Diva in Disguise Chapter 2

It was always hard to gainsay my agent’s logic and as ever, I fell in with her line of thinking. For one thing, my inheritance from my mother’s legacy wouldn’t become available for some time. When it did, Rachel and I planned to buy a property in the nicer part of our adopted town, but in the meantime ready cash was in short supply. The earnings from the modelling work that Pete had set up was doubly welcome right now, in lieu of my usual income from employment at the salon. The day after she’d left, therefore, I roused myself out of my lethargy to follow her instructions.

I’d decided it would be better to visit the studio and see how the land lay rather than merely telephone. I donned my blonde wig and spent a good hour with my make-up, ensuring that my transformation was as thorough as years of experience with cosmetics could make it. Wearing a sleeveless top and smart skirt I set out for the given address. The day was warm, the sun shone encouragingly and though I’d brought a jacket, I left in in the car when I parked. I pushed the doorbell and waited, trying to calm some butterflies performing energetically in my stomach as I did so.

When the door was answered it seemed that my doubts had been altogether justified. The face of the diminutive figure who stood before me was all too familiar. Before I’d left the town, Tam Burnett had been a regular member of the small circle of cronies surrounding Madeleine and I’d often been in company with them. I stood like a rabbit caught in the headlights, while I waited to hear from his lips the words of recognition which could be expected to follow. Incredibly, they never came! Instead, his greeting served to dispel most of my fears.

“You must be Mistie!” he smiled. “I recognised you straightaway. Don’t look so nervous. I don’t bite! Well, not unless you want me to!” he giggled. “My dear. I’m so pleased to meet you in person. I’ve been a fan of your work for ever!”

He pointed to one of the magazines on a side table. It lay open at a full-page commercial displaying my image. I recognised the shot as one which had been taken in a photo session the previous year. So far it seemed that the little man hadn’t made the connection between that and the real me. Perhaps I might be able to keep it that way.

I began to recover my poise and to help things along, I sought to lay on some charm. “The honour is all mine. The reputation of your studio is well-known, believe me.”

“Simply too kind!” he simpered.

This was going well. Was it too much to hope that my incognito might remain intact?

Now that the pleasantries had been exchanged Tam and I got down to business. Pete had already discussed the outline of the projected shoot with him, but the fine detail of poses, props and what I would wear required some further elaboration. There were no difficulties to speak of, however, and once we had reached agreement there only remained the question of when.

“Let me fetch my appointment book.” The little man was about to disappear through an inner door when he paused. “I hope you don’t think it impertinent but… you really remind me of someone. I can’t quite put my finger on whom.” As he made his exit he called “Don’t worry! It is sure to come to me.”

Actually, that was what I was most concerned about. I had been feeling pleased with the progress I’d made until this point. The man’s mind now appeared to be running in a dangerous groove. How long, I wondered, would it be before he remembered who I was? I was tempted to run away. Just behave normally, I admonished myself.

Uneasily, I checked my reflection in the full-length glass on the wall. No! I couldn’t see any trace of Jennifer there. One thing was amiss, however. The top of one of my stockings was showing below the hem of my skirt. This lapse fell far short of the standards of dress to which I aspired and was the kind of sloppiness which would have outraged my mother. Automatically I stooped and raised my hem to adjust the offending item of hosiery.

I was busy repositioning my garter tab when I became conscious that Tam was standing in the doorway, obviously reluctant to re-enter while my legs were so exposed. I let him remain there for a while longer, seeking some means of distracting him from his train of thought. I was well enough aware of the man’s persuasion to know that he would not be physically attracted but I was desperate.

“It’s all right. I’m decent again!” I smiled disarmingly but delayed letting my skirt fall some moments longer. The ruse was a feeble one. It seemed to be completely unsuccessful.

“I still can’t recall the name.” It was as if nothing had taken place.

“The name?”

“Who you put me in mind of. It’s bugging me.”

Red-faced, I covered the confusion I felt by consulting my diary. “When...?”

“How would a week on Saturday at 3pm suit?” he ventured. “Carl, our photographer, can have everything ready for you to start as soon as you arrive. Everything will be just so, believe me! We never keep a model waiting around unnecessarily.”

I was okay with the proposal, even if less so with the idea of returning there at all. The risk of recognition was starting to weigh heavily on my mind. Regarding the date suggested, I would still be in the locality then and probably a further week thereafter, as finalising the sale of Mom’s house was taking forever. It was with relief that I bade Tam goodbye and made my escape. On the drive home I had a lot to think about.

One immediate difficulty facing me was how I should care for my younger brother. Until the school year had ended, I would be responsible for him. After that he would take up my father’s offer to go and live with him and his second wife. It had been Thomas’s own decision to go. That they would invite him to live with them was a matter of surprise to me. If I had been cynical, I might have entertained the notion that the terms of my mother’s will had something to do with the arrangement. Though Thomas’s share of the inheritance would be held in trust until his majority, once the house had been sold it would amount to something.

Our father had put in only a brief appearance at the funeral before hurrying away, but he and Thomas had stood together at the graveside in silent sympathy. His relationship with the kid had always been closer than his with me, and all I’d got from him was a brief acknowledgement and a hesitant compliment. “Hi er… Rob… er… Jennifer. You look… swell”, but that was as much as I expected. I was well aware what a disappointment my adopting a female persona had been to the macho guy.

Until school was out, therefore, I had to take charge of my younger sibling. The age difference was more than two years, though the youngster was already taller and broader than me. In terms of life experience, my view was that there was no comparison between us, but while confident that I was much more streetwise than my cosseted younger brother, I knew that Thomas wouldn’t see it that way. However, I wasn’t about to shirk my duty in this regard, even if less than confident how successful I would be.

My influence over my younger brother was called into question almost immediately. When he returned from school on the Monday following the funeral his demeanour was more than usually sullen. The way his face was marked also provided evidence of an activity I knew I had to disapprove.

“Thomas, you’ve been fighting!” I could see that the knuckles on one of his hands were raw.

“What if I have?”

“You know that isn’t how you’ve been brought up to behave” I scolded. I didn’t openly remind him at this early stage that Mom would have gone ballistic if she’d still been here. I sensed that I had been dealt a weak enough hand so was determined not to play my strongest card so soon.

My rebuke was greeted with a leaden silence.

“There is always a better way than taking the law into your own fists, you know.” This was one of my parent’s favourite maxims. “What was this fight about?”

“You don’t want to know. Someone was giving me a hard time, that’s all. Forget it.”

I knew I couldn’t let the matter drop that easily. I was pretty sure how our mother would have handled such situations.

“Who was it? I’m going to go see his parents and sort things out.”

“No, no, Jennifer!” Yes, he actually called me ‘Jennifer’!

“No, you mustn’t do that. Honestly! For your own sake.”

“Why for my sake?”

“Because it was about you. It was Denzel Rafferty. You remember the Raffertys.”

Only too clearly did I recall the troubled family.

“Well, he kept making out how you were… I won’t say what, and in the end, I couldn’t stand it any longer. Something snapped and I laid into him. He won’t be calling you that again any time soon.”

Suddenly I felt all warm and fuzzy inside. Not only was my usually cheeky younger brother using my femme name as if it were the most natural thing in the world, but he had stuck up for me at some cost to himself.

“You shouldn’t have done that. Really, there was no need.”

In the event, my gratitude turned out to be a little premature. “Yes, there was. Mom was so proud of you and how you’ve turned out. I did it more for her.”

Really! Mom was proud of me!

“Well, thanks anyway, but no more fighting, got it?”

He nodded. I ruffled his hair and that was that.

When I lived at home Thomas had been a constant thorn in my side. A variety of snide remarks and witty epithets continually came my way from his direction, reminding me of my enforced feminine status. Mom had never seen fit to reprehend this behaviour. She just would smile that annoying smile of hers and remind me how women had to put up with this and worse from the opposite sex.

“Get used to it, honey” she would chide. “Being a girl isn’t all about wearing pretty clothes and making yourself look nice for the boys. You need to learn these life lessons. They will serve you in good stead when your husband is giving you a hard time. Remember that men only ever seem to have one thing on their minds, and we women are expected to smile and take it!”

What she alluded to revolted me. The very idea! Eww!!

What she would never admit was that my being brought up as a girl had been entirely her idea, and my submission was only due to my stupid desire to be in the good books of at least one of my parents. Small chance of that! Her words provided little comfort and only served to conjure up images that filled me with a sense of foreboding. What might my future hold?

Still, she was my mom and occasionally there were moments when we enjoyed a special kind of closeness. Though I’d been entirely reluctant over being raised as a girl, I wouldn’t have traded those precious times for anything, not even for the boyish pursuits that had been denied me.
There was a photograph of Mom and me above my bed which served as a powerful trigger for memories of such intimacies. It had been taken on one of my birthdays. Much effort had gone into arranging my hair that day and the experience of being treated to make-up and nail polish had made me feel like I was being pampered. Receiving that amount of attention was so novel that I secretly enjoyed it. On this occasion I even looked upon the pretty skater style dress I’d been told to wear in the same way as Mom did. Though I hated to make the admission, it was my crowning glory!

All I can say in my defence is that… at least I had good taste in clothes! 

Diva in Disguise Chapter 3

After Pete had gone, Alice left the little motel where they had been staying and moved in with me. My college friend offered to remain a further fortnight. Her stated intention was to help clear my mother’s house for sale, but while her practical assistance was welcome enough, just having her around was an emotional support I was most grateful to lean upon.

My spirits were often lifted by her refreshingly artless remarks, and I found her wide-eyed openness something to be treasured. One evening as we sat and chatted over the events of the day, I noticed that my words were not holding her attention. My brother was seated on the floor watching TV. He and I were on much better terms these days and I could see that having Alice with me had been a contributory factor in the improvement of our relationship. He seemed surprisingly content to be around us.

The reason for her inattention was not long in being discovered. Later that evening when Alice and I were alone she casually inquired “Jennifer. How much younger is Thomas than you?”

“Oh. Slightly more than two years. He’s fifteen, sixteen in October.”

Alice looked a little crestfallen at my reply. “Really! Yet he’s so much taller, and so broad-chested. Quite the man! He’s very good looking.”

Engaged as I was in removing my makeup before bed, it was easy for me to hide my smile. I’d allowed Alice to have my room and was sleeping in Mom’s. It had seemed better that way.

The girl was silent for a full five minutes before continuing to voice her train of thought. “I suppose four years is a big difference, in age I mean, especially if the girl is the older of the two.” It didn’t take a genius to understand what was running through her head. She had celebrated her twentieth the month before.

Mischievously I couldn’t resist helping that train of thought further along. “Rachel is five years older than me, and she is the female in our relationship!”

“Yes, but you and she have something special. Anyone can see that. If it’s a more casual liaison, then these things matter.”

“Is that what you and Harvey have, a casual relationship?”

Alice looked perplexed. “I don’t know.” She pondered some more. I could almost see the wheels revolving!
“No, I think we are more than that. I told him I’d wait for him, even before he asked me to. He said I better had!”

When we had stopped giggling, she continued. “Anyway, that shows we’re serious.”

The idea seemed to satisfy her for a moment and then “But he’s abroad for two whole years and is such a long way away” the girl groaned. “I don’t know how I’m going to be able bear it that long.”

“I do. A day at a time! You can be true to him and still have fun. I reckon he’s worth the wait.”

My friend looked doubtful. “I guess you’re right. I don’t like it though.”

I made to leave her.

“Oh, don’t go yet. There’s so much for us to talk about” she pleaded. “Unzip me please. It’s our last night so… stay with me.”

I felt dubious. “I don’t know.”

But the girl had already started to remove her dress. “Yes, please do. It will be all right as you’re so nearly a girl… just a girl with a little bit extra!”

We dissolved into mirth again at that idea.

The dress fell to the floor. Reaching behind her she unclipped her bra. I quickly turned my head away as it followed the other garment.

“I won’t be able to get to sleep unless you do” she begged. “Please say you will.”

Alice had persuaded me to do this once before, and on that occasion, she had succumbed to slumber almost immediately, so I had been able to escape quite soon. It would be okay. With averted eyes I picked up her nightdress from the bed and handed it to her.

“Thanks.”

I heard rather than saw her slip into the silky chemise. When I judged she had made herself decent I turned back… a moment too soon. Her panties were descending her legs but the hem of the nightie was still gathered around her waist.

At the look of consternation which spread across my face she laughed out loud. “Don’t be such a prude!” she called as she left me to use the bathroom. “You’ve seen everything before.”

Actually, I hadn’t! Not of her anyway. I sometimes wondered whether Alice’s ideas on the intimacy of our friendship went a bit too far.

When she returned and had gotten herself safely in the bed I relaxed. “I’ll sit with you just till you nod off” I temporised. “I won’t undress, as I am a married… person. I have my reputation to consider!”

There was silence between us. I lifted my eyes to see my friend regarding me thoughtfully.

“Rachel is so lucky.” Alice sounded envious.

“Is she?”

“Well yeah! She gets to have a girlfriend and a boyfriend all rolled up into one person.”

“I’m sure she could do better, if she tried. I think I’m the lucky one.”

The older girl stopped to consider, while I waited patiently for the conclusion of her deliberations. I began to feel drowsy myself. Surely, she must sleep soon.

Next thing I knew, I came to with a jerk. I had drifted off in the chair. A stealthy glance told me that my confidante had also slumbered. She was sound. Phew! As quietly as I could, I crept away to Mom’s old room.

Alice had to leave the very next day. She was planning to visit her folks en-route to our home town. The girl was nearly in tears as I drove her to the bus station, and I felt quite emotional myself. We’d become awfully close. It had been fun having the kookie girl around and in Rachel’s absence I’d come to depend on her.

We had an hour to wait before the bus departed. The weather made the parting additionally dismal, with lowering clouds threatening rain. I bought us a coffee to fill in the time but neither of us had got much to say. I drove back to the house with a lump in my throat. I would miss Alice almost as much as I was missing my little family.

What was even more dispiriting was that it wouldn’t be long before my brother also departed. He would soon go to start his new life with our father. Then I really would be alone. When Dad finally called to collect him, the youth actually hugged me in taking leave and made me promise to come and visit. “I surely will, Thomas. It isn’t too far to drive to where you are going to be living.”

That the relationship between my younger brother and I had improved so dramatically over the past few weeks may not have been too unusual. Siblings can be drawn together by the loss of a parent, or alternatively, they can be pushed further apart. It was heart-warming to know that it was the former which was prevailing in our case.

After Thomas had gone, the plan was for me to remain in Mom’s house for two more weeks and finish up. I had toyed with the idea of going home to be with Rachel for a few days in the meantime before returning to transact the final business, but the distance and expense involved made that option unattractive. As solace for our prolonged separation I had to content myself with a lengthy phone call to her most evenings. It didn’t matter what we talked about. I just needed to hear her voice, and listen to our child’s babbling. I wanted to be sure there would be no danger of the baby forgetting who I was. Being alone in my mother’s house didn’t bother me in itself, but the empty evenings seemed interminable. The rest of the day I was far too busy clearing it out. There was so much to dispose of. My solitary condition was not to last long, however.

Amid the blurred sea of faces which had faced me at the funeral there had been two which I would rather not have seen. Time seemed to have stood still that day, but dully I had become aware that Karen Morris and Madeleine Bell were there. They were sharing an umbrella and the presence of neither was welcome. The former had been my childhood heartthrob, my first love, in fact. As regards the latter let’s just say we had history. Seeing them together was an ominous portent of worse to follow. However, to my relief, both had departed by the time we left the graveside and since then, I had been able to put them out of my mind.

Late one afternoon, however, I was downtown taking stuff to Goodwill. I’d been busy house clearing most of the day and had put on an old pair of jeans and top while working. Both were a tad on the small side for me now and had seen better days, but I couldn’t be bothered changing before I left the house. In any case I Hadn’t planned on being long. I had almost walked all the way back to the place I’d parked the car when I encountered Karen face to face.

We were some distance apart when I first noticed her and as we approached, I formed the intention of merely saying hello and passing quickly by, but she stopped me with a hand on my arm.

“Jennifer. I’ve been wanting to see you. How are you?” Running her eyes over me, she added “I have to say you’ve blossomed. In fact, you’ve developed out of all recognition. You look great!”

I was very conscious how scruffy I must have appeared in comparison to herself. With her tall and elegant figure, she was looking sensational in a pale leather dress and accessories which matched it perfectly. Instead of dressing like the tomboy I had been accustomed to seeing, on this occasion she personified feminine refinement.

“Thanks.” I didn’t return her compliment. “I’m fine, I guess” I added coldly.

“Oh, this must be a very difficult time for you. Your mom was such a great person. You must miss her terribly. I do myself. We were quite close, you know.”

“I remember!” I recalled all too clearly how thick Karen and my mother had been together. Sometimes they’d spent hours on the telephone and usually the aftermath of such calls had augured mischief for the boy-girl relationship which I had so desired. It had been doomed from the start with the attractive teen never fitting in with any of the plans I made for us. My so-called sweetheart would always go her own way, often with someone else. She had displayed besides an undoubtedly mean streak, insisting on dating me only if I were dressed as the female and she as the male, with Mom’s connivance. Naturally this had made it harder for me to resist my mom’s feminising influence. With her and Mom in league against me, I’d had no chance.

I have never been able to understand why the object of my devotion had behaved so perversely. She seemed to delight in humiliating me. Unlike my parent, who appeared to have a score to settle with the male sex and who avowed a determination to prevent me from ‘turning out like my no-good father’, her motivation remains obscure. Whatever Karen’s reasons, however, mortification and frustration had been my inescapable lot until in the end, I made the decision to give up on the romance. Even though we were in the same year throughout high school, thereafter I managed to have as little to do with the teasing teen as possible.

“Say, is that your little car?”

My two-seater was parked close by. It had originally belonged to Pete and was by no means new, but I loved it for its quirky style.

“It’s so cool! Could you give me a ride to my house? I know it’s not far, but today is much too warm for walking, especially in heels.”

Reluctantly, I complied with her request. I felt I had to, if only out of politeness. Besides, I’d always had trouble resisting those puppy dog eyes which she could make whenever it suited her!

As we drove, Karen made another appeal to my better self. “You know, we really should be friends, you and me. We go back such a long way. You used to find me attractive once. Don’t you think I look nice still?”

Given the evidence of my eyes, I could make no denial, and couldn’t hold out against the openness of her question. “Sure, Karen, you always did look good. You’re prettier than ever.”

Pretty wasn’t quite the word for her. She looked elegant and sexy perched beside me, in fact, positively stunning.

“I knew that you’d come around. Let’s go in and I’ll make us a coffee. We’ll have the house to ourselves.”

We had reached her home, and I couldn’t think of a ready excuse. She walked around the car and opening my door, held out her hand. I suffered myself to be led inside, yes, like a lady!

Karen happily chatted away to me, calling through from the kitchen while she made us drinks. It was easy to fall in with her mood. When she wanted to be, the tall girl had always been able to be good company and we passed a pleasant hour or so.

When I glanced at my watch it was after 6pm. “Heavens, look at the time. I really must be going.”

“Oh, must you?” Those puppy eyes again!

“Well…”

“What are you doing this evening? Nothing? Then here’s a plan. I’m supposed to be meeting some of the old gang for cocktails and you… well you are coming with me. Sound like fun?”

I had to admit that it sounded better than being alone in an empty house. “But I can’t go like this” I objected. “I’ll have to go back and get changed first.”

“You’re so right!” she laughed, looking me up and down. “But no need to go. I’ve a couple of really super dresses that I’ve never worn. They’re a fraction on the short side for me, and I know one of them will show off that sexy little body of yours a treat.”

“But I need to make a phone call.”

“No problem. Do that now while I sort out what we’ll wear. Come up when you’re done.”

My conversation with Rachel was briefer than usual. Once she understood what the evening held for me, she cut it short. “If you have still to get yourself ready then I’d better let you go. It wouldn’t do to keep the others waiting. One word of caution, however. I’m glad you and Karen have repaired your friendship, but don’t be too trustful. Leopards are slow to change their spots!”

Diva in Disguise Chapter 4

Knowing that as ever, Rachel was likely to be right, I promised that I would be cautious. The doubts she had raised lingered in my mind. So much so that after I’d replaced the receiver, I recollected that I’d meant to seek her advice on what I should wear when going 'dfor cocktails. This was an area where I had little experience. Also the thought of borrowing something of Karen’s was not altogether reassuring. Former experience of the unpredictability of her nature led me to worry that I would be assigned some dowdy cast-off. If so, then were I to raise an objection it would seem churlish, no matter what she'd foisted off on me. The end result would probably be that by her side I would look a complete frump.

Not that I really cared what I wore of course. I had no desire to be the centre of attention, but… it might be kind of cool to be on trend… and it was always nice to get a compliment or two. I sighed discontentedly. I even toyed with the idea of driving home to change before rejecting it. There just wouldn’t be time. As I made my way upstairs to Karen’s room I pictured the kind of dress I would choose… if I had unlimited choice in the matter.

Sadly, that was never going to happen!

Karen’s bedroom was tastefully decorated, and the theme was a sombre pink. The choice of colour seemed to reflect her personality, very feminine but with a darker side. The young woman was already halfway through getting changed and was revealed to be wearing only lacy satin lingerie under sheer dark pantyhose. She invited me to sit, so I perched on her bed, not knowing where to look, or at least trying not to!

“Now, now! Concentrate!” she laughed teasingly, remarking on the way my gaze was wandering. “We’re behind time as it is.”

I became aware that the girl was drawing my attention to what appeared to be a teensy piece of shiny red material.

“Here’s what you will be wearing” she announced.

I gaped as she held it up for me to see. The dress featured a strapless bodice, its skirt was tiny and the whole thing appeared much too small to clothe an adult. Remember that this was years before the mini-skirt had made its impact on the fashion scene.

“Don’t look so worried” she chided. “It’s quite a stretchy little number so it’s sure to fit you really well.”

Hesitantly I held it against me. Little was the operative word! Before I could make any protest, however, Karen handed me a cellophane packet. “Now. Stockings just don’t work with this style. You will have to borrow a pair of my pantyhose.”

I couldn’t argue. I’d have to follow her suggestion. I took off my jeans and top, then removed the tights from their wrapping and slipped my hand inside. The material was very sheer. It would be easy to snag the delicate fabric. Seated on her bed I gathered them carefully before easing one foot inside then the other. Gently I pulled the unaccustomed hosiery up my legs. These were still a novelty around that time and I had only worn them once or twice before this.

It took quite some wriggling before finally I had the pantyhose over my butt and positioned as intended. My exertions were hindered by my one-time sweetheart standing over me and smirking at my efforts.

Being in such intimate proximity to the body which had been the focus of so many of my childhood daydreams was proving a major distraction for me, especially in its half-clad state. My gaze kept being drawn back to those long, long limbs of hers. The provocative sight of the tall, elegant figure before my eyes had given rise to a tingling between my legs and I felt sure from the glint in Karen’s eye that she understood only too well what was running though my disturbed brain. I found that knowledge even more embarrassing.

“Want some help?” she offered mischievously.

No way!

Now for the dress. As I stooped to pick it up, the teasing girl moved in even closer. “That cute little body of yours has really filled out nicely in the last couple of years. Even in those old jeans, I couldn’t take my eyes off you.” Her hand fondled my nylon encompassed rear end. She allowed her fingers to wander over my hips as I straightened up.

“You know, you really have developed some great curves!” she murmured dreamily. “All this talk about movie stars who have hour-glass figures! I think yours is one of the sexiest I’ve seen. I quite envy you.”

“Thanks” I blurted. What else could I say?

“And to think all this could have been mine, whenever I wanted!” she mused out loud.

I didn’t like where her train of thought seemed to be heading. To try and derail it I became practical.

“How much time have we got” I asked innocently.

Karen checked her watch in alarm. “None at all!”

Hastily I unzipped the frock and stepped into it. The thing was tight, and more gyrations were required to get it up over my hips. I could see that its top half had sewn-in cups. To preserve my modesty I turned away from my over-attentive friend, unhooked my bra, and letting it fall to the floor, squeezed my bosom into the dress’s bodice. All very demure!

“Neat!” commented my companion admiringly. “I can see that I won’t need to teach you anything. We’re going to knock ‘em dead tonight. Exhale!” She took hold of the dress’s zipper and yanked it up.

“Aargh!” I gasped. By taking shallow breaths I found that respiration was just possible, though to my dismay my boobs rose and fell visibly and uncontrollably in the process. Glancing further downwards and I was surprised to see how much of me was showing below my waist. The top of my legs were barely covered. Yes, ‘barely’ was correct!

It was now my companion’s turn to complete her preparations. Her own dress was in a stylish black design with much more coverage than was provided by mine. She pulled it up over her hips with an elegant wiggle, then slipped her arms through and turned for me to close the zip. That done, she pirouetted around in front of the glass. “What do you think?” she grinned.

Her confidence was justified. My former heartthrob looked effortlessly stylish. I stuttered whatever compliment came into my head.

“Okay, that’s me. We need to hurry now and get you finished.” She handed me a pair of pumps in a bright shade of red. They fit me fairly well, and the colour went with my skimpy dress perfectly. There was even a matching purse to complete the ensemble. I turned to check my appearance in the mirror. My reflection revealed what I’d expected, a degree of exposure that bordered on the criminal.

“This is far too short, Karen. I might as well be wearing a swimsuit!”

The young woman’s response was typically high-handed. “Ordinarily I would agree, but wearing pantyhose makes all the difference with this sort of style. Even the shortest skirt becomes quite respectable. You’ll see.”

Taking note of my look of disbelief, she sympathised “You know you really look something else! If it makes you feel better, I’ve a long jacket you can borrow to wear over everything. Happy?”

Mollified by this concession, I nodded assent.

My mentor picked up a bottle from the dresser and sprayed some perfume on herself. “Do you like this?”

“Mmm, it’s lovely.” I complimented. The aroma was very pleasant though heavier than something I would wear myself.

“Glad you approve. Stand still!”

Before I knew it Karen had applied a healthy dose onto my wrists and behind my ears. “Now you’ll be irresistible” she grinned. For good measure she added a spritz of the musky fragrance behind my knees and between my breasts. Now there would be no escape from her scent filling my nostrils for the rest of the night, and likely all of tomorrow as well. A twinkle in her eye hinted that might have been the intention.

“Come on, we’re late!” She hustled me down and out into her car. As if trying to reclaim lost time, Karen drove us disconcertingly fast. I was so preoccupied with hanging onto the strap above the door, that what I was wearing became the least of my concerns. By the time we alighted I was even more breathless from the excitement occasioned by her mode of progress.

My companion led me into the bar. It looked a classy place. The décor was plush and the room was softly illuminated by what used to be termed mood lighting. She sat me down on a padded bar-stool. “They do the most delicious highballs here. You must try the one which is my all-time favourite.” She turned and ordered the cocktail from the woman behind the counter.

“Aren’t you going to have one too?”

“Oh, I haven’t decided what I want. I have to go and collect the guys first. Ah! Here’s your drink. Just lend me that jacket. It could be chilly out there and I may have to wait. Don't be alarmed. I’ll be as quick as I can. If you get bored, I’m sure that the tall dark stranger over there will keep you company” she giggled.

With an airy “See you later!” Karen turned on her heel and waltzed out into the night, the loaned jacket over her arm.

I was speechless. My initial feeling of surprise at being deserted was soon superseded by another. Total vulnerability! I was alone in a strange bar, wearing a low-cut dress whose skirt barely covered my minimal underwear. Pantyhose or no pantyhose, there was only one word for me.

Conspicuous!

Diva in Disguise Chapter 5

The stranger Karen had referred to was seated at the other end of the counter and, turning my head slightly, I could see he was giving me his undivided attention. I quickly turned back but not before I saw out of the tail of my eye, the man straighten his tie and get up off his stool. Sure enough, I was about to be hit on! As he walked over towards me the humour of the situation broke through the cloud of my anxiety. What the poor sap didn’t realise was that he was about to make his play for an eighteen-year-old boy. He might just be due a surprise or two! I tried to hide my mirth over the idea as he approached.

“Did anyone ever tell you what a pretty smile you have?” was the guy’s opening gambit.

Actually, it was all I could do to keep from dissolving into laughter. “Drinking alone is no fun at all. Can I order you another? Yes? The same again for this pretty lady, if you please, Alma.”

I had taken an incautious gulp of my drink to cover my hilarity and was unable to speak. He interpreted my silence as a welcome. “Those are such pretty shoes” was his excuse for staring at my legs. “They match that beautiful gown you’re wearing.”

Gown?

“What there is of it!” I quipped, probably a bit too loudly, but I couldn’t keep my merriment in any longer.

It probably seemed to him that drink was already having an effect on me, and he leaned closer. “With legs like yours, it would be a crime to cover them up.”

The guy’s confidence was visibly growing. He certainly was a smooth talker, but at the back of my mind a vague recollection was stirring.

I decided that I might as well be friendly. “Why don’t you sit?”

The man needed no second invitation.

“My name’s Adrian, by the way.”

Of course! Mr McShane! He was the man I’d mentally dubbed the horny librarian when I’d taken a part-time job at the library years before. It seemed a lifetime ago. This was priceless. I checked my fit of giggles and managed to croak “Oh, mine’s Jenni… Pleased to meet you.” Instinctively I shortened the name, wanting to remain incognito where possible. It was a good thing that so far he hadn’t twigged who I was.

“Well, I’m delighted to meet you, too, Jenny” and I could tell he meant it from his manner. A glance at the front of his pants confirmed my deduction. Why was I unsurprised?

He stretched out his arm and placed his index finger on my thigh. I shivered and gave him my coy glance.

“Careful!” I exclaimed, round-eyed. “Pantyhose like these don’t come cheap. They snag so easily.”

If I had hoped that the practical nature of my words might have had a quenching effect on the man’s ardour, I would have been disappointed but actually, I was enjoying myself. I straightened myself to my full height and thrust out my chest… just in case he hadn’t noticed.

He really had! In my head I told myself self-control, self-control. I needed to resist these mad impulses which came to me, and which Rachel was always warming me about.

The guy upped the stakes. “I’m always careful. But… perhaps you should take them off!” came his slick rejoinder.

The line provided too good an opportunity to be missed. I put my hand over my mouth in pretended shock. “In here?”

“Well, perhaps we should go somewhere where we can be a little more comfortable. My place is just around the corner.”

My eyes widened in mock horror at the suggestion. “Why Adrian, we’re only just introduced. What kind of girl do you take me for?” Fortunately, he seemed to have no idea!

“We’ll soon get to know each other, don’t worry.” The hand that rested on my knee took a firmer grasp of my leg.

The sensation of being touched so intimately was pleasant and the sigh which I heaved in response wasn’t entirely feigned. That tingling again!
With this encouragement, Adrian ran his hand all the way up my thigh to the hem of my dress. That was a long journey, believe me! What took me by surprise was the thrill I felt. “Aah!” I gasped, involuntarily. Worryingly I was beginning to be strangely aroused.

It flashed through my mind that if I were just to let things happen, they might quickly get out of hand. I took a hold on myself. He’s a man, for heaven’s sake. Get a grip! It didn’t help, but fortunately for me, rescue wasn’t too far away.

I stood up and he followed suit, but the horny guy didn’t take his hand away. It slid upwards onto my pantyhose clad butt.

Oh, my goodness!

Then something caught my eye which restored my confidence. It led me to put my hands around his neck and press my over-exposed bust against his chest. “Honey, you’re awful cute, but your timing is all wrong.”

I gave him a peck on the cheek and disentangled myself. “My friends have just arrived. Got to go!”

I crossed to the other side of the room, taking care to allow my butt to wiggle from side to side as I did so. It was easy in those pumps. When I glanced over my shoulder, he was stood staring after me. The encounter reminded me that flirting could be such delicious fun. I wanted more!

 

Karen had probably been curious as to how I was faring and had been quicker than I’d dared to hope. As far as I was concerned her re-entrance had been very timely. The friends she brought with her turned out to be a couple of young men. One of them was new to me, the other I’d met before.

Brett was a humongous football jock whom Karen and I had once double dated, together with another athlete called Louis. The latter was her actual boyfriend at that time, when I could only aspire to be her sweetheart. Naturally, the tryst had been all her idea and not mine. Now my friend made the introductions, causing my nerves to return in full measure, and at first the conversation was stilted. However, as the night drew on, we all relaxed. The boys took in turns to buy drinks which helped things along.

Brett hadn’t got any smaller in the intervening years. When he addressed any remark to me it seemed like he was treading carefully, perhaps mindful of how forcefully I’d shown him I didn’t care for his advances on that former occasion. It was easy to figure that the other youth, Ryan, and Karen were an item. She allowed the young man’s arm to remain around her waist for most of the evening. The well-built guy was very good-looking and that circumstance didn’t surprise me. My former heartthrob could always be relied on to have a string of eligible admirers dancing attendance on her.

On this occasion I was pleased to notice that Ryan’s eyes spent at least half the time regarding me instead of my willowy friend. I wasn’t interested in him myself, naturally, or perhaps just a teensy bit. It was reassuring to know that I was worth looking at was all. Flattered by this attention I may have given him an occasional inviting glance when I saw he was looking my way. Just now and then. Okay, I flirted a little. My earlier contact with Adrian had reminded me how enjoyable that could be!

What was less gratifying was that, before very long, my head was spinning. I wasn’t used to alcohol in any quantity. I also needed the powder room so made my excuses and left. I was followed by Karen. I remembered to give the librarian a sidelong glance as we passed. I could see it really got to him. Shameless hussy, I scolded myself!

“The look on that fella’s face!” whispered my companion once we were alone and she and I dissolved into laughter. The ladies’ room was of a generous size. There was plenty of room to touch up our make-up and chat undisturbed. After we had washed up, I asked the question that had been on my mind ever since she had entered with the guys.

“So, what happened with you and Louis? You were together for quite some time.”

“Louis? Oh, that’s ancient history. Don’t mention his name. I’ll tell you all about it one day.”

“And Ryan? How serious is that? How long have you been going out?”

“Too long, it seems. He’s really sweet, but he just doesn’t press my buttons, if you know what I mean” she laughed.

“He seems very pleasant and very good-looking.”

“Ah, got the hots for him yourself, have you?”

“No, of course not.” I knew I was blushing which only increased my embarrassment. Okay, perhaps I liked the guy. I could tell he liked me!

“Actually, it’s just occurred to me, you could help me out there.” Karen’s eyes twinkled with excitement as she explained a plan she’d evidently just concocted.

“I guess I’m ready to break up with Ryan. I would welcome an excuse, but he’s just too nice to give me any. I hate to feel that I’m in the wrong. Especially when I know I am!”

I understood exactly what she meant.

I hesitated. I wasn’t too sure I wanted to be involved in any plot cooked up by my erstwhile sweetheart. I’d been bitten before. On the other hand, the idea of Karen without a partner was one I found fascinating, although I had no leisure to analyse why that might be. The thought also occurred that I could be doing Ryan a favour, so in the end, I decided to play along. What could be the harm?

“Well?” The unpredictable girl had been regarding me appraisingly while I dithered.

With a show of more reluctance than I felt, I agreed. “Mmm. Okay, I guess. So how do I come in?”

“Oh, it’s simple. You go out there and flirt with him. I take offence, finish with him and storm off home.”

I took a minute to digest this. “Okay, but then what do I do?”

“You come after me to apologise, unless you want to go home with Ryan that is.”

“No, no!” I hastened to make this clear. “I’ll come back with you.” I wanted her to be sure about that.

“Fine! Make yourself look as seductive as you can.”

Accordingly, I gave my make-up a thorough once-over. A glance in the mirror affirmed that the brevity of my frock would be a real asset in playing out the role which Karen had assigned to me. Just to be sure, I smoothed out my skirt and adjusted the bodice to show the maximum amount of cleavage possible without actual indecency.

“What are you doing?” Karen actually sounded shocked.

My answer was to her undisguised delight and echoed her words earlier. “Making myself irresistible!”

“Unbelievable! Off you go then, you sexy kitten, you!” she smirked.

Leaving my partner in crime perfecting her lipstick, I set out to regain the bar. Unaccountably, I seemed to be more than a little unsteady on my feet. I dismissed the idea that the cause might be the number of drinks I’d had. Probably my borrowed pumps were unfamiliar, that was all. Whatever the reason, I definitely had a wobble when I walked.

Somewhat giddily, I figured that a wiggle would better serve my purpose if I was to attract male attention.

“Wobble, wiggle, wiggle, wobble” I sniggered as I tripped along. A woman who was headed the opposite way looked at me with alarm. After she had passed, I dissolved into hysterics over this.

“Wiggle, giggle!” I laughed out loud, then glanced warily around. No-one was there to witness my behaviour, fortunately. I pulled myself together and resumed my journey. The way was longer than I remembered. I staggered against a pillar which appeared out of nowhere and somehow manifested itself directly in my path, before I eventually made it back to the bar. I teetered over to the corner where the boys were standing. With relief, I took a final step, slipped on a patch of spilled liquid and lost my balance completely.

If it hadn’t been for Ryan’s presence of mind I would have gone sprawling on the floor. As it was my purse went flying and I ended up clinging to his broad shoulders. Brett, animated for the first time, dissolved into great guffaws of laughter at my near downfall.

He was firmly rebuked by his buddy “For heaven’s sake Brett, she could have injured herself!”

Then to me “Are you okay? You didn’t hurt yourself, did you?”

“I’m fine, I think. Just hold on to me for a minute or two, while I get my breath.”

That hadn’t been my planned line of approach, but the opportunity was too good to miss.

“No problem.”

I heaved a huge sigh and beamed at him. Ryan’s gaze seemed to be drawn magnetically downwards to focus on my breasts, which after my stumble were threatening to burst out of their inadequate covering.

“Phew! That’s better. Just hold me steady a moment longer.” I sighed again. Where was Karen? I was unsure how long I could pretend to need support.

“It’s awfully nice of you to look after me like this.” I looked deeply into my rescuer’s eyes and gave him my best smile again.

“Oh no! It’s a real pleasure” he murmured. Our gazes locked.

Out of the tail of my eye I saw my co-conspirator emerge from the powder room. As if that was my signal, I put my arms around his neck and pressed myself more closely against his muscular chest. The embrace felt good, really good! “Thanks” I whispered.

Then he kissed me!

Clearly the time was now ripe for Karen to make her stage entrance, as it were, so I kissed him back. It wasn’t what I wanted to do, of course. Well, perhaps a little. All right, a whole lot! Being in his strong arms was making me melt. Once again, I felt a kind of tingly sensation down below and to repress it, I actually had to lift one foot and squeeze my thighs together in that classic pose you see in romantic movies.

The kiss went on and on while I waited for the moment when my ‘outraged’ friend would appear. Where was that girl? The youth showed no reluctance about continuing and did so. Tongues became involved and a hand fondled my butt. Mmmm!

“Oh Ryan” I sighed… until finally…

“Jennifer! What on earth are you playing at? Ryan! How could you? I thought you cared for me!”

Our clinch was abruptly terminated by this interruption, fortunately for me. I had begun to enjoy myself a little too much. Karen was now in her element and in full cry. She continued to scold the ‘guilty’ pairing for a full five minutes before turning on Brett. He had been grinning inanely as he watched the drama unfold before him. “And you, you big ape! You stand there and let just anything happen. Ohh!”

She burst into tears. It was quite a performance!

To my astonishment, Ryan appeared quite calm throughout the onslaught. When his girlfriend stopped to draw breath, he interjected. “Don’t blame Jennifer! She’s just a little tipsy. It was all my fault. It’s no good, Karen. The moment her eyes met mine I was a lost soul. Oh, Jennifer. I think it’s the real thing for me this time!”

What?!!

Karen was speechless for once. Hands on hips she turned first to him, then to me, her mouth opening and closing but no words coming out.

Finally, she got a grip on herself.

“Fine! The time for us to finish is long past due, Ryan. I never want to see you again!”

Turning to me “And you, you little heartbreaker, you! You’re supposed to be my friend. I’m leaving.” She marched off towards the door before turning and delivering her parting shot to the whole crowded bar. “I hate all of you!”

She disappeared through the doorway and out into the night.

“I’d better go after her. I’m sure I can smooth things over” I exclaimed. Forgetting even to grab my fallen purse I set off in pursuit only to be halted by my new admirer.

“No, don’t go! It will be no use!”

I pulled away in panic.

“When can we meet again?”

Oh my goodness!

Diva in Disguise Chapter 6

Seeing Ryan again? That hadn’t been the plan. Despairingly I shook my head and broke free to run for the door. Once outside I saw that Karen was already in her car and reversing out of the parking space. Oblivious to my presence, she nearly ran into me as I hastened to the door on the passenger side. I had to hammer on the windshield before she turned and saw me. She sure was taking her part in our role play seriously!

When my co-conspirator finally noticed my presence, she slammed on the brakes and the car skidded to a halt. “Get in! Get in!" she yelled at me. I wrenched open the door and tumbled into the seat beside her.
“
You took your time!” snapped my former supposed girlfriend. She really was mad! It soon became evident why.

“To think I’ve been upstaged by a boy! You didn’t have to make it quite so convincing, you know. Now I feel completely humiliated.”

“I only did what you asked me.”

“Oh, don’t argue. Let’s get out of here fast.”

True to her word, Karen kept her elegant right foot hard on the gas pedal all the way back to her house. If my head hadn’t already been spinning, it surely would have been from her style of motoring. By the time we arrived I was feeling completely disoriented. It was all I could do to stagger from the car to her front door.

“I can see that you are in no shape to drive home” she remarked as she inserted her key in the lock. “You had better stay the night.”

It may have been my difficulty in focussing but a seductive smile appeared to play across her pretty features. “My folks won’t be back till noon tomorrow so… we can please ourselves.”

The significance of the look which accompanied this statement was lost on me in my tipsy condition. I tottered into the lounge and perched on a sofa while Karen poured us drinks.

“I deserve this” she exclaimed. “I’ve had to be the model of sobriety while you have been putting it away all night. Next time it will be your turn to drive.”

My one desire was to get away but I felt decidedly thirsty. I gulped the liquid down incautiously. It seemed stronger than anything I’d had at the bar. What had she mixed up for me?

“I really should go” I muttered, but Karen was insistent.

“You’re not going anywhere!” She smiled coquettishly. I didn’t feel well enough to put up any resistance but suffered myself to be led upstairs to my hostess’s bedroom where she took complete charge.

“Let’s get you out of that dress” she commanded. “You can borrow whatever you might need for the night.”

Passively I allowed myself to be stripped of the constricting item of clothing. Modesty had become a lesser consideration in my inebriated state. It was simply a relief to get out of the thing.

“Wow!” was my attendant’s only comment.

I covered my chest with an arm and sank back on the bed, careless of the fate of my borrowed finery. She took the opportunity to take off my pumps.

“What happened to the purse? Don’t tell me you left it there.” She laughed. “What am I to do with you?”

Karen unzipped her own stylish little number. “I’m quite pleased with this. It’s definitely one I’ll wear again” she decided. Kicking off her own shoes, “I’ll just go and hang it up. Perhaps I’ll put on something more fitting to the occasion. It’s our first night together after all!” and she disappeared into the adjoining room which apparently served as a dressing area.

While she was gone, I lay dazed on the bed heedless of my half-clad state. The similarity of the expression she had just used reminded me of Alice’s words. “Our night together!” It struck me how differently they had been uttered. It seemed a century ago since my college friend had left me. I wished she was here now. With an effort I tried to rouse myself, but failed. I should definitely avoid drink on these occasions. I really couldn’t handle it!

When my benefactor returned, I had nearly fallen asleep. Dimly I realised that she was now wearing almost as little as I. A skimpy black off-the-shoulder lingerie set, all frills and lace was the sole adornment for her beautiful body, setting off her languorous curves to their utmost advantage.

 
Even to my fuddled brain Karen looked enticingly seductive. Her legs appeared longer than ever. I couldn’t help but stare at them though it was becoming clear to me what sort of night together she might have in mind. A tingling in my panties began to grow as I allowed myself to dwell on what was before me. Recognising that I needed to escape I tried to raise myself up, but the effort was just too much. Despairing of resistance I closed my eyes and feigned sleep, my last resort. It wasn’t too hard, as I was halfway there already!

My companion, however, was in no way deterred by my apparent drowsiness. I felt rather than saw that she had seated herself right next to me. I moaned sleepily and turned onto my face in an attempt to hide my top half. Without my dress and with no bra, that part of me was completely bare.

“That’s it. Get comfortable.” I heard her murmur of encouragement. “Let’s take these off, shall we?”

Her action suited her words. My borrowed pantyhose was eased from my hips before being peeled all the way down my legs.

“Must look after these. Expensive!" She carefully laid them aside. Then I felt my panties being pulled from my butt.

Nooo!

Laughing merrily, she rolled me onto my back to complete the removal. With a last resolve I continued the roll onto my belly. It was too much for my head. The alcohol in that final drink kicked in. I slipped from consciousness, down a deep dark well of oblivion and knew no more.

When I woke, I was alone with just the bed quilt thrown over me. I was naked under it apart from my panties. My head split in two. Thirstily I drank a glass of water that was on the bedside table then lay back exhausted. Instantly I fell asleep again.

It was late morning when I next came to. Karen was opening the drapes and the sun was streaming in. She was a little more decently covered than before. A silk nightdress adorned her elegant form. She looked good but the curl of her lip conveyed to me that she was not in a happy mood.

“What time is it? I muttered drowsily.

“It’s nearly 11am” she snapped, “though what that has to do with anything, I can’t pretend to guess. This is the third time I’ve tried to rouse you.”

“What’s the matter?” Now I was fully awake I tried my best to sound innocent. The source of her disappointment wasn’t hard to surmise.

“Don’t ask! You can surely guess after last night. I’m sore at you!”

“Shouldn’t you be pleased with me, after I helped you get rid of your boyfriend?” I hazarded.

“Oh, that? Yes, thanks a heap.” The tall girl sounded grumpier than ever. “I’m left without anyone. If I end up dying an old maid, I’ll be glad to remember that it’s all your fault that Ryan deserted me!”

“But…”

The mental gymnastics required to keep pace with Karen’s reasoning left me far behind. I lay back mouthing like a goldfish, unable make any coherent protest.

“You had better be prepared to take his place for now” she went on insinuatingly. “Don’t you see?” she appealed with those puppy dog eyes. “If you are the one to blame for smashing up a relationship the least you can do is try and make amends.”

Blame! Smashing up! This was too much. Despairingly I was left grasping at straws. I could guess what was really upsetting her and tried to use it to divert her wayward train of logic. “Last night I must have been very tipsy. I don’t drink very often.”

“You certainly were of no use to a woman in her hour of need” she scolded. “I hope you realise that I put on my best lingerie entirely for you… and all you could do was to fall asleep on me.”

“Sorry!” Actually, I was anything but sorry. I was mightily relieved at my narrow escape. A love affair with the volatile girl was the last thing I wanted, even if the sight of her was causing some disturbance in my nether regions right now.

She pouted “My prettiest underwear needs to go in the laundry and all for nothing! I ought to make you wash it for me!”

Her lack of delicacy stunned me. Unwittingly I had let the bed cover slide down and Karen regarded my exposed boobs with a greedy expression. “Put those away, can’t you? If you are trying to get me going, there isn’t time now.”

Hastily I covered up again. “Sorry” I mouthed.

“Oh, I might forgive you. This once, mind. Just remember that I’m owed a night of the most exquisite pleasure, okay? Anything I ask, you deliver. Got it?” She turned and stalked away to dress, leaving me staring at her shapely behind.

What was I thinking?

I resolved there and then that the imagined debt would never be paid if I could help it. I was a married… a married person, for heaven’s sake. It was understandable that I was having trouble getting my head straight. My erstwhile sweetheart was coming on to me after all this time. Back in the day I would have done anything to please her, but then she was completely uninterested in my advances. I guessed that now it was a case of forbidden fruit.

When I had washed up and was dressed in my own clothes again, I felt a whole lot better. I joined my ex-heartthrob in the kitchen. Her bad mood had seemingly evaporated.

“Breakfast?” she enquired in a honeyed tone. “What can I get you?”

“Just coffee, please.” I really couldn’t face anything else.

As I sipped the healing brew, I noticed that my companion was spending the time thoughtfully regarding me. Eventually she seemed to come to a decision. Her reverie was broken and she checked the clock. “Gosh! Is it 11:45? Mom and Dad will be back any minute. Will they be surprised to see you here?”

I got up from the chair I’d perched on, but my companion waved me back down.

“No need to panic. They won’t mind you being here, though there might be a few awkward questions.”

I certainly wasn’t up to facing inquisitive parents. “Oh, I’d better leave.”

Karen didn’t seek to delay me. “Okay. By the way, would you mind collecting the purse I loaned you last night from the bar? I’m rather attached to it. Just drop it in any time.”

“No problem, and thanks for the evening. It was … interesting.”

We took leave in the hallway.

“Interesting? I’ll say!” She drew me to her and planted a wet kiss on my mouth. It was of the lingering smoochy variety. “We’ll have to do it again. And soon!”

As I turned to go, she pinched my butt so hard it hurt. “So long, lover boy, or should I say, lover girl! Just remember what you owe me.”

With tinkly peals of laughter, in which I didn’t join, ringing in my ears, I turned to go, while she made for the sitting room.

Phew! Just to get away from her was a profound relief.

I was about to close the front door behind me when I realised that I had left my own purse containing my car keys on the side in the kitchen. I crept back into the house as noiselessly as I could. Perhaps I could retrieve them without encountering my former friend again. Making my way back through the hall, I was congratulating myself on my success when I heard Karen on the telephone. I didn’t try to eavesdrop but what was being said was clearly in reference to myself.

Giggling… “she’s just leaving now… yes, heading back to the bar… ok… bet you are going to have fun with that!”… more merriment. A woman’s voice was on the other end of the line, then “Got it… I’ll help you and you can do something in return for me… Yes!”

There followed winding up remarks indicating that the call was about to end. Wondering who she might have been talking to, I made good my escape. There was one word for my state of mind as I drove away.

Disturbed!

Diva in Disguise Chapter 7

I drove downtown in something of a mental turmoil. My destination was the scene of the previous evening’s action. This part of town was quiet in the daytime, and it was easy to find a parking space close by. I checked the front entrance but found it closed, as might be expected at that time of day. However, I could see that lights were burning inside so I walked around to the back and banged loudly on the rear door. There was no reply. I tried again without result. I had raised my fist to give it one more go when the door opened abruptly, and I knocked on fresh air.

“You don’t need to hammer so loud.” The man who opened the door had a hand to his head and his eyes had a pained expression. “The boss told me you were coming so I’ve been expecting you.”

The guy was dressed in a loosely buttoned shirt and pants. I was puzzled by his remark. The only one who knew of my intended visit would be Karen and the person she had called and the latter had definitely sounded female. When he took his hand away from his face, a closer inspection revealed him to be none other than Adrian, the joker who had hit on me the night before. Then I’d taken him to be just another customer, but I guessed that he must be on the staff. Being employed at such a place must have been a come down from his previous professional role at the library.

He was obviously hung over. He looked at me blearily for a full minute before recognition kicked in.

“It’s Jenny isn’t it” he groaned. “I’d no notion that it might be you.” He cracked a smile, though it clearly hurt to do that much. “I’m pleased it is.
Mighty pleased. You’d better come inside.”

Gingerly I followed the guy into the recesses of the interior, wrinkling my nose. The place reeked of stale beer and cigarettes. He leaned across the row of bar stools and reconnected with his glass which contained an amber fluid. “Want one?”

“No thanks. A bit early in the day for me.”

“Never too early!” He took a deep swig and sighed. “That’s better.”

I hadn’t liked the man before but now I started to feel a little sorry for him. I figured that perhaps alcohol had played a contributary part in his downward career path. Who knows?

My guesswork was interrupted by his suddenly becoming business-like.

“Well, Jenny, if I can’t interest you in any refreshment we might as well get started.”

He pointed to a door opposite. “Have a look around the dressing room. It’s small but there will be everything you could possibly need in there.”

I was mystified by this odd choice of phrase, but following his direction, entered the little room.

It was indeed tiny. A desk doubling as a dressing table, a mirror circumscribed with lights, a washstand and a couple of hard chairs comprised the furniture. On the wall was something which stopped me in my tracks, a rail which was hung full of what I took to be theatrical costumes. The closest was the most visible and was quite a stunning piece, all silver satin and spangles. It was the kind of thing a showgirl might wear.

I was so intrigued by the sight that for the moment my quest was forgotten. I reached across and ran my hand over the shiny material. Its slippery feel was enticing. The thought of having it draped against my skin made me shiver. My curiosity fully aroused, I pushed the gown aside so that I had a view of the next piece, then the next, and the next, before returning to the original. These were all amazing creations!

I realised I was taking far too long in here and the thought brought me to myself. What would my companion be wondering I could be up to? Guiltily I resumed my search for Karen’s purse, though while I hunted around, I wondered with more than a tinge of envy who those clothes might belong to. It didn’t take me long to check every possible hiding place which the small room offered. There was no sign of my quarry anywhere.

Frowning, I leaned out of the doorway to ask Adrian exactly where he’d put the thing. Before I could interrogate him, however, I was met by a barrage of questions.

“Why are you taking so long? What’s the problem? Don’t you like that gear? Won’t any of those outfits fit you? They were all designed with stretch in mind.” Glancing pointedly at my chest, he added slyly “I think you’ll find they can accommodate even a girl with your dimensions.”

There was obviously some confusion here which I attempted to clarify. “I can’t find my purse.”

“No matter. If you want any cosmetics there’s every conceivable type in the top drawer. Feel free to use any you need.”

What?

“No. My purse. It’s a red one. I left it here last night. Do you know where it is?”

He laughed. “You young women are always losing your things. As it happens, I have a good idea where it will be, but that will have to wait. A delivery truck has just arrived, and I need to oversee those guys’ every move. They cheat you blind, unless you watch them like a hawk. Hey! Why don’t you choose one of the dresses and try it for size? I’ll be with you as quick as I can… say twenty minutes.”

“Why would I put any of them on?”

Curiosity must have shown in my face. He laughed dismissively “Anyone can see you’re itching to.”

“But…”

“Go on. Humour me! While I’m busy it will give you something to do.”

Leaving me tangling with a growing conundrum he disappeared out of the door. I stared after my enigma in perplexity. Sounds of beer crates being unloaded followed his departure. This made no sense, but perhaps my own head was none too clear. I sat myself down on one of the stools to await his return. Then I would try and make sense of this labyrinth of confusion.

Meanwhile, patience has never been my strong suit. Adrian’s outlandish suggestion kept recurring to my mind. If I were to slip into one of the outfits for a moment, it might prove an agreeable way of passing the time. The moment I’d laid eyes on the intriguing collection, I’d been tempted by all that glitter. Images from the Dorothy Lamour and Rita Hayworth movies of which my mother had been a devotee and which we had watched together darted into my brain. That had regularly been one of the mother and daughter activities she’d insisted form part of my education. While thus engaged, I’d often found myself wondering what it would be like to wear something so exotic.

Here and now was a ready-made excuse for me to do just that. The recollection of those long-gone times with Mom made up my mind for me. Entering the little dressing room, I closed the door carefully behind me. Part of me knew that I must be I must be crazy even to think of doing this but the rest of me was consumed with an eager inquisitiveness. I divested myself of my top and pants knowing exactly which outfit I would try first.

You guessed! I took the silver ensemble down from the rail. The dress featured a low-cut bodice, cute little voile sleeves and a long, figure-hugging skirt. The main material was a satin brocade and sparkle had been added everywhere. I found the sight irresistible! An accessory bag was hung up with the dress and on inspection proved to hold pantyhose, a quantity of costume jewellery and a pair of strappy heels to support the whole glistening edifice. Wow!

It took less time than I expected to struggle into the tights, despite the lack of elbow room in the office. My technique must have improved overnight! The skin-tight dress was trickier, but I persevered and somehow managed to squeeze myself in without ripping anything. I’d removed my own underwear, guessing that a visible panty line might detract from the overall effect. Next came the jewellery and lastly the shoes. The latter were stratospherically high but surprisingly well-fitting as their straps had plenty of adjustment. When I was finally done, I was enthralled. To be wearing all this shimmering satin was a surreal experience, like I was clothed in light itself. The experience exceeded my wildest expectations.

The dressing room was too small to allow me to fully immerse my senses in the moment, so I tottered out into the bar, one wall of which I’d noticed was all glass. The image I saw there completely took my breath away. The vision would not have been in the least out of place in a one of those exotic movies.

Time stood still while I primped and posed, shamelessly indulging my fantasy. When I did check how the minutes were passing there was still no sign of Adrian’s return. Neither hide nor hair of the man was in evidence. What was I supposed to do now?

In for a penny, as they say. Purely to fill the vacuum of waiting, I took some of the other outfits from the dressing room and carried them into the ladies’ powder room where there would be more space to change and there was also a full-length mirror. I was wary of leaving my own purse untended so made sure I kept it with me. That was to be a fortunate precaution.

For my next essay into this world of glamour I picked out another floor length gown, this time in black. It was completely backless and featured a halter-style velvet bodice with a plunging neckline. The skirt section, which was sheer and trimmed with silver braid, had splits in both sides and they went all the way up my hips. Once again, the only undergarment possible would be pantyhose. Even so, I found that I needed to roll the top of the tights over to prevent their waistline showing.

The ensemble was almost indecently revealing but I loved every stitch that there was, or wasn’t, of it! Vamping it up in front of the restroom mirror I imagined myself as a gangster’s moll or a femme fatale in some film noir. These flights of fancy were so absorbing that I desired to stay like this for ever! I delayed the moment when I would have to remove my finery as long as I could.

I had just reluctantly decided I should ought to get changed back when I heard someone clattering about in the bar. Adrian must have returned. Perhaps familiarity does breed contempt, but I felt confident that I could stay in control around this particular guy and boldly, I stepped out to meet him.

“Well? How do I look?”

The man just stared. He was actually speechless, and I wasn’t all that surprised. The ensemble had taken my breath away as well. I walked towards him and took on what I deemed to be a suitably provocative pose.

Then I turned on my heel and walked away, allowing my butt to wobble freely from side to side as I did so. I turned again and smiled as seductively as I knew how. “Will this do?”

He just gaped. It was so easy to twist this guy’s tail!

At last Adrian found words. “You’re hired! You can start this evening. We open at seven, so get here in time to change. It pays well and you’ll have a ball.”

It was my turn to be left without words. Not for the first time I’d been caught out by my own frivolity.

Encouraged by my silence, he filled in some background. “It’s only for a few days, as a stand-in, covering for the girl who normally works here. Her mother’s sick, or so she says.”

I needed to negative the proposal before it got too far. I shook my head.

“Help me out here, won’t you? The boss told me we only had the one reply to our small ad. If I don’t hire a replacement today, it will be me who gets sick. I’ll be fired! Mrs Bell doesn’t take prisoners.”

“Mrs Bell?”

“The boss.”

“I’m sorry but…”

“Please, honey. Anyone can see you would make a great hostess. This is a classy joint, no funny business. You can earn good money here. Come on, sugar. Give a guy a break!”

The light had dawned. He apparently thought I had turned up to interview for a job. A bar hostess no less! Although I could understand the reason for the confusion, what he had asked was about the most off-beam idea I’d heard in a long time. I did feel a little sorry for him. If the woman he’d referred to as the owner of the place was the Mrs Bell I knew, it wouldn’t do to get on the wrong side of her!

How to let him down lightly? Before I could gather my wits, he ploughed straight on. “I’ll let you think about it while I talk to her. Then I can say you haven’t turned me down.”

“But when are you seeing Mrs Bell?” I managed to blurt out.

“Right now!” He pointed to the dressing room which doubled as an office. “She’s just arrived for a meeting and she’s not in the best of humours, I can tell you. Don’t disturb us, please. I gotta go!”

He mouthed “See ya later. If I still have a job, that is!” and with a final pleading look he crossed the room and left me to my own devices.

I stood in my borrowed finery wondering what on earth I ought to do now?

Not only was the man depending on me to join his staff but he’d seemingly forgotten that my street clothes were in the doubly purposed room. I could see the outline of the back of Madeleine’s head through the frosted glass. It was she, all right and her presence raised a complication. He’d asked me not to interrupt them and anyway, I really didn’t want an encounter with her while dressed like some kind of chorus girl, else I could have straightened the matter out in a twinkling.

I returned to the powder room considering my options. It would be best to make my departure and then later on I would telephone and sort everything out, but there was no way I could drive home in the middle of the day dressed as I was. What was I to wear?
Of the outfits I’d taken from the rail the least conspicuous was a strappy little number in a shimmering fabric. The skirt was very short and its shape reminded me of a tulip flower, but in a subdued shade of grey it offered a potential solution. Though the frock was very revealing it would probably ‘do’ to get me home.

I wriggled out of the black gown and hastily squeezed into the grey dress, then took an appraising glance in the mirror. Oh, my goodness, it was skimpy! Vainly I tugged at the neckline to cover more of myself. It would have to be okay.

Something about my image made me pause. The muted shade of grey did things for me, I reckoned, making me look older somehow, but there was no time to linger. I grabbed my purse and stepped as confidently as I could out of the restroom.

A glance at my image in the glass wall as I passed it made me aware that I still was wearing all that trinketry, but just then I heard the sound of chairs scraping in the office. The occupants were getting to their feet. It was too late to do anything about the jewellery. Neither was there any time to search for Karen’s purse, my original reason for calling in there.

I simply fled.

Diva in Disguise Chapter 8

As I trotted towards my car on my borrowed heels, I thanked my stars that I had kept my purse with me. Some of its contents were essential of course, but it was also proving useful to cover some of my unwanted décolletage. There was just too much of me showing! The street and alleys around the bar were no longer deserted. I became all too aware that to be dressed like this in the broad light of day attracted notice. Illogically, the knowledge that all I had on underneath my dress was a pair of sheer pantyhose intensified my discomfort. It wasn’t as if anyone but me would know, but I couldn’t shake the belief that I was under the scrutiny of everyone I passed. I wanted somewhere to hide!

You might be forgiven for thinking that my experience as a model would have toughened my hide, but not so. Facing the camera was a breeze in comparison to being on public display. Once I was back at my car, I started to feel a little easier. I debated whether I ought to raise the soft top, but I knew that it took some time to do so, and I really wasn’t dressed for the necessary exertions. In the end I resolved to drive straight home. Though my upper half would be very much on public view my legs would be well enough concealed.

To begin with all went well. The streets downtown were busy at that time of day but I had expected no less. Everything was fine until I stopped at a red light, where the stares of passers-by once again reminded me how extremely conspicuously I was attired.

Things went from bad to worse! Before the light changed, I was dismayed to hear the sound of a large motorcycle behind me and sure enough, out of the corner of my eye I was treated to the sight of the machine ridden by, oh horrors, a traffic cop! The man pulled up right alongside me. Trying not to panic I looked straight ahead as calmly as I could. My one thought was not to make eye contact.

Help!

It made no difference. The patrolman blipped his siren and when I looked up, gesticulated towards the roadside with his index finger. Reluctantly I pulled over and switched off the engine. He did the same.

“That’s a pretty little automobile you got there, lady.”

I tried to smile.

“I can see from those out of state plates that you’re a ways from home. Dolled up real nice an’ all! Goin’ somewhere special?”

What ought I say to get me out of this predicament? My only option seemed to be to blurt out the truth, or some of it. “No, I’m on my way home. I’ve been to an interview for a job at a bar back there. I didn’t have time to change my clothes after it.” I hoped my explanation would satisfy his curiosity.

No such luck! Under the officer’s appraising stare, I became more and more uncomfortable. He considered me a while before responding. “That so? I believe you lady, but we have to check these things out."

The day might be bright and sunny but for me it was rapidly becoming gloomier. The cop dismounted and came over to lean against my door. A growing group of idlers stood at a short distance, watching with interest. I could only hope that none of those witnessing my discomfiture knew me.

“Let me see your papers, if you please.”

I was reasonably confident there would be nothing amiss there, and thankfully so it proved. The patrolman studied them a while then handed them back.

He seemed to be having difficulty making up his mind. “Now Miss Cartwright, don’t get me wrong. I like what I see.” His eye might have given me a sly wink. “But... there’s rules about the kind of thing a woman can wear in public and you’re awful close to the line. Where did you say you’d just come from?”

I hadn’t, but now gave him the name of the bar.

“Yes, I know the place.”

Hastily I added “I’m going straight home, honestly.”

“Well, I’d say that’s wise. It would be easy for anyone to get the wrong idea.” The man paused while he considered some more. He allowed his eyes to run all over me. Under that searching gaze I felt more exposed than ever. At last, he reached some kind of decision.

He heaved a sigh. “Hmm… Okay, Miss Cartwright, where are you staying?”

I gave him the address of my mother’s house.

“I don’t want to be too hard on a pretty girl like you, so I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll drop by that bar and check out your story. If it’s all cosher you won’t hear from me again, but otherwise you and I will be meeting again and soon, real soon. You can be on your way now.”
The cop returned to his motorcycle and sitting astride it proceeded to make some jottings in his notebook.

When he’d done, I started the engine and put the car into gear. Cautiously I edged out into the midday traffic. As I drove away I reflected that there was no way that I could have attracted more attention from all and sundry if I’d tried. Why did these things have to happen to me? In fairness I had to admit that at least the man hadn’t made me get out of the car. To stand in full view of such a crowd would have been so embarrassing that I might have died then and there on the spot! I fervently prayed that Adrian would still be around back at the bar, so he could verify my story. If I were very lucky then gossip about my brush with the law might go no farther than him, but I couldn’t count on it.

As I drove back to Mom’s house my head was filled with vain regrets. If only I’d been wearing my own clothes, none of this would have happened. If only Madeleine hadn’t turned up when she did, or if I had braved meeting her, things would have been different. It occurred to me that were my mother still around, she undoubtedly would have viewed my recent humiliation with glee. How often had she engineered a situation where I’d ended up decked out like a Christmas tree and put on public display? I could just imagine the smile of secret delight she would have been failing to hide if she could have heard what had occurred.

The worst consequence of the incident was that I now had pretty much no choice but to work at the bar, for the coming weekend at least. Before the policeman stopped me that had formed no part of my plan, trust me, but I would be a fool to risk him finding my explanation untrue.

When I got home, what I most desired was to become invisible. I didn’t know which of the neighbours might be watching me alight, so I pulled the two-seater up as close to the house as I could and made it to the door in record time. Fumbling with my keys seemed to take me an age, but at last I was inside and could breathe freely again.

After a morning like that I needed coffee more than anything else. I went through to the kitchen to set the percolator going. When the healing brew was ready I took the cup through to the lounge and collapsed onto the sofa. The events of the previous twenty-four hours wouldn’t stop circling around in my head. I sat there a prey to confusion. In the end I must have dozed off.

I don’t know how long I slept. It seemed like seconds but my cup of coffee was stone cold when I came to, so it must have been much longer than that. In the back of my mind was a sense that I’d missed something; something that had occurred to disturb my slumbers. I got up and took my cold coffee through to the kitchen to pour away and replace with a fresh cup. Crossing the hall on the way back to the lounge I saw that a folded piece of paper had been slid under the front door.

With a sigh and a muttered ‘What now?’ I set down my cup and went across to pick it up. Figuring that if my luck hadn’t changed for the better, the missive might be from that traffic cop, I hesitated to open it. Instinctively I first opened the door to see if anyone was waiting there, but the doorstep was empty, thankfully. Empty, that is, apart from the mislaid purse and… a spray of pretty flowers.

What? How?

I checked up and down the street. No-one was in sight.

I stooped to pick up the bouquet and grabbed my purse. As I stood there in wonderment, a vehicle down the street started its engine and drove away. Out of the tail of my eye I caught a glimpse of black pickup before it disappeared. It wasn’t one I recognised. I went inside and closed the door behind me. Remembering the note in my hand I put down my purse and the flowers. I opened the paper to read as follows: “Thinking of you, Ryan. XXX”.

My emotions were mixed. The guy apparently had feelings for me and had them bad. His admiration was flattering, but quite unwelcome. I would need to be careful not give him any encouragement if our paths crossed again. On top of everything my dominant thought was that if I’d known he had the wretched purse I would have been spared my recent visit to the bar to retrieve the thing. Nor would I feel compelled to return there this evening to face heaven knows what. If only! So many needless consequences.

To help clear my befuddled brain, there was one whose sympathy I knew I could count on. I would spend the next ten minutes on the telephone unloading all my angst onto Rachel. I had been thinking more and more that the decision for me to remain in this locale on my own had been an unfortunate one. If she now considered that I ought to come away, then I would do so immediately, extra travel and expense or no.

Merely to hear her voice was like balm for my frayed nerves. My dearest was dying to know how my evening with Karen had gone and most of all, curious as to how the unpredictable girl had behaved.

“So, was your ex-sweetheart friendly?”

“I don’t think she ever was my sweetheart, but yes, she was. Actually, she was a bit too friendly. I drank more than I should have and fell asleep back at her place so in the event I stayed over. I was so glad to get away from her this morning.”

“Oh, you know you can’t handle alcohol in any quantity. How did you let that happen?”

I explained how first Adrian and then Karen’s friends had kept pressing drinks on me. I went on to relate the events of the evening in detail. The only things I didn’t mention were how fiercely my old heartthrob had hit on me, nor how erotic images of the long-limbed girl kept recurring in my mind’s eye. I knew I wouldn’t be seeing her again, so it didn’t matter. Rachel seemed to view the whole escapade as an amusing adventure, though one thing she didn’t like was the way Karen had used me to ditch Ryan.

“Poor young man! Well at least he got to kiss you so that would console him for the way he was treated. I’d like to do that myself. I’m missing you terribly, you know. Fancy leaving you a bouquet. That was nice. Probably a first for you.”

It was. We didn’t have the money to spend on such things, but I resolved there and then to call ‘Say It With Flowers’ and treat my own lover in the same way.

“I’m missing you too. I so want you to be here.” I then posed the question uppermost in my mind. “Do you think I should come home now? I could return in a week or so.”

“Only if you can’t stand it any longer. I know it’s hard for you, but it would be good to do the photo shoot Pete has arranged. We could certainly use the money right now.”

“I guess.” I went on to mention that I’d been offered some bar work.

“Oh, that sounds good. And if you take that, it will help you get through these long evenings on your own.”

I mentioned how I had been pulled over that afternoon.

Rachel viewed the implications of the incident as I did. “That clinches it. Keep in mind that your explanation to that cop needs to hold up. You really don’t want to get the wrong side of the police.”

“The job is as a bar hostess, though. What does that entail?”

“If it’s a respectable place, and that is what I’ve heard about that particular bar, then all you should have to do is to make the customers feel welcome. Probably you should encourage them to buy drinks.” She giggled “With your head I’d make sure that your drinks are of the soft variety.”

“But I will have to be dressed up like some kind of showgirl. That would be too much, don’t you think?”

“More likely to be too little” quipped she. “You know that you will look amazing, and you’ll have a ball. I just wish I could see you got up like that. Send me a photo!”

Send her a photo? As if I enjoyed making a spectacle of myself!

What was she thinking?

Diva in Disguise Chapter 9

Understandably, it was with a few misgivings that I set about readying myself for my first evening as a bar hostess. I had no real idea what that role might require of me. I’d made myself a light lunch, but I was too keyed up to have much appetite. All afternoon I was on tenterhooks, half-expecting the cop to show up. By the time I began my preparations for the evening ahead he still hadn’t done so. Perhaps I wouldn’t encounter the officer again.

Now I had some choices to make. Deciding on my make-up was easy. I would go for a look somewhere between my usual style and the more dramatic one which ‘Mistie’ usually adopted. A more difficult question facing every girl in my situation was… what on earth would I wear?

I had no hesitation in ruling out the grey strappy dress I’d borrowed that morning. Call me a prude if you like, but the thing just didn’t cover enough of me. Being inconspicuous was too much to hope for, but it would be nice if I could blend into the background a little. Also, those exotic outfits I’d seen at the bar had been fun to try on, but I doubted that I had the nerve to wear one in public. I needed a confidence booster before venturing into the unknown.

None of the clothes I had with me were suitable, but I remembered an evening frock of my mother’s that I’d discovered at the back of her closet. I’d taken a fancy to it, so it had survived my trips to Goodwill. I went into Mom’s room, fetched out the dress and laid it on the bed. The material was beautiful, and the style was elegant and timeless. When I tried it on it fit me perfectly. My mind was made up. This was what I’d wear.

First, I needed to shower and attend to my hair. While I was doing so the prospect of wearing something of my mom’s gave me food for thought. From the size label, I knew that the dress I planned to borrow must have dated from the springtime of her womanhood. That would be during the years before childbearing had taken its toll on her girlish figure and the breakup of her marriage had sowed the seeds of bitterness in her soul and crushed her hopes and dreams. The emotional baggage she carried had prevented Mom from ever being a role model for me. I loved her and knew rather than felt that she loved me, but her continual measures to eradicate the last traces of my maleness had soured our relationship.

Now I began to see her in a different light, as the lovely young woman she must have been once, who had trusted herself to a sunlit future which had clouded early. It was a commonplace enough tragedy, but comprehending it afresh gave me inspiration just the same. For once, I felt that she and I had a strong connection. I wanted to represent the person who in essence she was. In her life she had never drawn back from any trial, and I resolved to try and match her courage whatever difficulties lay ahead of me.

Time was passing while I sported with these lofty sentiments, and I wasn’t even dressed! On the spur of the moment, I opened Mom’s underwear drawer and explored its delicate contents. This collection of intimate garments had still to be disposed of, though I was unsure where. Hidden below everything else was a lingerie set I hadn’t seen before, though the household laundry had been pretty much my sole responsibility when I lived at home. A matching bra and garter belt were complemented by a pair of what used to be termed tap pants. All were of an exquisite silken material in a dainty shade of pink which ought not to show beneath the pale peach hue of the dress.

More than a decade ago such flimsy underpinnings would have been de rigueur for every woman of fashion. Apparently, my mom was included in that number. It would be apt if I could be like her in this respect though I doubted whether any of the set would fit. First, I tried on the bra, then with growing excitement the garters and the pants. Amazingly the set might have been made for me!

Perfect! I next fixed my makeup, wondering how closely the image in the glass resembled that of my parent when she was in her first bloom. I could only hope there was at least a likeness to my dear departed. While my nails were drying, I had ample time for further reflection. How, I mused, had Mom felt the first time she put this finery on? Excited probably. Nervous perhaps. Happy that she looked good, undoubtedly.

I squeezed into the dress and did up the zipper. Checking in the mirror, I was pleased with the choices I’d made. There was an unexpected plus in that no panty line was visible under my tight-fitting dress. However, there was one thing I needed to change. I would have to dispense with a bra completely. The frock's bodice daringly incorporated panels of sheer lace beneath which that item of underwear would be visible. I knew that my parent would have regarded such a display trashy. Outmoded though such values undoubtedly are, they had been ingrained for me to ignore them. It was fortunate that the shape of my bust allowed me to go braless if the occasion demanded.

A hint of Mom’s perfume was the finishing touch, and my preparations were complete.

I hastened down the stair, confident that I could face whatever was ahead of me. I felt I had passed a further milestone of my journey into womanhood, now content to be the person into which I had been moulded.

My positive mindset prevailed all through my drive to the bar. As I parked up outside the place, I could see Adrian was just ahead of me and grinned mischievously to myself. The poor sap had no idea what he was in for!

I opened the door, swung my legs demurely out and drew myself to my full five foot something. The man did a double take and I suppressed my smile as he vainly tried to hide his reaction.

“Er… you look nice” he stammered, waiting for me to come up with him.

Saucily, I gave him a twirl and halted in front of the guy, coyly fluttering my lashes for added effect. “A girl has to make an effort, now and then. Good to know that it’s appreciated. And you look good yourself!”

He held the door for me to enter and as I passed close by him, I felt a hand brush against my butt. I stopped short and moved it aside somewhat pointedly. Clearly, I needed to lay down some ground rules.

As we made our way inside, I could feel his breath on the back of my neck. He was in my space. I turned face to face with him. “Adrian, I’m here tonight partly for the money but mostly to help you out. If you want me to stay, there are a couple of things that need to change. Who knows, they might even make you successful in running this bar.”

The guy was taken aback. He shifted his weight uncomfortably to the other foot. “I’m listening.”

“Rule number one. Don’t get drunk before we open. Please!” Though the evening hadn’t begun, I’d observed he was already looking longingly towards the spirits behind the bar.

The woman behind the counter, Alma, cocked an ear in our direction.

“What the…!”

“I want to know I’m working for someone who is capable and sober. I’m sure Alma feels the same.”

The latter pulled a wry face but nodded.

He hesitated, then “Okay, point taken. I can do that.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’m sure” he replied testily. And number two?”

“Don’t hit on the staff!”

Our colleague chimed in with a fervent. “Amen to that!”

“Flirting is okay, but no touching, unless specifically invited.”

The guy looked sheepishly at the floor.

“Is that a ‘yes’?” Why did I feel like I was the adult here?

“Sure. Got it.”

“Okay let’s get started. What do you want me to do?”

Adrian’s instructions were very concise. I was to be welcoming and friendly to the customers and encourage them to drink and buy drinks for me. I was provided with a matchbook to keep a tab of each drink bought. No ‘funny business’ need be tolerated. “Any questions?”

“Can Alma make sure that all my drinks are non-alcoholic, please?”

He shrugged. “Of course. Whatever you want.”

My relief at negotiating this key concession was soon dispelled by his next instruction.

“There’s not much time. You’d better get changed.”

“But… Changed? Don’t I look okay like this?” I was piqued and it showed in my face.

“Don’t fret, honey. You look terrific but…”

“You and I are supposed to match!” put in Alma. She was attired in something long and blue with voluminous layers to its skirts. “Pity, but it has to be so” she continued. “I just know I’m going to look like the ugly sister next to you.”

With an air of resignation, she stubbed out a cigarette and led the way. “Come on!”

So much for my careful choice of clothing! The idea that I would be under Mom’s imagined protection was blown to pieces and instead, recollections of some of the situations she had gotten me into took its place. There had been plenty of those that had been far more like a health risk! However, my new resolve was unbroken as I followed Alma to the powder room. I could handle this!

“You had best get dressed in here. There’s not enough room in that office for the two of us, ’specially when we’re both tricked out in all this stuff” she grumbled, tugging at the layers of tulle encircling her.

“Do I really have to change? This used to be my mom’s best dress and I love it.”

“Honey, I don’t make the rules around here… and Adrian only thinks he does. It has to be so!”

With Alma’s assistance, and not a little reluctance, I changed out of my carefully selected dress into one similar in style to the older woman’s. Instead of shades of blue, mine was in a myriad of pastel hues.

“As if I didn’t have enough on my plate trying to compete with looks like yours, you get to wear the prettiest outfit” she continued to complain.

“Oh, I really like yours. It’s great on you, but if you had rather, you’re welcome to wear this one?” I queried.

My offer to swap with her was greeted with peals of laughter. “That’s real nice of you, honey, but there’s one small obstacle to that suggestion.
It’s years since I’ve been able to squeeze into anything that small!”

Conspiratorially, she whispered “Mine has had a few alterations.”

“No matter” she tittered. “I’ll be behind the counter with Adrian all night so no-one will notice me. You’re the one who’ll be out there, sweet-talking the punters.”

The gown was quite something. Its rainbow of colours was highlighted with sequins sprinkled all over. I emerged from the switch looking like I was dressed for a gala night at the opera. The bodice was strapless and cut low and though the skirt was floor-length at the back, the hemline at the front was raised, so despite the layers of material there was plenty of me on display.

I was okay with that, however, and was soon too busy to be concerned about what I wore. It was a Friday night and as soon as the doors opened the customers came in thick and fast. In the main the clientele were older and better dressed than those of the previous evening. There was a sense of occasion in the air. I greeted as many as I could and thanked them for coming. Usually, I didn’t have to inquire what they were drinking. Most needed no encouragement from me. Alma and Adrian were hard put to it to keep up with demand.

I had half-expected that Ryan might be among the crowd. I was unsure how to handle meeting the youth again. It was bound to be a little awkward. As it happened, he never showed. Why should he? It was better that way. Why would I be disappointed? It didn’t mean anything if I kept glancing at the door as the evening wore on.

Once the first rush had passed my interaction with the customers became more personal, but those exchanges came quite easily to me. Basically, I flirted, engaging unaccompanied males particularly in such lively chit-chat as occurred to me. I was surprised how readily this kind of frivolity came to my mind. Evidently, I had been fitted quite naturally for the role of barfly. A hidden quality much to be prized!

Or perhaps not!

Diva in Disguise Chapter 10

The next day dawned bright and sunny once again. I rose to be reminded by the calendar that my modelling session had been arranged for that afternoon. I was hopeful that the real me had remained hidden when I’d met Tam and I dared to believe that it could remain so during the photoshoot itself. Contending with more than one identity was something I had become used to having to deal with. For years I’d had to manage both a male and a female persona as the occasion demanded, but now I would have to be even more wary.

On the previous visit, I had left the house as Jennifer, completed my transformation to ‘Mistie’ in the car and parked up outside the studio. That was before I’d discovered that the little guy who ran the studio was in fact an old acquaintance. Now that I knew, a different plan was called for. My little car was too recognisable to risk my other persona being seen driving it. Accordingly, Jennifer would drive to a vacant lot behind the high street which I knew of, complete the changeover, then walk a block to where Mistie could pick up a cab.

As regards my clothing, my best tactic would be to make a strong visual impact, or so I figured. Accordingly, I chose a bright striped top and a skirt whose flamboyant layers added a little drama to my figure. The combination certainly had pzazz.

I reckoned I’d done everything I could that was calculated to distract the eye from my face and when I waved off the cabbie, I got some welcome confirmation it was so. A blaring of horns accompanied his manoeuvre to pull out into the passing stream of cars. I wasn’t certain but it might have been the first time my looks had stopped traffic!

I had a little time to kill, so I walked some way down the street window shopping. I needed to clear my head before embarking my next challenge. Though the previous evening had gone by in a whirl, it had not been without its trials.

The thought of greeting and introducing myself to the customers as they entered was a prospect I found daunting. I had never found it easy to remember names. Before the doors were opened, I had plucked up courage to mention the problem to Alma.

“It will be so embarrassing if I keep forgetting what they all call themselves. How do you manage?”

The older woman seemed genuinely touched to be asked for help by a precocious youngster. “Just say the name in your head three times then repeat it back to the customer. Works for me.”

Perhaps under that brash exterior there lurked a sympathetic heart. From then onwards she had taken me under her wing. “I have a daughter about your age, or a little older. How old are you? Twenty?”

“I’m just eighteen.”

“Eighteen! Honey, with looks like yours you should be in the movies!”

Colouring up, I’d smiled gratefully. “Where is your daughter now?”

“Patty? She’s in the big city. She’s just graduated from law school. What’s your day job, sweetie?”

“Up until recently I’ve been working in a beauty salon. It pays the rent, but I’m also at college, studying skin therapy and now I’ve finished, I’ll be going into nursing.”

“Skin therapy! That could be useful. You wouldn’t guess, but I have this terrible rash…” Alma had indicated the site of the problem with a downward pointing finger. “Next time we get changed you can take a look and let me have your professional opinion.”

What!

My consternation over this request must have showed all too clearly in my expression.

“Don’t look so shocked. You must have seen it all before!”

True, but there was no way that I’d wanted to repeat that experience with my new colleague. I’d been left speechless, my mouth opening and closing but no words came out until… I’d realised that my companion was doubled up with silent laughter.

“Your face! It’s a picture… but you can relax, sweetheart. I was merely winding you up” she’d cackled.

When her merriment at my expense had subsided, she’d hugged me. “Aww, I’m sorry! Where do you live, honey?”

I’d mentioned the city that had become my home. “I’m only in these parts to clear my late mother’s house and settle her affairs and then I’ll be going back there.”

“Shame! You’re a nice kid. I like having you around.”

It appeared that I’d made a friend.

Once the doors were open and the punters began entering thick and fast, I’d recalled Alma’s recommendation and given it a try. Though the method wasn’t foolproof the repetition certainly helped my confidence. It wasn’t the only advice I was indebted to her for. Halfway through the evening she’d beckoned me closer.

“Here’s a stroke of luck” my colleague had whispered, and she’d inclined her head to indicate a man who had just entered. “See that guy in the red shirt. He’s what you might call a real spender. Be sure you make his acquaintance.”

Without turning my head, I’d eyed the person she’d indicated. He was wearing a smart black suit and was very well-groomed. At a guess, he looked middle-aged, but it would be no hardship to be in his company. Preparing to sidle over I’d been halted by the older woman’s touch on my arm.

“You may want to watch out for his hands, dear” she’d mouthed, winking artfully. “Know what I mean?”

I could imagine! I walked across to where the man was standing. Straightaway he gave me his full attention. “Hello sugar!” he exclaimed with a welcoming smile. “You’re new here, are you not? Glad to know you. This place was needed brightening up, I can say!”

Murmuring “Pleased to meet you too”, I checked myself from adding “You look pretty good yourself.”

Well he did!

“Sit with me why don’t you?” The man puffed out his chest, making me think of a peacock. He certainly had a good physique. “My name’s Andy” as he laid his hand on mine.

Oh, I thought, that’s easy to remember. Handy Andy!

“I’m Jenny.”

“That’s a sweet name, for a sweet-looking girl.”

The guy had been easy to talk to, or rather listen to. He was certainly tactile but in an unobtrusive way. His touch on my arm, my waist or my knee felt entirely natural, like a mannerism. Andy needed no encouragement to buy us drinks. He drank doubles and kept me well-supplied with my favoured ‘cocktails’. I soon lost count of the number I had consumed. It was as well that no alcohol had been included in their mixing.
Noticing, he commented on my apparent capacity. “You can certainly put it away, darling. How do you manage it?”

“Oh, these aren’t too strong” I laughed. That was almost true! “I expect it’s all the practice I get.”

“Well, practice makes perfect and that’s how you look to me. That style you’re wearing makes you look like a princess, but a sexy one. I’m fascinated! Makes me want to see more.” Again, the hand, this time on my leg.

It felt good. I knew I ought to fend him off a little, so chose to question the compliment not the action. “I think you can see plenty.”

“No, no! Just right. You look adorable, honey. So soft and yet…” he ran his fingers through the layers of my skirt, coming to rest on the top of my thigh, “…so firm and shapely.”

I smiled nervously, uncertain how best to deal with these attentions.

Next moment the guy had placed his hands on my hips and pulled me close to him.

My bust was pressed hard against his torso. The guy was all muscle and an unexpected wave of euphoria swept over me. To be held so firmly in his arms felt amazing. It would be so nice to acquiesce and let whatever happened happen. Those hormones of mine were running riot again!
I knew I ought to put a halt to these attentions. I allowed the embrace to linger a moment or two, merely out of politeness, before pressing my hands on his chest and shoving hard. It wasn’t an elegant manoeuvre, but it proved an effective means of freeing myself.

“You’re really nice but…” I said firmly “… after all those lovely drinks you got me, I need the powder room!”

Andy was undaunted. “I’ll be here when you return, my dear” he replied, evenly.

“Okay, but I am working, and those fellas over there are being neglected. I’ll have to say ‘Hi’ and then I’ll be right back.”

My admirer turned to see who I was referring to, then stared at me in surprise. “Do you know who they are?” he frowned.

“Oh, yes!” and with a smiling “See you again soon!” I made my escape.

On my return from the restroom, I went over to the pair of customers I’d referred to.

To be strictly accurate I had only recognised one of them. His buddy was unknown to me but even without the uniform, here was a face that was only too familiar.

“Enjoying yourselves, guys?” I inquired.

My ‘friend’ the traffic cop grinned at me. “Sure thing, Miss Cartwright. Glad to see you here. You look swell but I hope you didn’t drive here dressed like that.”

“No way! By the bye, I’m grateful that you were so nice this afternoon.”

“Oh, I believed every word you said, trust me.”

Yeah right! I guessed that. in actuality, he might have called in here to combine business with pleasure.

“Thanks. Everyone needs a break now and then.”

“If I’d known who you kept company with, I might have taken a different tack.”

“Who do you mean?” I was nonplussed.

“That joker in the red shirt” the other cop clarified. He seemed to be the senior of the two. “He’s a bird we’ve been keeping our eyes on for some time.”

“You mean Andy. I’ve only just met him.” I turned to look at my recent companion to find… he was nowhere to be seen.

“Where has he got to?” I asked. He was there a moment before.

“Looks like he had some place to be. I wonder why?”

“But…” My disappointment must have shown in my face.

“If I can offer a word of advice” said the captain or whatever he was. “I’d choose my company more carefully another time.”

“Thanks.” I was crestfallen.

“Happy to oblige!” He gave a little bow.

Not to be outdone, I’d responded with a small curtsy, but didn’t linger, judging it wiser not to get any better acquainted with the law. The men had left soon after.

It was late when the bar had eventually closed, but for me the night had flown by. Though I had been on my feet for hours, I’d had my fill of attention which I admit I’d mostly enjoyed. The jokers to whom flirting with a pretty girl was just a game were my preference. We’d had some laughs. Whereas those who thought they were getting somewhere with me were more tiresome, but no-one had stepped too far out of line, so all of it was okay.

Despite the apparent frailty of my gown, it had proved to have stamina and had stood up to the rigours of the evening very well. I’d adored wearing it. When it came to helping Alma clear tables and mop up, however, I’d reluctantly got changed out of my finery. My street clothes from the morning were still in the office, thankfully.

When we had done the older woman had been full of appreciation. “It’s so good to have another pair of hands. We got through all that in half the time. He’s no use” indicating where Adrian was propped, nursing a drink “and Delores isn’t much better.”

“Dolores?”

“The girl you’re covering for. If it were left to me, I’d take you on full time and let her go, stuck-up cow. I’m guessing the management might go for the idea, too. Tonight’s gone well and the takings have been sky high.”

Such unexpected praise had been most welcome. As I’d taken leave, Alma had hugged me. “See you tomorrow, sweetie. Saturday nights here are quite something. You’ll have a ball!”

I’d left glowing with the satisfaction of knowing that I’d played my part to the full. I thought I could hear Mom giving me one of those rare words of approval that she used to make me strive so hard to win. Driving back, I’d made sure I kept my speed strictly within the limits, though the streets were deserted at that late hour.

It had been a satisfactory evening though I was left with a regret or two. After Andy’s swift departure, I doubted whether I’d be seeing him again. Pity. I’d enjoyed his company. Also, Ryan hadn’t shown, once again. When would I see the youth again?

I didn’t wander too far before I turned and retraced my steps back to the studio. The clock was just striking 3pm when I turned in at the door and rang the bell.

I was greeted effusively by my hopefully unsuspecting former acquaintance. I was soon to be mightily relieved I’d taken the precaution of arriving by cab, however. We exchanged the usual pleasantries, and all was going swimmingly, until Tam made use of words I’d been dreading to hear.

“Mistie, I’ve remembered who it is that you remind me of” he exclaimed, triumph in his eyes.

No! This can’t be happening!

Diva in Disguise Chapter 11

This photo-shoot was going to be a big mistake! A connection between Mistie and Jennifer appeared an inevitable result and that could only be a disaster for the former’s career. Apprehensively I awaited my impending downfall.

“Oh, yes?” I croaked, attempting to put on a brave face as I prepared myself to hear the coming revelation.

It didn’t materialise!

Instead Tam’s conjecture was baffling. “Vera Ralston!”

What was he talking about? I’d never heard of Vera whoever the woman was.

“Vera who?”

“Ralston. You know! From the movies” he clarified, condescendingly.

I was so relieved that I didn’t object to his patronising manner.

Meanwhile he prattled on. “A wonderful actor for her generation. Possessed of a quite spectacular figure… not unlike your own, if I may say so. She had been a professional skater before she arrived in Hollywood, I believe. Very underrated in my humble opinion. She never had the success she deserved.”

I could have hugged the little man. However, I tried my hardest not to let my feelings show.

My companion continued to enthuse, ignorant of my churning emotions. “I actually had the pleasure of meeting her years ago. Oh, my dear! She was so gracious. Of course she is of a different generation, but looking at you now, I find the likeness remarkable.”

“Fancy that.” I was all smiles. “You’re very kind.”

“Not at all. It’s a privilege to be reminded of such a lovely lady. I’m so looking forward to working with you.”

The purpose of the photo session was to trumpet the merits of a particular brand of vitamin pills. I would be required to array myself in a range of lingerie which drew attention to the curvature of my upper body. That was fine by me, but I was less than impressed by the slogan that was to be used alongside my picture, 'Skinny girls are not glamour girls' with the subtitle ‘Add glamorous curves to your figure’.

Such sexist sentiments were all too commonplace in those unenlightened times, unfortunately. For myself I found them offensive. The thought occurred to me that without the regime of ‘vitamins’ to which I’d been subjected by my parent, I would have no curves worth the mention. The irony of that paradox was something to be savoured.

Once in the studio itself I collected what I was to wear from the rail and completed the first of my changes of clothing behind the obligatory screen. Checking in the mirror, I was confident that my figure had sufficient of the required undulations, glamorous or otherwise, to portray the desired message. Attired in an elegant satin slip, I was ready to start, but where was the photographer, Carl or whatever he was called? I covered up the bareness of my shoulders with a wrap and trotted back to Tam’s office to let him know.

I tapped on the door and entered. The diminutive individual I was in search of was nowhere to be seen, which was tiresome. In his place was seated a disconcertingly familiar figure from my past. I recognised the barrel-chested guy instantly as Tam’s partner, who went by the soubriquet ‘Roddy’. I ought to have reckoned that wherever one of the pairing was, the other was likely to be found. Here lay another risk of my cover being blown. The only course open to me was to try to brazen things out.

The big guy had draped himself over one of the desks. He was examining his manicure and idly swinging a foot when I walked in.
“I’m looking for Tam” I explained as calmly as I could, fighting down my rising panic and struggling to control the tremor in my voice. My natural instinct would have been to escape from the man’s company and quickly!

“Well, what have we here? My, my, aren’t you just something else” boomed Roddy. “As cute as lace pants, to quote Mr Chandler! Stay a while, sweetheart, why don’t you? Tam’s sure to be back any minute.”

Not knowing what else to do I stood stock still, turning my face away to delay the awful moment when he would see through my disguise.
Next moment a large hand was placed upon my butt. “And talking of lace pants, or should I say panties, may I compliment you on your choice of briefs! Brief indeed.” This last was accompanied by a playful slap on my derrière.

“Aah!” I started nearly out of my skin. “What the…?”

“I never can resist such a nice round behind” he chortled. His hand had remained in place and was now fondling that portion of my body. My initial reaction was to freeze, too shocked to resist or run away. Then I recalled how Madeleine had once described the lecherous individual to me. Apparently, he ‘would screw anything on two legs’. If that meant his orientation was ‘bi’, here was a possible out.

I stepped away to free myself and half-turned to let him have the benefit of my profile. Under lazy eyelids, I gave the sultriest look I could muster and dropping my wrap to the floor, struck a dramatic pose.

Whether my playing up in this way was the reason, recognition had definitely been postponed for the interim. Roddy responded to my attempt at seduction exuberantly. He gave a wolf-howl then adopted a bear-like stance. How the situation would have developed further is hard to say but for the present, Roddy certainly was not looking at my face!

What might have followed probably would not pass conjecture but fortunately, a timely interruption prevented the tête-à-tête getting out of hand. Tam appeared in the doorway bearing a mortified expression. No doubt having heard some of what had passed, he looked about to die of shame.

“Roddy, for heaven’s sake!” he expostulated. “What in the name of all that’s diabolical are you doing here?”

The person so addressed stopped in his tracks and turning to face his partner, calmly shrugged his shoulders. “I just happened by. Not pleased to see me?”

“D… d… don’t you realise who this is?”

Shamefacedly, I tried to look demure while Roddy looked me carefully up and down. “I can’t say that I do, but… I like what I see!” His hands cupped my rear end as he pulled me into an embrace.

“St… st... stop that!” Tam spluttered. “This is Mistie Morgan, the model. In person. She’s here for a shoot.”

Under the little man’s red-faced glare, his companion released me and with an air of boredom went back to examining his manicure.

“What you must think of us, Miss Morgan.” The overwhelming nature of Tam’s embarrassment luckily masked my own. “I’m so sorry. Please ignore my associate’s rudeness. He cannot see clearly without his spectacles, which he never will wear! I’m sure that he thought you were someone else, or he would never have taken such a liberty.”

Tam’s attempt at an excuse was a miracle of invention I had to admire, but the idea that Roddy thought he recognised me wasn’t one I wanted to hear. Instead of concern over my lost dignity, I felt disquiet over whether I had been recognised as Jennifer.

“Oh, life is too short for me to be offended.” I pretended an air of indifference I didn’t feel. Then to Roddy “Actually… who did you think I was?”

The burly guy was unabashed. “Why, I’ve no idea. As a guess, I’d have called you Miss Perfectly Good-body, but I can’t wait to know you better!”

At this Tam’s face took on a brighter shade of puce. “Go! Just go!” he squeaked. “I’ll deal with you later.”

The big man leisurely got to his feet. “Promises!” he leered. Grinning unashamedly he walked over to the door, winked conspiratorially at me, and was gone.

The little man continued with his apologies. “He has a heart of gold, I assure you, but unfortunately one or two personality issues. I do what I can.”

I thought it best to smooth things over. “It can be difficult to balance the demands of friendship with business practice. But as the proprietor here you will have had plenty of experience in these matters.”

“Oh, I’m the manager, my dear, not the owner. But I do find it most satisfying that Mrs Bell gives me a totally free hand.”

“Mrs Bell?” Could I not escape hearing that name?

“You must have heard of Madeleine Bell. She owns several thriving enterprises in these parts. All of them are at the top of the tree. It’s quite an honour to be allowed to represent her” the small guy simpered affectedly.

“I’m sure!” I encouraged his self-congratulation as best I could, but I was unable to dispel the belief that what he regarded as his good fortune might prove to be my bad luck. I wished I was anywhere else but it was too late to back out now.

Madeleine Bell! My intention had been to have as little to do with that lady as possible. However, I seemed to be caught in a web of intrigue where I was being drawn nearer and nearer to her. Resolving to concentrate on the job in hand I tried to shrug off that numbing idea.

In the event, the photo-shoot itself proved uneventful. No other ghosts from my past turned up to complicate life. As often occurred, being under the lights with the lens focused on me had the effect of making me come alive. It wasn’t that I was naturally attention-seeking, of course, but I have to admit that I became something of a diva once the camera was pointed in my direction. I postured and deported myself to Carl the photographer’s content, even including the sultry pose which had had a dramatic effect on Roddy!

Although the session went well, I left the studio with an uneasy feeling. Anxious to preserve my anonymity as I was, I reckoned that I had been counting too much on my luck. I resolved to be more cautious in future. After alighting from the cab I walked the short distance back to my car without incident. I removed the blonde wig and adjusted my make-up, my salon experience making this sort of transition routine. I changed my top for one less eye-catching and with my dark curls nicely fluffed out again, returned to Mom’s house hopefully without exciting comment from the neighbours.

There was only a short interval before I would need to head out again for the bar, so I showered and fixed myself a bite to eat. I guessed that Saturday nights would be the busiest of the week and from Alma’s hints knew they were something special. Accordingly I spent longer than usual in front of the vanity mirror, making sure my hair and make-up were perfect. Well, it gives a girl confidence to know she’s looking her best, even this type of girl!

Regarding what I should wear, I knew that whichever of the workplace’s showstopper outfits I would be asked to change into was sure to be quite something. I was up for the challenge, no matter what. It helped to know that Alma was on my side and I have to admit that I found the prospect of all that glamour exciting. For the present, jeans and t-shirt would be fine. I rummaged through my closet for the latter, but I found nothing I liked. However, I came across an alternative, a skinny rib sweater that would serve just as well. Holding it against me I could see that it would be very tight, drawing attention to my boobs. But why not? It would be fun to see how far I could make Adrian’s jaw drop!

A photo session often brought the mischievous side of my nature and on this occasion a wayward idea had begun to take hold in the back of my mind. That morning I’d been sorting through a pile of long forgotten clothing. Among it was a lingerie set which Mom had bought for me to wear on my first real date with a boy. Seeing it brought back a host of memories. What a scary evening that had been! In a glossy white satin, the bra was a long-line style with pointy cups, a bullet bra no less.

Curiosity took hold as I wondered if I could still get into it. I adjusted the straps to give me as much breathing space as possible and slipped my arms through. Fastening the hooks and eyes behind me was tricky but I managed, albeit on the loosest row. Yes it still fit me, just!

In fact I filled it out better that when I’d first worn it. Back then I’d had to insert little conical pads into the ends of the cups but now these were no longer required. My swollen breasts did the job admirably! With the tight ribbed top over them, the effect would be eye-catching, almost literally! I couldn’t wait to see the look on my manager’s face.

Diva in Disguise Chapter 12

I’m not exactly sure how I’d expected Adrian to react to me, but whatever my surmise, it would have been disappointed. The guy had already arrived when I parked my little convertible outside the bar and when I was greeted by him his manner was professional and business-like.

“Well, Jenny. It’s a big night tonight. The band are here so you had better start getting yourself ready.”

Band?

Looking around, I could see there were some musicians setting up their gear in a corner of the room where the floor was raised. I stopped on my way to get changed and watched them for a space. I could make out it was a four-piece outfit; guitar, bass, piano and drums. Their equipment might have seen better days but when it was all in place and they ran through a soundcheck, I found the music spellbinding. Saturday night had the makings of something special, all right. I became aware that I was moving my feet in time, reminding me how much I used to love to dance. Since I’d last had the opportunity it seemed long, long ago.

On an impulse, I began twisting and turning to the rhythmic waves of sound that washed over me.

I didn’t feel in the least self-conscious until I saw I was getting the attention of some of the band members. Mischievously I wondered whether Adrian might be similarly interested in the display I was making and started to dance more vigorously, arching my back and pushing out my pointy chest in his direction. I can’t explain why but I wanted to get some kind of reaction from the man. When it came it wasn’t one that I was expecting.

“Jenny!” The manager’s tone was peremptory. I went over to him, shimmying playfully, until I caught the expression on his face. I sighed resignedly. Satisfying this particular urge of mine would have to wait.

“It’s time to get changed. Quickly now!"

“Which dress am I to wear tonight?”

“Oh, there’s an outfit laid out for you.” As I headed for the dressing room, he added “It’s something else, believe me. It’ll knock ’em dead!”

Why did I not like the sound of that? In my experience, knocking ’em dead was usually a euphemism for being far too revealing for my comfort and as I guessed, the outfit that awaited me was calculated to take the breath away. In silk brocade, it comprised matching corset, panties and half a skirt. The rear half! My legs would be adorned with fancy stockings which was good, because they would be completely exposed. To complete the ensemble, there was also a pair of coordinating slippers and a feathery headdress.

If I’d ever wanted a place in a line of chorus girls, here was the ideal get up. Of course I hadn’t wished for that, though I have to admit that back in high school, when my cheer-leading buddies and I had been swapping fantasies about the most outrageous outfit we might dare wear, this kind of costume would have come close to our ideal. Just teenage girl talk!

Resignedly I hauled the entire collection off to the powder room where I could change in less cramped surroundings. Alma was already in there, an eye-catching sight with her mature figure decked out in the same regalia.

“Don’t look” she snapped. “It’s all right for a pretty young thing like you. There’s way too much of me for something like this.”

I tried to reassure her despite my own misgivings. “Don’t worry. You’re simply gorgeous.”

“It’s this damned corset. Too tight below and I don’t have enough bust to anywhere near fill the top” she grumbled.

“I see what you mean.”

“What makes it even worse is that you come waltzing in here sporting that pair of pointy things. You sure you didn’t do that a purpose? I can’t compete! ”

I was beginning to regret my frivolous choice of the bullet bra as lingerie. It had had the wrong effect entirely.

“No, no!” I tried to explain. “I was just trying to get Adrian’s attention. You know, to wind him up, for a laugh!”

“Honey. Getting that man’s attention is no achievement, believe me. I think he’s obsessed with anything remotely female!”

To return to the problem in hand “Have you tried using some padding?” I suggested.

“Of course, but I can’t get them to look natural.” She handed me a wad of tissue. “It’s hopeless! You have a go!”

What?

“Oh, I don’t know if…” I dithered.

“For heaven’s sake, girl!” Alma pulled the edge of the garment away so I would be able to use both hands on shaping what was below. “Go on!”

I’ve wanted to forget the next few moments ever since. Somehow, I stopped my hands from trembling as I positioned a wedge of tissue paper below first one and then the other of her breasts. I tried not to notice how much softer they felt than mine, but couldn’t avoid doing so. The experience was charged with far more eroticism than I wanted to experience just then. Though I could be thankful that everything down below was securely taped away, the distracting tingling I was getting made matters much worse.

Alma appeared to be totally unfazed by the experience and when I had done manipulating her bosom, expressed her gratitude with an all-enveloping hug. It was good to be appreciated but I could have coped with the embrace better if she had been wearing a little more. My embarrassment didn’t go unnoticed and attracted some ribald chaffing.

“Why, you’re blushing! Don’t be shy, honey. Your hands are so nice and gentle, I was getting quite horny in there.” Alma gave me a playful push on my shoulder. “You’re a strange kid. That must be the first time I’ve been turned on by a girl.” She went off into one of her fits of silent laughter.

Strange indeed. I didn’t see fit to enlighten my frisky friend, though I felt guilty about the secrecy. Would she have asked me to help her if she had known? Perhaps she would. Aagh! The idea was too uncomfortable to contemplate!

Seeking to divert the direction of her thoughts, I stood back to appraise her. “Now let me look at you. Stunning! But… let me try something with my make-up.”

When I had worked some salon magic on her face, the woman was really delighted. She primped and posed in front of the glass to her heart’s content. While she was thus occupied, I took the opportunity to slip into a stall, strip off my clothing and struggle into my own constricting costume.

“Let me help you with that” called my companion, when I was about halfway.

“Oh yes, please.” I emerged once the most important parts of the outfit were in place. “I’m almost ready but if you could lace this corset for me…”

That seemed a safe enough request, though my breathing was definitely impaired when Alma had done pulling and tightening. My usual regime of nightly corset training had slipped a little over the past few weeks and my bust was threatening to overflow. As we returned to the bar together, I asked my now intimate friend to mix me a cocktail.

“The usual?” she asked, quizzically eyeing me up and down.

“No, a real one, please. Just this once. I’m gonna need it!”

“You don’t say!” came the arch rejoinder. “Honey, I wouldn’t trade places with you for any money. I’m not moving from behind this bar until we close!”

I took my drink to my usual barstool ready for the doors opening, feeling so self-conscious I must have resembled a rabbit caught in the headlights. The band provided a welcome distraction while I was waiting. They were running through a few numbers so I wandered over to listen. Straightaway, I was accosted by the bandleader, Terry.

“Honey, do you sing?”

I hesitated, completely taken aback by the question. “I guess… sometimes.” Actually, I often sang… in the shower!

“Swell! If you were able sing along with me on a few numbers, then it will add a little sparkle. The folks round here know us only too well, so it could make quite a difference. Want to give it a try?”

“Er… Okay, I think.” To say I felt doubtful doesn’t cover it, but backing vocals ought to be easy enough, and I wouldn't be in unfamiliar territory. Sometimes Mom had taken it into her head to pretend that she and I were a duo called the Cartwright sisters. She would make sure we were dressed the same and we’d sing along to the radio together. My little brother used to pull faces and clap his hands to his ears, but I didn’t think we were so bad!

Out of the corner of my eye I could see the reaction of the other musicians. They were exchanging dubious glances.

“Good girl!” Tony waved dismissively. “Forget them. They can’t see beyond their noses. You look terrific so the audience aren’t going to be too picky if you fluff a note or two. As long as you keep going you will be fine. Here’s the playlist and a pencil. Mark the songs you know, and we’ll put them together to give you a ten-minute spot, okay?”

What had I let myself in for now? I told myself that a few Ooh-oohs and Aah-aahs at the appropriate points was all that would be required. How hard could that be? The thought of singing with a real live band was exciting, but my jitters went up a level or two nevertheless. My fears over how my revealing outfit would be received by the clientele had now been totally eclipsed.

As it happened, no anxiety on that score was called for. No-one hit on me, at least not any more than on the previous night. My professed admirer, Andy, didn’t show and neither did my ‘friend’ the cop. The worst I had to endure was some light chaffing of the “Forgot your bloomers, darling?” variety, but otherwise I was treated with kid gloves and felt like a real lady in consequence. Whether my costume was so revealing that the majority of onlookers were content with merely ogling me or whether its overt sexiness was more than they could handle I can’t be sure. Probably most were there just to hear the band.

As time went on, I relaxed and began to enjoy myself with a little light flirting. The drinks were flowing so Adrian was happy too. It was a good evening. The group played the usual standards, the kind of thing my mom had loved to hear. They went down well with the audience where they clearly had a following. To my inexperienced ears they were first rate and being invited to join them was highly flattering if a little daunting. What if the addition of my humble efforts brought the music crashing down?

When the time for my ‘spot’ came, Terry’s introduction gave me a massive build-up. “Ladies and gentlemen. Tonight, we have a special treat for you. I’d like you to give a warm welcome to a little lady who has come a long way to entertain you. She looks great and sounds even better. It’s her first time singing with us, so give it up for your very own hostess, Jenny!”

The ensuing applause was enthusiastic, although it remained to be seen whether the listeners’ approval would survive my performance. I cleared my throat discreetly and the band launched into the first of our numbers. Taking my cue from Terry’s lead my first faltering notes issued forth. The amplified sound was so different to anything I was used to hearing that I almost stopped in my tracks, but I remembered his admonition and kept going.

There was applause when we reached the end of the song and there were smiles all around among my… yes, my ‘fellow musicians’. It was no big deal, but the sense of achievement I got was euphoric. I couldn’t wait to sing again!

My little interlude with the band ended all too soon, leaving me wanting more. As I made my final curtsy and stepped down from the platform my emotions were running high.

The band continued with the rest of their set. While I stood watching I had one regret. None of my friends or family had been present to witness my ‘debut’ performance, such as it was.

I heaved a sigh.

“What’s the matter, honey? You seem a mite upset.” A familiar voice behind me offered sympathy, which as can often happen had the effect of making me fill up.

I responded without turning to face the speaker. “Oh, it’s nothing, but while I was up there, it would have been nice to have been able to look around and see someone I knew.”

“I guess.”

I blinked back a tear.

“Try looking round now.”

I turned my head and the smiling face before me was that of… Ryan. Smartly dressed in white shirt and black pants, he was a sight for sore eyes.

“I heard you were working here" he explained. "By the way, you sounded great up there.”

“Go on! I was only crooning along.”

“No really. It added a lot.”

“Well, I’m not giving up my day job. Who told you I was here?” I had an inkling but would have liked it to be confirmed.

He didn’t answer but pointed at the band. “Listen. They’re playing our song.”

“Really?” It was a slow number I hadn’t heard before. “What is it?”

Ryan shrugged “Who knows? But let’s dance.”

Next moment I was in his arms as we began gyrating gently to the music. It felt soothing and safe to be held so. It had been a long day.

Soon afterwards the bar closed for the evening. Ryan and I had danced the final number and the customers had mostly gone when he posed the question I’d been half-expecting, and dreading.

“Can I see you again?”

Diva in Disguise Chapter 13

The following evening was to be my last at the bar for a spell as the services of hostesses were not required on weekdays. After the excitement of the previous night, Sunday was a more sedate affair. The frocks that Alma and I wore for the occasion were the sort that you might see at any prom. It was a relief to dress like that instead of getting myself up as some kind of showgirl and it put me in mind of similar times with Mom. We weren’t much of a family for church, but on Sundays she and I would always wear our nicest day-dresses and sit and chat over coffee and magazines.

I expected to encounter Ryan again and wasn’t disappointed. In response to his question of the night before, I’d temporised. I’d said that I liked his company and if he wanted to drop in at the bar from time to time that would be okay. It wasn’t a satisfactory outcome. I came away knowing that I should just have said no, but I hadn’t the heart to do so. As it was the hulky youth had looked so deflated that I’d had to soften my words with a parting hug. Well, given the skimpiness of my attire, it was more of an intimate embrace, and yes, it might have included a kiss, but no tongues! I managed to draw the line somewhere. He had left me with a parting “See you tomorrow then!” looking a little happier.

Ryan stayed most of the next evening at the bar. Drinks were not cheap in that place, so the visit would have cost him plenty, even though I made sure he didn’t get to buy me any. There were other customers I could rely on to do that. Clearly, he wasn’t the type to be put off easily. My faithful follower left not long before the bar closed and yes, we embraced again. It was getting to be a habit!

When Alma and I finally finished work we neither of us were in a hurry to leave. Adrian had dealt with the cash, given me my wages and made a sharp exit, leaving us ‘girls’ to clear up. Though he had the expectation that he’d see me there on the following Friday, there was an even chance I’d have finished with my parent’s affairs before then. In that case I’d be far away.

The prospect of leaving the town where I’d grown up was one I regarded with mixed feelings. On the one hand I couldn’t wait to be with my little family again but on the other I would miss the present company. Underneath Alma’s feisty exterior I’d uncovered a kind and caring nature. The discovery was like finding the mother I’d always wanted to have.

When all our work was done the older woman invited me to sit with her a while. She poured us both a drink and kicking off her shoes, stretched out opposite me in one of the side booths.

“My feet don’t belong anymore” she grumbled. “You don’t feel like using those gentle hands of yours on them, do you?” At my look of consternation, she added archly “Else, I may never walk again, and you wouldn’t want that on your conscience!”

After that, I didn’t raise an objection. The request signified our growing closeness and in any case I needed to practice my nursing skills. I hesitantly lifted the nearest foot onto my lap and started to massage it.

I rubbed and stroked with a will though I hadn’t a clue what I was doing. From her reaction, however, it was easy to tell I was getting something right. “Oh, oh… That feels so good. Oh!”

I noticed how prettily shaped her feet were and surmised that in her day my new friend must have presented a dainty figure. After a few more exclamations of pleasure, she began our projected heart to heart. “Now, sweetie. Tell me all.”

“Where should I start?” I asked, though I could guess the subject she would be most curious about.

“Oh… you dark horse you! What’s the story with lover boy?”

“If you mean Ryan, he’s just a friend.”

“Yeah, yeah! Tell that to the birds. The way you two were making out just now, I was worried the whole place might catch fire!”

“It’s complicated.”

“You can say that again. How long have you two been an item?”

“We’re not an item. I’ve only known him two days.”

“Two days?” Alma’s eyebrows threatened to burst through the top of her skull. “Gee whiz! That’s mighty quick work by anyone’s standards. I used to think I was kinda fast, but you take the blue riband!”

I could see I would have to come clean. “It’s like this. I ran into a former friend of mine, Karen, and she was dating Ryan but was looking for a way to ditch him. Stupidly, I agreed to help her and so to give her an excuse, I came on to him a little.”

“A little?” my companion interrupted.

“Well I gave him a look, you know…” Alma got the benefit of my up-from-under glance and exclaimed with delight… “and he kissed me… and I didn’t object. The result is that I’ve managed to catch him on the rebound. Without trying. So now I guess I’m sort of responsible for the way he feels about me. I’m looking for a way to let him down lightly.”

“Let him down? From the way he’s hanging on your every move, I’d say he’s headed in the opposite direction, but you know best.”

I couldn’t disagree with her take on the entanglement, but what’s a girl to do?

I sat silent for a while, contemplating. Could my life get any more convoluted? I looked up to see her watching me.

Now she had my attention, Alma finished her drink. “Honey, I could stay and let you pamper my feet all night, and anything else you might care to!” she cackled. “But it’s time for beddy-byes. At least for me. You may want to paint the town red for all I know. Or care” she added.

Bed had long been calling to me as well. We made our way to the restroom to change into our street clothes. On our return she asked a favour.
“Say, can you give me a ride? Save me calling a cab. They charge double after midnight.”

Ten minutes later, we stopped outside her apartment block. I felt sad about taking leave for what might be the last time.

Alma put an arm across my shoulders. “Well, it’s been nice. For my own sake, I hope you’re still in these parts next weekend so we can do the whole thing again, but if it has to be… sayonara!”

I felt too full to trust myself with words as we hugged. I was beginning to detest the many goodbyes with which my life seemed to be filled. The thought of driving across town on my own didn’t appeal, either.

Alma’s mind was apparently running along the same groove. “You know, pet, this is what I really hate. Going into an empty place alone.” She shuddered.

“Me too!” My small voice chimed in, dolefully.

The woman clapped her hand to her forehead as if struck with an idea. “Jennifer. Stay with me tonight, why dontcha? There’s no sense in us both being lonesome. The bed’s made up in Patty’s room, all ready and waiting. I’ll find you a new toothbrush and even give you breakfast in the morning. Come on!”

I didn’t refuse. What reason could there be?

Once we were inside Alma showed me her daughter’s room and fetched a nightdress from the closet for me. It was a strappy little baby doll with matching briefs, a tad on the skimpy side, but I was too tired to be choosy.

“You don’t know how nice it is having someone here with me” enthused the lady of the house. “Call me if there’s anything you need and... I’ll see you in the morning, but not too early.” And with a goodnight peck on the cheek she left me to my own devices.

I had only enough energy to notice that my room was spotlessly clean and the décor pretty and cheerful. It felt nice to be so cosseted. I collapsed into a bed which was deliciously comfortable, though I could probably have slept on a rail, and knew no more.
When I woke, the sun was high in the sky, streaming through the drapes. Sleepily I roused myself and made my way through to the kitchen in search of coffee.

Alma was already there. She was wearing a floor-length robe and in the broad light of day, I could see that it was made of a sheer mesh material leaving little to my imagination. The sight was more than I wanted just then and provoked the inevitable bodily reaction. I hadn’t had the opportunity to apply the usual strips of surgical tape that morning, so I could only hope that the unbidden tent which had arisen in my panties was hidden by the skirts of my own nightdress, and crucially that Alma hadn’t noticed. Seemingly unconscious how revealing her garment was, she greeted me cheerfully in a matter-of-fact tone.

“I’m making coffee. Sleep well?”

My response was perhaps over-enthusiastic. “Oh, that’s brilliant. Yes, very well, thanks.”

The mature woman gave me an appraising glance. “You didn’t catch a chill wearing that nightie, then. Perhaps I should have found you one with a mite more coverage” she grinned.

Attention being drawn to the extent to which my bosom was exposed added to my confusion. “No, it was fine" I blushed.

“I hope you approve of mine.” Alma gave a twirl.

I was trying my hardest not to stare. “Er… It’s very pretty!”

“Let’s sit.” My companion led the way over to a breakfast bar where I perched myself as demurely as I could contrive.

I had coloured up deeply and her next action was not calculated to make me feel any less awkward. She placed the coffee cups on the counter, then without warning flipped up the hem of my baby doll to reveal the matching panties below, where I knew that an unsightly bulge would be disfiguring their slinky contours.

“Here’s something just as pretty.” Alma observed. “I can see how much you like what I’m wearing.”

I blushed to the roots of my hair.

“Don’t fret. At my age that’s quite a compliment!”

There was only one inference to be drawn. “You know… about me?”

She nodded. “You betcha.”

“When… how long have you known?”

“Pretty much… forever!”

“You mean… on Saturday night when you asked me to… to touch your… You knew!”

Oh my stars!

“Relax, sweetie. You did just fine, and I enjoyed every minute. It’s been a while since Alma’s had anyone play with her boobies, let me tell you. You can do that again anytime!”

I was lost for words.

My companion explained. “How things were with you when you were younger is no big secret among my acquaintance. After all, I’d known your mom since we were at high school together. She was a couple of years older than me, but we go way back. I’d bump into her from time to time and I’d get to hear about where she was at. She was bringing you and your brother up all by herself and I was told about all the scrapes you had gotten into and what punishments were being served. Believe me, I used to advise her to lighten up, but she wouldn’t have any of it. Who’s to say who was right? I can’t say I agreed with her methods but look how fine you have turned out to be.”

She continued. “For that matter, there were others at that school I knew and so I got to hear things from them too. There was Rachel’s mom, your Rachel, not to mention our present employer Madeleine Bell, though the last-named was a lot older. Wilma’s always been a good friend, but Madeleine is a piece of work. From what I heard I never liked the way she got her hooks into you. Baby-snatching wasn’t the word for it.”

I was reassured to learn that my new confidante seemed to be on my side.

“You won’t have noticed but I was there at your mother’s funeral. That was such a sad day. I cried buckets when I heard about her passing.”

I smiled gratefully and blinked hard to check my own sorrow. A silence fell between us.

I was still trying to digest what I’d just been told when it was broken by Alma.

“I’m curious, by the bye. Do you think of yourself as a boy with boobs, or a girl with a little bit extra?”

There was a twinkle in her eye and the question put me in mind of Alice’s description of me. It was such ludicrous phrase that I couldn’t help dissolving into laughter, though there may have been a few tears intermingled with it.

Alma joined in my merriment. “There, honey. It will do you good to talk. You can tell me any amount and, rest assured, it will go no further.”

With a little more encouragement I opened up a degree. “Well” I began, “I’m not sure how I view myself, to be honest. If I’m around women my feelings are definitely male.”

Alma glanced down at my lap where my nightie once more concealed the front of my panties, with a muttered “No surprises there!”

“But most of the time” I continued “I think of myself as female as the next girl. It’s when I’m with a man I don’t know how to be. I don’t want to know either, but it’s not how I ought to feel.”

“Feelings, is feelings, honey. There ain’t no rights nor wrongs. Tell me, does Ryan know?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “I guess not, but I can’t be sure. He doesn’t act as if he knows but Karen may have told him, for all I can tell.”

“You mean Karen Morris?”

I nodded “Yes, she’s the friend I was telling you about.

Alma rolled her eyes. “Honey, you sure do pick ’em. There’s another flighty piece you should steer clear of. The things I’ve heard, you wouldn’t believe! When it comes to people to avoid, I’d rank her a close second to Madeleine herself.”

“Oh, I don’t know” was all I could think of to defend my former heartthrob.

“Well, I do.”

I made a confession. “As regards Ryan, I need to cool things off but I’m out of my depth. How do you think I ought to be around him?”

“A mite less friendly, for starters” was the direct response. “But it may be a little late for that. Your best bet would be to find a substitute and pass him on to her, but that would take time. You probably ought to bring things to a head and then tell him straight that you don’t think of him that way.”

“But how do I do that?”

“Easy! If he asks you out, say yes.”

“Yes?”

“That’s right. On the date make sure you are wearing something you know… provocative! That ought to get a response.”

“Every time he’s seen me, I’ve been dressed to kill” I protested.

“True. But there’s sexy, and there’s provocative. You want to make him think you mean it. Let me find you something.”

Ten minutes later I was attired in the ‘something’. It was a little black dress. When she drug it out of her closet I’d been doubtful, until she clarified. “It’s what you wear under this that will count.” There were a couple of other items.

The dress was in a voile fabric which half-hid what it purported to conceal. You couldn’t help but notice the black panties and fully fashioned hose that lay beneath.

Alma’s summary was typically direct. “If Ryan doesn’t get the message when he sees that shapely round butt of yours, I’ll take the veil!”

I had to agree with her. There could be no mistaking the wearer’s intentions.

Impulsively she made me a gift of the ensemble. “I bought the dress for what was to be a certain hot date that didn’t happen, sad to say. That was a long, long time ago and now I’ll never be able to get into it. It’s yours. Use it wisely, my child!”

Privately I was by no means sure that I would ever dare to wear it.

On my return home I found that an envelope had been hand-delivered in my absence. Its contents dispelled any thoughts of Ryan and how to squash his attentions. When opened, it proved to be an invitation which was both unexpected and unwelcome. It was headed with Madeleine Bell’s address and the wording was intriguing. ‘If you are able to call here at 4pm on Wednesday, there will be an opportunity for you to receive something your late mother intended you to have. M.’

When I telephoned to Rachel later that day and mentioned the note, she had no doubts about advising me to go. “Better to face uncertainties head on” was her opinion. “After all, she knew your mom very well, and in any case, what can she do?”

I didn’t like to conjecture! I was very reluctant to renew any form of contact with this woman, especially with Alma’s warning ringing in my ears.

There was plenty of past history to tell me I shouldn’t trust her. In the end, however, I decided I should go.

As Rachel had said, what harm could my former fiancé do?

Diva in Disguise Chapter 14

On the appointed day I drove across town in good time and parked my little car in the imposing driveway. As I alighted the sun disappeared behind a passing cloud. The grand house was an imposing structure that loomed darkly over me as the shadows fell, giving a sense of foreboding. An unexpected crash behind me made me start as the automated gates swung together. Gathering my resolve I pulled the chain of the doorbell and listened to its far-off clamour with the presentiment that nothing good would come of this visit. As I waited uneasily, a troupe of energetic butterflies seemed to be preforming a dance routine in my stomach. Then the sun soared once more from its hiding place, dispelling my sinister imaginings, and I scolded myself for harbouring foolish fears.

When the door opened, any negative feelings that remained were dispelled by the welcoming smile on the face of the person who answered my summons. The maid, who went by the name of Consuela, as I was to learn, was new to me. She was much younger than I had expected, perhaps only a year or two older than myself. Her features seemed somewhat familiar and straight away I felt that an empathy existed between us.

“Miss Cartwright? Come right in, you’re expected. Please wait in the drawing room and you will be joined by Mrs Bell in a moment. I expect you know your way there.”

Only too well! There had been a period when my visits had been both frequent and of some duration. Time elapsed before Madeleine herself joined me, but once the suspense of waiting was over, I was pleasantly surprised when she greeted me as warmly as I could have wished. She came and hugged me before leading me across to the light of the window.

“Let me look at you, Jennifer. Having you here brings a breath of fresh air to this stuffy old house. You look well, very well, and prettier than ever. I remarked on it when I saw you at the funeral. Even hidden behind that veil your features simply took my breath away. I was devastated when I heard about your poor mother, my dear. So sudden! Come and sit.”

Madeleine seated herself on a sofa while I perched myself at the other end of it. Despite her overt friendliness, I felt ill at ease and found it hard to chime in with her mood. My composure wasn’t assisted by what she was wearing. Over a pair of black silk brocade pants, a lacy bolero did little to hide how the red satin camisole beneath it clung to her body. It was very evident that she was not wearing a bra. As we talked, I found it hard to keep my eyes from straying downwards and my past familiarity with those generous curves of hers didn’t help my endeavours.

The woman’s heavy perfume seemed to engulf me, and a distracting tingling arose in my nether regions. My consciousness of this disturbance was aggravated by the suspicion that the woman knew exactly what was going on. Madeleine’s face bore a knowing smile. As ever, I found the proximity to her mature figure beguiling, a trial I had half-expected, and another reason why I hadn’t wanted to come here at all. Hopefully I would be able to keep my visit short and speedily get out of there.

We had not been chatting for many minutes before my hostess rang for Consuela and ordered glasses of home-made lemonade, the afternoon being warm. Her manner to the maid was peremptory and after the girl had departed on her errand my hostess’s face wore a frown.

“I have to say I am not best pleased with this maid. She’s willing enough in many ways but such a klutz! If she wasn’t quite so dependent on me, she would have gone weeks ago. It is a responsibility I do not welcome and I think it likely she will have to leave before long.”

Being taken into the employer’s confidence like this did nothing to bridge the gulf between us. My sympathies were entirely with Consuela. Idly I wondered what her willingness might include.

As if to demonstrate her recent point, when the maid brought the tray, Madeleine immediately saw fit to take charge.

“Careful girl! Now let me do this. It will be better if I take… Oh really! How could you be so clumsy?”

It was hard to say whose fault it had been but both glasses had slid off the tray and landed neatly in my lap. I was soaked to my skin.

“Aargh!” I gasped. My skirt and top were wringing wet and, worse, the sticky liquid was ice-cold.

I sat stock still, in a state of disbelief. How could this be happening to me?

There followed a stinging rebuke for the maid from Madeleine, making me feel even more uncomfortable. I felt it’s injustice deeply when at its conclusion came the hard words of dismissal. “That is the final straw, Consuela. I’m afraid no other option remains. You will have to go!”

“Oh, please mistress! Please, Mrs Bell. Please don’t send me away. I will try harder, no matter what. I can help Miss Jennifer now. Let me dry her things. Please don’t make me leave!”

I joined my entreaties to those of the maid, who had burst into tears and stood sobbing before us. “Oh, it’s nothing Madeleine, really. I’ll be fine. I’m sure Consuela can find me a towel, and perhaps I could borrow something dry to put on.

“Well, I don’t know.” My hostess’s face was creased with lines of disapproval. “You are extremely generous to try to overlook the matter, but she is already on her final chance.”

“Oh, it’s really no big deal” I exclaimed, more heartily than I felt.

Madeleine heaved a sigh. “Well. It’s against my better judgement, really it is, but...”

“Oh, thank you, mistress.”

“You had better take Miss Jennifer upstairs. Use the attic room next to yours, I think, and bring towels. I will find her something to wear. Quickly now!”

To me “Go with Consuela, dear. A cold drenching on a hot day can be quite injurious to the health. I’ll mix you something warm to drink.”

Obediently I did as I was directed, and inwardly protesting against all the fuss that was being made, I suffered myself to be led away. The room which we entered was of a gloomy appearance. Dominated by a four-poster bed, an abundance of dark wooden furniture gave it a sombre aspect. During the time of our ill-starred engagement two years before I’d suggested the chamber’s renovation to Madeleine but she had refused to hear of it. Why she had directed it be used now was beyond my understanding.

Once we were inside, I tried to reassure the young woman whose misery was all too apparent. “You mustn’t be too upset, Consuela. These things happen. I’m sure you will find that Mrs Bell’s bark will be worse than her bite, as they say, and that everything will turn out all right.”

The girl dried her eyes and sorrowfully went to fetch a towel. When she returned with that and a bathrobe, she seemed to have recovered her poise as without the slightest hesitation she knelt before me to help take off my wet clothes.

“Er… that’s okay… I can manage.”

Despite my protests the maid was not to be dissuaded and when the task was completed, I was almost in as much distress as she. Every stitch I was wearing had been swiftly removed. My embarrassment was palpable as I vainly tried to cover my chest with one hand and my private area with the other. Seemingly unfazed by my nakedness, however, the girl draped the robe over my shoulders before calmly kneeling again to being to peel away the strips of surgical tape with which I had hidden the evidence my maleness that morning.

Noo!

I turned away in panic and completed the removal of the sodden strands myself. Once that was done and I was modestly wrapped in the bathrobe I recovered some of my composure. However, I was still unhappy.

“Eww, I’m really sticky” I complained as mildly as I could. “Perhaps there’s somewhere I can wash myself down?”

“Yes, go in there.” Consuela indicated a door in the corner of the chamber which proved to lead into a small ensuite washroom. “Or if you would prefer, I could draw you a nice hot bath.”

I shook my head. “I don’t want to cause any trouble. I can clean up in there.”

“It’s no trouble, though mistress said we should use this room. It’s always better to do what she says.”

I could readily believe it! Consuela left me taking my wet clothes away to soak them. In her absence I quickly washed and dried myself so that when she reappeared in the doorway I was wrapped decently in the robe once more and feeling altogether more human. In one hand she held a bundle of clothing, in the other a steaming glass of what looked like milk.

“Here are some things which Mrs Bell thinks will fit.” She laid the apparel on the bed. “And here is a hot drink she has mixed for you. It’s to help you get over your shock.”

The maid put the latter gingerly upon a dresser. “Perhaps you should drink it down before I spill that as well” she added ruefully.

The girl seemed close to tears again and I wondered whether she had suffered a further reprimand in the interim. To see her waiting attendance on me so unhappily tugged at my heartstrings. Though I would have preferred to be left to sort myself out, it might be a kindness to enlist her help. I examined the clothing then smiled at the girl to encourage her. “These things look complicated. If you would help me to get dressed, please, it would be so much easier.”

At my request the girl brightened up immediately. The clothing she had brought appeared an unusual assortment. All in white and adorned with lace and embroidery, the underwear would not have been out of place in a bride’s trousseau a generation before. A pair of bloomer-style panties were complemented by a longline bra, a garter belt, and white stockings. I regarded them doubtfully. The sheerness of the material would not provide as much coverage as I would have wished.

Though my intention in requesting assistance had only been to keep the maid busy and take her mind off her harsh treatment, in the event her aid proved useful. The rear fastenings on the bustier were tight and beyond easy reach. I could scarce breathe when all was hooked together. My waist was compressed, and my bust pushed up to be more prominent than ever.

Making light of the discomfort I tried to console the maid further. “You have been very helpful, Consuela. I’m sure I couldn’t have managed without you.”

The girl received my thanks complacently. She seemed to have recovered herself once again. “Your milk, Miss Jennifer, before it gets cold.”

She held the glass out for me to take. Though I didn’t want anything to drink, it seemed politic not to raise any needless objections that might increase her employer’s displeasure. What I most desired was to put on some more suitable clothing, collect whatever it was that had belonged to Mom and leave the house. I took the tumbler from her and gulped down the contents while she watched over me.

When I’d drunk it all, a secretive look of satisfaction flashed across her face for an instant, then it was gone. With growing irritation, I began to wonder whether there was anything else for me to wear. Trying to exercise the little patience that remained to me, I took comfort in observing how much more cheerful Consuela now seemed and felt satisfaction of knowing that I had been of assistance.

She began to chat away to me quite happily. “You don’t remember me in high school, do you? I was in the year above yours. I used to think you were really cool, what with being in the cheerleading squad, hanging out with Shirley’s crowd and everything.”

A memory stirred. “Of course! Yes, I do recall you now. As a matter of fact, I thought you were cool as well. The girls in your year seemed so much more mature than the friends I had. I quite envied you your lovely long hair, too. How have you come to work here?” As I said the words, it was strange, but the room seemed to go around. In an effort to dispel the unnerving sensation I sat myself bolt upright and rubbed my temples. That helped to clear my head a little.

“Oh, it’s a long story, Miss Jennifer. My dad had left us a long time before, and when my mom died, I was left needing both a job and a place to live. I was so thankful when Mrs Bell took me on. It was so good of her.”

I suspected that Madeleine’s motives were probably mixed and had no doubt that she would be getting her money’s worth. I shook my head doubtfully and immediately regretted doing so. I was beginning to feel distinctly odd.

“There are some things she likes me to do for her that I wasn’t sure about at first, but it can be quite fun. Everyone has their little ways.”

“Things?” I probed. From my previous intimate knowledge of her employer and some of her preferences, I didn’t like to imagine what ‘things’ might be required of a girl in her dependent situation.

“Mmm… things.”

“Aah!” My exclamation was not occasioned by her response. The nature of those particular services was to remain unclarified. My gasp was caused by my increasing dizziness. The room really did go round this time, and I began to wonder why it was happening. Perhaps I had consumed the glass of milk too quickly. Why had it not agreed with me? There had been a curious aftertaste, almost metallic, I recalled. A strange feeling of remoteness was taking hold of my senses. I placed my hand on my brow and the whole room went round again. I shuddered and held onto the bed for support.

“Are you quite well, Miss Jennifer?” As an expression of sympathy Consuela’s tone seemed to lack genuine concern.

“I think I must have swallowed that too fast” I murmured. “I’ll just sit for a minute. Oh…!”

I dimly heard her say “You will be okay” as she moved closer to me. The maid regarded me appraisingly for a moment then declared “There’s one thing more we have to do. Let’s finish getting you dressed.”

Diva in Disguise Chapter 15

Consuela crossed the room and took an elaborate white dress out of the closet. I had enough of my wits remaining to notice that it was tea-length, with a ruched bodice and layers and layers of tulle. I was dumbfounded to realise it was in the style of a bride’s dress from a bygone era. I could not conceive of anything less appropriate, but I was too dazed to make any protest. Somehow I was gotten to my feet by the maid so the garment could be slipped over my head. Encompassed by its delicate folds, I swayed as she turned me around to fasten the zipper.

“This was Mrs Bell’s for her first marriage” explained Consuela. “It is old now but still very beautiful. We must take good care of it.” As a finishing touch she knelt to make sure the hem of the garment was evenly spaced.

Merely to stand was difficult and I swayed dangerously as Consuela took her time making finicking adjustments until all was evidently to her satisfaction.

Her parting words were “Stay still. I’ll go and get Mrs Bell.”

Aware of my precarious condition, she propped me against one of the bedposts before leaving the room.

Self-preservation alone made me want to obey though I don’t quite know how I managed to remain upright. My senses were dimmed and everything around me seemed detached, unreal. My arms felt like jelly and my legs felt like they were outside of my control. Distantly, I heard her calling “Madame, madame! Miss Jennifer is ready for you now.”

An interval elapsed. Hearing Madeleine’s voice, I became dully aware that she had entered the room. “Thank-you Consuela, you have done well. I’ll deal with this now. You may leave us.”

My head felt so heavy I wanted to cradle it in my hands, but my arms hung limp and useless. I gazed at the woman helplessly.

“No need for concern, Jennifer. The preparation you have been given is quite benign. It has very few side effects. You feel a little odd at this moment and in the morning, you may have a little headache. But we can’t have you falling asleep now, can we? You have much ahead of you this night. There!”

I was unprepared for the sharp jab in my arm that followed.

What?

“Just a little prick” laughed she, tauntingly, “like something else I could mention, but you are in need of stimulation and it will serve that purpose!”

She continued to gloat. “Does my old bridal gown help you comprehend how you made me feel on that horrible day, when you tortured and humiliated me. Imagine how hurtful it would be, dressed up for what should be the crowning glory of your remaining years, when the cup of happiness is dashed from your lips and in its place is substituted the abiding tastes of misery and ridicule. Did you think all has been forgiven? Never! Now it is your turn to experience the bitterness I felt and still feel.”

I tried to answer, to explain, to plead my youth and inexperience, that I’d had no wish to hurt her, but I couldn’t speak. My tongue seemed to be stuck to the roof of my mouth. Probably the injection I’d been given was having an effect as my body had become rigid. There was now no longer any difficulty in remaining erect.

The woman continued to scold, working herself into a rage as she did so. It was hard to focus on her words, but I was left in no doubt that what she was out for was revenge. How long I had to endure I cannot say but as for resistance, it was entirely beyond my power. Under the tirade of anger that beat upon me I fell into a dumb stupor. I hardly heard one word in three.

Eventually the torrent subsided and silence prevailed. When I summoned the strength to raise my eyes, I found that I was alone. I sank down onto the bed grateful for that small mercy. Time passed. Finally, I lost consciousness and succumbed to sleep, albeit with troubled dreams.

When I regained full wakefulness, the sun was high in the morning sky and the events of the previous night had been lost as in a blur. I could recollect nothing clearly. Deep down, however, I had the feeling that something was awfully wrong.

My head was splitting. I sat up and took in my surroundings. I was still dressed in the white lingerie which Consuela had hooked me into the previous day. Of the elaborate white gown, there was no sign. I tried to remember what had taken place the previous evening, but my memories were full of blanks.

I was clear about everything, up to the point where Madeleine had left me and I was alone. Then there was a complete void in my recollections. Vaguely I recalled that as I lay there stupefied, another person had entered the room. I couldn’t remember whom and for some reason I felt a strong reluctance to probe in that direction. I was about to give the thing up when a faint trace of perfume came to my notice. I knew that fragrance. Its presence jogged my memory; a memory… of… of... Karen! Yes, there was no mistaking that scent.

In panic, I mentally cudgelled my brain. How had she come to be there? It was no use. I was unable to catch hold of the fleeting wisp of recollection. My head ached with the effort and I put my hand to my brow.

At that moment a voice broke in upon my reverie. “For heaven’s sake, don’t sit there. Come back to bed!”

I was not alone! I half-turned to confirm my worst fears and encountered Karen’s smile. It had taken on a gloating quality as she lay immodestly behind me. It was as if a nightmare had become a reality. How long had she been there?

She answered my unspoken question. “Another night together! Sleeping with me is getting to be a habit, isn’t it? Don’t look so shocked darling. It’s not as if it was our first time. Come back to bed, lover!”

The girl threw back the bedclothes as she gave the invitation, removing any doubt that might remain regarding the little she was wearing. Apart from stockings and garters she was naked.

Dumbly I shook my head.

Karen pouted. “Not in the mood? Well, well! Any other girl would be put out at being slighted like that, but I don’t bear grudges. In any case, last night was much more satisfying than the previous occasion, you tiger, you. I can wait.”

She flounced from the bed, leaving nothing to my imagination. Picking up her discarded nightie she slipped it over her head and wriggled delightedly until its diaphanous folds had fallen below her waist. Finally, and with an airy wave, she disappeared through the door.

I had been unable to tear my eyes away from her figure when it was before me and found to my disgust that my little member had made an all too predictable and undesired response. Why did she still have that effect on me? In an attempt to free myself of the image that seemed to be branded on my retina, I opened my eyes wide and took a more detailed inspection of my surroundings.

Though I had stayed in this house oftentimes before I had had little reason to visit this imposing room. My guesses concerning Madeleine’s uses for such a chamber were upheld by the silken ties which adorned each post of the bed. I checked the various drawers and opened the closet but could find nothing for me to wear. I shuddered to note the contents of some of the former which didn’t bear investigation. I really wasn’t into that bondage thing.

Beside the fourposter bed were a pair of side tables. A carafe of water stood on one of the tables and I drank several glasses. That helped quieten the jackhammer that was pounding between my temples. The lingerie Consuela had fastened around me kept digging uncomfortably into my ribs, but I hadn’t much choice other than to leave it in place. I had nothing else to wear.

This was too much! I had resolved to go in search of the maid and demand the return of my own clothing so I could make my escape when a footfall outside the door checked my progress. I looked up to see not Consuela, but the mature figure of the lady of the house entering the room. She was simply dressed in a pencil skirt and top.

“How is our blushing bride this morning?”

My frustration bubbled over. “Madeleine, what were you thinking?” I spluttered. “How could you give me dope me like that? The drink! The injection! You can’t get away with treating me like this.”

My protests sounded feeble in my ears. There was much more I could have said but it was hard to know where to start. To my surprise my persecutor seemed in no way perturbed by my outburst. She calmly held up her hand for silence, smiled an unnatural smile and spoke.

Diva in Disguise Chapter 16

“My dear, you mustn’t distress yourself.” Madeleine’s voice was outwardly calm and betrayed no audible trace of the anger that had possessed her the previous evening. “Given your nervous condition yesterday, the administering of a mild sedative was essential in my judgement. If you remember, it was you that persuaded me not to dismiss my maid after her display of incompetence and then you made your decision to go along with whatever she proposed. I have provided you with clothing when your own had become soiled, and even a bed to sleep in, though” and she gave a sly wink, “it seems that you used it for more than sleep.”

I seemed to be caught in a mesh of twisted words, reminiscent of the times when my mother similarly entangled me. I could think of no ready reply to refute her claims. My dissembling companion continued without waiting for my response.

“I believe that last night’s tryst with Karen lived up to her expectations. She is my protégé and excels in the skills required to give satisfaction to the opposite sex. For myself I can’t understand why she would give her time to anything so inadequate...”

I crossed my legs as with a dismissive sneer she gestured towards where my arousal, which had yet to fully subside, was partly hidden by my lacy panties.

“...but there is no accounting for the human heart. You are exceptionally fortunate that she still has a regard for you.”

“Karen?” Though I was fully aware that my ex-sweetheart had been with me I didn’t want to admit to that knowledge.

“Don’t play the innocent. You know you and she spent the night together. That is no surprise to me. Can you deny that you still have dreams about her? Those eyes of hers, those lips, those mile-long legs! Admit that they haunt your dreams.”

Her gibe came too near the truth for me to refute it, but rebellion rose up within me. After all, when everything is said and done, you can’t be blamed for your dreams.

“Madeleine, you know that what really happened was that you drugged me and kept me here, against my will.”

My counterattack against my enemy failed immediately. “Against your will. No! Surely not. Let us see.” She held something out to me. “No, I must disagree. You certainly seemed to be having a good time in this photograph. That is you, I suppose?”

“What?” I took the picture from her hand and examined it. It had been taken using an instant camera and in the image my features had been clearly captured. I appeared to be laid on the bed and a female figure sat astride me, my hands clutching her thighs. Though her face wasn’t in shot, I knew my bedfellow could only be my childhood heartthrob.

Angrily, I made to rip the photo to pieces, but Madeleine’s next words checked my action. “Do what you like with that one. I have several.”

“I was tricked” I protested. “I wasn’t even properly awake when that was taken.”

“That’s not how it appears from my viewpoint. Nor will anyone who sees this think differently, and rest assured, plenty of people will get to see it, including your own dear Rachel. She has a kind and understanding nature I believe, but I would guess that the breaking point of her regard for you will be well exceeded by such evidence.”

“But what this pretends to show is impossible! How could this happen when I remember nothing of it?

“Tut-tut. You really should pay more attention to your surroundings. There is ample evidence as to ‘how’ on these walls.”

I regarded my tormentor blankly.

“The picture, cretin, the picture!”

I looked across at a painting that was hung above one side of the bed, a portrait of myself. The likeness had been taken two years ago, just before I made my escape from our engagement. I was surprised to see it there considering Madeleine’s present feelings toward me. However it shed no light on what had taken place and my puzzlement I remained until I noticed a print which was hung above the other side of the bed.

That one portrayed a man and a woman who were clearly enjoying each other's company. The woman was positioned astride her paramour. He appeared to be a passive partner, and I could surmise that what was intended to be portrayed was an oriental technique of lovemaking.

I knew from my own experience that this technique was one which my companion favoured. It enabled the woman to be in complete control, unsurprisingly!

Understanding of her meaning dawned on me at which Madeleine’s expression became one of glee. “Impossible? I am very sure that Karen has a full understanding of what may be achieved if needful.” My ex-fiancé examined the photograph in my hand again. “However, this seems to show that she had a willing partner on this occasion.”

She paused to let her words sink in. I tried to remember. What had actually occurred? I couldn’t be sure. What had passed and how consensual had my part been in whatever had? Although the answer mattered to me a great deal, I was filled with doubts.

Having succeeded in undermining my self-belief the woman pressed her advantage. “Now listen to me. It’s payback time. If you want to continue playing your game of happy families, from henceforward you will do exactly as I say, no matter how humiliating you find what is required of you. Indeed, that is the whole point. You will just have to suck it up. When, and if, I’m satisfied that you have plumbed the same depths to which you abandoned me, I may just let you have the rest of these photographs, but don’t expect that to happen any time soon. You will get them one by one, for good behaviour, for pleasing me, for as long as it takes.”

The woman’s gloating words were intolerable, but whichever way I turned I appeared to be ensnared.

“There is no way out of your dilemma. What is more, you have already started along the downward road you will tread. Let me see. Pulled over by the police for inappropriate attire. How uncomfortable! Then, embracing the role of a cheap hostess in my cocktail bar, pawed by all and sundry. Demeaning in the extreme! Yes, I know all about those occurrences. Are you enjoying your journey? You will complete your next task this evening. I’m holding a little party for a few friends. Poor Consuela will be run off her feet so I’m arranging for her to have some help. Guess what? You’re the help!”

Madeleine almost crowed with triumph. “The best part of this for me is that you must undertake your degrading role willingly, or no dice. So smile, Jennifer dear, smile!”

I thought for some minutes more but could see no way out. For now, I would have to go along with my taskmistress. With gritted teeth, I managed to force a grimace. It was the closest I could come to smiling,

“That will do for the present.” Madeleine turned on her heel. “You start immediately. Consuela awaits you in her room.” With a parting “Don’t dawdle now, run along!” she stalked out.

When she had gone, I threw myself down on the bed and buried my face in a pillow, beating my arms against it in rage and frustration. How could I have let myself be duped so easily? Everything that I cared about was now under threat from this scheming woman. I was a fool not to have expected something like this. Also, my childhood would-be girlfriend was mixed up in the plot, threatening other unguessable consequences.

Although the weight of the world seemed to rest upon my shoulders, I seized on two small items of relief. For the moment I was free of Madeleine’s oppressive presence. I could think clearly again. Also, the nature of the immediate task she had set me was not as unpalatable as she had intended. To work as a maid would not be a new experience for me and to be classed as a servant didn’t bother me at all.

I was still dressed in the bridal lingerie I had slept in, so my first needs were to take a shower and put on something more practical. I tiptoed furtively down the corridor to the Consuela’s room hoping that no-one would see me. I encountered no-one until I saw the slim figure of the girl herself. She was busily engaged in laying out what looked like a uniform on her bed. I guessed that it was intended for me.

“Consuela” I whispered.

She gave a start. “Oh, it’s you! You mustn’t creep up on me, like that. I could have had heart failure.”

“Please help me” I began.

However, the maid shook her head in my face. “You do not deserve help” she scolded. “That was a wicked thing you did, when you left Madame. She told me all about how you jilted her, poor thing, and she cried her eyes out. Now it’s your turn to be sorry.”

She turned to look at me directly. Her manner changed “You are okay? Good. I wasn’t worried, of course, but that drink was stronger than I expected… I knew you would be all right.”

Was this a softening in the maid’s attitude? I clutched at that slender hope like a drowning person grasps at a straw and resolved to put a brave face on things. “There’s nothing wrong with me that a shower won’t fix.”

“That’s better. I’ll get you towels.” Consuela led the way to the main bathroom and found me the necessary. Even if nothing had actually changed in my situation, once I’d showered, I felt more human. I wrapped myself in the largest towel and returned to the girl’s room to hear the instruction “Now you must get changed into your uniform. Quickly, please!”

Wearing a maid’s costume was not something to which I was looking forward, but I didn’t have much choice. The reality proved to be worse than I could have conceived.

Unlike the demure style of Consuela’s garment, the outfit allocated for me to wear could have come from a gothic horror movie. The dress was in a shiny satin fabric, its skirt was tiny and the several layers of petticoats beneath promised to give drama to its flare. The bodice was skimpy and featured an off the shoulder style with a neckline so low that only a thin edging of lace around the neckline prevented actual indecency. To my mind, the overall effect could best be described as slatternly.

However, what really gave me pause was that the panties provided had not been designed to address my particular needs. Tucking would be a real problem, especially as my inquiry about where my purse had gotten to had been ignored and I was without my roll of surgical tape. I would be wearing the scantiest underwear beneath a skirt so short that the risk of exposure was ever-present.

Complaining to my co-worker elicited no sympathy. She merely knelt to rearrange my layers of petticoats and leaned back to admire.

“Oh pooh! Of course you can wear this. I think you look very cute! There, that’s perfect!”

Perfect! Perfect? The elevated hemline barely concealed the inadequate panties I was so anxious about, and my garters were clearly on display above the top of my stockings!

As if to reconcile me to my outfit, she added “Mistress and I chose that style for you with your role at the party in mind. You are not the only one, naturally. See, I’m dressed up too.”

Vaguely I noticed that her dress was of a superior fabric to that of her normal one. She was also wearing a similar headpiece to mine. However, I was unimpressed and must have looked it.

“You should be glad that you will be the centre of attention this evening” she encouraged. “I ought to be envious. No-one will have eyes for me alongside you!”

How true that statement was likely to be! However, there seemed no likelihood of her offering to swap. In any case, it appeared I had no choice but to go along with Madeleine’s wishes.

I took a last despairing look at myself in the mirror. As I did so, Consuela playfully flipped up the hem of my dress, an action she was to repeat every time she passed me that evening, to my intense annoyance. “Come on, gorgeous! There is too much to do to stand there admiring yourself. Mistress told me you will help me prepare for the party this evening. We’d better get started.”

For the rest of the day I was fully occupied. As I’d expected the work was not too irksome. Preparing delicacies for the forthcoming party was something I’d had plenty of experience of, and being busy had the benefit of making me forget my cares. However, being around food soon made me aware I was ravenously hungry. In the end I could resist no longer. I was about to take one of the canapes from a plateful I’d just prepared when I was sternly admonished by my co-worker. “No! They’re for the guests.”

“Sorry, I didn’t have any breakfast” I pleaded. I could have added that it was after 12 noon, and I’d had no lunch either.

“You and I will have sandwiches to eat. When we get the chance.”

To my chagrin, that opportunity was not immediately forthcoming. Consuela kept me working hard and by the time we stopped to take a break I was starting to feel lightheaded. The sandwiches were washed down with a glass of water. Mine disappeared like lightning and then we resumed our labours. When all the food was prepared, there were trays of drinks to set out. When that had been completed my efforts received an unexpected accolade.

“You are a good worker, Miss Jennifer.” The maid was regarding me thoughtfully.

“Thanks. You don’t have to call me Miss. 'Jennifer' is fine.”

“Okay, Jennifer. Now there will be just time for a little picking-up and tidying before the people start to arrive.”

I tried to look content with my next task, but I had been longing to sit down. The high-heeled slippers I had on were not designed for all day wear.

“Go and dust the shelves in the library. The guests will start arriving shortly.”

Once more I became engrossed in my work, sprucing up the book laden shelves. I’d nearly done when someone entered the room and came up behind me.

Then a well-known voice made me start. “Well, just look at you!

Diva in Disguise Chapter 17

At the sound of those taunting words, I spun around incautiously to find Karen grinning at me. I had forgotten the tendency of the skirts I was wearing to fly outwards and upwards at the slightest provocation, and her grin broadened into a leer as I strove to calm my frothy layers and restore what little modesty remained to me.

The tall girl was dressed for a party occasion, and to my mind she looked sensational. The high-low style of her close-fitting cocktail dress showed those endless legs to their best advantage. Trying not to stare at them, I drug my gaze northwards, a supreme effort seemingly. Before it reached her face its progress was arrested by the distracting sight of her boobs whose shapeliness was perfectly outlined under the flimsy material of her frock.

I could see she wore no bra as with a mischievous shimmy she pushed her chest forward to increase my confusion. When our eyes finally met, her knowing smirk showed how clearly she understood what was going through my brain, while I was all too aware of the effect she was having on my nether regions.

Karen critiqued me up and down in her turn. “You’re a sight to behold!” was her conclusion. I could have returned the compliment, but I was more concerned that my growing horniness stayed hidden, insufficiently restrained as it was in my scanty underwear.

My erstwhile heartthrob had taken the free hand that I had been using to restrain my wayward petticoats, the feather duster was in the other and I was terrified over what would be visible beneath my dress if it flipped revealingly.

Karen’s thoughts were fortunately engaged on the previous evening. “You were wearing even less the last time I saw you, stretched out on that bed and all. Remember?” The teasing girl gave me a sly glance.

I didn’t. I still had no recollection of what had or hadn’t happened between us the evening before, but my professed paramour disregarded my silence and moved closer. “That was some night, lover girl!”

I found myself wrapped in an embrace which seemed to go on for ever. When I extricated myself, Karen noticed my reluctance to participate. To conceal her discomfiture at this, she adopted a critical air.

“I see that you have neglected the advice I gave you about how to wear short skirts” she chided me. “If you had put on pantyhose this morning, the length of yours would be perfectly acceptable. It’s only a little shorter than mine, after all. However, I guess it may do. You’re only here as the help!”

Up until then, I thought that I had come to terms with my role as maid, so the slight upon my status shouldn’t have stung, but I have to admit that it did.

With a parting “When we’re together all the time I will be expecting all manner of improvements”, she turned on her heel and stalked off.

Nursing my bruised ego, I traipsed through to the kitchen to help Consuela set out the refreshments. As if to emphasise what had passed, my skirts flounced up and down like a ballerina’s tutu as I walked. Though both my hands were currently free to control them, I realised that when I was busy serving that would not be possible. When I reached my destination, my dismay was increased as the maid playfully flipped up my hem for the umpteenth time.

Aargh!

I had to do something and fast! I made the excuse that I needed the bathroom and fled, one hand pressed firmly between my legs, for security! I ran up to the first floor. The door which I knew to lead to Madeleine’s dressing room was standing ajar. Furtively I peeked inside and could see the room was unoccupied. With no time for hesitation, I crossed to the dresser and opening the top drawer found what I was looking for, an array of panties belonging to the older woman. They were neatly arranged so it took only a second to select a suitable pair. They were full-cut in style in a heavy satin material and adorned with delicate lace. They looked expensive. So much the better!

Without removing the skimpy item that I was already wearing, I stepped into the garment and pulled it up. With two pairs in place, I could be confident that my private area would now be able to stand up to scrutiny, so to speak! Though I felt a fleeting temptation to search the room to try and locate the incriminating photographs, I decided not to delay. The likelihood of my finding them was low whereas the consequences of my being discovered could be far-reaching. My raid on Madeleine’s lingerie collection had been safely completed so a swift exit was called for.

I listened a moment to make sure I was alone before stepping out of the room and was alarmed to hear an approaching footfall. I scanned the chamber in panic, looking for a hiding place... without success. As a last resort I positioned myself behind the open door, not daring to breathe. To prevent my flouncing skirt and petticoats being visible I wrapped them around me as closely as I could and made myself as small as possible.

The footsteps became louder and to my dismay, Madeleine herself entered. She paused a moment, not a yard from where I was concealed. My heart seemed to stop but fortune was on my side. Though my hiding place was totally inadequate, and discovery seemed inevitable, she swept onward without looking around and crossed into the bedchamber which lay beyond.

Doubtless she was intent on making some final adjustment to her toilette, but I didn’t wait to see what she might be up to. I stepped out of the room and removing my heels I ran lightly down the corridor. When I reached the staircase, I judged it safe to resume my footwear. Then I clattered merrily down the flight, giddy from a sense of relief and congratulating myself that what was below my skirts could now stand up to inspection.

It was just as well that it was so for it was soon to be put to the test. As I descended, the air under my skirts lifted them around my waist, immodestly revealing my unmentionables, but that didn’t faze me too much even though guests had started to arrive. No-one could cavil at the quality of my impromptu display! I took a deep breath, fixed a smile upon my face and threw myself into my allotted role.

The evening was an experience best forgotten, however. I had known many of the company in my former life here, but I was now treated with disdain by almost all, where formerly I had been lionized as Madeleine’s fiancé. I would have preferred to retreat into obscurity in the background, but my all too revealing costume effectively prevented that. All I was conscious of was hostile stares wherever I looked.

One exception was the man Roddy, who naturally enough was among those invited, as was his partner, Tam. I was holding a tray of welcoming drinks when he approached me directly, and his greeting was as warm as anyone could wish. “I do believe it’s little Jennifer” he boomed. “It must be more than two years. So nice to see you again after all this time.”

I would have preferred my name not to be broadcast to all within earshot, but I was uncritical of any kind of friendship just then. Remembering my recent encounter with him at the studio, it was reassuring that so far he hadn’t connected me with my professional persona, Mistie, but then, he probably wasn’t devoting much attention to my face.

“What can I get you?” I smiled, putting on my bravest smile.

“That’s a difficult one” he chortled, eyeing me up and down. “If I’m honest, I fancy everything that’s on display. I’ll have a handful or even two. Put that tray down, sweetheart, and I’ll show you what I mean!”

Treating the innuendo as a harmless joke came naturally enough to me. This wasn’t the first time in recent days that I’d been hit on, nor would it be the last. Smiling archly, I handed him a cocktail. “You’re easily satisfied!”

He caught the double entendre and gave a loud guffaw. “Not yet, but I certainly could be!”

While I wouldn’t usually have given Roddy the least encouragement, an exchange of badinage with him felt much more pleasant than the supercilious stares I had to endure from the rest of the company.

As the night progressed I found it harder to overlook the tarty costume I was arrayed in. Attempting to busy myself with my duties proved only a partial remedy. Later, on my way to the kitchen, I stepped into the library to see whether any empty glasses needed to be retrieved. The room was deserted so I paused for a moment to draw breath. It was a relief to be alone for a space. Then to my consternation I was grabbed from behind, a large hand was placed across my chest, and another gripped my thigh. I gasped as it slid upward under my skirt and anchored me against my unknown assailant. I was relieved to feel a beard tickle my bare shoulder. It could only be one person.

“Roddy! I might have known it would be you.”

“I never disappoint, do I?”

“No, you certainly don’t” I scolded.

Just then I became aware that the lady of the house had entered the room. That evening she was dressed in something long, dark and clinging. Her gown was low-cut and split to the thigh, but though it revealed almost as much bare flesh as did my uniform it achieved a look of effortless elegance. The contrast was not lost upon me and served to make me feel cheaper than ever.

“Having trouble?” Madeleine murmured disapprovingly. She had been apparently watching the encounter from the doorway. “I hope you are looking after my guests, Jennifer. I expect you to take care of all their needs.”

“Oh, I am!” I exclaimed. “Mr Nelson is certainly getting satisfaction!”

“Indeed? I expected no better” the woman sneered. She turned on her heel and was gone, allowing Roddy to take the opportunity to renew his attentions.

“Let go of me… or…”

“Now what will you do, precious? Can you deny that I’ve been getting a come-on all evening? Don’t disappoint me now.”

The man started to gyrate his hips, grinding himself rhythmically against me. There was something hard pressed between my butt cheeks. I didn’t like to imagine what. Worryingly, I found the sensation not altogether unpleasant, which made it difficult for me to focus.

“… I’ll scream.”

“And what will that achieve? I know what you want.”

Ignoring a brief temptation to let whatever happened just happen, with an effort I pulled myself together. One of my arms was trapped beneath one of his, but I had free use of the other. I lifted that one and jerked it backwards as hard as I could. My elbow dug in under his ribs and with a sound like a tyre deflating the lustful man exhaled completely. His body went limp and I was able to wriggle free.

“You should be ashamed of yourself” I berated him angrily, although I felt more annoyance with myself than with Roddy. It suited me to make him the target of my ire just then. “You ought to know better. Don’t you dare come near me again!”

With no attempt to brazen the matter out, the big guy backed down. He held his hands up wordlessly in token of surrender.

That was the probably the most shaming part of the evening I had to endure, and there was a reward for enduring the humiliation that had been meted out to me in the shape of the second of those apparently incriminating photographs. Madeleine was evidently keeping to her part of the bargain. I speedily converted it to ashes like the first. The question that remained was… how many more of the wretched things were there? When I asked her, the tormenting woman wouldn’t give me an answer. I had no idea how long this punishment was likely to continue.

By the time all the guests had gone it was long after midnight. Consuela and I finished clearing up and made our way upstairs for bed in the small hours. There would be an early start for us on the morrow and we were both tired out. I entered the sombre room where I’d spent the previous night and the maid followed me in. She gave my petticoats a last desultory flick.

“Don’t be mean, Consuela” I grumbled. “I’m all in.”

“Sorry” she exclaimed and looked as though she might have meant it. She started to help me get out of my humiliating costume, for which I was grateful, reflecting that she had seen me undressed before. I gathered by her next remark that she was pleased with me.

“Thanks for today. You worked really hard. I might have been wrong about you. I’m sorry I was mean” she repeated.

I tried not to look my surprise. Perhaps I might make an ally of her after all.

“I’ve been intending to tell you. Earlier, I overheard mistress talking to that Karen girl about what they’d been planning. I’d like you to know that if I’d known beforehand, I wouldn’t have had any part in it. Even if jilting madame wasn’t very nice of you, I don’t see that you deserved this.”

I gazed at the maid, wide-eyed. Her admission was quite something.

Shyly she ventured “You know, I had the biggest ever crush on you at school.” Blushing deeply, she continued, “I knew all about your story, of course; the boy who dressed as a girl. I thought it so brave for you to do what you did.”

She considered some more. “You don’t have to sleep in here, you know. This room isn’t intended for guests. Mistress has other uses for it.” Consuela’s air had become mysterious.

“You mean these?” Making a wild guess, I pointed to the silken ties which adorned each of the four bedposts.

“Yes, she like to use those. They’re for one of the games she likes to play. I can show you, if you like. It’s fun!”

No way! Did she really think I wanted to play that kind of game, at this time of night? “Er… interesting. Thanks, but… I’m exhausted tonight.”

Consuela didn’t seem at all put out by my refusal. “No problem. But anyway, it’s much more comfortable in my room and my bed is wide enough for two…” after a pause she added slyly “but not too wide…”

I was down to just my panties at this point, and it took a moment to realise that my companion’s attention appeared to be fixed upon my uncovered chest. The implications of her words took a while to register to my dulled senses. When they sank in my response was to clamber onto the bed and pull the quilt over me. “You’re so kind, Consuela, but I’ll be okay in here, I guess. I’m so tired I could sleep on a rope. Could you turn off the light as you leave, please? Good night.”

The maid flicked the switch and darkness engulfed the room. I didn’t see Consuela’s face as she left. I hoped that my rejection of her offer wouldn’t alienate her. It was vital to me that we were still on the same side, but I was too tired to worry. I slept like the proverbial log.

The following morning, I was woken by the maid, shaking my shoulder. It was very early.

“Come on sleepy head” she laughed. “We have a lot to do before breakfast.”

The girll's relenting mood had apparently survived the night. I found that encouraging and more importantly, there might be a prospect of food. I’d consumed little enough the previous day. On that score I was soon to be disappointed, however. Several of the guests had stayed over and the maid and I were required to serve a cooked breakfast before there was any hope of being fed ourselves.

As before I found working alongside Consuela was okay, even if she was still obsessed with impishly flipping up my skirts whenever she passed them. After a couple of times, I attempted to return the favour, but her dress wasn’t in the same bouffant style. The best I could achieve was to slide the hem of her skirt up her thigh. The action became unintentionally sensual and provoked an unexpected response.

Next moment I found myself grabbed and being heartily kissed by the girl who seemed to have misinterpreted my kittenish behaviour as amorous. Consuella was surprisingly strong, and I found myself helpless to resist her.

When she broke away she laughed self-consciously. “There! I’ve always wanted to do that, ever since high school.”

“No problem.” I was more than a little bemused.

“Don’t get me wrong, but I thought it would be different somehow, kissing a boy who was also a girl. Don’t be offended, but it wasn’t what I hoped. I’m guess I’m probably more into real men.”

“No problem” I repeated. It really wasn’t. I mean I didn’t mind at all that my manhood evidently didn’t pass muster with her. I couldn’t expect it to in all honesty. Could I?

After all the food was laid out on the table another task awaited me. Breakfast was to be served to one of the guests in their room and it fell to me to take it. As I carried my laden tray up the stairs, I speculated on who the favoured person might be. There was enough food for two. I knocked on the bedroom door and was answered by a familiar voice.

“You may enter.”

Diva in Disguise Chapter 18

Karen… it could only be she… was seated on the bed when I entered. “Set the food down on the table” she commanded, “and sit in that chair in the corner. You and I are breakfasting together this morning. I’ll be fine here. Now! Isn’t this nice?”

My expression of thanks was perhaps overly hearty. I was wondering what the devious girl was up to now. For one thing the way she was dressed was unsettling to say the least.

“You must be famished” she continued. “You were hard at work all day yesterday and I’m willing to bet that you haven’t touched a morsel this morning either.”

She was quite correct, but my mind was temporarily otherwise occupied than by the thought of food. Arrayed in filmy black lingerie, with corset top and her endless legs exposed, the scantiness of the tall girl’s attire was visually stunning. An abundance of frills and lace distracted the eye and I didn’t know where to look first.

Seeing the way I was gaping, she tinkled an affected laugh. “You noticed!”

How could I not notice?

“I knew you would have no choice but to wear that tacky little uniform again this morning so I’ve chosen to adopt a similar style… so you wouldn’t feel cheap beside me.”

Her statement did nothing to prevent my feeling cheap, but Karen continued oblivious to my feelings. “Stockings and garters! If anyone last year had wagered that I’d be wearing these again, I’d have taken the bet in a heartbeat. But see, darling, for you I’d wear anything!”

Karen got to her feet and gave me a twirl, and incidentally the likelihood of heart failure. She beamed. “Here we are like peas in a pod. Isn’t that great?”

“It’s terrific!” I tried to sound enthusiastic.

“Terrific?”

“I mean, it’s really thoughtful of you to worry about how I might be feeling. I didn’t realise you cared about me like that.”

“Darling! You have no notion. I think about you all the time.”

One of the ideas she’d had for my comfort was more welcome. After making such an early start that morning I was ravenous. The immediate opportunity to eat was like an answer to prayer and I seated myself with alacrity. However, Karen declared she wasn’t hungry and stood close by to watch me satisfy my bodily needs. Being observed was off-putting and I found it impossible to concentrate on my breakfast especially since the willowy creature’s sensuous figure was constantly in front of my eyes. The most intimate parts of her body, ill-concealed by their gauzy coverings, were only feet away from me.

When I attempted to focus on her face, it didn’t help much. Karen had apparently taken extra care over her make-up that morning. The effect of the sultry look she had chosen was subtle but drew attention to those full lips and lustrous eyes. The food went cold as my gaze followed her every move as if magnetically drawn there.

The girl was in an unusually expressive mood. “You know, our story is so romantic, isn’t it?” she rhapsodised. "When you consider how first one of us, then the other, has been captivated only to have those feelings unrequited. You could write a book about it, or better still make a movie. Then, after the other night” she concluded with an insinuating smile, “we finally came together. Now we can put all the heartache behind us and let our unity blossom and grow.”

Ignoring the flowery sentiments I cudgelled my memory. The other night! What had happened the night before last? In my semi-conscious state had I succumbed to the undoubted charms of my erstwhile paramour’s body? That was the million dollar question and it was nagging away at me! I knew that once upon a time I would have been powerless to resist her advances. Was that still true even now?

Eventually she commented on my progress with breakfast, despite the lack of it. “Are you still eating?” she chided. “I really haven’t any appetite this morning. I simply can’t think of food when it’s so exciting that, after all this time, we are finally together!”

I was definitely finding something exciting. My feeble efforts to ignore the impact she was having on my nether regions were in vain. I squeezed my legs together and hoped she hadn’t noticed the tent that had formed in my borrowed panties. My concern over the inadequacy of my tuck far surpassed any thoughts of romance.

“Dear Jennifer. I want us always to be this close. Come over and sit beside me.”

Staring into her eyes was fatal. That puppy dox expression was so hard to resist. Why couldn’t I think of anything but her? Mesmerised by the gentleness in her voice, I obeyed. She pulled me closer and brushed her lips against mine. It was as if I was in a trance. We kissed. The embrace seemed to last forever but eventually I began to remember that this shouldn’t be happening.

Perhaps Karen sensed my budding resistance for she pushed me back on the bed and stood over me. I was aware only of the beauty of her form and my will to escape dissolved like mist.

“Come, dearest” she cooed. “Don’t fight it. You know that you find me irresistible.”

She was only too right.

“Come” she repeated. “Do you want me to beg?”

There was a tragic break in Karen’s voice which brought down the last vestiges of my guard. It seemed unbearable that she had to make such an appeal, and my heart went out to her. I knew I was about to give in. It seemed inevitable.

What would have next taken place I will never know. The crucial moment was interrupted by a firm rap upon the bedroom door. It roused me from my trance-like state but we remained frozen, staring at the door whose handle had begun to turn. As it opened, my would-be lover just had time to spring away and grab a lacy robe to hide behind. I was still on the bed, guiltily engaged in subduing the wayward layers of my skirts, when the slim figure of the maid appeared in the doorway.

“Have you finished with your tray?” Consuela’s question didn’t require a reply. Apparently oblivious to the compromising position she had discovered us in, the girl marched across the room and picked up the offending item. “My, my! You haven’t eaten much of all this good food. What a shame!” Then with a knowing smile in my direction and an airy “Come Jennifer. Madame has lots for us to do” she made her exit.

The spell had been broken.

I glanced uncertainly at Karen whose furious expression marred the beauty of her features. She turned away. Was that a dismissal?

Hesitantly I got to my feet and followed Consuela. Closing the door behind me I found her waiting in the corridor.

“No appetite, eh?” she smirked. Then conspiratorially she added “Or perhaps it was a different sort? Whichever! I reckon it wasn’t satisfied.”

“Were you listening?” I whispered accusingly, as we descended to the kitchen.

“Not as such” the maid temporised. “I passed the door and not hearing any voices, I thought I’d better play gooseberry. I reckoned that was what you would want. Was I right?”

I nodded. She was almost right!

“I thought so. I never had any time for that Karen even at school. She was a troublemaker then and she hasn’t changed.”

Though I couldn’t disagree, the harshness of her statement jarred with me. The effect of Karen’s beguiling appeal had not fully subsided. I was about to protest but Consuela held up her hand for silence. “Shhh!”

I looked at my co-worker mystified.

She beckoned me to follow and silently we tiptoed to the foot of the stairway above which angry voices could be heard. Consuela gestured me to remain and crept half-way up the flight to listen. Karen was in Madeleine’s room. I could hear how mad she was, but I couldn’t make out what she was saying. Her mentor’s voice was icy chill by comparison.

The exchange came to an end and Karen must have stormed out. Hearing her footsteps approaching the maid ran down and drug me swiftly back to the kitchen. We stared at each other in wonder.

“What were they falling out about?” I asked.

My companion looked mysterious. “She threatened to leave. I wish she would. I’ll tell you later.”

As we worked to clear up after the breakfast and started on preparing lunch I caught Consuela regarding me seriously. Eventually she seemed to have come to a decision.

The maid looked around her to make sure we were alone. “I feel bad about the fix you’re in. You know, I agreed to help mistress in this, only because I knew exactly how she felt when you jilted her. Something like that happened to me too.”

I winced at the severity of the expression she used. There were mitigating circumstances which I would have liked to enumerate but Consuela ploughed straight ahead.

“It completely destroys a woman’s confidence to be publicly rejected like that, so I thought she had a right to pay you back, but now I’m not so sure. Trying to force you to do things you don’t want can’t be right.”

She smiled. “I like having you here. It’s nice the way that you’ve been helping me.”

I could hardly believe what I’d been hearing. I gave her arm a grateful squeeze. Now I didn’t feel quite so forlorn. “I enjoy working with you too. I think we make a good team.”

“I so wish you could stay permanently” she said. “It would make life so much better for me, but from what I overheard just now, if that Karen gets her way, I may not be here much longer.”

She shook her head dismissively. “In reality, I’m quite sure mistress wouldn’t part with me. She needs me.”

“I thought she had threatened to fire you. After the drink got spilled.”

Consuela laughed sheepishly. “Well no. That was just an act. Sorry!”

“That was for my benefit!”

“Please don’t be mad. I really am sorry.”

I turned away. Her apology didn’t help much, considering the mess I was in.

Consuela took my hand. “Listen. I’d like to make it up to you if I can.”

I regarded the maid doubtfully.

“I think I know a way to get hold of those photographs for you.”

I was all attention. “Oh, if you could. I don’t even know how many of the wretched things there are.”

“Don’t you? Well, that’s easy. When I took out the trash in the room you slept in, I counted the spent flash bulbs.”

Now that the uncertainty about the extent of my difficulty would be removed, the world seemed a brighter place.

“There were six.”

“Six?”

“That’s right, and the same number of used backing sheets to the photos, so that confirms how many pictures she took.”

“That means I could have four of Madeleine’s ‘punishment’ tasks ahead of me. That will take me forever” I exclaimed in dismay. My world had gone dark again.

“Perhaps with your help I can get through them all.” I doubted.

“I can do better than that. I am pretty sure I know where she will have put them… either in her desk drawer, or if you’re very unlucky, her safe. I know where she keeps the key to the desk, but not the combination of the safe.”

“Oh please. I would be so grateful. But won’t you be in trouble?”

The girl shrugged bravely.

I thought for a moment. “This isn’t a good place for you to be. If you want to leave here and make a fresh start, you are welcome to stay with me, until you find somewhere more permanent.”

Consuela’s eyes lit up and her face shone with pleasure. “Perhaps I might. I don’t know whether I will have to leave here, but it’s comforting to think I could.”

We shook hands on it.

“Come on then!” declared my co-conspirator. “Let’s do it.”

She put her head into the hallway to listen. “Madame is in the drawing room” she whispered. “You keep lookout in here while I check in the office. Whistle a tune if she comes this way.”

I followed the maid and armed with a servant girl’s badge of office, a feather duster, I loitered while my partner in crime slipped inside Madeleine’s business room. After a moments the girl’s triumphant face appeared in the doorway.

“I’ve got the keys” she mouthed silently.

I nodded encouragingly, wishing she would hurry. I found the tension unbearable. I didn’t need a blow-by-blow commentary on her progress. The head disappeared again.

Five minutes later I thought I heard Madeleine moving about in the adjoining room. Sure enough, next moment the woman herself appeared. Fortunately, Consuela emerged from the office at the same instant, before I had time to give a warning.

Guilty as I was feeling, I didn’t know how to look. Fortunately, my fellow servant had more presence of mind. “Haven’t you finished the hallway yet, Jennifer?” she scolded. “I’ve dusted a whole room while you have been dawdling in here! And where’s your headband?”

The absence of the latter served to distract Madeleine. She looked her approval at the rebuke, and retrieving her reading glasses from the side table, returned to her lair to my intense relief. However, in response to my enquiring look, Consuela shook her head. “I found the camera” she breathed “but the photos weren’t there. They must be locked in the safe.”

It was hard to say who was more disappointed. We were back to square one and there was no knowing how long my subjection to Madeleine’s whims would continue. Time was passing and I hadn’t spoken to Rachel for days. I knew she would be worrying, but guilty as I felt, I couldn’t face talking with her, and that made me feel guiltier still. Outside the sun sparkled among the trees, but it did nothing to lift my spirits. It was as if I were at the bottom of a deep well.

Everything in my world looked black.

Diva in Disguise Chapter 19

After lunch I was engaged in doing the dishes after clearing away. I had been left alone to complete these chores as Madeleine had engaged my co-worker in other duties, a circumstance I found unamusing. After I’d finished, I tossed the dishtowel in the laundry basket and moodily marched upstairs to the maid’s room. I was at an all-time low. That dark cloud threatened to engulf me whichever way I turned.

Wondering what I should do to lift my spirits, one of my mother’s maxims came to mind. “If you want to feel good, better look your best.” Checking in the mirror, I was immediately dissatisfied by what I saw. My mascara was streaky, my lips lacked definition, and my foundation urgently needed refreshing. The state of my fingernails was well below salon standards too. I resolved to treat myself to some ‘me’ time and set about giving both my manicure and my make-up a complete salon makeover. I had nearly done when Consuela tiptoed in.

“Better keep a low profile” she whispered, cautiously. “Madame is not happy!”

“What’s upsetting her now?”

“I guess she is vexed with Karen after their tiff! Despite madame doing all she could to calm her down, that little town tramp has upped and left. Not that I mind, of course.” Her eyes sparkled with glee at the thought. “If she never comes here again it will be too soon for me.”

Engaged in putting the final touches to my lips, I didn’t reply. The maid watched me attentively until I had completed my task to my satisfaction. I straightened up and faced her. “How do I look?”

She nodded approvingly. “You have done that before. Have you ever thought of becoming a model?”

I chose not to enlighten her that my other persona already was one.

Consuela continued thoughtfully. “You’re a strange one. What I don’t understand is why you don’t let it be known what really happened, how you were set up and fed some drug or other. Then you could tell madame where to stick her photos!”

Faced with the direct question, the reason became all too clear to me. “Because I can’t say what exactly happened. The truth is that I don’t know whether Karen and I did anything that night, or not” I concluded sadly. “My guess is that we probably did, and so I feel bad.”

Consuela was short on sympathy. “Why do you believe that? You still fancy that bitch, don’t you?”

I couldn’t deny it. “Perhaps. A little.” In reality, despite all those years of frustrated admiration, being around Karen again had made it a struggle to get her out my head. It was as if I were bewitched by her.

“You’re crazy!”

I reverted to the original subject. “What did Karen and Madeleine fall out over?”

“About you, oddly enough! First, she started yelling that it was high time madame got rid of me. Yup! Poor little ole me! That was because I’d busted in on the pair of you minutes before and put a stop to… whatever it was she was up to. Apparently, it was just when you were weakening. Were you weakening?”

I chose not to reply to that. “Go on” I said.

“Then she said she felt completely humiliated.”

“Humiliated?”

“Don’t keep interrupting, or I’ll lose my thread. She said it was the third time she’d tried and got the brush off, and that there’s a limit to how much rejection a girl can take. Poor Karen!” she exclaimed with irony.

“Then…”

Consuela glared at me.

“Sorry” I mouthed.

“Then, madame tried some more to placate her, but she told her that she could play her mind games with you if she liked, but she was out of here! Then she packed and left.”

I was baffled. What had my so-called ex-sweetheart tried and failed to do? Three times?

“What can she have meant?” I puzzled.

Consuela looked at me scornfully. “Isn’t it obvious? You surely must see that Karen’s been doing her damnedest to have it away with you. For whatever reason. Anyone else would just have screwed her senseless at the first opportunity, but not you!”

I hesitated to point out that her suggested approach couldn’t be quite my style, given the cocktail of hormones that had flooded my body over the years.

The girl pursued her line of reasoning. “I get it. I really do. You want to be able to look the world in the eye and protest your innocence.”

She continued “Anyway, how many times have you turned her down?”

“Well, there was the night after we went to the cocktail bar. Next morning she was really teed off with me for falling asleep on her. That was a narrow escape. Then there was yesterday morning after you had interrupted us, but that’s all.”

“No, it isn’t. Not if she was including to the night you were drugged. What happened between you then?”

“That’s just it. I don’t know.”

“Well, I’ll tell you what happened. Nothing. That’s right. Precisely nothing. You must have been out of it. Again. No wonder that floozy was so mad! Can’t you see what this means?”

“What?”

“It means you can kiss your precious guilty conscience goodbye and run off home to your sweet little wife, innocent as a new-born babe.”

Though I couldn’t be sure of her logic, my sombre mood lifted like there had been a sudden break in the clouds.
“She’s not actually that little. She’s quite tall, really.”

A tremendous feeling of happiness had started to bubble up inside me. The world was a wonderful place. I could even make jokes!

“Aargh! You’re impossible!”

After a few moments of euphoria, however, I frowned. “I’d still like to destroy those photos.” Their existence seemed to be like a ticking bomb with who knows what hidden consequences.

“I guessed that.” Consuela looked mysterious. “Don’t fret. I have a cunning plan.”

Any further confabulation was abruptly prevented by the ringing of a bell.

“Mistress wants me. Or she might want you… or both of us. We’d better go. If it’s what I think it is, well… just trust me and play along.”

Baffled by her air of mystery, I followed my fellow conspirator down and into the drawing room.

As it turned out we had been summoned so that Madeleine could inform us what the rest of the day held.

When she had done, we were dismissed summarily from her presence. In the hallway, my co-worker gestured to me to remain and turned to re-enter the room.

“Will madame want me this evening?” she asked, pulling the door to behind her.

I heard “Yes Consuela…” before the door closed but the rest of Madeleine’s answer was lost to me.

I was wild with curiosity to know what was going forward. The maid emerged a few minutes later. She looked pleased with herself.

I enquired “What was that all about?” as calmly as I could.

“Oh, you’re the lucky one, it seems.” That was all she said, and there was a trace of irony in her manner which was not reassuring. She could not be drawn to elucidate further.

I had to exercise patience until early evening when Consuela declared. “It’s time we were getting ready.”

Ready for what?

She took me up to her room and opening her closet, retrieved a bundle of clothing. Carefully she laid the garments out on the bed. Their intended purpose was not immediately obvious to the eye.

It was high time to dispel her pervading air of secrecy. “You need to fill me in on what you’re planning if you want me on board” I stipulated.

“Okay, I’ll give you some background, but it’s better if you don’t know everything, otherwise you may not react naturally. You will have to trust me.”

“Okay” I hesitated, my doubts very little diminished.

“Mistress likes to indulge in dramatic little games. Their quirky but I don’t mind going along with her. It’s kinda fun and nobody gets hurt… not much anyway!”

Not much!

“Have you seen the Samson and Deliliah movie, the one with Hedy Lamarr?”

It was one of my parent’s favourites, so I knew the film intimately. I reckoned that the woman being in charge was the part that appealed to Mom.

An urgent doubt sprang to my mind. “Does this involve cutting hair?” I asked anxiously. “Because I like mine the way it is… really…”

Consuela dismissed my fears on that score with a patronising smile and a shake of the head. “It’s all about costumes. This is what I will be wearing.”

On closer inspection, set out on the bed in front of me was a skirt, of sorts. A metal girdle to be fastened low around the hips with clasps and two lengths of silk which hung front and back formed the entirety of the thing. There was also a metal bra which relied on two strategically placed wisps of silk to provide a minimum of modesty. There was also a quantity of trinkets. Once I made out what the outfit was made up of, I was thankful it wouldn’t be mine!

I stared at the odd collection arrayed there, intrigued. When I looked up it was to see that Consuela had already stripped to her underwear. Without any hesitation she removed her pantyhose and briefs before my eyes.

Grinning broadly at the shocked expression on my face, she reached behind her to unfasten her bra. As it fell away, I averted my eyes just in time.

“What’s the matter? Don’t you like my boobs?” My companion actually sounded hurt. “There not so big but I’ve always considered them rather shapely!”

“They’re… they’re very nice” I stammered looking back at her awkwardly, only to see that Consuela was shaking with silent mirth.

“Just kidding! It’s so easy to yank your chain.” She started to dress herself in the outfit on the bed. “You need to learn to lighten up, you know. Can you fasten these clasps please?”

When we had done getting her dressed, the maid resembled some kind of hareem girl.

I was startled to notice a significant omission, “Don’t you get to wear panties?” I questioned.

“’Fraid not! Exciting eh!”

Turning to the remaining items, the girl took a heavy metal necklace with a ring in it and fastened it around her neck.
“This one’s just for show. My mistress likes to feel I’m under her total control!”

I took a deep breath. “Okay… I think.”

Next, she clipped some thick metal cuffs on her wrists.

“What are those for?” I asked as casually as I could.

For answer she beckoned me to follow and led the way into the room I knew so well and which I’d come to dislike so much.

Seeing the look on my face Consuela laughed. “Don’t fret so! I’ll show you how they work.”

The girl attached a pair of armlets to my wrists also. Then, “Lie on the bed. It’s all right. Go on!”

Unless I bailed completely, there was no option but to trust her. When I had stretched out as instructed, my co-worker knelt over me. Her bare legs straddled my thigh, setting off a tingling down below. The proximity of the girl’s half-clad body distracted my attention. Before I knew it, she had slipped loops of the stout ties which were attached to the bedposts over my ankles, and then clipped another tie to first one and then the other of the wrist clasps.

“See how clever they are! So simple, but you can’t make any resistance, can you?”

I couldn’t disagree. That didn’t make me feel an awful lot better.

“Don’t look so unhappy!” She ticked my ribs unmercifully, leaving me gasping for breath.

“Oh, the things I could do to you, now I’ve got you like this” she crowed. “You are completely at my mercy. But…we mustn’t keep mistress waiting. I’ll tell her we’re ready for her, shall I?”

I could only look my disbelief. What was she thinking?

“Consuela!”

Diva in Disguise Chapter 20

The maid got off the bed and walked purposefully to the door.

I was about to remonstrate further when a light dawned. “This is another wind-up isn’t it? Nice one!”

“How can you be sure?” Consuela glanced back over her shoulder with an arch expression. Then she put her head out of the door and called “Madame!”

Despite her action, I held to my surmise. “I feel sure of you.”

“Well done!” she sighed. “You’re finally joining the human race.”

Unfastening my wrists and ankles, she giggled. “You are perfectly right. I was only teasing. She’s in the shower, so couldn’t hear me.”

Impulsively I got up and hugged her.

“Aww!” cooed the girl and squeezed me closer. “You do like me.”

Embracing a female as scantily clad as my companion had an unwanted consequence and one which I should have bargained for. I was not the only one to be aware that there was a stirring down below which was only partly restrained by my borrowed underclothing. While the occurrence left me filled with embarrassment, it seemed that Consuela welcomed it unashamedly!

“Ooh, honey!” she exclaimed. “I didn’t realise I had that effect on you. Pity we haven’t more time” she teased.

Seeing my consternation, she laughed “It’s quite all right. A girl likes to know she’s still got it!” When her mirth had subsided, she continued. “That brings me to your next task which… will be to help the mistress get into her robe.”

My dismay at the thought must have shown in my face.

“Relax! After experiencing my body so intimately you will be able to stand the sight of her bare flesh without batting an eyelid! Besides, by robe, I wasn’t referring to a bathrobe.”

“What did you mean, then?”

“Well, this evening she is dressing as Queen Cleopatra.”

“Cleo… Cleopatra?”

“Yes. It’s for one of our roleplays. Why did you think I’m got up like this? I’m to be her handmaiden, Charmian, or it might be Iras. It doesn’t really matter which.”

The reference to antiquity was Greek as far as I was concerned, or perhaps Egyptian!

Consuela walked over to the dresser and took out a number of objects from one of the drawers.

I gaped in wonder at their nature as she laid them down one after the other. The final one was a bundle of what I guessed were birch twigs. Grinning the maid swished it through the air, removing any doubt as to its intended purpose.

“Do you actually like this sort of thing, Consuela?” I wondered.

She shrugged. “It’s okay. I wasn’t too sure to begin with but now I quite enjoy our little sessions. Anyway, they keep madame happy. Whatever she claims, she won’t want to dispense with my services any time soon.”

“I guess.” Looking at it in that light I could see there might be an advantage for her.

“What about you?” she asked. “I’m betting it isn’t your thing. Right?”

“Right!” I heartily endorsed her supposition. “Call me a scaredy-cat, if you like, but you can count me out!”

“That’s fine. You had better run along now. The mistress will want you.”

As I obeyed Consuela adopted that annoying area of mystery again. “Once she has done with you, you will have the evening to yourself. I’ve laid out a few things for you on my bed. I’m guessing there’s one which you will find useful, if you keep your ears open, that is. See you later, alligator!”

I replied with the customary “In a while!” and left the room wishing my collaborator’s meaning hadn’t been left so maddeningly obscure.

It was with reluctance that I knocked on the door of Madeleine’s bedchamber. In an imperious tone she bade me enter. I did so to find her wrapped in a large towel, her hair turbaned in a smaller one. Clearly, she had only just emerged from her bathroom but her face bore an impatient expression.

“What took you so long?” she opened. Then gesturing to a further towel “You can start by drying my feet.”

I resolved that my best response to such cavalier treatment would be to remain silent, so accordingly I set about the appointed task without speaking. I performed my duties efficiently, but volunteered to do nothing unless Madeleine gave the specific instruction. I towelled and moisturised, then manicured and pedicured. In this and in setting and drying her hair, I made sure there was no cause for complaint, but the haughty expression of the recipient of my ministrations did not soften one iota.

I found it pleasing that despite the intimacy of our situation, my body chose not to respond with any embarrassing symptoms of arousal. Whether the woman noticed or not I couldn’t have cared less.

Finally, I helped the woman into her ‘royal’ robes. They bore some similarity to Consuela’s ensemble, but in ivory silk with gold trimmings.

The idea of such an imposing personage adopting these outlandish trimmings seemed quite ludicrous to me, and it was with difficulty that I managed to suppress my smiles. I did so with an effort however and was relieved to be dismissed from the ‘imperial’ presence without ‘Cleo’ taking offence. I was less amused that, on completion, no handover of one of those irritant photographs was forthcoming, so their destruction was no nearer.

Have you ever noticed that when a crisis is approached, time can seem to stand still? At a crucial point the minutes appear to be frozen before a tipping point is reached and then with a sudden lurch forward events start to rush by with ever gathering momentum. As I made my way to the maid’s room I felt that such a crisis was imminent now.

Once I saw what Consuela had left out for me an involuntary cry of delight escaped my lips. The welcome sight of my own girly clothes, neatly pressed and piled upon the bed was enhanced by the inclusion of my purse. I seized upon it and extracted, yes, at last… my roll of surgical tape. Strange that such a humble item should give rise to strong emotions, but I confess I made a silent prayer of thanks. I speedily divested myself of the hateful uniform that I seemed to have been wearing forever and after a careful application of the said tape I dressed myself in my own underwear.

Tucking one’s male appendages is usually regarded as an unwelcome chore by many but on this occasion it felt like heaven to be so disposed! A surge of confidence swept through me as I paraded in front of the mirror. Now I was equal to anything!

I was so preoccupied getting into my own gear that it took me a while to notice another piece of equipment which the maid had left for me to use. When I saw it, the meaning of Consuela’s words became transparently clear. It was as if a light had been turned on. I now knew exactly what I must do!

So armed, I quietly opened her door and stole down the passage until I was outside the door of the room she and her mistress occupied for their enactment. It was imperfectly closed, and I was aware of some strange sounds emerging. I gently pushed it open a few more inches until I could listen better to what was the taking place.

Madeleine kept uttering something like cries of pain mingled with moans of satisfaction. Her ‘handmaiden’ seemed to be chiding her, repeating as a sort of mantra. “My queen has been wicked. She must be punished!”

Every few moments the older woman would gasp “Yes, wicked, so wicked. Harder, harder!”

I opened the door wide to view a scene where, to my intense amazement, the lady of the house was positioned upon the bed, apparently in ecstasy. Her eyelids were shut and her expression reflected a mixture of agony and intense delight, while the maid administered a series of sharp blows with the bundle of birch twigs.

The sight was so surreal that for a few seconds I literally froze in astonishment. However, Consuela caught my eye and nodding vigorously, encouraged me to act.

From behind my back I took out the apparatus I’d brought with me, Madeleine’s instant camera. It was fitting that what she had used against me would now be turned to her own undoing. I made sure that her body was perfectly framed in shot and pressed the shutter release. The camera flashed as the still was taken. A few seconds later it whirred as the print emerged.

The woman had her eyes closed tight, oblivious to my presence. I checked the picture. It had captured the scene admirably. Secreting it under my top, I replaced the flash bulb and took another equally incriminating one. This time my subject awoke to what was happening.

“You!” she screeched angrily. “Why are you here? What do you think you are doing? Get out!”

I removed the second photo from its backing and dangled it in front of her nose. “I’m turning the tables on you, Madeleine.” It was hard to keep a note of triumph from my tone. “And, unlike the photographs you have been threatening me with, what this portrays is the actuality of what is taking place here. All the same, I’m willing to swap.”

My past persecutor made a wild snatch at the picture, but I was ready for that and sprang out of her reach.

“Consuela! Stop her!”

I was pleased to see that my ally shook her head and stood regarding her mistress with folded arms. “Don’t ask me to get involved in blackmail” she stated, simply. “That’s going too far.”

“Aargh!” With a wild cry Madeleine leapt to her feet and strode towards me. I turned on my heel and grabbing my purse, ran from the room and down the stair. As I sprinted across the hall I could hear that the pursuing woman was some way behind. Nevertheless I flung open the front door and fell…

Into the arms of… Ryan! A black pick-up truck stood in the driveway and I could tell he was pleased to see me. Yet, how in the world had he come to be there?

“Jennifer, thank goodness! Alma said you might be here.”
Emboldened by the support of my admirer I turned to face the dethroned ‘queen’. “Hand over those photos now, Madeleine, or this goes in the papers tomorrow.”
 

“You’re bluffing. No-one in this town would dare print that.”
I reckoned that she was probably right, but a surprise was in store for both of us.
“You’re wrong there” piped up Ryan, examining the print. “My father edits the gossip page. He’d die to get his hands on something so juicy.”
There was a stunned silence. I knew we had won.
Madeleine glared at me with hatred in her eyes. She turned and stalked into her office, returning with all four photos. Moments later the exchange was complete. Feeling almost light-headed with joy, I couldn’t help but joke “By the way, your butt does look big in this!” as I passed the print to her.
The quip was not appreciated by its target but the rest of us thought it funny. In particular, the maid dissolved into fits of laughter bringing her to the notice of my admirer for the first time. The youth stared, open-mouthed, then spoke in a husky voice. “Consuela!”
“Ryan!”
“Why are you got up like…?”
“I can explain…”
“Doesn’t matter… I’ve found you!” They were in each other’s arms in a flash.
Turning to me the boy looked over Consuela’s head apologetically. “Sorry, Jennifer. I thought I’d lost her. She’s the love of my life!”
“That’s okay. No, really!”
Accommodating Ryan’s apparent ability to be in love with three different females in a single week would require some mental agility. While I attempted the necessary adjustment, I turned to the lady of the house. Her face bore a stunned expression, unsurprisingly.
“This is goodbye, Madeleine. I’m guessing that I’ve received what you intended when you invited me here, but you were wrong about my mother. I don’t believe for a moment that she would have been so mean as to wish your treatment upon me. By the bye, in case you are thinking of trying something else, that wasn’t the only photograph I took of your… activities. Call it an insurance. Let’s hope we never meet again.”

 
Epilogue

Clearing my mother’s house had been a bigger undertaking than I had imagined. Even with the help of Alice and Tom before they had left, I had been hard put to complete it. The Goodwill store was generally the beneficiary of the exercise. Many items which could probably have been sold had gone that way, some because I hadn’t the heart and others because the process would have taken too long. Fortunately, my parent hadn’t believed in hoarding, and I’d tried to follow her example in that respect. Dealing with the childhood memories which some treasured artefact conjured up wasn’t easy, nonetheless, but eventually I reached an end.

At about the same time the final papers relating to the sale of the property came through. All that remained was to pack the possessions which I couldn’t bear to part with into the u-haul trailer, hitch it to my little car and start the long drive to my new home. Though it was hard to say goodbye to friends, I left the town where I was raised without regret. It would be hard to do justice to my feelings of joy and relief at being together with my little family again.

There were some unexpected consequences of my trip to deal with, however. On complaining to Rachel that some of my clothes had gotten tight around my middle, she happily clarified that no, they had not shrunk in the wash and also pointed out that I seemed to have abandoned my regime of nightly waist-training.

“Surely it’s time to dispense with that” I protested. I was keen to distance myself from all of the disciplines I’d been subjected to in the past. Those hormonal supplements were another such.

My wife took a different view, overriding my objections. “I’m pretty sure that Pete has lined up a whole series of photoshoots in the coming weeks. You will want to get into shape for those.”

“But…”

“’Fraid so! I believe she might have some other plans for her star protégé, too.”

“Oh? Okay.” Considering the ordeal I’d just experienced, I didn’t mind in the least what might be ahead of me. As long as I didn’t have to be away from home, it was fine by me.

“Yes, she was really interested when I told her about your singing career.”

“Career? One set in a nightclub is hardly a career.”

“If you say so, dear.”

There was an arch expression on the pretty countenance of my loved one which gave me pause.

Resignedly, I asked the question. “What exactly has she in mind?”

For answer Rachel mouthed a single word, which nevertheless filled me with trepidation.

“Hollywood”

**!!$$$*!