An Unexpected Request

Chapter 31

"Okay, I give up," Miranda announced in a sharp voice, after an impatient grunt.

The woman took a deep breath, took off her glasses and placed them on the bedside table. Then she closed the magazine, which a few minutes ago she had grown tired of trying to read, and placed it beside her glasses. Miranda shifted a little on the bed, and looked down at Andrea, who was lying on her lap, snuggled with her, as if the older woman was her dearest teddy bear.

"Since your dramatic sighs won't let me read in peace, just say what you're pretending to hide, but are dying to tell me."

Andy played innocent.

Miranda huffed.

"I don't have the patience for nonsense at the moment, Andrea. I had a shitty day. It's getting late, I want to rest. Spit it out, now," she demanded in her most authoritative and obnoxious tone.

Andy shivered.

"Do you remember my friends, Liza and Sof-"

"How could I forget? You talk about them constantly," Miranda cut her off roughly, eyes narrowed.

Andy took a deep breath.

Emily had called earlier to report on the candidates, and had warned her about Miranda's foul mood.

This time, it had almost nothing to do with Irv. Although Miranda had dinner with him that night, because of the agreement they now shared, their relationship was more civilized. The dinner was just a publicity stunt.

The reason for the woman's irritation was mainly due to a ruined dress.

Miranda had carefully chosen the piece for a photo shoot in the morning. However, a costume assistant had the misfortune of letting the wonderful Valentino fall into a mud puddle, in Central Park, where the photos were to be taken.

Needless to say, the poor thing was disgracefully fired, and the atmosphere got terribly tense at Runway. Jocelyn almost followed the assistant's path by being 'remiss' in having someone so inadequate on her team. Had it not been for a quick and persuasive Nigel, Jocelyn would have returned from maternity leave only to be fired.

Perhaps it's better to talk about it another time...

"I'm still waiting, Andrea."

Andy sighed.

She did not want to turn that into a fight. So, she briefly told Miranda about Sophie's situation, and her friends moving to New York.

"Lily and Doug will help them, and I'd like to go, too. As the move is on Saturday, I thought...Well, I thought maybe you'd like to go with me..."

"Obviously..."

Andy frowned.

"What is obvious? My idea or do you want to go with me?"

Miranda looked at Andrea like she was stupid.

"That I'm going with you. I'm finally going to meet your famous friends, all four at once. How lucky, hmm?"

Andy's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

It was so...easy.

She pursed her lips thoughtfully. Then, understanding made her eyes narrow.

Andy stared intently at the older woman.

"Miranda, the majority of the world's population thinks you are a tyrannical bitch. Today you reminded me of that perfectly, I must confess...But no matter how crazy, I love you nonetheless. But if you're thinking of going, just to bite my friends' head..."