Dress Code - Dare To Wear Dress - Chapter 3

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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 added, “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 arrives with Ann and is shocked. 

“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 cubicle wall and exclaimed, “God damn, Harry! You look better than 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 had been looking her over good, “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 cubicle, 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 knees 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 asked, 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’s 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 was firm, “No. I told you, you’re going by yourself. I have a meeting with the CFO in a few minutes. 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 and 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 out the lipstick, 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 of the corner of my eye. I glanced over and saw Carl standing in the aisle outside the entrance to my cubicle. 

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 and pushed the drawer back into my desk. I stood up and started t walk around the desk to leave the cubicle. 

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, “What’s wrong, Heather?”

I pointed at my leg, “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 in panic, “I have a meeting in fifteen minutes! What do I do?” Joyce popped her head over the wall and offered, “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 gratefully, “Wow! Thanks a bunch!” Joyce just smiled, “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 asked, “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 began, “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 PowerPoint slide faded into view. 

As I sat down and started to open my notebook, Mr. Keys said, “Anyone here needs 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 continued, “Hi. This is Heather Stephens. Mr. Keys would like coffee brought to his meeting in Room Eleven oh nine. 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 moved on, “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, “May I make a comment?” Mr. Keys turned to me and said, “You surely may 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, “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 clarified, “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, “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, “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 doorway and said, “Oh, good. You’re back.” She took a seat and asked, “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 were 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 offered, “You might mention to them that if they don’t encourage him to be more careful about what he says, 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 cubicle, 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 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. Okay, 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.