The Women's Job - Part 21

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Connie finally got home around five-thirty.

"Did you girls have a nice afternoon?" She asked as she set her things down at her bedroom door.

"We had a great time," I told her enthusiastically.

"It was delightful. The workout felt great and I haven't loafed around like this in so long. It was nice for a change not to have to do for people. I love Carolyn and Jimmy to death but it's so nice to just goof off. This is like a little vacation."

I was glad Pat was enjoying herself. "Who won?" I asked.

Connie looked at the two of us with an impish grin. "Well, Park, of course."

We both laughed at the way she said it. I knew Connie had only an eighth handicap. She was a very good golfer, so I'd been told. If that man won, he had to be either a terrific golfer or she let him win.

"He has this amazing hook and the fairways at the club are very tight. It wasn't an easy day for either of us."

"Do you play Jennifer?" Pat asked.

"I've played a little."

Pat acted as if she understood more than what I said, "Your Dad and brothers play?"

I winked at Connie's curious glance. Pat didn't see the exchange. "All the time." I would explain to Connie later, when we were alone. I had played a lot of golf and I wasn't too bad. Not good enough to make the team in high school but I tried. I tried anything to please my Dad. I just was never good enough.

"Jimmy's been trying to get me out to learn. Maybe I should get out with him."

"Anyone want a glass of wine?" Connie asked. We had two hours before we were to meet Park at the restaurant. Plenty of time to relax. Even for me. I was getting better at doing my hair and makeup.

I decided I better call Christy since I hadn't spoken to her since Thursday. My bedroom gave me the privacy I needed to talk openly with her.

"You're taking the client out again?" She sounded frustrated.

"We have to," I explained. "But I'd rather be with you." I wasn't as apprehensive as I had been about our relationship. How could I be? I was doing on my own, exactly what she wanted me to do for her.

"I wish we could be together too." There was a short pause. "Are you spending tomorrow with Virginia again?"

"Yes." I had promised Virginia her Sundays. That commitment I would keep,

I no sooner hung up the phone than Trish called. "Kim and I were wondering if you and Pat wanted to go out with us tonight?"

"We have that dinner engagement we have to go to. You remember, I told you."

"I meant afterward. We could meet you and go out and have some fun."

If it were anyone else but Trish and Kim, I'd have worried. "I don't know."

"Well think about it. I'm sure Pat would enjoy getting out and I think it would be good for you too."

"I'm not sure." I was doing better but I could just picture the same thing happening that had taken place at the bar on Thursday evening.

"You're having dinner at Peter's. We'll drop by about nine and wait in the bar until nine-thirty. If you change your mind, meet us there."

"Alright, Trish." At least I didn't have to commit, then and there.

I had time to experiment with my hair a little. Using my curling iron, I gave it a little more curl than usual on the ends. I didn't overdo the makeup, keeping my look soft. It just seemed more appropriate with the style of dress I was wearing.

When Connie came in to check on me, she helped me put the finishing touches. I took the opportunity while we were alone to tell her the story about my 'family' that I had told Pat. While she agreed that I would probably ease my predicament, she didn't like the fact that I made up stories. "Honey, you know what happens when you start lying."

"It's hard to stop?" I knew that. "But I'm already living a lie."

"I know Sweetheart, but don't make it worse by compounding it."

She was right. I shouldn't have told Pat my Mother was dead. Making up three brothers didn't seem so bad. I could live with that. "I'll be careful," I promised her.

She didn't press it.

"Very pretty," Connie said, as we both looked at my reflection in the mirror. "Your skin has really improved since you started taking care of yourself."

I really hadn't noticed much of a change but, like the other changes I had undergone lately, it was subtle.

I told Connie about Trish's call. I expected her to advise me not to go. Instead, she thought it was a good idea that Pat and I go out with them. "It'll give you another opportunity to watch and learn. The best way to learn is to spend time with other girls your age."

'Other girls my age' sounded so funny but I couldn't argue with her logic. I was constantly watching and mimicking others lately.

Short skirts and dresses made me feel only a little self-conscious now. The length of the beige print was below the knee. While the longer length of the dress helped, wearing something so strikingly feminine, didn't. Still, I felt that the way I looked that evening was the most convincing yet. I stepped into my matching heels, put on my new jewelry, and dabbed on my perfume.

Gazing into the mirror at the young woman before me, inhaling the scent of her perfume, I was excited with the image of myself. I felt I could appreciate how women feel when they work so hard to look attractive. I was anxious to hear Pat's reaction. It would be great to hear what Trish and Kim thought too. It could be worth it to go out with them. Maybe I could handle a scene similar to Thursday's, but I was sure Trish wouldn't do that to me, knowing how nervous it made me. The uneasiness I felt that night seemed to fade over time.

I was still the last to be ready. I had to transfer my things from the black purse to the new white clutch bag. It barely held all Jennifer's things.

Pat looked wonderful and so did Connie. I wasn't disappointed when Patty and Connie saw me. It wasn't what Connie said so much, "You look divine." It was more in the look on Patty's face when I came out of the bedroom. Her face lit up with what I took to be praise. I was more than satisfied.

Connie noticed my pearls almost immediately. She rushed over to me for a closer look. "They're beautiful. Virginia?"

"She stopped by with them this afternoon," I said with delight.

"She has exquisite taste," Connie remarked, inspecting the necklace. "They look lovely with that dress. You make quite a picture tonight young lady."

"Didn't Virginia want a picture of you in your dress, with your new pearls on?" Patty reminded me.

Connie didn't have to be asked twice. She grabbed her camera and took several shots of me there in the living room. I was getting better at posing and my smile was more relaxed than ever. After all, as strange as it seemed, I did feel pretty.

The look from the doorman and the valet didn't hurt either. As we got into Connie's Cadillac, I tried to remember if Connie had ever introduced me to either of them as Jeffrey? The looks they gave us didn't suggest that they saw me as a guy. No, I couldn't recall ever giving myself away. They had seen me dozens of times without makeup but that didn't mean they didn't see me as a woman. Did they really know? The looks they gave me tonight certainly didn't betray my secret. I was glad.

The conversation on the way to the restaurant was pleasant. Pat and Connie did most of the talking. Pat loved talking about her family and I was quite content to just listen. I did tell Pat about Trish's invitation and she liked the idea of going out with my friends.

"I get out so little these days. It'd be nice to have a night out with just girls."

Connie, again, encouraged us to go.

I had spent enough time in heels by that evening to be confident in my walk. The click of my heels on the tile floor of the restaurant lobby was an interesting sound. It was a reminder of who I was and I liked the sound of it.

I walked into the restaurant, alongside my friends, in high spirits. Even the looks we received didn't bother me. Most of the faces that rose at our passing quickly turned to Pat. She was a beautiful woman. Again, I did feel just a faint twinge of jealousy but that was silly and I got over it.

Mike Park was late and the maitre d’ seated us. That was the second time a man pulled out a chair for me and I was nice to be treated that way. The smile I had for the man was genuine.

Peter's was, according to Connie, one of the nicest restaurants in town. If you judged a restaurant by the way its patrons dressed, I had to agree. I was, if anything, underdressed. Many of the women were in evening wear, more elegantly dressed than any of us. The tables were adorned with linen table cloths and napkins. The dinnerware was real china with stainless place settings and crystal glassware. It did little to make me feel at ease.

When the waiter took drink orders, I asked for only water. Connie looked at me funny because she knew I would have liked a drink. She didn't realize why I didn't risk ordering anything. It was too big a chance to take. I would explain to her later.

Park showed up as they brought us our drinks. Pat and I had thought nothing of it when we took seats on either side of Connie at the small table. It wasn't till he arrived that I wished I had managed to take a different seat, away from the man.

I endured the kiss on the cheek, smiling the way I saw Pat do when he greeted her. That sort of thing I would never get used to.

He was his usual self. He loved to be the center of attention and didn't miss an opportunity to tell of his exploits, both business and personal. I had never heard a man brag about himself so much before and he sounded so ridiculous. I knew what he was doing, trying to impress us, but it was so obvious.

He tamed down the conversation a little when the meal came and I was relieved not to have to listen to him.

I did everything right, just the way I'd been shown. I sat properly, I ate like a lady. I watched Pat closely, smiling when it seemed appropriate, laughing at Park's jokes. It was one thing to act my part to the best of my ability but to do it for that man-made it seem a farce.

I was just finishing my entre when he started touching my leg with his stockinged foot. I almost jumped out of my chair the first time I felt him. It only took an instant to figure out what was happening.

To cover my surprise, I said, "Excuse me." Pretending I only burped.

When he did it again, I tried to swing my legs away but the table leg was in my way and I couldn't move far enough to get away from him.

"So Jennifer. You're not married. What does your boyfriend think of us stealing you away on a Saturday night?"

They all looked at me, even Connie. I had to think of something to say. I had told Pat that I had someone. "Chris is very understanding Mr. Park."

"Come on now Jennifer, it's Mike. We'll be working together very closely. We should be friends."

He ran his foot up the back of my calf.

I kept my composure, despite his playfulness. "Did I mention that Chris is a model? He's also a bodybuilder and does a lot of modeling with exercise equipment." It sounded silly as soon as I said it. I wished I hadn't. It had no effect on Park. He just kept smiling and stroking my leg. He only stopped when the waiter came to take our dessert orders.

I glanced at my watch. It was almost nine. It seemed that I had been checking the time often and it dragged by.

"Just tea, I told the waiter." I had enough to eat and I didn't want to overdo it. I remembered how to trim Pat was when I saw her in the bathroom, how flat and firm her stomach and legs were. I bet that she never ate dessert.

Not tonight, at least. She ordered only coffee.

He didn't let up. When I reached for my fork he reached out his hand and took mine in his grip. Holding it firmly, he said, "You know Jennifer, that boyfriend of yours better watch out or someone might come along and try to steal you away from him." He actually kissed my hand, right there at the table. I felt my face turn red. He was too much.

Connie knew how awkward I felt. She spoke up, "You girls really need to watch the time. Aren't you supposed to be meeting Jennifer's friends soon?"

Mike turned to Pat and me in surprise. "You're leaving?" He obviously planned on spending the evening with us.

"We're meeting some friends," I told him, content to see his disappointment.

"And I'm afraid that I'm going to have to leave you to Mike," Connie said apologetically.

I knew Connie didn't have any other plans that evening. She was just not going to waste her evening with Park. It served him right.

I had enough tea and looked across the table to Pat. She nodded she was ready to go too. "Well, if you'll excuse us." I pushed my chair back. Park rose, like any gentleman should, helping me first with my chair then Pat with hers.

"You girls have a good time," Connie told us.

I almost called her Mom. "We won't be too late," I told her, returning her cute smile.

Pat led the way between the tables. I was quite aware of the heads that turned as we passed. Men, young and old, took notice of our leaving. As we neared the exit from the dining room she turned back to me and asked, "Ladies room?"

I had nervously sipped water throughout dinner. "Definitely." What was left to fear about going into those places?

I took a few minutes to freshen up my makeup and brush my hair. I wanted to look perfect when we met Trish and Kim. I wanted to make my best impression yet.

There were other women in there but their presence didn’t phase me. I felt pretty confident about myself that night. I applied fresh lipstick, blush, and powder.

Watching Pat, she seemed to do everything so easily and deftly. I wished I had the skill and confidence she possessed.

"He was his usual obnoxious self tonight."

It was obvious who she was referring to. "I couldn't believe some of the things he said."

"You haven't worked with men much, have you?"

I understood or thought I did. "No."

"You might as well begin getting used to it. Most of them act that way. Especially around attractive women."

Her remark didn’t go unnoticed. It was nice that she thought I was attractive. "There should be a way to shut him up."

"Sure, there should be. But there isn't. You just have to learn to ignore it."

"I thought I'd die when he started rubbing my leg with his foot."

"I figured that was what he was doing. Wouldn't you just love to slap him across the face?"

I would have preferred to run. I never thought about slapping him, as any girl would. "Nothing would have made me happier," I told Pat, trying to respond as expected.

I couldn't help but notice the low-cut, strapless dress on the woman standing beside me. I wondered what I might look like in her dress. I dismissed the thought quickly. A few more days and this game would end. The thought almost saddened me.

I didn't think to freshen my perfume until I noticed Pat's dab on hers. I felt a little silly, mimicking her actions, but it did seem the natural thing to do.

We made our way across the lobby to the cocktail lounge. Standing in the arched entrance, we looked around for Trish and Kim. It was just nine-thirty and I was beginning to worry that we missed them.

"There they are," Pat announced as she waved to them.

I turned to where she looked and saw them seated at a small cocktail table. They weren't alone. Facing our way, seated next to Trish, was a face I recognized from pictures Trish had shown me, her boyfriend Craig.

Pat didn't hesitate for a second. I reluctantly followed her.

Trish introduced Pat and then me. "You remember Jennifer. I told you about her." She said to Craig and Allen. I had never seen a picture of Kim's boyfriend.

What did she mean, 'she told them all about me? I felt panic start to rise up inside me. I looked at the two I thought were my friends. I certainly couldn't look at the two guys.

Trish must have recognized my apprehension because she quickly added, "She's Connie Sackett's new assistant."

As they had with Pat, they shook my hand. It felt strange, both were big men, almost six feet tall and well built, but their handshakes were gentle as they took my small hand in theirs. Had the circumstances been different, I would have felt compelled to give them a firm handshake but I remembered to return only a limp one. So strange. Pretending with Trish and Kim was fun. Doing the same around Pat was both exciting and scary somehow. With guys, it was so different. Being around guys unnerved me.

They were ready to leave. The guys followed the four of us outside to Allen's car. Pat got in back with Trish and Craig while Allen, Kim, and I got in the front. I was glad Kim sat between us.

We made small talk. Pat told them of Park's disgusting behavior over dinner. I said little, feeling so awkward there with them.

I didn't feel any more confident as we pulled into the parking lot for the Point Club, the place where I first met Christy.

It was more crowded than I had ever seen the place. We stood in a group near the bar, looking for a place to sit. There was one table near the door but it was small and wouldn't accommodate all of us comfortably. Near the door, where anyone could see us easily as they came and went, was not where I wanted to be.

I scanned the room as best I could, looking for Christy. I couldn't be sure, as crowded as the place was, that she wasn't there but I did feel some relief that I didn't spot her. I just happened to notice a group in the back of the room, near the dance floor, getting up to go. "There's a table," I announced to my friends.

We managed to reach it before anyone else could. From our table, I could easily see anyone coming in and the couples on the dance floor prevented anyone from seeing us easily. I felt relatively safe from discovery there.

Everyone ordered a drink but for me, despite Trish and Kim's urging me to have one. I couldn't risk getting carded.

It was difficult to feel comfortable and enjoy myself like my friends but as time passed I did begin to relax. Allen had quite a sense of humor and Kim encouraged him. As intimidated as I felt, being there with the two guys, I found myself laughing at his jokes and sarcastic sense of humor.

Trish and Kim danced with the guys from time to time, leaving Pat and me there at the table alone.

"It's been years since I've done this," Pat told me. "I really want to thank you for inviting me, Jennifer."

"I'm glad you're having fun." I was glad she liked Jennifer and gratified that, despite the circumstances, I could show her a good time.

We were probably there an hour before it happened. Trish, Kim, and the guys had just come off the dance floor when the band played a slow song.

Craig turned to me and Allen asked Pat at the same time. "Would you like to dance?"

I wasn't ready for the question. "Oh, I don't"

Pat accepted Allen's invitation. "Come on Jennifer. I'm sure Chris wouldn't mind." She got up and took my hand, urging me.

I looked up at Craig's handsome smiling face. I had spent a lot of time preparing myself for the possibility of having to dance with Park. I wasn't sure if dancing with this good-looking guy was better or worse. It was a slow dance. "I suppose so."

He held my hand as we stepped out on the dance floor. I put my arm around his shoulder as they had taught me. With my head close to his chest, I closed my eyes, pretending that I was standing there with a girl. I remembered to let him lead as the music touched me and my feet began to move.

Had he held me any closer, he would surely have felt my heart racing from nervousness. Craig's arm, around my waist, held me to him and from time to time, we touched.

Connie's words came back to me. "Let him take command. Just let your body go with the music." Easier said than done.

The song seemed to go on forever. We had to have been out on the dance floor for ten minutes or longer. As I prayed that the music would end, I caught sight of a familiar face approaching our table. Brook. I had no idea that she and Kim knew each other until she stopped to say something to her.

I wished that Craig would turn me so that I wouldn't be facing their way but at the same time, I was dying to know what they were saying to each other.

I didn't remember telling Trish and Kim, Brook's or Debbie's name when I told them about that Friday night and Saturday I spent with them, maybe I had. If I did, would they put two and two together? Would they give me away? As much as I wanted Craig to turn us, I wanted to watch the exchange between my two friends. We were only about thirty feet away but I couldn't make out anything they were saying over the music.

Suddenly, the two girls looked over in our direction. Kim pointed toward us. Pat and Allen were dancing right beside us. She seemed to be pointing at them. Craig finally turned us and I breathed a sigh of relief. Brook couldn't have had a chance to recognize me, at least I prayed she didn't because she surely would tell Christy what she'd seen.

To my dismay, Craig didn't stop the turn. He brought me right back to the position I'd been. I tried to look natural, as if dancing with Craig was nothing special. I glanced back in the direction of the table. They were no longer looking over toward the dance floor but were engaged in conversation again. Now I prayed the song would go on until Brook left the table but my prayers weren't answered. The song wound down to its conclusion and the band started right into a fast dance.

Craig had said nothing since we stepped out on the floor. It was obvious that Trish had asked him and Allen to dance with Pat and me. "Thanks, Jennifer." It was just as obvious that he had enough and was ready to go back to Trish because he started to escort me back to the table.

I didn't want to go. "Come on Craig. Just one more." I asked him. Dancing fast was preferable to confronting Brook.

He shied away. "I don't dance very well."

"I'll dance with you," Allen said from behind me.

I showed him the smile I had practiced so often in the past few days. "Great."

Pat and Craig left, going back to the table, while Allen and I started moving to the music. Brook was still there when the pair sat down. All the faces at the table turned to look at Allen and me gyrating to the music. I maneuvered around so my back was to them.

I had not been particularly comfortable, learning to dance like a girl but I had paid attention. Now I mimicked the moves they had taught me. I understood why Trish and Kim watched us but so did Brook and that bothered me.

Allen seemed to be having a good time as we danced. He was very good and I felt I must have looked very awkward, dancing with him. I watched other girls dance and picked up on a few of the moves they made that I liked, imitating them.

Brook just wouldn’t go away and when the song ended and another started, I convinced Allen easily to dance with me again. About halfway through the song Brook finally left my friends and walked away. From the dance floor, I watched her walk toward the door. I thought she was leaving but instead, she went up the stairs to the balcony. I watched as she crossed the walkway along the wall and pass out of sight, above me. The balcony held more tables, over the back of the lounge, out of sight of our table.

I was both mentally and physically exhausted when the song finally ended. I was glad to let Allen take me back to the table, holding my hand.

"Who was that you were talking to?" I asked Kim as we sat.

"She's a friend, a model I've worked with occasionally," Kim answered. "You looked really good out there." She added in a whisper.

I had felt foolish. "Thanks" She at least confirmed that I hadn't mentioned Brook’s name to Trish and Kim. Brook had no reason to suspect that it was me out on the dance floor. I was still curious about their watching me. "What were you and your friend pointing at?"

"Brook asked me where Allen was and I pointed him out, dancing with Pat. Funny, she thought she knew you but I convinced her she couldn't. I told her you were new to the area."

"Did you tell her my name?" I asked.

Kim's look was curious. "Sure, why?"

I couldn't explain then and there. "Oh, no reason."

I didn't feel completely safe, knowing Brook was still there but at least she was upstairs, out of sight. I had to assume her curiosity was satisfied and she hadn't put two and two together.

We talked. We laughed at Allen's jokes. I managed to somehow forget the charade for a while and just relax. We had a good time. The evening passed quickly.

Pat urged me back out on the dance floor again and Trish and Kim joined us. I still felt funny, dancing like a girl but at least I was with them and not Craig or Allen. I suppose I wasn't too bad a dancer, at least if I believed Trish's and Kim's compliments when Pat couldn't hear.

It was getting late when I just happened to glance over at the dance floor and was surprised to see Brook out there. She glanced my way too often and she made me uncomfortable. It was inevitable that our eyes would meet. I saw the recognition in hers. The smile confirmed that she knew.

Would she call Christy and tell her? Would Christy rush down there and confront me? I couldn't handle that. Certainly not in front of Pat and the guys.

I watched her, sneaking glances, waiting for her to go back upstairs. She finally finished her dance. I didn't know if she would come over to confront me. I decided that if she did start in our direction I would go to her before she got to us.

She didn't come our way. I watched and waited as she walked toward the stairs. She had to realize I was watching her. I had to turn in my chair to see her and she glanced over at me frequently, always with that smile.

Brook didn't immediately go upstairs. The bathrooms and phones were just out of sight near the base of the stairs and she was out of sight long enough to make a call. She might have just gone to the ladies' room but I couldn't take the chance.

As soon as she finally appeared and started up the stairs, I turned to Kim. "I have to go to the ladies' room." I could only pray that Pat didn't need to. My luck was consistent and all four of us got up to go.

I waited until Pat went into one of the stalls. I corralled Kim and Trish to a corner of the crowded room. "I have to get out of here," I told them in an excited whisper.

"What's wrong?" Trish asked. "You're doing beautifully. Aren't you having a good time?"

"It's not that. You know your friend, Brook?"

"What about her?" Kim asked. She didn't understand.

"She's a friend of Christy's. She's one of the girls that helped Christy dress me up and take me to that arts and crafts show a few weeks ago."

Now they understood. "I'm not positive, but I think she called Christy just now. I know she recognized me."

I kept an eye on Pat's stall door and saw it open. I couldn't say any more. I was nervous that I had to go to the bathroom too. Afterward, like my friends, I freshened my lipstick and makeup and we returned to the table.

Kim and Trish told their boyfriends they had enough and suggested they'd like to leave. It took forever to get the bill and pay it. I was as nervous as could be, so anxious to get out of there. I was sure Christy would show up any second.

Finally, we got up to go. As we walked toward the door I looked back over my shoulder to see if I could see Brook, upstairs. I couldn't see her.

We wound our way between the tables, making our way to the door. I was still sure that Christy had to be on her way but it looked like we were going to make it. My heart nearly stopped when Craig turned to us and said. "I'll just be a minute." Allen joined him and they left us standing by the door while they went to the men's room.

The panic that had just begun to subside was back. I stood with my friends, my back to the noisy room, afraid to look back for fear of seeing Brook. Had I been looking, I would have seen her hurrying down the stairs to confront me.

"Hi Brook." I heard Kim say.

"Hi."

The sweet-sounding voice came from right behind me. I had been prepared to head her off if she came to our table but there, standing so close to Pat, I had to brave greeting her.

I turned to her and smiled but Trish spoke up before I had the chance. "I didn't know you and Jennifer knew each other Brook."

She was trying to cover for me. It would have been disastrous if Brook called me by my real name, in front of Pat. "It's great to see you again," I told her. The look on her face wasn't difficult to read. She had this adoring grin on her face. She was admiring how convincing I looked that night. I must have been quite a sight to her. I didn't know what to do when she kissed my cheek. I returned the gesture. It was the appropriate thing to do.

There was a musical tone in her voice. "It's wonderful to see you too," Brook replied. I couldn’t help but wonder if Pat heard to odd inflection in her tone of voice. "You look especially pretty tonight."

All I could say was, "Thanks, so do you. I love your dress." I remembered my lessons, besides, she looked gorgeous.

"You're not leaving are you." Brook pressed, sounding very disappointed.

"Yes, I'm feeling a little tipsy and I have early plans tomorrow," Kim told her friend. It was a lie, Kim was fine.

"Can't you stay just a little while?" Brook asked me. "We haven't seen each other in a while and it would be great to have a chance to talk. Christy's coming and I know she'd love to see you."

So much for hunches. Christy was on her way. "We really have to get going." My palms were sweating.

She could see there was no point in pressing it. "We just have to get together again soon. I know Debbie and Christy have missed seeing you."

I was sure they did. "I'll call. We'll do something soon." I had to keep up the pretense, for Pat's sake.

The guys returned.

"We'll call," Brook assured me as we turned to leave. I had no doubt that I'd hear from them.

At least I missed meeting Christy. That would have been too much. This was exactly what she wanted of me and I believed she would have preferred me to be Jennifer all the time. While I was very attracted to her, that was too much. Soon, in a few days, I would go back to being myself.