Dress Code - Dare To Wear Dress - Chapter 5

OTHER CHAPTERS |  ALL STORY LIST

When I got back to my desk, I was still shaking. I expected any moment for Ms. Rogers to walk into my office to tell me I’d been fired for some trumped-up reason. Murphy scared the crap out of me. 

A stray thought struck me. Since I’m a woman today, should I cry? I sure felt like it. I was lost in thought and I jumped when there was a knocking sound on my nameplate stuck on the wall of my cubicle. 

I turned around to see Ms. Rogers standing at the entrance. My heart leaped into my throat. Her smile faded to a look of concern when I turned around to face her. “Is something wrong?” she asked. Should I say anything? Probably not. 

Murphy has a lot of clout. “No. No, I’m fine. Really.” Ms. Rogers pulled a guest chair away from the wall a little, sat down, and asked, “You sure about that?” I don’t think she believed me. 

I’d better let out a least a small dose of truth, “I think I pissed Murphy off a little.” Ms. Rogers smiled ruefully and confirmed it, “I’m sure you did. In fact, that’s what I came to talk to you about.” Wow, that was fast. 

I guessed she got raked over the coals by Murphy and was going to lower the boom on my head. 

“Yeah, I kinda figured that, uh…” 

“I wanted to come by and give you an atta-girl. Good job. Mr. Keys told me he was very impressed. He also told me that Ms. Hoden was impressed as well. 

Not bad for your first time out.” I felt a wave of relief wash over me, “Thank you, Ms. Rogers! I was worried that, well, I…” Frowning, Ms. Rogers asked, “Did Mr. Murphy threaten you?”

I’d better not say directly. If I escalated this, even though I didn’t do anything wrong, it could turn really ugly, and when you’re low man on the totem pole... I was cautious, “Well, it’s clear Mr. Murphy doesn’t like being upstaged.” 

Ms. Rogers smiled knowingly, “I pretty much figured that. He hates it when someone outshines him. 

Especially a new person. It goes double if you’re female.” I was about to mention the fact that technically, I wasn’t female when Ann popped her head through the doorway. “Oh! There you are, Ms. Rogers. There’s a Ms. Hoden waiting to see you.” 

“Thank you, Ann,” Ms. Rogers said as she stood up. She stood there a moment, and then motioned to me, “Come on, Heather. I want you in this meeting. 

You might want to bring your notes.” I gathered up my folder, stood up, and then followed Ms. Rogers back to her office. Sitting in a chair near Ann, sat Ms. Hoden, who stood as we approached. 

Her assistant was nowhere to be seen. After exchanging pleasantries, Ms. Rogers invited Ms. Hoden and me into her office. 

After we were all seated, Ms. Rogers asked, “Well, Ms. Hoden, what can we do for you?” “Please, call me Laura,” Ms. Hoden said. “It’s just us girls.” 

“Of course, Laura,” Ms. Rogers continued, “you may call me Cynthia.” Smiling nervously, as I was unsure how informal I really could be, I said, “Laura and I are already on a first-name basis.” 

“Yes, I was very impressed with the way Heather asserted herself,” said Ms. Hoden. 

“She knew her design was better, and she asserted herself even though it seemed the pressure was to accept whatever Mr. Murphy had come up with.” Ms. Rogers smiled at me, “Yes, I’ve been impressed as well with Heather.”

“I look forward to working directly with Heather throughout the whole project,” said Ms. Hoden. 

“I’d like to have at least one phone conference per week to go over the progress and to discuss any issues.” 

“I think that would be a good idea,” Ms. Rogers confirmed. 

Ms. Hoden continued, “Also, I had a very nice chat with Mr. Keys. I asked for and he agreed, to having Heather be the project lead, not just lead programmer.” 

This was terrible! This project was going to take at least four months to complete! There wasn’t just the system design, but writing the specifications documents, designing the databases, testing then QA, and then more testing. 

I sure as hell didn’t want to be Heather for four months! “I appreciate your confidence in me, Ms. Hoden…” I started. 

“Laura,” interrupted Ms. Hoden. “Laura,” I continued with an embarrassed smile, “but really, I’m still pretty new here. Almost everyone is senior to me. I don’t want to rock the boat.” Ms. Rogers stepped in, “This is an excellent opportunity, Heather.” 

“I agree... but Mr. Murphy…” 

I started. Ms. Hoden interrupted saying, “Mr. Murphy was in the meeting with Mr. Keys. He wholeheartedly agreed that you should be given sole responsibility for this project.” That’s just great. He’s expecting me to go down in flames, I thought. What an arrogant SOB. This is a relatively small project, but I bet he doesn’t think I can manage it because I’m new here and a woman. I smiled weakly and looked directly at the new client, “Okay, Ms. Ho… Laura. Looks like I’m your girl.” 

Ms. Hoden started to stand and with a smile said, “Great! I’m glad that’s all settled. I have every confidence in you Heather that this project will be completed on schedule and within budget.” After a few more pleasantries and weak, girlie handshakes, Ms. Hoden left Ms. Rogers’ office.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for you, Heather,” said Ms. Rogers again when we were alone. I just stared at her a moment before saying, “You know Murphy is expecting me to fail.” Ms. Rogers smiled and agreed, “Probably. But you’re not going to let that happen, are you?” 

“No, I’ve handled more complicated projects before. But Ms. Rogers… 

I have to be Heather for at least four months! Possibly longer,” I exclaimed. “Doesn’t this terminate the bet?” She shook her head, “Not really. We still don’t know if you can survive a month as Heather yet. It’s only been two days.” 

I walked back to my cubicle feeling very much alone. I didn’t want to have to pretend to be a woman any longer than I had to. Now it was going to be four months! I don’t think I can go that long.

 I sat down at my desk and then reached over to grab my purse. 

I pulled out my compact and checked my make-up. I searched a few moments through my purse to find my lipstick. 

As I pressed the waxy stick against my lip, I stopped for a second and just stared at the reflection of me applying lipstick. I just looked at myself wearing mascara, liner, eye shadow, blush, and of course, lipstick.

Do I really want to put up with this crap for four long months? 

As I put the lipstick away and was checking the mirror again, Candace, Ann, and Joyce entered my cubicle. Candace smiled and shook my hand, “Congratulations, Heather! We just heard the news. That’s pretty brave to go against Mr. Murphy like that.” 

“So I’ve heard,” I said, as I put the mirror away. Joyce said, “It’s unlike Murphy to just roll over like that. Be careful, Heather. I think he has something up his sleeve.” I nodded, “Oh, I’m sure he expects me to fail. 

I guess he doesn’t realize I’ve handled much larger projects all by myself before.” Ann let out a snort, “I’m sure he wants you to fail, all right, but not because of your experience. It’s because you’re a woman.”

“Well, technically, I’m not…” Interrupting, Ann said, “As far as he’s concerned, you’re a woman.” 

Candace asked, “How does that affect the bet? I mean, now he has to be a woman.” Ann remained firm, “It doesn’t affect the bet at all. 

He still has to make it a full month as a woman. It’s only been two days. 

He has a long way to go. Anything over a month is strictly his business.” 

Candace was quick, “Well, anyway, you need to celebrate! Several of us girls are going to go out dancing tonight. You should join us. 

I bet you’d love it!” “I don’t know how to dance,” I almost pleaded, “even just wearing sneakers! Let’s not even talk about heels!” 

Joyce laughed, “Come on, Heather. You deserve a girls’ night out, too. Who knows? You might even meet Mr. Right!” She giggled. I started to say something when Candace jumped in, “Oh, don’t scare her off. I think she’ll have a good time.” 

Ann added, “Anyway, there’s now more to this than just your bet, Heather. This is a test on women in general. If you fail, then the rest of us will suffer for it. Murphy’ll make sure of that.” I frowned and said sarcastically, “Thanks for the extra pressure, Ann.”

 I was lost in thought as I walked towards my apartment and didn’t see my next-door neighbor until it was too late. We both arrived at the base of our stairs at the same time. I need to start being more careful. “Hello, again!” smiled Jerry. “It’s nice to see you again.” 

He was blocking my access to the stairs. “Hi,” was all I could get out. All I wanted to do was get to my apartment, get in the shower, and wash this day away. “I didn’t properly introduce myself yesterday,” Jerry said, extending his hand. 

“My name is Jerry Weiberheld.”

I offered him a limp handshake and a smile, “My name is Heather Stephens.” “Stephens?” Jerry gave me a questioning look. 

I wish now I had also chosen a different last name. My face reddened and I had to add to the cover, “Yes, I’m Harry’s sister.” 

Jerry laughed, “I thought you two looked alike. Harry never told me he had a sister, that rascal.”

 “Harry is very protective of his little sister.” “Speaking of Harry, when is he coming back?” asked Jerry. I frowned. My feet were really starting to kill me, and I knew if I stood here long enough, Jerry would probably ask me out. I said, “I’m afraid Harry is going to be away longer than he expected.” Jerry smiled broadly at that thought, “Poor Harry. 

If you talk to him, tell him ol’ Jerry said to take all the time he needs.” “I’ll tell him. He’s anxious to get back though. But right now, I really need get out of these clothes,” I regretted saying that the moment the words left my lips. Jerry smiled again, even broader, “Need any help?” He laughed at his little joke. Before I could answer, he stepped out of my way and asked, “Would you be interested in joining me for a few drinks later? I know a great place not far from here…” 

I smiled and cut him off quickly, “Thanks, but I already have other plans this evening.” Even if I didn’t, I would make something up. I started climbing the stairs. Jerry called up to me, “Another time, perhaps?” 

“Maybe,” I said as I closed my apartment door. 

Once inside, I kicked off my heels, tossed my wig on the floor, took off my bra, and collapsed into the easy chair. 

What a day this has been. I’ve probably made an enemy out of Murphy and managed to get myself into a high-profile situation with a new customer that’s going to lock me in my role as Heather for much longer than I cared for.

With a groan, I got up and dragged myself into the shower. I felt better afterward and then, I put on my old comfy sweats to relax. When I walked into the kitchen to look for something to make dinner, I noticed the light blinking on the answering machine. I looked at the caller id and saw that Candace had called while I was in the shower. 

I pressed the play button and Candace’s voice from the answering machine said, “Hey girl! Don’t forget we’re all meeting tonight around seven-thirty at the Sunset Lounge. Wear a dress and meet us out on the patio. See ya!” 

Oh, man! I didn’t really want to go out. That means putting make-up on again and getting back into a bra and probably wearing heels. I know they plan on dancing in high heels, which is, of course, insane. 

I was surprised that Candace didn’t go to a bar with Country music. I guess she likes variety. I don’t have to go, even though the women from work would want me to experience nightlife as a woman as part of the bet. It felt so good to not be wearing any women’s clothing. 

Do I really want to ruin my evening by getting all dressed up again and going to the bar? I decided that I’d just skip it tonight. 

I opened the freezer and started trying to decide which frozen dinner sounded the most appetizing when the phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Jennifer, our receptionist. I answered the phone and Jennifer said, “Hey, Heather! 

I was wondering if you’d mind giving me a ride to the Sunset Lounge tonight?” “Well, I’m not sure yet if I’m going or not,” I added. 

“Don’t you have a car?” I pulled out a frozen dinner and started to open it. 

“Oh come on, Heather! You should go. It’ll be fun!” Jennifer hesitated a moment, then continued, “And no, I don’t have a car tonight. My sister had to borrow it. 

I might need a ride to work tomorrow, too.” Jennifer was very pretty and wasn’t in any relationships at the moment. Maybe I could work this to my advantage. I’m not going to be a woman forever.

I guessed I was stuck, “Okay. I guess I can give you a lift tonight, and if you need it, I can pick you up tomorrow, too. Where are you?” 

I shoved the frozen dinner into the microwave. “Oh, thank you!” sighed Jennifer.

 “I’m up here in Frisco, but I’m not that far from where you live, I don’t think.” 

“Okay. I’ll pick you up at about seven. 

I’ll call you on my cell for directions when I’m near Frisco.” 

We hung up and I looked at the kitchen clock. It was ten minutes to six already. Crap. I wasn’t going to have much time. While the microwave counted down, 

I walked into my bedroom and opened the closet door. It was still a shock to open the closet and see about a third of my closet taken up with women’s clothes. It would have been cool if they belonged to a girlfriend. 

It was kind of depressing they belonged to me, and I had a feeling that with the unsolicited help from the women at work, my collection was only going to grow. As I quickly looked through the dresses, I spotted a dark blue, shiny dress. I pulled it out. I guess this is what I’m supposed to wear. 

It was too dressy for the office, but it wasn’t exactly formal wear. The skirt was a little short, and I had no idea if it would be called ruffled or pleated, but it had some folds and didn’t fit tight around my legs like the skirts I’d been wearing to work. 

I laid the dress on the bed, and as I started to remove my sweats, the microwave dinged. 

Before getting my dinner out, I went ahead and slid into my pantyhose and put my bra back on. Then, I hurried into the kitchen to wolf down dinner. When done, I hurried into the bathroom to put my make-up on. What a pain and a lot of extra work just to go to a bar. 

I arrived at Jennifer’s apartment complex a little after seven. I called her on my cell phone to find out which building she was in. I drove around

to the other side where she said she’d meet me. I found a place to park and waited a few minutes. 

Finally, I saw her coming towards me between two rows of apartments. She was stunning! Her dress was much the same style as mine, but in a pink color that I don’t think I could get away with. The dress fit her so much better than mine fit me. 

When I saw her at work, I always thought she was cute. Tonight, she was downright beautiful. Upon seeing her, Mr. Happy began to feel uncomfortable against the restraints that kept the front of my dress smooth and flat. 

I thought, down boy! 

You’re a girl. I tried to refocus my attention, but I couldn’t take my eyes away from Jennifer. As she got into my car, Jennifer smiled, “Hi Heather! Thank you so much for picking me up! 

You look very pretty tonight!” I smiled back at her, trying to ignore the discomfort Harry Jr. was causing me. I said, “Any time! And thank you. And you… you look absolutely beautiful.” 

We left Jennifer’s apartments and headed towards North Central Expressway. We drove in silence for a few minutes. “Are you nervous?” asked Jennifer. “What about?” 

I replied, not sure what she meant. 

“You know, going out,” said Jennifer. 

“You’ve been to work as a woman and to the mall, but this is the first time you’ve gone out dancing and stuff.” 

“A little bit,” I admitted. “I’m still getting used to dressing like a woman, but it’s not as foreign to me as it was. I could ‘hide’ being in a group of women at the mall.

 Going to a nightclub is kind of different.” 

“What are you going to do if some guy asks you to dance?” asked Jennifer with a smile. 

“Tell him ‘no’,” I said flatly. “Besides, I don’t think I have to worry about that anyway.” Jennifer looked at me with surprise, “What makes you say that?”

Incredulous, I stated the obvious, “Because I’m a guy! I mean, look at me!” Jennifer shook her head vigorously, “I’m looking at you now, girl, and you look wonderful. I mean, it’s totally amazing how good you look.” 

I frowned and with shock in my voice said, “Get out of here! That’s nuts!” 

“I’m serious, Heather!” Jennifer exclaimed.

“Now, you may not be as pretty as me…” 

she laughed, “but I guarantee that you’re going to turn heads when you enter the room.” I laughed and was sarcastic, “More like turn stomachs, you mean!” Jennifer gently whacked my shoulder with her purse. “Seriously, girl. 

Don’t be surprised if some guy asks you to dance, or offers to buy you a drink. Men are going to be all over you if you’re not careful.” I laughed again and said, “Okay, in the remote chance somebody asks me to dance or offers to buy me a drink, I’ll just politely decline. 

Easy.” “It’s not as easy as you might think. Some guys are very insistent,” said Jennifer, “but if you’re not going to dance, why go to a dance club at all?” I frowned, again, “I was pretty much told I had to as a condition to the bet.”

“Who cares about that?” Jennifer laughed. “Come on, girl. Have some fun while you’re there. If a guy asks you to dance, then dance! Dancing with him doesn’t mean you’re going to marry him.” 

“I can’t dance. Not to mention I’m wearing high heels.” I grimaced. “So am I.

 I think you’ll do fine. When you’re dancing, it just feels like everybody is watching you. Really, nobody cares.” 

“So if some strange guy you’ve never seen before asks you to dance, you’re just going to say ‘yes’?” I asked. “Well, yeah… if he’s cute. Isn’t that the point?” Jennifer sighed. 

“It beats just sitting there staring at the wall. I could stay home and do that!” 

We finally arrived at the Sunset Lounge.