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

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Dana spent most of the day studying her presentation, as it kept her mind occupied. It wasn’t that she was upset with what had happened the previous evening; it was just that she knew she had to take care of business first. She smiled at this, knowing her father would approve of her work-first attitude. She then wondered how her parents and family would react to what was going on in her life.

She was at a total loss as to how they would react to learning that she was now Dana. Her parents were pretty mainstream when it came to politics and morality. While she had never heard them say anything negative towards the LGBT community, she couldn’t remember them saying anything positive either.

After lunch, she called Tess to tell her about the previous night’s adventure.

“Well, I’m glad that you just talked,” said Tess. “Trust me, I have nothing against romance or just sex for that matter, but you have some issues to deal with. This Pete sounds like a pretty level-headed man.”

“He is,” replied Dana. “He agrees that I should start seeing a therapist to work out my gender issues.”

“Good,” replied Tess. “I’ll give you Dr. Morrison’s number this week. I doubt you’ll be able to get in to see her before you leave, but it would be smart to talk to her.”

“Thanks,” replied Dana. “I guess by the time I get back from New Jersey, I’ll have a pretty good idea of my gender.”

“If you don’t, I’ll be shocked. I mean, I deal with people all the time who are in conflict, and they don’t get a chance to spend a month working it out, kinda like a thirty-day money-back guarantee.”

Dana laughed. “I hadn’t thought about it that way.”

“Look, the good thing is that you don’t have to worry about your job,” said Tess.

“I suppose that’s true, I mean, Mr. Wade can’t fire me for something he started,” said Tess.

“Oh, he won’t fire you. I’ve been helping your company send representatives to Connell for several years, and what you’re going through isn’t new for Mr. Wade,” explained Tess. She then told her about Leslie.

“I had no idea,” replied Dana.

“Look, there are plenty of companies that don’t understand gender issues, but you’re working for one that does. If you decide to stay as Dana, Mr. Wade will even offer you a transfer if you want one. Personally, I hope you stay around here.”

“I like it here too,” said Dana.

“Good, now I’d like you to come by tomorrow around eleven. I have a special client in tomorrow morning, and he pays for privacy,” said Tess.

“Okay,” replied Dana. “How should I dress?”

“Business wear,” replied Tess.

“Okay, see you tomorrow, and thanks for listening,” said Dana.

“No problem, Dana. I’m just happy that you’re finally on the road to self-discovery,” said Tess.

Dana was wearing a gray suit as she drove down to meet with Lisa and Jackie. She was very interested in talking to Jackie, especially about the decision to go full-time. She found Jackie and Lisa waiting for her in the reception area.

“That outfit looks perfect on you,” stated Lisa.

“I agree,” added Jackie.

“Thanks, so how did the morning go?’ asked Dana.

Jackie turned to Lisa, who started to smile. “It was great. We got a nice little bonus, so it looks like one of us will be buying lunch,” said Lisa.

“I wouldn’t dare ask who it was,” said Dana.

“You wouldn’t believe us if we told you,” said Lisa. “Come on, let’s go.”

“So where are we going?” asked Dana, as she got into Lisa’s car.

“We’re heading up to Seattle,” said Lisa.

“Cool,” replied Dana. As they headed up Interstate 5, she told them about her weekend. “I notice that neither of you seems that surprised.”

“Surprised? No offense, Dana, but I would have won fifty dollars… if anyone would have bet with me!” stated Lisa. She then started to laugh. “Seriously, I’m happy that you’re starting to figure it all out.”

“I wouldn’t say that, but at least I’m no longer in denial,” said Dana.

“I can give tours of denial,” added Jackie.

“Oooh, that’s awful,” groaned Lisa.

“I suppose we have a lot in common, Jackie,” said Dana as she turned around and looked at the young woman sitting in the back seat.

“I’m no expert; all I can tell you is that it’s a very personal journey. You need to do what feels right for you, and don’t try to live up to others' expectations,” said Jackie. “Now, I’m lucky, as my fiancé has been extremely supportive.”

“Um, did he know from the start?” asked Dana.

“You could put it that way; he was my old supervisor at work. I dressed up for a company party and came out the same night. It’s also how I met Tess, as she was the one who dressed me,” explained Jackie.

“Were you at the party, Lisa?” asked Dana.

“Yes, it was a costume party thrown by our old boss, and the theme was law and order,” said Lisa. She then explained that it was an annual tradition at their company.

“I went as a hooker,” said Jackie.

Dana tried to imagine the pretty redhead as a hooker and could only shake her head. “What was your costume, Lisa?”

“I went as a thirties gun moll,” she replied.

“Sounds like it was a fun place to work,” said Dana.

“It wasn’t bad, but even though my boss was accepting of my change, I don’t think that everyone would have been as cool,” said Jackie. “I mean, after I left, Lisa told me some of the nasty things that she overheard.”

“I’m sorry,” replied Dana.

“There’s no reason to be sorry,” continued Jackie. “Lisa and I worked in a department that had thirty-two people, and there were only two women, besides us.”

“What’s it like at your company?” asked Lisa.

“I presently work in sales, and there are six others in my department, one woman and the rest men. There are quite a few women at Wade, even in the engineering department,” said Dana. “Oh, the reason why the woman didn’t get offered the job I did is that she’s eight months pregnant.”

“How do you think they would react to you if you come out?” asked Lisa.

“I don’t know; I really don’t know,” said Dana as she stared out the window.

“I understand that your boss is very cool about it,” remarked Lisa.

“That’s what Tess told me. I haven’t said a thing to him, as I don’t know yet, well, that’s not totally true, I just, well, you know what I mean,” said Dana.

“Yes, we do,” stated Jackie.

After a late lunch, they did some shopping. Lisa knew a good store for Dana to get a business bag and luggage.

“Jackie, can I ask you something?” asked Dana, as she examined a leather bag.

“Sure,” she replied.

“How did your family react to this?” asked Dana.

“My parents are both dead. They died in a plane crash when I was a kid. I was sort of estranged from the rest of the family; they were pissed that they couldn’t get their hands on the insurance money.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, I had no idea,” replied Dana.

“It’s okay, I did let them know. Surprisingly, I’m closer with some of them now because of the change,” answered Jackie. “I take it you’re worried about your family, right?”

Dana nodded and began to look at another bag.

“Look, I loved my parents, but you can’t live your life for someone else. My mom knew that I wanted to be a girl, and I’m sure my dad would have been cool.”

“I just don’t know,” said Dana. “I mean, what do I tell them?”

“The truth,” said Jackie.

“Oh, is that all?” replied Dana as a slight smile formed on her face.

“You might be surprised,” said Jackie. She handed Dana another bag. “However, once you’ve told them, there’s no going back; it’s not something you just take back.”

“That’s true,” said Dana. “It’s not like I get a mulligan for it.”

Jackie laughed. “Just so you know, my fiancé’s family has been wonderful.”

“So, are you going to get married?’ asked Dana.

“We’d like to, but under the current laws, it would be difficult,” said Jackie. “I really love him, and he loves me.”

“I’m happy for you,” said Dana. She held up a bag. “I think I’ll get this one.”

“Okay, now let’s check out the luggage department,” said Lisa.

As they headed south out of Seattle, Jackie tapped Dana on the shoulder. “So, tell us more about Pete.”

“He’s really nice,” replied Dana. “He’s a real gentleman too.”

“I think it’s cool that he didn’t try to take advantage of you,” said Lisa.

“I know. He’s willing to wait until I figure it out,” said Dana.

“I wish I could meet someone like that,” sighed Lisa.

“You’re just too aggressive to meet someone like that, Lisa,” said Jackie.

“Me? I’m not aggressive!” said Lisa, who started to laugh. “Hell, even I can’t say that with a straight face!”

The rest of the week flew by. Between, Tess, Lisa, and Jackie, Dana was kept busy. Before she realized it, it was Monday evening. A driver would arrive at eight to pick her up to take them to the Wade private jet.

Dana packed up her things in her usual orderly fashion, making sure that she hadn’t forgotten a thing. She was excited about the trip and the great opportunity she had been given.

She was also excited about being accepted as Dana by people who had never met her before.

By the time she was finished packing, it was dinnertime. She had pretty much cleaned out her fridge, and the last thing she wanted to do was eat alone. After a slight hesitation, she picked up her phone and called Pete.

“Hey, Dana, I was going to call you in a few minutes. Is everything still on for the trip tomorrow?” he asked.

“Yes,” she replied. “Um, I was wondering if you’d like to go out for dinner.”

“Sure, what do you have in mind?”

“I was thinking of the place where we met last Saturday,” she replied.

“Good idea, Dana, tonight they always have fresh halibut,” he said. “When will you be ready?”

“Is now too soon?” she asked.

Pete laughed. “Okay, I’ll be up to get you shortly.”

“You don’t have to do that, I can meet you at your place,” she said.

“Hey, a gentleman always picks up his lady,” he stated.

Dana laughed. “Okay, I’ll be waiting.”

She was dressed casually in a denim skirt and green sweater. She was also wearing a pair of knee-high black boots. She tried to convince herself that boots were practical for living in the Pacific Northwest, but she wasn’t fooling herself; she accepted that she just liked wearing them.

Pete arrived a few minutes later. He was dressed in jeans and an Irish cable knit sweater. He had a black leather trench coat on too.

“You look stunning, as always,” he greeted her as he leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips.

“Thank you,” she replied. I could definitely get used to this sort of treatment, she thought.

They walked out, arm in arm, and he drove them the short distance to the bar.

It was barely half full and they had their choice of tables. They both ordered the halibut.

“Excited about the trip?” he asked as they ate.

Dana nodded. “In more ways than you can imagine. I’ll call you and let you know how it’s going.”

“Good, I look forward to hearing your voice,” he answered.

Dana smiled. She had been in several relationships and had been in lust a few times, but she now realized that she was falling in love.

“I’ll miss you,” she said.

“I’ll miss you too, Dana,” he replied. “I know you might not know the answer to this question yet, but will Dana be sticking around after you get back from the east?”

Dana sighed. ‘I wish I knew.”

Pete smiled. “I understand; I shouldn’t have asked.”

“I’m glad you did,” she replied. “I’m happy that I’m spending my last night here with you.”

Pete reached over and took one of her hands in his. “Thank you.”

Dana stared into his eyes and began to tremble slightly.

“You could?’ he asked.

She shook her head. “No, it’s not like that.”

“Oh,” replied Pete knowingly.

“Pete, I don’t know what is going to happen in the next few weeks, I do know that I want to be with you tonight,” confessed Dana.

“You sure?” he asked.

Dana nodded.

He leaned over and kissed her on the lips. A short time later, they were heading back to his place.

Dana cuddled up close to Pete’s body. His muscular arm pulled her closer as she sighed contentedly.

“That was wonderful, Pete,” she said softly.

“It was wonderful for me too,” he replied.

“If I stay as Dana when this trip is over, would it bother you if I went on hormones and went for SRS? I mean, how do you see me?”

“Dana, I just want you to be happy. It doesn’t matter to me what your body looks like, just as long as you’re happy. I accept you as a woman. Hell, Dana, I’ve known women who were born female who weren’t as feminine as you are right now,” he said. “So, you’re actually thinking about going on hormones?”

“I talked to a friend who’s on them, and she’s very happy with the results. I want to be whole,” she said.

“That makes sense,” he said.

“Thank you,” she said. “And thank you for tonight. I had to know what it was like before I left.”

“I look forward to your return,” he said as he kissed her. “I think this is the start of round two.”

Dana giggled. “I hope so.”

Even in the company jet, the flight across the country was long, and Dana was pleased when the pilot announced they were landing.

She had dressed for comfort, a skirt, sweater, and boots, as she figured she would have time to change before seeing Savannah Connell.

A tall man in a grey suit met the jet as it pulled into the large hangar for Connell Aviation.

He walked over to Dana as she stepped off the jet.

“I hope you had a pleasant flight. I’m Ronald Baskins, and you must be Dana Matson,” he said. “I have a car waiting to take you to Ms. Connell; she’s very anxious to meet you.”

Dana was caught a little off guard by his comments. “I thought that first meeting wouldn’t be until tomorrow morning,” she replied.

“It is, however, that Ms. Connell always likes to meet all company representatives on a strictly social basis when they arrive in town. Your driver can stop first at the hotel so you can drop off your bags. Don’t worry about changing, this is a casual affair, and you look fine,” said Ronald.

Dana nodded. “Okay. By the way, I assume that you won’t be joining us, correct?”

Ronald laughed. “That’s correct, although I did have to wear a dress when I had my final interview with Ms. Connell. We also have a car standing by for the flight crew’s use.”

“Okay,” she replied.

One of Wade’s technicians had flown out with her. He would be the one demonstrating the ventilation systems to the Connell technicians. His name is Mike Westfall and he had been working for Wade for years. He and the flight crew were staying at a different hotel, which was closer to the airport.

The sky was dark gray, and the temperature was hovering right around freezing, not that different than what she had left behind, thought Dana.

An hour later Dana was driven onto the large wooded estate of Savannah Connell. Dana noticed that the driver was a pleasant young woman.

The driver was wearing a black suit, and her long blonde hair was styled up into a bun, which just showed behind her cap.

“The main house is a mile from here, Ms. Matson,” stated the driver.

“Wow,” replied Dana, as she looked out of the window.

“I’m sure that Ms. Connell will give you a full tour; she’s very proud of this place,” continued the driver.

“I’m looking forward to it. By the way, what’s your name?” asked Dana.

“I’m Becky,” she replied. “I’m actually a graduate student at Princeton working on my thesis. This job gives me flexibility. When I’m on my breaks, I work on my paper here in the car.”

Dana laughed. “So what are you studying?”

“Quantum Physics,” replied Becky.

“Wow, I’m impressed,” replied Dana.

“Well, Aunt Savannah always told me to aim high. Oops, I’m sorry, I meant Ms. Connell,” said Becky. “I’m not supposed to refer to her as my aunt while I’m working.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell her; your secret is safe,” said Dana.

“Thank you, Ms. Matson,” replied Becky.

“Becky, please call me Dana; I’m not used to being called Ms. Matson.”

“I will, thank you, Dana. I’ve only been doing this for a few months now. It’s hard to call her Ms. Connell when I’ve called her Aunt Savannah my whole life,” replied Becky. “Don’t get me wrong, this is a great job. She offered it to my brother, but he wouldn’t do it.”

Dana smiled. “I suppose he didn’t want to wear a skirt.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Damn, I’m not supposed to talk about that either!”

“It’s okay, Becky,” replied Dana.

“I mean, you look great. I’ve seen many of the people who have come here over the years, and you look fantastic,” continued Becky.

“Thank you,” replied Dana.

“I mean, the only reason I know that you’re not a woman is that I overheard Aunt, I mean Ms. Connell talking about it,” said Becky. “I think I should shut up now.”

“It’s okay, Becky. I don’t mind, and what is said between us, stays between us,” said Dana.

Becky smiled. “Thanks. Oh, my brother looks awful in a skirt!”

Dana laughed again.