Girltime at the Hideaway (Episode 3)
by Sabrina G. Langton

***

Author's Note: Here is the next Episode of 'Girltime' with Sabrina, Misty, and Chan. Sabrina gets ready for her new career, and tries to make the most of her sabbatical. But first, there is music, ha... there is always music... I hope YOU like it...

***

Episode 3

***

"Hmmm, nine and a half." Dusty Springfield was playing. She was always a nine and a half.

'I don't know what it is that makes me love you so
I only know I never want to let you go'

My closet was so organized, dresses on the left, skirts in the middle, and tops and blouses on the right. My shoes were in their original boxes lined up along the floor. I wish I had more room, I wish I had a closet with windows. Mmm, I would love that, In my next life, I am having windows.

'Cause you started something, oh, can't you see?'

The week was going to be so busy, busy. But I didn't care I had on music, I had speakers all over my room, all over my house. One button on my laptop and I could access them all.

'That ever since we met you've had a hold on me
It happens to be true, I only want to be with you'

I set it up last summer, gave me something to occupy my time while the wife, Lillian was hanging with the boyfriend, Chester. But now I was busy, busy, with no time for unimportant things only time for friends, only time for Ross, Dr. P., more exercise, my new job, and of course, Susan, who wanted me to come into the lawyer's office. She wanted to have lunch and go over some things, I couldn't wait.

I wore a smart black turtleneck and a gray skirt with matching sandals. Chan, from the salon, told me not to wear pantyhose with these heels. I also had on my smaller hoops, my business look was perfect but my boobs were still nice and big. I couldn't wait to check my watch, check my phone. I wanted everyone to see a busy, busy 'woman.'

*

It was quite quiet for a Monday afternoon.

"Hi, anybody here?"

"Come in." Susan was waiting for me in her office. "I got some good news and some great news. Do you want to get a cappuccino first or do you want it now?" She smiled.

"Cappucino then news, that's how they do it in the movies."

We went to the cafeteria and sat way in the back, away from the partners and the salmon secretarial pond. Susan laid out everything on the sticky table. "The good news first, your name will be official on the first of next month along with all of your government and state documents. Sign here, and here, Miss Sabrina Giselle Langton."

"That's so wonderful," I smiled. I was getting closer to becoming who I have always wanted to be. I was wondering how I was going to tell Lillian, but I suddenly didn't even care, and I knew she wouldn't either.

"The great news," She said as she got up and sat on her desk in front of me. "There are four bids for your software company, Jukt, one is from Apple."

"Really? I wasn't expecting such a big deal."

She stood up. "Well, it is. Thirty-five million is the highest bid, but forty-six from Apple."

"I don't want to sell to Apple, I want my employees to stay, everyone loves it there, it's a nice place to work. Apple will just absorb it and change everything." I started to panic. "Am I doing the right thing, should I just try to run it, still?"

Susan looked through her folder, she pulled out a couple of pages. "Mmm, I suggest... hmmm..." She thought. "You sell it for the thirty-five, we finish our cappuccinos, then you move on to the next venture."

"Done."

***

When Tuesday came, I was all sorts of excited, about my first day as a Hideaway hostess. Just one quick stop to say hello to Misty and Chan and then I would be spending the rest with Ross. I couldn't wait.

I felt fantastic, with more music, and a simple long-sleeved sweater dress, blue-gray with a geometrical pattern. The hem came just above my knees. I was wearing four-inch gray pumps and my favorite hoop earrings. I wanted to start a little on the conservative side before introducing some of my more interesting and sexy outfits. Just catching my reflection in the mirror was so intoxicating. I kept on waving to myself and myself kept waving back, didn't she know I shouldn't be distracted on my first day?

My lips were dark red matching my long nails, it was my only little sexy indulgence. Well, the only thing that people could see. I was just another 'woman' getting ready for work, that's all, no big deal. I still smiled continuously at myself in the mirror, I was beyond happy, and then... I wasn't.

"What are you rushing around for?" I forgot Lillian was home and I made the mistake of making coffee. She was coming in from the porch. "And why do you look like a fucking school teacher?"

"I'm going to work," I told her. I didn't want to tell her, it just came out. I felt it was the wrong thing to say, but it was too late, I didn't have coffee yet.

"You are not going to work like that, I know everyone at your company. I don't want them to see you dressed up like some fucking sissy. Stay home!" She was scrutinizing my outfit, but I knew it was perfect, I checked with the girls last night.

"Um, I got a hostess job at a restaurant."

"You what?" She stood there looking at me like I was crazy. "You got to be kidding me... a hostess, shit. I thought you were taking a break, you said you needed this sabbatical. Now you are working as a hostess? What are you fucking kiddin' me?"

"It's only a couple of days a week."

"You are ridiculous, and don't let Chester see you like this, he has no respect for you as it is." She then threw the mail at me. "Here... Fuck!" I don't know why she was suddenly so interested or mad, she was probably only worried I would somehow embarrass her.

I was a little upset as I picked up the mail, but the thought of being with Ross all day superseded it.

***

"Hello welcome to The Hideaway," The very large Elaine, said that was one of the only lines I needed to utter at my job. The others were; "How many in your party," and "Follow me." I was thinking I could handle that, even highly excited in high heels. Especially in high heels.

Ross watched as Elaine trained me for my new position, I was pretty delighted. Beforehand I went across the street to just visit the women but Chan decided to re-do my hair. She parted it on the side and it met on my right shoulder, showing off my golden hoop. I looked way too cute, the girls said I was going to be very popular today and I couldn't wait to find out what that meant.

Before I trained with Elaine, I went to see the boss. I knocked and he told me to come in. I love that he stood up as I got closer. "Mr. Marler? I'm ready to work." I was shy I had my hands in front of my face, I was shifting from one heel to another.

I could tell he was a little nervous, I don't think he was expecting me to come in all shy and girlie. "Um, yes, um sit down."

It's funny how this past weekend I had his hard cock in my hands and his tongue in my mouth and now he was all business. I decided I was going to have fun with it. "I'm a little nervous sir, I'm sorry. I wish I wore something a little shorter."

"Um, no that's okay, it's short enough. Sabrina sit, relax. Do you want a drink?"

I smiled "Maybe later. Maybe two, a lot later." I stood up and walked to the other side of his desk and sat down. I crossed my legs and bit my lip. My fingers played in my hair.

He watched as I wiggled my bottom, moving his pens and papers with my ass, knocking over his empty coffee mug, making him believe I was trying to get more comfortable.

"You look so good, it is going to be hard getting anything done today." He smiled.

"Really? Is there anything I can do about it? I mean anything, sir? I'm here to please."

And then it was just us, I moved onto his lap and he was kissing me and playing with my hair. He rubbed my breasts and kissed my neck. I bounced a little on his lap wondering if he would like it and if it would make him excited. I wasn't going to leave this office without him cumming.

I kissed him, his lips, and then his mouth, it felt wonderful. I needed this in my life, I needed more positive reinforcement. "Thank you again. Thank you for letting me do this." I told him as he kissed me and I pushed down on his cock, feeling him through the thin dress. His manhood was so hard, pressing through his gaberdine and against my ass. His hand slipped under my dress and onto my pantyhose, I felt him make his way to my panties. He started rubbing me, I acted all surprised.

"Mmm, Mr. Marler do you treat all your employees this good?" I cooed in his ear as he laughed.

I rotated my ass, feeling his cock grow and throb, then he started to cum. I was so excited I made him spurt into his dress slacks. I rubbed his chest and played with his hair some more as we made out, squeaking in his chair with wheels. Now I could relax for the rest of the day. Just another Tuesday, letting the boss play with my legs and breasts.

*

I dusted myself off and headed to the front door. I felt so much more alive after being with Ross, so much more sexy, more interesting, and ready to take on the customers, and the day. The distant memory of Lillian's angst was very far behind me.

At eleven-thirty some lunch customers came in and very pregnant Elaine helped me escort them to tables. Once she was satisfied I understood the basics she left me to it. I was now officially one of the hostesses, I was more than thrilled, I had a perfect feminine job.

Soon I was quite busy, but I never got tired of smiling. I introduced myself to everyone who came in. "Hi, I'm the new girl, Sabrina, make sure you tell the bartender I am doing a great job." I would wink and smile. Everybody seemed to be having fun, having a great day. I was hoping I was making it slightly better. After lunch, it quieted down but later more people came just to sit at the bar.

While I was waiting outside, waving to the cars a man came in asking for the owner, he was carrying a cooler.

"Hi, I'm from 'Over There Brewery.'"

I looked behind him, trying to be cute, "Over there?" I pointed.

"Ha, maybe just a little further." He smiled and put down his cooler. "I was hoping to see if they would serve my beer here. I'm not doing too good today." The man told me with a sad smile. I went in first to check with Brian and then I brought the man to the corner of the bar, Misty's spot. And then left them to go back to my post.

The Hideaway was suddenly quite busy and I filled up most of the tables in the main restaurant area. I was having fun. I was completely over my nervousness, actually, I couldn't believe I was worried about meeting so many people today, everyone was so lovely. Chan and Misty came to visit me to make sure I wasn't messing up and putting people in the kitchen or the insurance office next door.

"I have been using my GPS just in case," I told them with a smile.

As they left Chan yelled from across the street. "Don't get too comfortable, there is always room for advancement, ha-ha."

*

The man from the brewery was saying goodbye to Brian and Ross, As I was erasing some of the specials we ran out of, off the blackboard outside.

"How did it go?"

He made a face, "Eh, they said they don't have another empty tap for another beer."

"Mmm. Is your beer great?"

"Ha, it is."

I wondered. "We get a lot of people in and out of here all day. Mmm, why don't you just give them a keg? I will put something on the blackboard here, I have just a little power but don't tell anyone." I shrugged. "It will be good to get the name out on the street. No?" I giggled.

"I don't know?" He said.

"It will be given away or sold and people will be drinking your beer in a popular bar, with a popular hostess, in a popular part of LA. Just a thought."

"You know what? Okay. I'll bring one over, what do we have to lose? I will put your name on it. In bright red marker." He laughed, I gave him my name. It was probably the closest thing he had to luck all day.

***

I was getting ready to go, letting the next hostess take over when I spotted a familiar face.

"How was the first day?" Pavani asked as she walked up to the front of the Hideaway.

"Better than I would have ever imagined." I smiled and hugged her. I told her Ross hung the picture, 'Strange Wine' that she gifted me, and I showed her the shot I took of it on my phone.

"Saturday we are having a party at my house, I want you to come and see all the lovely pieces I have. I want someone to come who will appreciate it, haha. Everyone else will be there for the food and drinks, haha."

"Oh my God, really?"

"Of course. You will brighten up the party, tell the boss, heh. Plus I want you to meet my two sons, I want to show them off to a pretty woman. I also have something of a surprise." She winked and waved goodbye.

***

This week I was having so much fun. I avoided Lillian and Chester as much as possible. I started using my side door of the house more, they didn't even know if I was home or not. As long as I kept the music low.

I realized all I had to do was keep the house relatively clean and full of the type of food they usually eat in the fridge, then they would leave me alone. I still did their laundry and got their dry cleaning, they kept me busy but I didn't mind. As long as I didn't have to talk to them life was so wonderful.

The next time at work, Thursday at the Hideaway I met so many more people. The bar was much more crowded than on Tuesday, it was more fun and noisier. I took a break and was invited to hang out with three men who worked next door at the Insurance office. Bill, Derek, and Hutch told me they usually came in for late lunch on Mondays and Fridays but they wanted to meet the new hostess.

"Ooh, I hope I get to meet her too. I heard so much about her." I kidded with them, I looked around.

Brian said they have been coming in for years.

While I was hovering at the bar the man from 'Over There' walked in, and I greeted him like we had known each other for years. Brian immediately hooked the tap up to his keg. My name was bright red on the top of it. Soon the six of us were drinking something hazy and bitter, it was quite wonderful.

"What do we call this beer?" Brian asked the brewer.

"Sabrina's Hazy Red IPA, of course."

Of course.

***

Saturday

Ross was all excited to be going to the Vasa's, he figured he would meet so many people who would book parties and meetings at the Hideaway. He was all ready to give prices and menu ideas, he was very happy that I let him accompany me.

"You better be nice to me or I might take Brian instead." I would then smile, I was turning into a flirt.

Friday during Girltime I told Misty and Chan about the party and they insisted I come into the salon beforehand to get ready.

I walked out of the shower at their salon in two towels, one around my hair and another around my body. They put me in a strapless beige bra, corset, panties, and nude seamless pantyhose. Chan fixed my hair giving me a high ponytail, I was nervous, I wanted my hair in my face. I realized long ago that I could always hide behind my bangs or long wig if I got nervous. I was usually nervous.

I turned left, then right looking at my ponytail in the mirror. "Chan, do I look okay? I don't know if I am comfortable showing my ugly face this much."

She stood behind me, I could see her scrunched face in the mirror. "You have got to be kidding me." She hit me on the head with her brush.

"Oww."

She then put on my makeup, paying attention mostly to my eyes. She gave me longer than-usual false lashes and a slight pink eyeshadow. I was still nervous. Misty put dangling earrings on me, they were long ovals with gold hearts at the bottom. They were very feminine. Then I was given dark pink lips, they always looked larger and plumper when I went to the salon.

Chan stood behind me. "Well? Still nervous?"

"Nope?" I was but I didn't want to tell her that. I didn't want to get hit again. I shook my head more vigorously, I wanted to see how my earrings bounced around my cheeks anyway. Then they showed me my dress and I got tense all over again. It was a strapless dark pink party dress. It matched my lips and long nails perfectly. Chan slid it up my body and zipped me up in the back. The dress was full and frilly and the hem came to a couple of inches above my knees. The top completely covered my breasts. The women put only my C-cup forms in and I looked perfect. I held onto Chan as I slipped on my five-inch nude pumps with a slight platform. I looked like I could be ready for a party.

"Should I be showing so much skin?" I asked innocently. studying my shoulders and arms in the mirror.

"Do you want me to get the brush?" Chan looked at me a little too excited, ready to start hitting me again.

"No, I'm fine."

It was now the three of us in front of the mirror, I wish I was more like them. Just glancing at them in the reflection, they had so much confidence and charisma, they were both stunning. I hope at least a little of their confidence was rubbing off on me, I wish I could bottle it and spray it on with my perfume. I would share it with everybody. I then put on a little bit of my Chanel and a squirt of breath freshener.

They were both smiling at me. "I should win an award." Chan mentioned while she fluffed my ponytail, "I turned a hostess into a diva. Make sure you fill my tip jar." She laughed as she gave me my nude clutch, filled with things she said I would need. By the time Ross came to collect me, I wasn't nervous anymore, mainly because he loved my shoulders.

***

Ross took my hand as he helped me into his car, I loved this. I loved being the passenger. I slipped in, my clutch in my lap, my legs crossed. I smiled at him, I was having fun already. Living with Lillian was so tough, actually, it was hard work. Once she discovered I was transgendered it was all downhill. She was nasty, she was arrogant, she did nothing but curse at me. She said I ruined her life but look at all the money she made while we were married. She benefitted from my business. She even met a man, someone who I assumed loved her. And not only that, I did all of the housework, and her laundry and all she had to do was pay the bills. She would never trust me with any money. Plus they had sex so much more than when I was involved, but that could have been my fault. I certainly didn't even like her anymore, I'm not even sure I ever did, she just convinced me it was time to get married. I used to be such a pushover, but now... I was going to a party.

I had to focus. I was looking at Ross, he was so handsome, he was so assured of himself, now he was stuck with me, Chan, and Misty's little project. He was getting over his deceased girlfriend and now he had to deal with me, a nervous, needy transgirl. "Ross?" I had to ask, I had to make sure I was reading our situation correctly. "Are you having fun? I mean in general."

He looked at me, he looked quite concerned that I was crazy or on the stranger side of things. Misty always told me I was weird and I was used to this look. They must compare notes with each other because it was way too similar.

"I am." He reached over and kissed me. "I think I might be having too much fun, is that a thing?"

"It is. When you are not having too much fun anymore, I want you to tell me, okay? Then I can call for some backup."

He laughed, "Okay." I thought it was a weird thing to tell him, but I wasn't kidding as we headed to the Hills.

*

Ross helped me out of the car, I gripped his hand. I stood up in my little dress and heels and felt the soft breeze on my stockings. I felt so femme, so tall, so much like a girl, what if someone realized I wasn't? What would happen if someone looked at me funny, or said something I wasn't prepared for? My mind was suddenly on overload, this was why I sometimes stayed hidden in my room.

"I have never been here before." He said as he looked over to the huge mansion, looking towards the sky.

I moved closer to him, I think as long as I was close to Ross or even Pavani I would probably be okay. Even a call to Misty from one of the secluded bathrooms would probably make me feel better. I felt better with a plan.

Suddenly he grabbed me from behind and kissed my neck, I realized that was his favorite part of me. Not my breasts, my legs, my hair. No, it was my neck, a part of my body I couldn't femininize. Thank God I was blessed with a very unnoticeable Adam's apple. I wondered if he liked Jennifer's neck as much as mine, I wanted him to love my hair, my fingers, my legs, my voice, but I had no control. Whatever he loved, he loved. Whatever he wanted to rub against or kiss was going to have to be okay with me.

The Vasa's lived in a tremendous villa in Beverly Hills, it was beautiful. Ramesh and Pavani greeted us at the door. I gave Pavani a necklace, that Misty ordered for me. It was a holograph of the moon, it was the size of a Susan B. Anthony coin. Like anyone would even remember what that was.

"Oh my, it's so beautiful." She held it up and showed the woman next to her, it was quite a wonderful necklace. I always tried to make someone happy, I wanted everyone a little happier than me. "Did you know my name means Full Moon?"

I smiled, "I did."

There was one unknown thing about me. I knew too much. Too much of nothing. I was always reading, doing research, looking up things for the sake of looking up things. I had hundreds of words that I loved in a memo on my phone. That was part of my personality. I knew so much about music, movies, art, almost anything unimportant to others. I was a wonderful conversationist if I wasn't nervous or tense or quiet. I was a great party guest if I wasn't hiding in the bathroom. I was guessing wearing heels would make me even better at all of those things, or at the least, taller.

Soon we held beautiful glasses of Cabernet and we walked around the party. There was so much artwork on the walls and statues and figurines all over the stylish furniture. It took me forever to get into the main room, Ross was totally amused as I dragged him from wall to wall. I loved art and I especially loved someone's art in their homes, the things they themselves loved and saw every day. I felt like a pain in the ass moving from piece to piece but I was excited by the decor, the smell of the food, and the handsomeness of the guests. I'm sure everyone was wondering who invited this random 'woman' with the great heels and hot boyfriend, or maybe they weren't, maybe I was just in the way saying 'excuse me' too much.

Ross knew I was having a good time and introduced me to so many people he knew, he was amazed I remembered everyone's name. I also noticed how many glances I was getting in my dress. I felt both men and women were checking me out, inspecting my outfit. I originally felt I was showing too much skin, but looking at what the other women wore, I started to feel quite conservative. I would never doubt Chan again. I made Ross take a picture of us and I immediately sent it to them. I wanted them to see how nice we looked together. I just wrote 'Thank You, You Two.' and Misty wrote back 'Don't spill anything on that dress!'

I lost Ross for a couple of minutes and ended up talking to a couple of women with nicer dresses and jewelry than mine. Their hair was so beautiful I wanted to run my fingers through it, I wanted to stick my fingers through their earrings. But then surprisingly, they complimented my hair, and also my nails, and it made me so happy. I think they were genuine and it made me feel so good. I told them about the salon, and I said to use my name, "or maybe you betta' not." They both laughed. Chan's tip jar was going to be so full the next time I saw her... then I would hide it.

I walked around the party again. I was studying some sculptures on the piano, by someone that I didn't know. I asked one of the two women close to me to hold it up so I could take a picture of the signature. I told her I was too clumsy and smiled showing her my long nails. I was enjoying myself, I felt the slight air-con on my pantyhose legs. Suddenly someone held my waist, I felt a kiss on my neck again. Ross was back and I introduced him to the two women at the piano.

"Sabrina?"

I heard Pavani calling me so we made our way over.

"I want you to meet Meghan." We took each other's hands, she was as tall as me in her heels. "Meghan works at the gallery with me."

"I love it there, you are very lucky," I told her.

"And I heard you have our 'Strange Wine' print, I would love to see where you hung it up. I'm sure it changed the whole feel of the house."

I checked my thin watch, "Well we can go now, but the security men are surrounding it. We are going to have to peer over their shoulders." We giggled and we talked for quite a while, I was liking her very much. We both had so much experience in galleries and museums. I just wished I could tell her all my stories. All my stories from New York City when I was male. Even most of the ones from California were too. I would need to get more. I skipped the part where I worked in computers and hardware.

The Vasa's and Meghan told me the names and artists of all the artwork we passed that I didn't know, and we soon ended up one floor below surrounded by even more beautiful people, more paintings, more sculptures. Some I could probably tell a little tidbit of information on but I held it in, I was getting over-excited.

We were suddenly surrounded by more guests and Pavani made us sit at a beautiful Parisian-type bar. I loved sitting on a barstool crossing my legs, just like at the Hideaway. Little things like this made me very happy. My legs looked incredible, my heels very sexy showing the pink of my toes, the hem of the dress was so flattering. I had to stop myself from rubbing my silky legs with my long fingers.

I looked up, "Have you ever had Absinthe?" Ramesh held up a bottle as I shook my head, and read the label. Ross said he had it when he visited Europe. They poured a little bit into a glass and added a drop of water and a sugar cube. "Usually we put it in this decanter, but it is just as wonderful like this.

They passed out little glasses and we raised them. "Cheers."

I took a little sip. It was wonderful, it was bitter, and I felt it travel throughout my whole body. I felt quite warm and content. Pavani watched me as I took another sniff and another tentative sip. I felt like I was in another world. Whenever I tried something new, I put my entire attention and focus on it. Just like the beer from 'Over There,' I wanted an opinion ready just in case someone asked. In my head I always gave things a score of one to ten, I was always rating things, I have done this since I was young. I made the mistake of telling Lillian I did that, and she told me to go to a Psychiatrist, she thought I was crazy. Maybe I was, but I still have a great system.

The Absinthe was a nine. The party was off the scale. Lillian? Eh.

I felt Ross's arm around me and someone was talking to me, but I had my eyes closed, I was feeling the liqueur slide down my throat making its way through my body. I imagined I could follow its descent. I was enjoying this moment immensely. I needed to feel it go through my body, my new feminine body. I opened my eyes, my lashes fluttering.

"I am guessing you like it?"

I smiled, all four of them were watching me. I didn't say anything, my eyes went up and I made a very satisfied face. I was saving this look until Ross made love to me, but it was how I felt at that moment.

Ross kissed my cheek, "When Sabrina loves something she can get easily distracted."

We made our way back upstairs, the Vasa's about to move on to other guests. Soon a younger man walked over to talk to Pavani and Romesh while we were on the steps. "Sabrina this is my son, he has something to show you."

He went back downstairs and I followed leaving the others on the steps to their own devices and drinks.

"My mother tells me you will like this." We walked into his room, it was quiet, I felt a little funny having some of the guests see me entering her son's bedroom. I could imagine they were talking about me. He then pointed above his desk. "This is a Martín Ramírez sketch, it's from 1950."

"Wow," I looked up, it was quite amazing. I had only seen these before and ones similar to it on the web, it was probably untitled and it was of a train and tunnel. I had never seen a Ramírez in real life. "It's beautiful. Can I get closer?"

"Sure, here." He gave me a little stool and I kneeled on his desk. My silky knees knocking things over. I felt a little unstable in my heels but I had to have a more intimate look. The sketch was beautiful and it was original. I loved it, my heart was beating a little faster than usual, it was the exact type of art I loved. I studied, I spied the signature, I didn't want to leave, this party was turning into something else, something amazing. No one would ever know how much fun I was having, hidden in this dark bedroom. I told him a little history about the print, about a book I once read, and even a little about the author.

He laughed as he helped me down, "You are the only one to ask for a closer look, my parents gave it to me because I love trains. They tell me it's priceless."

"It is, but more importantly is that you love it. Anything you love is priceless. Remember that should always be the priority, money and color and history are second." I smiled at him and both of us laughed. "What the hell am I talking about?" I felt the alcohol running through my body. He smiled at me and he showed me a couple of other things he had hung up, even some of his own drawings.

We went back out into the hall with people again. "Wait, Miss Sabrina, before we go up let us have a quick drink. Have you seen our bar?" Once again I was sitting on a stool, making eye contact with others, my legs crossed enjoying a drink. I had something new with sugar and Champagne. Of course, it was wonderful.

"This is my favorite part of the entire house. This bar, surrounded by windows and artwork, is where I always do my homework. And the art surrounding us is all from my parents' hometown in India."

I looked around, the artwork was so interesting, I was so comfortable here. "It's nice, I want to get a book, take this drink, and lounge on that little couch. I would soak up the sun through the window and the ambiance of the artwork." I smiled and we finished our drinks, I could easily get comfortable and assimilate very quickly.

*

I found Ross talking to some women, they were all quite beautiful. It's crazy but I never felt like I was beautiful, or cute or even attractive. Standing next to a cis woman always made me feel inferior. Being with Misty and Chan made me feel slightly better, they were always giving me compliments and always told me I was doing fine. Now here I was at this party, a party filled with friends and acquaintances, and I felt quite good about myself. My hair looked so nice and I was wearing an expensive designer dress and heels, I could see some of my reflection in a far-off mirror. I looked like a regular party guest and I was now hanging onto the arms of a man with my long pink nails, one that I had recently kissed. I was quite content. Wait... It also could be from the alcohol swirling through my system.

I was now holding another glass of red. "Thank you," I told the man in the black jacket, or was it a sculpture? Was I talking to inanimate objects now?

There was a tap on my shoulder, a tall young man was talking to me. "Hi, Sabrina?"

I smiled, I squinted, I felt so popular all of a sudden. Both Ross and the women turned around. "That's me,"

"I was asked to show you my Polaroid collection."

"Another son?"

"Heheh I am."

I kissed Ross on the lips, right in front of the beautiful women. I drew my body into him, I put my ponytail into his face, and whispered, "I will be right back, don't you move." I wanted them to know he was mine, he was taken, I waved to them as I walked away. I followed the second son. Once again we went downstairs, passed the party-goers. Once again I was sneaking into a younger man's bedroom. I was hoping people were watching, gossiping about me this time.

I looked back to see who was talking about the sneaky blonde. 'Did you see that woman in pink? She was in and out of the boys' bedrooms the entire party. Well did you get a load of her legs in that dress? She is such a flirt, and I think I saw her with a man, an older man by the way. No way. Yes, way. Look she keeps on adjusting the top of that crazy frilly dress she has on.'

I was giggling to myself as I made a fanciful conversation in my head. Here I was in another bedroom. Here I was looking once again at a wall.

Once I focused on the subdued light I was pleasantly surprised. "Oh my God." I moved closer, there were about a dozen pictures. All people I recognized. I put down my wine and bag and moved closer. "Are these taken by Patti Smith?"

"Ha, yes they are, my mother said you would know."

It was crazy how the artwork and pictures in this house were just as special and incredible as in their gallery, maybe even better. I was mesmerized, I studied every single one. The son left me alone with the pictures, I imagined being there when they were being taken, being in the background at CBGB or the Factory. Waiting for Candy Darling and a cab on The Bowery, freezing in my strapless dress. I loved Polaroids as an art form, I loved the look, the intention, even the white frame surrounding the photo.

I was about halfway down the wall when I was handed another cocktail. "Sabrina this has egg whites in it. Is that okay?"

I turned around as I was handed a frothy drink. "Um, am I in heaven right now?" I smiled, I was very happy when someone made me something. "A drink and something to view, something to learn, ha." I sipped as we looked through the rest of the pictures and I told him the names of every one of the celebrities in them. New York in the seventies, that was my major, my shtick, my modus operandi. That was what I knew better than almost anything, even more than the Dillons or outsider art. That was my hometown, the old neighborhood.

I was enjoying the drink and the pictures but I felt I was spending too much time away from Ross, I was so missing holding onto a man. I wanted to go back upstairs and act like a girl. We downed our drinks and we went back upstairs. I had to stop and look at the glare of another picture to lick the froth off of my perfect pink lips. I then felt for my tongue with my fingers, it felt like it disappeared. The other son then deposited me back where we started. I was a little unsteady.

"Hi." I put my arms around Ross's neck and held on from the back. "Mmm," I then kissed him on the shoulder. I nuzzled into him, I think I could have taken a nap.

"Hey, I missed you." He turned around and kissed me, it was nice.

I looked at his lips. "Aww, aren't you so cute?" I touched his cheek. "You are a TEN, so stop being so nice to me already."

*

The rest of the party was wonderful, I think I ate, I know I had another red wine. I suddenly knew I couldn't stand. "Ross I don't feel so good."

He deposited me on the couch and told me he would be right back. I was leaning against a huge man. I looked at him "Are you another wall?"

"I am."

I squinted, he was slightly blurry. I sniffed, I felt his arm, his chest, his nose, I squeezed him, my long pink nails were a blur. "You are a wall that talks, I am a little scared." He put his arm around me, I felt better. Ross came back with Pavani and the two of them helped me up. I said goodbye to the wall.

"Pavani that wall needs a picture."

I ended up on a bed, it was so comfortable, I was so warm. I felt a blanket go over me, I felt my silky feet rub against each other. I panicked, I opened my eyes. I saw a blur. "MY PUMPS!"

I heard Ross laugh as he rummaged. "Here you are." I took them into my hand and put them under my chin, I must of had a very big smile on my face. "Ahh, thank you, Mister." I fell asleep, right away. I dreamt I was at a wonderful party, one that smelled of leather.

*

I woke up slowly, I still had the smell of my pumps to comfort me. I was in a pale blue room, pale blue comforter, pale blue glow from the sun. I got up. I had a slight pounding in the back of my eyes. I sat on the bed, there was a man on the floor, under another blanket. I dropped my pumps just missing him. Was I still at the party? It was Ross curled up on the floor, there was so much room on the bed. I felt bad that he probably had an uncomfortable night. I climbed over him and went into the bathroom. I looked at all the art on the way. More beautiful artwork, all were from album covers, all from the seventies, I had recognized every one of them. I had to force myself away from the prints and head into the bathroom before my bladder exploded.

The blonde in the mirror still looked pretty good. Her lips and eye makeup seemed to have survived the night.

My hair was still up in the pony and still looked perfect. I got undressed and jumped into the shower. I was feeling better. I couldn't believe I drank too much, I could drink people under the table, even over the table. I had tried so many different things last night, maybe I just wasn't used to it. I started feeling bad, I hoped I didn't ruin the party. I hoped I didn't make a scene. I could just imagine calling Misty and Chan. 'Hi I made a scene, but my dress is clean.'

I put back on my bra and panties and left off the corset and stockings. Thankfully the dress slipped on without them. I fixed my makeup and put on my pumps. I slipped on my watch, it was 10:00 AM. I didn't want to wake Ross, I glanced again at the artwork and then I quietly went out the door. I was downstairs near the sons' bedrooms, it was quiet. I saw the perfect spot, the day bed next to the bar, and wished I could live there. I next tried to quietly make it up the stairs, a woman saw me and took my hand. She led me into the kitchen, I think she was my fairy godmother because she gave me coffee.

"Good morning." I turned around it was Pavani. "Are you going to another party?" She smiled looking at my dress, she didn't seem upset with me. Maybe I DIDN'T make a scene.

"Good morning, I'm sorry about last night."

"What? Sorry you had such a great time, sorry you met so many people, or sorry you made my sons very, very happy, having a beautiful woman enter their bedrooms."

"Um, all three?"

"Ha, don't be silly. There are a couple of stragglers somewhere in the house. I just said goodbye to two of them." Pavani left and came back with a long black shirt and put it around me. I went into another bathroom and changed. I was going to miss my pink dress but now I looked ready for a Sunday morning, still in my heels.

The kitchen was slowly filling up with people. Romesh, the two sons, and another two people saying goodbye and thank you.

Pavani watched me as I poured another coffee. "See you weren't the only one staying the night."

"I'm surprised, usually I can easily handle my liquor. Actually, I now work in a bar, I'm quite a professional." I giggled.

"I'm sorry Sabrina, we shouldn't have had that Absinthe drink." One of the sons said.

"Really? I made her an Absinthe sour." The other one told us.

Pavani got up and looked into my eyes. "Wait so you had three glasses of Absinthe. Stick out your tongue." I did. "No wonder you were knocked out. Boys tell her you are sorry for getting her loopy."

They did, but I didn't care, "All the drinks were so good. I just loved the frothy one. I lost all feeling on my tongue after that." I giggled.

Ross then walked in and one of the sons gave him coffee. He put his arms around me. "How are you feeling?"

"Very good." I moved into his arms.

"The boys gave their 'Art Teacher' here more of the green fairy. It is only about ninety proof. Sabrina will be back to normal in a couple of days."

"Actually after another coffee, I feel pretty good so far. Maybe we should play tennis or golf, I'm dressed for it." I smiled and stretched.

"Or go out for a champagne brunch." Pavani stood and poured more coffee.

"I'm just glad you got to sleep with your pumps." Ross laughed.

"Oh my god, me too."

*

Before we left Pavani made a call. She then handed me a number. "Call Monday. I'm am sorry about the boys, this will make up for it. You know you made quite an impression on Meghan too. The boys told me you were very interesting and that they learned quite a bit more about their art. You would make a wonderful presenter and teacher."

"Would I? Well, just seeing the Patti Smith pictures and those prints made my life so much more wonderful." I was holding onto Ross and Pavani was smiling at me. "I will never forget it, thank you so much." And I hugged her. "I would love to investigate the rest of the house."

"Well, that could be easily arranged, ha. And thank you for the present. I am wearing it," She showed me, it felt like a month ago that I gave it to her. "You know what?" She held my hand, I assumed she was studying my quick makeup job. "I was just thinking, you were so comfortable with everyone at the party, and you were so glamorous and popular. You also know a lot of information about everything, even things I didn't expect you to know about. Would you like to work at the gallery?"

I closed my eyes, did I not wake up yet? I opened them again.

"Sabrina? Are you okay, you seem a little glassy-eyed? Just nod if it's a yes."

I think I nodded.

***

The End of Episode 3... stay tuned for more...