Office Bet
By Melanie Brown
Copyright © 2005
Part 3
I was a little disappointed when Joyce pulled her car
into the Stonebriar mall. I was hoping we’d be going out to lunch to someplace
a little fancier. This is where some of the guys and I would come for lunch
just to ogle the high school girls.
As we climbed out of Joyce’s car, I asked, “What made
you pick this mall for lunch?”
Joyce shrugged and said, “As good a place as any. Besides,
I wanted to look for a few things. And, did you get anything casual for like
after work and weekends?”
As we walked through the parking lot, I said, “No.
Why should I? This dressing up stuff is just for work.”
Candace laughed and said, “You can’t be serious!
Won’t it look funny for you to come and go at your apartment as a woman and
then go back to being a guy the rest of the time?”
Denise, another woman from the office, added, “Didn’t
you tell us on the ride over that you had an encounter with your neighbor this
morning and you gave him a cover story?”
Joyce said, “Yeah, Heather. How are you going to
square that with your neighbor? He thinks you’re gone for the month. You
can’t show up on weekends and after work as a guy.”
“Damn!” I said. “I hadn’t thought of that. I was
looking forward to getting out of my bra when I got home.”
Candace laughed. “We all do! So girl, it looks like
you need to do some shopping. We’ll help.”
After entering the mall, instead of one of the
restaurants, we headed for the food court. There were already a billion people
in line. Okay, not quite that many, but there was a lot. Everyone went to a
different line.
About fifteen minutes later, we were all gathered at
one table.
“We’re not going to have time to shop before we have
to go back,” I said, feigning disappointment.
Joyce waved her hand and said, “Ah, who cares? Ms.
Rogers doesn’t mind since we all have to put in so much overtime anyway.”
Candace said, “Don’t worry. We’ll make sure you leave
here with some casual and evening wear. I’d recommend you buy some pantyhose to
keep in your desk while you’re here too.”
I looked up from my lunch and studied Candace for a
moment. “Did you say ‘evening wear’? I don’t think I need that. It’s not
like I’m going to go out on dates or anything.”
Joyce said, “Well, you’re going to need a nice dress
for the Awards Dinner coming up in two weeks. We all thought you might want to
join us girls for a few nights out. We always dress up for those. Every girl
needs a ‘little black dress’.”
“Y’all’d invite me along on your nights out?” That
surprised me. Not all the women in the office were on the ‘evening out club’
list.
Joyce smiled and said, “Sure. You need a full
appreciation of everything women have to go through…even a so-called casual
night out.”
I frowned and asked, “Don’t you think that’s expanding
the scope of the bet a little too far?”
“No.”
* * *
I walked into the same clothing store I’d bought my
new wardrobe just a few days ago. I went straight to the pantyhose display and
picked several packages. I stood there a moment trying to decide where I
needed to go next. The women from the office went with Joyce and said they’d
be back in a minute to help me with my selections.
From behind me, a female voice said, “May I help you?”
I turned and it was the same salesgirl from Friday. I
smiled and said, “I’m just looking for something casual and also maybe an
evening dress?”
She took a couple of steps to a row of racks, smiled
and said, “This is our casual wear.” She pointed across the store and said,
“Over there is our formal wear. If you need any assistance with selections,
please let me or one of our sales associates know.”
I smiled back and said, “Thank you.” Before she had a
chance to walk away, I asked, “Do you remember me?”
Looking puzzled, she shook her head and said, “No. I
guess I don’t.”
I grinned, “I was here Friday and you helped me pick
out this very outfit. Remember? I’m the guy with the bet?”
Recognition finally struck and said with surprise, “My
goodness sir! Until you said something, I probably never would have recognized
you. Did you take my advice?”
“Yes, I saw Thelma Saturday. She was extremely
helpful in showing me how to wear make-up and how to carry myself as a woman.
I fooled everyone at work today.”
“Well, congratulations, sir. I’m glad it’s going so
well for you. Being a woman seems to suite you.”
Gee, thanks, I thought. “Maybe you can help me find
some things I might need for after work and weekends?”
“Of course! Let’s see…you’ll need some tops, but ones
that hide the fact that you don’t have any breasts, some jeans and shorts and
since you’re young, some mini skirts might be good. Let’s start over here.”
She led me to some other racks.
* * *
As I plopped down the pile of clothes at the checkout
counter, Joyce and the rest of the crew finally arrived. I looked at the
clothes and decided that I’m going to need another job to help pay for all these
clothes. Next month, I was going to have one big garage sale.
“Hey girl! Sorry we’re late getting here,” said
Joyce.
Candace thumbed through the pile of clothes and said,
“Hey, you don’t have any evening dresses in here.”
I groaned at the thought of spending more money on
women’s clothes. “I forgot about that. You said ‘dresses’. I only need one,
right?”
“Oh, no no no,” clucked Candace. “You’ll need a
couple different ones for when you go out to the dance clubs with us and then
you’ll need a formal gown for the awards dinner.”
I frowned and said, “Gown? It’s not that formal. I
mean, the guys aren’t wearing tuxes or anything.”
Candace said, “Well, I’m not talking about a prom
dress. But you’ll want to look nice and we always dress up for the dinner.”
Joyce said, “We need to be going in a minute. Let’s
help him pick out a couple of nice dresses for going out and we’ll come back
later to pick out a formal.”
* * *
I was checking my make-up in my compact mirror at my
desk when I heard Chuck say, “Geez, man! You haven’t been a woman a full day
and you’re already spending all your time looking in the mirror!”
Deciding I didn’t need to do anything at the moment, I
closed the compact before answering. “Nature of the beast, Chuck. This damned
stuff rubs off during the day and you have to touch it up, otherwise, we’d wind
up looking like you?”
Chuck grinned, “Oh, so you’re already saying ‘we’.
That’s very interesting.”
“Don’t you have some work you need to pretend you’re
doing?” I asked.
Chuck started to leave, and then stopped. “Just one
more question…when do you go on the rag?” He then laughed heartily.
* * *
I was so glad to walk through the door of my
apartment. I kicked off my heels and padded across the carpet in my stocking
feet. It surprised me at how nice that felt. I plopped down on the couch and
turned on the television and tuned to a news channel.
After a few minutes of sitting idly watching the news,
I decided I was really tired of being dressed as a woman. I got up and went to
my bedroom and stripped down to my underwear. Then I went to the bathroom and
washed my face.
I looked down at my polished finger nails. Screw it.
I didn't feel like doing my nails again tonight and since I wasn't going
anywhere, it didn't matter. I put on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and went
back to the television.
It didn't take long for it to sink in I was getting
hungry. I got up and took a look in the fridge. There was a half-empty bottle
of soda and a jar of mustard in it. That meant either going to the grocery
store or to a fast food place.
I looked out the window and there was my neighbor,
working on his car. I couldn't let him see me since I was supposed to be out
of town. I could always call out for pizza. I looked down at my hands again.
Even the pizza guy would notice I was wearing nail polish.
I looked at my bags of casual clothes. Okay, simple
solution. Put the bra and wig back on, put on some of the casual clothes,
don't bother with make-up and order pizza. I'll go to the grocery store
tomorrow.
* * *
Things went a little smoother the next day. I was
still nervous about going out in public in women's clothes, but at least now I
had the confidence that no one would think that was odd. I even left a few
minutes early to avoid bumping into my neighbor.
As I entered the lobby, Jennifer looked up and
smiled. "You look very nice today, Ms. Stephens."
"Thank you, Jennifer," I said as I walked
past the receptionist.
Passing Ms. Rogers' office, her secretary, Ann looked
up and said, "Good morning, Heather. Hey, you're actually on time
today."
I made it back to my cubical without further incident
and plopped into my chair. I was really dreading the nine-thirty meeting with
the new client. I really hated it that we were going to be presenting an
unworkable solution. Add to that the fact that I was going to be the only
person in the meeting wearing a skirt.
Chuck walked by, noticed I was in my cubical. He
stopped a little past the entrance, and hesitated. He came back and stuck his
head in my office. "Hey Heather. I...I just wanted to apologize about my
comment yesterday about you, uh, being on the rag. It was very insensitive and
I'm sorry."
I was surprised that he'd apologize for like that. I
probably would have made the same comment. I said, "Thank you,
Chuck." He just nodded, and then continued on his way.
Aloud, I commented, "That was unusual."
Candace's head bobbed above the cubical wall and she
looked quickly back and forth. "Just a second," she said
cryptically.
Candace quickly entered my office, grabbed a chair and
scooted closer to me. She said, "You didn't see it. You'd already had
left." I gave her a questioning look and she continued. "Chuck and
some of the other guys, after most had left for the day, were standing in the
break room commenting and joking about...well, you."
"Oh, really?" I said, frowning. "I
don't like the sound of that."
"You wouldn't have enjoyed those jokes, trust me,"
agreed Candace. "Anyway, I was at the copier and I could hear every word,
but they couldn't see me. Just as Chuck was telling them what he said to you
about 'going on the rag', Ms. Rogers walked in. She was furious! She read him
the riot act up one side and down the other! Chuck tried to explain that he
was just joking with you because you're not a real woman and he didn't mean any
harm.
"Ms. Rogers told Chuck and the other guys that
'Heather' is a woman, due all the respect and courtesy as any woman. She
reminded them that men are due the same respect and that jokes such as these
can be considered sexual harassment and will not be tolerated by her."
"Wow," I said. "She really lowered the
boom on them. How did the guys react?"
Candace laughed, "They all apologized and
promised not to say those kinds of jokes again and that they'd treat you just
like they would any woman at work."
I frowned and said, "Hmmm...that could bad,
actually."
Candace just shrugged and said, "I think it's
great. You'd be surprised at some of the horrible jokes they say when they
think none of us are listening." I know. I think I told a few myself.
Ms. Rogers appeared in the entrance to my cubicle and
said, "Candace, I don't remember seeing 'gossip' in your job description.
Do you have something to do, or would you like to gossip in the unemployment
line?"
Turning red, Candace said, "I'm sorry, Ms.
Rogers." To me she said, "We'll talk more at lunch."
Ms. Rogers came in and sat down in my office and
crossed her legs. "Heather, looks like you've got another meeting with
the boss this morning at nine-thirty."
I gathered up some papers on my desk and waved them,
"Yes ma'am. With the customer. I'm going to try to work in my idea if at
all possible."
Ms. Rogers smiled and said, "Well, you can always
try. Just don't be too disappointed if you don't get very far with it. If you
get stuck with Murphy's design, I'm confident you can cook up a
work-around."
I shook my head and said, "It'll be a kludge and
I hate doing that."
Ms. Rogers stood and smoothed her skirt. "Do a
great job, Heather and Mr. Keys will start trusting your judgment. I want a
follow-up in my office after the meeting. You can wait until after
lunch." Turning on her heel, she left.
* * *
As soon as I got off the elevator, I made a quick dash
to the restroom. Well, the dash was about as quick as the restriction of the
skirt would let me.
I stood in front of the mirror and turned this way and
that. I checked my pantyhose, fore and aft and thankfully, there were no
tears. Quick check of my shoes confirmed no scuffs. I looked at my hands --
nails perfect. Not that I could do much about it now anyway.
I leaned into the mirror and fluffed up my wig a
little. I decided I pretty much hated wigs, but I wasn't going to get much
hair growth in just one month. I decided my lipstick needed freshening. After
that, everything looked about as good as it was going to get.
I have never been this nervous about meeting a
customer before. Usually I'd just make sure my tie was on straight and I
didn't have any Oreo cookies stuck on my teeth. Satisfied with my appearance,
I left the restroom.
I stood outside the door to the conference room for
several seconds. I took a deep breath and opened the door.
I was very surprised as I entered the conference
room. On one side of the table sat Mr. Keys, Murphy and the rest of the team.
On the other side sat two women.
As I entered, Mr. Keys said, "Ah, Ms. Stephens.
Thank you for gracing us with your presence. Let me introduce you to our IOTEK
customers, Ms. Hoden, president of IOTEK and her assistant, Ms.
Krisenhelfer."
I walked around the table and both women stood and
extended their hands. The one identified as Ms. Hoden was a striking, tall
woman, blonde with shoulder length hair, very attractive, around her
mid-thirties and was wearing a smart navy skirt and blazer. She was used to
dealing with men, as her handshake was quite firm even though I offered her a
somewhat limp hand.
Her partner, Ms. Krisenhelfer, was equally striking
for her contrast. She was shorter than me, short mousey brown hair, glasses,
no make-up and she was wearing a drab black skirt and jacket. I couldn't tell
her age. Her handshake was wimpier than mine.
I hesitated a second, not sure of which side of the
table I should sit. There were a couple of empty chairs on the side where the
guys were sitting. I almost sat down with the client so all the 'girls' would
be on one side. Then I thought I'd best sit with my so-called team. I quickly
took a seat next to one of the drones.
Mr. Keys looked around, satisfied that everyone was
present. He said, "Before we start, anyone want coffee?" There were
nods around the table. I tensed. Why doesn't he just bring the stupid coffee
pot in with him?
Mr. Keys looked at me, started to say something,
glanced at Ms. Hoden, then turned to the drone next to me and said,
"Nichols, would you mind doing the honors?"
Nichols looked shocked that he'd be selected for such
a lowly task. It was obvious he was about to protest, until he was met with
both Mr. Keys and Murphy's withering stare. "Of course, Mr. Keys. I'll
get it right away." He gave me a disgusted look as I just smiled
pleasantly at him.
Mr. Keys then cleared his throat and said, "Okay,
let's get started, shall we?" Murphy stood up, grabbed his pointer and
started walking towards the screen. Mr. Keys continued, "Mr. Murphy is
our senior analyst and lead software architect. I think he has some very
exciting designs to offer you. Go ahead, Mr. Murphy."
Murphy nodded to Mr. Keys and smiled towards Ms.
Hoden. He then started his presentation. He went on for twenty minutes. The
two from IOTEK just sat there silently with unreadable expressions.
"Any questions?" asked Murphy when he'd
finished his pitch.
Ms. Krisenhelfer looked up and said in a rather
annoying, squeaky voice, "Yes, I have a few questions." Murphy
looked expectant as Ms. Krisenhelfer smiled like she was making a joke and
continued, "Now, I'm in no way a programmer or anything, but none of those
screen shots were using a web browser." She looked at Mr. Keys as she
continued, "You recall we specifically requested a web application as the
solution."
Murphy smiled thinly and said, "Surely. With our
RAD tools, it was just faster for us to prototype our models as stand alone
apps. Once the design is signed off, we'll just move our prototypes over to
web apps."
Ms. Hoden said, "Can you do things like that on a
web page?" She pointed to some features still on the screen.
Murphy again smiled and said, "Surely. With
JavaScript, we can do some amazing things."
Ms. Hoden said, "We need to stay clear of Java.
We ran into that problem last year with another product we sold our
customers...too many different versions of Java that caused other applications
they had to fail when they upgraded to a newer version." She looked over
at Mr. Keys with a look of exasperation. "Is this all you have to show
us?"
Mr. Keys started to say something, but stopped when I
coughed. I looked pleadingly towards Ms. Hoden. Mr. Keys was about to say
something again when Ms. Hoden spoke.
"You have something to say...um...Ms. Stephens?"
she asked.
I pulled some print outs of slides I'd made from my
folder and slid them across the table. "Actually, I've given some
considerable thought to this problem, Ms. Hoden. I think this solution would
give you the most stable product as well as a flexible one."
As she looked through the slides, I continued,
"All the action takes place server side using a three layer system. A
database layer, an application layer and a user interface layer. This will
help you move your customers to an ASP model relatively quickly."
Ms. Hoden and her assistant sifted through the slides
and talked quietly to each other. After several minutes, Ms. Hoden spoke.
"I'm impressed, Ms. Stephens. I know my way
around specs and this is very thorough. You probably should be the senior
analyst on this project."
"Thank you," I said, blushing. "But I've
only been here a few months..."
Mr. Keys glanced over to a confused looking Murphy,
then back to Ms. Hoden. He said, "Ms. Stephens will be the lead
programmer and she'll be managing the team developing the code. She has a lot
of great ideas. That's why we hired her!"
* * *
The meeting was over and I was waiting for the
elevator, when I heard Ms. Hoden call my name. She had been talking to Mr. Keys
since the meeting ended.
"Do you have a moment?" she asked as she
hurried over towards me.
I turned away from the elevator just as the doors
opened. "Of course, Ms. Hoden."
She smiled and said, "Please, call me Laura. May
I call you Heather?"
I nodded and she continued. "I just wanted to
say again that I thought your ideas were great. I was about to turn your
company down for this system if that was the best you could come up with. I'm
also very glad to see a woman on the development team. Mr. Keys originally
struck me as a 'good ol' boys club' type. I guess I misjudged him."
"Thank you," I said. "As soon as I
have the specifications document written up, I'll email it to you for your
approval."
Ms. Hoden extended her hand again, this time she held
it out in a more womanly fashion and said, "It was so nice meeting you,
Heather. I look forward to working with you on this project. I need to go
look over contracts with Mr. Keys, so take care and I'll talk to you
soon."
She turned and with a click of heels, she disappeared
behind the glass doors of the administration offices.
I felt very happy with myself. I asserted my ideas
and I won the contract. I headed back to the elevators and punched the button.
The door opened and I began to enter when I looked up
with a start to see Murphy standing at the back of the elevator, arms folded
and a less than friendly look on his face. The door closed behind me.
When I started to push the button for my floor, Murphy
covered the buttons with his large hand.
"You think you're so smart, don't you?" he
sneered. "How dare you show me up like that in front of Mr. Keys and a
client! Who do you think you are?"
I began to feel alarmed, but didn't think he'd
actually try to hurt me on the elevator. I said as calmly as I could,
"I'm sorry, Mr. Murphy. I've done web apps for a few years now and I
didn't think..."
"You didn't think!?" Murphy leaned in close
to me as he raised his voice. "I'm the senior analyst at this company! I
helped Mr. Keys build this company from the ground up!"
I backed up against the wall of the elevator and felt
a trickle of sweat slide down my back. I said, "That's great, Mr.
Murphy. I know that was a lot of hard work. But the world of web development
is changing rapidly and..."
Murphy interrupted by shouting, "I'm not going to
stand here and be lectured about software development by some woma...some
college kid!" He huffed a moment, then continued, "There are rules,
Ms. Stephens. Rules and protocols. You have a problem with my designs, fine.
You come to me in private and we'll hash it out. Don't ever challenge me in
front of Mr. Keys again!" He punched the 'Door Open' button and left as
soon as the door opened.
I was shaking as I stepped off the elevator on my
floor. Do I say anything to Ms. Rogers about what Murphy just said? If I rock
the boat too much, Mr. Keys will find out I'm not really a woman. Not only
will that hurt me, but Ms. Rogers as well. I didn't want that. But I couldn't
just let Murphy say those things and walk away, could I?
Feeling very alone and confused, I walked back to my
cubical.
* * *
End of Part 3
since 10/14/05