Dress Code - Dare To Wear Dress - Chapter 13

 OTHER CHAPTERS |  ALL STORY LIST

“IT Department, this is Heather,” I said into my workplace phone. I had overslept and I was still trying to put my make-up on at my desk. “Good morning IT Department Heather. Could you come to my office when you get a chance?” said Ms. Rogers. 

“Sure, Ms. Rogers,” I said. “I’m just wrapping up a few things and I’ll be there in a minute.” 

We both hung up our phones. I was almost done with my mascara, then lipstick and I should be done. I looked at myself in the mirror, mouth wide open as I brushed on the mascara. 

I know it hadn’t been that long, but the days when I didn’t spend any time putting on make-up seemed a lifetime ago. This morning I’d gotten as far as eyeliner and shadow when I realized how late it was. Traffic was just too hectic to attempt to finish in the car. 

I studied myself in the mirror sitting on my desk. I do this more these days. I didn’t even have a mirror at my desk as Harry. I turned my head this way and that, and made a couple kissy faces into the mirror. 

I never used to make kissy faces. Ever. I took one last glance into the mirror and then got up to go see what Ms. Rogers wanted. A few moments later I was standing in Ms. Rogers’ doorway. “You wanted to see me?” Ms. Rogers smiled and said, “Yes, Heather. Come in and sit down for a moment. Shut the door too while you’re there. Take that expression off your face. 

You’re not in trouble.” I smiled weakly and said, “With how things have been going lately, I feared the worst.” “Actually, I have some good news for you,” said Ms. Rogers. She slid a piece of paper across her desk. I just looked at it, not sure what it was.

 “Take it. It’s a money order. Congratulations, Harry. You’ve won your bet.” 

“I what?” I said. “It’s been a month? Actually, it seems so much longer than that.”

Ms. Rogers nodded and said, “Actually almost two and a half months. We’ve been a bit busy around here.” I laughed. “No one has even mentioned this in weeks.”

“You have done an excellent job in presenting yourself as a woman,” said Ms. Rogers. 

“I really think everyone has forgotten. I was holding the bet money in escrow, and you managed to last the term of the bet dressing as a woman. You’ve gone above and beyond, I’d say.” “What do you think would happen if I showed up tomorrow as Harry?” I said with a grin. 

“You’d probably piss a bunch of people off,” said Ms. Rogers. “Heather has become so entwined in everyday life at the office I’m sure there’d be a protest if you went back to being Harry. I think your boyfriend would be the loudest dissenter.” I looked down at my lap, formed by the tight skirt I was wearing, “After the IOTEK project is finished, I probably should go back Harry, right?” Ms. Rogers shrugged, “That’s up to you, I guess. 

As Harry you were largely invisible. As Heather, you have recognition going all the way to the top of the corporation.” I looked Ms. Rogers in the eye and said, “Well, we’re months away from being finished. No point in worrying about it today. What would be your preference?” 

“Me?” said Ms. Rogers. “It’s your life, not mine. I’m not going to tell you how to live, other than we all need you to be Heather until the project is finished. 

After that, well, in all honesty, as a confident, attractive young woman, you’re a much better employee than as a geeky, squirrely young man.”

 I chuckled without humor, “I was afraid you’d say something like that.” Ms. Rogers leaned back in her chair and said, “That’s all I had.

 I guess if you want to go back, you can bet the guys you can dress like them for a month.”

“Interesting idea,” I said. “I’ll try to remember that.” I waved at Ms. Rogers with the money order and left her office. I won the bet. I got the money. But the fact is that now that I’m accepted as Heather, the edge of winning has kind of been dulled, almost anti-climatic. 

I was a bit thirsty, so I took the elevator up a floor to where the vending machines were located to get a bottle of water. There was a cluster of cubicles before me as the elevator door opened. This was the rest of the IT department.

 I took a turn to the left and almost bumped into Mr. Murphy and Reggie Jones. “Oh. Excuse me,” I said as I came to an abrupt halt and looked up. 

Murphy kept looking at a paper he was holding and said, “Ms. Stephens. You might want to look up when you’re walking.” “Yes sir,” I said as I felt my stupid cheeks reddening. Reggie said, “Heather. We were just talking about you.” “Oh?” I said. “Nothing bad, I hope.” 

Mr. Murphy flashed me his insincere smile and said, “No, no. Mr. Jones and I were just discussing some changes we might want to make on the IOTEK project. Jones here has some good ideas we might want to implement.” I stood there shocked for a moment. 

I said, “I know we’re an agile shop so we can make little changes as we progress through the project, but the overall design has pretty much been signed off by IOTEK.” Reggie grinned as he said, “I’ve already talked to Ms. Hoden and tentatively she liked the ideas. 

We’re going to have a meeting tomorrow afternoon to discuss my proposals.” Feeling frustrated, I said, “Shouldn’t you have come to me first? I’m the project lead. This is the first I’ve heard of these changes.” 

Mr. Murphy chuckled and said, “Nothing to get your pretty little head worked up about, Ms. Stephens. There’s an old expression that goes, ‘Strike while the iron is hot!’ Well, that’s what Mr. Jones is doing. He got these ideas and wanted to run with them before he lost momentum.”

Frowning, I said, “Do I at least get to come to the meeting about my own project?” Jones grinned and said, “Of course Ms. Stephens. 

I just forgot to include you on the invite.” Mr. Murphy said, “Of course you are, Ms. Stephens. 

But I’m not sure you’re taking these responsibilities as seriously as you should.” Where did that come from? I asked myself. I said, “I have been taking this all very seriously, Mr. Murphy. It’s all I do from the time I arrive at work until I head home.” 

“I’m sure you do, Ms. Stephens. I’m sure you do,” said Mr. Murphy. “Just that someone just mentioned in passing how they had something to bring to your attention the other day and you were just sitting there painting your fingernails.”

 Feeling ever more flustered, I said, “Mr. Murphy, I had an important meeting that afternoon and I was just repairing the chipped polish on one nail.” 

Mr. Murphy said, “Well, I’m not sure just how important nail polish is to the company, eh Mr. Jones?” Smiling at Murphy, Reggie said, “Well, it does seem trivial.” 

There was nothing I could say that would win Murphy over, and I felt intimidated by these men. I knew I wasn’t in physical danger, but I felt threatened nonetheless. 

Here I was, standing in my delicate heels, in the hose, wearing a short tight skirt with my suit, wearing make-up and of course nail polish. 

They were judging me for simply doing something a woman, but not them, would do. 

It didn’t matter how I performed in the meeting, it only mattered to Murphy that I wanted to keep my appearance up for the meeting. I said, “I’ll try to make better use of my time, Mr. Murphy.” 

Mr. Murphy smiled and said, “Good, good. It’s important to be productive. Well, carry on.”

My cell phone lying next to my purse rang. I picked it up, hoping there were no spies around the office seeing me doing something unproductive. The caller ID said Dylan was calling. 

I answered the phone and said, “Hey Dylan.” “Hey honey,” said Dylan. “I was just in your neighborhood and wanted to know if you wanted to go to lunch? 

Nothing special. Just to Whataburger.” Smiling at the phone, I said, “You know, that sounds really good to me right now.” Dylan said, “Is everything okay? You sound a bit tense.” 

“I can’t really talk about it right now,” I said. “I’ve had a very frustrating morning.” 

“Well, I’m about five minutes away,” said Dylan. “Start coming down now and I’ll meet you outside the lobby.” 

“See you then,” I said and hung up. I took a deep breath as I stood up. 

Thank God for Dylan. I was making myself miserable just sitting there stewing about what Murphy and Jones were saying. 

As I exited my cube, I almost ran right into Reggie. 

“Oh! Excuse me, Ms. Stephens!” said Reggie as he took a step back to avoid a collision. “Going to lunch?” 

“As a matter of fact, yes,” I said maybe a bit coldly. Reggie shrugged and said, “I wish I had time for that. 

I just brought a sandwich to eat at my desk. Oh, and I apologize if you felt a bit uncomfortable this morning. We had no idea you were there.” 

Not being able to control the harshness in my voice I said, “Next time you talk with my client or schedule a meeting with them, it’d be really nice if you were to let me know about it. I always need to know what is going on with this project, okay?” Reggie hesitated a moment before flashing an obvious forced smile. 

He said, “Of course Ms. Stephens. I assure you it won’t happen again. Have a good lunch.” As I turned to head out of the office, I said, “Thank you. I most definitely will.”

Under his breath, I just barely heard Reggie utter, “Bitch!” 

As I exited the elevator, I saw Dylan’s car pull up in front of the lobby. Seeing his car made my heart leap and my spirit immediately lifted. I couldn’t help but smile as I exited the lobby and waved at Dylan. I have to admit, I enjoy being in love. 

I don’t even give it a thought that my love is a man. 

Dylan leaned over and pushed open the passenger door of his car. He said, “Hello! How is my girl today?” I stepped into Dylan’s car, my leg movement restricted by my tight skirt. I said, “I have not had a pleasant morning.” Dylan said as he leaned in towards me, “Maybe this will help.” 

He then kissed me. It wasn’t just a quick peck, but a good solid kiss. I could have stayed there on his lips the rest of the day. As Dylan put his car in gear, I sighed, “That helped a lot!” Dylan moved his car into traffic and said, “Anything you want to talk about?” I looked out the window, not really seeing anything. I said, “Oh… Murphy is being his usual pest again. I can’t please him.

Ever! And now this Reggie guy is trying to move in on my turf. He’s holding meetings with my client behind my back with Murphy's full backing.” “I know you don’t want to hear this,” Dylan said as we drove down Spring Creek, “but Murphy is brilliant. He and Keys built that company from zero to a major software house in just a few years. During our other meetings, Ms. Hoden has mentioned Reggie Jones a few times. 

She thinks that while he’s a brilliant designer, it’s obvious he looks down his nose at women placed in positions above him. That’s why she was thrilled when you were made team leader on her project. And it’s probably why Jones is trying to eat away at your authority.”

 “Well Murphy and Jones both have a problem with women,” I said. “You’d think in this day and age, that kind of mentality would go away.” Dylan chuckled and said, “Your naivety is one of the many charms that I love about you. I agree with you, but I don’t see that good ol’ boy thinking going away soon.”

“You’re late, Ms. Stephens.” I looked up, surprised to see Mr. Murphy standing outside my cube. I was still lost in thought from my goodbye kiss from Dylan. I glanced at the office clock and said, “I… uh, I’m sorry that I’m… goodness, twenty minutes late, Mr. Murphy. There was a car wreck and it took a bit of time to get around it.” 

“I came looking for you and Mr. Jones informed me when you left for lunch and when he thought you’d return,” said Murphy frowning. “That’s what I like about Jones. He’s always available and dependable. 

Did you call into the office to inform them that you’d be late because of the accident?” Before I could answer, Ms. Rogers said from behind me, “Yes, she did.” She was lying. I didn’t even think about calling in. 

She continued, “Mr. Murphy, I understand the importance of being on time, and being productive, but I don’t mind telling you that your constant badgering of my people is actually reducing productivity. 

They’re all worried about when they’re going to get chewed out next. And in all honesty, Heather has put in a lot of extra hours with no compensation on her project. A few minutes here and there I don’t worry about that much.” Frowning, Mr. Murphy said, “Well, as you know, Ms. Rogers, putting in extra hours is expected. Mr. Keys has always emphasized that forty hours is only the minimal amount of time you’re expected to put in. 

I recommend you tighten up your department a bit, Ms. Rogers. And you, Ms. Stephens, I came by to see if you were finished with that report?” “I emailed it before I went to lunch, Mr. Murphy,” I said. A look of surprise crossed Murphy’s face. 

He said, “Ah, very good. I’ll let you get back to your job. Keep in mind what I said, Ms. Rogers.” He then turned and left the area. “I’m really sorry, Ms. Rogers. Thank you for sticking up for me,” I said sincerely.

“Don’t worry about it. Mr. Murphy can be a royal pain, but he rarely follows through on any implied threat,” said Ms. Rogers. She shook her head in irritation for a moment and said, “Still, it’s pointless to go to H.R. about him. Mr. Keys will always back him up.” 

 “Good afternoon, Dr. Taylor. I’m Heather Stephens,” I said. “So nice to meet you, Heather,” said Dr. Mary Taylor. “Please sit.” She pointed at a heavily padded chair in front of her desk. 

Looking through some notes on her desk, Dr. Taylor said, “So Heather. I’m not sure I understand. 

You’re here for Female to Male? I’m confused because the call I got from Thelma says you’re looking for a male-to-female program.” 

“Thelma is correct. I want to transition from male to female,” I said. In all honesty, I have been enjoying being a woman, but I really needed some official-looking documentation saying I’m working with a counselor. 

Thelma called this Dr. Taylor to set it up for me. Apparently, making this referral isn’t a new thing with her. 

Dr. Taylor studied me for a moment. She said, “You’re very far along already. I don’t think anyone would deny that you’re a woman. At this point, I think surgery would just be the cap to where you already are. I’m not sure how much help I can be to you in counseling. 

How long have you been living as a woman?”

 “Almost three months,” I said. “How much cross-dressing did you do before? And how long have you had these feelings that you were meant to be a woman?” asked Dr. Taylor. 

“Um…almost three months ago,” I said looking sheepish. Dr. Taylor looked at me sideways and asked, “You… um, just decided you wanted to be a woman less than three months ago? That’s highly irregular. As a child, did you ever try on your mother’s panties or maybe try her lipstick?”

I laughed, “Are you kidding? No, it never occurred to me!” I thought that perhaps it would have been better if I’d made something up. “Ms. Stephens, I’ll be honest with you. 

You need a deeper analysis,” said Dr. Taylor. “I’m thinking you’re just going through a phase and you’ll come out of it in a few weeks. I had one client that thought he was a circus clown. Walked around all day with white face paint and a big red ball on his…” 

“Dr. Taylor!” I exclaimed as I interrupted her and leaned forward. “I’m not here for evaluation. Thelma told me you weren’t too persnickety when it came to providing documentation and prescribing hormones. That’s all I want from you right now. 

A letter I can give to H.R. that states I’m in your care and hormones.” 

Dr. Taylor looked down at her desk and scratched the back of her head. When she looked back up, her face was red with embarrassment. 

She said, “Ms. Stephens, while I’ll admit that you look beautiful as a woman… you had me fooled! And maybe I run a looser ship than most, but I’m really hesitant to start you on hormones. I’ll be happy to give you the documentation you ask for, but you need to come here for regular sessions.

 I’d hate for you to start on a path that’s irreversible and then have you change your mind. These hormones do not just feminize your body; they feminize your brain as well.” 

“That’s what I want, Doc. That’s exactly what I want,” I said as I leaned back in my chair. “Give me a moment to get your documents together and to write your scripts,” the doctor said. “Are you seeking surgery as well? I’d advise against that at this time.” I sat back up straight in my chair and said, “I need your documents to suggest that’s where I’m headed.” Dr. Taylor gave me a quizzical look and said, “Something’s going on here. Anything you want to tell me?” “No,” I said flatly as I leaned back in the chair and crossed my legs. “You do realize that one of the pills I’m prescribing for you chemically castrates you?” asked Dr. Taylor.

“Reversible?” I asked. Dr. Taylor shook her head, “Not after prolonged use. Same for the estrogen.” I hesitated for a second and said, “That’s… um… that’s fine.” *     

 “Oh, hi Dylan. Yes, I’m on my way home,” I said into my cell phone while on my way home. “I know we had lunch today, but what about dinner?” asked Dylan. I was so tired, “Oh, babe. I don’t know. I haven’t even had a chance to get home and change.”

 “That’s okay,” said Dylan. 

“We can just meet there. Honey, you’re all wound up. You need to relax.” “That’s for sure!” I said. “Okay. How about you meet me in my parking lot. That way my car will be home, and I can relax while you chauffer me around. Then, we can just get something quick.” 

“That works for me,” Dylan said. “I’ll be there in a few.” I was tired and my feet hurt, and I didn’t really feel like going on a date. I checked my make-up in the rearview mirror and almost hit the car in front of me as it braked suddenly. Dylan was already there when I drove up. 

I parked my car next to his and got out. He walked up to me, looked me up and down, and shook his head, “You look like shit.” 

I frowned and said, “Why thank you, darling.” Dylan laughed, “Well, now that you’re my girlfriend, I figured I didn’t have to always say you’re beautiful.” 

I put my arms around his neck and just before kissing him, I said, “No, it means always saying I’m beautiful, even first thing in the morning.”

 As we pressed our lips together, I started worrying I’d just suggested I’d sleep with him. Especially since he considers me his girlfriend. 

Oh my God. I’m somebody’s girlfriend. You can’t take that lightly. It means being with him more and more. It means doing things for him like making him dinner… and probably doing his laundry. 

But it also means sex. I can do everything he wants from me, except that. “Tell you what,” said Dylan when we came up for air. “I’ll make this evening even easier for you. 

I brought some chicken strips and fries. I hope that’s okay?” “That’s fine with me,” I said. I kissed him again and then we started walking towards my apartment. I looked at Dylan as we walked. Never in my life would I have dreamed of having a boyfriend. Just thinking ‘I have a boyfriend’ started me feeling gooey inside. I kicked my heels off as soon as we entered my apartment. 

Dylan knew where my paper plates were and got out one for each of us to put the chicken strips on. I watched Dylan get the chicken out. I couldn’t help but think about how there’s a man in my apartment who knows his way around it. We’re both comfortable around each other. We’re a couple.

 I smiled at the thought. Dylan looked up and caught me smiling at him. He smiled back, “What are you thinking about?” 

“Just how lucky I am to have you as my boyfriend,” I said, being mostly honest. 

Dylan smiled again, “I feel the same way about you, babe. It’s cosmic. It’s like we’re made for each other. You’re a very special girl, Heather.

 You have a quality that I still just can’t quite put my finger on. You know, most guys I know shy away from commitment, but I’ve reached a point in my life where I want to find that one special girl. 

I’ve started thinking about the future, and I’ve decided I really do want a kid or two, being a family and doing family things. Being single is fun, but I want more from life.” I looked at him, feeling a sudden chill. 

I asked, “Do you think I’m that one special girl?” Dylan looked serious for a moment and stepped closer to me. He said, “Don’t worry. I’m not going to rush us into anything, but I love you and you are a special girl.”

 He put his arms around my waist and drew me close and kissed me. As he pressed into me, I could feel a hardness in his pants. He picked up the plates and moved towards my couch. 

He added, “I’m sorry to rush through dinner though, but I have to be up early in the morning.” I smiled at him and said, “I’ll probably be going to bed early myself.” 

Dylan put the paper plates down on the coffee table, and I snuggled in close to him and nibbled on a chicken strip as we watched part of a movie on TV. All during the meal, I’d nibble on Dylan’s ear and kiss his neck. 

Dylan finished off his last chicken strip and checked the time on his phone. He said, “Crap, I need to go.” “Not yet,” I said as I gave him a long, deep kiss. He tasted like chicken. 

  “I turned in those documents to H.R.,” I said to Ms. Rogers as I poked my head into her office. “Is that why you’re late?” asked Ms. Rogers. “Well, I wasn’t late to the building. Just late getting to the office but I was doing something I’m required to do,” I said, feeling defiant. Ms. Rogers just smiled at me and was pleased, “Thanks though. That was quick.” 

I nodded, “Yeah. I found a counselor who’s a bit more mercenary. 

Now I have to get my driver’s license changed. I think I’ll wait on changing my birth certificate.” Ms. Rogers gave me a curious look and asked, “Are you going to make the change?” I shrugged with uncertainty, “I started taking my hormones this morning. It’ll be a while before I feel anything. 

Right now I don’t plan to go through with anything. It’s not like I’ve spent my life wanting to be a girl, but to be honest, now that I’m here, it seems a good fit.”

Ms. Rogers gave me a wry smile and knowingly said, “I’ve told you this before, but I have seen a marked improvement in your attitude, productivity, and just overall as Heather has blossomed, but there might be other factors besides being a woman at work there.” I nodded, “Maybe. 

Well, I need to get some code finished before the meeting with IOTEK this afternoon. The meeting Reggie didn’t want to invite me to originally.” 

Looking concerned, Ms. Rogers said, “Mr. Jones is very ambitious. Be careful around him. 

Like Mr. Murphy, he has a low opinion of women.” I started to leave her office, but then I turned back and said, “Oh, by the way. I’m going to start using the women’s restrooms instead of the genderless ones downstairs.” 

Shrugging, Ms. Rogers said, “I thought you already were. I don’t even think Ann would complain now.” 

  “Excellent presentation, Reggie!” exclaimed Ms. Hoden. “I think moving that direction is definitely worth pushing the roll-out date another two weeks.” “Thank you, Ms. Hoden,” said Reggie with a wall-to-wall grin. “It just seemed logical to go this route rather than what was originally planned, but it still integrates with the rest of the design.” 

I frowned slightly. We had discussed this very issue in this morning’s agile meeting, and it was agreed to implement this change. There really wasn’t a need to create a PowerPoint presentation on it. 

Despite Reggie’s PowerPoint slides, his change wasn’t such a dramatic departure from my original design. Mr. Murphy said, “I really think Mr. Jones is a brilliant rising star in this company. His insights are really moving this project forward.” Moving forward by extending the due date by two weeks, I thought? I was beginning to think Mr. Murphy has a man crush on Reggie.

Ms. Hoden said, “I agree. Mr. Jones is certainly a great asset to this project.” 

After pausing for a few seconds, Mr. Murphy said, “I’m glad you feel that way, Ms. Hoden. You know we value our relationship with IOTEK greatly, and we’re always striving to exceed your expectations. That’s why I’m suggesting that we make Mr. Jones the project lead. 

I know that it was Ms. Stephens who originally sold you on this concept and Mr. Keys and I are very proud of her contributions on getting the project off the ground, but Mr. Keys and I feel that new leadership in this final phase of development could only build a stronger product.” 

“Mr. Murphy,” I started to say. Reggie was leaning back in his chair, looking smug. Ms. Hoden said, “We’re very excited to see this project near completion, Mr. Murphy. I’m impressed with Reggie’s ideas. 

From a corporate standpoint, I have no problem with moving forward under Mr. Jones’s leadership.” 

“Mr. Murphy! But this is my project!” I said on the verge of tears. “I’ve put in nights and weekends, sweated bullets on this project. I really think…” Interrupting, Reggie said with a wide grin, “Don’t worry, Heather. 

You’re still a valued member on my team and still responsible for getting out your objects.” Mr. Murphy flashed me a smile and said, “That’s right, Ms. Stephens. You’re still a valuable member of Mr. Jones’ team. We’re expecting high productivity from you!”