“Now?” I asked incredulously. “You want me to do this now? It’s only like eight thirty.”
“Sure!” exclaimed Sarah. “It’ll be more fun this way.”
I frowned, “I don’t know, guys. The contest isn’t until three thirty. I’ll have to be in costume all day!”
“That’s what makes it fun,” said Annette. “Besides, this way you can come to lunch with us.”
I laughed, “I could go to lunch with you without this, you know.”
Katrina laughed louder, “In your dreams!”
“Gee, thanks,” I furrowed my brow. “If you want me to change now, we need to check with the boss first. She may not want me to do this.”
Everyone followed me the twenty feet to Ms. Lane’s office. Her door was open, but I knocked anyway. She looked up, “You need something, Garner?” She then looked curiously at the women who had followed me to her office. “Is there a problem?”
I hesitated a moment before speaking. I’ve always been shy and it’s hard for me to talk to authority figures. “I… uh, Sarah wa… wants me…”
Sarah interrupted and said, “I thought it’d be fun if Garner put on his Halloween contest outfit now instead of waiting until after lunch.”
Ms. Lane flashed us a why are you bothering me with this expression. She said, “What are you… Oh yeah. Katrina told me yesterday you’re going to dress as a woman? I don’t care if you do it now. As long as you don’t disrupt the office more than you already have.”
Sarah grinned and said, “Well, there you have it! Go into the women’s restroom to change. We’ll stand guard so no one walks in on you.”
“I don’t know…” I said. “I’ll feel silly.”
Katrina said, “You brought it up. You showed me that picture of you dressing as a woman for that Halloween party you went to two years ago back in college before you started working here. You looked amazing!”
Laura laughed, “He’s almost a femboy now. Look at his face.”
Sarah looked at Laura sideways and asked, “What do you know about femboys?”
I stepped into the women’s restroom with my bag of clothes and shoes. Talk about being embarrassed! I should never have shown Katrina those pictures. But she’d asked what was the craziest thing I’d done for Halloween. I’m a quiet, withdrawn kinda person so I don’t have many moments of getting crazy.
While musing, I had been slipping into my bra, panties and pantyhose. I know most women don’t wear pantyhose these days but I thought it would help my legs look better. I shaved my legs and underarms the night before. I then slid the dress over my head. It was a work appropriate short black dress. I also had black pumps with three inch heels.
Along with the dress and underwear, I got the high heels a week ago. While it’s hardly my first time to wear heels, I have been practicing walking around the apartment. At first my roommate, Jack, would laugh, but now he doesn’t even notice. My roommate claims he’s bi, but I’ve only seen him with women. We met at college and he needed help with the rent and I needed a place to live. And this is my first real job since graduating. And I’m putting on a dress.
And I have to confess. I like to cross dress. I went through a purge last year and tossed out all my nice feminine clothes. Well except the panties. I still wear those. But looking at myself in the mirror wearing a dress, all those urges are returning. I wonder if Jack would toss me out of his apartment if I started dressing?
I opened the restroom door and said quietly, “Okay, I’m dressed. Katrina, did you bring the make-up? You want to help me with it?” I didn’t want to admit that I have my own make-up.
Grinning ear-to-ear, Katrina said, “Yep. Don’t worry. I’m not going to make you look ridiculous. But look at you! You look great even without make-up! Let’s do the make-up in the meeting room.”
I followed Katrina into the meeting room next to our cubicles. I sat down in one of the chairs and Katrina spread the make-up out on the table.
My eyes widened and I exclaimed, “You’re going to put all that on my face?!”
Laughing, Katrina said, “No silly. I didn’t know what I was going to need, so I brought it all.” She opened a lipstick and screwed some of it up. “What do you think, guys? I thought this would be a great color for him.”
Sarah nodded and Laura said, “That’s a good color. You should be a make-up artist.”
Katrina smirked, “Well, I did take cosmetology in college for two years.”
Laura said, “Do you have time to do her hair?”
Biting her lower lip, Katrina said, “Not a lot of time. We can’t spend all day doing this. Ms. Lane would have a cow.” Frowning at me she said, “You should have been letting your hair grow this past year.”
Furrowing my brow, I said, “How the hell did I know I’d be doing this at Halloween?”
Katrina started smearing foundation on my face. She said, “It’s called ‘planning’. You should always plan ahead.” I hadn’t worn make-up since the last time I got fully dressed. I regret tossing out all my girly stuff.
Sarah said, “Don’t listen to her, Garner. She doesn’t even have a boyfriend yet, but she’s already planned her wedding, what kind of house, how many kids and how much she’s going to get in the divorce. And yet she can’t get any of her work done on time.”
Rolling her eyes, Katrina said, “That’s because I’m always doing things like Garner’s make-up and hair.”
Ms. Lane popped her head into the conference room and said, “Can you finish this sex change before nine-thirty? I have a meeting with Mr. Cramer that I want Garner to attend as well.”
A cold shaft ran down my spine. I blurted, “I forgot! The Nelson account meeting! Oh!”
Katrina said, “Don’t move around while I’m doing your eyeliner.”
“I can’t go like this!” I exclaimed. “I can’t go to the meeting, Ms. Lane.”
“You have to go,” said Ms. Lane flatly. “Mr. Cramer wanted Ralph Barnlig for the project, but I convinced him you would be better for the job. Even if I don’t tell Mr. Cramer who you are, you still need to hear the account particulars.”
“Won’t he ask who I am?” I said worriedly. Laura started putting polish on my nails to speed things up.
Shrugging, Ms. Lane said, “I’ll tell him you’re out sick today and that you as a woman are my new assistant. You’re quite convincing and they’re not even done with you, so I don’t think we have anything to worry about.”
Leaning back to get a better look at what she’s doing to me, Katrina said, “Don’t worry, Ms. Lane. We’ll have her ready before nine-thirty.”
“Wow,” exclaimed Sarah. “Where did Garner go?”
“What do you guys think?” I asked as I stood up in my short black dress and high heels. “Do you think I’ll win?”
Katrina said, “I don’t know if you’ll win the contest, but nobody is going to believe you’re a man.”
Suppressing a giggle, Sarah said, “Let’s go in the restroom so you can check yourself out. The transformation is really amazing.”
I just stood there in shock staring at my reflection after all of us had hurried into the women’s restroom. Like always, I found it hard to believe that the cute girl in the mirror was actually me.
As we exited the restroom, Ms. Lane called from across the office, “Oh. There you are.” She walked up to our little group before she said, “I was looking for you. I’m going to head up for the meeting. Can you bring that box of reports we’re going to distribute at the meeting when you come up? It’s on the table outside my office. Thanks. And you look great, by the way.” Without waiting for an answer, she hurried off towards the elevators.
Katrina nodded at me. “You do look great. I think you should dress this way all the time!” She, Laura and Sarah all laughed.
I frowned. “Well, thanks.” Actually, if I was being honest with myself, I wished I could dress this way all the time.
Laura said, “We’re not laughing at you. We’re just thinking how fun it would be for you to wear a dress every day. It does suit you.”
I sighed heavily. “Well, as much as I don’t want to, I better get up to the meeting.” I started to walk towards the elevators.
Sarah pointed towards Ms. Lane’s office. “Don’t forget that box she wants you to bring.”
Katrina looked puzzled. “Why print the reports? Just put them on-line.”
I grunted a laugh. “It’s a bunch of old farts who like to hold paper.”
As I walked over to the box, I started to wonder how I was going to pick it up without messing up my nail polish, even though it should be dry by now. I decided to slide the box into my arms rather than try to pick it up from the table. It wasn’t especially heavy, but it was heavy enough that carrying it while wearing heels would be awkward.
As I stood there, trying to adjust the weight distribution of holding the box, an IT guy who’d just finished working on a PC pulled the box from my grasp. “Let me help you. That box is bigger than you!” It wasn’t of course.
“That’s fine,” I said reaching for the box. “I got it.”
He smiled at me. “It’s no bother. Where are you going with it?”
Still trying to reach for the box, I said, “Board meeting room on the tenth floor.”
Grinning and keeping the box out of my reach, the man said, “Oh yeah. That’s too far. I’ll follow you.”
Well, that’s annoying. I’m sure he feels he’s being helpful, but carrying the box wasn’t going to be difficult. But refusing to let him help me would probably bruise his ego. There was certainly no doubt why he wanted to follow. I could almost feel his eyes on my butt. I laughed to myself. If he only knew he was staring at a guy’s butt. A guy’s butt in black, lacy satin panties and wearing a short, black dress.
Maybe I’m laughing at the wrong person…
The board room was right across from the elevators. The IT guy followed me in as I walked over to where Ms. Lane was sitting. I pointed to the space next to her. “You can set it down there. Thank you so very much!”
The IT guy gently set the box down on the conference table without so much as a grunt. He smiled at me. “My pleasure, ma’am.”
He turned to leave. One of the managers already seated at the table called out, “Hey Bill. Can you come by and look at my PC later?” Bill nodded and left.
As I started taking individual reports from the box so I could distribute them, Ms. Lane grinned at me. “Already asking men to help you with hard things?”
Feeling extremely self-conscious about being in a room filled with male managers I said, “Hey. He volunteered.”
Ms. Lane smiled. She then pointed around the room. “While you’re doing that, would you mind handing those reports out around the table?”
I looked around the room. Most of the seats at the large conference table were already filled. This was going to be a major management meeting. And I’m wearing a dress.
About a third of the managers attending were women so I didn’t feel quite so alone in a sea of men. Most of the attendees ignored me as I walked around the table placing the reports. Some of the younger men watched me as I went back a couple times to get more reports. Most of the women managers would at least smile and say “Thank you” when I placed a report in front of them.
When I was done, I returned to Ms. Lane. I bent over and whispered, “Is that all you need, Ms. Lane?”
Ms. Lane looked at me for a second. “Would you mind staying and taking notes for me? And they’re going to be talking about a project that will involve you anyway.”
“Of course, Ms. Lane.” I sat down next to her. She slid a pen and a pad over to me. Well, I tried to get away.
Mr. Jones, the CEO entered the conference room after everyone was seated. “Good morning ladies and gentlemen. It’s good to see everyone here.” He glanced around the room. “I think I know all of you by now. Anyone new to this meeting?” He focused on me and Ms. Lane.
Ms. Lane looked a bit flustered at the unexpected attention. She looked quickly over at me. “Um… this is Ms. Garner Carter. She’s my new assistant.”
Mr. Jones looked directly at me and smiled. “Welcome aboard our team, Ms. Carter”
I smiled weakly and in a small voice said, “Thank you, sir.” Oh wonderful. Now I’m a secretary, the stereotypical dream job for a crossdresser. I hope Ms. Lane was just making that up. I’m supposed to be in analytics. I looked around the table and became even more uncomfortable seeing that, with the notable exception of Mr. Jones’s assistant, I was the only non-manager there.
Mr. Jones looked around the room with a slight frown. “We’re waiting for one more person to arrive.” About thirty seconds after he spoke, a young woman entered the meeting room.
“Sorry I’m late, Mr. Jones,” the woman said nervously.
Mr. Jones nodded towards her. “Please have a seat so we can get started. Everyone, this is Nancy. She temporarily filling in as executive assistant. I think most of you know that Judy, my previous assistant retired last week.”
Nancy looked around the room for a moment and then opened her laptop computer and turned it on. I leaned over to Ms. Lane and whispered, “Why does she get a laptop computer to take notes on and I get this pen and yellow pad?” I was only joking. Sort of.
Ms. Lane looked at me funny and then smiled. “Well, Miss Carter, if you work out as my assistant, we’ll see about getting you a laptop.”
I smiled dourly and nodded. I held up the pen and whispered, “I’m good.” Ms. Lane chuckled at me.
Nancy glanced over at me, flipped her hair over shoulder and then sat with her fingers poised over the keyboard. Maybe it’s my imagination, but I felt she was trying to signal to me that I was at a lesser station in the assistant pecking order. My hair wasn’t long enough to do any flipping, so I just sat up straighter and held my pen at the ready.
Ms. Lane leaned over to me again and discreetly pointed under the table and whispered, “Keep your knees together, Miss Carter.”
I nodded and consciously brought my knees together. Women don’t have body parts between their legs, so it’s easier for them to keep their knees together. That’s my assumption anyway.
Everyone sat in silence as Mr. Jones glanced over the report. “Okay, everyone, let’s look at these issues pointed out on page two of this report. Oh by the way. This is an excellent report, Ms. Lane. The guy who wrote this really knows his stuff.” A cold spike shot down my spine when I realized my name is on the report.
Ms. Lane smiled. She pointed at me. “Thank you sir. The credit should go to Miss Carter as she did most of the research and prepared the report.” All eyes turned to me and Ms. Lane grinned at me, obviously enjoying my discomfort.
Mr. Jones smiled at me. “Excellent work, Ms. Carter. Excellent work. And my sincere apologies for assuming you were male. Sometimes it’s hard to change your mindset. Again, thank you, Ms. Carter. Now, let’s continue…”
Oh my God! The boss now thinks I’m a woman. From now on, whenever he sees my name on a report, in an email, or whatever, he’s going think I’m female. Before I was a nobody grunt, working invisibly cranking out reports. Now I’m known to management only as Ms. Lane’s female assistant. How the hell are we going to get this fixed?
I glanced over to Ms. Lane. She just shook her head with an amused expression.
My note taking was interrupted multiple times during the meeting as not just Mr. Jones, but other managers asking me for clarifications on some finer points in my report. I was embarrassed as hell, and actually annoyed that they’d ask for clarification since as far as I was concerned, the report was very clear. But I didn’t say that. I just answered as best I could in a quiet voice. I was very worried my voice would give me away.
I was actually surprised that I was completely accepted as who everyone had been told I was. People seem accepting if you don’t give them a reason to suspect you’re not who you say you are. That was my experience the few times I dared to venture out dressed as a girl in years past.
The meeting lasted a bit over an hour and a half. I took lots of notes for Ms. Lane and answered a ton of questions. Several managers just stared at me the whole time smiling, making me very uncomfortable.
As we started to stand up, Ms. Lane said, “Thank you so much, Garner for stepping up to come to the meeting dressed as you are. I know it was probably a bit embarrassing, but you helped me out a lot being here to answer questions.”
I smiled at her. “You’re welcome, Ms. Lane. In a way it was sorta fun. I felt like a spy in disguise.”
Before Ms. Lane could comment further, Mr. Jones started walking towards us. “Oh Ms. Lane. May I have a word with you?”
Ms. Lane nodded in his direction as he approached. “Of course, Mr. Jones.” I stood silently beside Ms. Lane.
Mr. Jones smiled broadly as he walked up to us. “Ms. Lane, I wonder if I could ask a favor of you? Here in about twenty minutes, I have to attend a board meeting to basically go over what we just discussed. I was wondering if I could borrow your assistant, Ms. Carter? Her intimate knowledge of the report and how the conclusions were arrived at would be invaluable.”
I thought to myself, “Please say no.”
Ms. Lane smiled. “Well of course, Mr. Jones. I’m sure Miss Carter would happy to provide you with any assistance you may require.” Ms. Lane nodded at me a couple of quick nods.
I smiled at the big boss. “Yes, Mr. Jones. I’d be happy to do whatever you need me to do.”
Mr. Jones gave me an odd smile. “I’m sure you would, Ms. Carter. Thank you Ms. Lane. I’ll probably require her services the rest of the day.” He turned to me. “And not to worry. Lunch will be provided for the meeting. One of the reasons I don’t mind going to board meetings.” He chuckled.
Ms. Lane smiled at us. “Enjoy your meeting.”
Mr. Jones turned to me. “If you’ll follow me, Ms. Carter, we’ll go ahead and go up to the executive board room. Have you ever been up there?”
I shook my head. “No sir.” I looked frantically at Ms. Lane as she turned to exit the meeting room.
Ms. Lane looked exasperated and silently mouthed the world “Sorry!” She then shrugged.
Nancy had been standing by the door this whole time. As he passed her, Mr. Jones said, “That’s all for today, Nancy. Thank you for filling in. You may return to the assistants pool.”
“Yes, sir.” She shot me a dirty look.
I followed Mr. Jones out to the open area in front of the elevators. As the elevator door closed with just us two in the elevator, I was suddenly gripped in a fear Mr. Jones would rape me in the elevator. I know it’s irrational, but I suddenly felt very vulnerable wearing a dress, heels and being alone with a man. We only went up three more floors, but it was the longest elevator ride I’ve ever been on.
As we got off the elevator, I had a sudden thought. “Oh. Do I need to go back to Ms. Lane’s office and run off more copies of the report?”
Mr. Jones smiled at me. “Oh no. The board members all have pads and the report should already be loaded on them. But that’s good you thought of that. That’s what makes a good assistant.”
I smiled at him. “Thank you, sir.” I looked about the lobby at all the big shots going into the board room. I was surprised that there were two women on the board. Any other time I might have made a sexist joke about women on the board. But I just felt less alone wearing a dress.
Mr. Jones looked into the board room. “You know what else makes a great assistant? Could you bring me a cup of coffee? I have to talk briefly with the finance director before the meeting.”
He walked away before I could respond. But what could I say besides “Yes sir?” And of course, here we are. He praises my report, but I’m still expected to bring him a cup of coffee.
I looked over at the gathering of other assistants at the coffee machine, filling cups for their bosses. I sighed and walked over to the coffee machine, picked up a cup and waited for my turn to fill it.
That was one long-assed meeting.
Mr. Jones thanked me for attending the meeting with him. The two women board members nodded approvingly at me as I gave details on my analysis. I was the only assistant who spoke at all during the meeting. However, I was disappointed and annoyed, when after the meeting, one of the female board members admonished me for improper business attire because my dress was too short.
It was after five when I finally got back to Ms. Lane’s office. She was still in her office as she usually doesn’t leave until around five thirty.
Holding my shoes and standing in her doorway in my stocking feet, I knocked on her doorway and said, “The meeting is over, Ms. Lane.”
Ms. Lane smiled at me. “How did it go?”
I shrugged. “It went pretty well, I guess. I answered a lot of questions and I think the board has more respect for your office now. And I got chewed out for wearing a dress that’s too short.”
Ms. Lane chucked. “Was that Ms. Thornberry?”
I nodded.
Ms. Lane shook her head. “I shouldn’t say this, but she’s a bitch. She feels threatened by pretty, young women who are also intelligent. Just ignore her. Your dress is fine. And thank you so much for doing this. I know it was embarrassing for you.”
I grinned. “No problem, Ms. Lane. In a way it was kinda fun.” For the longest time I’ve wanted to be able to just spend all day dressed as a woman. And it was fun.
Ms. Lane was about to say something when she glanced over at her computer. She frowned and then turned towards me. “Do you have more dresses?”
Feeling worried, I asked, “Why?”
Ms. Lane turned back to me. “I just got an email from Mr. Jones. He wants to steal you from me. He wants you to be his permanent assistant starting tomorrow at eight o’clock.”
“He wants to what?!” I asked, shocked. “I… I can’t do that. I’m not the woman he thinks I am and I have no experience being an executive assistant. I just want to get back to writing reports.”
“I know. I know.” Ms. Lane shook her head. “Until we can figure a way to get you out of this without causing a huge stink and getting us all fired, just go ahead and keep showing up to work as a woman.”
I groaned as I slid into the chair placed there for an assistant and shook my head. “No. That’ll mean having to get up at least an hour or more early to do my make-up and fix my hair. Not to mention putting on a dress and bra and stuff.”
Ms. Lane just stared blankly at me for several long moments before frowning. “Welcome to the club.”
I was surprised to see Jack already in the apartment when I managed to drag myself home. He looked out of his bedroom when I came in and smiled at me. “Well, aren’t you just gorgeous! Did you win the contest?”
I kicked my heels off and plopped down on the couch and stared numbly at the turned off TV. “No. I had to miss it.” I then went on to explain my feminine adventure of being an executive assistant.
Jack stepped out of his room. He was wearing a nice suit, which surprised me. When he gets home, he’s usually pretty quick about jumping into sweats or yoga pants. “Are you serious about you dressing as a women tomorrow as well?”
I nodded. “Yep. That means getting up an hour early just to do my make-up.” I looked at my hands. “I think my nails are still good for tomorrow. So, why are you all dressed up?”
Jack opened his jacket. “What? This old thing? Seriously though. You know that foundation I belong to? They’re having an awards ceremony and dinner tonight. Guess who’s turn it is to be the presenter?”
I turned on the TV. “Why do you even bother? That foundation seems to be a bunch of stuffed shirts and boring.”
Jack shrugged. “Prestige. Networking. You make a lot of profitable connections there. So it’s worth it. For the most part.”
I laughed. “Better you than me, Jackie-boy. I should probably change out of this dress.”
Raising his hand, Jack said, “Hey, hold up a second. When this ceremony was being all set up, I had told them I’d bring a date. But as you know, last week Melanie told me to get lost. So now I’m dateless.”
I got up from the couch. “That’s a real sad story, Jack. I’m going to go change into something less feminine.”
Jack touched my arm. “Wait a second. Why don’t you be my date for tonight. You’re already dressed, made up and everything.”
I turned and gave Jack an incredulous expression. “That’s crazy, Jack. I can’t be your date. I’m not a girl.”
Jack just grinned at me. “You’re certainly pretty enough to be a girl. Besides, I’m bi, remember? It doesn’t matter to me if I’m out with a guy or a girl.”
I shook my head. “Well, I’m not. Despite the fact that I rarely get to, I’m only interested in going out with girls. And really. What’s with claiming your bi? I’ve seen you date like two guys the whole time I’ve known you.”
Jack stepped close to me. “You remember what Woody Allen said about being bi. It doubles your chance for a date on Saturday night.”
I laughed. “I don’t think I’d be taking dating advice from Woody Allen.” I turned my back towards Jack. “While you’re just standing there, could you unzip me?”
Jack frowned. “I’d really prefer you kept the dress on. I really am desperate to have a date tonight.”
I turned around to face Jack. “It’s not that I don’t want to help, but jeez, Jack. I’d feel pretty silly.”
Jack shook his head. “I don’t know why. You make a really fine woman. No one would think you were anything but. Did you feel silly at work today?”
I laughed. “As a matter of fact, I did. I was mortified.”
Jack just laughed. “Give… me… a… break. Remember that time, and it wasn’t very long ago, that I found you running around the apartment dressed as a girl and you confessed that you wished you could dress that way all the time. And look. Now your job lets you dress the way you want and now you have a chance to go on a date with a handsome man.”
“Who?” I asked, expressionless.
“Me. Who else?” Jack put his palms together in a pleading manner. “Please? Go out with me? Don’t make me beg.”
I laughed. “I want to see you beg.”
Jack frowned, but lowered himself to his knees. “Please Garner, go out with me tonight.”
I laughed. “Okay, okay. You win. I need to freshen my make-up though.”
Jack checked the time on his phone. “Okay. Try not to take too long.”
I turned and headed to the bathroom. “I’ll just be a minute.”
After I closed the bathroom door, I checked my make-up. I decided to quickly wash my face and start over. Some of the make-up the girls at work had used on me, I didn’t really like, but I didn’t want to say anything.
Trying to watch the time, I worked as quickly as I could to apply foundation and some blush. I went with a smoky eye shadow since this was an evening outing. I’m not calling this a date! While looking for my lipstick, I came across a package I bought a couple of months ago, but hadn’t had a chance to open it. It was false eyelashes. Since I’m going on a date, this seems like a good time wear them. I frowned at my reflection and thought, no, this isn’t a date.
I heard some knuckles rapping on the bathroom door. Through the door, I heard Jack say, “Honey. Are you almost done? We need to get going.” Did he just call me honey?
A few minutes later, I stepped out of the bathroom and walked back into the common area. “What do you think?”
Jack smiled broadly. “You look great!” He looked at me for a few moments, tilting his head from side to side. “I think I have something you can use. Let me get it.”
Not sure what he meant, I watched him enter his bedroom. A minute later he came out holding a small jewel box.
He opened the box as he approached me. “Your ears are pierced, right?”
I nodded. “Why do you ask?”
He held up a pair of dangly diamond earrings. “I thought you might want to wear these. I bought them for Melanie just before she left me. She left them on the dresser. There’s a matching necklace too.”
I took one of the earrings from his hand. “Cubic Zirconium?”
He shook his head. “Real diamonds, baby.”
I laughed. “Stupid girl. I would have taken the diamonds and then dumped you. So you’re giving me diamond jewelry?”
Jack frowned. “No. I’m just letting you borrow them. I thought they’d look better on you than in this box.”
After a few moments, I got the earrings in. I’d never worn real diamonds before. I could feel them rest against my neck when I turned my head. I held up the necklace. “Can you help me with this?”
Jack smiled. “Of course.” I turned around and reached back to pull up what longish hair I had to get it off my neck. I shocked myself by feeling a bit of a tingle when I felt his fingers brush against my neck as he clasped the necklace. And then I made a girly gasp as I felt his lips on my neck along with a bigger tingle. Jack then did a series of quick kisses down my neck to my shoulder.
I giggled as I turned around. “Stop it! That tickles!”
Jack was grinning. .He said, “Note to self. She likes having her neck nibbled on.” I wasn’t sure what to think of him referring to me as a ‘she’. And dammit. I discovered I did like having my neck nibbled on.
Jack checked the time again. “Babe, we need to go.” He took my hand and led me from the apartment.
After we got in the car and was heading to where the dinner was being held, Jack said, “Thanks again for doing this. A few of the older women in the foundation fancy themselves as matchmakers so having you along should prevent that conversation.”
I frowned. “So I’m just a beard? Insurance protection against unwanted romance meddling?”
Jack put his hand on my knee. “Oh no, baby. Of course not. I really wanted you to come with me. But it’s a side benefit to have you preempt having to listen to how wonderful their cousins are or listen them go on about one of their co-workers.”
I removed his hand from my knee and frowned. “I’m glad I could help.”
Jack sighed. “Like I said, I’m very happy you’re here. Were you hoping for something more like a real date?”
I shook my head. “No. No of course not. I’m here for the free dinner. So, why don’t you try dating one of their cousins or friends?”
Jack shrugged. “I have actually. A few anyway. We just couldn’t connect. You can’t force a relationship. It has to occur naturally.” He looked over at me and his eyes lingered on me. I looked down at my clasped hands in my lap. Holy cow. I think he might actually like me. As in like like me. What should I think about that?
When we arrived at our destination, Jack helped me exit his car and then held my hand as we walked to the hotel where the dinner was being held in one of the large meeting rooms. Once inside, his hand made its way to the small of my back. As we made our way to the meeting room for dinner, we stopped to greet the other attendees. Several older women smiled at me when I was introduced. Several younger women gave me an annoyed look. Jack was the youngest man in attendance and definitely the cutest.
As the hotel staff set up the buffet line, we had to endure the meeting part of the event, listen to the treasurer report and vote on a few proposals. And listen to the chairwoman of the foundation brag on the accomplishments of the foundation.
Sitting next to Jack, I felt more than a bit out of place. These were all “society” people. I was relieved that none of the women were wearing elegant evening gowns and such. It was, after all, just a business meeting for the foundation. I was also embarrassed in that it was obvious after each person I was introduced to, it was a given that I was Jack’s girlfriend.
Finally the meeting part of the event was over and we were all then invited to visit the buffet table.
Jack turned to me. “If you like, you can just stay seated here and I’ll get your dinner.”
I smirked. “I do believe I’m capable of getting my own dinner, Jack.”
Jack smiled. “Just thought I’d ask. After you.”
As we got in line, a woman and I assume her husband turned to face us as we approached.
“Why Jack!” said the woman with a wide smile. “I didn’t see you come in.” She and her husband shook Jack’s hand. She turned to look at me. I was trying to be invisible standing behind Jack. “And who is this?” She asked Jack. Not me.
Jack grinned and placed his hand on my lower back again. “Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, I would like you to meet Garner Carter. Garner, this is Leroy and MaryAnn Jenkins. They are major contributors to the foundation.
Mrs. Jenkins gave me a wimpy girlish handshake. “It’s so very nice to meet you, Miss Carter. I have to say, you don’t run into many Garners these days.”
Leroy chuckled. “True, though Mary, remember my aunt in Oklahoma?”
Mrs. Jenkins smiled at us. “I have to say, you two make a very cute couple.”
Jack put his arm around my waist as he grinned. “I think so too.”
Mrs. Jenkins leaned in towards Jack in a conspiratory fashion and in a whisper loud enough for me to hear, said, “You should keep this one.”
Jack laughed. “That’s the plan.”
Jack took my hand and led me across the parking lot to his car; the only sound was my heels on the asphalt.
As we approached his car, Jack turned to me. “Why so quiet?”
I stopped walking and he pulled on my hand a moment before stopping as well. “I guess I feel a bit bothered by your comment that you plan to keep me. You’re not my boyfriend, Jack.”
Jack chuckled. “What would you have had me to say to the nice old lady? I think most of the older women in the foundation have getting me married off as their personal mission.”
I shook my head. “I guess it bothers me that you assumed I want to date you.”
Jack chuckled. “Look. I just said that to be nice to Mrs. Jenkins. I wasn’t trying to suggest to you that we date. Though I admit I like that idea.”
I grunted a laugh. “I thought you only dated guys.”
Jack grinned. “And what are you?”
I laughed. “You got me there. But I’m not really into guys. You know that.”
Jack took my hand and started leading me back to our apartment. “We’ll see. With your new job, you’re finally getting to let your inner girl out.”
I looked shyly at my feet. “That’s true.”
After we got inside the apartment, I kicked my heels off and plopped down on the couch. Jack sat right next to me and slung his arm behind my shoulder. He picked up the remote control that was resting on the couch as well and turned on the TV.
“Want to watch some porn?” He chuckled.
I rolled my eyes at him. “Actually, I want to go to bed.”
Jack stood up quickly and took my hand. “Now you’re talking.” He tugged on my hand.
I pulled my hand free. “No, Casanova. I need to get some sleep. I have to get up earlier than I’m used to so I have time to pick out a dress and put on my make-up. In fact, I should probably pick out my outfit before I get in bed.”
Jack looked deflated. “You got me excited there for a minute.”
I shook my head. “Goof ball. Can you help me remove this necklace so I can give your jewelry back to you?” I turned around so the clasp of the necklace faced him.
Jack said, “I’ll help you take it off, but you can keep it.”
I felt his fingers on my neck. Why did that give me a tingle? “I can’t take your jewelry! This is expensive stuff. You should give it to that special girl.”
Jack kissed my neck. “I just did.”
I just stood there holding the necklace. “I don’t know what to say.”
Jack grinned. “How about ‘thank you’?” He sat back on the couch.
I knocked the alarm clock to the floor fumbling around trying to shut it off. This was way too early. I’m hoping as I get used to putting on my make-up, I can scale back getting up so early. Actually, I hope that I go back to my original job before I get used to putting on make-up. All my life, practically, I had fantasized about having a job where I got to dress as a woman. But I have to admit, I already miss being able to jump out of the shower and into clothes and run out the door.
I needed something to eat, so as I was used to doing, I just wandered out of my room just in my underwear to see if anything was in the kitchen. I forgot I was wearing panties as I stepped out into the common area of Jack’s and my apartment. I was surprised to see Jack already in the kitchen turning on the coffee maker. I never use it as I get my caffeine from sodas.
As I entered the kitchen, Jack turned around. He looked me up and down. “Good morning Garner. Maybe you should wear a robe or a nightie or something?”
I frowned at Jack as I looked inside the pantry looking for an energy bar or something. “Mornin’ Jack. And what’s the deal? So I’m wearing panties instead of boxers, there’s nothing different about how you usually see me in the morning.”
Jack shrugged. “Just seems different somehow.”
I laughed. “It’s not like I grew tits overnight. I’m still just me.”
As he pulled a mug from the cupboard and poured his coffee, Jack chuckled. “I suppose that’s true.”
I started to unwrap the energy bar. “So what are you saying, Jack? I should be more modest now that I’m wearing different clothes?”
Jack shrugged. “Well yeah, actually. If you’re going to be a woman, you should have a better sense of propriety. That’s all.” He filled his cup
I just stared at him. “Seriously? As a man it’s okay to run around in just my underwear, but if I’m going to wear women’s clothes, I need to cover up?”
Jack looked at me curiously. “You don’t think so? It doesn’t bother you to traipse about half naked in front of men?”
I frowned. “What men? It’s just you and I’ve been doing this since I moved in. This is a weird conversation to be having with you.”
Jack raised his hands defensively. “Okay. Fine. I won’t say another word about it.”
“Okay then.” I took a bite from my energy bar and turned to get back to my room. I was suddenly uncomfortable being in front of Jack in just my panties.
I took a shower and put on my make-up. It didn’t take as long as I first thought, but I was still going to have to get up earlier than I used to. I’m glad I took the time the night before to lay out what I was going to wear.
Before I put on my skirt and blouse and just in my bra, panties and pantyhose, women were required at work to wear hose if they wore a dress or skirt, I snuck into Jack’s room while he was in the shower to return the jewelry he’d given me. I put it next to a pile of his ex-girlfriend’s stuff on top of the dresser.
There was a small bottle of perfume with the other stuff. Out of curiosity I sniffed it. I liked it so I decided to wear it and put the bottle back. I don’t usually wear perfume, but I really liked it and I bet it was expensive.
When I was finished dressing, I exited my room. Jack was just about to head out the door himself. He looked up when I exited my room and whistled.
“So what do you think?” I asked striking a pose. “Do I look okay?”
He walked towards me and smiled. “You look absolutely beautiful.” He sniffed when he got close. “And you smell great too.”
“Thanks,” I said grinning. “I thought you’d like it. I borrowed your ex-girlfriend’s perfume when I was returning that jewelry.”
Jack frowned. “Keep the jewelry. It’s yours.”
I shook my head. “But they’re real diamonds, Jack. I can’t accept such an expensive gift.”
Jack smiled at me. “You can and you will. I’m not going to wear those items. They belong on a beautiful woman. Put them in your jewelry box. They’re yours. Keep the perfume too. In fact, you can have anything of hers you find in my room.”
“What if she comes back for it?” I asked.
Jack shook his head. “She won’t.”
I smiled nervously at Jack. “Well, thank you, Jack.” I thought, I hope he’s not expecting anything in return. “I need to get to work. I don’t want to be late for my new boss.”
Jack waved as I opened the apartment door. “Have a great day.”
I arrived at work with about five minutes to spare. I hurried through the lobby, my heels clicking and my tight skirt restricting my stride. I should have expected to see men turn to look at me scurrying to the elevators. I would have turned to look myself running the way I was. It annoyed me to see some men with amused expressions at my own clothes being a hindrance to me. A tight skirt causing restricted movement while wearing heels was quite a turn on when I was by myself. Now, not so much.
The elevator door was about to close as I arrived, slightly out of breath. A man smiled at me and held the door open. I smiled at him as I stepped inside. “Thank you!” I pressed the button to my floor, noticing my red nails. Everyone else on the elevator was a man. It never bothered me before. I folded my arms under my fake boobs. I need to stop thinking like this.
The man continued to smile at me. “You’re very welcome, miss.”
Oh crap! I thought. I hit the wrong button. Now that I’m Mr. Jones’s assistant, I’m on a different floor than I used to be. The crowd in the elevator shifted and I couldn’t get to the buttons any longer.
I hated doing it, but I said out loud, “I hit the wrong button and I can’t reach the buttons.”
The man who had held the door for me, turned and smiled at me again with a knowing expression. He probably thinks I’m stupid now. “I’ll push the button for you miss. What floor?”
I told him and he punched it. I thanked him and he nodded to me. I stepped back and tried to become invisible.
By the time the door opened for my floor, it was just me and the guy who held the door open for me. He smiled at me as I exited the elevator. “See you tomorrow!” He said cheerfully. I’m going to try to arrive at a different time tomorrow.
As I arrived at my desk just outside Mr. Jones’s office, a couple of IT guys were just leaving. One of them nodded to me as they packed up their stuff onto their cart. “You’re all set up with a new computer, miss. You have everything you should need as an assistant.”
I smiled. “Thank you.” I set my purse down on the desk. I looked at the PC. Terrific. It was a thin client. They have these assistant PCs locked down pretty tight. Only a handful of web sites are available. I could get to everything on my PC when I was an analyst.
A couple other assistants for the neighboring managers walked over to me, smiling. “Welcome to our office area. Mr. Jones has been waiting a long time for a permanent assistant. If you need anything, just let one of us know, okay sweetie?”
I smiled back and nodded to them. “Thank you. I’ll be sure to let you know.”
I sat down at my desk and randomly opened drawers to see what, if anything was inside them. My user ID and temporary password was taped to the monitor. I already had a user account, but they created me a new one. Actually it was the same as my old one with the number one stuck at the end.
“Looks like you’re getting settled in.”
I looked up to see Ms. Lane standing next to the low wall around my desk. I smiled. “Oh, hey Ms. Lane. I didn’t see you.”
Ms. Lane looked over my desk. “This is nice. I think you’ll like this desk much better than the one you had at my office.”
I looked at her curiously. “I never really got to sit there before getting hijacked by Mr. Jones.” I lowered my voice and leaned in close to her. “Ms. Lane, this all kinda has the look of permanence to it. When do I go back to my actual job?”
Ms. Lane frowned and looked away for a moment. “I can’t say. HR has already put a rec out for your old position and you’ve been permanently assigned to the position of Mr. Jones’s assistant. You’ve been added to the assistant pool. You’re off that major project you were working on since you’re not an analyst any longer. And HR notified me before they moved you here, of an error they had found in your record.”
I narrowed my brows. “I’m afraid to ask. What error?”
Ms. Lane sighed. “They said they had no idea how such a mistake had been made, but you had incorrect data. You are now listed as female. Oh. And they adjusted your pay as well. Sorry about that. Oh and that’s pretty perfume you’re wearing.”
I threw up my arms. “Well isn’t that just perfect!”
Ms. Lane shrugged. “Well, I should get back to my office. I have a meeting in fifteen minutes.”
She just started to turn when I heard a man ask one of the other assistants, “I’m looking for a Ms. Garner Carter? Do you know where she is?”
I looked up and it was a delivery person for a florist in our building. He was carrying a huge bouquet of an assortment of flowers. The assistant pointed in my direction. He walked over to my desk and set the bouquet down. “Enjoy.” He turned and headed to the door.
Ms. Lane looked at the flowers. “Very impressive. Are they from Mr. Jones?”
I looked in shock at the flowers. “What the hell?” I plucked the card from the bouquet and opened the envelope. I sighed. “Oh God. Please tell me he didn’t. They’re from Jack.” The card read, “Congratulations on your new job. Love, Jack”
Ms. Lane wrinkled her brow. “Who’s Jack?”
Without thinking, I waved the card and said, “He’s my roommate.”
Ms. Lane raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
I looked at her, horrified at what I suspected she was thinking. “It’s not what you’re thinking! It’s a two bedroom apartment.”
Ms. Lane grinned knowingly at me. “Well I need to go, Ms. Carter. Enjoy your flowers. Don’t forget to thank your roommate.”
I clenched my fist and gritted my teeth. “Oh I will.” She turned and walked away.
The other assistants came up and crowded around my desk. One, who I learned was named Maggie said, “Oh, what beautiful flowers! You’re so lucky. Nobody sends us flowers.”
The one I learned was named Paula laughed. “Yeah, not even our husbands!”
Terri picked up the card. “’Love, Jack’. Is he your boyfriend?”
I raised my hand to say “No! No he’s not. He’s just a friend.” I took the card from her grasp.
Paula said, “I heard you say ‘roommate.’”
Scowling, I said, “I also said it was a two bedroom apartment. Get your mind out of the gutter.”
Terri shook her head. “No reason to feel ashamed about your boyfriend. Especially if he sends you flowers like this.”
I took a deep breath. “He’s not my boyfriend!”
At that moment Mr. Jones walked into the office. “Did someone call a party and not tell me? Is there anything you ladies should be doing?” He turned to me. “Ah, Ms. Carter, do you have that report ready for my meeting in ten minutes?”
With my best deer-in-the-headlights expression I asked, “Report, sir?”
Mr. Jones frowned. “The report I emailed you about last night.”
I just stared at him. “I… I… I just got my computer this morning, sir. I…”
His frown growing deeper, Mr. Jones said, “You’ve been here almost fifteen minutes, haven’t you?”
“I… I… there’s been a lot going on this morning.”
Shaking his head. “I have to get to the meeting. Bring the report as soon as you have it prepared. Make twelve copies and bring it to Executive Room B. Be quick about it!” He turned and started walking away.
I frowned. “Yes, sir.” I gave him a mock salute to his back as he left the office.
He said, “I can see your reflection in the glass, Ms. Carter. Please hurry with the reports.”
I sighed. “Yes sir.” Paula and Maggie looked at me and giggled.
I sat down at my computer, and read the email. The report was mine. I’d written it. It was the last thing I managed to do before I started getting ready for that stupid costume contest. So I spent a few minutes cleaning up the report. It pissed me off. I should be the one to present the report. But there was no way I could do it now.
Checking the clock, I printed out the requested number of copies, collated and then I stapled them together. I hid my purse in one of my drawers and then put the reports in a folder and then rushed as fast as my skirt would let me to the meeting room.
When I entered the room, Mr. Jones said, “Oh good. You’ve got the reports. Please hand them out.” He chuckled. “It’s her first day officially on the job.”
Thanks for tossing me under the bus, I thought. As I passed out the reports, some of the assistants in the room looked at me and just shook their heads. One of the assistants moved her lips. It looked like she said, “Incompetent cunt.” My day is now complete and it’s not even lunch time yet.
I started to sit down next to Mr. Jones. He said, “Would you mind getting me some coffee? Thanks.”
I smiled. “Certainly, sir.” Four years of college and I’m getting coffee. His legs aren’t broken. What’s the deal?
As I passed Ms. Lane, she smiled at me. “Could you bring me some as well?”
I smiled at her with gritted teeth. “Of course, Ma’am.” She chuckled.
As I was getting the coffee, I heard one of the managers say after looking over the report I had written, “I see this report was written by that new guy in Analytics. Excellent work. He was showing a lot of promise. And he just quit? Out of the blue?”
Ms. Lane shrugged. “Yes. He was rather rude about it too. He sent a resignation letter and just never came back.”
I over filled one of the cups and spilled on the counter top while listening. Letter? I didn’t write a letter. Now I’m not eligible for re-hire. I didn’t sign up to be an assistant. I guess I could always quit and go somewhere else. But, in this town, the job market for analysts is pretty tight. So right now I need this job even if it means wearing high heels. I quickly wiped up the spill and returned with the two cups of coffee.
As I handed him the cup, Mr. Jones said, “Could you bring me some cream and sugar as well? Thanks.”
Ms. Lane looked at me. “Sugar please,” she whispered with a grin. I think she’s enjoying this.
I retrieved the items and sat down quickly before they decided to have me make a sandwich or something. As I sat there, trying to listen to what they said about my report, a random thought passed through my head. Do I feel resentful to be asked to do such things? As a male, is it beneath me? I remember a few weeks ago, asking the assistant to bring me a soda after the meeting had already started. But I couldn’t shake another thought of why the hell couldn’t they get their own damned drink before the meeting started?
I listened to the managers discuss the ramifications outlined in my report. I leaned over so I could whisper to Ms. Lane. “Do you hear that? They’re talking about my report.”
Ms. Lane nodded. She whispered back, “You were doing excellent work. Oh. And thanks for the coffee, miss.”
I sat there flabbergasted. Whispering in her ear, I said, “When can I have my old job back?”
Ms. Lane frowned. “I’m sorry Ms. Carter, but the old you has been terminated and is ineligible for re-hire. I might be able to help you move from being an assistant to analyst.”
I just stared at her. “And remain a woman?”
Ms. Lane smiled nervously. “It seems to suit you.”
I leaned back in my chair in silence. It suits me? How many times in my life have I wished I could dress as a girl full time? And now I have it, but it’s not on my terms.
When the meeting ended and Mr. Jones didn’t immediately have something for me to do, I took the elevator down to the first floor and walked out of the building into the building’s plaza as well as the cool, fresh air. It was starting to turn cool, but not cold yet.
The bench I was heading for was fortunately unoccupied. In the spring and summer, the plaza here gets a lot of foot traffic. The gardens in the plaza are quite nice.
I plopped down on the wooden bench almost ready to cry. My tight skirt helped remind me to keep my knees together. Today was definitely being a trial by fire. Do I want to be a woman? Here’s my chance. Ever since I was little, I knew I was a crossdresser. Maybe not in that word, but I was always getting into my mom’s things. But I also did a lot of masculine things. Was I hiding?
I didn’t hear anyone approach. I jumped when someone sat down next to me.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” The guy from the elevator this morning sat down next to me.
I looked over at him, pissed at having my inner discussion interrupted. “Are you following me?”
“I saw you through my office window coming out here alone. Thought you might want someone to talk to.” He smiled at me.
I frowned at him. “Did it even occur to you that I might want to be alone? Today has been a day, if you know what I mean.”
He chuckled. “I can fully understand. Like you, I’m also an assistant. But for the C-staff. I come out here sometimes too when the day becomes too much.”
I looked at him curiously. “You’re an assistant? You get sent to fetch coffee during meetings?”
He laughed. “Actually yes. My main job is to manage the executive offices. My name is Jeff, by the way.” He held out his hand.
I took his hand in a rather wimpy shake. “My name is Garner. Nice to meet you.” It wasn’t really, but I felt I should be polite, even though he seems like a stalker.
Jeff smiled at me. “That’s an unusual name. Well, I’ll let you get back to your soul searching. Oh. Would you be interested in doing lunch?”
And there it is. I didn’t want to say this, because IT ISN’T TRUE. But I smiled weakly at Jeff. “Well, actually I have a boyfriend.”
Jeff nodded. “Pretty tight?” I couldn’t believe he’d ask that.
My smile faded. “We live together.” Separate bedrooms, mind you. But he doesn’t need to know that.
Jeff nodded again. “Lucky guy. I took a chance. I figured a woman like you would already be in a relationship. Anyway, I’ll chat with you later.” He stood up and headed back into the building.
A woman like me? I really didn’t think anyone would seriously find me attractive. I’m not counting Jack since he’s a goof-ball. A woman like me? The words echoed in my head. He must be desperate.
After a few minutes of sitting alone, I finally stood up and walked slowly back to the lobby of the building and punched the button to call an elevator.
I selected the floor for my old office. There were some personal things I’d left in the desk that I wanted to get back.
As I walked across the office area’s floor, Annette and Katrina looked up. Grinning, they waved and started to walk over to me.
“Hey girl!” called Annette. “How are you doing? Are you holding up?”
Katrina shook her head. “Well shit. It looks like what Ms. Lane said was true. You’re working as a woman now.”
I nodded. “Yeah. For now anyway. I hope we can get something straightened out, but it’s not looking hopeful. Basically the old me has been terminated.”
Annette stepped back for a moment and looked me up and down. “Damn woman. You look great. Did you do your own make-up?”
I nodded. “Yep.”
Katrina laughed. “I taught her everything she knows.” I couldn’t help but notice their referring to me as female.
Lowering my voice, I said, “Hey guys. Don’t forget. This is our secret. Never mention who I actually am.”
Annette nodded. “Mums the word. In all honesty, I like you better this way.” She grinned.
I sighed. “This was fun for a few hours, but I don’t think I can do this for an extended amount of time.”
Katrina suddenly looked indignant. “I don’t see why not? We have to. For life.”
I laughed nervously. “That’s not what I meant. I… “
Annette folded her arms. “What did you mean? You want to be able to stop being a woman when it’s no longer fun?”
I shook my head. “That’s not what I meant. Look. I apologize if I said anything offensive. But I gotta go.”
I heard them both laugh as I walked away.
I walked into my old office area. It all looked pretty much the same. They had taken my computer away already. Crap. I had some music files I wanted to get. Well, it’s not like I don’t have them on a thumb drive. I walked up to my desk and started opening drawers.
My old supervisor, Tom walked up almost next to me, “May I help you, miss?” Ms. Lane was his boss.
“I was just looking for some personal items in these drawers,” I said. I probably shouldn’t have used the word ‘personal’.
Tom scratched his unkempt hair. “I don’t think you’re supposed to be here, miss.” He chuckled. “Besides. Anything of value in that desk has already been ‘midnight requisitioned.’ The rest was tossed.”
I looked up and saw my toy Godzilla sitting on Bill’s desk. I pointed at Bill. “That Godzilla isn’t his.”
Tom took a step back and motioned for me to leave. “You need to leave this area, miss. Otherwise I’ll have to call Security.”
I remained seated in my old chair. “Call Ms. Lane. She’ll say it’s ok.”
Tom took a few steps away as he pulled out his cell phone. He talked for less than a minute on it. I couldn’t clearly hear anything he said. He walked back to me.
He folded his arms. “Miss, you really do need to leave. Ms. Lane said you’re Mr. Jones’ assistant and that you need to get back to your own desk. And like right now.”
I sighed heavily. How could they take my stuff so quickly? I pointed at Bill. “Can I have that Godzilla?”
Tom held up his phone with a finger hovering over the keypad. “I got Security on speed-dial. You should go, miss.”
I frowned at Tom. “Yes, sir.” I walked back to the elevator and returned to my desk.
When I got back I plopped down at my desk and tried to hide behind the large bouquet of flowers. Mr. Jones walked by and looked over at me.
“Oh good, you’re back. I left a hand written note on your desk,” he said leaning across my desk and pointing at the note. “Before you leave for lunch, would you mind creating the meeting invitation on the note to the managers I’ve listed. And clean up the wording a bit too.” He walked away. I smirked as he went. I thought, what am I, your secretary? Oh. I guess I am.
I logged back into my PC and started to create the meeting invite. I read over the text describing the meeting. Oh my God. He’s a high level manager, making gazillions of dollars and he writes like a third grader.
It didn’t take long to finish that task and send it out. I looked at the clock on the display. It was close to lunch, so I got up, picked up my purse and headed for the door. I didn’t know where I was going to go; I just wanted to get away. I kept telling myself that once I got used to things, it’d just be routine.
I almost turned around to go back up the elevator when the door opened onto the large lobby. There was Jack, sitting in a chair, reading his phone. Then I saw Jeff, standing in the lobby having a chat with what I assumed was a colleague. His eyes turned on me. A sudden idea struck me. The thought made me ill, but maybe it’d make Jeff finally go away. I started walking directly to Jack.
He saw me and stood up and smiled. As I approached, I said under my breath, “Kiss me. I’ll explain later.”
Jack grinned. “You don’t have to tell me twice.” When I got close, he put his hand behind my head, intertwining his fingers into my hair. He bent his face towards me and pressed his lips against mine. Oh my God! I wasn’t expecting such a kiss. I closed my eyes for a moment. A tingle shot down my spine. After a moment, I pulled away from his lips.
I frowned at Jack. “I meant on the cheek, you goof.” Oh my God! I just got kissed by a guy! On the lips! I couldn’t believe he’d do that. And why did I get a little tingle from it?
Jack smiled broadly. “Sorry. My bad.”
I looked over Jack’s shoulders. Jeff was nowhere to be seen. I hoped that was the last I would see of him.
Jack held my hands and smiled at me. “Not that I minded, but what was that about?”
I sighed. “I had a guy practically stalking me. I thought maybe if he saw you kiss me, he’d go away. And he did.”
Jack started to pull me towards him. “Maybe we should make sure.”
I stepped back. “I think we’re good. So. What brings you here?”
Jack shrugged. “I was hoping I could talk you into going out for lunch?”
I sighed. I was tired. “Sure. But I’ll pay for my own.”
Jack laughed. “Did I say anything about paying for yours?” He took my hand and led me to his car.
As he opened his car door for me, he asked, “Did you get my flowers?”
I smiled at him. “Oh yes! They were beautiful. Thank you. They brightened my day.”
We both got into his car. “I’m glad. I thought your first day as a woman would be a bit intimidating.”
I leaned my head against the head rest. “You can say that again. You know what they did? They terminated the real me. So for now I’m stuck!”
Jack frowned. “You mean I’m stuck with a gorgeous woman living in my apartment?” He put his car in motion to drive out of the parking lot.
“Knock it off, will you?” I rolled my eyes at him. “I’m definitely not gorgeous and I’m not a woman. I’m just stuck dressing as one.”
Jack shrugged. “I could think of worse things. But I also don’t think you realize how pretty you really are.”
I looked down at my feet. “Nobody’s ever called me pretty before. I’m not sure what to say.”
Jack grinned. “How about ‘thank you’?”
I laughed. “Thank you, Jack. I think you’re crazy, but thanks.”
Jack took us to a burger place for something fairly quick. I told him everything that happened in the morning. I was surprised that he seemed to listen intently to me. I was glad to release all my frustrations. He had insisted on paying for my lunch.
When he brought me back, he didn’t park. He drove close to the entrance to let me out.
As I opened the car door, Jack said, “I don’t know how often I can pick you up for lunch. I’ll try to call first next time, but I thought you might need some moral support today.”
Smiling, I replied, “Thanks, Jack. I really appreciate it.”
Jack leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “Okay, honey. See you this evening.”
“Honey?”
Jack looked at me and asked in all seriousness, “Well, we’re dating, right?”
I shook my head. “No.”
Looking earnest, Jack said, “Wasn’t this a date?”
I rolled my eyes. “See ya later. Thanks for taking me to lunch.”
After I got out of the car and started walking to the entrance, I ran into Annette and Katrina returning from lunch as well.
Annette asked, “If you don’t mind me asking, who was that guy you were with?”
I shrugged. “Just a friend.”
Annette narrowed her eyes at me. “He kissed you.”
I shook my head. “He’s a goof ball. What can I say?”
Katrina said, “He’s a damned cute goof ball.”
Annette opened the glass door to the lobby. “Was he the one that sent you those flowers?”
I nodded.
Katrina giggled. “Garner has a boyfriend!”
I frowned and shook my head. “No. Garner does not.”
Annette giggled. “Yeah, right.”
I shrugged. “Well, you can believe whatever you want. I need to get back.”
Katrina giggled. “Okay, girlfriend. You know we’re just teasing you.”
I waved as I got on the elevator.
“Oh my God that was a long day,” I groaned as I kicked my heels off and plopped onto the couch. I turned on the TV and hunted for something entertaining.
Jack came out of his room, dressed only in his underwear. He sat on the couch and just stared at the TV. “Tomorrow should be a better day.”
I just stared at him. “What’s with the no shirt?”
Jack shrugged. “It’s okay for guys to walk around without a shirt on.”
I frowned. “Then why the fuss this morning with me?”
Jack chuckled. “For now, you’re not a guy.”
“Still?” I exclaimed. “We’re still having this conversation? You are so childish!”
Jack laughed. “I was just changing my clothes when you came in. I thought I’d just be an asshole.”
I frowned at him. “You succeeded.”
Still chuckling, Jack stood up and scratched his privates through his underwear.
I rolled my eyes at him. “I feel like we’re married.”
Jack looked wistful for a moment. “Anyway, I have some work to do tonight. So you’re on your own for dinner.”
I grunted as I looked at the TV. “I usually am. I’ll ask myself to make me a sandwich. And I hope your meeting doesn’t have blonde hair.”
Jack laughed out loud as he closed his bedroom door.
I said aloud to myself, “So. What am I going to do tonight? Ah. The Brain Box. I haven’t played that new game I just bought yet.”
I got up and went into the kitchen. I did make myself a sandwich and poured some green tea. As soon as I’m done eating, I’ll turn on the game system.
When I woke up, it was still dark outside. I looked at the clock and it was a little after three in the morning. I was in my bed. What the hell? The last thing I remember was watching TV and eating. I was going to play a game.
I sat up in my bed. I was down to my bra and panties. A towel was on my pillow with some of my make-up smeared on it. My skirt and blouse was draped over the back of a chair.
I must have fallen asleep. I was pretty tired. But how did I get in my room. Holy crap. Did Jack carry me to my bed and undressed me? If so, it’s funny he left my bra on. I removed my bra and went into the bathroom to wash my face and hope that doing so wouldn’t wake me up too much. A few minutes later, I crawled back into bed and fell asleep.
I arrived without incident at my desk at work. Jack had already left before I got up. Jeff just waved at me from a distance so I guess he took the hint. And considering that I had just sat down, everything was going amazingly well.
Mr. Jones came hurriedly out of his office carrying a large folder. “Come along, Ms. Carter. I need you take notes at the managers’ meeting.”
“Yes, sir.” I picked up my laptop computer and hurried after him. When we got to the meeting room, I set my laptop on the table next to Mr. Jones and then walked over to the coffee pot and without waiting for him to ask me, I poured him a cup the way he likes it. I’m trying to be more proactive. I returned to his side, set the cup down and then took my seat.
Mr. Jones smiled at me. “Thank you, Ms. Carter. Just how I like it.” He took a sip. I smiled at my minor accomplishment. One assistant across the table…the one who was Mr. Jones’ temporary assistant before I became his permanent assistant rolled her eyes at me. I don’t think I did anything wrong.
The meeting was long and tedious and I wasn’t ever sure when I should take notes. The whole meeting was on PowerPoint slides anyway. But one thing I was happy about, we being able to do something I couldn’t do before; remove my shoes. It felt good to rub my toes against the soft carpet.
As one of the managers droned on for what seemed endless minutes, I studied my pretty nails. As much as I’m annoyed at losing my analyst position, I have to admit Jack is right. I’m living the dream. What trans girl or even crossdresser for that matter hasn’t at least once dreamed of being a secretary, looking pretty and sitting on the boss’s lap? I’ve read a ton of stories like that. And now, here I am. I looked at my reflection on the shiny table top and saw the attractive woman staring back at me. The woman in the reflection frowned. How long can I keep this ruse up? Do I want to stay a woman forever? The reflection grinned back at me.
The meeting was finally over. As we both started to get up, Mr. Jones turned to me and said, “Please type up those notes for me this afternoon, Ms. Carter. I have to hurry to my next meeting.”
I nodded. “Yes, sir.” Do bosses ever actually do anything besides go to meetings? Mr. Jones forgot about me right away as he engaged in conversation with a couple of other managers from the meeting. That was just as well, as I turned and walked quickly to the nearest restroom. That meeting went on a bit too long.
I now don’t even hesitate about which restroom to use. I was happy to see all the stalls were empty. I took the one on the end as I normally do when I can and closed the door and sat down to do my business.
Half minute later, two women enter the restroom already in the middle of a conversation.
“… so I don’t get it, Nancy. What does it matter? I mean really. So she’s the executive assistant to the CEO. You’re the executive assistant to the VP of sales. At the end of the day, who cares? Right?”
Nancy slapped her purse on the counter in front of the mirror and started digging around in it. Snarling, she said, “Because the little bitch didn’t earn it, like you or me. She just walks in and takes it. That was her first day! She was hired to be some lower manager’s assistant. But she flips her hair seductively and wiggles her ass at Mr. Jones, he decides to make her his assistant. She doesn’t even have to be in the assistants pool! And! I was already his assistant! Temporarily. But still. That should count for something!”
The other woman sighed. “Don’t worry about it. Just do your usual great job, stay in upper management’s eye and who knows. Little tarts like her don’t usually have staying power. She probably doesn’t even know Mr. Jones is married with two grown kids in college.”
Grunting a laugh, Nancy said, “You’re probably right. Let’s get Louise and go grab some lunch.”
The other woman laughed, “You don’t have to ask me twice!” They both hurried out of the restroom.
I sat there stunned for a few moments. They had to have been talking about me. I never wiggled my ass to anybody. I didn’t even want that stupid assistant job. I want my old job. The one I can’t go back to. Actually, I didn’t know Mr. Jones was married. I assumed he was and quite frankly I don’t care. What? Do they think I want an affair with him? That’s crazy. I already have a bo… Whoa. Jack is not my boyfriend, no matter what he might think.
I left the stall and checked my make-up in the large mirror. I decided my lipstick needed freshening. As I started to apply the lipstick, I looked at my reflection, seeing my fingers with the pretty nails holding a lipstick that was pressed against my lips. I couldn’t help but notice my black lashes and the soft eye shadow. Just what the fuck am I doing?
A pretty woman grinned back at me in the mirror. I’m living the dream, that’s what.
Jack had gotten home a few minutes before I did. I shouldn’t say “home”. It sounds like we’re married or something.
Jack had removed his shoes and had just sat down on the couch. He looked up at me and said with a grin. “Hey girl! I have to say you’re looking more relaxed today.”
I set my purse down on the kitchen counter and kicked my heels off. I ran my fingers through my hair and messed it up. “Yeah. I think I’m getting the hang of it all. I miss being an analyst though. Oh. And I overheard a couple of other assistants saying catty things about me.”
As I sat on the couch next to Jack, he looked over at me and said, “Oh? Like what?”
I grunted. “Apparently I didn’t pay my dues to become an executive assistant. According to them, I’m just a shameless little tart who used my feminine wiles to get Mr. Jones’ attention so I can have an affair with him. Stupid, huh?”
Jack scooted closer to me and put his arm behind me. He smirked, “So are you? Trying to get in the sack with your boss?”
I shook my head. “Are you kidding? I didn’t even want to be his assistant. And no, I don’t want an affair with my boss. He’s not my type.”
Grinning at me, Jack asked, “What is your type?” He draped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me a bit closer to him.
I frowned at him. “Someone who doesn’t have a penis.”
Jack just smiled and tried to pull me closer to him. “You smell nice.” I continued to frown at him, so he pulled his arm back. “And it seems you are not only accepted as a woman at work, but possibly a rival. You are beautiful.”
I shook my head. “You’re crazy. Anyway, it wasn’t like I wanted to be Mr. Jones’ assistant. I want my old job back.”
Jack grinned at me as he ran his fingers through my disheveled hair. “Trust me when I say you’re beautiful.” He paused for a moment and then asked, “Do you want to go somewhere for dinner?”
I shook my head and laughed. “Will you stop flirting? Anyway, I’m tired. I was thinking of that Hot Pocket in the freezer and play something on the computer.”
Jack smiled at me. “I have a better idea. Let’s order Chinese. That way you don’t have to cook.”
I looked sideways at Jack. “It’s a Hot Pocket.”
He picked up my hand and gently rubbed my knuckles. “I insist.” He paused and then laughed. “At least that’s what I’m getting for me.”
I giggled. “Okay. You win.”
He kissed my fingers before putting my hand down to retrieve his phone from his pocket and clicked on one of his contacts.
I sighed. “This isn’t a date.”
Jack looked at me with a wry grin. “Of course not.”
I stood up. “While you’re doing that, I’m going to go change into sweats.”
Jack patted the spot on the couch where I had been sitting. “I’ll keep your seat warm.”
I folded my arms and just stared at him. He finally sighed and said, “Okay. I’ll stop.”
I laughed as I turned to go to my room to change. Jack really needs to tone down the flirting. Sometimes I can’t tell if he just kidding. He better be kidding…
The next few days went by fairly smooth. I started becoming friends with many of the other assistants. I even started going to lunch with s few of them. It shocked me just how much I was adjusting to putting on my make-up every morning and selecting a dress or skirt the night before. The novelty of Jack seeing me dressed as a woman was also thankfully starting to wear off.
The break in the monotony came on Friday when it was Mr. Jones’ birthday. He was turning fifty. Naturally we had to give him a party and naturally the job of organizing said party fell to his executive assistant – me. Fortunately, I wasn’t just tossed out to sea. I got a lot of help from the other assistants. Seems everyone likes parties at work. I had to arrange with the cafeteria a couple trays of finger food, and a bowel of punch. Since it was at work, it had to be kept relatively tame.
We had the party in one of the conference rooms. I spent the morning decorating the room. Thankfully I was able to recruit some help. All this for what was supposed to be limited to one hour.
One of the first to arrive was Ms. Lane. After she got some punch, she walked up to me, grinning. “Wow. Just look at you. You look amazing, Ms. Carter. I don’t think anyone would guess you were anything other than a woman your whole life.”
I smiled back at her. “Thank you, Ms. Lane.”
“I have to say, Ms. Carter. It seems being an assistant suits you. I hear a lot of good things about you from both other assistants and managers,” said Ms. Lane as she took another sip of punch.
I chuckled. “At first I thought I’d hate it, but I do enjoy the flexibility of it. And quite frankly, I think Mr. Jones would be lost without me.”
Ms. Lane nodded. “The indispensible woman. Well, speaking of Mr. Jones, I should probably go speak to him a moment and wish him happy birthday. Be sure to drop by and say hi sometime.”
As she turned to walk away, I said, “I will. Oh. And can I get my Godzilla back?” I don’t think she heard me. I decided I should start getting some pictures of the boss’ party. I had the official corporate camera and started taking some shots of the crowd. That’s when I noticed Nancy taking pictures with her phone. The company frowns on taking pictures of employees with personal devices during business hours.
Mr. Jones, wearing big grin walked up to me and put his arm around my waist. He said, “Hand the camera off to Nancy. I want to get a couple of shots with my favorite assistant." I saw a bit of annoyance cross her face as Nancy reached out for the camera.
She smiled at Mr. Jones as she said, “Surely.” She took a picture of me and Mr. Jones together. “Hold her a little closer, Mr. Jones so I can get a good shot of both of you. Yeah. Like that.” I didn’t say anything, but I have to admit that I was a bit uncomfortable with Mr. Jones holding me close to him.
“Thanks, Nancy,” I said. “I’ll take the camera back.”
Nancy held the camera out of my reach. “I don’t mind taking the pictures. You’re busy with the party. I’ll make sure you get it back.”
I muttered, “Thanks.” I really didn’t want her to have the camera, but I didn’t want to raise a fuss over it. I just hoped she didn’t break it since it was signed out to me.
The party went on about half an hour past time. I was kept busy with managing Mr. Jones and his guests. I lost track of Nancy. We were hardly friends and I was worried she might run off with the camera just to get me into trouble.
As the last stragglers were starting to leave the conference room, Nancy came strolling in from outside the room. She held out the camera. “Here your camera back, Garner. All safe and sound. I got some great pictures.”
I took the camera back from her. “Thanks, Nancy. I’ll drop this off to marketing so they can create a web page of the party.”
Nancy nodded. “You are so welcome. Are you and Mr. Jones going out to dinner later to celebrate his birthday?”
I stared blankly at her. “Um, no. Was I supposed to? Since his wife is here, Mr. Jones is leaving early with her.” At that moment, Mr. Jones, arm-in-arm with Mrs. Jones exited the conference room. A couple assistants thankfully volunteered to help me clean up.
Nancy tried to look disappointed. “Aw, that’s too bad. Maybe you and Mr. Jones can hook up later this week to celebrate.”
Anger building, I growled, “Cut the crap, Nancy. I have no interest in ‘hooking up’ with Mr. Jones, now or anytime. It would be inappropriate and besides, I have a boyfriend.” Jack of course, isn’t my boyfriend, but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind me referring to him as such.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to suggest anything,” Nancy said while looking embarrassed. “I seem to have struck a nerve. My bad. See you tomorrow.” She turned and left the conference room. I shook my head as I watched her leave.
Sarah and Katrina were standing by the elevator door watching me approach across the lobby. I smiled as I neared them, but they look bothered by something. When I got close, I greeted, “Hey girls. How’s it going?”
Katrina looked worried as she said, “Girlfriend, you should just turn around go back home. You don’t want to go to the office.”
Furrowing my brow, I asked, “Why not? What’s going on?”
Sarah said, “It’s a zoo up there, Garner. I think security is looking for you as well.”
Incredulous, I asked, “What? What are you talking about? Security? I need to see what’s going on.”
Katrina said, “We’ll go with you. But I have to ask… why did you do it? We thought you liked Mr. Jones?”
As the elevator doors closed, I said, “I do like Mr. Jones. I definitely need to find out what’s going on.”
As we exited the elevator, the scene really was like a zoo. A dozen or so assistants scurrying around. Mr. Jones was collapsed in a chair with the medical staff hovering over him, his wife nearby. IT and Security were examining computers.
One of the assistants pointed at me and shouted, “Hey! There she is!” People turned to look at me.
I started to walk up to Mrs. Jones. “Ms. Jones. What is going on here? Is Mr. Jones…”
Whack!
My face stung from a vicious slap from Mrs. Jones.
Mrs. Jones screamed, “How dare you! How could you do this to my husband? You slut!” She was about to strike me again when a security guy caught her arm.
The security guy said quietly, “Please go check on your husband, Mrs. Jones.” Turning to me, he asked, “Are you Ms. Garner Carter?”
I nodded. “Yes. What’s going on?”
The security guy then asked, “Are you responsible for these pictures?”
Confused, I shook my head. “What pictures?”
The security officer frowned. “You know which pictures, ma’am.”
Frowning deeply, I said, “No. I don’t. What are you talking about?”
Huffing, the security officer lifted his pad computer up and selected a picture. “Did you not load these pictures to the corporate web site for the world to see?”
I gasped as I looked at the pictures as the security officer scrolled through them. The pictures appeared to be nude photos of Mr. Jones and ME?! It looked like we were both having a fun old drunken time. Mr. Jones had his dong out and in a few photos it looked like I was giving him a blowjob and a few more showed his penis deep inside my vagina. Except I don’t have one.
The security officer frowned at me as he continued scrolling through the pictures of wild nude sex. “Are you denying knowledge of these photographs?”
Scowling, I pointed at the pad computer. “I’ve never seen these before!” A couple of other security officers gathered around. Other employees were staring and pointing.
The security officer pointed at one picture with a very clear picture of my face. “Are you denying this is a photograph of you?”
Stammering, I said, “Y… yes of course I’m denying it. I mean. Yes, that’s my face. But that’s not my body!”
The officer frowned. He nodded towards a desk where Sarah and Katrina were standing. “Do you mind waiting over there a moment?”
I felt faint. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I walked over and joined Sarah and Katrina at the desk.
Sarah was looking at her phone. “Wow…company stock has really gone to shit this morning.”
Katrina looked at her phone. “I saved these pics before they removed them from the web page.” She shook her head before looking up at me. “Damn girl! You’re smokin’ hot. I’d kill for a bod like that.”
Before I could respond, Ms. Lane came storming up to me. “Ms. Carter! I can’t believe this! I certainly misjudged you! Not only having an affair with Mr. Jones, but taking pictures of it as well! Just disgusting!”
“Ms. Lane… girls…” I looked from Ms. Lane to the others and back. “Those pictures aren’t me! You know that!”
Ms. Lane frowned. “We’ve never seen you naked, so how would we know?”
Exasperated, I hissed to avoid being overheard, “I’m an outtie, not an innie. All of you know that! Those pictures can’t be of me!”
Ms. Lane looked thoughtful a moment. “That’s right. We’ll have to figure out something. We can’t expose you without implicating all of us.”
A different security officer walked up to us. Sternly, he said, “Ms. Carter, I need you to turn over your badge and keys, please.”
A chill shot down my spine. “Am I being fired?”
Still holding his hand out, the security officer said, “You’re being suspended pending further investigation. Mr. Jones doesn’t remember anything, but you could have drugged him.”
“Drugged him!” I almost shouted. I pointed to Ms. Lane and the other two. “You guys are my witnesses for when I sue.”
Extending his palm towards me, the officer said simply, “Miss?”
I opened my purse and removed my badge and slapped it into the waiting palm. I did the same with my keys.
Expressionless, the security officer said, “You need to leave, Ms. Carter. You are not to come back until further notice.”
I looked hopefully to Ms. Lane. She looked down at her feet and then back up to me. “You should go, Garner. I’ll talk to you later.”
Katrina said, “Take care, girl. We know you didn’t do it. We’re here for you.”
I nodded and turned to leave. Two security guards took positions on either side of me to escort me from the building. I managed to stay composed until I stepped out of the building and then the tears flowed in torrents.
I was down to my bra and panties, crying on the couch when I heard the door open and Jack entered.
“Baby, are you okay?” asked Jack sat next to me on the couch. “I came as soon as I got your call. What’s going on? You were rather vague on the phone.”
Sniffling I handed Jack my phone with the pictures being shown. “Everyone thinks that’s me and that I put these images on the corporate web site. I’ve been suspended and they’ll probably fire me.”
Jack took the phone and after a moment let out a low whistle. “Wow. You’ve been holding out on me. And you like older men?”
I scowled at Jack. “This isn’t a joke. That’s not me and you know it.”
Jack shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve never seen you naked.”
Pissed that Jack finds this disaster humorous, I angrily pulled off my panties and tossed them to the floor. I pointed at my penis. “Still think that’s me?”
Jack leaned in close and stroked my hair. “I’m sorry, baby. You know how I always joke about stuff. What’s going to happen? I mean, it’s not like you can drop your panties in front of management.”
I frowned. “Why the hell not? Jack, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I have no idea where those pictures came from.” I put my arm around Jack’s neck and buried my face into his shoulder and started crying again. “This is awful. I don’t know what I’m going to do. The job market here has completely dried up.”
Jack put his arms around me and held me close. “That’s not entirely true. As much as I’d disappointed, you can go back to being a guy and find something at least temporary. And I bet they won’t fire you. I mean, come on. It’s obvious those pictures were photoshopped. You notice none of the blowjob pictures actually show your face.”
Getting drool on Jack’s shirt from crying, I said between sobs, “I’m scared. I’m alone in this town. And unless I expose myself, nobody is going to believe I’m not a woman.”
Jack kissed the top of my hair and shook his head. “You’re not alone. I’m not going to leave you. And yes, you are very much a woman.” He pulled me closer to him.
I slid my fingers down his chest and said in a whispered voice. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Jack brushed the hair from my face and with a finger lifted my chin up. He then bent down and kissed me. A soft, gentle kiss. I pulled back slightly and he smiled at me. He then leaned in and kissed me again. We kissed for a very long time.
I slowly woke up. I felt disoriented at first as the room was different. I was naked in Jack’s bed. My ass was on fire from him fucking me twice the night before. Despite the pain, I smiled at the memory. I had sex with a man. It wasn’t anything planned. It just felt right at the moment. And I wasn’t stressed out so much anymore.
I slowly sat up. I was alone in the bed. There was the distinct smell of bacon. I found Jack’s robe tossed over the back of a chair. I slipped into it though it was too big for me. I opened the bedroom door and heard sounds coming from the kitchen. I saw Jack in the kitchen, wearing just a t-shirt and underwear, cooking what I guessed was breakfast.
Jack turned as I entered. “Oh, good morning sweetheart. Just thought I’d whip up a little breakfast. Bacon and scrambled eggs. Hope that’s okay.”
I smiled as I stepped up to him. “Smells wonderful! You didn’t have to make breakfast.”
He leaned over and kissed me. “But I wanted to. How are you this morning?”
I frowned as I said, “My butt hurts.”
Jack chuckled as he finished cooking the eggs.
Jack set our plates down on the table and sat down. He pointed at the chair next to him. “Let’s eat.” He studied me a moment as I scooped up some scrambled eggs. “I’m sorry about last night.”
I swallowed a bite of bacon. I kept looking at the plate. “About what?”
Jack put his fork down and just looked at me. “About fucking you.”
I looked over at him. “You’re sorry you fucked me?”
He shook his head. “No. To be honest, I’ve wanted that sweet little ass of yours for some time now. But I’m afraid I took advantage of you last night. You seemed like you could use a good fucking.”
I grunted a laugh. “The way I felt last night, I probably did. I have to say my emotions are all over the place. I’ve never had sex with a man before.”
Jack’s eyes bore into my soul. He asked, “Did you enjoy it?”
Before I could answer my cell phone rang. I looked at it and it was Ms. Lane. I picked up the phone and answered it.
“Hey, Ms. Lane.” I said without much enthusiasm.
“Garner. You need to get dressed and get up here. They have an announcement about your issue.” Ms Lane spoke quickly.
I frowned at the phone. “My issue?”
Ms. Lane said, “Yes. And wear a dress. See you soon.” She then disconnected.
Jack looked at me curiously. “Something wrong?”
I shrugged. “They want me up at work. I hope I’m cleared.”
“You still want to work there?” asked Jack as he started to stand.
I laughed. “I have to pay for my half of the apartment. Plus I was actually starting to enjoy the job. Mr. Jones would be totally lost without me.”
Jack frowned. “He just needs an assistant. Not necessarily you. You could find a better job.”
“As a woman?” I shook my head. “The job market here is tough enough and I’d have to dress as a guy again, which to be honest, I don’t want to do anymore.”
Jack smiled at me. “Or you could just stay here and let me take care of you.”
I leaned over and kissed him. “Don’t tempt me.”
I quickly showered and got dressed. As I was applying my mascara, I paused a moment and looked at my reflection. Do I really want to keep doing this? Getting ready in the morning used to be so quick and easy. Granted, it doesn’t take me as long as it did at first. I looked down at the counter top. Just look at all this stuff I have to buy! And let’s not get started on clothes! I sighed. But this is who I am. Should I consider going further? I shook my head. I might not even have a job after this morning.
I stepped out of my bedroom. Jack was already dressed and sitting on the couch waiting for me. He was going to drive me and give me moral support. Jack is so sweet.
“Okay. I’m ready,” I announced to Jack. “How do I look?”
Smiling as he stood up, Jack said, “Beautiful as ever.” He leaned over and kissed my neck.
My relationship with Jack seems to have changed overnight. I guess having sex with someone will have that effect. Are we officially a couple now? He took my hand and led me out of the apartment and to his car.
We entered the main lobby to see several rows of chairs. Many we already seated. There were managers, assistants and just other associates chatting and taking seats.
Ms. Lane walked up to me and tried to smile. “Good to see you Garner. Come sit with me. Bring your boyfriend.” As we sat down, Ms. Lane took a deep breath. “It’s been a harrowing past few days. I heard they cut at least a dozen employees.”
As I smoothed my skirt under me, I asked, “If I’m here, does it mean I didn’t get canned?”
Ms. Lane shrugged. “They walked a manager out the door this morning.”
After taking his seat next to me, Jack took my hand.
After having us all wait for about fifteen minutes, the head of security walked up to the front of the room. He didn’t even try to crack a smile. “Greetings ladies and gentlemen. The corporation has an important announcement and it was felt that having this formal meeting was betting than just a cold email.
“We want to announce that we have concluded our investigation and made our recommendations to management and they have accepted our assessment. We have identified all actors involved and they have been disciplined, up to and including termination.
“Management considers this issue closed. We apologize to anyone who felt they were unjustly singled out. That was not our intent. Any further questions about this incident, please direct them to HR. Thank you.”
Everyone just sat there for a moment in silence, and then conversations started bubbling up. I looked around at those in attendance. I slowly grew aware that some people were missing. Most notably was Nancy, that bitch who had wanted to be Mr. Jones’ assistant. Was she the mastermind behind this? Due to privacy concerns, they weren’t going to announce who they canned. I noticed one of the marketing guys was missing as well. He probably made the web site changes. My God, was being the boss’ assistant really that important?
I later learned that Nancy and her boyfriend in marketing had doctored all the photos and put them on the company web site. They thought they’d covered their tracks but Nancy had stupidly left the original naked pictures on her PC.
As I stood up, Mrs. Jones approached me. Looking as if she was ill, she said, “I’m terribly sorry I hit you, Ms. Carter. I over-reacted without any facts and I’m deeply, deeply sorry. I hope you can please forgive me.”
I smiled weakly and said, “Don’t worry about, Mrs. Jones. You were understandably upset.” Jack’s not a lawyer and he didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn Express, but he told me Mr. Jones’ lawyers would bury me if I tried to sue for damages. So I just let it go.
Ms. Lane turned to me and said, “Thank God that ordeal is over with! I’m sorry I thought for one moment you were involved, Garner.”
I smiled. “Thank you, Ms. Lane.”
Jack had wandered off to look at the computer on one of the desks and had just started walking back to me when Katrina pointed and asked, “Is that your boyfriend?”
I shook my head. “Nah. He’s just someone I kinda know.”
At that moment, Jack turned me towards him by my shoulders and grinned. “I knew you’d come out of this!” He then pulled me close and kissed me hard. I put my arms around his neck as my knees weakened. I even moaned softly.
Katrina said, “Hey, I kinda know him too.”
Coming up for air, I said, “Jack! Not here with managers running around.”
Mr. Jones came waddling up to me and grinned. “Ms. Carter. Go ahead and take the day off. I’m going to!” He turned and walked off with his wife.
Sarah grinned at me and Jack. She said, “We’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t do anything I would do.” She laughed.
Jack took my hand. “Let’s go get an early lunch.” He nodded at Sarah and Katrina. “Ladies.” Holding my hand, he led me back out to his car. We had a great lunch and then spent the afternoon having sex.
Two years later, Jack carried me across the threshold of our honeymoon suite in Hawaii. The wedding was beautiful, the flight tiresome and sex is so much better now with the proper plumbing.
One thing nibbles on my mind though. Would I have won that costume contest if I could have made it to the contest?