The Women's Job - The Associate - Part 4

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The other day Bobbi James, Associate 14B, ran down the hall several times because she had morning sickness. I already knew her as a dedicated worker. Thursday she had a client in her office when she got sick. I happened to be in the hall when she came running out.

I told her, “You’re not going to make it, use my wastebasket.” She did and then I sent her down the hall to clean up.

I took my time to go in and talk with her client and confirmed the good investments Bobbi was suggesting. It was not a simple acquisition that she was suggesting, but it was a great idea for her client and a relief for a struggling company that had a great product. I was sure Bobbi expected me to judge her like I had Brook. I liked surprising her like that when I didn't.

Once I showered, Bonnie had out the outfit she talked about this morning, but along with it were the pink bra and breast forms Connie had sold me. It’s a joke to me that I would wear them now as I was sure what I’d look like with them on. My first vision was of ten inches of boob sticking out from my chest. The three-plus inches is quite enough. Once the bra and blouse were in place I became uncomfortable because I see a woman looking back at me and she was me.

I thought the outfit was old and would look awful on me. Now, I recognize the outfit as one Bonnie recently order, but it wasn’t quite right for her. But with me, it is another thing completely. Bonnie says, “The colors work with your complexion and eyes better.” That becomes more apparent as Bonnie is dressed and helps with my makeup. Mascara and eyeliner are added, after a colorful peach and sunglow yellow as eyeshadow. None of it was heavy or overboard and it all looks good on me.

I make us a small sandwich, both of us getting two quarters. It is enough to keep me satisfied until we eat later. While I was eating I didn’t hear Jaime drive up or come to the door. I had been awfully nervous anticipating Jaime and Diane seeing me. This saved me from more anxious waiting.

Bonnie asks me, “Stand up and go see who’s coming please.” I stood up, turned around, and was ready to go see who was coming. Bonnie had already let them in as I’m smoothing out my skirt and then lookup.

I smile and say, “Hi, Jamie and Diane.” Their smiling back puts me at ease.

Diane says, “I like how you look and your voice matches who I see in front of me.”

“Thank you for the compliment, but I’m nervous as hell. Bonnie takes all the credit for how I look.”

Jaime says, “I do not see any string marks where she would have tied you up like a puppet. I guess you helped and cooperated. I am proud of you and give my thanks to Bonnie for helping you.” She then says, “If you two are ready, we should be on our way to Marcino’s. Katherine will meet us there.”

I’m okay going to the Foxy Lady because I know it is open to people dressed like me. I’d be very anxious about going to Marcino’s because it is a regular night spot with great food and ambiance. What if someone makes a fuss about me being there?

Bonnie points and tells me, “Pick up your purse, and let’s get going.” There is a small purse with a long strap. I know enough to put it on my shoulder and to use my arm to keep it inside where I can hold it. I know the women are watching me and they’re amused.

“I’m sorry but I'm not used to this and I’m trying to do it properly.”

Jaime says, “You’re doing fine. I don’t know about the others but I can see you’re trying hard to do it like you think you should.” We’re at Jaime’s vehicle and she’s holding the back door on her side for me. I had been rehearsing in my mind to sit down and scoot in. But now I am trying to bow my head and put a foot in. It is a big stride and stretch and I know it’s not right. I stand straight again and I’m still out of the vehicle. I watch Bonnie through the open door on the other side.

This time I turn sit in the seat and begin bringing one foot in and then the other. I turn myself to face forward as Jaime is closing my door. Once we’re at Marcino’s there is a doorman to help us out and another to park the car. Jaime hands me a credit card saying, “Elle or Elliot can use this. I look at the card and see both names embossed there.

I ask, “Is this legal?”

Bonnie points to an ATM and says, “It is once you use it in an ATM.” She whispers three numbers and the nickname of my favorite team. I go use the ATM and drew out two hundred dollars cash. The balance on my card shows more than what one should expect. I look into my purse and find a smaller purse with a place for my card and a place for my cash. There is at least $30-50 already in my purse.

Once I’m ready, Diane says to the Maître de, “We’re with Katherine Bode.” The Maître de takes us to Katherine’s table, saying, “Women have a great night.”

Katherine seeing me says “O my Elle you are so attractive.” She comes and hugs me and I hear a kiss but don’t feel one. It is my first women’s air kiss. Katherine pulls me to sit near her but I stay standing until Bonnie is next to me on the other side. We all eat small with each course as there are to be seven courses. I am listening to the women as Bonnie had suggested.

Come our travel to the Foxy Lady, I find myself telling the four what clothes I would have purchased before as if I was truly a woman. It was my second drink at the Foxy Lady that I begin to lose my inhibitions even more. Bonnie’s request is for me to dance the first and last dance of the evening with her.

It was after I had danced with Jaime and Diane that a woman named Lucy cuts in to dance with me. That and the next song being slow, Lucy holds onto me and takes me to a corner table with her friends. They’re warming up to me and treating me as a close friend. When Bonnie came over later to retrieve me. I didn’t remember much of what happened but was able on the way home to tell them all we had talked about.

It was not until we get home that Bonnie had me take a shower and get ready for bed. Bonnie’s entertained by me as I am finally regaining my sobriety. I said, “You know Bonnie, I could never be a woman.” Then I talked on about the things I wouldn’t be able to do: Walk in heels, get used to a bra, talk like another woman.

Bonnie said, “We did not realize you were drunk before I brought you back from the other women. They ask me if you could help them to become pregnant.”

Bonnie said she asked which one of them? Lucy said, “We were hoping each of us could take a turn. We were hoping to take him to one of our places and sober him up. We would not have taken advantage of him if we could help it.” Bonnie, Jaime, and Katherine counted the drinks, they knew I had and were up to five just at the Foxy Lady. I knew I had at least two with Lucy and her friends.

“Gosh,” said Katherine, “They’re not water!” Jaime asked, “Did the women take you to the restroom?”

I scratched my head and replied, “Yes, they might have. I wondered how they knew I needed to go.”

Bonnie says, “That is when they probably checked out your plumbing.” By that time I had fallen asleep and didn’t fully wake up until Bonnie woke me in the morning. But she also put me under the shower last night and had me take care of the makeup I had on. She said, I made a fuss and talked to her most of the time. But I didn’t remember anything. I thought I had imagined watching closely as a woman took off her makeup. That might have been me.

I shower again and ask Bonnie, “Please help me to take these boobs off my chest.” That is when she tells me, “Your Aunt Jennifer called and asked if we were likely to be home at 11:00 this morning. She said, "She wanted to talk to us about Elle going to church in the morning. So I guess you might as well keep the breasts on and dress as Elle.”

I say, “Aunt Jennifer isn’t my boss, Ms. Jennifer Atwood is.” I eat breakfast before I resign to the fact I should put on a little makeup. The concealer and foundation are not hard. I thought I had done a good job in putting some facial makeup on until Bonnie says I need to use a triangle form to put it on and make sure it is even over all my face. Twice I think I’m done when she points out areas asking, “What’s that?”

Little by little my eyes are becoming better at recognizing subtle differences. I lightly use some eyeshadow to the praise of Bonnie. But we’re interrupted by a call from Katherine.

I’m a little upset and tell her so, “Bonnie said Jennifer is coming over and wants me to go to church with her as Aunt Jennifer tomorrow. I thought I have weekends off. Aunt Jennifer shouldn’t be insisting I need to go to church.”

Katherine matter of factly, says, “Get over it. Jennifer has a policy of doing this with all of us. It proves to be helpful and endears us to some of our clients. Both of the Lourdes are religious and you have one time to make a first impression.”

She then says, “How are you after last night? Did Bonnie share you came close to being a baby maker?” I think she’s joking with me, but my phone’s on loud and Bonnie is shaking her head that it is true. She’ll tell me more after Aunt Jennifer is gone.

Kathy says, “I’m checking to see if you got the message you’re to meet Ms. Marjorie Lourdes at the Venus Health Spa Club?” When I tell her yes. She asks, “What does that tell you in preparation for meeting with her?”

I tell her I’ll be ready, but I get the feeling she thinks I don’t understand. My understanding is that on the first day we’re just meeting one another. If I don’t take time with her at the spa; then I’d have to wait until that even or the next day. She confirms my understanding and then leaves it to me to decide how to handle Tuesday and the exclusive spa.

Aunt Jennifer is late arriving at 11:30 a.m. and I can tell she’s pleased to find me dressed as ‘Elle’ Sanders as she calls me. She says, “I’d like you, Elle, to go with me tomorrow to my church. And then again the following Sunday to a Christian church that is very welcoming of women and the LGBT community.”

I interrupt, “I thought most churches welcome women they've been the majority of the people wherever I’ve been. Things must have changed a lot.”

Aunt Jenn says, “I’m talking about us independent thinkers to be part of running the ministry of a church and to be taken seriously. The Lourdes had one of the first women pastors in a large church and she was very good. When she left and they hired a man as their pastor. He worked to change much of what was accomplished before him. Marjorie was one of those who saw to it that he was changed and soon out. She wouldn’t have gotten far if most didn’t want the change. But it wouldn’t have happened if passive women were waiting for the change to be made.”

“Our church has a male head of staff but Rev. Martha, the Associate Pastor, is strong in her own right. Hopefully, you will meet her tomorrow. I’d like to go to the late service at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Hopefully, she would be free to go to dinner with us if she will.”

My Aunt says, “Bonnie, you are very welcome to come with us and you’d both be my treat for dinner. I’m not wanting you to come out of duty or just for Elliot but if you care to.”

I’m wanting to ask if I have a choice which I’m sure I do. However, I am now more certain that Jennifer knows the importance of what she’s talking about.

Bonnie says, “I plan to consider it. I’m hoping right now; you’d consider having lunch with us. It’s a simple soup and sandwich. We have plenty but if it’s not what you want it will keep.” Bonnie must have done her homework for Aunt Jennifer enjoys soup and eats simply on weekends unless she goes out to eat.

When we’re done our business, Bonnie asks me to help watch the soup and set the table. She wants to visit with my Aunt. I can’t help but feel I’m being domesticated. I know better than to say it out loud. I am finally realizing Bonnie and my Aunt Jennifer believe in me in ways I had not understood before. Jennifer even takes the opportunity to express it.

“You know Elliot, I think a lot of your ability. I thought you would choose to strike out on your own since I’m not one to change the nature of my company. You are impressing me as Elliot, not Ellie, and please don’t think I’m pushing you to be a woman. I just want you to gain a glimpse of your clients’ view of the world.”

Before reacting, I think out my approach to customers and decide it is different from my previous job. I’m not sure of what Aunt Jennifer was referring to concerning Marjorie Lourdes. I do chuckle to myself concerning Ms. Lourdes' visit to her spa club. ‘Knowing it’s a women’s only club? What would I be willing to do as Elliot? Could I chance her staying there, my shortchanging my chance to get to know her informally like a friend, or would I chance it cutting into my coming to know her?’

Having sat around the tables with the various associates; I understand better the initial time of listening needs to be separate before presenting my recommendations or rationalizing reasons for her investments. I’ve already penciled out Wednesday as well as Tuesday. “Jennifer, in fact, I decided to set aside the whole week if need be. I’m planning to be with them into Thursday as I’m hoping to visit with Sophie, no Sophia Lourdes.”

I chuckle as I confused her with Cousin Sophie Connors. I should be contacting her down the road as she’s doing very well for herself.’

Our visit over a simple lunch goes well. Aunt Jennifer has taken a liking to Bonnie and asks for a chance to visit with her alone, before she leaves.

I boot up my computer and research a possible idea of Sophia Lourdes investments. The information we have says she’s into different things than her mother. One of the other Associates, Shelby has mentioned a women’s cooperative in Brazil that she likes for an unusual investment. How does one tell if it is a sound investment? I called internationally and talked to Rafaela yesterday and will visit again via an internet connection. She remembered Shelby Anderson and was glad to hear the idea was being taken seriously. Rafaela and Louisa two of the partners will be part of this conversation,

Bonnie calls to me, “We’re done talking. Do you want to come to say goodbye to your Aunt?” I was tired of waiting and a little surprised my aunt seems to be ending the visit. I put my shoes back on and walk out to them. “Aunt Jenn would you like me to pick you up in the morning, so we can drive you to church?”

Immediately as I stepped out I knew Bonnie’s planning to go too. Aunt Jenn’s response didn’t surprise me, except I’m surprised how out front she is. Aunt Jenn says, “I don’t know what kind of a car Bonnie has, but until you trade up and keep it cleaner that won’t be an option. I think Therese and I should be driving you two to church. Can you both be ready by 9:10 in the morning?” We agree and after a hug and air kiss my Aunt leaves.

I hug Bonnie and thank her. I’m trying to pull Bonnie to my bedroom. She says, “Not yet, but soon. We need to do a little shopping.”

I’m afraid to ask, but I do. “What are we needing to shop for now?”

Bonnie says, “There are some girl things ‘we’ need. Plus I’ve put off showing you how to shop far too long. We won’t do too much but I’m asking that you be the one who will be doing it.”

My outfit is casual enough as I change down to a pair of flats. We use Bonnie’s car. We’re at the mall but we’re going to a jeweler to look at earrings. We agree on a beautiful looking pair of diamond and silver stud earrings. There is another set Bonnie likes for me, gold with jade from Thailand. Once we’re set on them Bonnie’s set to buy them despite the fact they don’t pierce ears. Bonnie giggles as she looks at me. “They’re jewelers, not Claire’s they don’t pierce ears. Most good jewelers don’t do it.”

Bonnie takes my two cases over and asks the jeweler to show me the two pairs. Sticker shock hits me as the diamond studs are $1,795 dollars. Jonathan shows me a pair of jade earrings saying, “These are marked down to $1,215 from $1,650. But I’d rather sell to you for $1,998 and the better Thai jade earrings. I’ll even have a person come here to pierce your ears.”

I try to bargain more, “Make it $3,000 for both and we have a sale.” Bonnie lays down my credit card from Jennifer with the LIFe logo on it. Jonathan’s face lights up, “I heard LIFe is supposed to get a new associate over there. Rumor has it they might be getting their first male associate now or soon.”

I say, “If you’re a regular company LIFe uses. You know that we’re not into rumors or sharing our business dealings. It could result at the end of business here.”

Bonnie called me aside, “Elle, I’m not used to these prices, but I’d say if the diamond studs and the Thai jade earrings are something you like. And I think if you’re staying with Lioness, they would be very nice. I don’t think you can honestly say you wouldn’t like to have them.”

Bonnie says to the Jeweler, “I haven’t seen too many people who are better off who don’t want more.”

Her statement reminded me, “Bonnie, your eyes were fixed on one of the necklaces. Let’s look at that or something else if you prefer.”

Bonnie says, “We can’t do that with this card.”

“I have my personal card, and I can afford it.” I tell Jonathan, “She a teacher a mighty fine teacher. It’s about time I treat her special.”

Jon says, “Miss if you’re a teacher, might you ever wear it to school? Even if you wear it under a blouse a good necklace should have a safety chain. I would suggest preferably a two-strand necklace.”

I look nearby where he took the necklace from. I had to look a bit and over to find three such necklaces. The two strands are delicate, but the price leaped. Bonnie protests a little, but her heart wasn’t interested in protesting too much. She did change to a stylized heart. It will be the largest price gift I’ve given to someone when it’s not a holiday. But we’re in agreement and she’s delighted.

A woman from the department store next door comes to pierce my ears. She says, “It’s usually a teen or college girl being treated specially by someone. I am honored to help you.” She is very nice. The piercing comes with a fifty-dollar starter set of earrings. She is very happy to insert my new pair of diamond earrings. She compliments my selection and offers to help us next door in the department store.

Needless to say, Bonnie insists we go there and get some makeup as well as the other set of earrings. We both purchased another blouse and long skirts for tomorrow.

Bonnie drives us to an enclosed botanical garden for tea and to relax walking around and sitting in the garden café. “You know Elle you look as though you belong here.”

I take offense, “You know very well I am not averse to being here. We’ve been here before; I’ve even been the one who brought you here a time or two.”

“It wasn’t meant to be derogatory, it’s just as Elle there seems to be a glow in being here.”

Bonnie looked down at her hands before the botanical gardens and does so again. I say to her, “You want your nails done, don’t you? I think we need to do that and the other shopping can wait”

She asked me, “Do we have time, or weren’t you planning to do something?” She pauses and then says, “You know you could have your nails shaped and polished for church tomorrow as well.”

We go to the nail salon that Bonnie usually goes to, all three nail stations are with customers at them. Only the last customer is not having both manicures and pedicures.

Tiffany the owner-operator greets Bonnie. “Hello Bonnie, I was thinking it was time for you to show up. I’m glad to see you. Could I give you and your guest a facial why do you wait? The first of you should be done in time for the first opening.”

Bonnie says, “This is my good friend Elle that I’ve told you about. Elle, This is Tiffany she owns the salon.” We greet one another as Tiffany leads me to a chair to sit and rest in. I guess I’m slow in thinking about what she’s doing. She brushes back my hair pinning it when I realize she’s wanting to do a facial.

“Bonnie tell her no.”

Tiffany says, “I’ve only taken you first because your makeup is lighter. I’ll let Bonnie clean off her own makeup if she wants.” Tiffany is massaging my face. It feels so good that I can’t bring myself to ask her to stop. I am lying back a little when she tells me the mask solution she’s using. It is the best solution for you young women. I say thanks, not knowing what else to say.

Before too long, I know she has started by removing my makeup and cleansing my face. She shows me a wipe, saying, “I’m glad you’re here as a facial will be good for cleaning your pores. I suspect you’re here because you are beginning something new. This will help you in giving a good first impression.” I’m now wondering if Bonnie brought us here more for me.

I say, “Bonnie, we did come here just for you, didn’t we?”

She giggles, “Yes, but it is also true this is a new beginning for you. If it helps your new job to begin better that’s a bonus.”

Tiffany asks, “And what do you do?”

“I am an investment advisor. Previously I’ve been doing work and research for others. I am finally getting my own clients. I am going to be working mainly with women. I guess they’ll notice my complexion and how I take care of myself better than a male customer would.”

“Hopefully your male bosses will take notice of you and give credit to your good work for them. The only thing I suggest in working with men is to look attractive but make sure they see a professional woman helping them. They can get easily distracted.”

Bonnie says “Working for LIF, her clients should be mostly if not all women.”

My expression changes as I’m wondering what she knows. “I am sorry if I understood wrong and you’re her friend. Please know Elle if you come here I’ll be the one to work with you and things will all be confidential. We’re like a woman’s therapist and I’m wanting you to relax in my hands.”

The truth is I relax so well that our conversation is like a foggy cloud. I am more into the experience of being here than just our conversation. It is another few minutes, I’m lying completely back and I’m talking with Bonnie next to me. We’re both waiting on our facials to set.

Tiffany soon peels my mask away and has me up. “Let us have your complexion breath a while. I’ll begin on your nails. Bonnie will want to wait for Carly to do her nails.”

Tiffany looks at me, “I see you’ve taken care of your hands fairly well. Yet I think you’ll enjoy having your nails done. There’s a nice difference. Would you mind going into the women’s room and taking off your stockings so I can give you a pedicure?”

“Um, um. A manicure will be enough, thank you.”

“I am including the pedicure free as I’d like you to come back. Please let me pamper you a little.”

It was something that Elliot had dreamed about; now Elle was excited and scared as it happens. “Bonnie, I’m not sure about this.”

Bonnie said, “I can appreciate that. I ask that you allow Tiffany do a pedicure, along with the manicure. Then you’ll have the experience and we can talk later.”

I went and changed out of my pantyhose and came back. I would enjoy both the manicure and pedicure. I chose a deep red. I felt myself getting excited as I watched. Tiffany had worked on my coarse feet. The dry cracked areas had softened and as some skin fell away. She saw my feet become pretty and the skin became pink as I hoped them to be. Areas around each toenail were properly manicured. Nails were cut, filed, painted, and buffed until they were all glowing.

I thought the cotton balls between my toes looked funny. But I allowed them to remain while my fingernails were being done. Tiffany had started by massaging a lotion into the fingers and hands. It helped to make the cuticles around her fingernails become easier to work with.

It had been a week since much attention to my fingernails was given. Bonnie had done it earlier in the week with a clear pink polish. Now my nails were long enough to shape. Elle looked and softly said, “How is it possible that they grew and I didn’t realize it?”

Bonnie quietly responded, “I don’t think you were ready to recognize what you really wanted. You have grown a lot this week. I think you’re at the place in your life to accept yourself.”

I heard what she said and I wasn’t going to argue, but neither was it the place I wanted to talk about my fears.

The time was great as I did relax and enjoyed the moment. Bonnie was content. We both knew to relax and share the time there. Our conversation revolved around whether my coming work trip was going to be all business and if I was taking a nice dress for an evening out.