Office Bet

By Melanie Brown
Copyright © 2005

Part 2

BZZZZT!

I fumbled around for the alarm clock and managed to knock it off onto the floor.  I fished around for it on the floor, becoming increasingly annoyed that I couldn’t just hit the snooze button.  Finally I grabbed the clock and set it back up on my bed-side table.  Bleary-eyed, I looked at the numbers glowing on the face. Five freakin’ thirty.An hour before I normally get up.  I groaned as I slid my legs over the side of the bed and sat there a moment, trying to wake up.  A deep sense of dread washed over me as I remembered why I had set the alarm early.  I was going to have to go to work dressed as a woman!

I was so cock-sure Sunday as I literally pranced around the apartment in high heels and dresses feeling that spending the day like that would be a breeze. But that had been in private.  Now I had to face the very public world outside.  Why did I ever make that stupid bet?

I had shaved my legs and arm pits, did my nails and even plucked my eyebrows the night before.  I ran my hand down my smooth legs.  It felt so weird to not feel any hairs on my legs.  I looked at my hand with the pearl pink nail polish and winced.

I dragged myself to the shower after grabbing my new bottle of apple-scented body wash I was going to use instead of soap.  As I showered, I went over and over in my head all the tips and tricks I’d learned from Thelma.  I really didn’t want to look like just some geek in a dress.

After the shower, I found the gaffe and wondered if I really wanted to use it or not.  I decided I’d better.  Going to the restroom was definitely not going to be much fun.  Not that it’s much fun to begin with.

I pulled on a pair of powder blue panties and matching bra, then sat on the end of my bed and started rolling up one leg of pantyhose.  As I slid the pantyhose up one leg, I shook my head at the memory of those movies where they show a guy fumbling around trying to put on pantyhose and winding up ripping it to shreds.  I took a few steps, marveling at how good it felt to walk on carpet in pantyhose.  I slipped the breast forms I’d bought from Thelma inside my bra. 

I walked back into the bathroom and spread my array of cosmetics across the counter top.  I studied them for a moment then remembered I needed to shave first.  So I finished all my usual bathroom duties first.  I almost used my regular deodorant, until I remembered the stick of Secret.

I studied the cosmetics cluttering up the bathroom counter.  So much stuff…  I braced myself and began to apply the foundation.  I looked at my watch as I went along, thinking it was taking too long.  I was hoping this will become more routine as the days go by. 

I botched my eye make-up and had to start over. I poked myself in the eye with the mascara brush.  Jeesh!  How can women put up with this crap every single day?!  Did I just lose the bet before I even got to work?   I reminded myself that this will all become second nature in a few days.  I hope.

I chose to wear my navy skirt and jacket with the light blue blouse with navy pumps. I stood in front of the mirror and I was dumbfounded by what I saw.  While not exactly gorgeous, I saw an attractive young woman staring back at me.  My God, is that really me, I thought.  I turned this way and that, striking various poses in front of the mirror.

I glanced down at the inexpensive woman’s watch I was wearing.  I needed to be going or I was going to be late for work.  I grabbed my purse and dumped my wallet into it, along with a lipstick and various other items.  Then I headed out the door.

As I was locking my door, Jerry, the guy who lived in the apartment next to me was just coming out.  He looked at me quizzically and said, “Well, hello!  I don’t remember seeing you around here before.”  He was grinning a rather stupid grin.

As I dropped my keys into the purse, I said, trying to sound as feminine as I could without going falsetto, “Hi.  I’m just watching Harry’s apartment while he’s out of town.”

Jerry just smiled as he stared at me and said, “Nothing against Harry, but I kinda hope he has to stay out of town for a while!”

I smiled weakly and tried to avoid eye-contact as I said, “Well, I’m sure he’ll be back soon.  I’m late for work.”

As I turned away to head for my car, Jerry called out, “Wait!  I didn’t catch your name!”

Without stopping, I turned and said, “That’s because I didn’t give it to you.”  I hurried on my way.

I walked down the sidewalk and around the corner.  I didn’t want Jerry following me to my car.  It occurred to me that I’ll have to say that ‘Harry’ loaned me ‘his’ car along with his apartment should anyone ask.  I wondered how plausible that was.  Would I buy it?  I don’t know.  But, at least Jerry didn’t say, “Hey, Harry, what’s with the get-up?” or something that showed that he recognized me.  That was good.

I went back to my car and started to get in, and was caught by my tight skirt.  I have to remember to sit first, then bring in my legs.  I put my foot on the accelerator pedal  and rocked my foot back and forth.  It felt weird to pump the gas wearing high heels, even though they were only 2 inches tall.  Note to self…put my tennis in the car for driving.  I started the car, took a deep breath and pulled out onto Spring Creek Parkway.

*   *   *

After finding my spot in the parking garage, I got out of my car, slung my purse strap over my shoulder and started walking toward the elevator.  I was mortified to hear the rather loud clicking noise of my shoes on the concrete as I walked.  Whenever you hear that shoe clicking sound, you know it’s almost always a woman, but this time it was me.  I’m sure it sounded louder to me than it really was.  Still, I hoped I’d soon not even notice it.

As I walked to the elevator, I concentrated on the feminine way of walking that Thelma had shown me.  I hoped I was doing it right.  The tight skirt made sure I took short steps.  I was late, and there wasn’t anyone else at the elevator.  As I rode down to ground level, I could feel a trickle of sweat roll down my back.

Walking through the first floor lobby, I passed the snack area.  Several guys seated at one of the tables turned to look at me as I went by.  I tensed as I expected at any moment a roar of laughter and fingers pointing.  Instead, I heard one of them comment about how good the ‘scenery’ was here.  I relaxed a little as my confidence shot up.  I know that the only magazine cover I’m likely to grace would be Mad Magazine, I still felt extremely gratified that a bunch of guys not only took me for a woman, but an attractive one as well.

As I waited for the elevator to arrive, the confidence I felt began to dissolve into embarrassment as I noticed that same group of guys continued to cast glances my way.  I don’t think I was ever more glad to hear the chime of the elevator arriving.  I hurried inside and pressed the button for the twelfth floor.

The elevator doors slid open.  I just stood there, suddenly frozen in fear.  My early confidence had completely evaporated.  The door started to close.  Frantically, I punched the button to open the door, started to leave the elevator, then stopped again.  I took a deep breath and clutched my purse strap so hard I started to dig my polished nails into my palm.  I took another deep breath and stepped out of the elevator.

I looked around and the only person visible was Jennifer, sitting behind the receptionist desk, both behind the glass wall.  She didn’t look up as I opened the big glass door and walked through.  Nervous, all I could think of was trying to make it to my cubical.

Jennifer looked up and said, “Miss?  Can I help you?”  I stopped dead in my tracks.

Wow, she doesn’t recognize me, I thought as I turned around to walk back to her.  “You don’t know who I am?” I asked somewhat lamely, trying to sound feminine.

Jennifer wrinkled her brow as she studied me a moment then said, “No. Should I?”

Smiling nervously, I said in a normal voice, “It’s me.  Harry.”

Her jaw dropped and her eyes went wide as she stood up and looked at me as if I was from another planet.  “No way!  My God, Harry, is that really you?”

I laughed uncomfortably and said, “Yep, it’s me!  What do you think?”

Jennifer put a hand on her forehead as she laughed, “Oh my God!  I don’t believe it!”  She stepped out from behind her reception counter and said, “Turn around, let me get a look at you.”  I did as she asked and she said, “All I can say is ‘wow’, Harry.  Or I guess I should say Heather ‘cause you don’t look nothin’ like a Harry!”

“So you think I look ok?” I asked?  I felt a trickle of sweat run down my inner leg. 

Jennifer laughed.  “Har…Heather, every guy stopped here and asked if you had arrived yet.  They can’t wait to laugh at you.  I really don’t think they’re going to laugh now.”

I grimaced and said, “Well, I guess I’d better go face the music.  I sure hope you’re right.” 

She smiled and said, “You look great!  You really do. I mean, I can’t believe you make such a pretty girl!”

“Thanks.” I said as I started to turn to head toward the office area.

Jennifer called out, “Hey, knock ‘em dead, Harry…ah, Heather.”

The office area was deserted when I entered. The only person I could see was Ann, Ms Roger’s assistant, sorting out some papers on her desk. 

I walked up to her desk and she stopped and looked up at me and pleasantly asked, “May I help you?”  It was the first time she’d ever said anything to me in a pleasant tone.

I hated trying to talk, but I tried my best to sound feminine without going too high.  “Is Ms. Rogers here?”  If there was anything odd about my voice, she either didn’t notice or was being too polite to say anything.

Ann shook her head and said, “No, she was called into a meeting this morning.  I don’t know how long she’ll be, but you’re welcome to wait.  There’s coffee around the corner.”

I just stood there, savoring the moment.  Ann was actually being civil to me.  Finally I said, “Ann.  It’s me, Harry.”

For one brief moment, surprise crossed Ann’s face.  Then she shrugged, then looked back down at her desk and started rifling through the papers laying there.  “I knew that.  I was wondering how much longer you were going to try to fool me.”  She looked back up at me and said, “I am impressed though.  I’ll admit that you did a half-way decent job.  But this is just the first day, sweetie.  You have a whole month to go!”

“I’ll take what you said as a compliment.” I said without humor.  “And, you’re not a very good liar.”  I spun around and headed for my cubical before she could say anything else.

I was in the aisle of the cube farm, almost to my cubical when Chuck popped out of his, head down and almost ran into me.  He looked up and said, “Oh!  Excuse me!  Are you trying to find someone?”

I just smiled and said, “Yes.  Harry”

“Sure.  Harry’s little office is right down here.”  He turned and led the way.  I just couldn’t believe it.  He didn’t recognize me.  “Here’s his cube.  He isn’t here yet.”  He paused and looked thoughtful for a moment, then said with a laugh, “Actually, you might want to go back to the front and leave a message with Ann for Harry to reschedule your meeting.  I really don’t think he’ll want visitors today!”  He chuckled again.

In my normal voice, looking at him square in the eyes, I said, “And now why would that be, Chuck?”

Chuck just stood there a moment, with a puzzled expression.  Then his eyes went wide and his mouth fell open.  “Ha…Harry?  Is that you?  My God Harry, you actually went through with it!  Holy shit, look at you!”  Chuck leaned over the top of the cubical wall and shouted, “Hey guys!  Harry’s here!  You’re not gonna believe this!”  Grinning, he stepped back from the wall, shaking his head while looking at me, he said, “Holy shit.”

Reminding me of prairie dogs sticking their heads out of their holes, heads with puzzled looks started bobbing up from the cubical walls.  Finally they started finding their way over to my office.

Lew just looked over the wall and let out a low whistle.  “Shit, Harry.  I can’t believe it.  Did you get a sex change over the weekend?”

Candace exclaimed, “Harry!  Wow!  You look good!  It’s amazing.  Most of us thought you were going to look like a dork.  At first look, nobody is going to think you’re a guy!”

Carl said, “I guess I was wrong, Harry.  You do have the legs for it.”

Candace said, “Heather.  We all need to start calling him Heather. And listen everyone.  This has to be our secret.  Let’s don’t go around telling everyone in the building about this.”

Carl laughed as he said, “But seriously, you seem just like a real woman. Did it hurt when they bored a hole in your head and sucked out half your brains?”

Everyone was either in my office or hanging over the wall, staring at me, and smiling.  No one was calling me names, or saying I looked stupid, faggy, or whatever.  I’ll have to call Thelma and let her know about my success.  I wouldn’t be getting smiles and compliments if it hadn’t been for her.

Joyce arrived with Ann and said, “Harry!  My God, I can’t…”

“Heather!” Candace interrupted.  “Call him Heather.  He doesn’t look like a Harry anymore!”

Joyce, looking annoyed at being interrupted continued, “…Heather.  I can’t believe how good you look.”

One of the other guys popped his head over the cubical wall and exclaimed, “God damn, Harry!  You look better’n half the women here!  Doin’ anything next Saturday?”  Then he and the other guys laughed.  None of the women laughed, though.

Ann said flatly, “Well, make-up helps a lot.”

Candace said, “Heather, honestly though, I really like your outfit.  It really looks good on you.  Your make-up is perfect.  And your wig doesn’t look like a wig at all.  I think we were all ready to make fun of you this morning, but you look great, girl!”

There were agreeing nods all around.  Carl exclaimed, “Hey, it takes a real man to show up at work dressed like that!  Think you can do that for thirty days, though?”

Before I could answer, Ms. Rogers arrived.  “Is this a private party, or can I join?”  She took a look at me and said, “Harry, wow.  You make quite a convincing woman.  Which is a good thing.  I need to talk to you for a moment.  Ok everyone.  The show’s over.  We have too much to do to just stand around admiring Harry.”

As she left my cubical, Candace said to Ms. Rogers, “Heather.  His name is Heather.”

Ms. Rogers sat down in one of my visitor chairs and crossed her legs.  I sat down behind my desk and crossed mine as well.  One of the things Thelma had hammered into me was to always sit with my legs crossed or my kneed together.  Ms. Rogers looked irritated about something.

“Ha…Heather, something’s come up this morning.  I hate to send you off to a meeting by yourself this morning, especially your first day as a woman, but it can’t be helped.” Ms. Rogers said very matter-of-factly.  “The IOTEK project is being moved up.  There’s a meeting in thirty minutes to go over the specs for the web application we’re designing for them.  The client will be on site tomorrow to approve designs and meet the design team.  Since you’re the lead programmer, you need to be there.”

“Now?”I said, dismayed.  “We weren’t supposed to start on that until next month.  I haven’t been able to get with Murphy on his designs.  They suck.  He’s never designed a web app before.  And I’m in a dress.”

Ms. Rogers smiled.  “You knew the job was dangerous when you took it.  Sorry Heather, but you have to be there.  Be sure to let Mr. Keys and Murphy know your opinion. I happen to agree with you about Murphy’ design, but he’s been with the company for several years and Mr. Keys trusts him. This is a major client we have to make happy.”

“But I’m in a dress!” I bleated.  “I can’t meet with the CIO and the analysts dressed like this!  I can’t…”

Ms. Rogers suddenly looked stern as she said, “You will go to the meeting.  I told you this little bet can’t interfere with the operations of my department.  I’ll tell Mr. Keys to expect a woman named Heather Stephens to be at the meeting.  I really don’t like this any more than you do.  My reputation is as much on the line as yours and this is just bad timing.”

I slumped back in my seat and let out a sigh.  I noticed that my knees weren’t together and brought myself to a straighter sitting position.  “You’re coming with me, right Ms. Rogers?”

Ms. Rogers stood up and said, “No.  I told you, you’re going by yourself.  I have a meeting in a few minutes with the CFO.  I don’t like sending a woman alone to that Good Ol’ Boys club.  I’ll tell you right now, as a woman, you’re going to have a little tougher time than you would have.  I have to go.  Good luck!”

I sat there a moment, not sure what to do.  The meeting was in twenty minutes.  I needed to gather up what notes I had.  I had been working on a pitch for my own design.  I wasn’t finished with it.  I shuffled the notes on my desk then stuffed them into my notebook.  I wished that I had never opened my stupid mouth to make such a stupid comment that got me into this stupid bet so I wouldn’t be going to a stupid meeting in a stupid dress!

I picked my purse up from the floor and set it on my desk and opened it.  I pulled out my compact and did a quick check of my make-up.  My lipstick was showing a little wear, so I took the lipstick out, and looking in the compact’s mirror, started to re-apply it.  As I pressed the creamy stick to my lips, I saw something out the corner of my eye.  I glanced over and saw Carl standing in the aisle outside the entrance to my cubical.  He looked at me funny and shook his head and walked away.

I dumped the lipstick and compact back into my purse and hefted the strap to my shoulder.  I picked up my notebook, pushed the drawer back into my desk.  I stood up and started t walk around the desk to leave the cubical.  Something caught my leg and pulled on my pantyhose.  I looked down.

“Ah, crap, man!  I don’t believe this!” I cried in frustration.

Candace came around the corner and said, “What’s wrong, Heather?”

I pointed at my leg and said, “Look!  My pantyhose is torn!  I haven’t worn them a whole hour!”

Candace let out a giggle.  “Welcome to the club!”

I waved my arms and said, “I have a meeting in fifteen minutes!  What do I do?”

Joyce popped her head over the wall and said, “Here, girl.  I always keep several spares in my desk.  I think we’re close to the same size.”  In her hand she waved a pantyhose package.  “I suggest you do the same.”

I took the package and said, “Wow!  Thanks a bunch!”

Joyce just smiled and said, “Us girls have to stick together!”

I walked quickly to the restroom to change my pantyhose.   

*   *   *

I was feeling really nervous as I stepped out of the elevator.  Both men and women seemed to be accepting me as a woman.  No one was pointing at me and laughing.  This should have given me more confidence.  But walking to a high-level meeting wearing a dress was really making me very nervous.

I stood outside the door to the meeting room for a few moments, took a deep breath and took a step closer to the door when some guy brushed past me, muttering “Excuse me”, opened the door and disappeared inside.  How rude!  I tugged at the door and entered the meeting room.

I took a quick glance around the room.  I was the only “woman” at the meeting.  That was strange since about a third of the folks in our department are women.  There were five guys already sitting down.  I recognized Mr. Keys, the CIO and Ralph Murphy, the senior analyst.  The other three I didn’t know, but had seen their faces around. 

I guess I stood there too long.  Mr. Keys looked up and said, “Can I help you miss?”

Softly I answered, “I’m here for the IOTEK meeting.”

Mr. Keys raised his eyebrows and said, “Ah, so you must be Heather Stephens.  You’re the lead programmer?”  His tone suggested disbelief.

As I took a seat at the table opposite Murphy, I said simply, “Yes.”

Mr. Keys said, “Well, since everyone is finally here, let’s get started.”

One of the guys I didn’t know turned on the projector attached to the laptop on the table and the image of the first Power Point slide faded into view. 

As I sat down and started to open my notebook, Mr. Keys said, “Anyone here need some coffee before we get started?”  There were nods around the table.  “Heather, would you be a good girl and run out and bring us some coffee?  There’s a pot right next to my assistant’s office.” 

Looking at him in disbelief, I said, “Excuse me, sir?”

Frowning, Mr. Keys said, “You know…coffee?”  He then gestured with his fingers to imitate someone walking.

“Since I’m the lead programmer, shouldn’t I see the design overview?”  I asked.

Mr. Keys waved his hand in a blow-off gesture and said, quite seriously, “Don’t worry your pretty little head over that.  I’ll have Murphy email you the file.”  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.  In these days and times, how could he be getting away with such an attitude?

Everyone was looking at me and I could feel my face turning red.  My importance to the project was being dismissed and it was obvious why.  I was the only one in the room wearing a skirt.  I didn’t know what to do.  He couldn’t fire me for not getting coffee, but openly defying the boss would give me a huge black mark.  I felt this was less about coffee and more about Mr. Keys letting me know what he thought of me.  If I got the coffee, not only would I miss the review, but my role in the project would be diminished as well.

I reached down to my purse, opened it and casually pulled out my cell phone.  To the puzzled expression of Mr. Keys, I quickly punched the keys for the company switchboard.  With everyone staring at me I said softly, “Mr. Keys assistant please.”  After a pause, I said, “Hi.  This is Heather Stephens.  Mr. Keys would like coffee brought to his meeting in Room 1109.  Yes, thank you.” 

I disconnected and looked up, smiling as sweetly as I could at Mr. Keys.  “The coffee should be here in just a minute or so.”

Mr. Keys just looked at me for a moment with a blank stare.  Then turning away from me, he said, “Good.  Thank you.  Mr. Murphy, please continue with your presentation.”

Murphy droned on for several minutes on each slide about the project background and a high-level overview of the design.  I cringed when he brought up the sixth slide.  I coughed, raised my hand slightly and asked, “Can I make a comment?”

Mr. Keys turned to me and said, “You surely can Ms. Stephens.”

Pointing at the screen in general, I said, “That design won’t work.  The flow is all wrong for a web app.  It’s ok for a stand-alone app, but I don’t think you can make a web page work that way.”

Murphy frowned and said, “I don’t know what you mean.  This project is very similar to the one for Southwest Community Bank.  We won an award for that application”

Allowing some frustration to creep into my voice, I said, “That wasn’t a web app!  I’ve designed dozens of web apps.  You haven’t designed any!”

Before Murphy could respond, Mr. Keys said, “Ms. Stephens, Murphy here has been with this company over three years…almost from the start!  You’ve been here less than three months from what Ms. Rogers tells me and this is the first time I’ve even seen you.  Murphy is the senior design analyst for a reason.  I have full confidence in Mr. Murphy’s abilities.”

In other words, sit down and shut up.  I could probably add, “You stupid girl” to what he meant as well.  The rest of the meeting consisted of Murphy droning on in detail about his rushed, poorly conceived design.  I tried making a few comments, but was ignored or brushed off.  I sat there fuming.  I didn’t know if I was getting this treatment because I was young and new to the company or just because I happened to be a woman that day.   Probably all three.  Ms. Rogers did warn me about the Good Ol’ Boys club.

After Murphy had finished, Mr. Keys said, “All right!  Good work, people.  I think the client is really going to be impressed.  Their representative will be here tomorrow to hear this same presentation.”  Turning to me, Mr. Keys added, “Ms. Stephens, even though the client hasn’t approved the final specs yet, I’m confident they will.  I want you and your team to get started today.”

“Today? What if the client doesn’t like the design?”  I asked. 

Mr. Keys laughed and said, “Not likely.  Clients always like what we present to them.  I think this meeting is over and we have a lot of work to do.”  Everyone started to get up and gather their stuff.

I just sat there for a moment, staring at the wall and thinking.  Thinking about stuff like how in the world was I going to make such a disaster work and things like how my feet were killing me and how my bra straps were chaffing and how the top of my pantyhose had rolled down.

From the doorway, Mr. Keys interrupted my reverie saying, “Ms. Stephens, I don’t pay people to sit around.  Turn out the lights when you leave please.” And he was gone.

As I walked out of the meeting room, I saw that Murphy was right outside the door.  As I walked past him, he called out, “Oh, Heather!  Excuse me.”

I stopped and turned around.  Murphy stepped up to me.  “Hey, I just wanted to say no hard feelings.  I know Mr. Keys can be a little gruff at times.  And I’m sure you’ll have good ideas for future projects.  I was wondering though if you wanted to get together later, say for dinner, and go over some details of the project for our meeting tomorrow.”

I just stood there and stared at him a moment.  I couldn’t believe the nerve of this guy, asking me out on a date after the way I was treated.  I don’t think a real woman would want to be near this guy.  I just smiled and said, “No thanks.  I have to wash my hair tonight.”  I turned away and walked toward the elevator.

*   *   *

I sat back down at my desk.  I was shaking, nervous as hell.  What am I doing?  I should just take the hit and quit now, before lunch.  I was extremely self-conscious about being dressed as a woman.  What if word got out?  How would Mr. Keys react to that?  How would Murphy who just asked me out on a date react?  And because I was nervous, I didn’t assert myself in an important meeting to get my point across.

Ms. Rogers poked her head through the door way and said, “Oh, good.  You’re back.”  She took a seat and said, “How did your meeting go, Heather?”

I winced slightly.  I was already tired of being called ‘Heather’ and being stared at and treated differently.  It was thinking like that that was going to make me lose the bet.  To Ms. Rogers I said, “Well, Murphy asked me out on a date.  And that was the high point.”

Ms. Rogers smiled.  “If it’s any consolation, I think he’s asked us all out at one point.  Even Ann.”  She adjusted her seating position and continued, “Other than that, how did it go?”

I told her about the coffee and how they wouldn’t listen to me when I tried to point out problems in the design and the overall way I was made to feel inferior.  And how we’re meeting with the client Tuesday with a poorly laid out game plan.

Ms. Rogers shook her head.  “I thought that might be the case.  To be honest, I’m not so sure it would have been different if Harry had gone to the meeting.  To Keys, Murphy hung the moon.  And to give Murphy credit, he is an excellent design analyst.  I can go to H.R. about this if you want.  Not sure how much good it will do.”

At first I was going to tell her not to bother, but instead said, “You might mention to them that if they don’t encourage him to be more careful about what he says, that he could become a huge liability to the company.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” Ms. Rogers said as she started to stand.  “I was hoping the meeting would have gone better, but I still think you did an excellent job under the circumstances.  There’ll be other projects and clients.  You’ll get used to being a woman soon and then you won’t have that distracting you.”  Then she left.

Lew’s head bobbed over one wall of my cubical, seconds before Candace’s head bobbed over another wall.  Lew said, “Some of the guys are going to Genghis Grill for lunch.  You wanna come with us?”

Before I could answer, Candace whined, “Hey, no fair!  I was going to ask her if she wanted to go with us!”

I grabbed my purse as I stood up.  Looking at Lew I said, “I appreciate the offer, Lew.  Maybe tomorrow, ok?  I think I’ll go with the girls today.”  This certainly was a nice change!  Instead of being left on my own, I was being fought over.  Ok, not quite, but still, it was a nice change.

Walking through the parking lot with a group of women towards Joyce’s car, a cacophony of heels clicking, I began to feel more relaxed.  I wasn’t the only one in a skirt and heels and from the way they were talking to me, they made me feel I was one of them.

As I stepped into the back seat of Joyce’s car, I began to feel that I was going to be able to pull this off after all.  After such a rocky start, I felt the rest of the day was going to be smooth sailing.  As I sat down and slid my other leg in through the doorway, my hose caught on something small, but sharp on the seat and I saw the little rip run down my leg.

*   *   *

End of Part 2

 

since 03/27/05