The Women's Job - It's Confidential - Chapter Seven

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“Initially, I did it because I was pissed that many people thought I was running the company because I was family. My father loved me, but he loved this company, and the reason he gave me control was that he knew that I wouldn’t run it into the ground. He had confidence in me to take the company to the next level. Still, I had to put up with the men who treated me like I was a novice. They offered to run the company for me.

Every decision I made was dissected and analyzed, even when it was the exact same thing they would have done. The last straw was when one of them said that I should settle down, get married and let a man run the company. So, I initiated my little rule,” stated Savannah, her voice growing tense.

“How long ago was that?” asked Dana.

Savannah cracked a small smile. “It was twelve years ago, and obviously it’s still a sore spot. But my ruling served its purpose, and it separated the wheat from the chaff. The people that were left made no distinction between the gender of the person working here and the results. Dana, I’m not some feminist wacko, I believe in the best person doing the job. I’ve fired many women for not doing their job, but as you probably have seen, there aren’t a lot of women in the industry.”

Dana nodded.

“Anyway, I figured that my little rule might help some women get their foot in the door, or at least give some men an idea of what women have to go through,” continued Savannah. “I may not be able to use this as the main factor in dealing out contracts, but when it’s close, I reward those who agree to go out on a limb.”

Savannah took a sip of her beer. “For example, how long did you prepare for this trip?”

“You mean with the way I look?”

“Yes,” said Savannah.

“Two weeks,” replied Dana.

“Why?”

“Mr. Wade asked me to do it, and I took it as a challenge,” replied Dana. “He said that I was the best person for the job.”

“Is that all?”

Dana shook her head. “No. Once I decided to do this, I realized that many people were depending on me. I mean, we’re not a huge company; losing this contract would probably cost some people their jobs.”

“So you were willing to make the sacrifice to get your company the contract, even if it was slightly out of the ordinary, right?”

“Yes,” answered Dana. “And yes, it has been an eye-opening experience.”

Savannah nodded knowingly. “How do you feel about that?”

Dana sighed and realized that Savannah wasn’t just referring to dressing for the job. “I’m still trying to figure it all out,” she replied softly.

“I think you’ll make the right decision,” said Savannah. “You’re a lovely young woman, Dana.”

“Thank you,” replied Dana.

“I’m not surprised to hear this; I sort of suspected that you were different from the moment I first met you.”

Dana ran her hand through her hair nervously. “I don’t know how my family will react to this.”

“You haven’t told them about this job or anything else yet?”

Dana vigorously shook her head. “No, they don’t know about this. I suspect that my sisters will think it’s pretty cool, but I don’t know about my parents.”

“I imagine that’s a major concern,” said Savannah.

“I also have my friends and co-workers to deal with. I mean, not everyone understands about this sort of thing,” continued Dana.

“Well, I know that Howard won’t mind. He’s a good man and recognizes talent. He doesn’t tolerate any sort of harassment of his employees. Actually, it’s too bad that he’s so open-minded; otherwise, I would make you an offer. I guess I’ll have to be content with doing business with you,” said Savannah.

“Thank you,” replied Dana. She then let out a sigh and looked off to the side. “However, my job is the least of my worries.”

“Really?” asked Savannah. “So, what’s he like?”

Dana turned quickly back towards Savannah. “Is it that obvious?”

Savannah nodded.

“It’s just that it’s happening so fast. I mean, the last thing I planned on doing when I took this job was becoming someone’s girlfriend.”

“Is he nice?”

“Yes, very nice,” replied Dana with a smile.

“Try to set aside your engineering logic, and let it flow,” said Savannah. She then put her hand up. “I’m sorry, I’m not exactly one for giving others personal advice.”

“It’s okay, Savannah. But since you brought it up, why don’t you leave this place?”

“Another first, Dana,” replied Savannah. “I guess at first it was because I didn’t want people feeling sorry for me; gradually, it just became easier staying here, I have everything I could want or need.”

“Do you really believe that?” asked Dana cautiously.

Savannah chuckled. “No, no I don’t.”

“Then…why don’t you leave your estate?”

“I just may, Dana,” replied Savannah.

“I just got a call from the airport; the jet with our system is due back this afternoon,” said Mike.

“Did they say anything else?” asked Dana.

“The system worked as advertised. The guests were comfortable and had no complaints, well, at least none regarding our equipment. Apparently, some of them thought the seats weren’t comfortable,” said Mike.

Dana laughed. “That’s not our problem.”

“The other jet is due back tomorrow, I don’t have any info on how it’s operating, but I’m not really worried. We killed them in all the other tests.”

“When do you think they’ll make their final recommendation?” asked Dana.

“They’re anxious to get this new line of jets out, so I imagine that they’ll make the call in the next couple of days,” said Mike.

“Okay, I just have never been good at waiting,” said Dana.

“Well, you might as well relax now; once they decide on us, then you’ll be kept busy working out all the details of the contract,” said Mike. “As for me, that’s when I can relax; I’ll be heading down to the Caribbean for a cruise.”

Dana laughed.

“Seriously, Dana, why don’t you head up to New York or over to Atlantic City?’ he suggested.

“I’m not really into gambling,” she replied.

“Okay, why not New York, or even Philadelphia?”

“I’ll think about it,” she replied. Actually, Dana had made an appointment to get a facial and to have her nails done. It was at a local spa, or salon that Tess had recommended. She didn’t feel comfortable going to one of the big cities by herself.

“Well, I’ll call you as soon as I know anything,” he stated.

“Thanks, Mike,” she replied.

The facial was very relaxing, and Dana wondered why she hadn’t had one earlier. While she was pretty sure that she would stay as Dana when the trip was over, she decided that the newfound pampering that she had recently experienced would continue.

She was pleased with the new color of her nails. It was slightly lighter than the color she had been using.

The woman who owned the place obviously knew Dana’s status but made no comment about it.

Dana found a good bookstore on the way back to her hotel room and spent a relaxing afternoon browsing. She also fought the urge to constantly check her voicemail, knowing that Mike would keep his word and call her immediately if he learned anything.

When she returned to her hotel, she decided that she could use a drink. After dropping off her things in her room, she headed to the bar next to the hotel.

The bar was half filled with businessmen and women. She found an open stool and sat down at the bar.

“What can I get you?” asked the bartender.

She was about to order wine but then went with Lisa’s recommendation. “Cosmopolitan, please,” she replied.

It wasn’t as good as the one back home, but it wasn’t bad either. She took another sip and scanned the room. She was pleased to see how well she blended in with the other professionals who were in the bar.

“Well, well, I’m surprised to see you here,” stated Vince.

Dana turned around and saw Higgins’s sales rep standing next to her.

“What is that you’re drinking?” he asked. He sat down next to her, and then seeing what she was drinking he rolled his eyes. “Christ, what sort of brainwashing did your company put you through?”

A few people glanced over at them as Vince’s voice was very loud. Dana debated getting up and leaving, but decided not to give Vince the pleasure. She noticed that he was drinking a light beer. From his demeanor and breath, Dana could also tell that he had been drinking for a while.

“If you ever decide to switch to an adult drink, you should try one,” replied Dana.

A woman sitting across the bar smiled hearing Dana’s comment.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said. “So what’s it like? I mean, giving in to her demands; don’t you feel degraded?”

Not as much as I do talking to you, she thought. “I do what it takes to get the contract.”

“I suppose it’s good that she doesn’t have an animal fetish then,” replied Vince.

Dana didn’t reply.

“Okay, maybe that was out of line, but she’s one strange bitch; you have to agree with me on that one,” continued Vince. He then leaned over and smiled. “Oh, sorry, I guess that sort of comment hits too close to home, doesn’t it, honey?”

Dana sighed. She just wanted to get out of the bar as fast as she could; this was starting to get out of hand.

“You know, you’re not bad looking; I mean that. If I was into that sort of thing, or if you were a real woman, I might make a pass at you,” he whispered.

“If you did, it would be a shame, as I would have to waste what’s left of my drink,” she replied.

He slipped his hand on Dana’s leg and grinned. “What do you mean?” He began to slip his hand up her thigh.

Dana had enough and poured her drink on his lap.

Vince stood up and screamed out. “You fucking bitch!”

Everyone in the bar stopped and turned to look at Vince. Dana decided to leave, and she got up from her stool. Vince grabbed her arm and pulled back his other arm. “I ought to punch you in the mouth for that!”

Dana saw a large man behind Vince grab his arm and spin him around. “You want to try that with someone your own size? It’s not nice to threaten a lady,” he stated menacingly.

Vince stared at the man. “Look, you don’t understand; she’s not a woman, she’s a guy!”

The man looked at Dana who rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right, and I’m the fuckin’ pope,” said the man. He looked at Dana. “You okay?”

Dana nodded. “Yes, thank you. I was just leaving anyway.”

“I’ll make sure this drunk doesn’t bother you,” said the man with a smile. Vince tried to pull away, and then the man forced him down on the barstool. “Sit down, buddy.”

“I’m not drunk you idiot, look at him, can’t you tell he’s a guy? Or are you fuckin’ blind as well as stupid?” exclaimed Vince.

The man twisted Vince’s arm behind his back. “Watch your mouth, asshole.” He then looked at Dana and grinned. “Sorry about that. I’ll hold him here until you leave; don’t worry, I won’t hurt him.”

Dana decided to get out of the bar as quickly as possible. As she walked away, she could hear Vince continuing to argue with her rescuer. Somehow, she knew this wouldn’t be the last trouble she would have with Vince.

Dana called Tess and was relieved when she picked up the phone. She told her what had happened.

“I know I shouldn’t have poured that drink in his lap, but he asked for it,” said Dana.

“I would have done the same thing. However, I agree with you to watch out for him. You insulted his manhood, and he sounds like the type of man who won’t let this sort of thing slide,” said Tess.

“I was thinking the same thing,” said Dana. “I don’t plan on going back to that bar, that’s for sure.”

“That’s a pretty good idea. So, other than him, how’s it going?” asked Tess.

“It’s been pretty uneventful up to that, everything has felt normal,” replied Dana. She then told Tess about the trip.

“I’m not surprised that you’re doing well; I suspected that you’d impress Savannah Connell.”

“She’s pretty impressive too, although I can’t understand why she won’t leave her estate,” said Dana.

“I doubt if she’s ever gotten over the accident,” said Tess.

“Do you think that she’s afraid of how people will treat her because she’s disabled?’ asked Dana.

“I doubt she cares what others think. I don’t think that she has ever truly accepted the fact that she’s not the person she once was,” said Tess.

“It’s too bad,” said Dana.

“I know, but it’s difficult for people to accept when they’re different,” said Tess. “So, anything else you want to talk about?”

“Yes, one more thing: Vince is such a pig, but for just a second I thought he was really coming on to me, but that doesn’t make sense; I mean, he’s such a homophobic jerk,” said Dana.

“He might be really turned on by you. Some men who have sexual issues see being with a transgendered woman as not being gay. It’s like they can rationalize it as being with a woman who is slightly different. Some of my clients have told me that they’ve had sex with men who, even after having sex with them, state that they’re completely straight, even have given orally!”

“I’m so glad that Pete has never said something like that to me! It would be so degrading,” said Dana.

“Well, I just know how confusing it can all be. For many people, gender and sexuality are very confusing. I’ve known transgendered clients who consider themselves heterosexual even after they’ve had sex with a man.”

“How do you see it?” asked Dana.

“I don’t use sexual labels anymore, I think they’re obsolete. I’ve been with women, men, and transgendered sexual partners. They were all adults, and no one was forced into doing anything they didn’t want to do. So what does that make me?”

Dana thought about it for a moment. “I guess it makes you better adjusted than most of the population.”

Tess laughed. “Thank you. Now back to Vince, if he does have urges towards you, that makes him even more dangerous. Be careful, Dana.”

“I will, and thanks for the talk,” said Dana.

“No problem, Dana, talk to you later.”

Dana thought about what Tess had said. She couldn’t believe how fast everything was happening in her life. After all those years of repressing those feelings, and instead of making them go away, she was now on the road to becoming a woman full-time and having a loving boyfriend. Dana wondered how her life might have turned out if she had given in to these feelings back in college.

She then thought about her family. How could she tell them? She couldn’t just show up as a woman; that would freak them out completely. She could take time off and dress up as a guy, but that idea depressed her. As far as she was concerned, she was now Dana.

Nervously, she picked up the phone and dialed the number for her sister Peg. After three rings Peg picked up the phone.

Peg was three years older than Dylan and was living in Chicago. She was currently working at the Field Museum in the research department.

“What’s up, Dylan?” asked Peg.

“I have something I need to talk to you about,” said Dana.

“Sure thing, what’s on your mind?”

Dana spent the next hour telling her sister everything that had been going on in her life.

“Well, that’s it,” said Dana.

“Do you have any photos?” asked Peg.

Her request caught Dana off guard. “Photos?”

“Yes, I want to see what my little sister looks like!” replied Peg. “Dana… oh by the way, that’s a great name. I always have known you were different. Rachel always thought you might be gay, but I suspected that there was more to it than that.”

Rachel was Dana’s other sister, who was just eighteen months older. She was a physical therapist.

“You’re just telling me that to make me feel better,” said Dana.

“Since when have I ever said something to make you feel better!” replied Peg with a laugh. “I should have known you were really a girl; I mean, you looked better than Rach in her cheerleader outfit!”

“So, does this mean that everything is cool with us?” asked Dana.

“Cool? Cool doesn’t even start to describe how I feel. I have another sister!”

Dana was stunned by her sister’s reaction and tried to think of something to say.

“You still there, Dana?” asked Peg.

“Umm, yes. I’m just at a loss for words,” she replied. “Did you really think I was different?”

“Yes. I mean you were too good to be true. You did everything that you were supposed to do. I just knew that you were hiding something,” replied Peg. “Hey, what about a photo? I want to see what you look like.”

“I have one on my desktop; I can send it to you if you want,” replied Dana.

The photo was taken by Tess before the trip. Dana was wearing her gray skirt, black boots, and red sweater.

“Well, you have my e-mail, so send it to me. Don’t worry, little sister, I won’t show it to anyone else unless you let me,” said Peg.

“Okay,” replied Dana. It didn’t take long to send it to her sister. “You should have it now.”

“Okay, open it up. Wow, Dana! You’re so pretty; I can’t believe that’s really you!”

“I had a lot of help,” replied Dana.

“Is that your own hair?”

“Yes,” said Dana.

“Wow, I’m so impressed. So have you started hormones yet?”

“No, I haven’t even started seeing a therapist. I’ll have to do that first,” said Dana.

“I can’t wait until you start to change. Well, it took over twenty years, but you’re finally interesting, little sister!”

“Gee thanks. Come on, I’m not that bad, am I?”

“I’m just kidding, Dana, but you have to admit that you’ve always been a little uptight.”

“I guess you’re right,” replied Dana.

“Well, I can’t wait to see you. When do you think that you can come by for a visit?”

“I won’t be able to come out until this deal is finished.”

“I understand that, but I’d love to see you. Look, all kidding aside, I’m very proud of you, Dana. What you’re doing takes a lot of guts, and I just want you to know that I fully support you.”

“Thanks, Peg. I really appreciate it,” replied Dana.

“So, do you want to tell Rach, or do you want me to?” asked Peg.

“What do you think?” asked Dana.

“I’ll tell her; don’t worry, she’ll be even more excited about this than me!”

“Okay. Now, what about Mom and Dad?” asked Dana.

“I think you should do that in person.”

“I suppose you’re right, but how should I dress?” asked Dana.

“Do you consider yourself a full-time woman now?”

“Yes,” replied Dana.

“Then don’t change back just for them. Mom and Dad may not understand at first, but they’ll come around. They do love you,” said Peg. “Trust me on this one; they won’t shun you or anything like that. Hell, they accepted me.”

“That’s true. So how’s Kelly?”

“She’s great. You don’t mind if I tell her?” asked Peg.

Kelly was a womanPeg’s partner, who worked in the acquisitions department at The Field Museum.

“No, not at all,” said Dana.

Peg had come out while at college and had been living with her partner for two years.

“Oh, feel free to call me anytime you want to, Dana. I want to help you in your transition,” added Peg.

Dana was suddenly overwhelmed by her emotions. “Thanks, Peg.”

“No problem, Dana. I’m seeing Rach for lunch this weekend, and I’ll tell her then. She’s going to be so jealous that you told me first!” Peg began to laugh.

“I hope she understands,” said Dana.

“She will,” replied Peg.

They talked for another hour before they ended the call. Dana sat on the edge of the bed and couldn’t help but smile.

Dana headed down to the airport to see if Mike had any new information.

“Nothing new, although the Connell techs did ask us to show them how to change out the fans. They seemed impressed at how quickly we can do it,” said Mike.

“I suppose that’s a good sign,” she replied. She looked over at the area where the Higgins representatives were working.

“Oh, by the way, the sales guy from Higgins has stopped by a few times looking for you,” said Brian. “He also asked me for your phone number; don’t worry, I didn’t give it to him. There’s something about that guy that doesn’t seem right.”

“Thanks, Mike,” said Dana.

“Here’s his card. I told him that I’d give it to you; do you want it, or do you want me to file it?” said Mike. He held the card over a trashcan.

“That sounds good,” replied Dana.

“Is everything okay, you seem a little distracted?” asked Mike.

Dana nodded.

“Has he been bothering you?” asked Mike as he moved closer.

Dana was surprised at how defensive Mike was becoming. “It’s okay, Mike, but thanks for asking.”

“Okay, but you’re my boss on this job, and I’m not going to let that clown bother you. If he makes any trouble, call me.”

“Thanks, Mike,” said Dana.