Dan Becomes Dawn - The Beginning

By Kathi Jo Daniels

Chapter One: The Invitation
Monday, August 30, 2004

I received a call from an investment group partner asking me to travel to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to evaluate a mortgage purchase. We rotated through the group, and it was my turn, so I started making plans.

I lived in the Denver metro area for several years, and this would be a good time to visit some old friends. Searching through my old contacts list, I came to a former neighbor I hadn’t talked to in far too long and called him.

Roger saw my name on his caller ID and answered. “Dan Burke! We haven’t talked in forever. How are you doing? Hang on just a minute, I’ll get Lisa.”

He put his phone on speaker. “Hey there Dan, what’s happening?” asked Lisa.

"Hey, Lisa. Great to hear your sweet voice. I’ll be flying into Denver and driving to Steamboat. I need to be there on Monday, September 13th. Would Saturday, the 11th work for you guys?"

"That would be great. We are having a watch party for two college football games on Saturday and would love for you to be here. Come in on Friday and stay two nights. My alma mater hasn’t been in a nationally televised game in over twenty years!"

"I don't think that would be a problem. I can go to Steamboat on Sunday evening. Look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks."

“That sounds great. Grab a pencil. We’ve moved. Our new address is: 1958 South Flanders Way, Unit A, Aurora, 80013. That is in building 19."

“Okay – I have 1958 South Flanders Way, Unit A, Aurora, 80013. Building 19. Is that correct?"

“Yes. Read-back is correct.”

“Great. I can Google the address. Look forward to seeing you on the 10th.”

Roger asked, "Will you be coming as Dan or... what is your feminine persona? Dawn?"

Due to a drunken evening several years ago, after I had moved away, Roger had learned of my crossdressing but had not seen me dressed. His wife, Lisa, had been told of this, but there had never been any mention since.

I was surprised that he remembered the event and had brought it up. "Well, which would you be more comfortable with?"

"You can come however you wish. You’ll be welcome here either way."

"Wow. I’m stunned. I mean pleased! But surprised. Lisa, what do you think?"

"Absolutely! I’d love to meet Dawn.”

“What about the others coming to the party?”

“No one coming to the party will have an issue, even if they discover who you are.”

“Well, if you’re sure, I’ll make plans.”

“We’re sure!” they both answered.

We ended the call, and I started contemplating what to do.

I finally decided. Yes! I’m going as Dawn. If that is a problem, I’ll go to a hotel room.

I’m going to do this! There are several things I’d need to take care of. Looking through several websites, I found Phyllis’ Fantasies south of downtown Denver that catered to crossdressers and transexuals.

I called to ask about services and schedules. Phyllis answered the phone. I explained that I would be introducing my female persona to friends for the first time, and wanted everything to look perfect. She said she understood completely. I wanted fingernail and toenail polish, makeup, wig brush-out, and ear piercing. I would buy the makeup and nail polish for future use. Phyllis said she could do everything and it would take about three hours. I booked an appointment for one p.m.

Now I needed an airline flight to arrive as early in the day as possible. I found an outbound 8:00 a.m. non-stop that arrived at 10:20 a.m. I paired that with a return the following Friday that would leave at 10:00 a.m. and arrive at 3:45 p.m.

I’d need two wardrobes: the weekend as Dawn, and the workweek as Dan. Four outfits for Dawn: Friday evening, Saturday during the day, Saturday evening party, and the drive to Steamboat Springs on Sunday. The more I thought about appearing publicly as Dawn, the more excited I got about it. I didn’t just want to do it; I wanted to do it right. I decided that everything Dawn wore for the weekend, from the skin out was going to be brand new and classy!

Introducing Dawn to Roger and Lisa, I want a stylishly fashionable cocktail dress. Using Amazon as the host shopping website, I was able to search several suppliers. I found a knee-length burgundy empire waist short-sleeve chiffon dress with a square neckline. On the same site, a pair of black open-toe slingbacks with 2” heels.

A lingerie supplier displayed a basque with garter tabs, which appeared to be a better option than a corset and garter belt. Lace bikini panties were on sale, buy six and get two free. I selected three in black, three in white, and two in nude. Almost forgot stockings and added a black three-pack. For Saturday, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning I would need lace underwire 40-D bras. These were also on sale, buy two and get one free. Added two white, and one black for free.

Continuing my search for a party dress to wear on Saturday evening, a red poppy flower caught my eye. I chose a simple V-neck dress in navy floral for Saturday morning that paired with white women's flat sandals.

For the drive to Steamboat, I wanted something comfortable and found an elbow-sleeved A-line dress in white with blue panels and shoulders. Remembered earrings, and added a small hoop, a large hoop, and a pair of studs.

To make sure I wouldn’t miss a minute of my time as Dawn, I added something sexy for bedtime -- three nighties: a stretch mesh and lace three-piece peignoir set in sky blue; a revealing & charming cream baby doll; and a red underwire baby doll set. For the five nights in Steamboat Springs, a white night dress with a ruffle neck & sleeve and bow was added to the order.

Finalizing and checking out, I opted for two-day delivery - you don’t want to know the total cost! Either do this right - or don’t do it at all!

With all the important details taken care of, I worked out the mundane parts of the trip. Reserve a rental car and locate a condominium in Steamboat Springs for the week.

Two days later my order arrived as expected. I spent several hours trying on everything and was pleased that all fit perfectly.

Chapter Two: Transformation
Thursday, September 9, 2004

Two weeks flew by, and suddenly it was time for my trip. I packed female clothing in one large suitcase and my male work clothes in a second. The suitcase containing my female clothing had a tote bag with my shaving gear, basque, breast forms, heels, stockings, and wig. The cocktail dress and purse are in a hanger bag in the suitcase.

I smeared Nair over my arms, hands, legs, feet, and torso, let it set, and then took a shower to wash off my body hair. I filled the bathtub, added bath oil, and settled down - with a tall Scotch - for a long soak, using a razor to remove any remaining hair.

Friday, September 10, 2004

Friday morning, I took the shuttle bus to the airport, checked two suitcases, took my computer case, went through security, and boarded the flight. We arrived in Denver on time; I claimed my luggage, found the rental car shuttle, and checked out my car.

I stopped at a liquor store and bought a 1.75l bottle of Tito's Handmade Vodka for Roger and Lisa. I added four bottles of Classico Chianti to supplement their wine rack.

I drove to Phyllis’ Fantasies, retrieved the tote and hangar bag, and went into the store. A lady greeted me, introducing herself as Phyllis, and asked how she could help. I told her I had an appointment for one p.m. as Dawn. We confirmed that I had requested toe and finger polish, makeup application, wig brush, and ear piercing.

She led me to a dressing area and invited me to get changed, pulling the curtain to provide privacy. I removed everything from the tote bag, stripped to my panties, and put all my male clothing into the tote bag.

First, I put on my tube-style breast forms and black basque with garters. I had not shaved this morning knowing I would need a close shave before applying makeup, so I did that next.

A few minutes later Phyllis stuck her head around the curtain and asked if I was ready to begin. I said yes, so she came in, and had me sit in a barber chair.

Together we selected a pastel shimmering pink nail polish to coordinate with my burgundy dress. After applying polish to my fingers and toes, she instructed me to just sit still and let everything dry as she applied my makeup. The chair reclined, so I was almost prone. As Phyllis was applying each segment of makeup, she did an excellent job of explaining what she was doing and how I would do it next time. She applied beard cover, foundation, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, lip pencil, and gloss, all shades selected to coordinate with my nails and dress.

When finished, I put on my wig, and she combed it out and asked me which pair of earrings I wanted to wear.

I showed her all three pairs and accepted her recommendation of the larger hoops. Using an air gun, she pierced each ear and inserted the hoops.

Phyllis said I could now get dressed. I rolled my stockings on and started to attach them to the garter tabs on the basque. She stopped me and suggested wearing panties over garters would make bathroom visits much easier. This made sense, so I fished the garters under my panties and attached them to the stockings, stepped into my dress, zipped the back, slipped on my heels, and fastened the buckles.

Phyllis uncovered a large mirror so I could see myself.

To be very honest, had I been shown this as a picture, I would never have believed what I was seeing. Not to brag, but the woman looking back at me was exquisite! I was elated that this transformation had turned out so remarkably.

Without thinking, I turned and hugged Phyllis, giving her a peck on the cheek.

I asked to buy the nail polish and makeup that had been used. She escorted me to the front desk, and I checked out.

Chapter Three: Coming Out!
Friday, September 10, 2004

Back in my car, I put the makeup into my purse, and the tote bag into my luggage, brought up directions on my phone, and headed for my coming out experience.

I felt much more confident, to the point of euphoria, as I drove to meet Roger and Lisa. Just having the seat belt bisect my bosom was a thrill.

I found the correct address, parked in the driveway, took a deep breath, retrieved my purse and the bottle of vodka, and went up the steps to the front door.

Seconds after I rang the doorbell, Roger answered. "Good afternoon, Dawn. You look fantastic. Please come in."

"Thank you, Roger. I am just a little nervous." I handed him the bottle of vodka.

He hugged me. “You can relax. We’re happy you’re here.”

I still had butterflies in my stomach as Lisa came into the foyer and rushed to give me a big hug and a light kiss. "Oh, my goodness! You are stunning!"

Having our breasts mesh together as we hugged was exhilarating. "Thank you, Lisa. I was nervous about how you would react to seeing me as Dawn."

Lisa leaned back, holding my hands at arm’s length, and looked me over. "You’re so beautiful. I’m thrilled to see you. Welcome! We’re glad you’re here. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable." She pulled me into another hug and kiss.

I followed as she led me to the family room, thrilled by the sound of my heels clicking on the floors. Lisa offered me a loveseat as she settled into a recliner.

Roger followed us and continued to the kitchen, returning with a tray holding three Martini glasses and a large Martini shaker. He set the tray on the coffee table and filled the glasses, offering one to me and one to Lisa.

Lisa raised her glass. "Here is to the Dawn of a New Era for us all." We clinked our glasses and sipped our Martinis.

We chatted for a while, catching up on the years since we had been neighbors. Roger had retired, and I had begun working part-time in a new industry.

We discussed the business I was involved with and how that worked. I explained that a group of us had gotten together and were picking up properties all over the country. We have to inspect each one before bidding - we don’t want to get stuck with one that needs serious remediation or hazardous material cleanup.

I began to relax as Roger and Lisa acted as if there was nothing unique about me wearing a dress. Roger suggested we should retrieve my luggage before we had too much to drink. We went out to the car and unloaded two suitcases, my computer bag, and the Chianti. Lisa took the computer bag and led the way to the guest suite.

I brought in one suitcase and the Chianti. Roger placed both suitcases on luggage racks. I gave Roger the bag of wine, thanking him for allowing me to visit.

"Are you sure it’ll be okay for Dawn to be at the party, or would it be better to be Dan?"

Lisa hugged me. "You’ll be perfectly fine as Dawn. No one will see you as anything but a beautiful woman."

“I stopped at a transformation studio to have my makeup and nails done. The stylist gave me instructions as she applied my makeup. I hope I can do it tomorrow as well.”

“She did a fantastic job. I’ll be happy to help if you have any issues.”

I showed Lisa the festival dress for the party the next evening. She approved and I hung it in the closet to let the wrinkles fall out. Lisa approved of my V-neck floral dress as well as the white dress with blue panels and sleeves as I hung those outfits.

"I only brought four outfits and two pairs of shoes. I hope that’ll be enough."

Lisa laughed and shook her head. "When you’re a girl, you’re a girl. But I think you’ll be fine, and we’ve got a laundry if you need it. Besides, we can always go shopping!"

We went out to the family room and picked up our Martinis.

Roger suggested it was time for dinner, so we moved to the dining room. Before we sat down, Lisa went to the kitchen cupboard and retrieved a very feminine ruffled pastel pink apron. “Here, you don’t want to get spaghetti sauce on that beautiful dress.”

“Thank you, Lisa. That is very thoughtful of you.” I put the apron on over my dress.

I opted for a Chianti instead of a third Martini. An easy meal of salad, spaghetti with meat sauce, and garlic toast was consumed with little conversation.

After dinner, we all pitched in to clean up and put away leftovers. I opted for an after-dinner Chianti instead of another Martini. Roger refreshed my wine glass and poured new Martinis for him and Lisa. I removed the apron and hung it back in the cupboard.

We returned to the family room. I settled into the loveseat while Roger and Lisa sat in their recliners.

"Alright, my friend! Now that we’ve gotten the preliminaries out of the way, why don’t you tell us the story!”

“The story?” I smiled “What story?”

That got a laugh. “C’mon! When you were our neighbor, we never saw Dawn, but she’s been in you for a long time. Where did she come from? When did you become Dawn?”

“Dish, girl!” Lisa added, smiling.

I laughed. Their interest in my story was so genuine, so welcoming, that I had to think for a moment how to best respond.

“Where to start? Okay. I started cross-dressing in grade school. Mother told me many times that I was supposed to be the daughter she never had. My brother is 3 years older. Between when my brother and I were born, Mother had a miscarriage. She was convinced that would have been the daughter she always wanted. Yes, it screwed with my psyche, though I know in my heart Mother didn’t do this intentionally. I’ll admit that I am a confused and conflicted person.”

Lisa and Roger were listening closely, occasionally sipping their drinks. I paused a moment and took a sip as well.

“I’ve tried to suppress my desires, but you can see how well that turned out! This was a serious contributing factor to my divorce. There have been some women I dated who allowed me to wear a nightie to bed, but that was the limit.”

It was harder than it should’ve been to convey my feelings without breaking into tears. I finished my wine and Roger, without asking, immediately gave me a refill.

"I seriously want to thank you for being so accepting. I was so nervous when I pulled into your driveway. You’ve made me feel very welcome and comfortable."

Lisa moved over to the loveseat and hugged me. "I know that was a difficult story for you to tell. Thank you for sharing with us. The woman sitting next to me is very beautiful.” She kissed me and I hugged her in return.

Chapter Four: Continuing The Introduction of Dawn
Friday, September 10, 2004

I was conscious of the two Martinis and two glasses of wine I’d consumed; I excused myself, retrieved my purse, and went to the bathroom. I said a quiet thanks to Phyllis for suggesting I wear my panties over my garters. After relieving myself, I washed up, refreshed my lip gloss, left my purse in the bathroom, and returned to the family room.

After four Martinis, Lisa was very relaxed. She rose, stretched, and said, "Dawn, we’re so happy you’re here. To tell the truth, you’re much more fun than Dan ever was!"

Roger laughed, clearly feeling his drinks as well. "Yes, and Dan wasn't nearly as beautiful! "

I went over to Roger and gave him a big hug, kissing him gently on the lips, then to Lisa and gave her a big hug and a firmer kiss on the lips. She returned the kiss.

Stepping back, I gave them what I hoped was a big, happy smile. "I am in awe of what has happened today. From the transformation studio to explaining my life to you, and your very welcoming acceptance. I am beyond words to describe how wonderful I feel. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you both."

We finished our drinks and retired for the evening.

After hanging my dress in the closet, I put on my red baby doll with a G-string, cleaned off my makeup and lip gloss, brushed my teeth, removed my wig and earrings, and called it the Dawn of a New Era.

Chapter Five: Acceptance
Saturday, September 11, 2004

I woke in a strange environment, wearing a nightie, G-string, and breast forms. It took me a moment to realize my situation.

I rose, made the bed, undressed, took a shower, shaved, and applied makeup as Phyllis had instructed me yesterday: beard cover, foundation, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, lip pencil, and gloss. I put on my wig, stud earrings, and a navy-blue floral V-neck dress with white sandals to complete my outfit.

Out in the family room, Roger was cooking breakfast: "You certainly look beautiful. Would you like some coffee?" I accepted a cup of coffee and went around the kitchen island and gave him a big hug and gentle kiss.

Roger returned my kiss. "Dawn, you are fabulous. You are more wonderful as Dawn than you ever were before." We clicked our coffee mugs and sipped.

A few minutes later, Lisa came out of the master suite wearing a cute skirt and blouse combination with sandals. She came and gave me a big hug and kiss. "You look beautiful this morning. That is an extremely cute dress. You did a great job with your makeup. We are happy you are here and comfortable being Dawn with us."

Roger prepared a breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash brown potatoes, and toast. We devoured this and then I helped Roger clean up the kitchen.

“Dawn, grab your purse, and come with me to the deli to pick up a tray for the party?”

“I’m not sure I would be comfortable out in public.”

“Not to worry. I will be with you. We are going to one store. Grab your purse, girl.”

I got my purse and went with Lisa to the deli, following her into Soso’s delicatessen.

“Hello, Lisa. How are you doing today? I have your party tray right here in the cooler.”

“Good morning, Louis. I’m doing fine. How are things in the deli?”

“We are staying busy, which is good. Who is this lovely lady with you?”

“This is Dawn. A friend from out of town. Dawn. This is Louis.”

“Very nice to meet you, Louis.”

“You are so beautiful. Would you like to have dinner with me? I will serve you a wonderful pancetta salad, and chicken piccata with a Chianti Classico.”

“That’s such a tantalizing dinner offer, but I already have plans for the evening.”

“Maybe you can come back another day and we can get to know each other?”

“Sorry, I’m leaving town tomorrow.”

I picked up the deli tray while Lisa paid.

Back in the car, “Oh, that was wonderful! Roger won’t believe that you were hit on!”

We both laughed.

We returned home. Lisa opened the door and I carried the deli tray to the kitchen.

“Roger! You aren’t going to believe this. Louis propositioned Dawn. Asked her to have dinner with him.”

“Well, we know he has good taste in women. You are a beautiful woman. I don’t doubt you will get many more offers – some will be serious.”

“Minor problem. I’m not a beautiful woman.”

“I look at you and see a beautiful woman. You’ll need to get used to men admiring your great looks.” Added Lisa.

Roger and I began to set everything up for the party.

"How many are we expecting? " I asked as I set out napkins, plates, and glassware.

"If everyone shows, and that’s a big if, there should be seven."

It’s time to get ready.

I undressed, showered, shaved again, and reapplied my makeup. Slipped on a red festival dress, put on my wig, added small hoop earrings, and finished with the same black slingback evening sandals I had worn yesterday.

When I returned to the family room, Lisa had me give her a spin and gave my makeup job a close look. When she was done, she smiled slowly and said, “Perfect. Just perfect. No need to do anything more.”

Chapter Six: The Party
Saturday, September 11, 2004

The doorbell rang and Roger answered, ushering two women and a man into the foyer. First was a blonde with short hair, about five-foot-five with brown eyes, and at least DD-cup breasts. She is wearing a sleeveless form-fitting blue and white polka-dot top with a white skirt, bright red lip gloss, and white sandals. The second woman was a little shorter with shoulder-length medium brown hair, blue eyes, and D-cup breasts. She is wearing a short-sleeve form-fitting red and white striped top with a navy-blue skirt, bright red lip gloss, and blue slingback sandals that made me positively jealous. Both ladies are very pleasing to the eye. The man was wearing a multi-colored polo shirt and grey shorts with sandals.

The man gave Roger a smile and an enthusiastic fist-pump before introducing the shorter woman. "Roger, this is our good friend Diana. Hope you don’t mind that we brought her along, she’s visiting for the weekend.”

Roger turned his welcoming smile on the unexpected guest. "Great to meet you, Diana! Of course, you’re welcome in our home – even if you have to bring Mark with you! And Nancy! Come in, all of you! We’ve got a guest to introduce as well -- this is an old friend, Dawn. Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable."

The three came in and introduced themselves, then the girls, and I, as one of the girls, gravitated toward the kitchen while Roger and Mark went to the family room. Diana looked familiar, though I couldn’t remember where I might have known her.

Lisa, Nancy, Diana, and I gathered around the kitchen island.

Roger came in and asked what everyone wanted to drink; he already had the TV tuned to the football game. I had a feeling there might be quite a bit of drinking tonight and opted to start with a beer.

Diana sat next to me. “What kind of work do you do?”

“I’ve retired from maintaining operating systems on large-scale computers. I worked for a variety of companies. In the Denver metro area, the first was a credit card company, then a software development group in the Tech Center. After that, I bummed around as an independent contractor, before retiring, and moving to Florida, where I live now.”

“I worked at a bank in computer operations,” Diana replied. “We also supported a credit card system. Later I worked at a telecommunications company. I wonder if we ever crossed paths.”

Roger took a brief phone call, then told us, "Wanda and Laura are stuck in Silverthorne with a breakdown, so they won’t be able to join us."

Roger began distributing drinks and announced a toast. "We are pleased to have two new guests with us this evening. Welcome to Diana and Dawn."

We all lifted our glasses into the air, chanted, "Hear, hear!" and took a sip. I was near Diana, so I clinked glasses with her, and we both took another sip.

"So, you will all know, this is the season-opening game for my alma mater, the Western Illinois Leathernecks, which haven’t been in a nationally televised game in over twenty years! They are playing the Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence, Kansas. The second game will feature Mark's alma mater, the Valparaiso, Indiana, Beacons will be playing at the University of San Diego. We are lucky they are not playing against each other, as they have done recently. Between games, there will be hot dogs and hamburgers. There are bowls of snacks and a deli tray, so find a seat."

The game began, and we all sat and watched, cheering for Roger's alma mater. At the end of the first quarter, we took a break to refresh our drinks and snacks.

We sat and watched more of the game. At the end of the half, everyone went to get more snacks, refresh their drinks, and stood around the kitchen island chatting.

“I knew many systems personnel that went to the tech center. What’s your last name?” Diana asked.

Suddenly a light bulb went off and I remembered where I’d met Diana. I had a moment’s hesitation about how much to say, then decided I would trust Lisa’s assurance that no one here would have a problem if they knew the truth. “Aha!” I said. “It took me a few minutes to recognize you, Diana Chapin. We worked together when I was at the credit card company and you worked in computer operations. I was the senior systems programmer, Dan Burke.”

Diana shrieked. “Oh, my goodness. Are you kidding me?”

Nancy looked over, “What’s wrong?”

“Dawn and I used to work together! She was Dan back then!”

Nancy was stunned. She looked at Lisa, who smiled and came to my side, putting her arm around my waist. “Yes, we met Dawn yesterday, and are thrilled! Several years ago, we were backyard neighbors to Dan.” She turned to me, “You are among friends. There is nothing for you to worry about.”

Seeing the anxiety in my eyes, Nancy opened her arms “Oh, my goodness. Come and hug me. You are lovely. I’m perfectly fine with you wearing a dress.” She gave me a big hug and called out “Mark, you need to hear this.”

Luckily, there was a time-out on the field. Mark came over; “What’s happening?”

“Dawn, you don’t need to be worried. We are accepting. You are gorgeous.”

Turning to Mark, Nancy said, “You will NEVER believe this, but Dawn used to be Dan – she and Diana worked together!”

To emphasize their tolerance, Mark gave me a big hug and a soft cheek kiss. “You’re a very beautiful lady. I’m happy to meet you.”

“Thank you.” I smiled. My eyes became somewhat misty. “Here, we don’t need to ruin the mascara!” Nancy and Lisa both chuckled as Diana picked up a napkin and daubed my eyes. Taking my hand, she led me over to the table, pulled two chairs face to face, and sat down holding both my hands in her lap.

Nancy and Lisa smiled and went to join their husbands.

“Please tell me about the amazing person behind those beautiful brown eyes.” Her smile radiated warmth.

“I’m just a guy who enjoys dressing in female clothes. I’m not gay. I like women. I’d never been out of my house when dressed until yesterday when I introduced Roger and Lisa to Dawn. I offered to be Dan today, but Lisa insisted. She said no one would be offended. I hope you aren’t insulted.”

Diana hugged me "I’m not offended nor insulted, just surprised. You’re beautiful. I’d like to know more and catch up. How long will you be in the area?”

"I’m driving to Steamboat Springs tomorrow. After I retired and moved to Florida, I started working part-time with a property investment group. I’ll be there for the week, returning home on Friday."

"There isn’t any reason for you not to go out in a dress. No one would have any reason to question who you are. Would you mind some company in Steamboat? "

She was genuinely interested.

"I’d love to have you join me if you don’t mind being on your own during the day. We can certainly spend some time together and have dinner."

"I’ll only spend a couple of days with you. I have my car and will continue to Aspen on Tuesday. I’m on my way to see my daughter and her new son. I’m having a hard time being a grandmother!"

"You’re a very beautiful grandmother," I assured her. "Why don't we convoy up tomorrow and you can leave on Tuesday? I’ll drive over to Mark and Nancy's and we can leave from there.”

“Great!” she replied, enthused. “When do you want to get on the road?”

“It’s about a three-hour drive, why don't we plan to leave at one o'clock?"

Diana retrieved her cell phone. "Get your phone so we can exchange numbers."

I went to get my cell phone from my purse in the guest room and gave it to Diana.

We exchanged numbers. When Nancy saw what was happening, she also exchanged numbers with me.

“Nancy. Put your address in as well so I can meet Diana tomorrow.”

Roger asked, “Who wants hamburgers, and who wants hot dogs, and how many?” We all called out our requests. He came into the kitchen and began cooking hamburger patties and hot dogs. It was a short break between games, so we grabbed our food and sat to watch Mark’s alma mater.

“Sorry, I missed the end of your game. Who won?” I asked Roger.

“It was closer than expected, 24 to 17. Kansas forced a fumble with less than two minutes remaining, and ran out the clock.”

When the second game was over, Mark, Nancy, and Diana got ready to leave. Nancy came to me with a big hug and kiss. "Dawn, you are beautiful. It was very nice meeting you. We would love to get together with you again."

Mark also hugged me. "We would love to visit with you. Let us know when you will be back in the area."

Diana gave me a soft kiss. "See you tomorrow afternoon."

Mark, Nancy, and Diana departed.

Chapter Seven: After the Party
Saturday, September 11, 2004

I helped Roger clean up all the snacks. We refreshed our drinks and sat down to relax.

"That was an interesting afternoon and evening," I stated.

"We’ve known Mark and Nancy for quite a while," answered Lisa.

"I understand you and Diana are planning to get together again. Is she going to Steamboat Springs with you?" asked Roger.

"Yes, I’m meeting her at Mark and Nancy's at one o'clock tomorrow. She’ll go with me to Steamboat, then leave on Tuesday for Aspen."

"That is fantastic,” Lisa said, enthused. “I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time!"

“You know, if you don’t HAVE to be back in Florida right away, speaking of returning, what are your plans for next week?" asked Roger.

"I’m booked on a flight back to Orlando at 10 am Friday."

"Would you please consider changing your return flight? Please come back for the weekend, and go home on Sunday. Please!" Begged Lisa.

"Yes, we would love for you to come back. Please!" Added Roger.

"Certainly, I don't see that as a problem. Thank you very much for the invitation! You are the most gracious hosts. I can make the change in the morning."

We finished our drinks, hugged, kissed, and retired for the evening.

After cleaning my face, I brushed my teeth, removed my earrings and wig, put on a cream baby-doll nightie, and went to bed.

********** To Be Continued **********