Miranda and her family filed into Jean-Paul's hotel suite, followed by the entourage from Runway. The man greeted them with enthusiasm, to the point of trying to hug Miranda.
Andy covered a grin as Miranda deftly avoided the embrace, moving to the seating area pulling everyone else with her in her wake. As the others found their own spots, the editor settled on the small loveseat. Pulling Bethany aside, Andy whispered, “Where's Emily?”
Bethany was still slightly in shock at the abrupt change in her status, “Emily is back at the office. I'm... I'm training to be First Assistant now...”
“Oh!” Andy smiled and gave the shorter woman's shoulders a companionable shake, “She took the job offer, good for her! And you!” Andy wondered if Emily had decided to stay in New York or not.
Grinning, Bethany nodded, “Thanks,” Her grin disappeared and she looked almost panicked, “...but I don't have a clue what do do here!”
“S'okay...” Andy grinned, “You'll figure it out, just watch and learn.” She glanced over at the others and gave Bethany a little push toward the seating area, “We better go.”
Miranda caught Andrea's eyes and a tilt of her head brought her fiancee to the couch, nestling at her side.
“This must be the fair Andrea.” Jean-Paul's eyes roamed over the brunette sitting next to Miranda. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Looping her arm with Miranda's, Andy shuddered a bit. The man was as 'smarmy' as Miranda had described and she wasn't about to shake his hand but she nodded and smiled, “Likewise.”
“I don't have all day, Jean-Paul.” Miranda's bored mask covered her irritation at the delay and his slow evaluation of Andrea.
“Of course,” He bowed slightly and retreated to the doorway where he clapped sharply at the women getting dressed. “Quickly now!”
There was a loud crash and a dismayed look on the designer's face as he disappeared into the other room. They all heard him speaking quite loudly in French, but only three of the people present clearly understood what the man was saying. They all sat, waiting for the problem in the other room to be sorted out.
Andy pressed her lips together, controlling the urge to get up and fix the problem. Miranda was waiting and that was unacceptable! She thought, Why isn't Em...oh. Andy looked over to see Bethany sitting in her seat, waiting with all the others.
Miranda shot Andrea, a 'see what I have to put up with' expression, which put the brunette in motion.
“Bethany,” Andy said as she untangled herself from Miranda's arm and stood. “Come with me.” She stalked into the other room with the new First assistant close on her heels.
Miranda grinned as Andrea's voice, also speaking French, filtered back through the suite. They all listened to a fairly loud exchange of words between Jean-Paul and Andrea. She couldn't help the smile as Mila leaned forward and spoke quietly in her native language, “Your fiancee is... colorful with her language.” Mila was as awed by Miranda as any other model, but she had seen the couple interacting at the airport and was bolder in the face of love, “Does she actually kiss you with that mouth?”
Gracing the model with a withering expression, Miranda waited for an appropriate subdued expression from Mila, then smirked, “Oh yes, she does indeed.”
Mila relaxed and sat back, grinning at the others who, she knew, did not understand a word she or Miranda had just said.
###
“You stupid models!” Jean-Paul was dismayed that their clumsiness was going to ruin him. “I work until my fingers bleed and you can't manage to stand upright for ten minutes... you are more comfortable on your back eh?”
“What is going on in here?” Andy took two steps into the room and stopped dead in her tracks so fast, in fact, that Bethany bumped into the back of her. She ignored the smaller woman's mumbled apology and quickly scanned the chaos in front of her. Three models were still sitting on the floor, a large tray was overturned and there were accessories all over the floor. Andy asked in English, “What happened?”
“I tripped,” The blonde model on the floor moved slowly but pointed to a lamp cord that lay across the floor. The lamp had obviously been moved from its place in order to give the women more light to work with for their make-up. “I'm sorry.” That set Jean-Paul off on another spate of French that widened Andy's eyes considerably.
Andy listened for a moment at the vile things the man was directing toward the women on the floor and anger loosened her tongue. She also began speaking the man's language, loudly and clearly over his ranting, but what she said was not directed at the models. Andy took some satisfaction in the man's chagrin, but Bethany's blush brought her mind back into focus.
Bethany had been trying to learn French, just because many of the designers spoke that particular language. In addition to the regular lessons, she had done some research on her own for curse words, wanting to know what was being said, if it was something nasty. What the man had said to the models was bad, but Andy's rant at him clearly matched it. Jean-Paul was obviously stunned at the words falling from Andy's lips and he turned away from the verbal attack, seemingly ready to berate the clumsy model again.
Calming herself somewhat, Andy shook her head and spoke lower but with more intensity, “Listen to me...” Andy physically grabbed Jean-Paul's shoulders, turning him to face her. “It wasn't her fault, you need to calm down. We have to get this settled because Miranda is waiting, and if you think keeping her waiting is a good idea you better just pack up all your crap and leave the country now.”
One model had jumped out of the way of the pile up and now spoke up softly, “I could go on out... if it would help?”
Andy turned and blinked at the woman she hadn't noticed before, dark eyes evaluated the dress then she smiled and shook her head, “No, take off that dress.”
Jean-Paul was aghast, “That is one of my better efforts! Miranda must see it!”
“Shhhh...” Andy leaned closer to him, knowing how easily their voiced carried into the other room. “She can't see that one. Trust me.” Turning to the helpful model, Andy gestured to her and spoke quietly, “Take off that dress.” Grabbing the next one in line on the rack, Andy pushed her toward an empty space in the room, “Change quickly.”
Bethany was helping the other models up off the floor and Jean-Paul was rapidly checking the clothing they had on for damage while handing them the rest of their ensembles to wear. Andy nodded at the man's efficiency, once he got over his initial, incredibly over the top, reaction to the mishap. She reinforced her decision quietly in his ear, “Do not let Miranda see that dress.”
Nodding, Jean-Paul lined up the models and gestured for the first one to go into the other room. “I will do as you ask, Andrea, but you will explain to me why later?”
“Of course,” Andy gestured him out of the room with a shooing motion, “No time now.. go!”
Checking to see that the models had gained a semblance of organization, Andy led Bethany back to the seating area, speaking quietly to her as they walked, “This is your job now, always watch Miranda, always make sure things are to her liking, never make her wait. You are her First Assistant, you have the authority...”
Swallowing hard at the advice, Bethany found her seat and watched as Andy again curled herself around Miranda's arm. She found herself amazed at the slight shift in Miranda's shoulders and realized that it was a result of tension draining away. Wow, Bethany thought as Andy's words came back to her 'always watch Miranda', I'm going to have to pay closer attention. The realization struck her, I have to be the one to help her when Andy isn't here... I'm the new Emily! Suddenly the weight of her new position landed squarely on her shoulders but surprisingly, Bethany smiled, Cool.
Miranda watched dispassionately as one model after the other appeared in the redesigned garments for her judgment. She did not smile, or nod, or give any indication whatsoever that the designs were acceptable. But she also did not give any sign that they were not. Jean-Paul seemed heartened by this, passing acceptance. He seemed even happier when Miranda allowed him to overhear her telling Bethany to set up a photo shoot for later in the week. That concluded the business she had with him, so the editor stood to go, Andrea rose with her. They walked mostly in silence down the hall and the elevator ride down was also quiet. Only when they exited the building and moved toward the waiting car did they actually speak in sentences.
“I must return to the office for a while this afternoon.” Miranda wrapped her arm around Andrea's waist, pulling her close for a moment, “You have more shopping to do?”
“Yes,” Andy sighed and kissed Miranda's cheek before they began walking, “We'll be a while longer yet, on our quest for the perfect dress and I'll need shoes to match if I ever find the one I want.”
“Don't give up hope, my Darling...” Miranda stopped their trek back to the cars and brushed Andrea's cheek with the backs of her fingers. “You'll find it.”
“Yeah,” Andy smiled as she reached up to hold the hand against her cheek for a moment longer, “Have a nice afternoon.”
“You as well.” Miranda hugged the girls then settled into the back seat of her car before addressing Andrea. “I will only be a short time more at the office, if you can hold supper, I shouldn't be too late.”
“Of course!” Andy's eyes twinkled at the thought, her hands dropping to each girl's shoulder. Evening meals together had been fairly rare lately. “See you at home.”
Nodding, Miranda gestured for the door to be closed between them and with a glance to her left to make sure Bethany was where she was supposed to be, she issued her instructions to the driver. “Go.”
###
“So,” Dorothy walked up next to her daughter, “Where to next?”
Andy watched as Miranda's car turned the corner and moved out of sight then answered her mother excitedly, “Back upstairs...” She ushered her little group back upstairs to Jean-Paul's suites.
The designer opened the door quickly at the sharp knocking and queried the brunette. “Now you will tell me why I am not showing Miranda my best work?”
“Yes,” Andy moved past him into the other room then returned with the dress in question, “She can't see it, at least, not until I wear it at our wedding.”
“What?!” Dorothy took a closer look at the fabric draped over Andy's arm, “Seriously?”
“Oh yeah,” Andy held the dress up and smiled, “It's perfect.”
Jean-Paul smiled, “It will be.” He bowed gallantly to her, “Please, go put it on and I shall fit it for you and you alone.”
“Darlin', are you sure about this?” Pava didn't think the dress in her grand-daughter's hands looked like anything special. Certainly nothing like she had assumed Andy was looking for.
“Oh yeah, Gram,” She grinned, “I'm totally sure.” She stroked the diaphanous white material, “Wait here...” She disappeared into the bathroom, unwilling to change in front of the models who were now nearly back into their regular clothes.
Jean-Paul dismissed the models then joined the others in the seating area to wait for Andy's return.
###
“Yes, Cheri,” Miranda spoke crisply into the phone, “The whole change-over should be finalized as of August first.” She listened intently to the woman's response and nodded, “Acceptable. I will have Emily conference with Joan to orient herself to her new responsibilities...” She spoke quietly as she looked over a list of addresses written in Emily's distinctive script, “I will of course need a third assistant for a few weeks, in order to be trained correctly.” Again she paused as Cheri protested that request. “It is not up for debate, the problems in the past have mainly stemmed from inadequate training. I require a decently trained replacement available when I return from my honeymoon.” Miranda smirked as that term, being applied to her, caused dead silence on Cheri's end of the conversation for a long moment. With a twinkle in her eye, Miranda acknowledged the proper congratulations from Cheri, “Thank you.” Her voice took a serious edge one that harbored no protest. “A third assistant, within four weeks. That's all.” Disconnecting the call, Miranda tucked the small sheet of paper into her jacket pocket then turned her attention to the photo sheets on her desk. Miranda kept her attention on the proofs even when she spoke to Bethany, who stood shifting from foot to foot in front of her desk, “Yes?”
“Um... Mr. Ravitz wants to see you, upstairs... um... immediately.” Bethany nervously handed Miranda the Post-it she'd used to take the message.
“Mmmm...” Still keeping her attention on the photographs in front of her, Miranda held out her hand for the note, immediately crunching it up and, never looking up from her task, tossing it into the small waste can next to her desk. She circled a photo and crossed out three more, evaluating yet another photo through the glasses perched on the end of her nose she absently asked. “Anything else?”
“No, Miranda, nothing else.”
“Good,” The editor crossed out two more pictures then circled another before moving on to the next sheet. “Inform Nigel that I wish to see him, immediately.”
Nodding, almost bowing, Bethany's voice faded as she spoke and moved at the same time, “Yes, Miranda.”
Within two minutes Nigel was at the door of her office, almost out of breath at the pace he had set himself to get there, “Yes, Miranda?”
“Ah... Nigel,” Looking up from the pictures, Miranda smiled evaluating the man, Not ready yet.... Pulling herself from that line of thought, Miranda stood. “I have chosen four for the Calvin Klein layout,” She indicated the proof sheets, “You will need to choose two more.” Standing, she gestured to her seat, her eyes twinkling at his hesitation. She explained her motives for pressing him into service. “I have been summoned to Irv's office and do not wish to sacrifice my family time this evening by having to deal with his nonsense.” She watched him settle tentatively into the big chair then checked her watch. “Have your choices ready for approval when I return.”
“Of course, Miranda.”
Nigel watched her go, issuing an order for coffee as she passed Bethany's desk, then turned his attention to his task. He had to make the right choices otherwise Miranda would just go through the photos herself and he wouldn't have helped a bit. Irv always put her in a bad mood, so the correct choices would be crucial. He didn't want her to regret allowing him to do this. It was a common theme among Runway personnel, especially the newbies, but even Nigel, having worked for Miranda as long as he had, didn't want to disappoint her.
###
Andy looked at her reflection and grinned, she moved side to side and twirled, making sure she could dance without falling and injuring herself or anyone else. As soon as she had seen this dress she'd known it was exactly what she wanted. Jean-Paul had made the adjustments for length and shoulder width as her family had watched, fascinated at the process. It hadn't taken too long for the alterations then they were on their way home, the dress carefully encased in a black protective garment bag.
They were all dubious about the choice, but Andy was grateful that they didn't make too big a deal about protesting. She had set any arguments against the dress to rest and even Dorothy had stopped her diatribe against the outfit when Andy had uttered one simple, quiet statement, “This is the one.”
She twirled again, loving the way the hem fell at her ankles brushing the tops of her feet lightly. The diaphanous cloth was layered, drawn up and knotted over one shoulder leaving the other shoulder completely bare. A quiet knock at the door pulled her attention away from her reflection, “Yes?”
Pava opened the door a bit, “Can I come in, Darlin'?”
“Gram!” Andy smiled and turned to face her visitor, “Do you need something?”
“Just makin' sure you're okay...” Pava smiled at her grand-daughter. “I'm glad you found what you were lookin' for so quickly. I know you thought it would take several days...”
“Oh me too! Especially after the dismal failure this afternoon's search had seemed to be. But this...” Andy smiled and brushed her palm against the fabric covering her stomach, “This is perfect.”
“You keep sayin' that,” Pava's forehead wrinkled in concern, “but it doesn't really seem all that...traditional.”
“It's not, but it goes perfectly with the Greek Temple decor, this dress makes me look like a Priestess or something... and that is exactly what I want to do...worship, love and adore Miranda... it's her day too, Gram. She is trying to be all nonchalant about it, trying to make it all about me, but it isn't Gram... it's about us... me and her... I need her to see that, feel that.”
Pava nodded and smiled softly at her grown up granddaughter, “She will, Darlin'.” She knew exactly how Andy felt because if she had the right to publicly show her feelings for Mary, Pava would want the woman she loved to feel exactly the same way; like she was loved and adored, forever. Grinning, Pava physically turned Andy back to face the mirror, looking over the young woman's bare shoulder at the reflection. “It's a beautiful dress, and you are a beautiful woman, and Miranda is a very lucky person to have you in her life.”
“I'm the lucky one,” Andy felt the tears suddenly spring to her eyes, “Thanks Gram...” She tilted her head slightly to accept a light kiss on her cheek. “I just hope Miranda thinks so, too.”
“You're welcome, Darlin'... and she will because you're right, this dress is perfect.” Gazing at the reflection, Pava thought there was only one flaw in the young woman's logic. People won't think you're a Priestess, Darlin', in that dress, you're the Goddess. She smiled at the thought and knew Miranda would love this dress, for just that reason. Andy wasn't the only one who wanted their partner to feel loved and adored.
###
“Go right in.” Irv's secretary made a face, “He's expecting you.”
Miranda grinned as she walked past the woman's desk, murmuring, “I'll bet he isn't....” She entered her supposed boss' office and sat in one of the plush chairs situated in front of his desk. She didn't say a word, merely sitting, waiting for him to begin.
“I suppose you're happy with yourself? Was it your intention to make a fool of yourself on national television?” His eyes narrowed when his words didn't have the desired effect. The woman should have been apologetic for her actions, “Do you know what you've done to the value of Elias-Clarke stock?!”
With barely a twitch to her lips, Miranda spoke blandly, “It is my understanding that the stock price is holding steady.” Pulling her blackberry from her pocket, Miranda pressed a few buttons and shrugged, “It's nearly the same as it was when I checked it this morning, a quarter point higher actually.”
“It dropped twenty points when you showed up on television, in that...costume!” Irv was livid now, “How could you possibly pull a stunt like that without telling anyone?!”
“I didn't know myself until a few moments before I called the producers and even then it was their decision. They could have refused my appearance as disruptive to their show.” Miranda was calm. The editor chided the CEO, “You know as well as I do stocks dip from time to time.”
“Twenty points!” Irv raged, “No one knew what the Hell was happening...” Suddenly he stopped his rant and narrowed his eyes at her, “Why aren't you more upset about this??”
“There is nothing to be upset about...”
“Noth...” Irv was aghast, “Twenty points Miranda... do you understand what would happen if that was a permanent drop?”
“Get a hold of yourself, Irv, it's only “permanent” if you sell. Surely you didn't sell...” His demeanor indicated that he had ridden out the drop and Miranda scoffed, “You are acting like this was the end of the world. “The stock dropped for a short time, and now it's worth more that it was this morning.” She glanced at the device in her hand, “And it seems to be continuing to climb.”
“You bought...” Irv stood and pointed an accusing finger at her, “You made money on this whole fiasco.”
“Well I certainly hope so,” Miranda smiled, “I have a standing order with my broker to buy if the price dips more than eighteen points.”
“How much?”
Consulting her Blackberry yet again, Miranda raised her eyebrows, “I currently hold forty thousand shares more than I did this morning.”
“Eight hundred thousand dollars...” The man collapsed back into his seat, “You made...”
“Mmmm...not quite that much,” Miranda blinked, “And spent nearly five million to do it.” Cool blue eyes raked over him, “But that's all up to my money manager.”
“You have a standing order.” Irv repeated her previous words, “He does this all the time?”
Nodding, Miranda confirmed, “He is in total control of my stock portfolio, aside from a few standing orders he has in regards to certain companies, it is built entirely on his discretion.”
“Did you warn him that you were going on television?” Irv was not thrilled at this development. If she had told anyone it bordered on insider trading.
Miranda admitted, “I spoke to Archie just before I went on the show. I wanted to speak to him about a present that I wish to purchase for Andrea.” She shrugged, “I wanted to talk to him while I was thinking about it. We did not discuss any other topic.”
“And what is this 'present',” Irv sneered the word, dismissing the mention of a charity, “that you couldn't wait to discuss with your money manager?”
“A house, if you must know...Andrea had mentioned it earlier and I wanted him to evaluate the return on investment potential. It is currently a Bed and Breakfast.” Miranda sighed, “The owner had passed away, but I have since learned that it is not on the market, yet.” She sat, relaxed, “I will, however, have my real estate agent watch the property for the correct opportunity.”
“And where is this fabulous property?” Irv thought if Miranda was interested in it, it might be worth his time to watch it as well.
“It's in Cincinnati,” Miranda smiled as the calculating look on the man's face dropped away, “It's a sentimental thing between Andrea and I.”
“Oh.” He didn't believe her for a moment, if there was one thing Miranda Priestly didn't do, it was sentimental.
“Are we finished here?” Miranda stood, “I actually have work to do.”
Irv shook his head and waved her away, “Go.”
Miranda smirked as she walked out of the office and was actually in a good enough mood, she winked at the man's secretary as she passed the desk.
The woman behind the desk swallowed hard as she watched the enigmatic editor walking down the hall, Miranda was in much too good a mood when she'd left. Finally, the secretary peeked into her boss' office, hoping the man was still alive, terrified that he wasn't. The last thing she wanted to do was to testify against Miranda Preistly at a murder trial. A relieved breath escaped her when she saw Mr. Ravitz sitting behind his desk talking on the phone.
###
“Andy?”
The brunette looked up from her laptop and smiled, “Hey Sweetie, what's up?”
Cassidy moved closer, “Do you know when Mom's going to be home?”
“She said she thought she'd be here for supper.” Andy checked the time at the bottom of her computer screen, “So she should be here anytime now.”
Nodding, Cassidy slowly started to move away, “Okay. Peggy grilled some chicken. She says we can have it as an entree with rice and mixed veggies or cut up on a salad, our choice.”
“Ohhh... salad for me. Miranda will want the meal,” Andy licked her lips anticipating the flavors of the salad. “Ask the others though, Ma isn't much for salads and neither is Gram... but I dunno about Mary.”
“Okay, Ma,” Cassidy left to complete her order taking mission.
Andy finished the article she was working on and sent it spinning toward the Mirror offices at cyberspeed before she closed down her computer. Standing, she stretched then wandered down the stairs toward the kitchen. Gram and Mary were there, standing very close together, until they heard her on the stairs and separated quickly. Andy managed to keep the knowing look off her face and greet them with a smile. “Hello.”
“Hello, Darlin'” Pava flashed a guilty look at Mary then moved even further away from the other woman, “Finish up all your typin'?”
“Yep,” Andy reached into the fridge and poured herself a glass of juice. “All caught up on my work, for now.” She knew full well there would be at least three assignments in her inbox tomorrow morning. “I have my whole evening free.” She smiled at the thought, all evening and night, and she intended on making the most of it, as soon as Miranda got home.
###
Not even the small paparazzi crowd gathered on her front sidewalk could dampen Miranda's mood. She did keep her carefully cultivated 'Dragon Lady' mask in place during her walk from the car to the house, but once inside she smiled and chuckled. A voice from the stairway pulled her smile even wider.
“You're in a good mood.” Andy stepped up the last step from the lower level and, setting down the bottle of wine she had retrieved, wrapped Miranda in a tight embrace, “Welcome home.”
“Why shouldn't I be in a good mood, Andrea?” Miranda kissed her fiancee soundly, “Things are running smoothly at Runway, for a change, and I am home for a lovely,” She sniffed the air and grinned, “...chicken dinner with my family and a nice bottle of...” Moving slightly she checked the label on the bottle Andrea had brought from the cellar, “Bordeaux.”
“The dining room is set, if you're ready to eat.” Andy linked her elbow with Miranda's and grabbed the bottle. “Otherwise we can just let it stay in the warmer for a bit.”
“I'm sure you are all ready for your meal.” Miranda patted the arm in hers, “I will need to speak with you, after we eat.”
“Um...” Andy didn't like the sound of that, “Okay...”
Miranda chuckled, brushing the back of her fingers against Andrea's cheek, “No worries, love.”
Andy blinked at the tinge of English accent coming through in Miranda's voice. Wow, She did have a good day. She's really relaxed. “Okay then, let's go eat.”
###
They had nearly finished their meal, Cassidy and Caroline had already been given permission to leave the table and were most likely upstairs playing their video game. The adults had engaged in small talk, waiting for Andy to tell Miranda that a dress had been chosen. That news was suddenly and completely overshadowed by a casual comment Miranda made. Andy was incredulous.
“You had a meeting with Irv this afternoon?”
“Mmmm...” Miranda scooped a small forkful of rice and hesitated to take the bite long enough to answer, “Yes, tedious, but necessary.”
“But...” The young woman didn't understand, “You're in a good mood!” Her eyes narrowed, “You didn't kill him did you?”
Miranda laughed, “No, he's very much alive, quite angry with me and unable to do anything about it.”
“Ah,” Andy stabbed another bite of her salad, “That explains the good mood then.” Andy knew that Miranda loved it when she got the upper hand with Irv.
Licking her lips, Miranda nodded, “Indeed.”
“Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?” Andy was still a nit nervous about that particular statement. She'd wondered all through the meal what Miranda was going to say. Miranda's next words would never have made the list of possibilities.
Clearing her throat, Miranda smiled at her fiancee, “Emily gave me a list of establishments that some potential DJ's are performing this evening. Perhaps we could evaluate them?”
Andy translated the Miranda-speak for the others at the table, and to confirm the amazing proposal, “You want to go club hopping with me tonight?”
Blue eyes twinkled across the table, “Yes.”
“Do you think that's wise?” Dorothy was slightly shocked that the older woman had even suggested such a thing. That sort of behavior was more for the younger generation.
“I think it's an awesome idea.” Andy grinned at Miranda. “I've wanted to go dancing with you for ages.”
“What about the press?” Mary didn't think she would be able to enjoy herself, knowing there were people with cameras trained on her all the time.
Miranda answered the serious question with a serious response, “I will not allow the paparazzi to deter me from enjoying Andrea's company. I had a wonderful day today, everything fell into place quite nicely and if I want to go out with the love of my life to celebrate that, I will.”
Andy grinned and nodded, again translating Miranda's response, “Yep, screw 'em.”
With a little chuckle, Miranda nodded as she took a last bite of chicken, “Indeed.”