The Women's Job - Part 13

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Neither of us said much on the short ride home. Connie was embarrassed for me. She saw it all and could nothing to stop it.

"Now you know what we girls have to endure." She said as we walked in and both kicked our shoes off.

"It's horrible, I didn't encourage them a bit but they just went ahead and did whatever they pleased. Does this happen a lot?" I took off my jacket and dropped it on the couch.

"All the time," Connie admitted.

"Can't you stop them?"

"Could you?"

"No." I couldn't "I need a shower." Then I remembered. "Do we have any mineral spirits?"

"I'll get you the bottle from my bathroom." Connie came over and put her arms around me and just held me for a minute. When we let go of each other she said. "Go ahead honey, you'll feel better after a shower."

"Good night." I gave her a little smile.

"Good night." She kissed my cheek.

It took me forever to get ready for bed. It took a half hour so loosen the breast forms from my chest. It was after one when I finally climbed in bed and turned the light out.

I lay there in the dark for a little while. The luncheon hadn't been so bad but getting caught up with those men was horrible. Through it all though, I played my part rather well. I definitely fooled them. Curious, that I could pull it off so easily. The last thing my mind’s eye saw as sleep overcame me was the reflection of the pretty girl in my mirror earlier.

I knew I set the alarm for five-thirty, why was it waking me at eight? I spotted the note Connie left, behind the clock. 'You needed some sleep, Honey.' That was all it said. Connie had reset my alarm. I truly loved that woman like a mother.

I raced like crazy to get ready for work. Knowing I was meeting Christy after work, I dressed simply in my khaki slacks and my turquoise rayon camp shirt. I put in my small hoop earrings and wore only my herringbone necklace and matching bracelet that she liked so much.

I felt nothing like the girl I pretended to be the day before. I made it to work by nine-fifteen. It wasn't till Bobbie, greeting me in the lobby, pointed out my hands, that I realized I was still wearing the red nail polish I had on the day before. Her comment surprised me.

"I was hoping Jennifer would be here today." Bobbie was joking, of course.

"She had a late night and decided to stay home today." I kidded.

"But she's all right?" Bobbie asked with genuine concern.

I wondered how much she'd heard. I thanked her for worrying. "Thanks for asking but she'll be alright."

"Good, I'm relieved. You tell Jennifer I think she should come back to work really soon." Bobbie's smile warmed me.

"I'll tell her." There was some polish remover in the kitchen and, after cleaning away the last of the evidence of last night, I headed for the stairs and the studio.

It took me a while as I was stopped repeatedly to hear everyone's praise and concern. Praise for the way I looked yesterday and concern because they all knew what I had to do the night before. I was amazed at how many people wanted to see more of Jennifer.

I received the same reception in the studio. I didn't want to disrupt the shoot so with the promise to tell the girls, later, everything that happened, everyone got back to work.

"Did you have a good rest?" Connie asked.

"You shouldn't have let me sleep." I scolded her.

"You needed it." She knew I was exhausted and upset. "Are you ok?"

I had already resolved to put the experience out of my mind. "I'm ok."

When we finished around one, I filled in Judy, Patty and Kim with what had happened.

"Oh my God. What did you do when he kissed you?" Kim was so concerned about me.

"There wasn't anything I could do. They took me by surprise. I couldn't say anything and give myself away."

"I hadn't thought of that." Patty reflected.

"What was it like, you know, to kiss another guy?" Judy asked, curious.

"I was so embarrassed and ashamed that I just wanted to run." I implored them. "Please don't tell anyone what happened. It was bad enough that everyone knows I went out with them."

They swore to secrecy.

A surprise awaited Connie and I when we returned to our office later. Both my desk and Connie's were adorned with bouquets of brightly colored flowers.

"Want a guess where these came from?" Connie asked as she retrieved the card from hers.

I didn't need to guess, I knew. My card read. 'Jennifer, we had a wonderful time and wanted to thank you for a lovely evening. We look forward to working closely with you in the future.' Both cards read the same to that point. It was signed, Robert Niles, Mike Park, and Jim Sanders. Mine had a PS. 'I really look forward to seeing you again.' It was signed M.P.

I didn't know what to say.

"It was sweet of them," Connie said grinning.

"I could have done without the thought." I didn't think it was as cute as Connie did.

Apparently, Bobbie had spread the word of the delivery. More than a few people came to see my flowers and read the card. I was teased mercilessly.

I didn't stop for lunch. I was so behind that I worked right through. I was so engrossed that I didn't even notice the time.

Connie had to come out and tell me it was five o'clock. "Don't you have a date with Christy?"

Startled at the sound of her voice, I looked up to see Connie standing over me. "I've got so much to do." I felt guilty for being so behind.

"Don't worry about it tonight. It'll still be there Monday morning. Now pack up and get out of here." She insisted. As I was getting ready to leave, she asked, "How much money do you have?"

I didn't have much. I had given Connie some money to begin to pay her back for what she'd spent on me last Sunday. I gave her money for food and rent and I sent most of what I had left to my parents. "I have about twenty dollars," I said after checking my wallet.

"That's not enough to take Christy out with." She went into her office and got her wallet. "Here's another forty. We'll just add it to your bill. Now go have a good time and don't forget to call me if you're going to be really late. I'll worry about you."

She was so cute. "I promise to call, Mom."

That made her smile. "Go on, get out of here."

Christy was waiting for me. I was a little timid and only kissed her on the cheek.

"Is that the best you can do?" She asked and immediately wrapped her arms around me and kissed me hard. It certainly dispelled any concern I had about her wanting to see me again.

"Mmmmmm, I missed you." She said grinning like a cat. She stepped back to look at me. "I thought I told you to dress casual?" She asked.

I looked down at myself. I thought I had. "I did."

"Don't you have any jeans?"

I did, but not with me. "I didn't know you meant that casual."

"Come on." She said, dragging me to her bedroom. "I have some that should fit you."

I imagined the worst but she brought out a normal-looking pair of jeans. Not even the label gave away the fact that they were really girls’ jeans. "Put those on and I'll find you a top." She went to her closet and came back with an ordinary-looking green tee shirt.

She stood looking at me holding the clothes. "What are we going to do about something on your feet?"

I had the answer to that one. "I have my gym bag in the car. I have a pair of sneakers."

"So what are you waiting for? Get changed."

I would have felt better if she didn't see my underwear but she wouldn't leave. When I was stepping into the jeans she came up behind me and squeezed my ass through my pale blue panties.

"That's such a turn-on." She reached around me and rubbed my chest. "If Debbie and Brook weren't waiting for us, I'd rape you right here."

I was glad I could turn her on that way.

"These are a little tight," I commented as I tugged them up to my waist. There was no question they were girls’ jeans now.

Christy checked them out from behind. "I don't know." She said grinning. "They don't look too tight to me." Again she playfully grabbed my ass.

Christy's friends were girls she worked with. Debbie worked for the agency as a secretary. She was cute enough but Brook, with her long blond hair, pixie-like features, and fantastic figure, was really beautiful, a model just like Christy.

We met them at a place called Crabby Bill's. At a picnic table on the outside deck, we ate raw oysters and lobster, washing it down with beer. A redneck band played country music while we got to know each other.

Debbie and Brook knew all about the party last Sunday. They were anything but judgmental about me. Christy obviously told them the views I had expressed and they wanted to hear more. We stayed there, after we finished stuffing ourselves, and talked for an hour.

I really liked her friends but parts of our conversation included such off-the-wall subjects. We talked about fashions, of course, but we also talked about the differences between mens’ and womens’ views on topical subjects. The conversation got pretty deep at times.

To sustain the position I had taken on Sunday, I supported the women's view in most cases. I had always been sympathetic toward the womens’ movement and equality. With my experience the night before, I was more inclined than I had ever been to support the womens’ viewpoint.

Christy insisted on picking up the bill for the two of us. "I asked you out, remember?" I knew better than to argue with her. I was beginning to learn how stubborn she could be.

By the time we left the restaurant, I felt like I had known these people for years and I really enjoyed them. We went from there to a movie. It had been months since I had been to a movie and I really had a good time.

Being with Christy made it all the more enjoyable. She was the most uninhibited girl I had ever met. She thought nothing of putting her arm around my waist and putting her hand on my ass as we walked up to the window at the movies and bought our tickets. Again, she insisted on paying.

I thought it was late when we got out of the movies around midnight but the others were still raring to go. Christy and her friends wanted to go to Debbie and Brook's place and have a few more drinks and talk. I was enjoying myself too much to object.

Debbie and Brook shared a two-bedroom apartment. It was a small apartment that they had decorated in such a way that I felt comfortable there as soon as we walked in.

I really liked Debbie's sharp wit. She was very quick to throw barbs and Brook was, more often than not, the recipient of her jokes. She didn't seem to get upset at her though.

Very little seemed to bother Brook. She was one of the most easy-going people I had ever met. I could see why these two were roommates and why Christy liked them so much.

I helped Debbie in the kitchen. We popped popcorn while Christy and Brook got us all something to drink. I had enough beer at the restaurant but they had several bottles of wine in the fridge.

There were times I laughed so hard at Debbie's jokes that my sides hurt. I guessed Debbie liked me well enough because a number of her jokes started being at my expense. It was inevitable that they would tease me about my taste in clothes. I really didn't mind.

Other times, the conversation turned serious and we got on the topic of sexuality. I learned that Christy and her friends disagreed strongly on some subjects. Debbie surprised me with one of her questions. "So Jeffrey, what are your views on homosexuality?"

I had known a few gays in New York. One was a guy I grew up and went to school with. We were 16 before I learned he was gay. We had shared too much for me to turn my back on him at that point. Our relationship did suffer but that wasn't because I was prejudiced. The peer pressure was so intense.

There had also been a few in prison. Those had been the ones I stayed clear of. "They're people just like anyone else. I've had gay friends."

Her next question hit a little close to home. "Have you ever thought what it would be like to be with a man?" Flashes of the night before came to me. It didn't take any time at all to answer that one. "No! God no!"

I wondered what the exchange of glances between them meant but I was content to be able to dispel any thought that I might be gay. After all, considering what Christy must have told them about me and the way I looked with my long hair and plucked eyebrows, it wouldn't be inconceivable that I might be gay. They seemed satisfied and the conversation turned to lighter subjects.

Before I knew it, it was two in the morning and I was feeling a little drunk. I wasn't the only one, Christy was slurring her words and had trouble sitting up straight.

"Stay the night. We've got a room." Brook insisted. Neither of us could drive. I wasn't so drunk that I had forgotten my promise. I should have called Connie but it was so late I didn't want to wake her.

Christy and I took one bedroom while Debbie and Brook had the other. We didn't make love that night, we could barely stay awake after hitting the pillows. We did curl up together in only our underwear and held each other all night.

I awoke to the sweet smell of her hair on my face. She looked so beautiful there, sleeping beside me, with the morning sunlight hitting her face. I just laid there looking at her. Christy was the most beautiful girl I had ever met and she liked me, a lot. With my problem, I was certain I would lose her if I wasn't able to perform for her soon. As I lay there, I made up my mind to do anything and everything I could to please her while I waited for my hormone imbalance to correct itself.

She must have sensed me staring or perhaps it was the warmth of the sun on her face that brought her out of her dreams.

I at least knew why I was unable to perform now. Under the circumstances, I was quite content to give her the pleasure that she desired. When she was exhausted, as before, she sought to please me. As I had caressed her breasts, she did the same to mine and it felt so wonderful.

"I love the way they feel Jeffrey." She whispered as she molded the skin around my swollen nipples. "You have the chest of a young girl. So soft and pliable."

It was a left-handed compliment. What so pleased her, scared the hell out of me. The pills the doctor prescribed for me didn't seem to have helped me at all. Each day I checked myself and each day my chest seemed to be swelling more. It was hardly noticeable but I was sure I felt a difference. The enlargement of my breasts had begun to expand out beyond my nipples and I feared that what the doctor warned me could happen, was. I was developing breasts. Small mounds, poorly defined, but breasts.

"I've never known anyone like you, Jeffrey," Christy whispered softly and she caressed me. Her finger gently traced the bridge of my nose, the contours of my eyes, and stroked my cheeks. "You have such a pretty face."

That was the way Virginia had described it. The way Christy said it when she looked at me was not the same. I felt like a freak at times but there, next to her, I felt wonderful. Not manly, certainly, but . . . It was too alien to put into words.

We laid there for a long time before we heard noises out in the living room that told us Debbie and Brook were up. "I need a shower," Christy said rolling out of bed.

"I'll wash your back." I offered, excited about the prospect of soaping her wet body under the hot cascading water.

"No," She put a hand out to stop me from getting out of bed. "I'm funny about that. I like to shower alone."

I was disappointed a little but I conceded and lay there while she went into the bathroom and showered.

It didn't take her very long. She came out wrapped in a towel with another on her head. "I saved you plenty of hot water."

It felt good to stand there and let it beat on me. I probably used more hot water than I should have but it felt so good.

I heard the bathroom door open. "I brought you something to put on. Debbie loaned us some clean underwear."

I peeked around the curtain. Christy was carefully laying a robe on the toilet seat. On top of the robe, she laid a pair of little, lace-trimmed, pink panties. "Are those for me?"

"Yea, wasn't that sweet of her? They're pretty. Hurry up now, they've started breakfast. Don't bother to dry your hair. You can do that after we eat. Just wrap a towel on your head and come out." Christy leaned over and kissed me, smiling. "Hurry now."

I bothered me that Christy had told her friends my preference in underwear. The ones they loaned me were nothing like the plain cotton ones I was used to.

I dried off and wrapped up my hair in a towel. I picked up the pink panties with their pretty lace trim. My option was to go out there in just the short robe without anything on underneath. I couldn't do that. So they knew, I thought to myself, so what. They must have known last night and it didn't seem to bother them. I didn't want to make a fuss in front of everyone. I had to keep in mind that I did turn Christy on and I wanted to keep her happy.

I used the phone in the bedroom to call Connie.

"I was worried sick about you."

"I'm sorry. It was so late, I didn't want to call and wake you."

"I was up till three, waiting for you."

I felt terrible. "I'm really sorry."

"Where are you?"

"I'm with Christy. We stayed with some friends of hers. We drank a little too much and decided it was safer not to try to drive."

"Well, I'm glad you used good judgment about that at least Honey."

There was her endearing 'honey' again. She was acting like a mother again and I liked the feeling that she cared so much. "I'm so sorry I made you worry. I promise I won't do that again."

"I hope not. Oh, by the way. Virginia called last night. She wanted you to come for dinner tonight but I covered for you and told her you already had plans."

"Thanks, Connie." I was relieved she had made excuses for me. Going to her house for dinner would have certainly meant dressing up as Jennifer again.

"She wants you to call her sometime today. You really should."

I didn't want to but she was right. "I will."

"When will you be home?"

"I'm not sure yet."

"I have to go out for a while and I don't expect to be back until some time late this afternoon. You have your key?"

"I have it."

"All right. Have fun Honey and I'll see you later." She paused. "And don't forget to call Virginia when you get home. I'm leaving her number by the phone."

"I won't forget."

They acted as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Brook and Debbie were wearing only their nighties. Christy and I apparently had their only bathrobes. I waited for Debbie to make a crack about my wearing her underwear that peeked out from under her short robe, but none came. I was a little uncomfortable with them dressed in just their nighties but it didn't seem to bother them at all.

Breakfast was wonderful. I hadn't sat down to eggs, toast, and bacon in months.

"Debbie and I are going to the arts and crafts festival at Lathen Park. Why don't you two come with us?" Brook suggested to Christy and me.

"Jeffrey and I would love to. I go nuts over that stuff." Christy said, excited.

She didn't even ask if I did or if there was anywhere I had to go. I could have objected but why? It would be a nice change from my usual routine of work and home. I hadn't spent any time outdoors in a long time. The best reason to go was that Christy wanted me to.

Christy and I helped clean up the kitchen.

"Brook, can I borrow your rollers?" Christy asked.

"Sure." She was quick to respond.

"I've been dying to see what I can do with Jeffrey's hair."

I spun to face her. "My hair!?"

They ignored me. "He's got such pretty hair. Can I help?" Brook asked anxiously.

I injected myself between them. "But . . . "

"It's alright Jeffrey. It'll be fun." Christy cut me off. "Just sit down here and hush. I'm not going to hurt you."

Objecting was a waste of time. It seemed what Christy wanted, Christy got.

"Oh, he's going to look so pretty." Debbie got excited. The way they talked around me they could have been setting a wig.

"I've been just dying to do this." Christy grabbed another roller.

"I can see why." Debbie sat across the table from me. "Just wait till you see yourself," Debbie told me, all excited.

"There." Christy finished. "Now it just needs to dry Jeffrey." She kissed my cheek. "You are so sweet for letting me do your hair."

I wasn't aware I was 'letting' her do anything. She didn't ask. My problem was that I craved her affection.

"I'll get my makeup. We just have to go the rest of the way." Brook ran to her bedroom.

This was going too far. First, there was Ms. Castle, Virginia. Now Christy wanted to make me into a girl too. On top of everything, my body was undergoing a change that the doctor couldn't even explain. "Christy, I don't want to do this."

"It's all in fun Jeffrey and you have such a pretty face already. Can't you do this little thing for me?"

Why did making her happy have to mean so much to me? "I just feel so strange letting you do this."

She knelt down beside me and looked up into my face. The other girls stood back waiting and listening. "It'll be fun. You'll be one of us for a little while. Do this to make me happy."

She was so hard to resist. "Do I have to go outside all made up?"

"Just to the arts and crafts festival. I know you'll enjoy yourself once you just relax and go with it. You'll fool everyone."