The Women's Job - Part 29

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I was dead on Monday morning. I couldn't believe I got up and made it to work on time. Christy slept in. She had no jobs that morning.

Of course, Connie had something to do with my getting up on time. In fact, she woke me early so I could tell her all about my date the night before. She was thrilled that I had such a good time. I shared with her how scared and confused I felt about being with Jack. She tried to tell me not to worry; everything would work itself out.

I assumed she felt confident that a cure would be found and I wouldn't have to endure the life I was living for much longer. I was encouraged and sympathetic. I knew she would prefer that I remain as Jennifer, her daughter. It convinced me all the more that she was totally unselfish and cared deeply about me.

"Just go with it, for now, you're doing beautifully." She told me. It was good advice, considering I had little choice.

Connie sent me out to three possible new accounts that next week and I signed two of them. It was a very exciting and a very busy week.

As busy as I was at work, I spent Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Christy's. We had great sex, at least she did. I felt so inadequate. An erection was out of the question. That didn't mean I couldn't achieve an orgasm, but it took Christy a lot of effort to get me there.

She was also true to her word. We had more than one conversation about men. I learned a lot of things I really didn't want to know. My insight was valuable, but I learned to see things a lot differently than I used to.

When I went over to her apartment on Tuesday, Debbie and Brook were there. They knew everything. They knew about Sunday and our dates. They were more than willing to impart their wisdom and thoroughly enjoyed educating me. I didn't really want to know how to make a man interested in me or how to flirt the way Christy and my friends did. I certainly didn't want to learn how to please a man. As always, Debbie was a riot, and while I wasn't at all anxious to learn, I had a great time.

In bed with Christy, she would pretend she was a man. Some of it I went along with but not all. She insisted that I had to learn how it felt to be on the receiving end of a man's passion, and she had the toys to play the game.

"I can't do that!" I told her when she wanted me to pretend to have oral sex with her toy and give it a hand job.

"Silly, of course, you can." She was only having fun with me; I knew that.

"It'll never happen!" I finally insisted, and she backed off.

"All right, all right."

When my thoughts weren't preoccupied with work or Christy, I struggled with the upcoming problem of my birthday and how I would tell Tina that I wasn't coming north to visit. I kept putting off the call, but my birthday was Tuesday of the following week, and I had to call her soon. She was expecting me.

As the weekend came closer, I had another concern to deal with. I got my first call on Tuesday, from Jack. I had felt so smug, not giving him my phone number but never gave a thought that he might call me at work. Of course, I’d told him where I worked.

He called almost every day, telling me how his day had been going and asking me about mine. It was impossible to discourage him. After a while, I didn't mind the brief conversations. He asked if I'd like to go to lunch on Thursday, but I told him I was too busy. I couldn't bring myself to go out with him, alone.

I tried more than once to talk Christy out of going Saturday, but she insisted that I had to know what it was like, dating men. She said I needed the experience, for perspective, if nothing else. "What could happen? I'll be there with you. You'll be fine."

She still didn’t know that part of me enjoyed the way Jack made me feel that night. I still couldn’t tell her that.

Connie thought it would be fine as long as I didn't get myself backed into a corner, along with the man. As long as Christy was going, she was sure nothing wrong could happen.

Virginia thought it was delightful that I was seeing someone. She would.

Jack and Tom were there Saturday, promptly at noon, to pick us up. I couldn't believe I had agreed to go with him as he loaded my golf clubs in his trunk.

It took me two hours to decide what to wear, and that was with Connie's and Christy's help. I insisted it couldn't be anything that he might find too attractive, the more drab, the better.

'Drab' wasn't what I ended up wearing. I greeted Jack and Tom at the door, wearing white cotton shorts and my iridescent pink tank top. I really liked the outfit, but I felt it was too much to wear playing golf, especially with Jack. The others insisted it was quite appropriate. At least I talked them out of my yellow tank. It looked great in the store, but whenever I lifted my arm, my bra showed.

He carried my clubs for me. He took charge and drove the cart. He encouraged me whenever I made a 'bad shot.'

I was as good a golfer as Jack, and while I couldn't seem to make the distance I used to on my tee shots, I played well. I felt I could have beat him, and while I wanted to, I didn't. Christy made me promise to play the game and let him beat me. Connie agreed. I remembered how she let Park beat her a few weeks ago. It was all to feed their egos, and I wasn't used to that.

The girls had schooled me about how to act, how to exhibit bubbly enthusiasm when Jack made a good shot or how to react to his jokes, and I tried, God did I try. I still wasn't as good at it as Christy. I could hear her across the fairway, pumping up Tom. Just the same, he seemed to appreciate my flattery.

Christy was great. The only reason she was out with us was for my sake. She really wasn’t all that thrilled with Tom.

We had little or no chance to talk through the afternoon. She rode with Tom, of course. We couldn't very well talk at the tees, with the guys so close by.

Jack behaved the whole time. He didn't try to get too close. Except once, when he put his arm around my waist and hugged me. I was just relieved that he didn't do anything else. But the day wasn't over. I was on my guard.

We had a drink at the 'Nineteenth Hole,' then they took us back to Connie's while they went to shower and change. Christy brought clothes with that morning when she came over.

"That wasn't so bad," Christy said when we were finally alone.

"I hated letting him beat me," I said.

"No, I mean being with Jack. He didn't try anything. You seemed to have a good time."

"No, he was pretty good. I did enjoy myself. It was great to play again."

"They're going to be back in about an hour and a half. We better get ready." Christy reminded me.

It was barely enough time for me to get ready. I was determined to look my best. We showered together. That didn't help us get ready any faster, but it was fun.

I hadn't seen the dress that Christy brought to wear until I came out of the bathroom from fixing my hair. She looked fantastic. The black spandex dress followed her every curve, and she had lovely curves. "Wow!"

She turned to me, smiling. "You like it. It's new."

I continued to stare. "I like it very much."

"Good." She went to her bag on my bed. "Here's yours." She pulled another dress from her garment bag and held it up for me to see.

"No way!" I said. It was the same kind of dress, spandex. Where hers was strapless, this on at least had straps. It was so tiny.

"Way!" She insisted. "Try it on."

"I can't!"

"Just try it on."

"I won't wear it!" She could wear a tight dress, but I couldn’t imagine myself wearing one.

"Alright, alright! Just try it on so we can see how you look in it."

"I'll look terrible." I insisted.

"We'll see." She reached for the collar of my robe.

I had already put on my underwear before going in to do my hair.

Christy was obviously prepared. She had out pantyhose and that spandex slip thing that Connie had bought me weeks ago when she and Virginia went crazy in the mall. The slip was red while the dress was hot pink.

I squeezed into the skimpy dress, feeling foolish as I did. I stood facing Christy, avoiding the mirror intentionally.

It felt so short. I tugged at the hem to pull it down.

"Stop fussing, Jen." Christy chided me.

I started to turn to look in the mirror. I knew I'd look terrible. Christy stopped me.

"No, not yet. Finish getting ready first." She held out my robe, and I put it on without looking in the mirror. I didn't mind putting off seeing how poorly I'd look.

I had to admit if only to myself, as I put on my makeup, that I was just a little curious. I thought the dress would feel tight, but it was actually comfortable. Christy helped me with my hair, pulling it up on my head. She fussed over it for almost fifteen minutes before she was satisfied. I had a few wispy curls on the sides, and the front was teased up. I liked the way it looked.

"Here." Christy handed my pink heels. They were the ones with the two-and-a-half-inch heels. I'd never worn them before.

"Come on, Christy. This is a waste of time." Even if I looked halfway decent, I couldn't go out dressed this way.

She sighed. "Just put them on for me."

Christy took my robe, and I turned to the mirror. I was speechless for a second. Not unlike Christy's dress, mine clung to every curve. My eyes followed the contours of my chest, past my slender waist, over my hips, and on down. Not too bad, I thought to myself.

"Pretty hot." Christy stood behind me, smiling.

I looked beyond my reflection and her shape, comparing mine. Christy was just a shade shorter than me. She was a few pounds lighter too, but all in all, compared to her, I didn't look too bad. I was actually quite pleased. Still, I wasn't about to give in and wear the dress in public. "I'm too fat," I stated.

"Are you serious? She moved closer, standing beside me. "Your hips are no wider than mine." She turned me sideways. "Look how nice and flat your tummy is. You look great."

Standing there, turned sideways, I couldn't argue the point. I had a really flat stomach. I had worked hard on it the past few weeks to make it that way.

I finally pleaded with her. The logic wasn't going to win. "Christy, I can't go out like this."

"Sure you can. You look terrific."

"I look silly."

She turned me back to the mirror. "Look at yourself. You look beautiful."

I wanted to believe her. My other things were fitting me better since I got into shape. My hair never looked better. It had gotten so long in the past few months. Even my face, with the cheekbones that showed now. I just needed all the reassuring I could get. I wished Connie was home to see what she thought. "Are you sure? Really?"

"Trust me, Jen. Wait till Jack and Tom get a look at us." Christy said seriously.

That's what worried me.

It was time, and they had been punctual up till then. Within five minutes, Lester, the doorman, called to let us know they were on their way up. I was so scared.

I jumped when the bell rang. "Just relax. Go let them in." Christy went with me to the door.

"Hi." I had to be calm, I told myself.

"Hi . . . "

I didn't know what his reaction would be, but I was pretty satisfied with his dumbfounded stare. "What's wrong?" I asked coyly.

"Nothing! You look fantastic?"

Did I? I finally breathed.

Tom's reaction toward Christy was a little different. Considering how outgoing and bubbly she was, he didn't seem as shocked. He was true to form and stared at me a little more than I thought he should. Was I that insecure and mousy around them? So much so that they were surprised to see me dressed this way?

I smiled and said, "Thanks. You like it?" I did a turn, just like the models so often did in the studio.

"You look beautiful." He surprised me with a kiss on the cheek. Since I saw it coming, I didn't flinch.

Lester stared at the two of us as we passed out the front door of the building. Carl took great delight in opening the car door for us.

That was the first time I sat in the ultra-short dress. It rode so high up. I clamped my legs together. It wouldn't pull down.

I saw Jack stare as he climbed in his side of the car, behind the wheel. Funny, but I felt flattered.

I wasn't ready for the looks we received, walking into the restaurant. Our table wasn't ready, so Jack and Tom decided we should wait in the lounge. I carefully climbed up on the stool next to Christy. I showed even more leg. Jack ordered me the wine I had Sunday night. I was surprised he remembered. Tom apparently didn't remember what Christy drank. She gave her order to the bartender. Poor Christy stuck with somebody she'd rather not be with.

Christy and I continued to draw stares. It was a funny feeling for me. There was no doubt in my mind that everyone saw me as a woman. I was well past that concern. It was nice to realize that they saw me as attractive too. It boosted my confidence.

It was only a few minutes before we were called for our table. We enjoyed an excellent meal. I didn't even look at the prices on the menu that time.

I laughed at the correct times to please Jack. I was attentive to the stories he told. He seemed quite happy with me, and it was quite satisfying.

When we were finished, Christy and I excused ourselves to freshen up. I took my leads from Christy. I wanted to tug at the hem too often. When she did, I did.

"You OK, Jen?" She asked when we were away from the guys.

I was feeling pretty good. "I'm alright," I admitted with a smile. In a whisper, I added, "It feels funny having all those people staring at me, but I think I like it."

"Good girl! Finally!"

"I'm having fun tonight."

"You're doing great. A few more dates like this, and I think you'll be fine."

"I didn't overdo it with Jack?" I thought there was a few times there when I went a little overboard with trying to be attentive.

"No, you're doing fine. He's hooked." She seemed sure of herself.

We put on fresh perfume and lipstick and returned to the table. I would have given anything to overhear their conversation while we were gone.

It was about eight o'clock when the guys paid the check and escorted us out the door. "Thank you for dinner, Jack. It was wonderful." I was showing Christy I could play the game. I saw her smile.

"It was my pleasure, Jennifer. I'm glad you enjoyed it." He squeezed my hand and returned my smile.

The concert was held at the Lambert Center. It only took us twenty minutes or so to get there. I thought we'd park and walk, but Jack surprised me by pulling right up in front of the place. A valet parked his car when he showed him some kind of pass.

"Classy," I said, looking up at him as he took my arm to walk me inside.

"Classy lady." He said, smiling down at me.

Jack looked like a million bucks that night in his double-breasted suit. The man was very trim. He must have worked out regularly because he didn't seem to have an ounce of fat on him. I wasn't the only person who received looks that night. Some very attractive woman gave him the eye, I noticed. He really did look a lot like Mel Gibson.

As weird as the circumstances were, I was pleased to be with someone so good-looking.

We had great seats. They must have cost the guys a fortune. Cindy gave a great performance. I was awed.

Over and over, I told Jack how thrilling it was to be there. He was obviously pleased.

I wished the concert hadn't ended as we got back in the car to leave. It only meant that soon we would be back at my door, and I would have to endure the only part of the evening that I was still so uncomfortable with.

"Anyone like to stop for a drink?" Tom asked us.

That was alright with me. That meant I could put off the inevitable. I looked at Jack questioningly. "Jack?"

"If you'd like to, sure."

I looked back to Christy. "OK?"

"OK, but just one. I'm a little tired." She agreed.

She was tired, tired of Tom. It showed as the evening went on. Tom was a little too handy. We had talked about him in the ladies’ room at the theater. Christy was barely putting up with him. She was getting annoyed at his persistence.

Jack drove us to a quiet little piano bar not far from the hall. The setting was intimate, and the tables were secluded. Jack sat close in the booth, holding my hand, most of the time, under the table. His hand rested on my leg, but he didn't try anything. I felt safe with Jack. I thanked God he wasn't like his friend Tom.

I had a White Russian instead of wine. I needed something stronger to brace myself for what was to come. I had made up my mind during the course of the evening how I would handle Jack later. I hadn't shared my decision with Christy because I didn't know how she'd react. Frankly, I was curious what it would be like, scared, but curious.

Jack was true to his word when Tom suggested we have another round. "No, I think these girls want to get home." I wondered if he realized that Christy wasn't having a great time and wanted to rescue her. If that was his motive, and I thought it was, he was a sensitive man. Nice.

"I'll wait for you downstairs, Jack," Tom said after saying good night to Christy. I was sure his evening didn't exactly end the way he hoped. Christy just brushed him off when he went to kiss her goodnight.

Christy stood at our open door. "Don't be too long, Jen." To Jack, she said, "Thanks for a nice evening." She was sincere.

"I'm sorry about Tom, Christy. Sometimes he gets carried away."

"That's OK. Goodnight, Jack." I saw the look she gave me as she closed the door. Jack missed it.

"I had a really great time tonight Jennifer." He had been holding my hand the whole time we stood there.

"So did I," I said, looking up at him, smiling. "That was a really nice restaurant, and I loved the concert."

"I'm glad. We should do this again."

"Yes, we should." I wouldn't mind, but I didn't think that Christy would agree to go out with Tom again.

He put his fingertips on my cheek. "You won't mind if I kiss you?" He asked, looking at me with his captivating big hazel eyes.

This was what I'd been preparing for, and now the moment had come. "No."

I closed my eyes before his lips touched mine. I cocked my head. I was scared, but I was ready. He pressed his lips tenderly against mine at first. His breath had that same clean smell I remembered. I hoped my way was fresh.

As his lips pressed harder against mine, I kissed him back. My passion wasn't as strong as his, but I let him know I was there. His arms wrapped around me and drew me gently to him. I didn't push him away. I let him hold me.

It was the strangest experience. Jack was the one to end the embrace. I played my part out, opening my eyes only after he pulled back. "Mmmm."

"Good night Jennifer." He tenderly touched my cheek once more.

"Good night Jack," I said with a warm smile. I watched him, smiling as he walked to the elevator. I thought to myself, what an unusually sensitive and gentleman he was. I watched him until he stepped into the elevator and the door closed.

"What were you two doing out there so long? You got so quiet." Christy asked. She was sitting on the couch when I came in, locking the door behind me.

"Nothing, just talking."

"He kissed you again, didn't he?"

"Yes." That was all I said.

"Did you like it better that time?"

"Don't be silly. Of course not."

Christy got up from the couch, walked over to me, smiling. "Well, your lipstick is certainly a mess for someone who doesn't kiss back."

I didn't realize. "Well, maybe just a little."

"How did it feel?"

"Strange."

"Did you like it?"

She'd have known if I tried to lie. I could tell. "No . . . yes, no."

"Which is it? Yes or no?" Christy didn't seem annoyed, only curious.

"It was so weird. I was scared to death at first, but then, I can't quite describe it."

"I know, I know." Christy came close, wrapped her arms around my neck, and kissed me hard. She was no stranger to a French kiss. "Now we both have our lipstick messed up." She said with a grin. "Come on; it's late. Let's get to bed."

I followed her into my room and got ready for bed, but I wasn't tired. My mind went back to those few moments out in the hall. Then, when we got into bed, Christy managed to bring me back to the moment.

Christy and I met Virginia at her house Sunday morning and went to church with her. I was quite an at ease with myself that morning.

In church, I found myself looking around at the congregation with a curious eye. Even the cute married men with their wives. I didn't let Christy catch me looking.

Christy and I attended a 'Tea' with a group of Virginia's friends at one of their homes. There were a lot of important women there. It was quite an experience. I was so relaxed, able to feel comfortable among them.

I wasn't worried about discovery anymore. I was sure I could carry off my charade under any circumstances now. I was very confident of that.

Virginia noticed the change in me and said so when we got back to her house later on. "You seem different somehow."

"It shows that much?" I asked.

"Yes, it does. What's happened to you all of a sudden?" She was pleased but curious.

"I guess I'm just happy."

"You haven't been this happy in a very long time. I'm glad."

"Me too," I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

I purposely stayed away from the apartment till late that night. We went back to Christy's early in the evening. We talked until almost eleven. There was so much to talk about.

"You know you have to be careful?" Christy warned me when we got on the subject of Jack.

"I know. Nothing's going to happen."

"You're going to see him again, aren't you?" She seemed a little hurt.

"He probably won't ever call me again," I told her. Inside, I hoped that wasn't true.

"Oh, he'll call."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Are you blind, girl?" Christy stopped there, looked at me, and laughed. "Do you hear me? For a second there, I almost forgot who you are. You're getting too good at this, Jeffrey."

No one had called me that in a long time. It sounded weird. "Jennifer, remember?"

She looked at me thoughtfully for a moment. "It's getting harder and harder to forget. You've come a very long way."

"I know." I didn't say it with sadness but with satisfaction. "It's late. I better go."

Connie was up when I got home. "You had two calls from Tina today Honey.

I was afraid of that. "She wants me to go up to New York and visit." I didn't mention my birthday to Connie. She had done so much for me I didn't want her to feel obligated to get me anything. Better to just let it pass.

"What are you going to do?"

"I certainly can't go."

"What are you going to tell her?"

"I guess the same thing I've been telling her all along. Work's just kept me too busy to get away." At least that's what I planned on telling her.

"You won't get away with that forever. Sooner or later, you'll have to end it with Tina."

"I know, but I don't know how?"

"What about your real mother and your dad. You're going to have to face them sometime too."

"Not until they find a cure for whatever's wrong with me." About that, I was adamant.

"Alright, Honey, but for now, you have to take care of your friend Tina."

"What should I do?" I had no idea. I dreaded calling her and breaking the news that I wasn't coming home yet.

"You'll just have to stick with your original story about work, Jen."

"She's going to be beside herself. She's worried about me."

"Just tell her you're fine but very busy right now. She'll understand."

"You don't know, Tina."

"Call her tomorrow, from work. It's too late tonight to call."

"I suppose."

"You have to do it, Jen. You can't leave her wondering forever."

"I'll call in the morning," I promised.

"That's my girl." Connie kissed me on the forehead. "Now, you better get ready for bed. It's late, and the morning's going to be here before you know it."

She was so sweet. "I love you," I said, hugging her.

"I love you too, Sweetheart."

"Oh, I didn't tell you about our dates Saturday night." I had so much to tell her. "I've got to tell you about Jack and the new dress Christy bought me and the dinner and, and"

"Tomorrow, Sweetheart, tomorrow. It's late." She said, smiling. "There'll be plenty of time tomorrow."

I had trouble going to sleep; I had so much on my mind. My thoughts weren't of the people up north. They were centered on the events of the past week. Before climbing into bed, I went to my jewelry box and found the card I had put there, Jack's business card. I stared at it for a moment before putting it into my purse.