The Women's Job - Part 16

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One of my responsibilities was to open and screen Connie's mail. So it was no surprise on Tuesday when I was the first to see the letter from Jansen Sportswear. I dropped everything and rushed into Connie's office, closing the door behind me.

Connie looked up, surprised at my panicked look. "What's wrong?"

I waved the letter in front of her. "Mike Park is coming here, Thursday!"

Connie took the letter and scanned it. She apparently didn't understand my anxiety. "He's coming to finalize the details for their spring catalog." She stated simply. "What's wrong?" Then it dawned on her, "Oh my God, I forgot!"

"What am I going to do?"

"Well, to start with, don't panic. We'll figure something out." Connie was calm at least. "I can't afford for you not to be here with me and he's going to expect to see you at that desk out there."

That was not what I wanted to hear.

"Let me think about this."

I went back to my desk feeling very uncomfortable and nervous. I could see Connie making some phone calls. I didn't know if it was about my problem or not. I tried to work but I couldn't concentrate.

Connie came out of her office about ten minutes later. "Come with me."

"Where are we going?" I asked, getting up and following her out of the office.

"The conference room."

Why were we going there? There were no meetings scheduled.

Connie took her normal place at the head of the long table, with me beside her. "What's going on?"

"I've called a staff meeting."

"What's it about?" I already knew and I was terrified.

It took about five minutes for everyone to arrive, including Mr. Bennett and Mr. Hamilton.

When everyone was there Connie addressed them. "I've called this meeting because we have a slightly embarrassing problem and I'll need your assistance to deal with it."

I sat there, afraid to say anything or look at anyone.

"As you all know, Jeffrey and I found ourselves in a very embarrassing position a few weeks ago when we negotiated with the Jansen people. His contribution to our negotiations was substantial. Even though he found himself in a very embarrassing position."

There was a low buzzing of comments in the room and most everyone turned to look at me. The women remembered with amusement but the two men, who were not here, only glanced at me with distain. They knew what took place from the gossip mill. I could only assume they didn't approve and who could blame them?

Connie waited until everyone quieted down. "What we didn't consider, when we did the only thing we could that day, was that we were complicating future dealings with these people. Now one of the gentlemen is coming back on Thursday."

The buzzing started again. Now the faces that stared at me were not all smiling, most showed concern. I felt so embarrassed.

"I've deliberated over what to do about this problem and the only logical solution creates a problem for one of us. Without the support of each of you and your entire departments, we won't be able to pull it off."

Oh, God! I thought to myself.

"I don't see that I'm going to have any choice but to ask Jeffrey to bring back Jennifer while Mr. Parks is here."

There, she said it, just what I dreaded. How could I do this?

Their responses were immediate and most had no problem with me pretending to Jennifer. Bennett didn't seem to have a problem with it. He made a joke to Mrs. Steffens, sitting there next to him. I couldn't hear what he said but Mrs. Steffens laughed. She was just one of the women who thought Jennifer was so cute.

Mr. Hamilton just sat there, stone-faced.

Connie turned to me as she continued to address the group. "I'm sure you all realize how terribly awkward this is for Jeffrey and I'm asking a great deal of him." She turned back to the others. "Just so everyone has a chance to get used to the change, Jennifer will start tomorrow. Please tell all your people and stress that he is to be treated appropriately. Are there any questions?"

Now the ribbing began. "I assume this means that Jennifer will be using the ladies’ room?"

"Does this mean he's entitled to maternity benefits?"

"I'd be happy to loan him a dress or two."

The ribbing from the women didn't bother me so much. It wasn't the first time I’d been teased by them and I knew it was in fun. It was Hamilton's lack of comment that made me feel insecure.

Connie responded to the ribbing about loaning me a dress. "The company will be paying any expenses incurred in outfitting Jeffrey. He shouldn't be made financially responsible for something the company demands of him."

That's when Mr. Hamilton spoke up. It figured since he was the head of Accounting. "How much is this sick little masquerade going to cost the company?"

I had seen a number of sides of Connie but I had never seen her get angry like she did that day. Her green eyes shot flame.

"Mr. Hamilton!" Everyone else in the room got quiet. "When the day comes that you are willing to be as self-sacrificing and dedicated to this company and this young man, then you may question my judgment."

It probably wasn't appropriate for her to lambast him there, in front of everyone, but I was glad Connie had put him in his place. I didn't like the man.

Connie dismissed everyone but they didn't leave immediately. Mr. Hamilton was the exception. He skulked out of the room. The women, my friends, came to me with their reassurance of support. Even Bennett, to my surprise, came up and assured me that I would not have to worry about anyone from the art department gave me a problem.

The support was appreciated but I still felt so scared as we walked back to the office. Back at my desk, along with Connie, I told her how worried I was.

"You'll do fine Jeffrey. You've already proven that you can play the part."

"Yes but that was when there were only a few people who were aware I was pretending. There are forty people working here."

"That's true. And every one of them is behind you."

I hadn't thought of it quite that way.

"They're going to help you."

"I suppose." I was still in a sullen mood the rest of the afternoon.

"Time to get out of here." Connie came out of her office with her purse over her shoulder. It was only four-thirty.

"So early?"

"We have a lot to do."

I had just started working on one of my reports. "Shouldn't I finish this?"

"Tomorrow's another day. We have to meet Virginia at our place at five."

"Virginia?"

"I called her this afternoon and told her what had happened. She rearranged her schedule just so she could go shopping with us. I don't think wild horses could have kept her away."

I liked Virginia. I liked her a lot, but her joining us was going to a problem for me.

She was waiting for us when we arrived at the apartment. They wasted no time getting me ready to go, fussing over me.

"Your room is so pretty Jennifer."

Virginia had gotten so used to calling me that. I probably would have been surprised if she called me Jeffrey.

There was an awkward moment. Neither of them were going to leave me alone to change. I tried to slip into the bathroom to change but Connie followed me, walking in as I was taking off my shirt.

"Oh Jeffrey. What happened?" She asked with genuine concern, seeing the rib belt.

What could I tell her? I pulled the velcro apart and laid the belt on the toilet seat, exposing my feminine chest.

"Jeffrey, what's happened to you?"

I hushed Connie. "I don't want Virginia to know." She was busy, going through my closet and dresser, finding me an outfit to wear.

I finally told Connie what the doctor really said.

"And the medication he prescribed didn't help at all?" Connie asked, looking very concerned.

"I called him again a week ago and he said it may take more time. He was surprised it hadn't had any effect yet."

"We're definitely going to get a second opinion. I'm going with you this time."

That was kind of a relief. I wasn't brave enough to go alone.

"I'll explain to Virginia that you're shy and we'll leave you alone to get ready."

"Thanks, Connie."

She gave me a hug, right there, naked chest and all. It felt funny, pressing my chest against hers. Not unpleasant, just strange.

She pulled back and gave me that look again. "You're going to be all right Honey."

I hurried and was ready to go by six with my hair restyled as best I could without washing it and with my makeup hurriedly applied. Virginia and Connie insisted that I would have to wear heels to try on clothes so Virginia laid out a skirt and one of my silk shirts. "We really have to get you some nice blouses instead of those things in your closet." Virginia insisted. "Your wardrobe is definitely lacking."

I remembered back when I thought the clothes Connie bought me were so feminine. What a laugh.

Our time was limited. The two of them planned out our shopping trip on the way to the mall.

Virginia took charge in the jewelry store. She had apparently shopped there before because the girl behind the counter recognized her as soon as she walked in. They were more than happy to help us. It didn't take Connie and Virginia long to pick out several new gold rings that the salesgirl promised to have sized before they closed. I tried on and bought two necklaces and six bracelets. I would never have thought of buying a watch. Connie picked out two. I went crazy, taking earrings in and out of my ears, trying them on.

When the salesgirl left us for a second I insisted, "This is too much. I'm only going to have to pretend for a few days."

"You just hush young lady. We're having fun." Virginia told me smiling.

They wouldn't listen to me. I heard the total when the girl rang it up and it was ridiculous. Connie and Virginia disagreed over who was going to pay. They finally agreed to split the bill.

Connie and Virginia didn't exactly consult with me on the things they bought in Jordan Marsh either. They started in lingerie and after a whirlwind tour through the department, arrived at the register, each with an armful of panties, bras, slips, pantyhose, and anything else that caught their eye. I found it embarrassing and left them while the girl rang it all up.

Just across the aisle from lingerie was the cosmetics department. I wandered over to browse at one of the lipstick displays. There was no salesgirl nearby. She must have been busy elsewhere. I took advantage of the privacy and searched for a lipstick that came close to the 'pale rose' that I had worn to the art show. I found a shade that was very similar.

"May I help you?" The pretty young blond behind the counter asked pleasantly. I hadn't even seen her walk up.

I felt funny asking, "Do you have a polish to match this?" I handed her the lipstick.

"I'm sure we do. Let me just take a look. Why don't you follow me around to the other side of the counter."

I looked back across the aisle. Connie and Virginia were still busy at the register. They apparently hadn't even noticed that I wasn't there. They weren't looking for me. I didn't want to just disappear and worry them. I decided it would only take a moment to pick out nail polish.

It took longer than I thought it would. The girls showed me half a dozen different brands and colors of polish that seemed to match. We finally narrowed it down to two with her help.

"I'll take them both," I told her. They weren't that expensive and I had money in my wallet. It seemed so odd, unzipping my purse and taking out the wallet I had transferred all my things into. I had buried my license so no one would see it by accident. I took out the cash and paid the girl. What was amazing to me was that the girl didn't bat an eye at me. She completely accepted me as just another young woman.

"Where did you wander off to?" Connie asked. They were standing around, looking for me when I rejoined them.

I held up the little bag.

"What did you buy?" Virginia asked.

I reached in and brought out the lipstick and nail polish.

They looked at each other, smiling, then at me. "Very nice Jennifer," Connie said looking very pleased.

"Pretty color." Was Virginia's comment.

Our next stop was the shoe department. Here, I had to take a more active part. Connie and Virginia didn't always agree on what looked best on me. Connie leaned toward the more current fashions while Virginia wanted me to have more conservative styles. They reached an amenable agreement and they both bought me shoes. The women told the delighted salesman to hold our purchases until we were finished shopping. Considering they had bought a dozen pairs of expensive shoes, he didn't mind at all.

Again, I was just the pawn and had little or no input in their selections.

It was seven-thirty and the store didn't close till ten. We spent the next two hours in Junior's department. This was the part I dreaded.

Not one, but two, sales girls were required to help us, according to Connie and Virginia. One followed each of them around, bringing the clothes they each selected back to me in the dressing room.

I was mortified enough to be in there but the attention I was getting made it so much worse. It wasn't so much that it was a busy night but the few girls and young women in there with me couldn't help but notice all the clothes I was buying.

"It must be your birthday." One girl commented.

I had to make up something. "My mother and my Aunt decided I needed new clothes for the job I'm starting Monday." It was the only thing I could think of to say?

"You’re a lucky girl."

'Lucky!?'

I didn't know that Virginia had heard me but later, at the register, I heard them tell the sales girl they were my Mother and Aunt. The two of them picked right upon it.

I lost track of all the dresses, skirts, and blouses I tried on and modeled for my 'Mother' and 'Aunt'. It got easier there, near the end. In just my bra and panties I was handed clothes by the salesgirls. It was the first time I remembered being grateful that I didn't have on the falsies because there was no way I could have gotten away with it.

What I didn't find out about, until we got home, was that they bought me all sorts of other things as well but didn't bother to show me. I was completely accessorized with scarves, belts, brooches, purses, pins, perfume, and a myriad of other things.

It took all three of us to carry all the packages and our hands were full. I was relieved that they were finally content to stop. We stopped by the jewelry store to pick up what we bought earlier. They sent a guard to escort us out to our car. We piled some of our purchases on him too.

I wasn't sure if I was disappointed or relieved that no one gave me a strange look or comment as we dealt with a half dozen salespeople, both men, and women. None of the shoppers even raised an eyebrow toward me. Had I changed so much?

Everything had to be put away or hung up. Connie took charge of my closet while Virginia took great pleasure in organizing and putting everything away, neatly, in my dresser. I, more or less, was left to just watch.

At eleven, the three of us sat down at the dining room table and had a drink, a real, honest to God drink. I needed it.

"I had a wonderful time tonight. Thank you so much for calling me, Connie." Virginia told her.

"I'm just glad you could get away to join us. I haven't enjoyed shopping so much in years."

They didn't ask me if I had a good time.

"Which of your new outfits are you going to wear tomorrow Jennifer?" Virginia asked.

I didn't want to wear any of them. "I haven't decided yet."

"I thank you, you should wear the blue dress. That looked adorable on you." Connie suggested.

"But the green looks much more business-like." Virginia disagreed.

They went back and forth. Not really arguing, discussing would have been a better word for it.

I didn't care to see the two people I had grown so close to, disagreeing with. "I've already decided what I'm wearing." I interrupted.

"Which one?" Connie asked.

"The black and white dress." It was long and loose-fitting, except at the waist, which was gathered by a wide belt.

"Oh, that's perfect. The short skirt on it looks so sweet with the pleats."

That wasn't the dress I meant.

"Good choice Honey. Everyone at work will love that. It makes you look about eighteen." Connie agreed with Virginia. "I should have thought of that one."

A revelation hit Virginia. "We didn't buy Jennifer any pearls. She has to have a pearl necklace to go with that dress."

"I'll loan her mine tomorrow." Connie solved the problem.

"All right, and I'll pick her up a necklace of her own tomorrow. She'll need a matching bracelet too."

Connie agreed with her, smiling. "Of course."

I stuck my foot in it.

"Isn't that the one I picked out?" Virginia said about the dress, kidding.

Connie was ready to play. "No! I did. Don't you remember?"

I left the two of them in the dining room, talking, and got ready for bed. It didn't seem at all unnatural for me to kiss them both goodnight. "Good night Mother," I said to Connie. "Good night Aunt Virginia." They thought it was cute of me.

"Good night Jennifer." The words echoed behind me as I headed for the bedroom.

My body was tired, especially my feet, but my mind was racing. I imagined all sorts of things going wrong tomorrow.

I heard Virginia leave around midnight. Connie came into my bedroom to see how I was. I had just finished washing up and moisturizing.

"Hi, honey."

"Hi."

"This was a pretty exciting night, wasn't it?"

"It was nerve-wracking," I admitted.

"You really did beautifully."

"Why did you and Virginia have to buy me so many clothes and things?"

She looked a little embarrassed. "We were just having so much fun. I suppose we just got caught up in it. You really have some beautiful things."

"But I only needed a few to last me for a couple of days. What am I going to do with them after that?"

"We'll worry about that later," Connie assured me. "Did you see what Virginia laid out on the bed for you?"

I had undressed in the closet. I didn't even look at the bed. "No."

I was in my robe. Connie followed me out to see my reaction.

On the bed was a pink satin nightgown, all decorated in lace. Next to it was a matching robe. "Why did she have to buy me this?"

"She thought you'd like it." Connie encouraged me. "Try it on. They're very comfortable to sleep in."

"I'd feel silly."

"Go ahead and try it for one night. If you still don't like it, you don't have to wear it again. At least you can tell Virginia you slept in it."

I didn't want to tell Connie that I really did like the feel of it and as much as I liked my silky pajamas, the nightie was an even nicer feeling. "I'll try it."

"Good girl," Connie said smiling at me. I think she knew I wanted to try it. "Let's see how it looks on you. Put on one of your new pairs of panties. I think there's a pink pair in your drawer that will match it."

There was more than one pair of pink panties in the drawer. The new ones they bought me were much more feminine than the cotton ones I'd been wearing. Some were of silky nylon, others were made of satin. A few were trimmed in lace and all were cut differently from my old ones. I had string bikinis, high French cut, and scooped front styles. Getting used to these was going to take some doing.

"Very nice. You look lovely." Connie sighed when I finished getting ready for bed.

I felt silly but it did feel wonderful against my skin, even the underwear. "It is pretty," I said looking in the mirror. I meant the nightie, not me.

"I bought you this." She came over to me with a white ruffled hair tie. "That old one of mine you've been using has had it. You needed a new one."

I let her gather my hair in the back and slip it through the elastic.

"There, that's better." Connie stood back, admiring me. "It looks pretty on you."

It was different. As I looked at myself, I realized that, even without makeup and my hair styled, I looked a lot like a girl. It wasn't just the nightie or the thing in my hair. My small, slender face and little nose added to the impression. With all the weight I had lost over the past couple of months, my face actually showed cheekbones. Not too well defined but enough to make my face decidedly feminine.

If it wasn’t for the role I had to play over the next few days, I might have been upset. For right now, I was grateful.

There was something about the look on Connie's face that made it alright too. More and more, I felt closer to her and I liked that feeling so much. I was reaching the point where I would do just about anything she asked of me.

"You better get in bed. Morning is going to get here before you know it and you know how long it takes you to get ready in the morning."

It wasn't so much what she said, but how she said it. Connie had a way of putting me at ease. "Yes, Mommy."

Connie surprised me. "Sometimes, like now, I wish I really was." The look on her face was so sweet.

"You should have had a daughter. You'd make a wonderful Mother." Connie's expression changed slightly. I wondered if I said something to upset her. She didn't have to say she wanted a hug.

"I'll settle for moments like this." She held me tight. "I know it might sound strange and I don't want you to think I'm crazy but I really enjoy being close like this. At times it's like we're really mother and daughter."

"It doesn't sound so strange. I was never able to be close like this with my real mother. It makes me kind of envy what girls share with theirs."

I looked up at her and she was crying. Tears were running down her cheeks. I didn't ask 'what's wrong. I didn't ask her if she was all right. I just held her. I felt I knew what she was feeling. My eyes were clouding with tears too.

Connie waited at the door while I climbed under the covers. "Good night Sweetheart" Her smile made me feel good.

"Good night, Mom."