Assisting Mr & Mrs Miranda

Chapter 19.

"The whole month? Are you sure?" I asked Vanessa. She nodded as she fed Frankie. 

"Look, we're finally settled in at the rental. We have family flying in to stay a bit and see the boys. Lin is the one who will need the most assistance since he has to leave more than we do."

"But...he has an onset assistant." Vanessa raised a brow at me and I shrunk back.

"I've already talked to him about it. The decision is made." I nodded. "Don't get so hung up on it. We are leaving three weeks earlier than Lin. So, if it's the boys you're going to miss, don't sweat it. If it's me you're whining for, don't. It's not cute to be clingy." Her words pierced my heart like an icicle.

"I'm sorry." Vanessa picked up my face and stroked my cheek gingerly. My entire body lit up at her touch. I felt myself blush. I don't think I'll ever get use to how quickly her channels flip. One moment, it's all business. Next, she's strawberries and cream.

"It's okay." She said softly then kissed my cheek. I returned to my room to work on some spreadsheets. Working with Lin was easier now. The strange magnetic pull we used to have whenever we were close to each other or alone had weakened significantly. I wasn't sure if it was because of the respectful distance Lin kept from me or how much private time that I had spent with Vanessa. Either way, we treated each other with civility. The long trip was coming to a close which made me excited and confused. Pretty soon, we get to go back to our regular schedules and I won't be on Miranda o'clock all the time. Pretty soon, I'll see Brian and I'll have to further deal with the fact that I cheated on him almost the entire time I was away... Brian. How could I cheat on you and still want you? Am I a glutton? I scoffed at myself. Brian was everything I wanted at one point. Of course, so was my job at the studio. All I wanted was to serve DP coffee and watch the actors and staff work their magic. I wanted to gain all the experience. Now, I'm with the Mirandas. I get experience all across the board. I sighed. Things change... People change... Did my feelings change? I let out a long stream of air from my mouth. I guess we'll find out.

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"Sooooooooooooooo?" Alya drew out. I was video chatting with her after I had put the boys down to sleep. Lin and Vanessa had gone away for the weekend. It was their anniversary. They rented a car to drive into a secluded area to spend some much needed uninterrupted time with each other. I tossed some popcorn into my mouth. I felt a little jealous. Vanessa and I had spent less time together overall. It had been two weeks since we had had one of our own little excursions. Y/N, they're married. How are you jealous of a married couple? Stop being so clingy. Alya coughed loudly and dramatically.

"Hm?" I said snapping out of my thoughts.

"Ugh, Brian is right. You aren't all there."

"You spoke to Brian?"

"Yeah, ever since his little panic attack when you didn't call him back, we've started to keep in touch." I felt a pang of jealousy and relief. I'm not jealous! He has a right to speak to whoever he wants. It's not like I own him... Besides, if he cheated on me while I was gone...well, I deserve it.

"Oh." 

"It's nothing really." Alya said quickly.

"I didn't say it was..."

"We don't talk about you in a bad way."She stumbled over her words.

"Okay...that's fine."

"Okay, fine. You got me. He's planning on surprising you when you get back." 

"What?"

"Yes, but I literally can't say anything else. Please, don't force me!"

"I wasn't... I mean, oh okay." I pretended to be mildly disappointed. Alya wiped her forehead.

"Anyway, back to my original inquiry..." She looked at me expectantly.

"You never said anything!"

"Have you and Brian...you know." She winked. I stared at her. 

"I know what?"

"Has he tossed your salad? Have you two canoodled? Has he known you in the biblical sense?" I wanted to bury my head in sand.

"Shh!" I looked around even though it was just me with the boys. "Someone could hear you!"

"I'm assuming no because I wouldn't have to ask if you did."

"Well, I've been over here longer than I've been in the relationship."

"Puh-lease. You invited him over to your apartment that one night and he spent like a week at your place with you before you left. You're telling me there was no canoodling? No tossing?"

"No, there was neither of that. Could we please not have this conversation right now?" 

"Have you talked to him about it?"

"No... I don't want to talk about it while I'm so far away either. I will do it when I get back." Alya shook her head.

"Girl, if I was you..." Suddenly, the front door made a sound like it was being grabbed aggressively. I heard muffled voices on the other side.

"Hey," I cut off Alya, "It sounds like my bosses are back early. I gotta go."

"This convo is so far from over." Alya pointed at me then waved goodbye before ending the call. The door opened and Vanessa stormed in ahead of Lin. I smiled politely at both of them. 

"The boys are both asleep." I whispered. Lin nodded at me then followed Vanessa. I heard their door slam and the couple began arguing. Against my better judgment, I moved closer in an effort to make out what was being said.

"I don't understand why you're getting so upset." Lin said.

"Because I am being accused." Vanessa loudly whispered back.

"Look, I just said it's probably a good idea to give her some space. You seem to always be in her personal bubble. I don't want her to get the wrong idea and quit. Sebastian may not have seen you kiss her cheek, but he just registered it that way because you're always so close to her!"

"So what if I'm close to her? You don't see me complaining about how close you two were!"

"Vanessa."

"What? How many times have you tasted our assistant, hmm?"

"Vanessa, I understand that kissing her was out of bounds, but,"

"No, you don't get to say anymore."

"V, this is ridiculous."

"I'm not talking about this anymore." Their voices moved further into their room. I blinked and realized I was crying. I dashed to my room to wipe my eyes. I don't know what happened, but they're fighting about me... Does Lin know? I squeezed my eyes shut. A knock on my door and the sound of creaking caused me to jump up. Lin smiled from the doorway. My heart pounded against my ribcage.

"Can I ask you a few questions?" Lin asked. He knows... I nodded and Lin shut the door behind him.