead while she disentangled her arms from the young woman's grip. “It won't take me long.”
Nodding, Andy curled around her pillow and tried to calm herself down. “Okay.” Dark eyes watched as the older woman walked into the other room, then closed as Andy spoke softly to herself, “She's fine, Miranda's fine, she's just in the bathroom, she'll be right back...” The litany continued for some moments until Andy felt the mattress dip and a warm arm slide around her waist.
Miranda slipped between the sheets of their bed and moved close, fitting herself against Andrea's back, kissing the young woman's neck softly. “I'm here Andrea. Sleep now.”
###
Pava quietly walked into Mary's room from their connecting bathroom and set the glass of water she carried on the nightstand. She looked down at her friend's peaceful, sleeping, face and smiled. Turning to go, a soft voice stopped her short.
“Thank you.”
Looking back, Pava faced the bed and shook a finger in Mary's direction, “Faker, I thought you were asleep.”
“I was... a little...” Mary sighed and sat up, “for a while.” She reached for the glass and took a sip of the water. As she set the drink back in its place she sighed again, “I, um... know it's a lot to ask, but...” Looking up at her friend, Mary swallowed hard, “...would you...”
In the darkened room Mary's eyes looked nearly black and Pava smiled, knowing exactly what was being asked. “Of course.” She slid into the bed and barely kept her tears in check as Mary met her in the middle, their bodies fitting together as if meant to be. Because they are... were... are, Pava thought. Willing the tremors from her voice, Pava assured the woman in her arms, “Anything you need, Darlin'...I'm right here.” She smiled as the head on her shoulder nodded and Pava closed her eyes trying to content herself with what she had now, instead of wishing for what had never been.
Wishing for the past to change is about as productive as worrying about the future, Pava thought as she savored the feel of holding her friend while she slept. You never know what the future holds. The elder Sachs knew she would have never in a million years believed she would have Mary in her arms again.
Life was amazing and full of wonder, worrying about what is coming just wasn't worth missing what was happening now. Pava knew she would have to find time to speak with her granddaughter about the concept of knowing what can be changed and not worrying about what can't.
###
Caroline and Cassidy walked downstairs together. Both their hairstyles were sleep mussed and their pajamas were wrinkled. Caroline yawned and Cassidy smiled as they entered the kitchen to find their guests at the table drinking coffee. Caroline spied their Mom in the sitting area just outside the kitchen, going over the Book. “Where's Andy?”
Dorothy watched as the girls prepared themselves a bowl of cereal. “Well good morning to you two, Sleepyheads, too...” The older woman grinned and laughed as both girls mumbled good morning greetings. “Andy and Serena left for their run nearly half an hour ago.”
“I thought you were going to the Farmer's Market this morning?” Cassidy was sure that is what Andy had said.
“We did, Darlin'” Pava laughed at the children's expressions, “Been there, and back for almost an hour before the tall gal came to go running.”
“Good grief,” Caroline shuddered, “What time did you all get up?!”
A low chuckle from the door drew all their attention.
“It was a beautiful sunrise.” Miranda smiled, her blue eyes twinkling at the girls, “Would you like us to wake you tomorrow? You could see it for yourself.” The chorused answer made them all chuckle.
“No thanks!”
Moving with her empty mug to the coffee maker, Miranda laughed and stopped briefly to kiss each of the girls on the head. “Good morning, my darlings.”
“Good morning, Mom.” Each child dutifully allowed the kiss then dug in to their meals.
###
“Would you mind if I take an extra lap this morning?” Andy jogged in place as they waited for the last light before the park entrance. “I kinda need to clear my head.”
“Of course,” Serena nodded agreement and gestured to the road as the light turned green. Something had been bothering her running companion this morning and as she often did herself, Serena thought the extra miles might help clear Andy's head. She followed the brunette into the park and onto the now familiar path.
Running the usual circuit Serena eventually saw the bench where Emily normally waited for them. Seeing it empty was not a good feeling. She will be at the townhouse later, the tall Brazilian told herself, You will see her later. Andy's chuckle pulled her out of her thoughts.
“It's weird being able to keep up with you on this part.” Andy grinned over at her companion. “Normally when you see Em, you take off like a shot and leave me in the dust.” Not once had Andy been able to even come close to keeping up with Serena at that point, much less beat her to the bench.
Serena laughed, “My legs are longer than yours.”
“Yeah,” Andy settled into her regular running rhythm again as they made the loop one more time. Luckily Patricia didn't fight the extra running time and actually seemed to be enjoying the exercise. Andy wished she could say the same. It was nice, running, but her mind was so occupied with everything, that enjoying the beautiful day was a little difficult. She thought back to this morning. Waking up with Miranda wrapped around her was good; that was always good. The trip to the Farmer's Market with Ma, and Gram, and Mary was interesting and actually a little fun, even when Gram started hinting about recurring dreams. Miranda had decided to stay home, ostensibly to be with the girls, who were still sleeping, but Andy knew Miranda wanted to go over the Book too. All three of her guests had been astounded at the variety of things available and they'd gotten some lovely produce and cheese for dinner, tomorrow. Today was to be dedicated to the caterer's and bakers who wanted to provide the meal and morsels for the wedding... the wedding...our wedding... Andy smiled, she couldn't wait, she was going to marry Miranda Priestly and Miranda was going to marry her. It was almost too incredible to wrap her mind around. But first, Andy told herself sternly, there are things that need done. For one, she thought with a sigh, you need to stop with these nightmares! She hated how they made her feel, alone and helpless, it was stupid, she knew. Miranda is always right there, she's not leaving me, she's marrying me.... Serena's voice broke through her thoughts.
“Are we going around again?”
“Hmmm...” Andy blinked and turned to look at her friend. “What?”
“Are we going again?” Serena gestured to the path.
Andy looked and gasped, “Oh,” They were back at the beginning of the circuit. “Um... no, not again... let's just let Patricia do her business and we can go back to the house.”
“Okay.” Serena again allowed Andy to take the lead. She was here to run of course, but the main reason for Serena being in the park at all was not here today. So today, Serena was merely here for the sake of keeping Andy company, she really wanted to be back at Miranda and Andy's house, waiting for Emily. She wanted to get back fairly soon too, because she wanted to clean up before Emily arrived. Emily had never seen Serena sweat quite this much, and the first time she did, Serena didn't want it to be from running.
###
Miranda was studying the Book when Patricia paced up to her and flopped down on her feet. Blinking down into the animals soulful brown eyes Miranda sighed and spoke quietly as she continued to look over the Book. “What have you done to my dog?”
Andy laughed, “Excuse me?”
“Look at her,” Reaching down, Miranda stroked her fingers through the shaggy fur on the animal's head, “The poor thing is exhausted!” She frowned and spoke to Patricia sympathetically, “What did they do to you my darling? Did they make you run in this heat? Barbarians.”
“Miranda... she loves running.” Andy pulled her sweat soaked shirt away from her chest, fanning it a little, “It is really hot outside though,” Both Andy and Serena had let out a sigh when they'd walked in the door to the temperature controlled house. Andy had reached for a towel immediately. “I should go grab a shower.”
“Me too!” Serena wiped her face with a towel Andy had handed her and moved down the hall where she'd left her gym bag next to the foot of the stairs.
Miranda nodded, “Fourth floor Serena, there is a guest room at the end of the hall with a bathroom you can use.” All the other showers except the one in the basement, were currently being utilized for their guests' comfort. And the one in the basement was not exactly to be used for Serena's purpose. Even though it was barely ever used, it had been installed there next to the laundry area explicitly for Patricia but as the animal had grown it was much easier to just take her to the groomers. The one in the fourth floor guest room was the only one Serena could use comfortably and privately.
“Thank you, Miranda.” She bowed slightly and grabbed her bag then headed up the stairs quickly. She wanted to get cleaned up before Emily arrived.
The tall Brazilian had barely disappeared up the stairs before Miranda moved to embrace Andrea.
“Ugh... Miranda!” Andy tried to push the woman away, “I'm all sweaty and gross...”
Pressing herself closer, Miranda's head shook and she inhaled deeply, “Oh no... you're perfect.” Had they been alone in the house Miranda knew her young fiancee would have found herself on the floor being thoroughly ravaged right now.
“C'mon, Miranda,” Andy tried to wriggle away, “I don't want to make you all sweaty...”
“You don't?” Desire darkened blue eyes looked up at the woman, “Are you sure?”
Andy laughed quietly as she pushed Miranda away, “Not like this.” Looking around she asked, “Where is everyone?”
“Upstairs engaged in a dance dance revolution tournament.”
“Then you should be up there...as defending world champion...” Andy grinned at the eye roll that got her.
“Andrea, why would I possibly want to be up there when you, in all your perspiring glory, are down here?” Miranda again moved closer, inhaling deeply.
Laughing at that Andy just stopped the woman from pressing herself against the sweat soaked clothes. Leaning over Andy pressed her lips against Miranda's then pulled back slightly to look into the editor's eyes. “You are too twisted for color TV.”
Miranda sighed, “Have you been watching that movie again?”
“C'mon Miranda, you know I love it...” Andy teased, “Olympia Dukakis... Mmmm....”
“Careful.”
The tone was low and dangerous, but Andy could see the amusement in those lovely Miranda-blue eyes. She laughed and leaned over for another quick kiss, “I love you, and I need a shower. Be right back.”
Miranda nodded and watched Andrea disappear up the stairs. Going over one more page of the Book was all she could manage before she closed it and started for the stairway herself. A voice behind her stopped her progress.
“Mom!” Cassidy was bouncing with excitement. “I won!”
Whirling toward the girl with a smile, Miranda laughed, “Good for you, Bobbsey!”
“But now I have to beat you!” Cassidy grabbed her mother's hand and began to drag her toward the kitchen stairway, the one she'd used to come get her mother. “C'mon... we have to have the championship!”
With a final glance at the stairway Andrea had used, Miranda allowed herself to be led up to the TV room. A devious plan already forming in her head.
###
Serena walked up a flight of stairs and heard voices, laughter and music. Curious to see if Emily had arrived yet, she snuck over to the door and peeked inside. The girls were playing a video game, dancing on a mat on the floor and the three older women she'd met earlier, before her run with Andy, were seated on the couch clapping and cheering them on. Great, no Emily yet... Serena quietly retreated without being seen and made her way on up the winding staircase. Once on the fourth floor she laughed at herself, Of course, Emily wouldn't be there, she would have been downstairs with Miranda. Rolling her eyes at her thick brain, Serena went to the door at the end of the hall as Miranda had said. She walked through the room without paying too much attention and into the bathroom. Wow... she thought, Nice... But then caught the reflection of herself in the mirror, grimaced and quickly began to strip out of her running clothes. She'd just taken off her bra and slid out of her underwear when the door opened.
“Oh!” Andy gasped and quickly turned around, which didn't help because she could still see Serena's reflection in the mirror. Snapping her eyes shut quickly, Andy stuttered, “Uh... sorry...”
“Oh!...” Serena grabbed her shirt to hold in front of her more out of sympathy for Andy than any embarrassment on her part. She had practically lived on the nude beaches of Brazil for most of her life; modesty wasn't something that upbringing fostered. “I...” Her eyes went from side to side, “Miranda said the room at the end of the hall...”
Andy nodded, eyes still closed, “Yeah... the guest room is at the other end of the hall though...” Turning toward where she knew the door was, Andy opened her eyes, staring at the wooden panel. “No problem, I'll just go to the guest room.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah...” Andy opened the door, “No sense in you getting redressed and undressed again. It's not a problem.”
“Uh... okay then.” Serena watched her running partner go and exhaled softly, a shudder running through her at the thought that this was actually Miranda's personal bathroom and it could have been Miranda that had walked in. That would have been a nightmare.
###
It didn't take long to defend her title and Miranda chuckled at the dejected look Cassidy gave her. “I'm sorry darling. You will win one day.”
Cassidy sighed, “Yeah, okay... sure.” She rolled her eyes and hugged the woman. “It's cool.” Grinning as she pulled away, Cassidy laughed, “Check out that score, I made you work for it. C'mon.. give me another chance. I'll beat you for sure!”
Miranda felt the twitch at the corner of her lips and nodded, “You certainly did make me work for it.” She pretended to wipe some sweat from her forehead. “But, I believe I need to go freshen up before Emily arrives and the first caterer sets up.” Nodding to their guests, Miranda left the room quickly, heading upstairs to where she knew Andrea was also cleaning up. Reaching the fourth floor Miranda could hear the water running in both bathrooms, As she walked through her bedroom, she quickly shed her clothing and picked her robe up from where it was draped over the dresser chair.
Miranda slipped into the bathroom quietly and hung her robe on the hook next to the shower door, speaking as she opened the panel. “You haven't washed it all away yet have you, my darling?”
Serena whirled to face the newcomer and widened her eyes unable to keep from, looking. “Miranda!”
“Oh!” Exiting the shower quickly, Miranda grabbed her robe and held it in front of her as she backed away from the shower. “Serena... I...” She put on the robe, tying the belt tightly, and now became angry. “What are you doing in here?!”
“I'm sorry...” Serena beat her head lightly against the wall of the shower, “You said 'end of the hall' and I came in here...” She thought Andy should be the one to tell the editor about their little encounter so she skipped that and continued to speak quickly, “I was already in here when Andy arrived so she said it wasn't a problem and that she would use the other one in the guest room...”
“I see...” Miranda tightened her grip on the closure of her robe, see... oh God... what did Serena see... She was getting better about not being self-conscious about her naked body. Andrea's adoration helped that quite a bit, but she knew she was, older, and for anyone else to see, her, unclothed, was quite disconcerting. The water shut off and a long arm snaked out of the shower stall, retrieving a towel from the rack next to the door.
Serena wrapped the towel around herself and stepped out from behind the door. “Miranda,” Serena saw her boss, looking as regal standing in her soft terrycloth robe as she'd ever looked in any designer outfit. “Miranda, I apologize...” The Brazilian blinked as Miranda's ice cold gaze raked over her. Summoning her courage, Serena spoke quietly, “Miranda, you are very beautiful for a woman your age, you have nothing to be...”
“Get out.” Miranda could feel her vision tunneling.
Serena swallowed hard, “Miranda, I'm very sorry...”
“Leave, now!”
Nodding, Serena grabbed the clothing she had stripped off earlier and shoved it into her gym bag then left the room quickly. She knew she had one important thing to do before actually leaving the house, however, because the last thing she saw in the mirror's reflection was Miranda, clutching her robe closed, sliding down the bathroom wall.