The Women's Job - The Associate - Part 5

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Following our time there Bonnie and I headed to my office. I’d pick up some papers so I could work at home. The security system was up and as I appeared I wasn’t passing the check. Rich Johnson the head of security asked me questions to confirm I was Elliot. They required a new photo of me, which they took, would be placed in my file pending my Aunt or Katherine’s approval.

My Aunt, Jennifer Attwood, did respond and she was delighted to approve a second security image for me. She even recognized that I had my nails done. “Elle, I am glad you got your nails done for tomorrow.”

It was then that I realized I had secured my fate in how I’d look for a church in the morning.

I spent the better part of an hour in my office. Among other things, I checked messages, including one from Sophia Lourdes. “This is Sophia Lourdes and I am hoping you’ll include a day of your visit to meet with me regarding my personal investments. Whenever you receive this message and can confirm my request I’d appreciate hearing from you.”

It was ironic when I called to leave a message, Sophia answered and her voice fit the image of her voice. She also realized that my speech had a more feminine tone. She was upfront and asked. “Does this mean you are working to present a more pleasing side of yourself to my mother? That will bode well for our meeting with you this time.”

My conversation with the second Ms. Lourdes, required I download some other material into my laptop.

I was looking to get home and out of the heels I was wearing. They’re only 2 1/2'’ but more than I’m used to. Unfortunately Bonnie insisted I take her out for dinner before we went back to the apartment.

We went to a cozy pub we knew where we hopefully could visit without being overheard or interrupted by others. I liked the idea of dinner and being able to talk. I’d rather have been out of the heels and back as Elliot.

Come Sunday morning, I’m awake early. My sleep was restless as Aunt Jennifer and I go to the same church. I go to the late service when I do go which is not that often. The Pastor and I had talked once about my issues but that was some time ago. She nor any of the members knew me as Elle. I’d expect Pastor Doreen Briggs would have forgotten the conversation we had almost two years ago.

I had the coffee made and a cup gone by the time Bonnie came out to the kitchen. She said, “You know Elle, you should be more excited than anxious.”

Sarcastically I ask, “How do you come to that conclusion? This could be the beginning of the end for my relations with most of my family and friends.”

Bonnie, “You’ve become comfortable being Elle. I think once people see how comfortable you are as Elle; they’ll see this is a real part of you. I think even those who react negatively will come around. Most of your friends and family are already comfortable with you working with LIF, Lioness Investments & Finances enterprises. They should be more than happy for your promotion and all that you’ve accomplished.”

Bonnie stops talking. She’s gotten a cup of coffee and refilled mine. We relaxed in our large cushiony chair. She’s smiling as she looks at me and runs fingers through my hair. I am feeling good about just being with her.

“But Bonnie, this is a big step and there’s no way you can know how apprehensive I really am?”

“You’re right, I can’t fully appreciate that. But I walked away once and I’ll never do that again. You are wonderfully made and such a special person. I believe your real friends will see that.”

I didn’t say anything, I just cuddled in her arms. It was twenty of eight when I stirred, so both of us could get ready for Jennifer, Therese, and church. Bonnie helped me choose the long skirt and attractive blouse that I changed into. It is warm enough that I’m wearing a dressy sandal with nylons. The jade and gold jewelry go well with it. Bonnie takes the time to help with a light dusting of green eyeshadow that helps compliment the jewelry and how I’m looking.

A toasted bagel and cream cheese will need to hold me over until after the service.

Both Therese and Jennifer come to the door. I’m sure they expected one of us would be late in getting ready. Since I was a young teenager I had learned not to be late for my Aunt Jenn. There is a story that goes with that but I won’t get into it here.

Therese actually recognize Bonnie more quickly than she did me. “Elliot, you’re very becoming as a woman. I am greatly impressed. Jennifer spoke well of you yesterday, but I didn’t expect you to be this good.”

We’re soon on our way to church. Aunt Jenn looks back saying, “Relax, it’s not likely anyone if anyone from the late service comes to this one or that they’d recognize you.”

“But Pastor Doreen Briggs will be there and we’ll likely see her on our way out of the church. I kind of want her to know about me, but I’m apprehensive about it happening today.”

The service was good and moved along. I was glad as Bonnie usually did not like going to church. True to what I said before the service, Pastor Briggs was at the door we went out of.

Jennifer and Therese were in front of us as we went out. I saw the pastor’s eyes glance back at me as she spoke with Jenn and Therese. I wasn’t surprised when Rev. Briggs asked me, “So is it, Elle. I thought you said another name when we first talked. The important thing is are you comfortable with yourself?”

I smiled, “Yes, though I’m a little anxious being out.”

“Well, I’m happy for you. Please stop by sometime, I’d be glad to have an opportunity to visit with you.”

We went out to the Lakeside Country Club for brunch. It used to be a women’s only club and still favors serving professional women. It is no big deal there that Jenn and Therese are a couple, nor that I am there as Elle with Bonnie.

While I was wondering if there might be someone there who would know or recognize me. I wasn’t expecting my mother, my oldest sister Lindsey and my niece Lexi.

Lexi hurriedly walked over to me, “I’m so happy to meet you Aunt Elli…” she paused not yet knowing my name.

“And I

you Lexi. I’m going by Elle for now. I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I say as I look at the three of them.

Lexi matter of factly says, “It’s the 21st Century Aunt Elle. Mom said for a moment there you were the first male Associate in Aunt Jennifer’s Investment firm. Was changing over part of her plan when you got the promotion? My mother and Grandma Sanders said Aunt Jennifer wouldn’t do that.”

“I’m still biologically a man, but I am finally seeing myself also as a transgender woman. I haven’t decided a whole lot about my long-term future yet.”

With that, we sit down. Our table had six chairs, but it easily seats the eight of us. Lexi is excited about meeting Bonnie as well and sits next to her.

Lexi turns to her Aunt Jennifer, “We played a nine-hole round of golf. It is the most beautiful golf course I’ve ever played on. Thanks for letting us play an early round. Aunt Elle do you and Bonnie golf here?”

I say, “Elliot has played here and probably someday I will as well.”

I appreciate that the focus is now shifting over to my niece. My sister Lindsey invited Bonnie and me to accompany them to the restroom.

She was very supportive and gave me a hug. She also gave me a spray of her perfume, Blue Ice.

It was after our brunch that Jennifer told the others that I indeed was now a full Associate and meeting with my first clients out in Long Island, New York. “Lexi, while I wouldn’t force your uncle to change genders. He has started with a strong test in identifying with his first clients. I did insist on Elliot embracing being a metro male. It had been a while since Elliot had embraced his feminine identity. I wasn’t expecting him to go this far.”

“The truth is I wasn’t sure if he would forego the promotion and leave our firm. I am very proud Elle has decided to come out of her shell. She is not obligated to be Elle. I know she knows her professional stuff and embracing our business philosophy makes her that much better. I expect Elliot to be very successful.”

“Now Lexi, tell us all about yourself?”

My Niece Lexi asks, “Aunt Elle are you sure you’re comfortable being a woman?”

“Lexi thanks for caring. And ‘no’ I’m not but I think it’s time I step out of the shadows and try to become comfortable. I suspect, most of the time, I’ll be your Uncle Eliot.”

“Sorry to hear that. I kind of like seeing you as Aunt Elle and having boobs. I gather they’re not implants then.”

Once the dinner was over and I used the women’s room to clean up. Lexi and her Mom took Bonnie and me home. We did stop and both Lindsey and Lexi helped me to choose more makeup. Lexi said, “You also needed some heels that were not thick mule heels.” It was hard to believe she talked me into two pairs of 2 ½” heels with a 1/2” tip on the heels. The silver pair was the most attractive, along with a black pair also for dressing up. Lexi said, “You can wear the black pair with almost anything.”

They stayed at the house another hour after we got there. My sister Lindsey pushed me to try on two other outfits; including my gray tux. Lexi insisted I try the silver heels while I was wearing the tux. I did admit that the outfit looked good for a woman, even me.

Once they were gone, Bonnie and I relaxed preparing ourselves for the week ahead. She had lesson planning and I selected the investments I was recommending and worked on my presentations. More difficult was planning how to casually visit with Ms. Lourdes on Tuesday.

I decided I’d fly out Monday afternoon and be close to the Lourdes and their office out in Suffolk County.

Bonnie and I made the airline, hotel, and car rental arrangements I needed. I would be uncomfortable enough traveling as a metro male, but I decided it was something I needed to do. Impressing Ms. Lourdes that I would go out of my way to impress her was purely my decision.

I was becoming comfortable with embracing my feminine side. Making love with Bonnie as Elle capped a fantastic weekend. I would not have anticipated any of this just a week ago.

I was well rested after a great night’s sleep even though I got up early to finish packing. It was the most clothes I usually traveled with, but Bonnie insisted I needed not to be wearing clothes a second time during my visit. So she added a few items with my blessing.

Once to work, I was greeted by Jamie, “So was the rest of your weekend calm and boring after Friday night?” Once Katherine listened, part of my morning was down to Connie and picking something for dinner. There was a dress that I even dared to try. Katherine insisted I have it, though I did not plan to wear the dress.

She reviewed my recommendations and justification for Ms. Lourdes and my review of Sofia’s Earth Oils. Katherine says, “I want to apologize for insisting on the extra clothes and suitcase. I do know I intruded into your space, by treating you as a professional woman. I expect I will be eating some crow and taking you out for a special dinner after you’re back.”

Come 1:30 I was in a high price limo taking me to the airport. My bags were checked through and were to be taken to my hotel once I would arrive. I was given priority in seating as well as getting through security with little hassle. When one woman said, “Enjoy your flight, Elle.” I just said thanks and picked up my feminine voice. I looked at my itinerary and ticket. They both had Elliot Elle Sanders.

Once on the ground in New York City and getting my car, I fully assumed Elle’s identity. The car having GPS was a big help, but the drive took longer than anticipated. Checking in I was addressed, “Ms. Elle Sanders, if you are famished like I expect; you are encouraged to take your time but please use our dining room by 9:30. We'll have kept it open for you.”

I freshened myself and dared to use color as I used more makeup. I checked about the Golden Goddess Health Spa. Where I was to meet Ms. Marjorie Lord. The fact that it was a women’s health spa troubled me, though I was relatively comfortable. I figured I had made the needed accommodations in going as far as I was comfortable with.

I wanted to be at the Golden Goddess Spa early but I didn’t expect to be thirty minutes early. I did mention that I planned to meet Ms. Marjorie Lourdes there.

A Director Morgan greets me, “You say it’s Elle Sanders? It’s nice to meet you. I can tell you’ve gone to some extent to please Ms. Lourdes. I’m sure she’ll be impressed” I smile and she asks to meet with me privately. I went with her to their conference room.

“We were expecting a Mr. Sanders, though he wouldn’t have been able to use the facilities.” She is seeking to be cordial, “May I ask if you’re hoping to use the facilities with Ms. Lourdes?”

I say, “While I wasn’t anticipating using it all. I was hoping to find out what she was hoping to do. And what she might have wanted of me.”

Ms. Morgan says, “She usually spends five to seven hours and the latter is what’s scheduled for today.” Morgan compliments how nicely I present myself.

“Thank you, but I suspect you can see through me. Maybe I should just leave a note and plan to meet her later for dinner.”

She says, “There is an alternative that we might be able to help you with. If you are wearing forms that present you totally as a woman. It would be possible for you to spend the day with her. However, we’d help make sure the appliances are very good and well applied.”

Long story short, I had breast forms though not properly ‘applied’. She said, “We could help if you’re willing; there would not be any extra cost. But it would need to be more than the breast forms. More importantly, you need to convince us that it is something you want and you are not forced to do it for business reasons.”

I didn’t intend to but I was now hoping to join Ms. Lourdes if she would have me. I went back out and waited for Ms. Lords who was a little late in her arrival. She was happy to see how I was. “I am quite impressed Elliot and I appreciate what you have done. I am going to suggest you relax and meet me later. I may even shorten my time here.”

I find myself Elle speaking up, “Ms. Marjorie Lourdes, could I speak to you privately, before a decision is made.”

We were allowed to use the area I had been in when Director Morgan talked with me. “I don’t want to embarrass you, but if it is possible. I’d like to share this day as you planned if you are willing.”

I explained, “Long before, Ms. Jennifer Attwood asked me to be an Associate with LIFe and take you as a client. I had been suppressing my transgender identity. And while I came ill-prepared to share in this day Director Morgan says she could make it possible. I don’t want to embarrass you, but I’d like you to know it could be possible.”

Our Associates Katherine and Diana both told me Ms. Lourdes' facial expressions were next to impossible to read. This was my experience now. She paused to think and I was anxious but silent. I waited hoping she’d break the silence first.

She finally spoke up, “Please explain your request and why you would be open to it? I would not pressure you to do it.”

“I have come to see myself as a transgender woman,” I explained. “I am wanting to be with you that I might listen and learn about you, my client. Please excuse me, I’m afraid, I’m not explaining myself very well.”

Ms. Lourdes smiles before she speaks again, “I think you have expressed yourself very well. I am glad to hear of your openness.

“Now let me explain about my time here. If you are then still open I will be glad to have you with me. When I’m in the sauna, then the whirlpool, and have a massage I would want you to be with me. If you decide, we will be naked so we can relax and receive the full benefit of our salon experience. The afternoon will be more of a spa experience with time to relax and enjoy everything together. I would hope you’d relax and enjoy getting a makeover with me.”

“If you’re willing I will go into the pool and wait until you’re ready so we can begin together.”

“I’m nervous, but yes, I would like to share the day here.”

We go back out to Director Morgan and she says, “I called my helpers together. I’ll take you and we’ll get you ready for the day.”