Chapter Text
It was Paris Fashion Week, also known as 'Miranda’s most important week of her entire year'. The one week in which she could enjoy herself, surrounded by other people in the fashion industry: some were friends; others, acquaintances, but in the end, they were all people sharing their passion.
This year, however, the worst thing happened: the idiot she last married had decided to ruin it for her. He had purposely waited for her to be in Paris, in the middle of all this hustle and bustle to send her the divorce papers and stating he better get a big amount of money or else he would trash her on public TV. She had previously tried for him to sign those damn papers, to end the relationship in a civil way, without making a scandal out of it, but he had made up one excuse after another to postpone it, and now he had the audacity of threatening her? That snake... and the worst part would be the girls having to go through the bullshit the press would write about them. They were kind of used to it, but still, they were too young and she did not like it at all when they were exposed like that. Miranda did not know if it was the anxiety she was feeling for her daughters, but somehow, she ended up explaining the divorce situation to her assistant. Andy had listened to everything in silence, with sadness in her eyes. Was it pity? She did not need anyone’s pity!
“He didn’t deserve you anyway,” the brunette said, and after a moment during which she seemed to be considering something, she added “You know you could do much better than him, right?” she said it without blinking an eye.
“Oh, sure. I’ll just have my own The Bachelorette edition.” the older woman replied sarcastically. Ridiculous.
Andy seemed to be lost in thought again. I’m so tired of Nigel calling me a chicken, and of seeing the bastard Miranda married making appearances all drunk at the Galas I’ve had to attend! Should I just tell her? There is no better moment than this one. Alright, just do it without overwhelming her... just a little hint. “No, really, Miranda: look into my eyes and tell me what you see.”
What is she playing at?! Does she think I’m in the mood for silly games at this very moment?! If this is her way to try and distract me from this problem, I’m very disappointed. “Seriously, Andrea? What kind of question is that? Eyeliner, of course.”
Ok, she didn’t get it. Maybe another time. Alright, she had been too discreet, she would have to try a different approach eventually, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“Your job.” Miranda dismissed her.
Andy got up, but before she reached the door knob, she turned around and said, “I’m gonna go out with Nigel, but don’t hesitate to contact me if you need me.” Not needy at all. This earned her a subtle nod from her Boss, and Andy finally left.
Nigel? She got all dressed up, looking so fine to hang out with Nigel? Wait, what? What am I even thinking, I’m being so silly!
She spent the last ten minutes thinking about their conversation. Why had Andy asked her about her eyeliner? Did she need approval from her Boss to go out wearing make up? It made no damn sense. Then it hit her: the answer to her assistant’s question. It was so simple, so clear! And the way she had looked at her when asking her the question! Come to think of it, she had always looked at her like... no, it could not be. But it made sense, how could she be so dense sometimes?
Shit, she meant ‘love’! I’m the Queen of fashion, but also of obliviousness! Miranda laughed at herself. She shook her head and played with her glasses between her fingers. This girl is just confused, that’s all.
Later, at a bar with Nigel...
“What? She said what?” Nigel asked choking on his drink.
“I swear! My eyeliner, Nigel, she thought I was asking her about my fucking eyeliner. I don’t know how else could I let her know what I feel for her, I’m out of ideas.”
“I think it’s pretty clear: Miranda, will you be my sugar mommy?” Nigel snorted while Andy snapped his arm.
“This isn’t funny! I’m a mess!” she took a sip of her own drink.
“Well, so is she! My God, what am I gonna do about these two gay disasters I work with?”
“Wait, what do you mean gay disasters? You know for certain she is into women?!”
“Honey, she is the biggest lesbian in New York City. We’ve known each other since we were very young. I shouldn’t be telling you this, but her two marriages were just a deal to keep up appearances. It just seems like Stephen got tired of it and decided to be a jackass to humiliate Miranda in public.”
“Oh my God! And all this time I thought she was straight! But anyway, she’s way out of my league. Maybe I shouldn’t make any more moves on her.”
“Are you out of your mind?! Six, come on, look at you! I’m gay as Hell, but I have eyes, you’re a sight for sore eyes! Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
“You really mean that?” she asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.
“Absolutely! In fact, if you wanted to, we could find you a girlfriend tonight!”
“No, thanks, there’s only one woman I’m interested in and she isn’t here. She is alone in her room wearing a bathrobe.”
“I don’t need to know any more details, you could start your own erotic novel with that: Six Shades of Useless Horniness. “
“That doesn’t make any fucking sense, Nige. I think that drink has already gone to your head.” she chuckled.
“Maybe. And you’re drinking too slowly! Come on, we’re in Paris, single and ready to mingle!”
“Not really.”
“Well, speak for yourself, I’m handsome and successful, I will try my luck this week here. Don’t you think all I’m gonna do here is work, work, work!”
“At least one of us will get lucky then. Ugh, I don’t know what to do. I may try again, but if she still doesn’t seem interested, it’s over, I mean it.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Oh, this is my jam! Come on, Six, let’s show these people how we do it in New York!” he moved to the dance floor and started dancing when You Spin Me Round started playing, grabbing Andy’s arm, so she just went with it.
She really needed this. And to think she almost said no to coming to Paris just because Emily, who had been nothing but mean to her, could not come!
“Nigel, you’re a really good dancer!”
“And you’re just realizing now? And I’m not the only one. You should have seen Miranda when we started going to clubs in New York. Everyone’s eyes were on her.”
“Wow, Miranda, dancing? That’s something I can’t imagine. I would pay to see her do that.”
“And look, these people have finally joined us as well, it felt like we were surrounded by zombies! Why is almost everybody on their phones when they could be dancing?”
“I think we’re just old enough to appreciate the little moments in life without using a phone non-stop.”
All I know is that to me
You look like you're havin' fun
Open up your lovin' arms
Watch out, here I come
Nigel grabbed Andy’s arm and gave her a twist just when the song hit the chorus:
You spin me right 'round, baby, right 'round
Like a record, baby, right 'round, 'round, 'round
You spin me right 'round, baby, right 'round
Like a record, baby, right 'round, 'round, 'round
Andy was laughing and having so much fun with her friend she even forgot where she was at. Some people started cheering and others imitated their moves, while others were recording the scene to get likes and retweets on Twitter.
All I know is that to me
You look like you're lots of fun
Open up your lovin' arms
Watch out, here I come
“Now’s your turn, you spin around!” the brunette said, and Nigel did so.
When the song was over, they went back to the bar counter.
“Wow, I’m so thirsty!”
“For Miranda? I know, honey.”
“Ha, ha. Anyway, I think we should go dancing more. It’ll help keep my size four and it’s more fun than working out.”
“True that. I know Serena loves dancing as well, but since Emily doesn’t, she usually just stays with her having drinks and chit-chatting instead of what they both wish they were doing.”
“Excuse me? What are you saying, that they are... you know?”
“They have the hots for each other and none of them will make a move! What is it with you, gay women? Are you gonna wait forever until someone goes straight to the point and asks you ‘Oh, hey, I want you to be the mother of my cats, will you?”
“That’s not true! I... I made a move but Miranda was too stressed out to notice what I meant.”
“It was a lame move. You have to make a statement, this is no ordinary woman. We’re talking about La Priestly.”
“You’re right. So, no flowers and of course, no blasting music outside of her house while holding a sign.”
“Don’t even joke about it.” the man said, and ordered another drink for the both of them.
“Alright, I will really think of something that isn’t... lame. Wouldn’t want her to call me a disappointment.”
The next morning, Cassidy and Caroline, who were staying at their father’s during the week Miranda was in Paris, were having breakfast while checking their social media, and something caught Caroline’s eye.
“Woah, I want to be an adult so desperately! Can you believe this happened at a bar in Paris, where mom is? And here we are, too young to go partying. We must ask mom to take us with her to Paris when we’re older.”
“Uh, we have actually gone with her a couple of times, remember?”
“Yeah, but not to clubs! We could say we’re gonna go shopping or whatever but then go dancing, etc. Maybe I’ll meet someone interesting there. A French Prince, for example.”
“Sure, Caro. You should stop watching so many rom-coms.” Cassidy rolled her eyes at her sister, “Plus, there are plenty of bars here, I don’t wanna travel to Europe just to have drinks there.”
“You’re so lame.”
“YOU are lame. Hey! Is that uncle Nigel?”
“What? No, it can’t be... ugh, why couldn’t this user record the video properly?”
“Probably because he was too drunk to record it steadily. Oh, now it’s stopped moving! Wow, he can really dance! I wonder who he’s spinning around, I like her clothes.”
“Can’t be Emily, she’s too uptight. Can you imagine her dancing like that?” they both giggled.
“Oh my God, Caro, it’s her!”
“Emily?” she frowned.
“No, you silly, the other Emily, what was her name? The Potter girl!”
“Oh, wait, you may be right. I mean, it’s a bit dark but I think it’s her. Ok, yeah, she is laughing like that time she was helping you with your essay. To think you mistook Neil Armstrong by Billie Joe Armstrong!” she chuckled.
“That was actually yourself, and by the way, I got a higher grade, just saying.” Cassidy stated, and her sister stuck out her tongue.
“Whatever. Anyway, they both are having fun, I wish I was there.”
“Do you think mom has seen it?”
“The video? Does she even have a Twitter account? Because I doubt it. Anyway, we could send her the link.”
“Why would she even care?”
“I am bored, what do we have to lose?”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
They sent her an email with the link to the video:
Hi mom! How’s Fashion Week going? We’re bored, and dad is making us eat more vegetables here than we do at home... we think it’s unfair, and we may suffer of vegetable PTSD when we’re home, just saying.
Also, we think people should think of you as a cool Boss, because your employees are having fun at Paris, so it’s not like they’re slaves or other stupid things Page Six has written in the past. We’re sending you a link as proof. Uncle Nigel got nice moves, and your assistant is very cool as well, not only because we could read the end of Harry Potter before anyone else, but mostly, yes.
Love you lots, mom!
That morning, at the Ritz...
Miranda had taken a shower and had had breakfast already. She had sent a message to her assistant telling her to be ready in ten minutes to leave the hotel, but had not got a reply until 2 minutes later. Andy usually replied instantly, this was outrageous! She was thinking of ways of reprimanding this girl, who seemed to have forgotten they were there to work and she needed to take it seriously, when she received an email. It was from her twins. She laughed at them being dramatic about the vegetables, and felt amazed by the video her Bobbseys had sent her.
This girl is full of surprises. And to think Nigel got to spin her around while I was here overthinking about my stupid fake marriages! Wait, why do I even care? She is young and free, she deserved to have a few drinks and do whatever she felt like to. Plus she was in good hands, it would’ve been so much worse if the blond vulture had gone out with her... No, that can never happen, not on my watch!
Miranda was taken aback by her own thoughts. What was happening to her? Why did she even care if Andy went out with that jerk? Because he was a big one, wanting to take advantage of her Andrea since the first time he had seen her...
Oh, God, my Andrea? I really need to leave this hotel! I’m going nuts inside this room!
Someone knocked on the door, fortunately interrupting her internal monologue. She could not deal with these silly thoughts about her assistant. When she opened the door, she saw a pair of doe eyes. Here she was, the very person who was driving her crazy.
“Are you ready?” Andy seemed tired, and gave her an apologetic smile, as if she was feeling guilty for partying out all night.
“I am always ready, you should know that already.” Miranda left the room holding her head up, like she was royalty.
Nice rhyme. Miranda could’ve been a rapper. But she would have had to wear hideous clothes. Not a chance. “Of course!” Andy said, and after her Boss had looked at her from head to toe, and had given her a subtle nod of approval, she followed her.
A few minutes later, their limousine left them at their destination. This place was full of famous designers, top models, camera men... Andy was flipping out.
“I’m gonna introduce you to some friends of mine. It is very important that you make contacts, understood?” her Boss said to her, not bothering looking at her nodding.
She was introduced to Valentino first, “This is my...” Not my Andrea, “…new Emily.” the silver-haired woman said, with a radiant smile, feeling very proud of her assistant.
“It’s very nice to meet you.” Andy said, with another smile. The designers seemed to like her as well, this was good: she was not making a fool out of herself in front of Miranda’s friends. It feels surreal that these are her friends. I’m literally surrounded by famous people and everybody acts like it’s nothing. I mean, they are all famous, it’s me the one who’s a peasant here. Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by someone clearing her throat, “Sorry, Miranda.”
“Everything alright?” she asked, keeping her smile since they were being watched.
“Yes! Totally! I mean, yes, I am. Fine. I am fine.” she shook her head at her gibberish, then looked around and saw Nigel talking with Heidi Klum, so she decided to deviate the attention to them instead, “Is that Heidi Klum? The woman Nigel is talking to.” she sounded much more enthusiastic than she had intended.
“I believe she is. Why? Do you want to take a selfie with her? Or do you want... oh, I don’t know, her autograph, just like a silly teenager who’s standing next to her idol?” Miranda muttered. She seemed upset for some reason.
“Oh, no, no, I don’t even know much about her, I just... I am not used to seeing so many famous people at once. That’s all.” Miranda looked at her after hearing the last part, as if she had found something amusing.
“That’s all?” she repeated playfully.
“Yes, that’s all.” Now it was Andy’s turn to feel amused. Why were they repeating Miranda’s catchphrase non-stop? Also, her stomach was feeling funny, maybe because of the attention she was receiving from the woman she had such a big crush on. Normally, she would be given orders at the office, or on the phone, she would do what she was told, and then would leave. But now, here she was, next to her at all times, meeting important people.
“Do you still feel guilty?” the older woman found herself asking out loud.
“What? About what?”
“Emily.”
“Would it make me a bad person if I said I feel bad for her because she wanted so badly to be here, but also, I am grateful that you took me instead so I get to experience all this st...” Andy stopped herself before saying the word ‘stuff’, “superb situation?” Andy, you’re such an idiot! She chastised herself.
“Superb situation.” she deadpanned.
“Amazing opportunity to be here?” she produced, trying not to cringe at herself.
The brunette saw the corners of Miranda’s mouth go up just a little, so she knew she was fine with that definition.
“It really is. Glad to see you’ve come to your senses and are not the girl who used to mock fashion anymore.”
“Oh, of course not! I apologize for my behavior during the first days at work, I...”
“It’s alright, we all make mistakes.” she looked at her with softness, “What’s important, Andrea, is to be capable of preventing any future mistakes before we actually make them.” she added, looking behind Andy’s back discreetly.
Andy looked around as if wanting to take in her surroundings, but was really trying to know what or who Miranda had been looking at. And there he was: Christian Thompson. It seemed like Miranda did not like him at all, and that was an understatement. He was standing there, holding his head up, looking at different cameras and giving them a megawatt smile. He kind of reminded Andy of a rooster, always having a cocky attitude, like he owned the place. He was holding some model’s waist like she was her most precious possession. Andy wished Miranda was doing the same with her though, she was not going to lie to herself.
“You can go say hi to your... friend, if you wish, Andrea. I am not holding you hostage.” the older woman puffed with a rude tone.
“Who, Christian? My friend? Oh, please, as if...” she snorted.
“No? Perhaps I should’ve used the term ‘boyfriend’ instead. It’s alright, I am not the Boss of your love life.”
“Not my boyfriend either, he is not my anything, Miranda. Frankly, I don’t know why you think so poorly of me, there is nothing I find attractive about him, so...” I literally declared my love for you last night and you think I’m drooling over that blondie boy? I mean, maybe Nigel was right, I was not very clear. I’m gonna need to think of something while we’re here.
“Oh. Good, letting oneself be distracted by fake Princes Charming does no good to any woman.” I hired a smart girl after all.
“Ciao, Miranda! Did we stop being friends and you’re avoiding me now?” a blonde woman asked approaching them.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Donatella, you know I think very high of you. I was just a bit busy introducing her,” she looked at Andrea, with that proud smile she had before, “to our friends.”
Our friends. It’s like they’re Royalty, Andy thought. She was being paraded around Kings and Queens. Although there was only a Queen here for her: Miranda, the Queen of Hearts, of hers, more specifically. Yikes, when did you get so corny?
“And who’s this signorina?” Donatella looked at her, checking her out, like Miranda had done at the hotel.
“This is Andrea, my assistant.”
“Nice to meet you.” Andy tried to keep her cool. How many more celebrities would she get to meet in such a short amount of time?
“How are you doing, amore?”
“Uhm... fine, I’m really enjoying myself here.” Amore? I wish Miranda called me that. That is, if she even speaks Italian.
Andy was breathless when she saw the both of them speaking in Italian quickly. Miranda was fluent in that language as well? Wow.
“Ci vediamo in giro.” Miranda gave two air kisses to her friend.
“Ciao, bella.” the designer left.
“Did you see a ghost or what?” the CEO asked.
“I’m sorry?”
“If you don’t close your mouth, you’ll catch a fly.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize I was... never mind.” Have I been staring at them open-mouthed all this time? “I just think it’s very cool you can speak Italian.”
“Well, I am also fluent in French, mind you. I’m very good at learning languages.” she stated, pleased with herself.
“That’s amazing!”
“Perhaps you’ll get to hear me speak in French later.” she added, and proceeded to walk towards Nigel, who apparently had been watching them, since he had finished talking with Heidi a few minutes ago.
The man then whispered to Andy’s ear, “Perhaps you'll get to practice French kissing with her later.” that made Andy blush, to her dismay.
“Nigel!” she muttered, feeling her face get very warm.
“Just what can you two possibly be chit-chatting about? This is not school’s recess, for God’s sake.” she rolled her eyes.
"You're right, we should be on our way to see Dolce & Gabbana's collection."
"Indeed. Let's go." Miranda said, leading the way.
--------------------------- ✮ ---------------------------
