This story is based on Bea’s story, “All in the Cards”. It’s The first story in an anthology titled “Men in Petticoats” found at Smashwords and at Amazon. I encourage you to go there and buy it. The six stories in this book all deal with the feminization of men. All of the males are different in character from foreign fighters to American cowboys - but they all suffer from a hidden need - they want to be humiliated by women. At more than 52 thousand words it is reasonably priced at $3.99. Bea was a prolific author and hosted a series of websites to display her work. The most recent is, “Bea’s TV Station”, which is still up. “All in the Cards” is no longer available for free as it was when I first read it. To read it you need to buy “Men in Petticoats”. Sadly Bea passed on over four years ago; a great loss to TG fiction fans everywhere. I encourage you to buy her work. While I will include a synopsis, I can’t give you more than a thumbnail sketch without violating copyright.

Synopsis of “All In The Cards”

  Sheila married Miles due to family pressure to end her lesbian affair and become “respectable.” They settled into a reasonably conventional marriage for a few years. Then came the invitation from one of Shelia’s old friends. Diana was throwing her annual lesbian weekend party. Sheila hadn’t been there since getting married and wanted to renew her friendship. She promised Miles that she wouldn’t do anything except attend the party, that is, no hanky-panky.

  At first, Miles had been inclined to agree for her to go, but as the time approached for the party, he had second thoughts. He had agreed to drive Sheila to catch the chartered bus that Diana was providing so that there wouldn’t be a huge number of cars at her private estate and so keep a low profile for the neighbors. But, with his second thoughts, Miles decided that he’d arrange a problem with the car so that at the last minute she couldn’t go. Unfortunately for Miles, Sheila knew a woman who was a mechanic and was going to call her. Miles knew that there’d be a terrible row if the woman found out he’d sabotaged the car, so he made another “attempt” at getting the car to run. Miraculously he “discovered” what the problem and was and could take her to the bus.

  Fate took a bad turn and traffic would prevent him from getting her there on time. So he decided to drive her to Diana’s estate for the party. Fate continued to thwart his best intentions with the weather turning particularly nasty and then the car really developing trouble. In the midst of a viscous storm the car quits entirely just inside the grounds of Diana’s estate and they must make their way the last few hundred yards to the dimly lit house, getting soaked and ruining his clothes.

  The storm knocked out the electricity in the area. As a result, Miles is forced to stay for the party in a house full of lesbians that was running on an emergency generator and had no working phone. Miles is forced to borrow clothes from Diana and is absorbed into the group. To his dismay, Miles is claimed as a “girlfriend” by Marnie; one of the “guys” in the group and earns the nickname of Lucille. He then gets hooked into a poker game… a strip poker game. While he is a good poker player, he’s not good enough and loses all his clothes, except for the lingerie he’d been loaned. (The players aren’t allowed to bet their underwear.) As a result, he is outfitted with even more feminine clothes and it’s a sure thing that Marnie will take him farther.

  That’s where Bea chose to leave the story. As with most stories ending like that the readers mind races ahead to fill in the story the author left hanging. What follows is where my mind went. The storyline and characters belong to Bea and are used without express permission. What follows is intended as fan fiction with the greatest of admiration for Bea and appreciation for the original work

Prolog
after the poker game

  I was well and truly stuck being a “girl” for the rest of the weekend. After choosing poorly for my replacement outfit, I had to submit to being totally feminized. After the process, even I was hard pressed not to think I was the genuine article. When Sheila outlined the rest of the evening I found myself both dreading it and anticipating it with a thrill in equal measure.

  We had existed on snacks and appetizers and drinks since we left home. The talk of a buffet had my stomach growling. We took our place in the buffet line and as I selected the food, I couldn’t help but think about what Sheila had said about guys drooling at the idea of breaking me in. ‘Just what does a lesbian do to break in a cross-dresser? I shuddered at the thought. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know or did I really want to know; to experience it; to find out. And if I did, what about Sheila?

  We’d no more than sat down at one of the trestle tables Diana had had placed in the great room when Marnie came to sit beside me.

  “Lucille, you look divine!” she exclaimed and put her arm around me. “You look good enough to eat.” She waggled her eye brows up and down. “I may just have to sample that idea a little later.”

  I felt myself shiver at the idea. She wasn’t talking in innuendoes; she was just a hair’s breadth from an outright proposition. I glanced at Sheila and she was flirting with the guy on her right; my partner in pool room.

  I smiled at Marnie and tried not to show any real interest at the same time. I could feel heat creeping up my neck.

  “You’re cute when you blush,” she said.

  At a loss for words, I mumbled something about starving and tucked into my food. Marnie followed suit. I was nearly finished when Marnie broke the silence.

  “It’s good to see you have good appetite.”

  Without thinking of it, I asked, “Why is that?”

  “Because you may need the energy later.”

  When we had finished eating, we all joined in clearing the tables away and Diana brought out the battery powered boom box. Only this time, the selection was big band era dance tunes. Conducive to belly rubbing style of dancing.

  I wasn’t really sure just what I should be doing, so I watched the others. Guys zeroed in on a girl and asked them to dance. ‘Well, I guess it’s not down to me. Everyone has made it clear I’m a girl. None of the girls were inviting guys to dance, though; several were making eyes at a particular guy from across the room. I found it amusing, that it was reminiscent of a school dance. Guys on one side of the room and girls on the other; each in little groups. About a half a dozen guys were bold and had already acquired a partner. I kind of thought these were of the ongoing relationship type of pairings.

  Sheila appeared at my side.

  “Miles, just go with the flow. Dance; enjoy yourself and whatever happens only do what you want to do. Just remember what I told you about these guys and how you look so innocent. You’re a magnet to the lecherous type. The fact that you’re a guy who’s showing every sign of being a submissive girl is powerfully attractive to some, so be on your guard.”

  I still couldn’t see just how I could be attractive to a lesbian. I mean, doesn’t being a lesbian mean that they aren’t attracted to any kind of man… submissive or not. And speaking of that, I hated that I was submissive. It started when I was young. My mother had totally convinced me that she was the boss in our family. Oh, she let my father appear outwardly to wear the pants, but behind closed doors, she ruled the roost. I guess with that kind of example it was inevitable that I was mostly comfortable married to Sheila.

  I was surprised that a number of the guys had been looking at me and seemed to be negotiating with one another just as to who would approach me. Marnie found me and made it obvious to any who showed an interest, that she had claimed me. She ushered me to the dance floor and swept me into her arms. I’d never been much of a dancer but it was obvious that Marnie was very experienced and had no trouble leading me in an intimate snuggle, kind of dancing. “Because you may need the energy later.”

  After about an hour and a half of that close contact I found myself strangely aroused and yet comfortable in Marnie’s arms. When a song came to a close and it became necessary to change out the music, Marnie showed just how much a guy she was and said, “I need to take a leak. Don’t let anyone dance with you while I’m gone. Don’t forget, you’re mine.” She winked at me and strode of down the hall toward the bathroom. I made my way to the drinks table and put together a Gin and Tonic. Sheila showed up to get herself a drink.

  “You know Miles; you seem to be taking to the transition to Lucille with no reservation. I’ve been watching you dance with Marnie. You do know she’s planning on getting lucky tonight.”

  “But… but she’s a lesbian and she knows I’m really a guy. What could she want with me?”

  “I’ve known Marnie for years. Yes, she chooses to be a lesbian. But in reality, she’s Bi. She can swing both ways. And she’s not the only guy here who can do that. Marnie doesn’t like most guys because they tend to want to take charge, especially in bed. Marnie is definitely a top and she’s got you pegged as a bottom… I think she’s right. You haven’t exactly been aggressive in our relationship.

  “You should know that Terri has shown an interest in me. She’s kind of monopolized my time here at the dance. So much so that the other guys aren’t asking me to dance anymore.”

  I was a bit apprehensive with that revelation. “Just what does that mean?”

  Sheila looked sheepish. “It’s just that I… well, I like it. I’ve been out of this scene since you and I got married. My old partner isn’t here. She’s moved out of the area. So if you and I weren’t married, I’d be available and Terri’s just the kind of person I’d hook up with in the old days.”

  “Are you trying to tell me you want to renege on your promise of no hanky-panky?”

  She stammered a bit. “It looks to me that you and Marnie could very well end up in the same room tonight. Like I said, she’s aiming to get lucky and you looking so much like a girl and are submissive you’re just the ticket to fill that bill,” she said defensively. “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Or in this case, what’s good for the gander is good for the goose.”

  I looked at her, searching myself at the same time. If I was going to be candid with myself, I’d have to admit that Marnie was attractive to me. I felt… I don’t know, safe? ... comfortable? ... in her arms. ‘Would I, could I go to bed with her and let her have her way with me?’

  As if reading my thoughts, Sheila challenged, “Can you honestly say, without a doubt that you won’t end up in Marnie’s bed tonight? Or even that you don’t want to?”

  I looked down, unable look at her. I gave an almost imperceptible shrug of my shoulders and maybe the slightest of a head shake.

  “I thought not. So I guess what I’m saying is that if you get the opportunity and it’s attractive, go for it… because if Terri keeps the pressure on, I don’t think I can resist. “Because you may need the energy later.”

  “What topic were you and Sheila so engrossed in discussing when I came back from the can?” Marnie wanted to know as she held me close on the dance floor.

  ‘Can I tell her? What will she do if she finds out that Sheila has cut me loose for the weekend? A better question is, what do I want her to do.’ I had never been in a kind of relationship that Marnie could offer.

  “You should know that I ran into Terri when I went to the can. There was a line and we talked. She wanted to know if you and I were going to… progress to the next level. It seems she has designs on Sheila.”

  “I know. That’s what Sheila and I were talking about. She seems to think that you’ll try to get me to, ah… progress to the next level.”

  “I’ll be honest with you Lucille; I’d very much like to do just that. You’re so damned beautiful and the fact you have that something extra to offer, makes you an attractive package.”

  She stopped dancing and lifted my chin, leaned in and kissed me. Not just a peck on the lips. No, a full-on passionate kiss that just about curled my toes and did bring my heart rate up fifty points. She then pulled me close and resumed dancing. I found myself imagining just what it would be like to share Marnie’s bed. “Because you may need the energy later.”

  I called potty break after about a half an hour. Only I didn’t immediately go to the bathroom. I sought out Sheila. I found her snuggling close to Terri in a dark corner of the dance floor. I’ll admit that I was jealous… I mean, OK so I had come to acquiesce but still it was my wife in some else’s arms. I watched them a bit and wondered if that’s how I looked dancing with Marnie. After a time she looked up and saw me watching. She pulled back a bit and I motioned to her to come to me. She said something to Terri. Terri looked in my direction with a frown.

  Sheila was on the defense when she got to me. “I told you about us.”

  I held up my hands and said, “I know. I’ve been thinking about it and I’m sure that when, not if, Marnie puts the moves on me, I’ll give in. So I guess that at least for this weekend, we’re both free to do what we want.”

  Sheila’s relief was palpable. She reached up and kissed me on the cheek. “Thank you Lucille. I was beginning to feel guilty because I really want to give in to Terri.” “Because you may need the energy later.”

Chapter 1
A new reality

  It was my bladder that woke me. I needed to pee in the worst way. I was a bit confused, because there were arms wrapped around me and my head was lying on someone’s shoulder. Sheila and I never slept touching each other. I lifted my head and the previous day/evening/wee hours replayed in my head. I was one of the girls at a lesbian weekend bash.

  ‘What a comedy of errors. If I’d just let Sheila go and not tried to “accidently” have car trouble, all this would have been avoided. HA! And then there are the stupid things I did once I got here. I could have refused to play pool; I could have simply gone to my room and stayed there until I was hungry. I could have… Oh lots of things.

  Then there was the experience I had with Marnie after we came to her room. I’ve never really felt appreciated in bed, but Marnie seemed to think I was a 10 in the sack. She kept raving about how perfect I was and said more than once the she wished she was in Sheila’s place. She even asked me after if there were any more like me at home.

  In the afterglow, we talked. I explained to her the understanding that Sheila and I had reached concerning the weekend. She explained that I was unlike any other man she had attempted to have a relationship with. It seems that the very personality traits that other women find attractive in men are the very traits she detests. Macho, protective, take-charge attitude… all the things that everyone seems to think men should be turned Marnie off. Well it was a bit of a blow to my ego to find out she saw not one of those traits exhibited in me. Reflecting on it now, I guess she’s right. I’ve never really been a manly man. To start with, it seems my testosterone level must be low. I never really developed all those secondary sexual indicators the other men did. As Sheila observed I only shave every couple of weeks and that’s not to get rid of a proper beard, but only to knock down the peach fuzz that mars my completion. Upper body strength seems to have missed me as well. I’m slight built, fine featured. My hair is soft and fine. In order to have anything I could do with it; I’ve always left it just a touch on the long side. I grew up in a time when the in crowd was into long hair… it didn’t make me part of the in crowd. But now since the girls did a hair weave and lengthened my hair it’s much fuller and to be honest, I like it better.

  My bladder demanded that I relieve the pressure so I carefully disengaged myself from Marnie’s embrace and made my way to her en suite. I found my legs a little shaky and chose to sit to relieve myself. I guess I wasn’t really awake. I don’t know what time we got to bed, but I do know it was well after midnight and by the time Marnie got through with me, there was daylight peeking around the drapes. I located a clock when I went back to the bedroom. Ten o’clock. At most, I couldn’t have slept more than four or five hours. I had no idea of just where my room was in relation to Marnie’s. A delicate nightie had mysteriously appeared on Marnie’s bed and she had insisted that I wear it. I knew I needed help getting into the dress I’d worn last night and I knew if I woke Marnie to help me dress, that getting dressed would be the last thing she’d want to help me do. As I didn’t relish wandering around a huge house trying to find my room in this little nightie, I had no recourse but to get back in bed. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn’t help but think that when Marnie woke up, I’d get a treat.

  I next was awakened by a gentle kiss. My eyes came open to find Marnie’s face inches from mine.

  “Your stomach was growling. I had thought to ravish you this morning, but I think perhaps we should see about some breakfast.”

  I glanced over at the clock. “Morning??? It’s after one o’clock.”

  “OK, brunch then.”

  Marnie got up and put on some trousers and a shirt. Both men’s I noticed. “Why don’t you grab a shower and I’ll go see what is going on for eats.”

  When I came out of the shower, Diana was in the room.

  “Hi, I went by your room to bring you some clothes and you weren’t there. I really should have known, but I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt. I talked to Marnie a bit ago and she confirmed that you were here, so I brought your clothes here.”

  Lying on the bed was a fresh set of lingerie complete with garter and stockings, a dress that was like something out of Disney musical. It was teal with built in petticoats that struck me mid-calf.

  “You’ll have to make do with the shoes. I’m afraid that’s all there is. Let me help you get dressed.”

  I found Marnie in the kitchen whipping up omelets. Fortunately Diana had natural a gas Dual Fuel AGA 48” Mercury range so the only drain on her generator in the kitchen were the refrigerator and the freezer. Otherwise, last night’s midnight buffet would have been cold cuts. I helped myself to some coffee.

  “Sit down and I’ll have an omelet for you in about three minutes. Hope you like sausage mushrooms and cheese.”

  “Yum,” I said sitting at the kitchen table.

  As promised, Marnie sat a couple of yummy looking omelets on the table and joined me.

  “Umm, looks delicious.”

  “You look delicious yourself,” Marnie offered.

  We tucked into our brunch. After we ate, Marnie left me to clean up. Apparently cleaning up is “woman’s work” while cooking can be done by anyone. After I was done, I began to circulate in search of someone to talk to. I entered the great room, which had been restored to its original purpose. Several conversation groups of love seats and chairs. I stood just inside the door, looking to see if there was anyone whose name I could remember. I spotted Sheila, just as she turned my way. She smiled and waved me over.

  “So, I hear tell I was right about Marnie’s intentions.”

  I felt my cheeks warm. Sheila grinned.

  “Don’t feel guilty, we did agree that this weekend we could do whatever felt good. It did feel good, didn’t it?” I nodded. It felt really odd to be discussing extramarital encounters with my wife. “I assure you that I felt good last night as well. I want to thank you for that. I hope I’d have been able to turn down the offer, if you hadn’t agreed, but I can’t be sure that I’d have been that strong. I did have a few drinks that lessened my inhibitions.”

  I felt that I needed to say something. “Well, I’d been drinking myself.”

  “I hope you don’t regret your decision because I was hoping we’d do the same tonight.”

  I looked down. I hadn’t really thought about tonight, but her bringing it up made me realize that I just assumed we would. More startling is the fact that I was looking forward to it.

  “Well, I don’t suppose we’re likely to do anything tonight that we didn’t do last night. We did agree that for the weekend, it would be OK.”

  At that, Sheila’s grin widened. She leaned in and kissed my cheek.

  “There you are,” Marnie said from behind me.

  She swept me into a hug from behind and nuzzled my neck. She looked up at Sheila.

  “Lucille explained your arrangement this weekend. I really appreciate that. I’m really jealous of you. If I’d found someone like Lucille here, I’d have gotten married myself.”

  Just then Terri showed up with two cups of coffee and handed one to Shelia. Terri sat down next to Sheila and put a possessive arm around her and looked at me as if daring me to object. I felt the need to give as good as I got.

  I swiveled around and said, “I don’t think I thanked you properly for fixing such a scrumptious brunch.” I then kissed Marnie full on the lips, parting my mouth to invite her tongue in. I was breathless when she finally broke the kiss. I looked over my shoulder at Sheila with a wicked grin. Her mouth was open, but she quickly grinned and gave me a thumbs up and turned toward Terri. I didn’t want to watch so I nudged Marnie toward the kitchen.

  “You know, I think I could use another cup of coffee.”

Chapter 2
fitting in

  The storm had abated, but we were still without power. Outside, was a broken sky with angry looking clouds to the southwest and partly cloudy skies elsewhere else.

   “I could use some fresh air,” I told Marnie.

  “Diane has a lovely garden. Would you like to take a look at it?” she asked.

  We exited the house through the French doors to the patio. Being winter there wasn’t much in bloom, but you could tell it was well maintained. About two hundred meters out there was a stand of evergreen trees. Closer to the house there was a holly tree. There was circular raised garden of rose bushes with a fountain in the center. Other flower beds formed a labyrinth over the large area with flag stone walkways between them. It was a bit chilly out, but we wandered a bit. When I complained of the cold, Marnie led me back into the house through a mudroom.

  There on the floor were my ruined shoes. The leather had been soaked through and was now dried and cracked. My trousers were there as well; the right leg was busted out at the knee and the light grey fabric was stained with a ruddy brown clay. I suppose my jacket and shirt might have been salvageable but for the ruddy brown stain on them. Looked like I’d not be wearing my own clothes home.

  It seems that Diana had lived in America for a number of years and whilst there, she picked the habit of drinking coffee, real brewed coffee. Not the just add hot water variety that most of us choke down in the mornings. What a treat. I know nothing about coffee, but Marnie told me that what she was serving today was Honduran fine grind dark roast… whatever that means. All I know is when the coffeemaker is brewing it smells divine and with a little sugar and cream it’s the nectar of the gods. It does a great deal toward waking you up and dispelling any chill that you might feel.

  It was certainly nice to smell that fresh brewed pot as we came back into the kitchen and even nicer to hold a mug in both hands to warm them while sipping the potion. Apparently there were many couples who’d had a lie in that morning because the kitchen was still busy with do-it-yourself breakfast makers. I noticed that each of them had tidied up after themselves. While there were no dirty dishes stacked up, there were several damp dish towels hanging in various places.

  Terri and Shelia were standing at the end of the table enjoying the hearty brew themselves. Terri was leaning her backside against the table while Shelia leaned her backside against Terri. Terri had an arm around Shelia just under her breasts, touching them even, in a very possessive manner. In her other hand was a very large mug which found its way to her mouth between periods of nuzzling Shelia’s head. Shelia had her eyes closed and head back against Terri’s chest; obviously enjoying Terri’s possessiveness. Like me, she held a modest mug in both hands as Terri made it plain that Shelia belonged to her. It was then that I realized that was something Shelia craved, and that I was too submissive to provide it for her. Instead, I craved to be possessed as well. It seems that Shelia and I were much alike. Although, of the two of us, she was dominate.

  As the afternoon wore on, it became apparent that today as a free day, devoid of any real organized things. I’m sure that it was owing to the ragged awakening times and the even more scattered time couples, it seems that everyone had paired off, chose to make it downstairs. The billiard room was in use, as was the dining table. One end had a four guys playing Pontoon while the other end four girls were playing Black Widow.

  Marnie was attracted to the pool table where I first met her. She was a good player. She’d been on the team that Terri had beaten, with little or no help from me. I hoped she wouldn’t ask me to become her partner as that had proven a real disaster.

  “Fancy a game?” she asked, picking up a chip to challenge the table.

  “I’d rather not. You saw how poorly I did last time.”

  “If you need a partner, my girl is as reluctant as Lucelle,” a dark headed guy offered. “I already have challenge on the table.”

  The wisp of a brunette with a charming pixie cut clung to the guy’s arm. She smiled at me and gave a little finger wave.

  Marnie looked down at me and asked, “Would mind?”

  “Not at all. I’ll just watch.”

  “It’s settled then,” the other guy said, sticking out her hand to shake.

  Marnie shook hands with her and they began kibitzing on the game in progress. His girlfriend disengaged herself and stood next to me.

  “Hi, your name is Lucille isn’t it?”

  “That’s what they call me.”

  “My name is Fiona,” she said, putting out her hand I reached for it and she grasped just the fingers leaving me to just put my thumb on the knuckles of her hand. Our handshake was much less robust that our boyfriends had been.

  “I enjoy playing pool,” she continued, “but not at the competitive level that Jack wants to play. I’ll do most anything she wants but not when it comes to being competitive.”

  “I’m truly awful at pool. Something about the geometry of all the angles involved escapes me. Then there’s all that stuff where the ball curves rather than go in a straight line or backs up after it hits the ball you want it to. I haven’t a clue how they get it to do all that stuff.”

  “I know. I saw Jack make the cue ball jump over a ball. How can that happen?”

  We watched one of the teams finally win and it was our boyfriends’ turn to play. It was clear that they were both very competitive. When one of them made a good shot they’d high five and if one missed something they’d let loose with an expletive. With both teams being so intense Brenda and I soon were talking among ourselves without paying much attention. When our conversation began to lag, she stepped over to Jack.

  “We’re going to see what the girls are doing,” she told her.

  “Come on,” she said taking my arm, “let’s see if there’s a chance we can get in on that game of Black Widow. They must be ready for some new blood.”

  Just outside the pool room door, was dining table with three girls playing Black Widow. Fiona knew them all. She walked right up to the table and looked at the score sheet.

  “Oh, Gemma, having a bit of bad luck?” she asked.

  “You could say that. I think this will be the last game for me. I’ve lost the last three in a row.”

  “I see the game is nearly finished. Lucelle and I were hoping to join in. Wouldn’t you stay? With five playing you stand a better chance of not coming in dead last.”

  “I’ll stay one more game, for you. But if I lose that one, I’m gone.”

  “It looks like you’re the one to beat, Allyson.”

  “Becky has done that twice.”

  All the while, they had been playing cards and taking tricks.

  “It will be nice to have someone new in the game. These two are too predictable,” Becky informed us as she sluffed the Black Widow on to a trick that Gemma was forced to take.

  “That’s the last of the points,” Gemma said. “I've obviously lost again.”

  A few minutes later we had started a new game with five players instead of three. That made it less likely that someone would have a dominate hand. It was three hands later that I ended up after passing with seven spades, jack high. That left six spades between four players and the odds were that who ever had the queen didn’t have much if any backup. I’d been watching how the other girls (‘I just thought of them as “other girls.” Now I’m thinking of myself as a “girl”’) had been playing. Only Allyson truly played an aggressive game, trying to steer the game. Becky and Gemma were reactionary while Fiona played for fun. Truly not competitively.

  Being strong in diamonds was a plus because both Allyson and Becky often used diamonds to get out of the lead. As in the past hands no one acted like they wanted the lead. My king of clubs easily took the first trick. I came back with a jack of spades and followed with a ten and a nine. On the fifth trick, my seven of spades was taken by a king and Allyson, true to the patern ditched the lead with a four of diamonds. I snapped up the lead with queen and played my six of spades. Becky got that trick with the eight and lead back with a three of diamonds.

  I was right there with a jack and followed with a four of spades forcing Allyson to play the widow. She was not really happy, to have to make that play.

  “Not as easy with more players,” Gemma observed.

  “No it isn’t. Don’t worry Lucelle, you’ll get yours.”

  But it wasn’t that hand; I took not one point easily sluffing the three face cards in my hand; leaving me with the low end of the suits I hadn’t voided. But I did get mine later when the score was totaled at the end of the game. Gemma stayed for three more games due to Fiona and I each losing a game and Allyson’s mastery of each game broken.

  “It’s about time for tea,” Marnie declare from behind me. “If you ladies can tear yourselves away from the game.

Chapter 3
Being Marnie’s girl

  It was served as a buffet again. I saw Sheila and Terri cuddled together with plates on their laps. Sheila was looking intently at Terri, hanging on every word. A small wave of jealously cropped up inside me. But just then Marnie nuzzled my ear from behind and I knew it was our agreement for the weekend and when we got home, she’d be mine again.

  After we’d all cleaned up the dance floor was cleared and the boom box was brought out again. That night there were more couples that had already paired up. Marnie and I danced the first dance and snuggled right up. The jealousy from before completely forgotten.

  Diana approached me as Marnie was getting us drinks.

  “Well, Lucelle it seems you’ve settled into the group really well. Are you sure you’re not really a girl?”

  “No, I’m not really a girl, but this weekend I’ve got to get undressed to know that for sure.”

  “Are you glad you ended up here? You certainly look like you’re having a good time.”

  “I guess I should be because I am having a good time.”

  She looked across the room and nodded in that direction.

  “It looks like Shelia is having a good time as well. Are you OK with that?”

  I looked in the direction she was looking. Shelia and Terri was dancing so close together that they seemed to be one creature. Shelia had her arms around Terri’s neck and her head laid on her shoulder. Terri had both hands on her bum and nuzzled her head as they danced.

  “We have an agreement for the weekend. We’ll be back like we were when we get back home.”

  “You know, when you first showed up, I thought you’d be nothing but trouble. What was lesbian retreat supposed to do with man? But I was wrong. All it took was to get you into the right clothes and you turned into one of the girls; not just one of the girls, but fetchingly attractive girl at that. I’m glad you came and Marnie is certainly glad you came.”

  “I certainly am,” Marnie said as she handed me my drink.

  We woke up about half six in the morning when the lights came on. Marnie took advantage of us being awake before we turned out the light and went back to sleep. We didn’t sleep long. The house was a buzz with activity.

  There was a que for the laundry facilities. It seems that every one had managed to get something muddy getting out of the coach. They had all washed the muddy garments in cold water by hand, but most items hadn’t dried well and everyone wanted to get them through a wash cycle to do away with any mold issues that might arise due to lack of good drying facilities.

  I, of course, had no such issues what with my own clothes having been ruined in the storm. My main concern was the phone. I needed to see about someone to tow the car to a mechanic. There wasn’t a que there.

  I hunted up Diane.

  “Excuse me Diane, do you have a moment?”

  “Certainly, Lucelle, what is it.”

  “I need to see if the phone is working. I’d like see about arranging for someone to retrieve our car and get to our mechanic to see about fixing it.”

  “As a matter of fact, it is. I checked it when the power was restored this morning.”

  “I don’t expect it’s something that can be repaired on the spot so I may also need to arrange for a taxi.”

  “No need to worry about a taxi. There’s plenty of room on the charter for you two. A taxi all the way from here will cost a fortune. I’m sure that one of the girls will be glad to give you a lift from the bus depot.”

  Marnie swept me into a hug from behind.

  “Not to worry, luv,” she said. “I’ll be glad to see you get home and your wife as well; unless she’d rather ride with Terri.”

  “If she would I hope she’ll make it clear that it’s our home the she’s to go to. Our arrangement is only for the weekend.” A bit of jealously flaring up in me.

  “More’s the pity,” Marnie said an turned me to plant a kiss on my lips

  Sometime later, Sheila found me watching Marnie at the pool table.

  “Miles,” she said, “I’m told the phone is working. Shouldn’t we see about having some get the car?”

  “Already sorted. I was just thinking I needed to find you and tell you. They should here shortly. I’d really rather not deal with them as Lucelle. All you need to do is tell them the name and address of our mechanic. I’ve called him. When no one answers the shop’s second number, which he said I should call in emergencies after hours, it rings trough to his personal phone, so I’ve spoken to him. When I described the problem he thinks it’s the alternator or perhaps some loose wiring. At any rate he should be able to get it back to us by late Monday afternoon.”

  “Brilliant,” she replied.

  Just then Diane appeared.

  “They’re here for your car,” she said.

  “I’ll speak to them,” Shelia told her.

  About two dozen of us girls ended up in the great room while the guys either played pool or bet on a dice game where they had pushed a table against the wall and threw the dice against the wall. Someone said it was Craps. Not being a gambler, poker notwithstanding, I knew nothing about Craps.

  It was Fiona’s idea to play Wink Murder. She got a stack of Post-It notes folding the in half using the sticky edge to keep it folded. She told those of us who had never played the game the rules. It’s quite simple. One of the Post-It note had “Murderer” written inside. The rest was blank. There was one for each player. We were each to draw one out of a bowl, look at it unfolded then refold it and put it in a second bowl. Then we just went back to what we were doing. At some point the person who had the “murderer” note would make eye contact with someone and wink. The person was to fake dying. This continues until someone is able to deduce who the murderer is.

  The object of the murderer is not to wink to often and pretend to be one of the regular players. That took up nearly an hour. It turns out that Gemma was the murderer and only winked about once every five minutes. In the end it was that regularity that tripped her up. Arlene began noticing the regularity and took note who was near victim. It soon became evident that Gemma was always in front of the victim when they died.

  We had gotten up earlier, so Marnie and I went to bed earlier. I found another set of clothes for me hanging on a hook behind the wardrobe door. Another night of extramarital bliss ensued. Of course we were ready for more of the same in the morning. Marnie went to see about breakfast while I showered. As I got dressed, I found myself regretting that this would be the last time.

  The coach arrive around ten that morning and an hour later we were on our way home. Sheila was cuddled up to Terri and I was three rows back with Marnie’s arm over my shoulder. There were several kisses exchange between all who were paired up.

  At the depot there were hugs all around, and not a few kisses as paired up couples parted. Marnie had her car and gave Sheila and me a lift. Terri had taken a taxi so Marnie offered, much to Sheila's delight, to take her home as well. It wasn’t altogether altruistic on Marnie’s part. That put Sheila in the back seat with Terri and me snuggled up to Marnie as she drove.

  When we arrived home it was very tempting to invite the guys in. A look passed between Sheila and I as we silently acknowledged that the weekend was over. I can’t say it wasn’t with some regret that Sheila and I kissed the guys goodbye on our stoop.

  Inside our door, Sheila wrapped her arms around me and kissed me soundly.

  “Miles, I can’t thank you enough,” she said. “I suppose you’ll want to get changed. Would you like some help with makeup removal?”

  “No rush. I’m quite famished. I could do with a cuppa and some biscuits, if not an afternoon tea.”

  “I suppose you have a point. I could do with something to eat myself. Put the kettle on and I’ll see what we have for a light meal.”

Chapter 4
life goes on

  I spent the rest of the day as I was. I could see no pressing reason to dirty a set of clothes, for just the afternoon and evening. We finally made it to the bedroom about half nine. Sheila worked outside the home in marketing and I set appointments for sales men from home on a separate phone line just for that purpose. Not that we really needed to work. As I said before, Sheila's family comes from money and her trust would supply all our needs if we just cut back a little.

  I was in the en suite removing my make up with some removal pads while Sheila unpacked. I would need Sheila to unzip my dress for me, so I stepped back into the bedroom.

  “Sheila, could you be a dear and unzip me?”

  She obliged. When I stepped out of the dress and turned around she smiled at me.

  “What were planning wearing to bed tonight?” she asked as she took the dress and hung it in the wardrobe.

  “My pyjamas; why?”

  She nodded toward the bed and said, “Marnie came by my room as I was packing and gave me that. She thought you might prefer wearing it.”

  There on the bed was the same delicate little nightie that I’d worn in Marnie’s bed. I stood stunned for a moment and then slipped over my head. I left the bra on just as I had for Marnie and then removed my suspender belt and nylons. Sheila smiled as she joined me in bed. She switched off the light and for the first time in I don’t know how long we cuddled before going to sleep.

  In the morning, as I was getting dressed, I couldn’t bring myself to take off the knickers. I did, however take off the bra as I didn’t have any shirts that were loose enough to accommodate the bustline.

  Things went back to normal; well, as normal as they ever were for Sheila and I. I did continue to wear the nightie to bed. But things between us subtly changed. We were less confrontational and more loving toward each other. Oh she was still a lesbian and I was a straight male. I think that the weekend at Diana’s showed us something about ourselves we hadn’t recognized before. I got an insight as to just what a lesbian lifestyle was like and we both were introduce to my feminine side that I had here-to-fore kept hidden, even from myself. That somehow made us more compatible.

  It was just after the new year when Sheila came, in after collecting the post. I was in the kitchen prepping Tea. She stood by the worktop sorting through the letters. She put the bulk of the post on the worktop, keeping two identical envelopes.

  “Here’s one addressed to Lucelle,” she said handing one to me.

  I checked the return address. “Diane Allen.” I recognized it immediately from last year. It was the same as was on Sheila’s invitation to “the weekend.” Sheila had opened hers. She turned it toward me.

  “Miles, would it be OK it I went again? I know it’s a lot to ask. You’ve been there and know what it is.”

  I had mine open and it was an invitation as well. There was a handwritten note:

  “It seems I’ve been invited as well, that is Lucelle.”

  I handed the note to Sheila. She took a moment to read it.

  “You do know that Marnie will make you her girl again. If you allow that, the it’s quite probable that Terri will want to do the same with me.”

  “I know.”

  “Just think about it a little while. You know that you enjoyed it last year.”

  “No need to think. I’d like to go. I think it was good for our marriage. I presume that you’ll want the same arrangement as last year.”

  “Yes, and we’ll have to get you some clothes. You only have that one dress and the shoes you have don’t really go with it. You’ll need at least five outfits. More if you want to play poker.”

  “This time, there will be no car trouble, I promise. We’ll take the coach with everyone else.”

  Diane was at the door greeting her guests.

  “Lucelle,” she said when she saw me, “I see that Marnie has already claimed you.”

  “Yes, even before we got on the coach.”

  “I’ve taken the liberty of putting the two of you in a double together. I hope that’s alright.”

  Marnie spoke up from beside me. “If it’s not, I’ll make it alright.”

  A different event that year. The power was on; the weather was agreeable and I felt included from the moment I got on the coach. I’d made a lot of friends amongst the girls. That was good. I can’t say that I’d ever really had friends before. It felt a little like a reunion.