Working For A Boutique - Part 3

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The next two months went by quickly. The new sign out front said "Amelia's." I was busy both at work and at school. No one had said a word to me about my brief excursion into femininity. I guess I assumed it was in the past and forgotten.

It was a Friday night in mid-March. I found a note on my timecard to report to Ms. La- Rue's office before starting work. I wondered what she could want now. I walked to the front of the store and up the stairs to her office. I knocked, and the receptionist opened the door.

"Go right in, Danny. She is expecting you," she said with that big smile again. I walked in and stood at the front of her desk.

"Sit down, Danny."

I did so, and she handed me an evaluation sheet. I saw my hard work had not gone unnoticed.

"I'm pleased with everything you've done so far and hope it continues. I'm giving you a raise to eight dollars an hour. Please sign on the bottom next to my signature."

I signed the paper and handed it back to her.

"Now, something has come up quite unexpectedly. The convention center is having a formal apparel fashion show two weeks from now. The show runs Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the latest prom fashions, the models will also show bridal and bridesmaids' dresses. I know you aren't crazy about this sort of thing, but one of the manufacturer- ers' reps saw you in the window and asked explicitly for you. I lied to her and said, your name was Danielle. I told her that you worked for me and would be happy to represent her company at the show.

"We do a lot of business with this company, and I am willing to pay you three times your eight dollars an hour to model for them. It would help keep a good relationship with this company and get us a good deal when we purchase their new line. Will you help us out here?"

I was a little stunned. I thought this would all be put behind me. I could say no, but then I wasn't sure what my future employment picture would be here and didn't want to take the chance that it might end on a sour note, particularly because this was my first real job. The money was good, and the work wasn't that hard. I nodded.

"Yes, I will."

"Good. I will give you more details later. After you finish your work tonight, you have the weekend off with pay. Enjoy it.

"Thank you," I said as I left. I worked the rest of my shift, punched out, and went home.

That weekend I did a load of laundry and cleaned up my apartment. I had mixed feelings about doing this again. I felt a sense of loyalty to my boss and the company for hiring me. I had my doubts about carrying this impersonation off in front of a lot of people. It was one thing to sit in a window display and be looked at or to have someone glance at

You as you walked by. It was quite another to be parading around in front of a lot of people, most of whom were experts at this and could probably pick me out of the many models as the only "different" girl in the group.

I thought about changing my mind. The picture of an angry Ms. LaRue put that idea to rest once and for all. Saturday night, I went to a movie and spent most of Sunday finishing up the final draft of my term paper as well as the rest of my homework.

Monday night, when I came to work, there was a note on my time card to report to Ms.LaRue before starting work. The secretary had gone for the day.

"Sit down a minute, Danny. I want to go over a few things with you regarding the show. First of all, how much do you weigh?"

The question took me by surprise.

"I'm not sure exactly. I guess about 145."

"I need you to lose between five and ten pounds before the show. I know you may think it is unnecessary, but you're just over the limit for what our Junior Miss models usually run. You're almost a perfect size 16, and losing that little bit of weight would make the sales rep and me very happy."

I cringed at the term "Junior Miss."

"Well, I've never dieted, so how do you want me to go about this? I've trained for the swim team, and I don't know how much more exercise I can do."

"Exercising won't do it. I want you to eat less. I want you to drink twelve ounces of water before each meal. This will fill your stomach and make you want to eat less. Next, eat a good breakfast every day, skip lunch every other day and eat a cup of yogurt for supper every other night. Drink only diet sodas. Do you have any questions?"

"No"

"Good. Now here is the agenda for the show. Saturday morning, take a hot bath and shave before reporting to Madge here at the store.

"She and Jean will prep you and then take you to the convention center. You will be dressed there. Remember to walk and move the way you've been taught. The store and I have a lot riding on this, so I want you to be your feminine best. By the way, you'll be wearing four-inch heel-dyeable shoes. That's an inch higher than you wore last time, and they are not as supportive as leather pumps, so watch your step."

"I'll do my best."

"I'm sure you will. That will be all."

I left her office and went to work. I wasn't looking forward to doing the show, but the pay was too good to pass up.

I slept uneasily that Friday night.

Saturday morning, I bathed and shaved as instructed, trying to keep my mind on the money I would be making. I weighed myself before getting dressed and found I had lost seven pounds. I hoped it would be enough to suit Ms. LaRue. After putting on sweat togs, I drove to work.

I arrived at the store at 7:30 and walked to the beauty salon where Madge was waiting for me. "You're on time as usual. Thanks, Danny. I'll step out while you put on your foundation garments and hose."

She left, and I undressed, putting my clothes in one of the drawers. The garment she had left for me was different. It was a combination of a long-line bra and girdle all in one piece. It was a tight fit, but I manage to get it on. When Madge returned, she hooked up the back, inserted the breast forms, and adjusted the straps.

"Okay. Put your stockings on." I picked up a nylon stocking, rolled it down, and slipped it over my foot, smoothing it up as I went. After I put the other one on, Madge handed me the wig cap, and I put it on.

"Sit down, and I'll do your makeup."

She worked quickly, doing my eyes first, then the blusher, and finally the lipstick. She clipped the four-inch dangling earrings on, then placed a single-strand pearl necklace around my neck and clasped it in the back. The blonde wig was next.

"Stand up."

I did so, and she adjusted the wig slightly and then stepped back. "You look great," she said as she smiled.

She unzipped a light blue shirt dress and removed it from the hanger. She handed it to me, and I slipped it over my head.

"We didn't want you to be seen arriving as a boy and undressing with the girls, so you will wear this to and from the convention center."

I turned around, and she zipped me up. "Put on your heels, and we'll go."

I stepped into the navy three-inch leather pumps and followed her out to the car. The weather was mild, and a slight breeze was blowing.

"After you open the car door, turn and smooth your skirt before you sit and then swing your legs in. Do the reverse when you get out."

I did as she instructed and, after closing the door, fastened my seatbelt.

The drive to the convention center took about twenty minutes. I was concerned about the possibility of an accident and being taken to the hospital or the car having a break- down and me having to wait in a mechanic's shop dressed the way I was. Worse yet, someone I knew might recognize me, and they would spread the word all over town and my coach and fellow swimmers on the team about how I was dressed.

Fortunately, the drive was uneventful, and we arrived at the convention center a little after eight.

Madge pulled into a reserved parking place next to Ms. LaRue's Mercedes. I unfastened my seatbelt, opened the door, and swung my legs out as Madge came around the other side.

"When you stand up, smooth your dress to be sure it hasn't ridden up in the back.

Lock the door, then follow me inside."

I followed Madge to a service entrance and then down a long hallway. She turned down a second hallway, and we entered the dressing area that had been set up behind the makeshift stage.

The place was crowded with racks of dresses. As we near the front of the backstage area, I saw several long tables set up with lighted makeup mirrors on both sides. About two dozen models were in various stages of being made-up or getting dressed in their gowns.

A smaller table had been set up near the right entrance to the stage. Jackie, Betty, and Shirley were seated at the table applying their makeup while Jean and Ms. LaRue were making their gown selections from the racks behind us.

"Nice to see you again!" smiled Jackie. "You look positively radiant!"

"Thanks," I mumbled as the other two girls tried desperately to stifle their giggles.

I stood and waited while the final selections were made. Some of the already dressed models began to line up on the right side of the stage. Ms. LaRue came over with a dress in each hand.

"Prom dresses are modeled first from nine to ten. Each of you will wear two dresses.

Bridesmaids' dresses are next from ten to eleven. Each one of you will model four dresses. Bridal gowns are last from eleven to twelve, and each of you will wear two gowns. We will break from noon to one for lunch and then begin again. Prom dresses from 1pm to 2pm; bridesmaids' dresses from 2pm to 3pm and bridal gowns from 3pm to 4pm.

"The line always forms on the right, and you will walk down the right side of the runway. Walk slowly and keep about ten feet between you and the girl ahead of you. At the end of the runway is a circular stage. You will stand in the middle and smile while the photographers get their still pictures. Walk back on the left side of the runway. Once you exit, come back here and change into the next gown. Remember to smile and keep your poise. Carry yourself in a ladylike, professional manner."

I turned around, and Madge unzipped me. I pulled the shirtdress over my head and slipped out of the navy pumps.

Ms. LaRue unzipped my first gown, removed it from the hanger, and handed it to me. It was the same pink satin sheath I had worn previously in the window display. I stepped inside, and Madge zipped me up. She took a pair of pink four-inch heel shoes from their box from under the table, and I put them on. I picked up the matching purse from the table and followed the girls to where the line was forming.

Jackie and Shirley preceded me, and Betty was behind me.

"Remember to lift your dress when you climb the stairs, place one hand on your hip as you walk, and keep smiling!"

She and the other girls began giggling simultaneously. "I will," I said as we waited in line.

When I got to the top of the stairs, a woman with a clipboard stood just off the stage entrance.

"Name and store, honey?"

I opened my mouth and almost said Danny but managed to come out with a dry voice, "Danielle, for Amelia's department stores."

She gave me a funny look. "Is this your first time on the runway, honey?" "Yes," I admitted.

"Well, try to relax. You look kind of scared. Just remember they're here to look at the dress. Keep smiling and give us your best walk; you'll be done before you know it."

I waited until there was enough space between Shirley and me. Then I stepped out on the runway and began my walk. I took my time and reached the round stage at the end as Shirley was being photographed. After she stepped off, I stepped on and stood at the front of the circular end. After a minute, I stepped down and walked back on the left side, exited the stage, and down the steps to where Madge had my next dress ready. I was unzipped and helped into a floor-length pink chiffon dress.

"You did fine, Danielle," said Ms. LaRue.

In about twenty minutes, most of the girls were back and changed into their second dress. I took my place behind Shirley again and paraded once more down and back without a hitch. I felt relieved as I walked back to the table and saw everybody smiling at me.

"Good job, all of you. Now we have just a few minutes to get ready for the bride's maids' collection."

I set my pink purse on the table. Madge unzipped me while Ms. LaRue and Jean helped the other girls out of their dresses.

My first bridesmaid dress was a jade green satin sheath with large puffy short sleeves. I stepped inside, and Madge zipped me up. I put on the matching gloves while Ms. LaRue attached the hairpiece to my wig.

After stepping into the green four-inch heel shoes, I picked up my purse and waited until the other girls were finished dressing.

"Relax, girls, it'll be a few minutes yet," said Jean.

I noticed several of the girls hired for other stores were looking in my direction with big smiles on their faces. I was almost afraid somebody had told them there would be one impersonator in the crowd.

The line began moving again, and the four of us walked over to take our places. When I got to the top again, the lady with the clipboard smiled when I gave my name.

"You look fabulous, and you're doing fine."

I proceeded out and began my third trip down the runway. When I finished, my green dress was replaced with a long-sleeved version, only in royal blue. I changed shoes, gloves, hairpiece, picked up a blue purse from the table, and took my place in line again. By now, I was accustomed to the walk rhythm and felt very confident about my ability to show off the dress.

Backstage again, Madge helped me out of the blue sheath and then had me step in a long petticoat. I brought it up to my waist, and then she held up a garment that was a slip from the waist up and a petticoat from the waist down.

"This is a pretty slip. It is worn over the petticoat to fill out the skirt of your next two dresses, which we call tea length."

From the rack, Madge unzipped a dark red dress and slipped it over me. She adjusted the hem over the petticoats and then zipped me up. Again, I changed shoes, gloves, hairpiece, and purse. A few minutes later, I was in line, waiting to go on. On another trip, I was backstage being helped out on a red dress and into a bright purple one with the same matching accessories. Another walk, and we were through with the bridesmaids' part of the show.

As much as I hated to admit it, there was quite a thrill about fooling all these people.

To say nothing of the erotic way the apparel felt when I put it on. To say I had mixed emotions would be a very true statement. I was a male, yet when dressed and made-up, I became a very convincing female. I had crossed a line. I was experiencing something few men do. I found it a bit frightening that I was becoming a natural at acting female and, what's more starting to like it. Ms. LaRue interrupted my train of thought.

"Daniell!"

I'm sorry, Ms. LaRue, I was lost in thought." "Well, stop thinking and get into this gown!"

Madge and Ms. LaRue held the white satin long sleeve dress up by the hem and slipped it over my head. Carefully, they adjusted the dress over the petticoats. Madge then pulled the zipper up the back and hooked it at the top. The veil was pinned to my wig, and I stepped into the white four-inch heel pumps.

"Be extra careful this time," warned Madge, "the hem of the gown is almost to the floor. I don't want you taking a spill out there."

"I will," I replied as I made my way to the line.

The satin felt so good against my bare arms. I felt like I could float down the runway.

Soon I was at the front of the line. I grabbed the gown and petticoats with both hands and lifted them up so I could climb the steps. Once at the top, I let go and followed Shirley again down the runway. I was just as careful on the return trip. Backstage, I was helped out of my dress and petticoats.

"The last one!" exclaimed Ms. LaRue as she unzipped the last dress I would wear for the first show.

This dress was a short sleeve satin sheath and really conformed to my body. The veil was replaced with a smaller one and, after stepping back into my white shoes, I got in line for my final walk of the morning. When I returned, the girls were all smiles.

"Wow!" said Jackie. "Danielle, I mean Danny, we didn't think you could do it, but you were magnificent!"

The other girls nodded their approval as I was helped out of my gown and put the blue shirtdress and navy pumps back on. A catering service had been hired to deliver lunch.

After salads and diet soft drinks, it was back to work.

Madge freshened up my makeup, and Ms. LaRue began picking out the dresses for the afternoon show. Everything went like clockwork. I felt even more confident as I went through the routine of dressing, walking, undressing until I finished the final walk of the day.

While Ms. LaRue and Jean helped the other girls change, Madge drove me back to the store. After removing my makeup, wig, and jewelry, she stepped out while I changed back into my male clothes.

"I must tell you, Danny, you were terrific! Be here tomorrow at seven, and I'll get you ready for the Sunday show."

"Thank you," I said and hoped this would be the last time I was going to go through this.

I picked up a sub sandwich and fries on the way home. I watched some television and decided to watch the news. Sure enough, there was a brief story about the show at the convention center. Part of the clip showed me in the royal blue bridesmaid's dress as I walked down the runway. I stayed up for the movie and then went to bed.