The Women's Job - Part 5

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Tuesday evening, I went with Judy and Gloria to the health club. It was the first time I had ever done aerobics. It wasn't as easy as it looked.

I was very uncomfortable going into the men's locker room to change. They stared at me. I really didn't enjoy changing with all the guys around. I found an empty corner and tried to change quickly. I wasn't fast enough. Some big jock came in as I bent down to pull on the red sweat pants. He saw my hairless legs and chest. He turned around and walked away with a smirk. It bothered me but I quickly forgot about it when I joined the girls and we started the class. I was one of four guys in the class. I was glad I wasn't the only one.

I opted to not shower and change there. I decided to wait till Judy drove me home.

Wednesday night, after the shoot, Connie took me home. "You haven't worn the jumpsuit I bought you or the new leotard. Don't you like them?"

I squirmed a little then answered with a lie. "No, I think they're great. I just haven't gotten to them yet. You bought me so many new things" I explained.

"I was afraid you didn't like them. I really loved the way they looked at you in the boutique. They're not easy things to find for young men."

I'll bet, I said to myself. "Tomorrow, I'll wear one tomorrow."

"Great. Goodnight Jeffrey." Connie said as I stepped from the car.

I was stuck. I had to wear one or the other tomorrow and I was planning on going to the Point Club on Friday after work, with the girls. I didn’t want to wear the jumpsuit Friday but the leotard I could get away with, under my jacket.

"Jeffrey, you look fabulous," Connie said smiling from ear to ear as I got in the car the next morning. "You need to open the collar though." I had it left only the top button open, she unbuttoned the next two. "There, that's much better."

While the jumpsuit itself was very comfortable to wear, I felt very uncomfortable in it. The elastic waist and the snug tapered legs didn't look right on a guy. At least the wide belt covered the elastic waist. The necklace went under the collar around my neck but stood out on the purple material. "Thanks" I wished I could have sounded more sincere.

"That outfit would look much better with some different earrings," Connie added as we pulled away. "We'll have to find you some new ones. Too bad we don't have time to pick up something on the way."

"We are going to the office aren't we?" I asked with a quiver in my voice.

"No, we have an appointment with the Castle people this morning to finalize the layout for their Spring line," Connie explained.

I knew Connie had an appointment. I didn't know she wanted me to go with her. "Are you sure I look all right to go see a client?" I didn't want to go dressed the way I was.

"Are you kidding? They'll love it. Trust me."

I would have to. What choice did I have?

"The Castle people are at the forefront of trying to change the male image. You are going to show them that our company is in step with their thinking. Virginia Castle will really be impressed with you if she believes that you feel as I do, that it's alright to break down the barriers in male fashion."

I could read between the lines. Connie expected me to project confidence and the impression that I found the concept completely acceptable. This was a real opportunity for me. Despite my personal feelings, I could do this, "I won't let you down."

Connie reached over and squeezed my arm. "I knew you wouldn't Jeffrey."

I walked half a step behind her as we walked up to the lobby door. I reached around and held it for her as she stepped through. I held my head up and pulled my shoulders back. I didn't feel as confident as the person I tried to project.

The girl behind the reception desk gave me a double-take but I didn't bat an eye. I followed Connie to Ms. Castle's office where we were led in to see her.

The woman certainly took notice of me as I sat next to Connie while the two women worked out the final details of the contract. Almost every time I looked up from my notes the woman seemed to be looking at me. Each time our eyes met she smiled at me. I could only smile back.

Ms. Castle, who appeared to be about 45 years old, was an extremely attractive lady for her age, very elegant. She had beautiful shoulder-length, light brown hair, the same color as mine, and there wasn't a hair out of place. She had the figure of a twenty-year-old. All and all, a very impressive woman.

When they were finished and simply made pleasant conversation, the woman turned to me and said. "Connie's been telling me that your firm is the one to handle our business, Jeffrey. Until our meeting today I still wasn't sure. Seeing the kind of open-minded people who work for her, I can see now, that I've made the right choice."

It made it all worth it for me. "Thank you, Ms. Castle. You won't regret your decision." I said proudly.

The woman looked from me to Connie and gave an approving nod. "I like the kind of people you surround yourself with Connie."

"Jeffrey's an invaluable asset to the firm Virginia. I'd be lost without him."

"How would you like a peek at the new male line?" Ms. Castle asked the two of us.

"Very much," I responded with enthusiasm.

"Do you have the time Connie?" She asked.

"Of course." I knew Connie wouldn't say no.

Ms. Castle personally took us back to the design room and showed us the layouts. I was amazed at some of the things they were going to put on the market for men. From the layouts, it seemed they were taking what had conventionally been women's leisurewear and were marketing it with men's labels.

They were covering the full range of leisurewear. There were leggings, jeans, slacks, and baggy print walking shorts. The 'blouses', as she referred to them, covered the full spectrum of color, many were with bright prints. The materials, as expected, departed from the norm for men. They were planning on selling a lot of silks, rayons, and polyester. Some were so sheer that it was hard for me to believe they'd actually sell.

The sweaters ranged from heavy high collared cable knits to lightweight deep and styles, again, in bright colors and prints.

I was just thinking to myself that they were probably going to get into dresses. I was laughing to myself when they showed me another portfolio. Skirts for men.

Ms. Castle commented as she showed us the designer's sketches. "They're already out in New York and La. I told our people a year ago but they didn't think my timing was right. They're eating their words now."

She told us the line didn't end with clothes. They were planning to market a full line of accessories to compliment the line. Everything from jewelry to a new line of cologne. "We even have a new label for our pantyhose. It will appeal to the discriminating male."

I couldn't imagine pantyhose appealing to any male.

"Well, what do you think Jeffrey?" The woman asked proudly when she was done.

I had to respond enthusiastically. "I think they're all fantastic. I love the concept!"

My interest thrilled her. Addressing both Connie and me, she said, "We're very excited about it. I've been trying to get something like this line on the market for years. The public's ready for it."

"It's such a shame that it's taken so long. I'm sure there's quite a market out there. I think men are more self-confident these days and you'll do well." It was bullshit but I was sure it was what she wanted to hear.

She hung on my every word. "Connie, where did you ever find this wonderful man. I love him."

Connie certainly seemed particularly pleased with me at the moment. "He's a Godsend Virginia."

Ms. Castle looked back to me with an idea, "Jeffrey, how would you like to sample our new line."

'Sample it?' I had started this and, for Connie's sake, I had to follow through. "I'd love to."

The woman turned to Connie. "Connie, I'd like to send Jeffrey some samples, that isn't a problem for you?" She didn't wait for Connie's approval. "I believe he's the epitome of the individual we're trying to reach." To us both she said. "I'd like him to wear our line and give us his impressions. He's the perfect test market."

Connie turned to me while she responded to the woman. "I couldn’t agree more Virginia. I'm sure Jeffrey would be thrilled."

Oh God, I thought to myself. What had I gotten myself into?

"I'd like to get started right away. Jeffrey, why don't you go with Carol here and let her get your measurements? I'll put my people to work and I believe you can expect to see the first of the designs by late in the week."

"I can't wait," I told her. My face didn't betray what I really felt.

I went with the girl while she took my measurements. Her sarcastic comments about me being so skinny and shapely weren't appreciated. I was glad to get out of there.

Connie waited till we got to the car before she said anything. "Jeffrey, do you realize what you did in there?" She was very excited.

Even now I couldn't say what I thought. I made a fool of myself.

"We have the Castle account because of you." Connie leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.

I had to be honest with her. "It can't be that big an account considering the market they're trying to reach." It didn't seem so anyway.

Connie laughed. "Jeffrey, you don't understand. Castle's new line is only the tip of the iceberg. While you were busy in the back, we worked out a preliminary agreement to take over all of their advertising, for all of their lines. They market a complete men's line in the customary styles as well as several women's labels." Connie was thrilled. "Virginia Castle was very taken with us, with you!"

I was floored.

We didn't go straight back to the office. We stopped at a jewelry store and Connie picked out a pair of 14-carat gold teardrop earrings for me. She insisted I put them on right there in the store. The hoops I had gotten used to, but the new ones looked so uncomfortably feminine on me.

"Nonsense," She insisted. "They're perfect."

She went straight to her office when we got back and, from my desk in the outer office, I heard her call New York and tell them the news. By noon there was a steady stream of people coming in to congratulate Connie and to praise me.

With all the fuss over me and the way I presented myself to the client, I could hardly feel self-conscious about the way I was dressed or the new earrings that occasionally brushed my neck. It made it difficult to forget I was wearing them.

Things didn't calm down till mid-afternoon so I could get some work done.

Connie had a few surprises for me the next morning. On the way in, after she praised me on the way I looked in the leotard and stirrup pants, reluctantly wearing the new earrings she gave me, she said, "Jeffrey, I spoke to New York yesterday afternoon and they agreed with my recommendations. As of Monday, you'll be seeing a fifteen percent increase in salary."

I did the math in my head. That was a six thousand dollar a year raise! "Connie, I don't know what to say."

"You could tell me you like working with me and would like to be my permanent assistant."

I didn't even stop to think about it. "That'd be great. I'd love that." I told her. I could hardly contain myself. It was what I had dreamed of.

"You wouldn't mind relocating?" She asked.

"No, not at all." I had no particular desire to go back home again. There was nothing there for me. Only Tina.

"Wonderful, I was hoping you'd say that."

I suddenly had a depressing thought, "What about Karen. Isn't she getting out of the hospital soon?" I often wondered what would happen to me when she came back to her job.

"Karen's decision to stay home with her children from now on. I guess the accident has given her second thoughts about her priorities."

I was relieved and thrilled. "I still can't believe it," I said as we pulled into the parking lot.

Connie was still grinning as we stepped out of the car. "Oh, look at this." She said as she walked over toward a little candy apple red car. "Isn't that nice looking?"

It was a brand new GEO. It was a little sports model. I had seen the advertisements for it on TV. "It looks racy." I liked the lines.

"What do you think of the color?" She asked casually as she looked in the driver's window.

Red was all right. I liked red cars. "It's sharp." I peeked on the other side. When I looked up, Connie was looking at me over the roof with a funny grin. I saw her reach over toward me but I didn't notice the keys in her hand immediately.

"It's yours." The silly grin turned into a big smile.

"Mine!?" I said, almost in shock.

"Yes Jeffrey, yours."

I couldn't believe it. "Why? How?"

"You deserve it. For everything, you've done. The Castle account? Remember?" She beamed.

"It's for me!?"

"Yes Jeffrey, it's for you." She was amused at my reaction. "The company often leases a car, for a year, for an employee who makes a significant contribution to the business. You've made a major contribution Jeffrey."

It was all too much at one time. Everything was happening so fast. "It's wonderful." I took the keys and opened the door. It had a white interior and smelled the way only a new car could.

I couldn't help but look outside from the lobby throughout the day to make sure it was still there.

Connie waited till later in the day to tell me there was a downside to my good fortune. "Since you're now permanently transferred here, I'm going to have to help you find another place to live. I can't justify your using the company condo anymore."

That was bad news. I had no idea where to go. I had never lived on my own before. Being in a strange place, it was a little unsettling.

Connie could see the news distressed me. "Don't worry Jeffrey. I think I have a solution for you. Until you're ready to find your own place, you're going to come to stay with me."

"That would be too much of an imposition." I insisted.

"Don't be silly, it's no imposition at all. I have plenty of room and I get lost in my big apartment. It would be a pleasure to have the company."

I did really like the woman and it sounded like the perfect solution. If she didn't mind, why should I? "I'd really like that," I told her smiling.

"Good, then it's settled. Since we have the shoot on Saturday I'll come over Sunday morning and we'll move you in." The issue was closed.

All I could think of now was it was Friday, I had my own transportation and maybe Christy would be at The Point tonight.

The girls were all busy so I drove over alone to The Point Club after work. I had meant to bring my hoop earrings that day, in my wallet, so I could change from the drop earrings but I forgot them. I had seen other guys at the Point wearing drop earrings so I chanced it.

She wasn't there when I arrived so I sat at one of the few remaining stools at the bar and ordered a drink. I was on the verge of ordering another when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Hi, stranger. Where have you been hiding?" It was Christy.

"Hi!" I nearly fell getting off the stool.

"Wow! You look fantastic." She said as she got a good look at my outfit.

I was really worried what her reaction would be to me in stirrup pants and hoped she wouldn't realize I was wearing a bodysuit. Obviously, there was nothing to worry about.

"So do you." She was wearing a skin-tight dress that showed every beautiful curve. I suddenly realized I was staring.

"Is that new?" She asked, picking up my necklace to look closer at it.

"I was a gift," I told her. I didn't want her to think I bought it for myself.

"It's beautiful. Did your girlfriend give it to you?" She asked, probing.

She was trying to find out if I was seeing anyone. "No, my boss gave it to me." It was neat to see her face when I said that. She was relieved.

"Would you like a drink?" I asked as I offered the stool next to mine that I had reserved for her.

"Please." She sat and ordered a glass of wine. "I really like those." She reached up and touched one of my earrings. "I have a pair almost like them."

"They'd look better on you," I admitted.

"I don't know, they look terrific on you but I wouldn't mind borrowing them sometime." We both laughed.

We talked for hours. She was an amazing person. She had been a struggling model in California and her career hadn't taken off until she came to Atlanta. Christy had never lived away from home until recently. I heard all about her family and she learned all about mine. She wanted to hear about my job and I admitted to her that I tried to get the company to use her agency after meeting her. She thought that was so sweet of me.

She listened intently when I told her about Thursday and our meeting with the Castle people and how impressed Virginia Castle was with me. I debated telling her about all the things she was going to send me but I decided I should. I figured that way she'd understand that it wasn't completely my idea to dress the way I did.

To my surprise, Christy thought it was wonderful. "I can't wait to see you in one of your skirts." She said laughing.

The best news was that I was relocating to Atlanta, permanently. We talked till almost nine and I bought her dinner. At eleven I knew I had to go. With the shoot at eight, I had to get some sleep. Outside, I kissed her goodnight and her lips were so moist and sweet. She put passion into the kiss and I willing replied in kind.

I had her phone number when I got into my new sports car. We waved goodbye to each other as we pulled out on the street.

I slept very well that night. It had been a great day all around.

Work went well Saturday. Even if it hadn't, it wouldn't have spoiled my good mood.