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As ever, I welcome any feedback, positive or negative. Rosemary's Restaurant Paula Hanson Chapter 1 In a quiet corner of the restaurant, the couple sat admiring each other across the table. The woman looked elegant with her blond hair swept into a neat french pleat with bangs just covering her eyebrows. The tear drop earrings which glistened as they reflected the candle light complimented her dark evening dress and around her neck was a large gemstone necklace. As she smiled, she showed her clear white teeth and her immaculately coated lips radiated across her face expressing sheer joy. She held the man's hand on the table, caressing it gently as they talked. He wore a dark evening suit, very formal and smart. Only his hair, which was just below collar length revealed any signs of informality. "That was a lovely meal darling.... Thank you." she said gently gazing into his eyes. "The pleasure was all mine dear. Your company as ever made this a wonderful occasion and you look so beautiful. I can't imagine my life without you." "Nor me without you. This has been the most wonderful year of my life. I knew from the moment we met that I would marry you, but even a year ago I wouldn't have believed how wonderful married life could be." "Happy wedding anniversary dear. A toast to us, to our future together and to many more years of happiness." The champagne glasses sang as they made the toast and saluted each other. As they drank coffee, they were the only customers left in the restaurant. It was now late, but they did not want to rush and the restaurant staff were happy to accommodate such a loving and happy pair. Eventually they had finished however and were keen to get home and make the most of their wonderful celebratory night. The waitress placed the bill enclosed in a leather wallet on the table and smiled as she returned to the kitchen. She was clearly hoping the couple's generosity would extend to a big tip for the evening. "Well, lets see what the damage is then shall we. The price we must pay for such extravagance." The man looked at the bill first, "Wow... " He then felt into his jacket pocket for his wallet. His eyes opened wide as he felt nothing. "What's wrong darling' his wife asked as she saw him check his other pockets. "My wallet dear. I thought I had it in this jacket. I must have put it into my overcoat pocket my mistake. I'll ask the girl to get my coat." The waitress had returned from the kitchen and was waiting near the cash register. The man beckoned to her and she walked over. "Ah miss, I seem to have put my wallet in my coat by mistake. Could you fetch it for me please and we can settle the bill." "Certainly Sir. If you would like to wait there I'll bring it for you." She returned to the cloakroom near the cash register and shortly returned with the man's coat. "Here you are Sir." "Thanks. Now lets see where....." again he checked the pockets and became visibly more tense as he found nothing but scraps of paper and business cards in his pockets. "Oh dear...I'm.... Jane, your bag... do you have your cards with you. My wallet, it must be at home.." The woman picked up her handbag from the floor and searched inside. She pulled various items and placed them on the table. A filofax, a purse with loose change and she too now looked more flustered, rapidly losing the poise and elegance she had only earlier radiated. "Oh gosh Simon.. I don't think I have my cards with me. I have some change, but...." her voice trailed off, resigned. The couple looked at the waitress forlornly. She stood with her hands on her hips now looking at them with a frown. She was irritated not only by the inconvenience the couple were causing her in delaying her from finishing work, but also the fact that it was now evident she was not going to get her tip she had worked so hard for all evening. "Got a problem paying, Sir..Madam?" she looked at each of them full on ensuring eye contact. The man and woman looked down, embarrassed. "It's just... everything must be at home...maybe my wife could go and fetch it. Or we could pay tomorrow..." "Sir, really! This is a very expensive bill, you don't think I could let you both leave tonight on the promise of coming tomorrow do you? I'll have to speak to the manageress. Now stay there please and we'll see what she says." The girl returned to the reception desk and picked up a phone. She spoke for a couple of minutes clearly explaining the situation to her boss, but never taking her eyes off the couple. Finally she put the phone down and walked back over to the couple. "The manageress will be here shortly. I think she can reach an agreement with you." The couple sighed with relief. "Thank you" said the man. The waitress nodded and smiled and looked towards a door at the back marked 'Private'. The man watched the girl as he waited. She was perhaps only in her late teens or early twenties. She had a fair complexion and her light blond hair was styled into a jaw length bob that had been bubble permed. Pinned to her hair was a white cardboard cap. There were no distinguishing features on her face apart from a few freckles. She was quite thin and her uniform hung on her loosely. She wore a peach colored heavy cotton blouse and a light cotton blue skirt with polka dot white spots. The uniform was slightly comical given the more austere setting of the rest of the restaurant, but was maybe chosen to lighten up the atmosphere which was not one of stuffiness. The door opened and all the heads turned to see the manageress enter the room. She had brunette colored hair cut in a business bob style and wore a smart two piece fawn colored suit. She held a clipboard and walked purposefully to the table. She nodded to the young girl and then addressing the man said "Amanda tells me that you can't pay your bill is that correct?" The man nodded and the manageress picked up the bill. She looked at it carefully occasionally glancing at the man and the woman. "This is for quite a lot of money. Maybe you should have checked you had your wallet before you went on such a binge this evening. We are a small business and this represents a lot of income to us, as a consequence we are very strict with non-payers." The man looked at his wife and then sheepishly back at the manageress who stood over him. "We can pay.. maybe if my wife could go..." The manageress held up her hand to silence him. "It's already very late and that would just inconvenience my staff further. I am afraid that I don't have too much sympathy for you here and as I said we are very strict with non-payers. We have a policy that people who inconvenience us should be inconvenienced themselves. Therefore, I have an agreement here that I want you both to sign. Basically it says that you will agree to work here at our standard hourly rates in order to pay the full amount off." "But we both have jobs" the man said. "Not a problem, you can just work evenings here." "Why can't we just pay the bill tomorrow if you want us to come back anyway" the wife asked. "As I said before madam, we believe in inconveniencing those who give us trouble. Call it a deterrent. Besides I cannot let you leave without signing this agreement, unless you want me to call the police." "Now that won't really be necessary will it?" the man asked incredulous. "Not if you both sign this agreement." the manageress affirmed pushing a copy across to the man first. "But how long would we have to work for you, to pay off the bill" the woman asked. The manageress took out a calculator from her suit jacket pocket and did a quick sum. "It would take around 30 hours each for you both to pay off the full amount. I would suggest five hours a night - seven until midnight for the next six nights." "But that's ridiculous. Every night for nearly a week. Both of us." the man bleated. "That's my only offer. Now sign here and then you can go. But note, this is a binding contract. Amanda and I will witness it. If you fail to meet your side of the agreement there is a penalty clause of one thousand times your bill." The man looked across at the woman. She nodded to him. "Sign" she said. "I don't see that we have much choice.. let's just get out of here and we can do it all next week and get it over and done with. It can't be that bad can it." The man reluctantly signed the document and passed it to his wife. She signed her name beneath his and then Amanda the waitress and the manageress signed the document. "Good" the manageress said. "Now that's settled you can go, but I will see you here tomorrow evening. Say 6:45 for a 7:00 pm start. We can discuss your duties tomorrow and don't be late." The man and woman stood up and put their coats on. Amanda escorted them to the door and opened it for them as they left. "See you both tomorrow then" and she smiled as they walked away. Chapter 2 The next evening Simon arrived home from work just before 6:00pm. Jane was already in and she had prepared them a light meal. "We'll have to eat this quickly if we're going to make it back to that restaurant on time" she said as she served him the pasta and salad. "Oh God...I'd forgotten. But surely we're not going through with this. We're professional people with highly paid jobs. This contract thing we signed is just ridiculous. She can't hold us to it. It's madness." Jane looked at him concerned. "Do you want to take that risk. She said it was binding and that we risk owing her a thousand times more than what we owe her now if we default. We can't afford to risk our house and everything for this." "OK, but let's just give her the money tonight and be done with it. Working in her restaurant is just too silly for words. If we make a genuine offer of paying her and she rejects it then we just walk out - no court would defend her position." Jane smiled at Simon. "OK, we can try, but lets not do anything to make our situation any worse. I mean if any of this got out we would look pretty stupid among our friends and colleagues anyway. Far better to keep it quiet." Simon nodded. "I agree. But what do you think she want's us to do tonight. I mean we can't cook for a restaurant can we. Are you going to do her accounts for her, while I write her a top notch computer program to store her recipes." Jane laughed. "Well I am sure we'll find out. Maybe she could put our talents to good use. We would be going cheap for her to make use of us, and that wouldn't be so bad would it." By 6:30, Simon had finished his meal and changed into some casual clothes, a pair of dark brown Chino's and a patterned cotton shirt. They drove their car the short ten minute journey to the restaurant and arrived just on 6:45. As they entered the restaurant the manageress was standing behind the cash desk. "Ah good. I was beginning to think that you may have not been sensible and tried to welch on our agreement." she said as they approached her. At this point Amanda entered through the kitchen entrance. She looked around and noticed the restaurant was still empty. "We don't officially open until 7:00 in the evening's so we have just enough time for you both to get ready and get clear on what's required of you." "Before we start with all that" Simon interrupted, "I thought maybe you would consider taking the money now. I am sure with a small business like yours, the cash is more important to you and we can even add on some extra." "Like doubling, or even trebling it?" the manageress asked smirking. Simon swallowed. "Well...um... yes, if that's necessary, I am sure we can make some arrangement." "Oh dear, you really do seem to be missing the point don't you" the manageress answered him. "I am sure you could pay me much more than what you owe, but that's not the point. It's all to do with inconvenience you see. Last night you had a lovely meal and Amanda here served you well and blessed you with her gracious service and attentiveness all to make your evening truly wonderful. Then when it came to reimbursing our hospitality, you left us short. You made Amanda stay here longer than she needed to be and you had me called from my apartment upstairs. I really am only interested now in inconveniencing you that bit more. Call it petty, or call it retribution, but you signed an agreement to work for me for six nights each and that's what you're both going to do. So now.." "This is very ridiculous" the man interrupted again "but if you are going to insist on this and I have no idea what you want us to do, but if you will at least let us use the skills to what we are best.." The manageress cut him off. "Now look, if you will stop interrupting me I will tell you what I want you both to do. Please remember that I am in charge here, and you are no longer my customers but my employees, so any pleasantries on my part dissolved with last night. But out of interest what are your professions?" "I'm a computer programmer and my wife is an accountant." the man replied. "And your names, what should I call you?" "Simon and Jane" he sighed. "Really, I must.." "Well Simon, as you can imagine I don't have much call for a high tech computer programmer here. Your wife's skills interests me a little more, but to be honest I have already decided what I want you both to do." She smiled and paused deliberately. "Now dear" she said turning to Jane, "I noticed what lovely hands you had last night and such beautiful nails, you obviously spend a long time looking after those. So after a bit of thought, I thought that cleaning the crockery and cutlery and washing up would be ideal for you. And as for you Simon, she said looking at him mischievously, "we are a bit short staffed out here at the moment, so I thought that you could help Amanda with the serving and clearing of the tables. She'll help you find your feet quickly enough. I'm sure a smart man like yourself will soon pick it up." Simon and Jane were dumbstruck. Eventually Simon rallied enough strength to complain again. "Look, we have tried to be reasonable about this, but this is just stupid. You're just being petty and vindictive. I am going to leave a cheque here that you can cash and then my wife and I are leaving. You can try and sue us if you dare, but I can assure you that no court will find favor with you." "Oh, but you are so wrong Simon. The contract that you signed and we witnessed was fair and binding. You did not have to sign it and you should have read the small print. It states very clearly that the only conditions for payment are work in kind at my standard rates of pay. Obviously what both of you can do without any training is limited so that is at my discretion. Failure to comply with my terms instantly defaults to a cash settlement of 1000 times the amount of the bill you owed last night. Now if you want to make a cheque to me now for that amount, then please feel free. I will be more than happy with that amount if you have it." "But that's a ridiculous sum, you know we couldn't afford that.." Simon spluttered. "Then I suggest you start doing what I tell you and get changed. We will have customers soon and I want you working for the next five hours and for the next six nights. Then we're even." "C'mon Simon, we had better just do it" Jane was more resigned. "OK, we'll do it. I think we both just want to get this over and done with, but I do think you are being vindictive." she said turning to the manageress. "I'm glad you agree Jane. I think you and I will get on just fine with your more pragmatic attitude. Maybe if you could talk a little more civility and sense into your husband he might settle in as well. I don't want him upsetting my customers. You may as well both try to enjoy working here, its only for a short time. I think you might see a different side to life, away from your normal jobs." Jane nodded and reluctantly Simon agreed. "Excellent. OK now I want Simon to go off with Amanda to get ready. You will have to be quick we only have about ten minutes to opening. And Jane you come with me and I'll introduce you to the kitchen staff and tell you what you have to do." Amanda led Simon towards the door marked private, while Jane followed the manageress into the kitchen. "By the way Jane, my name is Rosemary, you can call me that. I just want you to settle in now. Here are the rest of the staff. This is Greg our main chef, and Warwick and Ann our catering assistants. Everyone, this is Jane, she will be wash-up for the next six nights. Now I know she is a defaulter, but I want you to be nice to her. Her husband is a bit mouthy, but Amanda will have him in check soon enough, and you'll meet him soon too. He will be helping Amanda out front." The last statement caused a bit of a stir amongst the staff. "Now Jane, I don't want you to get those nice clothes dirty or wet. If you put these overalls over you clothes today and wear something a bit more casual tomorrow. Also the kitchens get a bit hot, if you find its too hot, then just take your clothes off and wear the overalls, that's what most of the staff do. You can change over there if you need to." Jane took the white cotton overalls from Rosemary. She stepped into them and found they were a couple of sizes too large for her, even over her clothes. She looked foolish and felt so too. But not as foolish as Simon. "I can't wear those... you can't be serious." "Bosses orders. It's the uniform. I have to wear it, and so do you." Amanda was standing holding the folded clothes in one hand outstretched to Simon, the other hand on her hip. "But your a girl. This is a girl's uniform. If I go out dressed in that I will look stupid." "I do too, heck its the clothes. But that's the uniform, that's what we have to wear when we're serving. All the waitresses wear the same.." "But you're a waitress, I'm not. I'm a man, I should be a wait-er" Simon said emphasising the 'er' sound. Amanda looked him realising she was not getting anywhere. She tried a different tact. "Simon, hope you don't mind me calling you that since we are going to work together... look, this is for a few days, you don't really have a lot of choice, the boss holds all the cards here, whatever she says goes. Don't get on her bad side, just do what she says and keep your head down. Before you know it, the six days will be finished and you can forget it." Rosemary entered through the door. "Why isn't he changed yet" she demanded of Amanda but looking glaringly at Simon. "We we're just doing it Miss" Amanda said "I've just been filling in Simon on the duties and stuff." "We'll come on then get changed and be snappy. I want you out here in two minutes for inspection." Simon went to argue, but Amanda gestured to him to stop. Rosemary noticed but said nothing. "Amanda, stay and give him a hand getting changed and make sure he looks presentable." "Yes Miss." Amanda said as Rosemary walked out. Turning to Simon after her boss had left, "C'mon now please, or we will both get in trouble." Finally Simon nodded and started to unbutton his shirt. "I can manage" he said tersely as he snatched the blouse from Amanda. He awkwardly did the five large plastic buttons, not being use to garments buttoning the opposite way that he was more familiar with. The cut of the blouse was such that it had a low neck line exposed and the sleeves only extended to above his elbow. It was designed to be a loose fit, but not baggy. Next, he removed his trousers and pulled up the elasticated skirt. The hem line stopped at his knees and the wide cut of the skirt and the lightness of the fabric made him feel that he was wearing nothing over his legs. He put his shoes back on and turned to face Amanda. The young girl looked at him and smiled, but she didn't laugh. "We just need to put this on now" she said holding the headpiece. "Sit down on that chair and I'll attach it for you." Simon sat down reluctantly and Amanda stood in front of him. As she placed the cardboard head piece on his head, he noticed her petite waist moving in and out with each breath. He felt her adjust the piece slightly, aligning it, and then she secured it in place with three bobby pins. "There" she said "all done. Now we can see what the boss thinks." Simon followed her out reluctantly for the inspection by Rosemary. She walked around and muttered under her breath. "He doesn't look too convincing does he Amanda. Still the best you could do with such a small amount of time. I think tomorrow, we should get Jane to do his hair and some make-up first before he arrives. And his legs, oh... you really must shave that hair off tomorrow, it looks terrible." Simon blushed. "I think... his hair,... we could do something a little more with that now. Wait here.." and Rosemary walked off. She returned a couple of minutes later. "Sit down there " she told Simon indicating a seat to him. She then removed the cardboard cap and applied some gel to his hair. Next she combed it through carefully arranging an asymmetric style with a side parting, and taking the hair each side behind the ears. Then on the opposite side of the parting she smoothed his bangs down around the hair line and secured it in place with a red barrette. "Now that's much more modern and chic" Rosemary said as she repositioned and fastened the cap. Just this small change, another further humiliation, made Simon feel much smaller and less confident and he shirked as the barrette was snapped shut. Amanda too felt a change and noticed that he looked a lot more pitiful. "Now then you two, lets get out and wait for those customers to arrive. Oh Simon, would you like to see Jane first?" Simon looked down, not sure what to say. It was one thing feeling humiliated in front of these women and strangers, but another being displayed in front of his wife. "No, not for the moment. OK, but she'll see you anyway, when you start going in and out of the kitchens. In that case I'll leave you both to get on. Amanda will tell you what to do, and no arguing. I will be up stairs if anyone needs me." It was fifteen minutes later that the first customers arrived. In that time Amanda had described briefly what Simon needed to do, and she suggested that for the first few customers, he shadow her to see how to take orders and deal with the customers. Of course, what she could not prepare him for was any adverse comments about his appearance. The first group to arrive were a party of four, two men and two women. Initially Amanda welcomed them and took their coats which she then passed to Simon. He took them and put them on the hangars. While Amanda talked to the group she kept their attention and they did not notice anything unusual about her assistant. However, as she led them to their table, she beckoned Simon to follow her and it was exposed in full view that it became obvious that he was different. It was one of the girls who sniggered first and Simon blushed and tried to look away. "Now don't be shy Simon. It's his first night here" Amanda explained turning to the group. At this point both the female customers burst out laughing and the men looked shocked. "Why is he wearing a skirt?" one of the women eventually spluttered, her eyes wet with tears of laughter. Simon glared at her, but then looked down again, unable to say anything, feeling total humiliation. Amanda looked at him, smiled and then addressed the woman. "Simon is paying off a bad debt. Waitressing was all we could find for him. I hope you gentlemen have your wallets with you this evening." They immediately felt into their jackets and nodded eagerly. "Good. Well you can relax and enjoy your meal then and not worry about this. I am sure Simon will help you in any way he can. We'll leave you for the moment to choose your order. Would you like some drinks while you decide." Amanda took the order for the drinks and led Simon back to the bar area. "Are you OK?" she asked him. "Of course I'm bloody not" he hissed. "This is downright degrading, humiliating and I can't believe it will be any good for the image of your restaurant." "Maybe, maybe not. I don't think any of the customer's who see you this week will ever forget their wallets. Now as long as your civil to the customer's I am sure we won't have a problem. Remember, the nicer you are the bigger the tips you get, when they pay of course, and the quicker you can pay the boss off." She handed him the drinks on a tray. "Now go and take these over and serve them nicely. Ask them if they are ready to order and if they are, write it down." Simon took the drinks and carefully walked back towards the table making sure he did not spill anything. As he approached, he saw the girls nudge each other and they looked up watching him carefully. "Who are the two white wines for?" he asked as politely as he could. He noticed he was trying to heighten the pitch of his voice slightly to compensate for his feminised appearance and it sounded even more absurd. He gave up on that almost immediately. The two girls indicated to him and he placed the drinks at their places. "A pint of lager?" one of the men raised his finger as a gesture. Simon served this and the remaining drink. "Is this really because you didn't pay a bill?" one of the women asked Simon. Simon swallowed. He nodded but could not say anything, blushing again. As he stood by the table, he heard the front door open and saw more customers arriving. One of the men looked up at him. "But why did you let them do this to you. Do you like it?" "No." Simon said assuredly. "They made my wife and I sign a contract which said we had to work for them for a week. We didn't know. My wife is in the kitchen. It's just vindictive... its..." his voice trailed off. "Look I had better take your order now, or I'll get into more bother." He took the order and then walked over to Amanda who was just getting some drinks for the new group. "I have the order.." he said to her. "Good... well.... take it into the kitchen then.... I can't do anything with it here can I." "Can't you.... my wife, she'll see me. Please Amanda. I'll take these drinks.." "No. You have to go in sometime. I'm not going to clear all the tables for you and anyway seeing your wife can't be worse than seeing all these strangers can it?" "Yes" Simon said meekly as he walked to the kitchen. He paused at the door and then pushed it firmly to open it. As he stepped in, he saw the three kitchen staff busily preparing meals and Jane already busy cleaning cooking utensils. Already, she looked hot and flustered, beads of sweat running down her face in the humid kitchen environment and her hair clinging to her skin. "Hey, here's Amanda's new helper" Warwick called as he saw Simon enter. "Is it a she, is it a he, no its Wonder Waitress" the man chortled as the other staff looked up. "My God, Simon, why.... what have they done to you?" Jane cried out. Simon looked over at her pleadingly and felt even more embarrassed now his wife had noticed him. "C'mon enough chatting, what's the order" shouted Greg, apparently oblivious to the fact that Simon was a man. Simon tore off the paper and handed it to him. "Okay, five minutes and be back to collect this." Simon took that as an exit cue and scampered back out into the dining room, unsure now Jane had seen him whether he would sooner be on public or private display. As he came out, Amanda brushed passed him with her order. As he stood at the front alone, Simon became more terrified that new customers might choose this moment to come in. He peered outside, it all looked quiet. But Amanda seemed to be taking a long time just to hand over an order. Was she delaying, hoping a new group would come in to further humiliate him. He surveyed the dining room, no one seemed to be looking at him, but he rightly felt very self conscious. After what seemed an age, Amanda finally rejoined him. "Everything going OK" she asked him. "Oh come on... fine.. I mean I'm a man dressed up in girls clothes doing a stupid job waiting on tables when I'm a highly paid computer programmer. Of course everything is fine." Amanda looked at him harshly. "Now look" she hissed, "firstly its not my fault you got yourself into this. Secondly, this stupid job as you put it pays my bills, I don't like it too much either, but we can't all be mega rich clever clogs. Thirdly, I am a girl and I don't like the uniform much either, but it goes with the job. Fourthly, you can either fight me all the way for the next six days or we can try to get along. Frankly I don't care, but the time will go quicker for you if we can get along, and no one else is going to help you out front here if you get any hassle, other than me. Your choice brains!" She was now flush red with anger. Simon was knocked back by the reproach. "Look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to insult you. It's just, this seems to be so stupid and I feel so awkward. I'll try..okay.. I will." "You do that" was the only comment Amanda offered. "You better go and get those dishes for your table" she said after a few moments, half encouragingly. Simon went back in and collected the dishes on the tray. He tried not to look at Jane as he came in, but she noticed him enter and just stared silently as he walked around the room. As he returned to the dining room with the tray, he noticed Amanda was escorting a third party to a table. The place was beginning to get busy and it was only twenty minutes past opening. He thought back to the night before, it had been almost full all the time. His heart sank, maybe it was full every night, he knew it was a popular restaurant. He was clearly going to be kept very busy and would suffer further embarrassments as each set of diners arrived. He served the meals to his table and rejoined Amanda at the bar. "You can do this table as well" she told him, passing him the drinks. "I think you've got the hang of it now. We'll split the tables as people arrive, just make sure you keep an eye on your people. Don't keep them waiting for too long after they finish and so on before clearing the dirty plates and ask them for deserts and coffee, more drinks etc.." Simon nodded. He took the drinks to the new table with dread. It was a group of six women and they sounded raucous. At first they paid no attention to him, but as he cleared his throat and called the first drink out, the women all looked up. They noticed that it wasn't Amanda, and then looked again realising it was a man. "God honey what happened to you" one of them shrieked, the others laughing. "Hey maybe this is some new entertainment here" another called out. The loudness of the table attracted attention from the other diners and everyone looked over. Simon began to feel more and more despair and just reiterated the drink. The women continued to make fun of him and eventually Amanda made her way over. "Is there a problem ladies?" she asked. "Aw.. not really, we're just teasing your new gal." "Yours was the rum and black wasn't it" Amanda said. The woman nodded. Amanda took the drink from Simon's tray and placed on the table next to the woman. "Okay Simon and what's next" she said looking up to him. "Um.. a dry white wine". With Amanda's presence, the group had quietened down again. Another woman raised her hand and Amanda nodded to Simon to pass her the drink. And so the pair ran through the order and left together. "Thanks" Simon told Amanda as they replaced the tray at the bar. "That's OK. Just be more firm, you'll get used to it, and so will they." During the next hour the pattern became more established. Another five groups of diners entered the restaurant, a total of around forty people. Amanda made sure that she went each time with Simon to a new group of people, to establish his presence as she told him. It didn't stop all the snide comments and questions but it did help him establish some credibility and he found that people would at least respond to him in his official role rather than just laughing at him. With the place nearly full, he and Amanda had little time now for chatting or him feeling bad. There was a near constant cycle of getting orders, serving dishes, and new drinks. Simon also noted that after some initial comments, and except when he was serving, people paid no attention to him, preferring to enjoy the company of their own crowd or their food. He slowly became more relaxed and just began to dread each new group of diners as they entered through the door. Amanda explained to him, that there was usually a second wave of people between 9:00 and 9:30, so in just about half an hour he thought, we will go through this again. He felt uneasy inside, but convinced himself it couldn't be as bad as the first time. It was around 8:45 that Rosemary came down to view the situation. "How is everything going tonight then?" she asked Amanda. "Fine. We're looking pretty crowded again tonight." "And how's your new helper?" "He's fine too. Needed a little breaking in, but he learns quickly." "And he hasn't scared any customers away yet?" "No... not yet" Amanda laughed. "So who's up for first break?" Rosemary asked again. "Simon can go first" Amanda chimed in first. "Maybe he could do with a talk with his wife so they can swap notes. Besides I can manage here at the moment. In half hour or so it will be busy again." Rosemary agreed. "The back room and turn left" she indicated. "You can help yourself to tea and coffee, but no smoking. And back out in fifteen minutes so Amanda can have a break too. I will cover for you and then her. If you go now I will tell your wife that she can join you now." Simon went where she had told him and found the small closet room fairly easily. A couple of minutes later Jane joined him. "God, you look awful" he told her as she walked in. Her hands wrinkled from constant immersion in water and detergent and her hair wild, bedraggled and her face and clothes dripping with sweat. She looked at him with a disgusted look on her face and said "You dare to tell me I look awful. Look at yourself. Why are you wearing those clothes.." "Its the uniform" he cut her off. "They said I had to wear it, there was nothing else I could do." "And your hair? And out in public too, what do people think, what do they say. You look a mess. I mean you can't pass for a woman. You look just like a man in a cheap drag outfit." "Please Jane. I know. The boss did this to my hair, and.. we'll people do laugh.. but Amanda has been good with me and them. She sort of explains." "Explains. Explains what, how we couldn't pay our bill, why you dress up like that." "I know, I know. Please, its bad enough out there. And I'm so tired, walking around and standing all the time." "Humph... " Jane snorted. "You're tired. I got the rough end of the wedge when it comes to working, up to my armpits in wasted food, grease, oil and washing up. This is no fun I can tell you that, while you swan around in the front. I'll not forgive you for this in a hurry, I can tell you that." "Me. I didn't want to agree to this..." "No, but you left your wallet didn't you. It's all your fault. What a wedding anniversary that turned out to be!" "Please Jane, please don't lets argue. We agreed, let's just get through this and put it behind us." Simon handed her a cup of coffee and they sipped their drinks in silence. It was not long before their break time had elapsed and they left the room to rejoin their tasks. The period during which Amanda had her break passed very quickly for Simon. He was dreading being alone with Rosemary, since she took obvious delight in humiliating him, but they both went through a period of being very busy. Rosemary made sure that Simon did all the clearing of tables and serving, but she did drinks and took orders. Simon felt relieved when Amanda rejoined him and Rosemary left them to go back up stairs to her office/flat. "I see your first table has finished" Amanda said. "They will want their bill soon. Can you add it up" she asked sincerely. "Of course I can" Simon scoffed. "Okay, sorry. I didn't mean it like that. Don't forget to put your name on it." "Why?" "We always do. So they know who served them. We usually add something like, hope you enjoyed your meal, or please come again. It keeps them happy, adds something personal. Usually gets you a good tip as well." "I'm not bothered about the tip." "But I am.. we split everything in two here" "Why don't we put your name?" "Because they're your people! Now don't get shy. Just write Simon. They know your a man anyway." "But it just seems... I don't know, writing my name, a man's name when I'm dressed like this, even if it is obvious." "Well... you could feminise it a bit. Why not write Simone?" "Simone, you mean Simon with an 'e' at the end." "Yep, that's it," Amanda cracked a momentary encouraging smile. Simon sighed. "Okay, I feel a little more comfortable doing that, for some strange reason." "Great. I could call you Simone if you want. In front of the customers that is." "I'm not sure about that." "Well, let me know if you change your mind." Simon made prepared the bill and placed it on the table while asking if everything had been okay. The foursome murmured satisfaction and content and he watched from a distance as they placed their money in the wallet enclosing the bill. They approached the cash desk and handed Simon the wallet which he passed to Amanda who rang up the till, as he assisted everyone with their coats. "Hey Simone" called one of the two women, "nice service, but just a tip, lose the leg hair, it can be really off putting when you're eating" the women giggled again as they left the restaurant. Amanda smiled at Simon. "Well if that's the worst anyone can say now, I think you might survive this". Simon laughed too. The evening continued in the same way and as expected the restaurant got busier again. It was around 11:30 when the only two tables occupied were one that Amanda had been serving, and the other with the six women who had consumed a lot more alcohol and around a bottle of wine per head with their meal. Simon presented them with their bill and turned around to leave. However, he suddenly noticed a tug on the hem of his skirt. "Hey honey.." "Simone, Carol, His name it says here is Simone.", more laughter. "Oh, Simone, that's a nice name. Now Simone, I know that you may be feeling a little embarrassed and all, and you might think that us ladies have had a bit too much to drink, but heck the customers always right aren't they. Heee heee. Anyway my friends and I have been wondering, and even having a bet, on whether you're wearing any nice panties under that skirt there. Now, Sally there thinks that anyone who goes to the detail of a barrette in their hair would. But I think, they if you don't shave your legs, then you won't. So who's right and who's wrong." "Oh.. please, I'm not okay. Now please just pay the bill and don't cause me any trouble. Please." "So you say you're not. See Sally, that would make me right. But Sally doesn't look like she believes you." "No I don't" Sally called out in a tipsy voice. "I think he's too embarrassed to admit it. He's gotta show us, so we know." Simon tried to back up, but Carol quickly flicked her wrist and twisted more of the loose skirt fabric around her hand. She was reeling him in. Simon tried to look over to where Amanda was, but he couldn't attract her attention. Carol unsteadily stood up from her chair and started to raise her hand slowly and dramatically drawing the line of the skirt up higher and higher. The others on the table started to clap and bang the table harder and shouting 'Yes, yes, yes, higher higher' and then whoosh, Carol raised the skirt to a crescendo of applause as Simon tried in vain to pull it down. "Awww..." Sally groaned. "You win Carol. Boxer shorts and all. That's not very ladylike at all Simone. You will have to do better next time." Carol let the skirt drop and Simon skittled off quickly trying to find somewhere to hide. With all the noise, Amanda's attention had been caught and she chased after Simon. "What's wrong?" she asked as she caught up with him and saw tears in his eyes. "Aww.. c'mon don't cry. They're just drunk and you're a grown man, don't let them get to you." "Amanda... I can't help....a grown man in girls clothes." "Hey not all girls clothes" she smiled and kissed him gently on his forehead. "C'mon you've nearly finished your first night. Only five more to go now. Why don't you learn from this and be more strong. surely it can't be as bad as tonight for you." "What do you mean?" "I mean, that the boss wants your wife to do something more with your hair tomorrow anyway and..." "Does she. Like what?" "Oh pay attention. She said earlier and she is going to see your wife before you go. Now all I am saying is that if you are going to look a bit more feminine tomorrow, be more bold about it. Wear the panties as well. Why not. What can you lose. And if anyone teases you, at least they may be fooled that you are a cross dresser or something like that." "But I'm not" "No I know you're not, But others don't know that, and they may even be more wary of embarrassing you if you look more feminine. Maybe they just won't be sure your a guy even." "You really think so Amanda." "Yeh, I do and it may be easier for you to get through this week if you play along." As the group of woman approached the cash desk, Amanda left Simon to reflect and sorted the remaining customers out herself. Finally with the restaurant empty, Amanda approached Simon again and got him to help her finish the clearing up process. At 11:45, Rosemary returned to the restaurant. She inspected the till receipts and the restaurant and kitchens. Finally she said good night to the staff, but called on Jane and Simon to stay before for a few extra minutes. She explained to Jane while not directly even acknowledging the presence of Simon how she could not afford the image of the restaurant to be tarnished and therefore she didn't want someone so obviously male dressed in the waitressing uniform. She told Jane that she wanted her to give Simon a more feminine and coiffured style for the following evening, and also emphasised that he must shave his legs and be wearing at least some make-up. "I want people to have to look at least twice to see that he's a man" she said. "Why don't you just put me in front then and have him working the kitchens." Jane asked. "Because Jane, my dear, that would be no fun, and wouldn't be petty would it. As I said to you earlier, this is meant to be some punishment for inconveniencing me and by Amanda's account, Simon has done well this evening. So same time tomorrow then" and with that she escorted the couple to the door. Chapter 3 "I told you to be home by 4:45, it's 5:15 now. We've barely enough time to get you ready to madam's satisfaction and there is no time for you to have any tea." Jane was annoyed and she saw no point in hiding it. "What do you mean?" Simon asked irritatedly. "I got caught in traffic, but how long does it take to get ready." "To get you looking like a semi-passable woman, around three hours and we have one hour. Now get into that bathroom and start shaving your legs and also that chin of yours. I want it as smooth as a baby's bottom when you came out, and you have five minutes." Simon took closer to ten and he emerged to find an even more manic wife. "Sit down there now." she ordered him. "This is just so stupid, and its all your fault." "Darling please, not that again." Simon tried to calm her. She ran a brush through his hair quickly pulling it away from his face. She then picked up a handful of bobby pins and secured the hair back tightly. She felt his beard area. "Well that's smooth enough. Now then, what can I do. Eyebrows... no, they are too thick." She took the tweezers first and started plucking harshly. "Ouch, what are you doing that for...it hurts." he cried. "Stop moaning. She said I had to make your more feminine looking and that's what I am going to give her." But work tomorrow.. please, I think she meant something temporary." "Just shut up. This is your fault and you have got to live with this. Besides I can thicken them a bit tomorrow." She carried on mercilessly and after a few minutes finally appeared satisfied. "That's a lot better" she exclaimed. Simon tried to look at his reflection in the mirror, but couldn't see himself with Jane in the way. "Stop moving, just stay still. You can admire yourself later when I've finished. Next, ahh a bit of eyeshadow... yes." She continued, applying the eyeshadow and a little mascara. Next she applied some foundation explaining that the color complimented the color of the blouse that Simon was wearing the night before. Finally, Jane applied some color to his lips. Next she moved onto his hair, unpinning all that she had secured while doing his make-up. Simon noticed that she had been warming up her curling iron. "What are you going to do" he asked her, uncertainly. "Your hair" she replied unhelpfully. She again brushed it through. making an off centre parting to one side. Next she took a small section of hair and carefully placed the loose end around the hot tongs, closing the lever. She then proceeded to wind the hair section around the tong. Once finished, she sprayed some solution onto the hair and pressed the steamer button for five seconds, held the tong in place for another fifteen second and then released the arm clamp as she slipped the tong away. Simon watched mesmerised as he saw the tightly formed curl retain the same shape as the tong as she pulled it away. She continued to repeat the process, moving from section to section as she covered his crown and back to around ear level with curls. Finally satisfied she put the tongs back down. "I want them to cool off for a few minutes before I brush them out. Now go and get changed, and we may just have time for a quick sandwich before we leave. I don't suppose it matters what you wear since you're getting changed when you arrive anyway." Simon stood up to get some clothes and then stopped. "Jane" he asked "I couldn't borrow a pair of your panties could I?" "What!" Jane's face was tightened in a look of confusion and disbelief. "Did I hear you right. You want to wear a pair of my knickers?" Simon blushed, but nodded. "Well, maybe not want.." he added, "but Amanda said.." "Amanda said.. God, are you enjoying this Simon? Are you? Because I'm not. It's bad enough that you are wearing women's clothes in public in the first place. Now I have to do your hair and make-up, just to make you look presentable. All this is bad enough, but at least people can see it. But my panties. Who the hell is going to notice Simon. Who cares, that's just you. What's got into you, what's wrong with you. I never..." "No Jane, its really not like that. It's just Amanda thought, the more feminine I looked or acted, the more I might not get noticed." "Right. Not get noticed. Don't be an idiot Simon. For a start you're a bit flat chested in comparison with Amanda aren't you, or.. God you're not wearing bra too are you." "No one said.." "Thank god for that. And when you talk Simon. I think that kind of gives the game away." "I know Jane. Look I feel uneasy about all this too. But you wanted.." "Don't put this on me Simon. This is your fault, all of it. But now you seem to be wanting to play along with this all of a sudden. I'm really worried about you." "Okay don't.." "No. If its panties you want, then that's what you're going to get. Here put these on" Jane said as she threw a pair of her skimpiest, frilliest, blue cotton laced pair. "At least the color matches your skirt" she added sarcastically. He put them on awkwardly, fumbling to try and get his male organs to fit into the tight cut. "Tuck them in" she told him. "If you get excited tonight, you're going to be in a lot of trouble. Now get your trousers on, or do you want one of my skirts as well." Simon shook his head and clambered into his trousers. "Sit back down here, so I can finish your hair." He sat back on the chair again. Jane firstly sprayed some lacquer over his head, she then started to comb and tease the curls into a less defined shape, following the line of her parting. Gradually the style took shape, as she formed some curled under, loose bangs which drooped towards one eye. On the opposite side the hair was taken up behind one ear. Finally she brushed the back through more rigorously, blending the curled and uncurled regions together. Once happy she sprayed the hair once more and let Simon have a good look at the style. "Madam better be happy with that" Jane told him. They ate their sandwiches in the car. Both Jane and Simon had thanked themselves that they had an indoor access to their garage and he could enter the car discretely. Somehow he felt more conscious of the hair and make up while dressed in his male clothes. Jane just felt completely embarrassed and rued the day that they had gone to that restaurant. They again arrived at the restaurant just in time. Once again Rosemary was there waiting for them, but Amanda wasn't. Rosemary complimented Jane on her efforts with Simon. She was happy with the make up, but less so with the hair. "I just envisaged something more.. well... tightly set. Yes that's it. Something not loose, but a tighter more rigid shape." "But by the time Simon gets home, we can't really do a roller set, either with hot rollers or especially not a wet set." Jane told her. "Well, can't you do one before going to bed. I am sure it would last all day if Simon slept in his rollers." "You mean he should go to work with his hair in a curled style" Jane asked. "Hmmm. Okay, maybe that's not so important though. Well see how she looks in her uniform today." "She. You said she. Simon is still my husband Rosemary" Jane emphasised looking to Simon to defend his case also. "Of course dear. Just a slip of the tongue. I always think of my waitresses as my girls. Anyway, enough chatter you both need to get ready. And remember after tonight, only another four nights to go." Simon went back to where he changed the day before and found Amanda there just having finished herself. "Hi Simon" she said breezily. "Hi Amanda" he replied. "I like your hair" she complimented him. "And your make-up. Your wife did it for you did she?" He nodded. "I feel a bit silly like this, but its strange, at this moment, I think what you said yesterday about looking more confident may be right." "I'm sure it is" Amanda agreed. "But Jane seems really annoyed with me about it." He stripped seemingly unaware that he was getting dressed in front of an almost stranger. "Wow, you wore the panties then." Amanda laughed surprised. "Yeah, though Jane gave me a lot of grief for wearing these." Simon said as he pulled up the skirt. "They're really skimpy though, quite sexy on a guy! And your legs. They look really smooth now. Do you mind?" Amanda bent down and run the back of her hand up the shin of Simon's right leg. After Simon had put the blouse on, Amanda helped him with the headpiece again, making sure she didn't upset his hair style. As they entered the dining room together, Amanda said, 'Oh I've got something to show you.." and she led him to the cash desk. There she showed him a jar with hole cut into the top with the name 'Simone' written on it. "I thought depending how you looked today and after what we said yesterday I should start calling you Simone all the time now. Is that OK?" "I guess so. I'm not sure.. but..." "Let's give it a try then" Amanda said. "If you hate it, then we can go back OK. But maybe it will help the customers feel more comfortable too." Simon nodded. "In that case, you can wear this as well. Its a name badge. All the waitresses wear them usually. I had forgot mine at home yesterday, but see I've got it on today. Here, let me help you pin it onto your blouse... that's right... Simone see." Simon blushed again. What was happening he thought to himself. Two days ago he was a brash confident man. Yesterday he had been reduced to tears by a group of woman and this young girl had consoled him. But today, now, she had talked him into wearing female underwear and assuming a girls name. In part he felt disgusted by himself and wondered if Jane had been right. But then again, the logic of it. As a programmer he saw the logic of the problem. What Amanda had told him was logically the best way forward. He couldn't get out of this situation and the only way to deal with it was to buy into it completely. He didn't have to like it, just live with it for four more days after today. And then he could carry on as before. This was the best way to go, but Jane he was worried by Jane's reaction. "Simone...Simone, anyone in there!!" Amanda's voice snapped him out of his complex thoughts. "Customer alert. You take the coats and I'll take them to the table okay", Simon nodded. The pattern of the day before was quickly repeated in terms of custom. Amanda and Simon also quickly established the same routine and worked as an efficient team. The only difference that Simon noticed was that few people immediately or even quickly spotted his real gender. This surprised him initially, but the more often he got away with it the more confident he became. He caught a reflection of himself at one point in a large mirror. He inspected himself discretely from a distance and realised that at least not close up he was a passable female. The hair, the uniform all served to hide any obviously outwardly male characteristics. He noticed that the cut of the blouse was such that it wasn't even obvious from a distance that he had no breasts. But maybe he was deceiving himself. Maybe people just didn't like to stare at that region for too long for fear of giving offence and he was getting away with it because of that. In fact the only problem he did have was with his voice. That was impossible to hide. He tried a soft voice, but it became too quiet and no-one could hear him. And trying to raise the pitch felt unnatural and uncontrollable, it was doomed to failure. So to half the clients, Amanda's half, he appeared as an equal female to his companion. However, to his half of the clientele, his secret was a secret no more. At one point during a quiet period Simon asked Amanda for advice on his voice. "Sorry, can't help really. Short of a voice op' I'm not sure what you could do. Just try practising a bit more during the day, maybe by the end of the week you will have it right. You could try talking from your chest more, a sort of breathsy type of voice. Keep your attention on your chest as you talk and talk as you breathe." "Its difficult to do all that and take the orders and remember everything else." "I'm sure you can manage it with practice. Maybe you need something to remind you of your chest a bit more. I have..." "No Amanda, I don't think I want to hear this please." "What I haven't said anything yet. I'll think about it.. and you too. We can discuss this more tomorrow maybe if you still have a problem." The break periods arrived, but this time Amanda went first and shared with Jane. There was an initially awkward silence between the two, but Amanda decided to break it first. "Simone's doing very well on the serving, how are you finding kitchen's Jane?" "Its OK, but... what.. did you say Simone?" "Yeah, that's right, Simon and I discussed it. We thought maybe he would feel more comfortable and adapt better to his role with a female name, and the customers too.." "And the panties... I understand the panties were your idea too Amanda." "Ummm, yeah I guess, just to help him adapt you know. It was hard for him yesterday, looking so masculine, but in this uniform... he needs to feel, well... less masculine while he's working... to relax more into his part.." "But he is still a man and my husband Amanda. He is not a she. This is so stupid, why does Rosemary insist on him working out there in those clothes and me in the back." "Because she can. Because you agreed. Because its the opposite of what you both wanted. She knows that Simon was humiliated yesterday and that was deliberate. He more then you really got her angry. Maybe its spite, but.." "Yes it is pure spite. Its terrible. I don't see what she can achieve from it.." "Nothing unless you both let it get to you. That's what I have been trying to tell Simon, that he needs to relax, show its not getting to him, play the part and before he knows it the week will be over." "And she'll let us go?" Jane asked. "Of course, you signed a contract. That's one thing Rosemary believes in is contracts, She always honours them. Jane, I know maybe you feel bitter and maybe even misunderstand why Simon is acting the way he is. I think it's for the best. He does need your support. And I was going to tell him tomorrow, but I will tell you now, I am a little worried for him on Thursday and Friday evening." "Why?" "Well after tomorrow, I have two evenings off. Now the girl who will be covering me, Kelly, had her overtime axed because Simon became available. She is annoyed about that. I'm just a little worried for him, that maybe she will make life really awkward for him." "I see, and me, did I do someone.." "No, you have a crap job. We are always replacing staff on wash-up, its a really cheap labour job and no tips, no future career unlike the other kitchen attendants who at least are training for something better. Sorry, but you have the worst job of the lot." "I know it!" Jane laughed. "But Simon thinks he has." "Actually I think he has enjoyed it more tonight. He hasn't been so easily caught out as it were. Just his voice is giving him away. Nothing we can do about that." Jane stood up and gave Amanda an admiring glance. "Thanks for the talk. I came in hating you and very suspicious of your motives, but I can see that you do mean Simon well. I will do what I can to help him more if I can." Amanda stood up as well and nodded as they left the break room together. Shortly after, Simon was sharing the room with Warwick. "Don't you feel really stupid man. I mean dressed like that.. you look..." "Hey look Warwick I know, but what can I do, your boss..." "You should have stood up to her man. You've lost all your dignity and respect. Not just of people here, but your wife, what does she think." "Yeah, my wife, well she ain't happy I have to admit." "Course she ain't man. You're sad. Look at you, wearing woman's clothes, woman's hair, woman's make-up, hell you're even being called a woman's name and you just accept it 'cos Amanda say so. You let all the women walk all over you and tell you what to do?" "No... but Amanda..." "But nothing man. She would have your balls in panties and.. I don't know...respect, you've gotta demand respect from them." Simon looked awkwardly hoping his face didn't let on about the panties. Was Warwick right, was Amanda and the others spinning him a line. He was right about Jane, clearly he had lost her respect. But what could he do. Only the day before.. Amanda had helped him. "You like the woman's clothes man?" Warwick asked out of the blue. "No of course not." Simon answered almost without thought, but even with thought, did he, well he couldn't say yes to Warwick even if he did. But he didn't, no, how could he. "Well you keep thinking on that. If you start changing your mind, then you know you are in trouble man." Warwick stood up and left without saying another word. Simon stayed behind a few moments more, thinking to himself. Asking himself what he could do. As he stood up to leave, Ann walked in. "Hi sugar" she said to him. "Hi" he answered getting ready to leave. "Enjoying it out front?" Ann asked again. "What you mean the serving, or..." "Yeah of course. I mean its a bit different to what you normally do isn't it. Jane told us you're into computers or something technical, but I just wondered what its like for you dealing with people." "Hmm.. its OK. Its just..." "Awkward... is that you or the costume..." "Well this doesn't help" Simon laughed. "Amanda copes OK" "But she's a woman. It doesn't look so stupid.." "I wouldn't say that. But what's more important is how you feel inside. How do you feel today compared to yesterday?" "Better, more comfortable.. more.." "Why?" "Because.. well.. its kind of difficult..." "What is?" "Well, Amanda said maybe...if I looked more... well, if I have to wear this uniform and dress like a ... perhaps I should do more to look like... and act like..." "Yes... like a woman?" Ann finished off for him. "Its only a word, it doesn't bite." Simon felt stupid again. These women kept doing that to him. "Yes" he admitted. "And you think that helped?" Ann asked probing further. "Well, it seems to be ... people don't notice me as much and .." "And how do you feel?" "I don't understand" "How do you feel dressing and acting more like a woman. Do you feel different? I'm just interested to know." "No... well maybe yes. It is different. I don't know. I can't really say. I mean its not real for a start is it." "I suppose not. Oh well you had better go back. Enjoy yourself and maybe you can tell me more by the time you have finished here." Simon left the room feeling even more confused than after his conversation with Warwick. Questions all the time and no answers. As he returned to the dining room, the restaurant looked more busy than before. For the next hour and a half he had virtually no time to talk to Amanda. However, what Warwick and Ann had said, kept churning over in his mind. When Amanda did finally meet up with him again, Simon felt more defensive towards her. "Hi Simone, phew, we're really busy tonight. Still it will be over soon." Simon did not reply to her. She noticed the silence and looked at him quizzically, "Everything OK?". "No, not really... why do you keep calling me Simone, even when its just the two of us?" Simon asked. "Well, I just thought we'd agreed.... and I didn't think you minded... and because I thought it was helping you adjust more." "Adjust.. what do you mean by that, adjust to what exactly." "To this of course. I mean I now it wasn't easy for you last night, but you seem more capable and more relaxed now. I thought I was helping." "Why. Why do you want to help me so much." "Oh come on Simon, what is this, what's wrong. I'm just trying to help, I sort of like you, I felt sorry for you last night. I just want to be your friend. I thought you needed a friend. Especially when you said your wife didn't understand.." "My wife, Jane.. no she doesn't like this at all." "But we talked.. at break... I think she understands more now.. I explained.." "What!" Simon sounded annoyed. "What did you tell her." "Just explained how you felt yesterday and how I thought you needed some support. She understands now. She realises its not easy for you out here. She.. she understands that how you look is important when you're out here." Simon was silent for a moment reflecting on their conversation. "Was it your idea." he asked finally. "What.. was what my idea?" "To dress me up, to humiliate me. Did you suggest it to Rosemary that I should work out here and..." "No Simon, No. It wasn't my idea. It was hers. I have just been trying to help, but if you don't.." "No. I'm sorry... it's not that I don't appreciate your help. It's just... the way it looks to others. Warwick said.." "Warwick, he said what... what does he know?" Amanda looked slightly irritated at the mention of the young man's name. "He thinks I like dressing like this." Simon answered. "And Ann, she wondered the same." "And do you?" Amanda asked the question bluntly. "What did you tell them, what did you tell Ann." "No of course I don't. I mean I wouldn't do it by choice. But what you said yesterday, about getting into the role... it made sense yesterday. Bu