Derby Day Surprise
By Julie D Cole
It’s not often I get invited to corporate event days since the Senior Executives in our Company have never invited minnows like me and like to mix with the millionaires and the celebrities who often frequent such events.
The Derby is one such event and whilst some of my best customers have been invited as our guests there was no involvement from me save the issue of invitations and the follow up to make arrangements for hotels and for any special things I could think of for the wives that came along.
This year had been my biggest ever strike rate for conversion of new accounts from the hit list set by our Sales Director and I had locked in accounts worth more than $30m per annum for the next 5 years. Not bad for a 28year old high school drop-out who’d been bullied and kicked all the way school since I can’t remember when. I’d left without a qualification to my name.
I suppose my success is really due to my ability to mimic people and make them laugh that was my way of escaping the bullies so I learned how to survive and how to read people and identify their likes and dislikes. I used to spend a lot of time on the telephone and I tried all sorts of tricks to get through to the real decision makers and I sometimes make my voice sound feminine and a lot of customers would chat me up over the phone. It would get a bit heavy sometimes and it took me all my time to keep them at a distance and decline invitations.
Anyway back to the point of this story four days before Derby Day our Sales Director was taken ill and rushed to hospital with violent stomach pains so I received a panic telephone call from her personal assistant who instructed me that our President wanted me to step into her shoes. I was asked to attend this rather special corporate event and look after the wife of the President of one of the Companies. This was the largest and most important account that we’d ever one and it was my account.
Oh did I tell you that I’d spoken to this President on many occasions professing to be a female Sales Manager, Ms Sarah Lynn-Taylor and he often called my private mobile number that I’d set up in this name. Now I was going to get the chance to meet him and I was entertaining him and his wife in support of our President at the largest and most prestigious event on our annual calendar.
‘Jane, how on earth do you think I’m going to carry this off. He is expecting to meet Marie and if he knows I’ve been asked to step in for her he’ll be expecting to meet me as Sarah. ‘This is a crazy idea and anyway the Derby is in June so old dragon britches will be OK by then won’t she?’
Steve my dear this isn’t the Derby at Epsom it’s the Kentucky Derby in Kentucky. Yea you know Kentucky US of A.’
‘What that’s miles away and I’ve no idea where it is. I’ve never been to the USA either so is Kentucky near New York?’
‘I don’t think so. I do believe it’s in the middle somewhere. You know it’s where Davy Crocket and his Band came from.’
‘How will I get there and who’s paying for our customer and his wife and who’s paying for me?
‘It’s all arranged. They’re going to Florida on vacation so have diverted to the Derby for 2 days at our expense. You got the information from Marie’s secretary didn’t you?
‘No. I didn’t see any details since I’ve had a lot on. In fact, how can I drop everything and step in. When is it?’
‘it’s this weekend.’
‘Whaaaat? No chance I have plans.’
‘Well you’d better unplan them and pack something since you are flying tomorrow’
‘I can’t. No visa.’
‘No need visas we just apply on line.’
‘But what’s the carry on I’ve no idea about these things and I can’t turn up in rags.’
‘No problem taken care of this morning. You’ll land at JFK and then we are kitting you out in New York on Friday morning then off you go to Kentucky to meet up with everybody.’
‘What about my plans? I was going to Oxford this weekend with some friends.’
‘Well put it this way when our President says you are going then you are going.’
‘OK, OK let me have time to sort things can you e-mail me the details.’
‘All done ‘Sarah’, you’ll find everything has been arranged between my friend our travel rep and once you are States side you just have to switch from Steve to Sarah somewhere and our Head of Sales in New York will meet you and take care of you. He’ll be escorting you everywhere but watch out. He sounds a bit of a lad. We’ve chatted a lot.’
‘This gets worse. whose idea is it?’
‘It’s our President Mr Jengens. He knows what you’ve done to get this business and he knows you act a bit, so he says it’s your account and your responsibility.’
‘Who did you say I’m meeting?’
‘I didn’t. His name is Carole Todd like the actor in the film Victor/Victoria. He’s a man though and not a woman as you might suspect from the name. He’s the top salesman in the whole of the Group so you will be in good company. Give him my best wishes. He makes me feel like I’m Sophia Loren when he talks to me. What a silver-tongued sex bomb he is. I go weak at the knees.’
‘That fills me with lots of confidence. Does he know the truth about me?’
‘No he expects to meet Sarah. He knows our president has a high regard for you and by the way he knows old dragon britches and he has met her several times at conferences.’
‘OMG. Here we go.’
So with a small bag of clothes suitable for a girl who has travelled at short notice from UK and a wig and a make-up bag I was soon working my way through the maze at Heathrow airport and collecting my business class tickets from British Airways. Luckily my bag wasn’t opened and for the USA I had received a full travel pack from the office including an identity card, hotel reservations for New York and Louisville, wherever that is. I don’t know who selected the clothes but they seemed to be stylish and about my size.
Well I’d finally gone too far this time. I was going to soon find out if my years of mimicking people and acting about could get me through this difficult situation. And right under the noses of the top brass. Oh Carole Todd I hope you can look after me, whoever you are. I hope you are waiting at the other end. !!!’
To be continued……….
Derby Day Surprise — Chapter 2
By Julie D Cole
The flight was very comfortable and not busy, so I had an empty seat at the side of me and 2 in flight comfort packs so I could have a shave before we landed. One thing I found about travelling to US of A was I would be arriving just a few hours after the time I departed so I’d still have time to see a bit of New York this evening with luck.
I opened my laptop and searched through the data base I’d set up where I logged as much information as I could on my high-level key account customer contact. His name was Jeremy Boyce or JB as he likes to be called. He was Head of the UK operations. Well his actual title was Chief Executive Officer but he liked to have a more modern title. He didn’t realize his staff hated him and he thought he was God’s Gift to women.
He had been irritated with me at first because I had managed to get past his secretary. But because I’d disguised my voice and he thought I was a female he couldn’t resist. Finally, he responded to my questions after I dropped my voice to a husky style and told him I was ‘Pussy Galore’ looking for JB and was he Mr. James Bond 007.
He laughed and so he seemed to be attracted saying he had a saucer of milk for me if I wanted to pop in to see him. I didn’t have to try too hard after that and he persuaded me to give him my mobile number and he’d call me back. He did later the same afternoon. I then played little miss helpless needing his assistance.
He offered me lunch the next day but of course I had to decline. How could I? Still I built up a telephone relationship and managed to extract a little bit about his private life and his likes and dislikes. It also gave me chance to chat to his secretary and after two or three phone-calls, some flowers and a bit of girly chat she opened up a lot. She could certainly gossip and I had to keep my office door closed when we chatted so our voices didn’t carry. I was inventing a life about myself.
He definitely liked the ladies and so I found that I could now get at least 5 minutes of his valuable time. My disguised voice had been enough to get my foot in the door that he assumed was a 6inch black patent stiletto and not my size 6 Cuban heel. Well I am a bit of a shorty and I need all the help I can get. Isn’t it strange that men who try to raise their height are ridiculed yet girls can wear flats or platforms, pumps or even clogs or army boots and nobody even blinks. Life isn’t fair!!
Anyway, back to the story. I’d developed a rapport with him and he tried more and more to coax me to meet him. The more I resisted the more interested he was and the more orders I got even though they were small value. This was getting noticed in my weekly sales reports.
He was definitely attracted to me, getting worked up in our chats and I guess even I was even a little excited myself sometimes and he knew how to make me giggle. He was very suggestive and sometimes I could imagine myself as a woman with him standing naked over me like he said and so I was beginning to question my own sexuality. I had to keep reminding myself that I was trying to win over a major account and to be careful in case I was traced by him. This was dangerous but I still looked forward to the banter. He was funny and I was laughing.
Finally, I managed to convince him to join us on one of our corporate event days where we’d like to talk to him about signing an annual contract. He obviously saw this as his chance to meet me until I disappointed him by saying wives were also invited but by this time he’d said yes.
He asked if I was married or if I had a boyfriend that I’d be bringing along, but I said I was not usually invited and normally my boss stepped in.
‘Oh he comes in for the glory does he?’
‘She’s not a he, he’s a she and she’s very attractive. You’ll like her I promise.’
I was smiling to myself at the time thinking what would happen if I got invited and then I could meet him as Steve without telling him but say a few things he’d said to me to make him think a bit. Anyway, not much chance so I said he’d have to wait until the account had matured and that sadly he’d have to be satisfied with my boss until them.
‘Tell me more. What’s her name? Who is she?
‘Her name is Marie-Chantal LeClair and her mother was French and her Father from Belgium. The name itself had him drooling but I knew from his disappointed he wanted me, Sarah.
Anyway, as usual Marie was delighted to move in on the account since she would get all the glory and also pick up a fat bonus I suppose. In the meantime, I’d be packed off to search for more success. It’s a tough life in sales. Lots of travel and nights alone and it can get boring. No wonder I hadn’t met a girl and settled down. But I thrived on the sniff of an order and the small praise, but the commissions weren’t bad either.
Anyway at least my life had been more interesting since I’d found a new sales ploy with my disguised voice and I could be as much of a scamp as I wanted and it seemed like I could get away with murder. [lucky the death sentence is illegal in UK I suppose]
So now I’ve back-filled I should get back to the plot.
About an hour before we were due to land in New York I unpacked some of the clothes and went to the toilet to shave and change. Not spacious but I managed. In went masculine Steve and out came Sarah. Well not quite because I still had to look vaguely masculine to be able to pass through customs so the items I put on were feminine style but not all the way. I could hardly wear a skirt could I? These tight jeans looked OK but I had to be a contortionist to get them over my feet and up my legs. Bum looked nice and front zipper girls side for the left hand and some pattern on the pockets but they looked OK even though I didn’t get a full view in the mirror. The jacket was tighter fit than normal and I left the bra empty and with the buttons fastened I reckoned I could still pass for male. Did I just write that?
I put on some lip gel and left the wig in the bag until later. Eye liner helped a lot and I thought that wouldn’t really matter through passport control and customs as I was from England and normally at New York the customs agents are too busy trying to be rude to visitors to notice who is at the other end of the voice.
As I passed through the check point I couldn’t resist using my girly voice and so the immigration officer did at least look up with a frown on his face and said ‘Male or Female Sir.’
I just smiled as he looked me up and down, frowned, shook his head and waved me through.
Now I had to complete the disguise before I met anybody else and I needed privacy. So as I headed to the bathrooms I felt that I had to go for it. I opted for the girls bathroom. Wow we should have places like this. Clean and bright with fresh aroma.
Nobody looking at me so I ducked into a cubicle and put on the wig, waited a few minutes and then came out to tidy and comb it. Touch more make-up and hello gorgeous. Mmm not bad. Better than I expected. Now the voice had a woman behind it. My confidence increased dramatically.
So Sarah was out of the closet so to speak. [bathroom in America if you need the translation.]
Nothing to declare except my virginity and so out to the other side to try to find Carole. There he was. Mm he obviously kept himself in shape and as I got closer I almost cricked my neck looking up at him.
He smiled down and grabbed my hand to shake it and mine went limp. He squeezed it and leaned towards me kissing me on the cheek taking in the freshly applied Channel perfume that I’d purchased on the plane.
‘Nice Sarah. You smell scrumptious.’
Then he took my bag and put his arm around my waist guiding me towards the exit and whisked me off to the car park.
‘Want some lunch before shopping young lady to get your bearings?’
‘Err OK that would be nice. Do we have time?’
‘Don’t worry these places stay open late. As long as you are as decisive choosing outfits as I hear that you are with clients we’ll be fine. Sorry to hear this was dropped on you at the last minute. I’d have gladly spent a couple of days with you.’
I could see he was a real charmer.
Derby Day Surprise — Chapter 3
By Julie Dawn Cole
As we walked towards the exit Carole made a call on his cell phone to ask his driver to pick us up and he took my carry-on bag with the other hand. I hitched my purse strap onto my shoulder and tried to walk with small steps one in front of the other which meant I was almost running to match his long stride.
He turned to me as he put his cell phone in his pocket and said that I was younger than he expected and then looked me up and down as if he was checking me out with his eyes obviously searching for flaws. I hoped my wig was on straight and covering my mousey light brown hair and that he didn’t notice any stubble on my chin. Had I removed it all properly in the dingy light in the aeroplane. I daren’t check so I felt like I was naked on a catwalk. How many times can someone look over you before their eyes stop and refocus back to the persons face they are talking to. Had I passed?
‘ Well Sarah do you know how Marie is? Any news?’
‘No I didn’t hear except she had appendicitis and the hospital would probably operate. I haven’t heard any more because my cell phone has been switched off.’
I opened my purse to take out my cell phone and switch on for messages and suddenly saw the breast inserts that I’d forgotten to place inside the bra I was wearing. How stupid could I be? I glanced down at my chest. Surely he’d noticed my lack of bust but at least the jacket was covering me. I’d have to find a way to pop them to improve my figure since I didn’t really want to look like Keira Knightley as much as I liked her. I felt that I should at least have something more up top if I was going to carry this off.
So now how to get them out of the package and tuck them in without Carole noticing. I couldn’t see any bathrooms and we were almost at the exit doors. The driver was already there and before I knew it I was coaxed into the rear seat behind the driver and Carol sat up front.
As they discussed the best route and played with the GPS I got my chance. But it was like trying not to make a noise opening a cellophane wrapper on some sweet in the cinema. Every rustle sounded 3 times louder than normal and I didn’t need either of them to turn around and ask me to share them around.
I held the first in the palm of my hand. Mmm nice and they felt real. Not that I’m an expert of course but there is something about the shape of a female breast and the tickle of a nipple in the hand and I moved to place the nipple between my forefingers so I could guide it safely into position. Just as I finished Carole looked up and said ‘You OK back there? Comfortable?’
‘Err yes I was just adjusting the seat belt since it was cutting into me.’
He smiled and I hoped he would re-focus to the GPS before he could see this dromedary. I needed to fit number two before his eyes had chance to undress me again. Blow it I decided to take off the cellophane quickly even if it did rustle and asked him where we were going to try to distract attention.
‘My you certainly have a cute little accent there Sarah. Where you from exactly. Not England is it?’
‘I am from England actually. From the northern part. So sorry but that’s just how we speak up there.’
‘Sounds Australian to me, you’re are sure you aren’t joshing with me are you?’
‘No I’m English, but I’d like to go to Australia one day. It’s on my bucket list.’
‘Ha didn’t anyone tell you that you’re too young for bucket lists. They’re for us older ones who’ve been around the block a few times. Anyway you’ re here in the States and Oz is a bit off your radar isn’t it? I thought you Brits had a bit of a rivalry with them anyway. You can’t be interested to be treated as one of their Sheilas surely?’
‘I just heard it’s a great place to live with lots of sunshine and I wanted to see the barrier reef and go snorkling and surfing.’
‘Wow you don’t look like an outdoor girl. Ain’t that just pushing your luck a bit though. With all the sharks out there it must be a bit dangerous for a girl on her own.’
‘I suppose it is but I’ve got some friends who work there and anyway there are lot’s of sharks here aren’t there?’
‘Ha Ha. Touché. I guess I’ll just have to show you around a bit and let you see what you’ve been missing over there on your little island.’
He had a wide grin on his face and a suggestive twinkle in his eye and I realised he must have been a bit of a ladies man in his day. Mmm sorry no chance buddy, can’t help you.
Then he carried on ‘I will treat you if you do a good job and I back the winner. Maybe I can persuade your boss to let you stay on and come and see some of my clients who like a pretty face. I reckon with the right assistance I could double my commissions and there’d be something in it for you if you fancied working here in the USA. I heard you’ve done a great job so we might make a good team.’
‘Thanks, but I never expected to even be here never mind being offered a job. I doubt it would work out and anyway I’m not sure how a Northern England girl will go down. You have such beautiful women of your own and I’m no match.’
Well let’s see if I’m right. Something about you tells me you’re a natural. You’ve got a different look about you and I think the accent is cute. Let’s see how you look when we get you fully kitted out for Churchill Downs.’
This guy was already giving me the impression I might have more problems with him than my client and I was getting nervous. I tried to look out of the window at the surroundings, so he’d turn away.
But he carried on ‘I’ve got a bundle of dollars ready and a friend of mine has given me a hot tip who might just take the triple crown so if you follow me maybe we can both strike lucky. I just love this time of the year but it’s a long time since I last struck lucky. I backed a dream horse and made a small fortune. A fantastic horse. Maybe you heard of it?’
‘No I never took much interest in racing. So I wouldn’t know even if you told me its name.’
‘Mmm never heard of Secretariat? What a horse. Fastest horse ever and a great stud.’
‘Really?’
‘Yeah strong butt and good stride just like me. Slow starter and liked to come from the back. Big Red they called him. I owned some shares in him that one of my clients sold me. Made a lot of money. You should have seen him. He was a machine as he won the crown and made me a fortune. His stock value shot up.’
I tried not to show much interest so luckily then he started to argue with the GPS and decided to overrule it and direct the driver to the highway himself saying ‘don’t take any notice of the dame. Women never go the right way so how can we trust one on GPS?’
At least it gave me another chance so in went number two.
OMG that’s better now I look like I have a decent bust and since Carole was fond of the one eye I felt safer somehow and I was in balance at last. It actually felt good and I couldn’t resist sticking them out a bit and opening my jacket. The bra was quite comfortable and I had a strange feeling that I could get used to these. Now I was beginning to understand why women show themselves off and I hoped to see what I looked like as soon as I could escape.
I tried to sit straight and rummaged round in my purse and found a watch and a bracelet that had been put there for me. The bracelet had a silver chain with a heart on it and I struggled a bit to hook the small bar through the chain that took me five minutes at least. It looked good alongside the watch was a small face and was much more delicate than mine that I had removed on the plane and popped into my case. I shut my eyes for a few minutes and listened to the music on the radio. What was I doing so far away from home dressed like this and about to put myself into the care of a this guy Carole who I didn’t know from Adam?
I then had a message to my cellphone. ‘Oh Marie is OK. She had her appendix removed.’
Carole turned around again ‘Great, that’s good news.’ But immediately his eyes focused directly on my new bust peeping out of my jacket. What is it about men? Oops what am I saying?
‘Well Sarah I think that bit of good news deserves a small celebration. How about we wait until we get to the hotel before we have a snack. We could celebrate by popping across to the Russian tea rooms for afternoon tea. Then I’ll take you for some Italian food later this evening after we’ve met picked up the things that you need for the next two or three days.’
‘Yes afternoon tea sounds nice. It’s a British tradition though not Russian.’
‘Well this is special tea and I hope you’ll like it. I just love it.’
Derby Day Surprise — Chapter 4
By Julie Dawn Cole
It wasn’t too eventful after that because I was engrossed in the sights around me. Crossing the river was amazing since I’d only ever seen New York on films and on episodes of Friends on TV. I used to look at Jennifer Aniston in wonderment and she certainly knew how to show her best assets. Oh if only.
I smirked a little thinking of her gorgeous blue eyes. Yes if only I had blue eyes too. I just had to admire my new bust with the seat belt nicely positioned between it but of course Jennifer is the ‘Mistress of Cleavage’ and I wondered if I could create such an effect. Hmm better not whilst I’m with Carole. At least until I’m sure about him. He could be all talk and trousers but not worth taking a chance. I wondered what I looked like sitting as demurely as I could with my purse on my knee. I wasn’t sure if I could sit like this for long though.
Carole turned again. I was sure that he had some doubts about me as he looked me up and down. I wondered if I should tell him when we arrived at the hotel but since he said he was meeting someone whilst I checked in at the hotel I wasn’t going to get chance. We passed the edge of Central Park and I strained my neck looking for the Central Perk. No sign of it and then we turned towards our hotel on 7th avenue. Wow 7th avenue. How neat was that when I tell my friends at home?
Was it 7th or 8th? I didn’t see. I supposed the street numbers are so visitors and taxi driver don’t get lost but it’s a bit boring really since I much prefer the ring of London streets like Throgmorten Street or Birdcage Walk or Gunpowder Alley. Much more dramatic and exciting. I didn’t think these New York cabbies would have any chance in London. The cabbies there seem to know all the short cuts and the one ways and dead ends.
Carole disappeared and left me rummaging around in my purse for the booking reference and my passport. OMG I couldn’t show that with these inserts in my bra and how could I let the desk clerk see my credit card. Oh Carole you xxxxxxx where are you when a ‘girl’ needs you.
‘Yes Miss can I help you?’ too late now I’m in deep dudu and no paddle. Bloody Hell Carole you berk. Now look at the mess I’m in.
‘I,I think the room is booked and paid for in advance. Am I right.’
‘Yes miss but I still need your identification and your credit card for any room extras.’
‘But I don’t need any extras.’
‘You might and anyway it’s hotel policy.’
‘Oh well here’s my card.’
‘Thanks. Now your identification….Please, come on hand it over.’
I rummaged again thinking I might have walked into a Police precinct by mistake. Maybe I’m being arrested not booking into a hotel.
I handed over my passport and felt myself shrink 6 inches. In height of course and with the tightness of the panties I wasn’t sure if there was anything down there to shrink.
‘Well it’s good news and bad news.’
Blast he knows now and if I’m not careful he’ll make a big scene. ‘Oh what’s wrong?’
‘Nothings wrong it’s just that the booking is for Ms Sarah Lynn-Taylor and we didn’t have the confirmation from your booking agent so we let the room go.’
‘Oh no does that mean you have no rooms.’
‘It means ‘sir that all the rooms are occupied.’
Blast. Damn and blast. Bugger, bugger, bugger!’ Oh my voice. I swallowed hard and tried to lift the pitch again. Hmm he called me sir anyway and he knows.
‘Well sir/madam that’s the bad news. Now for the good news. I can give you a junior suite for the same price if you like. It’s your lucky day.’
‘Oh great. Thanks.’
‘It’s our pleasure but you’ll have to have a word with your agent. I’d be livid in your shoes. He smiled and winked but glad to say in a nice way.
The room was fantastic and I didn’t have to carry my bag. The porter settled me in I thought he was going to stay and tuck me into bed and then I realized he was waiting for a tip. Who invented this idea. It can’t have started that long ago and now it’s spreading around the world. Except at home in the North of England of course.
I was glad to take off the shoes and the wig that was making my head itch. I laid back on the huge bed and looked around. Wow I’m in luxury here alright. I explored and then as soon as I saw the toilet bowl I need to relieve myself. Something about toilets and me I suppose. I looked in the huge bathroom mirror. Even with no wig I still looked more Sarah than Steve. Mmm not bad. Not quite Jennifer Aniston but bigger than Keira. No wonder Carole was misbehaving. I could fancy myself if I didn’t know what was underneath.
I looked at my watch. Just time for a quick shower and a change of underwear and maybe unpack the few things I had. A nightdress. How sad. Me in a bloomin’ nightdress. No way Jose I’m going to have to sleep in the raw. Well I might keep the panties on but I’d have to take off the bra.
As I removed it to take a shower I realized how comfortable it had been. I smiled as I recalled me trying to sneak the inserts in without Carole seeing me. Oh maybe I could position them better to get a JA cleavage. Well maybe I’m a bit optimistic and even with this size of insert I’ll have to be satisfied with a KK cleavage. Still better than nothing.
It didn’t take me long to shower but applying make-up and getting the lipstick and eyeliner to look right was a chore. I’m used to a comb through my wet hair a quick spray of deodorant under the arms and Bob’s your uncle. This girl business is hard work and I looked like a Panda for a while after attempting to redo my eyeliner. The towels were a mess so I hoped this stuff washed out.
That meant I decided to go for some stick-on eyelashes for the races. I could flutter them all day at the customers and distract attention. Mmm, I’d have to find some nail varnish too unless all this is already lined up. I didn’t want to look like Bob the Builder.
I jumped out of my skin as the phone rang. It was Carole ready for tea and scones I presume at the Russian Tea rooms. When we met in the foyer he gave me a kiss on both cheeks. Quite a shock and I almost pushed him away. He wasn’t as bad as I make out it’s just his suggestive remarks that irritate me. He is a smart enough guy who dresses well and doesn’t use cheap after shave.
He introduced me to a friend of his who was kind enough to make arrangement for fittings of outfits for Derby day and for the events surrounding it. Her name was Stefanie or Stef for short and she’d had an e-mail setting out clear instructions along with a budget. It was like mom making arrangements for a stranger to escort her child to buy new outfits for school. A fixed agenda with little flexibility or say for the wearer.
Even though I had no clue about womens clothes nor about fashion the hairs on the back of my neck were prickly. Was I just a piece of meat? My face must have said it all because Stef tried to ask my opinion but by now my bottom lip was sticking out so far that my KK cleavage was not visible. Joking apart this was not on as far as I was concerned and in truth I just wanted to strip off and go home. God knows I was ready for a stiff one (and I mean a drink.)
We didn’t need a cab since the tearooms were only a 10minute walk at most.
As we approached it I was surprised but not surprised if you know what I mean. If anything the appearance looked a more like the front door of a boudoir or massage place that I’d seen in movies. Quite unique and as we entered, I got the impression that it was no ordinary tea-room. Wow I thought I was in the old City Varieties Theatre in Leeds with all the red velvet and over the top decoration and the rest area or layby was a bar. I struggled up onto a stool aided by Carole whilst Stef had no problem at all.
First job was to select from a massive list of Vodkas of all types and prices. ‘now we are talking. Just what the doctor ordered.’
I was almost falling off the stool by the time we were escorted to our table. Three large vodkas went down very easily and in fact Stef and Carole had 4 each. We ordered afternoon tea with a tower of small sandwiches and I had English tea naturally. No adventure in me at this stage and anyway the object was to sip vodka at the same time, so the tea was secondary.
Derby Day Surprise — Chapter 5
By Julie D Cole
As I looked around the place was half full. What a strange experience to be in this wonderful tearoom that was nothing at all like Bettys tearooms in York, Ilkley and Harrogate. No waitresses in black uniforms with little white aprons and no dear old ladies chatting away sipping tea out of a saucer and nibbling on a ‘Fat Rascal’ or a cucumber sandwich. This was bliss. Such a beautiful place with very friendly waiters. Maybe they were so friendly because they had the odd sip of Vodka on the side. I’d been told New York waiters weren’t the friendliest in the world.
Carole was very kind and played ‘mum’ pouring my tea and I told him to put the milk in first to avoid staining the china cups. Good old mum. She always says that. He offered me the first choice of cakes. I could get used to this attention and I selected a nice Chocolate eclair. Normally I’d stuff this straight in my mouth and something inside me slowed my action down and I put it to my lips and licked the cream with the tip of my tongue. I hadn’t meant anything provocative but my sense of humour took over. Carole was speechless and I saw him adjust himself under the table. I took a small bite and let the chocolate melt on my lips. Stef was grinning and so I realised I might draw attention to myself. I licked the chocolate from my lips. Mmm, the combination of chocolate and lipstick was delicious.
The danger was I was becoming a little bit too adventurous and I must have been flirting a little bit too much because Carole because he moved alongside me onto the couch. I tried to edge sideways but not much chance to move with cushions in the way. I decided to decline any more drinks except tea and luckily Stef saw that I felt a bit threatened and offered to show me where the restrooms were. I almost jumped over the table.
Carole just moved his legs and didn’t stand up to let me pass. I had to squeeze past him and it was obvious that he’d done it on purpose. My hand brushed against him and I realised I’d gone too far. His knapkin couldn’t hide his excitement and I had to lift myself up to avoid my butt coming into contact.
‘Nice butt, you should show it off more.’
When we arrived to the restrooms Stef was laughing as she pushed the door open. “Are you trying to get him to explode you minx?’
‘No honest it’s just a bit of fun.’
‘Take care because he’s worked up and he obviously is attracted.’
Stef opened a cubicle door for me and I scurried inside to relieve myself. Mmm nice butt eh? I’ll have to take more care as much as I was enjoying myself. I had wanted to touch him.
Stef was very friendly and watched as I tidied my hair and freshened my lips. ‘You Brits aren’t so tall are you? I hope we can fit you out OK. Why don’t you wear higher heels or wedges? They’d help your butt even more and then old Carole would be putty in your hands.’
‘I don’t want him to be putty in my hands. I hardly know him and we only met today.’
‘Oh forgive me I thought he was treating you and that you’d found a nice sugar daddy.’
‘No way. Whatever gave you that impression. I am not really with him. He is just looking after me and we work for the same Company.’
‘Oh sorry. But take care because I think he has the hots for you already.’
I felt frightened. What if he does make a play. What would he think of me. It’s not like I do this all the time and I’ve been forced to do it. I looked at the girl in the mirror. I did look OK very much and didn’t seem to have any problem convincing either of them I was a girl. Stef looked me up and down and said ‘I will have to lose a bit of weight. I’d kill for a waistline like yours and a bust that doesn’t knock over the flower vases when I turn.’
Well I was at least grateful for the complements that gave me a spurt of confidence so off we went to our table.
Carole paid up and rang for his driver and soon we were whisked away to spend some dollars. Carole showed no sign of leaving us and said he’d be happy to handle the scoreboard as I paraded around.
I had the most fantastic two hours of my life after we reached Stefs fashion store. I was parading around in underwear one minute and out in the store the next walking up and down in front of Carole. He was making me laugh with his expression and his marking. I must have tried on at least 10 dresses and a dozen pairs of shoes before we all decided that my colour was pink. Me in pink!! Steff insisted and I liked the material and the length that was just below the knee. Carole preferred a shorter style to show a bit of leg to our client but was overruled by Stef and I.
Stef selected some heels and a matching white bag and that was the basic outfit and as Carole said ‘our new racing colours for the Derby.’
We selected a variety of more casual clothes and bra and pantie sets as well as a tight skirt and a bright blue blouse and I hadn’t realised until later that this was deliberate to show my nice butt as much as possible if we went out for dinner the day after the Derby.
Carole picked up most of the bags and loaded them in the car. Then Stef produced the hat to match and that was it. All kitted out for $2000 in 2 hours all covered by Carole’s card on Company expenses. I felt a bit of a fraud and yet if truth be known I didn’t really know just how I felt. It seemed to be like a fantasy and that somebody was going to nip me and wake me up. I’d realised that I had a nice pair of pins, at least according to Carole and I didn’t exactly struggle walking in the heels. Something inside me made me react in a most feminine way. Somehow a butterfly had appeared from nowhere and I liked it. What would mum think if she saw me now?
We said goodbye to Stef and she gave me a girly hug. ‘Have a great time and let me know how you go on.’ She smiled and winked and luckily Carole was facing the other way. The driver smiled though. I kissed her lightly on both cheeks. I wished she was coming with us to help me prepare and also to act as chaperone. I hadn’t even met my client ‘007’ yet. I might be in danger of losing my virginity at this rate. Mmm now where did that come from again?
We soon arrived back at the hotel and Carole jumped out to open my door for me. I held his hand and tried to be as ladylike as I could. He patted my butt lightly as he let go of my hand and the driver handed my bags to a porter.
‘I’ll wait in the lobby and make a few more calls. I thought we might pop to an Italian Bistro style place that is less than 5minutes walk and my driver will pick me up later. Is that OK for you?’
‘Err, yes that’s fine.’ How strange that he was treating me like a girl. Didn’t he know?
My first dinner date. I’d better freshen up again and get rid of the vodka breath.
As I passed the reception I saw my friend who’d checked me in and he smiled and waved. I gave him a little wave back. The porter was following close behind me with my bags. Mmm my very own manservant. I was enjoying this and he went left as I went left and stopped when I stopped. My friend was laughing by now.
I fumbled in my bag to find my door key and the porter said ‘Here miss let me do that.’
Miss? Miss, how strange. Still it’s all for a good cause and so far so good. No arrests and no strange looks from anyone. I gave him a tip and quickly freshened up. I’d not felt myself get excited but my panties were a little damp so I had to change. I decided to get some panty liners at the small hotel shop if they had one, before I ran out of panties. As a precaution I quickly washed the two pairs I’d discarded and hung them to dry. They’d probably be OK by tomorrow. The room was definitely looking all girl as I hung the new things in the wardrobe and in the drawers. My make-up bag was in the bathroom along with all the other bits and pieces I’d need.
Derby Day Surprise – Chapter 6
By
JulieDCole
Quick update : Here I am in New York all kitted out to accompany guests to the Kentucky Derby with a business associate who has the hots for me. Nobody has realised I am not the girl they think I am and this is a short term arrangement after my female boss had to drop out at the last minute. I’m right in the deep end and I haven’t even met our client and his wife yet. I’ve not had any difficulty passing so far and only the hotel front desk manager knows my true identity. I’ve switched identities at extreme short notice and have been kitted out for the Kentucky Derby Day corporate entertainment section with an emphasis on a look that would please our key client but that is a challenge for tomorrow. Today I have to manage advances from our USA Sales Agent who is supposed to discreetly accompany me. At the moment he is in need of some assistance before he explodes.
…………………………………………………………….
I tidied myself and redid my make-up. I did a quick spray some of my perfume without daring to go overboard and gave my hair a slight brush. I kept the casual look and opted for leggings and a shirt/dress with a belt and undid enough buttons to show a hint of my natural bosom. A hint probably as much as he was likely to get however hard I tried. I had a necklace that was a good enough match and some clip-on earrings so it helped the look. At least I was dressed informally so I didn’t give the impression to anybody that I was touting for business. I took out the black pumps we had bought from their box and removed the price labels from the souls.
They were comfortable and matched the leggings perfectly and gave me at least 3” lift in height that felt great. I had always admired the stiletto look and I walked around to get comfortable in them and practice the right steps. Not quite a runway model and no need to be a runaway one either.
I just better get a big bonus for this and I didn’t mean Carole’s package he was storing in his trousers. Hopefully the feedback would be good if I got this right.
I hoped the vodkas had worked through his system and that he’d calmed down a bit by now and if and when he finds out he’d be wanting to murder me. It did cause me to smile albeit nervously. I wondered if anybody would give him a briefing and explain who I was before we met our client. Probably not when I thought about it.
I might get chance to defend myself with a few karate moves that dad paid for if he got too fresh but at the same time I did quite like him. I preferred to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he’d behave properly in front of guests since he’d worked for the Company for a long time.
Our driver was waiting in the hotel lobby as I exited the lift and he waved. We went down the underground car park. It was hardly worth getting in and out of the car in truth because as fast as I’d fastened the seat belt we arrived outside the front door of the restaurant. I probably had walked further down to the car than I would have done if I’d walked from door to door. Carole was waiting and he was on his mobile that was not a surprise but he freed a hand to open the car door for me. I tried to exit as elegantly as possible recalling the many red-carpet events I’d attended in London where the flash of a celebrity knickers was common and seemed to be what the photographers expected. I was glad to have selected leggings so that risk was avoided and I’d done a good job of hiding any bulges. It was a tight squeeze but not being well endowed it wasn’t uncomfortable.
Carole made an effort to stop talking on his phone to give me a kiss and I was going to have to get used to it. I ensured it was a cheeky kiss rather than on the lips. He took my hand and led me into the restaurant whilst continuing his conversation. He was finalising travel arrangements with his secretary who happened to be his wife. I bet she wasn’t aware I was clinging onto his arm and that he’d almost burst out of his pants earlier.
He’d made reservations but since we were early he decided we’d have a drink at the small bar that was alongside an attractive display of anti-pasta. I’d have happily sat there and made selections that was an option to casual customers without reservations but we settled for a bowl of olives and two Dry Martinis. A bit much for me after vodka but I decided I had to be sociable. The bar area and the anti-pasta cabinet were manned by two Italian guys with straw boaters and long aprons so they added character to the place. They focused attention to me that might have been due to my presentation or because Carole was still on the phone.
I was persuaded to try the Dry Martini by the barman whilst Carole was on his phone so I ordered one each. I couldn’t believe my eyes as the martini was just a base for almost a glass full of vodka. We did get an olive in the glass as well as some slithers of ice. I almost choked as I spluttered. Wow! I was already feeling chilled and I was scared I might give the game away.
When Carole finished his call we were offered menus. The two boater boys were like a double act and kept me amused with their tricks mixing and pouring drinks. It sounded like Carole had upgraded us to business class on the flight to Louisville and had managed to contact the hotel to confirm our arrival and the name change for me. The hotel was called The Brown Hotel. Not much of a name for a hotel and it sounded dreary so I hoped it was OK for our key client and his wife. Carole told me not to fuss and to trust him since it was 5 star and well positioned downtown. No lost reservations so we didn’t need to bunk up. As if.
Two business guys dressed in suits with open neck shirts sat at the bar with us. They whispered to each other and both seemed to give me the glad eye. When Carole excused himself to use the bathroom one of them tried to strike up a conversation introducing himself and then his friend. They were German from Hamburg and Fritz told me they were staying in the Hilton on the Park same as me and the desk front manager had recommended this restaurant.
They’d noticed me earlier in reception and wondered if I was a New Yorker or a visitor like them. It was strange to be chatted up and I’d done it myself many times whilst lonely on business trips. I knew all the lines and saw them coming. Nevertheless, I was flattered. If they suspected anything it wasn’t obvious.
When they saw Carole returning Fritz’s friend said to watch out my father was coming back. I laughed and said he was a business colleague and then kicked myself for being stupid because the comment was meant to get a reaction and I fell into the trap. I’ve done the same thing myself.
They just smiled at Carole which I don’t think he liked so he decided to swop seats with me. It was a bit obvious he didn’t like them so I didn’t have much choice. I certainly couldn’t risk any fuss or bad words. Helmut, the other guy pulled a face behind Carole’s back and I had to turn away before I burst out laughing. I never realised Germans had a sense of humour. I guess they were around my age and that’s probably what I would have done. I smiled and tried my best not to look them in the eye.
Luckily the waiter came to take us to our table and as I dismounted my barstool Fritz jumped up to take my hand to help. Carole glared at him because he had been too slow. I saw him mutter something and to avoid a fuss I reached for his hand. I’d gotten myself into something that I had not had any life training for. Fortunately Fritz and Helmut stayed at the bar for their food and we were sitting a safe distance away. Throughout our meal I did sneak a look from time to time. Fritz gave a small wave and luckily they left before we’d finished.
Carole outlined our schedule for the next day that meant a car would collect me at 10am after I checked out and we were scheduled to fly at 1pm. I wasn’t looking forward to the airport security so I had to plan what to wear and hope I didn’t get selected for a search. We were due to meet our key client at The Brown hotel and Carole had booked a steak restaurant for dinner. I don’t think he checked if this was OK with Jeremy Boyce and his wife or not.
I got a bit frustrated since these were my clients and they were Brit’s. I told Carole that we don’t eat giant steaks and if he’d booked Morton’s as I suspected then if JB’s wife was a vegetarian it was a bad choice. I knew she wasn’t but based on my research at Morton’s they show the raw meat to customers to decide on the choice of meat. In UK we prefer not to know the detail just the sauce that goes with it after cooking.
Carole agreed we’d check with JB on arrival to Louisville and he’s step aside to let me handle client relationships. I told him we needed to meet for introductions and suggested tea in the hotel but this time it had to be tea without vodka.
Carole walked me the short distance to the hotel foyer and took aim for a goodnight kiss. I was caught off-guard so the driver quickly intervened and coaxed him to head home and let me get some rest. He’d drunk most of the bottle of red wine he ordered with dinner whereas I’d tried to avoid mixing wine and spirit to keep my wits about me. I couldn’t afford any slip ups with large commissions at stake. I could earn at least double my annual salary if thinks went as planned.
I needed some time to think and to set up my computer to do some research about the Derby and Louisville before I hit the sack and jet lag and the Russian tea rooms were already kicking in. Well it was like 3 am in the morning at home and I’d been too nervous to sleep much during the flight. I’d been up since 5 am. I’d appreciated the make-up to cover the dark circles under my eyes. Still I’d got away with it so far.
I was down at reception checking for a wi-fi code at the front desk when I saw 2 figures in the bar who looked familiar. It was Fritz and Helmut so I looked away. I tried to slink past as I headed across to the lifts but Fritz spotted me and I just froze. I waved back and pointed to the lift but it didn’t work. Fritz was in-front of me before I could blink and urged me to join them for a nightcap. I gave in and accepted a coffee and a Baileys on ice. I hoped the coffee would keep me alert until I could escape from their clutches.
We moved to a booth that was a relief since it was more subdued lighting whereas if I’d joined them at the bar I’d have been in full light. They exchanged words in German assuming I was a typical Brit with no language skills. We did some German and French at school. Enough to realise they were deciding who had the best chance that even my poor grades gave me a grasp of ‘der beste mann gerwinnt.’ I assumed it was best man wins.
The laugh would be on them if they got that far. I persevered since at least I was getting some useful practice for Derby Day. The realised that if I could handle these guys after my success with Carole earlier then JB and Mrs JB ought to be a piece of cake. But convincing a woman might be more tricky than men on the hunt for some comfort.
Fritz brought the glass of Bailey’s and soon after a waitress appeared with the coffee. It was a bit weak but probably that was better at this time of night.
As they tried to find out more about me I found myself winding them up. At least I thought I was winding them up. I told them I was a reporter for a magazine who had travelled to New York to write a restaurant review and Carole was introducing me to a variety of local style restaurants.
‘He’s not your father or your uncle then as we suspected.’
‘No he’s a close friend and we lived together when he was working in London.’
‘What living together in a relationship way?’
‘Yes, what’s wrong with that?’
‘Isn’t he a bit old for that sort of thing?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You know a bit of the old hanky-panky as you say in UK.’
‘Well he’s not that old and any way I’m not that sort of a girl it was a platonic relationship.’
‘Ah Pluto. You had a Pluto relationship?’
‘No a platonic not Pluto.’
‘But Pluto is same sex relationship, so you are gay then? That explains.’
‘Explains what? I just mean we are good friends.’
‘Yes but the Duty Manager told me to be careful. He told me that you were gay when I talked to him earlier as we admired you as you went past.’
‘ Well you can I’m not can’t you.’
‘Maybe we can find out if you are interested.’
That was a good time to leave so I excused myself to use the bathroom and I headed to my room instead. I’d be better to keep out of the way at breakfast so after I prepared for bed I ordered it to be served in my room with an early call. ‘
I crashed out after an exhausting day.
Derby Day Surprise – Chapter 7
By
JulieDCole
Quick update : Here I am in New York all kitted out to accompany guests to the Kentucky Derby with a business associate who has the hots for me. Nobody has realised I am not the girl they think I am and this is a short term arrangement after my female boss had to drop out at the last minute. I’m right in the deep end and I haven’t even met our client and his wife yet.
I’ve not had any difficulty passing so far and only the hotel front desk assistant manager seems to know my true identity. I’ve been persuaded to switch to a female identity at extreme short notice to maintain a relationship with a key client. I have been kitted out for the Kentucky Derby Day in the corporate entertainment section with an emphasis on a look that would please our key client that is a challenge for tomorrow.
Today I have to manage advances from our USA Sales Agent who is supposed to discreetly accompany me. At the moment he is proving hard for me to handle and I’m in need of some assistance before he explodes.
We came across two German residents of the hotel in a local restaurant, Fritz and Helmut, who coaxed me into the hotel bar for a nightcap now our USA Sales Agent had left.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I was remarkedly clear headed when I woke early the next morning after a deep sleep. I was glad I hadn’t drunk much of the red wine and had taken care to drink plenty of water.
Having said that I must have been more drunk than I thought since I was wearing the nightdress that had been packed for me and matching panties. I had sworn to myself that I wouldn’t wear them. My wig was hanging on the lamp on the side table. I’d at least left my clothes neatly folded. I hadn’t done a very good job of removing my make-up. I used the toilet and washed my face but the make-up was hardly affected. I needed a coffee so that was my next priority. Somehow I worked out how to use the machine. No sign of any instant coffee or milk but needs must.
I found some make-up remover in my cosmetic bag and set about cleaning my face and then took a shower. My new clothes were still in packages and on hangers where the porter had left them. I wondered what had happened to Helmut and Fritz. I might have had a lucky escape because I suddenly remembered what I’d heard. I wouldn’t have been surprised if they’d tried to spike my drink.
I didn’t really need to shave but I had one anyway just to be safe. Carole might try to kiss me at any opportunity he found and I supposed I needed to do cheek to cheek greetings with our female guests. I sorted out the outfit we’d purchased for me to wear that was appropriate for travel and meeting my client and his wife at hotel. We were booked for 2 nights at The Brown Hotel so we could dine together before the race meeting and then recover before flying back to New York. Then back home for me.
My outfit consisted of lightweight jacket and trousers and a silk blouse. Luckily, I was wearing flats but there was no chance of me passing as male if that was needed. I needed a purse opted for a white panties and bra set and a light blue jumper over the since it was still cool in a morning. I managed to put on a pair of tights without much difficulty having watched the technique used by my first girlfriend who I’d coaxed to stay over one weekend. I opted for sneakers rather than the heels that I wanted to keep scuff free for dinner and the races.
Looking in the mirror was a very effeminate young man or probably a slightly butch looking young woman. I found the inserts that completed my feminine image and I knew it would catch Carole’s attention again. I should probably have brought some pepper spray or even a taser to keep him under control since he was like a dog on heat.
Was this look enough to fool Carole and the airline staff? Without inserts Carole might finally guess but with them inserted I’d have to rely on my identity card rather than my passport and hope that airport staff were familiar with the trans community commuting. The trouble was the two documents weren’t consistent. My identity card had a photo that had been photo-shopped to give me a feminine appearance and it referred to me as Ms rather than Mr. The rest of my details were the same as my passport. I decided it was better to try to split from Carole at check-in and security if it was possible in case I was challenged. Fat chance really. He was like a limpet around women.
I made the decision and inserts were in for the rest of the day. I’d need to carry a bag and I couldn’t use the one we’d bought for the race day. My computer bag would have to do for now and I could buy another bag at the airport if we had time. I had my overnight bag and 2 dress bags to try to accommodate all the clothes I’d brought and purchased. Should I call Carole and ask him to loan me bag or not?
There was a shop in the lobby and I decided to by a sports bag and filled it with my travel clothes and male accessories such as they were. I could leave the bag with the driver and use my holdall and zipper bags. Hopefully, I could drop them as we boarded the aeroplane and collect them as we disembarked.
I felt like I was skating on thin ice and I might need to level with Carole before much longer. I felt calmer after I’d eaten breakfast. A nice plate of scrambled eggs and delicious American bacon with a muffin and lots of fresh orange juice.
I was checking out when Carole arrived on the dot and he came into the lobby to help carry my bags and remind me everything was pre-paid and not to forget my passport. Luckily, I got the same assistant manager as when I checked in who smiled and said to visit again sometime.
First kiss of the day from Carole and first complement logged in. I could get used to this. The latter I meant. Being spoiled was a real treat instead of looking after customers and girlfriends of course.
‘Carole are you alone?’
‘No the driver is here with the car.’
‘I meant where is your wife?’
‘Oh she never comes to corporate events because it makes it difficult for me to circulate and look after customers. I have to look after you as well remember since you are in a strange land far from home.’
‘Oh. Well can we leave a bag with the driver and collect it as I head to JFK on the way home?’
It was no problem, so we headed back to the airport in good time to take the Louisville flight. Carole sat in the front passenger seat and he handed me my travel tickets. The agent had used my security card details when booking my tickets and I felt slightly more confident. Should I tell Carole or not? I was a 50:50 decision between my heart and my head. My heart won.
There was a queue even for business class customers but it didn’t take long to reach the front and before I had chance to consider separate check-in agents Carole took my tickets and security card and handed them over. He seemed to know the agent and he said we would drop the bags as we embarked. The agent looked at me and panic over. She never asked for my passport and she waved us through.
When we passed through security the only comments I got were ‘travelling light Miss? Any spare tickets for the races?” I smiled as coyly as I could and shook my head. ‘Good luck anyway. Back Triple Echo for me please.’
I had no idea about horse racing and no idea which horses would be running nor which were good and which were favourites. I was there for the Company and to ensure my client had a good time.
The flight time to Louisville was scheduled for 4 hrs with me up close and personal to Carole. I was nervous and wished I’d confided in him about my situation and why I had agreed to do it. The problem I had was that I couldn’t justify it to myself let alone anyone else. Four hours seemed a long time. I could travel right across Europe in that time and it didn’t look that far on the map in the flight magazine. I was in the window seat so I was trapped. Could I trust Carole to behave like a true gentleman? How would I behave if a similar situation occurred? It made me realise how difficult it is for women travelling alone or with people they didn’t really know.
I flicked through the magazines focusing on items for sale from the cabin crew and there was a lot of choice for women with a few offers available. Carole insisted to treat me to a necklace and there was no way I could turn him down. It wasn’t as if I would ever wear it or even considered wearing jewelry and this cost him $100. What would his wife think? I opened the gift box and removed it to examine it and he insisted I put it on. Well in truth he insisted to put it on for me. I was feeling humbled and slightly embarrassed to find myself in this awkward situation.
I managed to find the right words to thank him without being over the top. With all this practice I was becoming accustomed to talking in a feminine voice and behaving in a more passive way. After a drink he even let me catch up with some sleep but I suppose that was so he could do the same. He was snoring a little when the stewardess came to check on us and she asked if I was OK and offered me a blanket that I accepted. That was a big mistake because after I drifted off to sleep I was suddenly aware of a hand on my thigh although luckily it was still.
I nudged Carole and moved my leg and tried to sit upright. He just grunted and blinked his eyes as he woke up and feigned embarrassment as if he was dreaming. I knew he wasn’t. He might have had a shock if I hadn’t reacted even though I was tightly packed. I hadn’t had much of an option with the cut of the trousers. They were snug and tightly fitted and I was conscious of showing my panty line when I’d removed my jacket that Carole had placed in the overhead cabin. Not a problem I’d encountered before from this side of the fence.
Carole made some feeble excuse about thinking he was at home in bed with his wife. I decided it was better to keep awake for the rest of the journey and headed to the toilet to keep a distance for 5 or 10 minutes. It worked because Carole behaved for the rest of the journey.
Another driver was waiting as we arrived at Muhammad Ali airport and he guided us to the car park where his BMW was waiting. It was very spacious and comfortable and even though Carole and I sat in the rear seats we had an arm rest between us. The weather was nice and according to the driver the forecast was good for Derby Day. He discussed the arrangements with Carole completely ignoring me even though I was there to look after MY client.
As we arrived at the hotel I was amazed. I thought I was back in England. It was full of character and elegantly decorated and furnished. I was offered a comfortable seat in a nice leather chair and a refreshing drink whilst Carole took care of the registrations. This time I didn’t need to hand over my passport that was a relief and Carole gave his credit card information as security. Our guests had arrived earlier and had taken a stroll down Main Street. We went to our rooms and naturally Carole had organised that we were side by side with a connecting door that I checked to ensure it was locked. I moved a chair behind it in case he had requested a key.