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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT By: Jacki Pett Part 3 I didn't waste any time in the bathroom. As I slipped the nightie over my head I told myself that Connie had told me to put it on so it wasn't as if it was my idea to wear pretty lingerie. I could justify wearing it more easily that way. I gathered my hair into the elastic tie. As I looked at myself in the mirror a little shiver went through me. It wasn't clear to me if it was delight or fear that I felt for just an instant. Connie spread a towel on the couch and, as I watched tv, she painted my toe nails for me. I sat there with cotton balls stuffed between my toes while the polish dried. My thoughts were on anything but the show on tv. Was the fear I had felt earlier in the evening, at the bar, just a taste of what was to come tomorrow? When the eleven o'clock news went off, my toenails were dry and it was time for bed. "Have you decided what to wear tomorrow?" Connie asked as we got up from the couch. I had give that a lot of thought but couldn't bring myself to decide. "I'm not sure." "Wear the blue dress. The print one. That looked so cute on you at the store." The one she alluded to was a light blue dress with a bright, flowered print. It had short, full sleeves, a scooped neckline and a short swing skirt. "It's so low cut." I traced the outline of the neck. "That's what makes it so adorable." She knew what worried me. "You don't have to worry, especially now." I knew what she meant, now that I had breasts. "It just makes me nervous. What if someone sees." Connie laughed, "It's not that low cut Honey." Maybe I did exaggerate, just a little. It was just that I was scared. I had to trust Connie. "All right." Connie didn't ask me to kiss her good night. Maybe that's why she seemed so pleased when I did kiss her on the cheek. "Good night Mom." She put her hand on my left cheek as she kissed the other. "Good night Sweetheart. Sleep well." "I hope I can." I said as I left her to go to my room. I was surprised when she came in a moment later, carrying a glass of water and something in her hand. "Here Honey, take this." She handed me a small white pill. "It'll help you sleep." She held the glass of water out to me. I did want to sleep. I didn't want to dream. "Thanks." Bobbie did not beat us to work that Friday. I was actually disappointed, I was looking forward to her opinion of how I looked that morning. I had Connie's praise but she was prejudiced. I had worried about how I'd look in the dress. When I was all ready to go, I took a long look at the girl in the mirror. She was really cute. Connie had been wise to have me start dressing as Jennifer the day before Mr. Parks arrival. I was much more ready for him and the folks at work were more relaxed with me. The novelty of me dressing as Jennifer had certainly not worn off, but neither was it too new. The word had been passed early that morning that all would be normal. No one was to tease me or act as if I were anything but Jennifer, Ms Sackett's assistant. Mr. Park's plane was due at ten and the limo would pick him up from the airport, bringing him first to the Mariott, wait while he checked in, then bring him to the office. When the clock on my desk said it was ten thirty, I started to feel anxious. The driver called in to tell us he was at the hotel. Bobbie took the call and passed on the message. "He said the people from Jansen had just gone into the hotel to check in." "People?" I asked. "There's more than one?" Bobbie seemed surprised. "How many is there supposed to be?" "I thought from their fax that it was just Mr. Park. Who's with him?" I asked in almost a panic. I assumed the worst. I assumed that Robert must have come with him. "The driver didn't say." Bobbie replied. "What's wrong?" I tried to get hold of myself. "Did he say if it was a man or a woman?" "He just said there were two of them." "Call me as soon as you see the limo, please." "I will." Bobbie assured me. Connie had overheard me and came out to see what was wrong. "Mr. Park isn't alone." I told her. "Who's with him?" She asked calmly. "Bobbie doesn't know. The driver didn't say. Do you think it's Mr. Niles?" "I don't know but let's not panic. Just calm down. We'll handle them, no matter who it is." She was right. "Ok, ok." I had to trust her. It was about a quarter to twelve when Bobbie called back. "They're here." "Who's with him?" "They're just getting out of the car. The driver's opening the door. There's a man, it's Mike Park." I held my breath. "There's a woman with him." There was a pause. "It's just the two of them, Mr. Park and a woman. I Gotta go." My first thought was thank God and that was all I had time for. It was my job to go up front and bring the people back to Connie's office. Bobbie's call, announcing them, came within seconds. Connie nodded and smiled, indicating that I should go. I showed her my brave smile. I took a deep breath as I walked up the hallway to the lobby. "Mr. Park, it's so nice to see you again." I instinctively extended my hand to him. He took it then leaned over and kissed my cheek. "It's Mike, Jennifer. It hasn't been that long." I was embarrassed enough, but Bobbie saw him kiss me. He introduced the woman with him. "Jennifer, this is Miss Crawford." I knew I was safe to give her my hand. "It's very nice to meet you." My smile was genuine. "Please call me Pat." She said, returning my smile. "Pat is my executive assistant." His secretary. She was an attractive woman. I was beginning to realize that most women in the fashion business were attractive. Pat was certainly no exception. She was a blond, about my height. She reminded me of Cybil Sheppard, only younger. She couldn't have been over twenty five. "It's a pleasure Pat." I turned back to 'Mike'. "Ms Sackett's waiting for us. We took the liberty of ordering in lunch and it should be here any minute." That was one of Connie's brainstorms. It was one way to keep me from having to go out to lunch with the man. I led them down the hall to our office. His bringing his secretary along turned out to be a godsend. Connie occupied the man through lunch while I attempted to get to know Pat. This arrangement was, by far, preferable to my having to entertain Mike. The catered lunch was served to us in the conference room. Pat and I sat next to each other, across the table from Connie and Mr. Park. Connie arranged the seating. Pat had been Mike's secretary for only about six months. She liked her job and enjoyed the traveling. I confided in her that I would like to travel more but I had only been with Connie for a couple of months. She was a very friendly person and it wasn't long before we started talking about our personal lives. Pat told me she was married, then surprised me, asking if I was? It felt funny telling her, "No, not yet." "Oh, you're engaged?" She said, sounding excited for me. "No," I answered, trying to sound sad. "There was someone up north but it never got a chance to develop into anything before I moved down here." She didn't have to know I was talking about Tina. "That's too bad. You haven't met anyone here yet?" "Well, there is someone but it's not serious." I couldn't picture anything serious developing with Christy. I wanted to change the subject. "What about you? What does your husband do? Do you have any children?" I actually enjoyed talking with her and by the time lunch was over we were friends. It was a little awkward at times, making things up, but enjoyable. I was still nervous. I was afraid she might realize that I wasn't what I appeared to be but she gave no indication that she thought anything was wrong. I watched her every move, every gesture, glad that my friends and coworkers had taken the time to teach me act appropriately. It was nice to find we worked so well together too. Pat's being there actually made the afternoon pleasant. The four of us tackled the tasks one at a time. I don't remember when I forgot to feel self conscious about myself. It wasn't right, of course, my wearing a dress and pretending to be a woman but for a while I was just a person, comfortable to interact with other people. It had everything to do with enjoying being around Pat, how much I was beginning to like her and the reassurance I felt from Connie. Locations for the shoots were the first order of business and it took us all afternoon to complete them. Connie allowed me to participate and I realized that I had learned a great deal from her in the past months. Connie and I had made arrangements for dinner and when 6:00 rolled around, we quit work. Pat and I took the back seat in Connie's big Cadillac. I didn't mind at all that Mr. Park joined Connie in the front. He was a gentleman and opened my door for me. I would have laughed if I wasn't so nervous. I wasn't so lucky when Connie parked the car and we got out. Pat and I were walking side by side when he came up behind us. Coming between us, he put his arms around each of our waists. "I feel so sorry for those guys that only get to go out to dinner with only one pretty girl. I get three." He pulled us close to him. He caught me by surprise. I didn't know what to do. I took my que from Pat and did nothing. He only released us so he could open the door. There were a few people waiting for tables, when we got inside. "You'll have to excuse me a moment." Pat said to us. She reached over and gave my arm a gentle squeeze. I knew what she wanted. She wanted me to go to the ladies' room with her. I wasn't particularly anxious to but thought I better. "I think I'll go with Pat. We'll be right back." I said to Connie. Connie seemed to understand and gave me the slightest of nods. The ladies' room was across the foyer. We were almost to it when Pat said under her breath to me, "I hate it when he does that." Old habits are hard to break. I pushed the door open for her. "He's always doing things like that." She sounded angry. I didn't know what to say. "He's got a wonderful wife at home and three beautiful children and he still just wants to fool around." I had to say something. "I hate men like that." "I'd like to just haul off and belt him." I told her what he did the first time I met him. When he kissed me. "It just burns me up that he can get away with stuff like that." "Robert wasn't much better." She was appalled when I told her the way they competed over me. "He's another one." We stood in front of the mirror, putting on fresh lipstick and powder. "Their ought to be something we could do about men like that. It's just so frustrating. I like my job, I really do, but Park just won't leave me alone. He's always telling off color jokes, making innuendos. He drives me crazy sometimes." "There's no one you can go to about him?" I asked. "You know what happens if you complain." I wasn't naive. "I know." "It was so rude of him to do that to you too. It's not fair. If you complain, you could blow the account for your company. You're no better off than I am." I hadn't thought about that. She was right. Did this mean that he could get away with almost anything? How could I, a man, lodge a sexual harassment complaint against another man? That would be disastrous. "If I told Jimmy about him, the way he treats me, he'd wring Park's neck." And that would be the end of her career. "Let's see if we can help each other get through this." She stopped pulling her brush through her hair and looked at me, smiling. "You're really sweet Jennifer, but I don't want you to get into any trouble with your boss. I've kept him at bay up till now, He's my problem." I felt very close to Patty at that moment. I felt sorry for her and angry with Park, as she called him. "I still want to do what I can." Whatever that was. "I'm glad you're here Jennifer." She squeezed my arm, affectionately. It gave me a warm feeling. "So am I." She zipped up her purse. "They'll be wondering what happened to us. We better get back." Patty held the door for me as we walked out to rejoin Connie and Park. Connie took an opportunity to ask me, in a whisper, "Is everything alright?" "We're fine." I told her. I really was. Having been accepted by Pat, sharing her confidence, went a long way toward bolstering my confidence. I did feel sorry for her with her dilemma. Connie sat to his left. I was on his right. I suppose it might have been Connie's presence that kept Park's behavior in check. He made pleasant conversation, he told a few off color jokes but none seemed too offensive. No one seemed to notice, during dessert, when, under the table, he reached out and took my hand that properly lay in my lap. He didn't say anything. He just squeezed it and smiled at me. I was at a loss as to how to react. Should I have pulled my hand away? Everyone would have seen and Patty's earlier remark came to mind. How would he react to being shunned? I endured it for almost ten minutes as his hand rested on my leg, holding my hand. Connie took care of the check. They were our guests. As we drove them to their hotel I wondered if Patty would be all right? I couldn't help but think that there ought to be some way to insure he couldn't make advances toward her, once they were alone at the hotel. I had an idea but it put me in a very awkward position. I couldn't make any suggestion without consulting with Connie first. I reached the conclusion that I would have to wait till after we left them. We weren't out of the parking lot before Connie complimented me. "Honey, you were wonderful today." I was rather proud of myself for carrying it off. "Thank you." "You and Patty really seemed to hit it off." We really did. "I like her. I felt comfortable around her." "She's a sweetheart." I was glad Connie liked her too. "She has a problem with Park." "Is that what the two of you were talking about in the ladies room?" "He's been coming on to her." "He's married too." Connie remarked, sounding cold toward the man. "And he's got two kids." "Is Patty worried about being out of town with him?" "We didn't get very long to talk." I was concerned. "There's nothing we can do tonight," Connie read my mind. "but I suppose she could stay with us the rest of the time she's here. There is the other bedroom?" She was leaving it up to me. I had, by no means, forgotten the role I was playing. That would mean I would have to pretend to be Jennifer every moment they were here. That wouldn't be easy for me. I would have to be constantly aware of what I did or said. Short of Patty's moving to a different motel, I couldn't come up with another alternative and even that would raise questions with Park. Connie's and my solution wouldn't. Then I thought about Patty and how much I liked her and how well we had gotten along all day. It wasn't very hard for me to imagine what might be going through Mike Park's mind, even at that moment. "It doesn't seem right that she should have to put up with his harassment." Connie took that as meaning I had decided. "We'll suggest our idea to her in the morning, at the office." Connie reached over and squeezed my hand. "I'm very proud of you. There's not many people who would be willing to put their own feelings and their fears aside to help someone the way you are." It did make me feel good. I wasn't all that sure how brave I was. They met us at the office in the morning. She was hardly in the door when I took her aside. "That's a really cute top." I said commented. She dressed very well. "Thanks. My Carolyn bought that for me for my birthday." I remembered, Carolyn was her 2 year old daughter. "That's sweet." "Jimmy's wonderful. He never forgets birthdays or anniversaries." "How did last night go?" I was worried and took the first opportunity to ask. Park had gone into Connie's office with her. "Last night was all right. I went straight to my room. I told Park that I was exhausted and wanted to go to bed early. He made a crack about what a shame I had to sleep alone. I didn't even respond to it." "He said that!?" "Yea, the jerk." "At least he left you alone." "Until breakfast. He started in at the restaurant." What did she mean, 'started in'? "What did he do?" "Oh, just his usual remarks about how great I looked and that he really liked women in short shirts." Patty's skirt was short and she did look terrific in it. I was glad I wore what I did that day. We dressed alike in a skirt and blouse, only my skirt wasn't nearly as short. I could only wish I might look as good as she did. For some reason, it was important to look as attractive as I could. Maybe it was because I wanted to impress Pat. It mattered to me, what she thought of me. I asked her the question, "Connie and I were wondering if you'd rather stay with us instead of at the hotel. We have room." "You and Connie live together?" I didn't realize that might sound odd, me living with the boss. "She offered to let me stay with her when I accepted the transfer from New York. I don't know the area very well and she offered, while I look around for a place of my own." "You're really lucky to have a boss like her." I was. "She's been really wonderful. I really like her." "Are you sure that wouldn't be too much of an imposition?" "No, really. There's plenty of room. Connie has an extra bedroom. It would get you away from 'him'. Besides, I'd enjoy having you stay with us." I admitted. "You're sure?" "Absolutely!" I was glad she accepted. "When we quit this afternoon, I'll drive you back to the hotel and we'll get your things." She was a little nervous about what Park would say. "Let's not say anything till we have to." Patty suggested. Connie and I had already discussed how to tell the man. "Connie said she would handle Park. We'll let her bring it up to him later." The morning went by like a shot, we got a lot done. We went out for lunch to one of the local places. It was over an hour before we got back to the office. I couldn't help but feel more nervous, outside of the office. I had begun to develop confidence in myself around people that I knew. I wasn't threatened by them, but with strangers I was a wreck. I wanted so much to be accepted by Patty. I watched my every move and tried to emulate her mannerisms and those of the women around me. When the three of us went to the ladies room Connie asked my new friend, "So Patty, what did you decide?" "I'd really appreciate staying with you and Jennifer. You're sure I wouldn't be an imposition?" "Not at all. We'd be happy to have you. Just let me take care of Park" The issue was already settled as far as I was concerned. I couldn't wait till work was over for the day. The afternoon seemed to drag as it got nearer and nearer to six o'clock. Connie finally told Park about the arrangements we made with Patty. She waited until we were wrapping up for the day and offhandedly remarked about Patty staying with us while they were here. Park looked shocked for just a second but caught himself and dismissed the change in plans casually. "That's nice." He couldn't object. We had obviously ruined his plans. Good, I remember thinking to myself. Connie suggested, "Why don't you girls take off? Mr. Park and I can wrap up here." He looked a little surprised at Connie dismissing us. Patty was his secretary. His look was, just for an instant, disapproving, but he said nothing. I had brought my car, in anticipation of driving Patty to the hotel so we could move her and her things back to the apartment. It seemed very odd, helping her pack up her things. I thought I'd be nervous, off on my own with Patty, but it was nice. There was no question of her acceptance of me as Jennifer. It was a beautiful summer afternoon and that only added to my good mood. It only took us a few minutes to get her things and check her out. We rolled down the windows in the car and let the wind blow our hair. I remember thinking how fresh the air smelled that afternoon. Connie was home when we got back to the apartment. "That didn't take you two very long." "I was anxious to be out of there before Park got back." Patty admitted. "You didn't have to worry. He asked me where he could find a place to get a drink. I sent him to a place miles from the hotel." Connie said with a smile. "I offered to take him to dinner, jus the two of us but he seemed to have other plans." "He was probably going to see if he could pick up some company for the night." Patty said with destain. She really was disgusted by him and I could see why. I helped her unpack her things, using the empty dresser drawers in the guest room. "Have you ever been to Atlanta before?" Connie asked Patty. "No, this is the first time." "Is there anything in particular you'd like to see or do?" "To tell you the truth, it's just nice to get away from the normal household routine. I don't get a chance to get out alone at home. Not with Carolyn, Jimmy and the house to take care of. Most of my girlfriends are married and they're always too busy to spend any time alone, without kids and husbands around." "What would you like to do?" "Is there a big mall anywhere nearby?" She asked. "There's one a few blocks away." I offered. It was where I shopped with Connie and Virginia on Wednesday. "Do you suppose we could run over there so I could find a pair of jeans and just browse a little?" She asked. "I didn't bring any jeans with me and I'm lost without a pair to wear." I wasn't anxious to go shopping but we wouldn't be shopping for me this time. I didn't have anything to be afraid of. "Sure." I told her. "Why don't you two go ahead, Jennifer knows the way. I have some things I need to do." When I was little, I endured shopping with my mother. She would think nothing of dragging me from one store to the other all day long. She loved to shop, even if she didn't buy anything. I remembered how I wished I was home, playing with my friends instead. Shopping with Connie and Virginia had been a different experience. They were the ones who decided what I would try on. They picked my clothes, much like my mother had done. As Patty and I wandered through the stores, searching through the racks of clothes, I found I developed a new interest in the things I saw. I was taught, or learned through observing, that it was taboo for a guy to show an interest in shopping. My Dad would have cut off his arm before he would so much as touch a pretty blouse or dress in a store. The sheer fabrics that looked and felt so pretty on women were not supposed to interest a man. I found myself more than a little curious. I began to discover, or I should say, Jennifer did, the fascination my mother had known for clothes. I didn't mind at all the hours we spent shopping, with Patty trying on clothes. I was having fun. It was probably fortunate I had little money to spend. There were a dozen things I might have bought myself. I liked Patty's taste in clothes and I wanted to emulate this woman that I admired. Secretly, I told myself, if I had to play the role of a young woman, it was this woman that I wanted to be most like. Patty was beautiful. If I looked like her, the role I played would have been easy. I even wished, for a while at least, that the changes my body was undergoing would eventually change me enough to look like her with her beautiful shape and full breasts. It started me thinking of ways I might look and act more convincing as Jennifer. We stopped and had dinner at the food court in the mall. It was very crowded wherever we went. It was a Friday night. I watched Patty and the hundreds of other women around me, learning. We talked a lot. Patty had told me a lot about herself and her family. We compared our experiences at college, the classes we took. She talked about her experiences with men, I listened. I slanted the tale of my relationship with Tina to fit my role. It was difficult but I was very careful. I talked about my family, again being very careful to change things appropriately. For the most part, I listened, volunteering only what she asked me about. It was safer than making things up I knew nothing about. Like men, girls develop their personalities from their experiences. I had so little to contribute and it bothered me. Patty was bubbly and outgoing, I wished I could be that way. I had to be content to be a good listener. We got home a little before ten. Connie was there, curled up on the couch in front of the TV. "Did you find what you were looking for?" She asked Patty. She had found more than the white jeans she showed Connie. She also brought two new blouses. I wished then that I had jeans like them. She looked terrific in them in the store. "I think I'll get comfortable too, if that's alright?" She said to Connie. "Of course!" Connie insisted. "Do you like 'Love and War'?" She asked. "I watch it all the time. I'll be right out." Patty went into her room to change. "Did you have fun?" Connie asked when we were alone. "I really did." I admitted. "I like Patty. She a delight." New words had been creeping into my vocabulary. "I had fun shopping with her." "I like her too. Go ahead and slip on your nightie and come back and watch the show with us." She said urged. It was one thing to sit around in a nightie with Connie in the privacy of the apartment but with Patty there, I was a little anxious about it. Still, I did want Patty to accept me as Jennifer. She was already with Connie, on the couch, when I came out of my room. I curled up between them with my bare smooth legs tucked up underneath me. It didn't take long to loose that nervous feeling as we watched TV. It was Connie's suggestion, at bedtime the night before, that we all dress casual. That was how we always dressed on a Saturday anyway. I wore my jeans, not the baggy ones that Connie bought me. I wore Christy's tight jeans, they fit a lot like Patty's new ones. With my peach colored vee neck top and my white flats Virginia bought me, I felt comfortable with how I looked. I was excited about spending the day with Patty. I hardly gave a thought to Park. I spent a little more time than I usually would, getting ready for work on a Saturday. I fussed over my hair and makeup. As we were heading out the door for the office, I nervously told Patty, "I hope you don't mind, but I have a date with some of my friends to go workout at the spa this afternoon. I'll only be about an hour." "I'll go with you, if that's ok?" Patty suggested. The idea worried me at first but what could it hurt? I would be pretending to be Jennifer anyway. We did get a lot done at the office, but we always did on Saturdays. We were so busy, noon time came before we knew it. "We better get going if we're going to make our tee off." Connie told Park. "I'm very anxious to see how you girls play." He said in a provocative way to Patty and I. "Oh, the girls have other plans." Connie informed him. I recognized the playful tone in her voice, if he didn't. He looked surprised. "You're not going with us?" He asked us. "Jennifer and I are meeting some of her girlfriends at her spa." Patty told him. "We're going to work out." He looked so disappointed. I loved it and I was sure Patty felt the same way, judging by the little look she gave me. We were home well before Trish and Kim were expected to come by and pick me up. I was just beginning to wonder when they would arrive when the doorbell rang. I wished I had called and warned them about Patty. The last thing I needed was for them to slip up and give away my secret. Luckily, Pat was in the bedroom when the door bell rang. I opened the door, putting my finger to my lips to tell them to be quiet. "There's someone here from out of town. She thinks I'm Jennifer." Trish and Kim smiled at each other. Kim whispered, "Ok" Kim handed me the bag she carried. "Here's a leotard that will go with your pink leggings." "You better hurry up or we'll be late." Trish urged. I wasn't very excited about wearing a leotard. I was on my way to the bedroom when Pat came out. "Pat, this is Trish and Kim. They model for the agency." To Trish and Kim, I explained, "Pat is with Jansen Sportswear. She's going to stay here while she's in town." I saw the slightest exchange of grins between Trish and Kim. Pat didn't pick up on it. "It's really nice to meet you." Pat said with a smile. She turned to me. "Jennifer, do you have an extra pair of sweats I could borrow. I didn't bring any. I figured, if I got the chance to work out, it would be at the hotel." I was in a little bit of a bind. I had only the warm up suit that I wore to the spa. I didn't have any sweats and I couldn't very well say no. "Sure. You can use my warm ups." I would wear one of my big tee shirts. I wasn't anxious to go out that way but I'd have to. Trish and Kim were only wearing tees over their outfits. It wasn't as if I'd be the only one. I dropped the bag on the bed and got the suit from my closet. I wished I had thought to buy myself sweats. I'd have to add it to the list of things I wanted to get. After giving Pat the pants and jacket, I went back in to change. Pulling on my leggings, I checked to make sure nothing showed to give away my secret. I apparently had nothing to worry about. I was more than a little apprehensive about putting on a leotard. Connie had shown me what bra to wear under it. It was the new exercise bra she bought me. I worried what I would look like as I pulled up the leotard. When I looked in the mirror, I realized I looked no different from the hundreds of women I had seen in at the spa. The irony was that it was all me under the spandex, none of it was fake. Part of me was thrilled, the other didn't want to think about it. I couldn't dwell on it. I pulled on my tee shirt. It was long enough to cover my ass, thank God. Trish drove. Pat and I rode in the back. The three of them had apparently taken a liking to each other because conversation flowed freely. I learned that Pat had once been a model too. It didn't surprise me, considering how pretty she was. I felt very self conscious as we walked from the car to the spa. The place was a lot busier than it normally was, later in the day. We passed four or five guys, leaving the building. I felt I would never get used to guys looking at me. Wearing what I was, I was extremely sensitive to their stares. My spa ID identified me as Jeffrey Mitchell. I held my finger over my first name as I flashed it at the girl at the desk. Fortunately, she didn't ask me to see it. We were running a little late and went straight to the aerobics room. It was in the back of the building and we had to walk around the track and past the exercise floor. More than one guy looked up. My friends, as usual, acted as if they didn't even notice. I certainly did but I did my best to hide my nervousness. Everyone was warming up. I was a little reluctant to shed my tee shirt but when everyone else did, I had to. I didn't see anyone I knew. That was a relief. I knew what I had to do and just concentrated on the workout. I did my best to ignore the guys that always seemed to gather at the huge windows to watch the girls work out. The few guys in the class didn't bother me. They were too busy to be distracted, watching the girls around them. We didn't quit with the normal hour. We all waited as the men left and the instructor got into the part of the normal routine that was intended for just women. I had always left with them, but not today. I remember how tough it was and I was running with sweat when we finished. I didn't quit, pushing myself to get through the entire routine. I was proud of myself. We were standing there, toweling off and complaining about how tough the workout had been when Pat asked, "Jennifer, where's the locker room?" "We usually shower at home." I explained. "That's fine but I need to go to the bathroom before we go. Would you show me where it is?" Kim saved me. "I need to go too Pat. Come on." "I'm coming too." Trish announced. Kim and Pat turned to walk away. Trish whispered to me, "Come on." She took my hand for just a second and squeezed it. Go in the women's locker room with them? Our class had just finished and it would be packed in there. I wasn't comfortable about that but I didn't relish standing out in the gym waiting, alone. "Alright." I followed them. It was pretty well what I pictured. In the locker area they were undressing to shower. Walking past the long line of sinks, I saw them in their towels and underwear. I had been so aware of the way guys had stared at me. I had to be careful not to do the same thing. It wasn't easy. The bathroom stalls had doors. When Trish, Kim and Pat all stepped into theirs, I decided I'd be less conspicuous doing the same instead of just standing there like a dummy. I didn't even try to go to the bathroom. It would have meant taking too much off. I only pretended to go. They fixed their hair at the lavatories. I fixed mine. The girl behind us, at her locker, was changing and I got a look at her that any man would have been happy to pay for. I just felt very uneasy. I was relieved when we got out of there. Pat and Trish walked ahead of Kim and I. "That had to be an experience." Kim said so the others didn't hear. "It was." I admitted. "You did very well. I was watching you." I hadn't noticed. "I was nervous." "It didn't show too much, you did fine." As a girl, I thought it would have bothered her to bring a man into the woman's locker room. It didn't seem to phase Kim at all. It was about three when we got back to the apartment. Trish and Kim had things to do. I didn't get a chance to thank Kim for loaning me her leotard. I didn't get to return it just then either. A shower was the first order of business for both Pat and I. Since we had to share the bathroom, I told her to go first while I got out of my things and slipped into my robe. If I had been alone, I wouldn't have bothered leaving my underwear on. It didn't take Pat very long to shower and wash her hair. It felt good to have the hot water beat on my back. I was toweling off when Pat, with a light tap on the door, walked in on me. Fortunately, I hadn't stepped out of the shower and the curtain hid me from full view. I didn't waste a second wrapping myself in the towel. I overcame my initial instinct to just put it around my waist and brought it up to my chest, tucking it in the front, over my small breasts, the way I had seen girls do. Fortunately for me, Connie bought big towels. It covered me well enough. I peaked out and Pat was standing there in just her bra and panties. She realized she startled me. "I'm sorry Jennifer, I just needed to get my things I left." She didn't pick them up right away. She had brought her hair brush and she started brushing the knots from her hair. She knew I was done in the shower. I couldn't just stand there forever. I felt a little funny getting out of the shower with her there in just her underwear. I remembered one of my conversations with Judy about girls not being as hung up about seeing each other this way, in their underwear. If I was going to get away with pretending to be one, then I had to act more like a girl. I took care, stepping from the tub, not to let the towel pull open and expose me. Pat turned to me and smiled. "I feel so much better now that I'm clean." "So do I." I admitted. "What are you going to wear tonight?" She asked. I had almost forgotten we were supposed to go out to dinner. I would have much preferred to just stay home. "I haven't given it much thought." "Do we need to dress up?" She asked. Connie had said she had made reservations at a fancy restaurant. She told me that I would need to wear one of my new dresses. "Connie said I was a nice restaurant." "Thank God I thought to bring a nice dress." Pat remarked. I didn't look forward to this at all. Connie and I had discussed this when she told me her plans for the weekend. She had explained that it was expected that we entertain them and we didn't have a choice. Having Pat there, instead of just Park, was making it a little easier. "I don't know what I'm going to wear." I commented to Pat. Connie and Virginia had bought me several dresses and I thought some of them were too much for work, too dressy. While I was intrigued about how I might look, I didn't look forward to wearing any of them out to a fancy restaurant. Pat finished her hair and gathered up her things. "Let me show you what I brought with me and you can tell me if it's ok for tonight." I didn't want to go parading around in just a towel. "I'll just slip into something first. I'll be right there." In my bedroom. I put on a bra and panties. I tied my robe closed tight. I could have gotten dressed but I didn't want Pat to think I was prudish. There was no danger of her seeing anything under the robe. My shriveled penis and almost nonexistent testicles were barely discernable, even if my robe came open and she saw me in my underwear. Just the same, I took care to arrange carefully what little I had between my legs. My chest was just as feminine. It was a little disheartening but I was actually thankful, under the circumstances, for the changes my body had undergone. Pat showed me her dress. It was very pretty, navy with a flower pattern. "You have a great figure." I said. "You'd look good in anything." "Me?" She said in surprise. "You would look better in it than I would. I wish my hips were as slender as yours Jennifer." I actually appreciated the compliment. If for no other reason than to fool people, I wanted a nice figure. "Thanks." "Why don't you show me what you're going to wear?" she asked. There was certainly nothing in Jennifer's closet I needed to hide. Actually, there was nothing anywhere in my bedroom that Pat couldn't see. All trace of Jeffrey was gone and had been for quite a while. "This one would be nice." Pat said taking down the red dress Virginia had given me. "I wore that the first time Park was here." I explained. "This one would be lovely too." Pat had one of the new dresses in her hand, the beige print. It's cut and material were so feminine. It was of very light material and had a wide bow in front. The bow bothered me and so did the short puffed sleeves. I remembered, thinking to myself when I tried it on at the store, that my shoulders looked too broad in it. Still, I remembered what Virginia had said about my shoulders being so narrow and sloping but I still wasn't convinced. "I don't know why I bought that dress." I pointed to my shoulders. "I'm too broad across the shoulders." "Don't be silly. Let me see it on you." Pat suggested. I didn't relish taking my robe off in front of her but, turning my back to her, I did. She handed me the dress. She had already unzipped the back zipper. I stepped into it and pulled it up over my slender hips and waist. Pat zipped it for me. I looked at myself in the mirror as Pat looked me over. "Oh, it looks perfect. Your shoulders are fine, you have nothing to worry about Jennifer. You look enchanting in that dress." I looked 'enchanting'? That was hard for me to imagine. "You're sure?" Pat's smile made me feel good. "Positive." She insisted. "I love dresses with long hemlines and rayon is so light and pretty. It feels so delicate." It did make me feel . . . pretty. "You know," Pat said, sitting on my bed. "Being here with you reminds me of having my little sisters around. I'll bet you didn't have any sisters." She said, sounding very sure of herself. "I'll bet you only had brothers." Of course she could see how awkward I was. Telling her I had brothers could help to explain why I acted the way I did at times, why I exhibited some male traits. "Three, all older." "That figures. I always wished I had an older brother, to look out for me." I took it a step further. "They tried. My Mom died when I was little and my Dad and brothers raised me. Dad never remarried." I needed all the excuses I could make up for, what must have seemed at times, mannish behavior. "Oh, you poor thing." She felt sorry for me. "It wasn't so bad. We were pretty close. I did everything with them. They taught me to play ball and actually let me play with them when I got older. I guess I was a tomboy." Pat only smiled. "It shows." She didn't mean it as an insult. I took off the dress and hung it up. I didn't waste an instant, putting my robe back on. I wished I had shorts to wear, like Pat's. I made do with my comfortable leggings and tee shirt. She had her long hair gathered in a banana clip. I remember wondering if my hair was long enough to wear one of them. Her hair looked so cute that way. We relaxed on the couch, talking. I steered questions away from me, asking Pat about her. She told me the story about how she and Jimmy met in high school, their romance. The stories about Carolyn, her little girl, went on and on. I enjoyed listening to her. Around four, the door bell interrupted us. I was surprised to see Virginia standing there when I opened the door. "Hello Sweetheart." She said as she kissed my cheek. I returned the kiss. "Hi." "I like that." She commented on my leggings and tee shirt. "It looks cute on you." I knew Pat could hear us from the living room. I hadn't told Virginia about the latest turn of events. She didn't know Pat was staying there. "We have company." I whispered. "She doesn't know." That was enough to get an acknowledging nod from Virginia. "Why don't you introduce me?" She asked pleasantly. I took Virginia into the living room. "Pat, I think I told you about Virginia, my adopted aunt." They exchanged pleasantries. Virginia handed me the small package she carried. "I hope you like these." "What did you buy me now?" I asked. I was, I had to admit, excited to see and I suppose it showed. "Why don't you open it and find out?" she said smiling. Pat stepped over next to me, curious to see what Virginia had brought. As with all her other gifts, it was wrapped. The small flat box certainly did not contain clothes but that didn't minimize my anticipation. "Ohhh, they're beautiful." Pat said with delight as I opened the jewelry box to discover my new pearl jewelry. If anyone had ever told me I would be thrilled about receiving women's jewelry I would have told them they were crazy but I most definitely was excited. I echoed Pat's reaction, my smile and expression betrayed my delight. "They're beautiful Virginia." The box contained a double strand necklace, a matching bracelet, earrings with three oval pearls hanging from a gold ornamental stud, a pearl pin set in the same style gold setting as the earrings and lastly, a pearl and diamond cocktail ring. Each piece was gorgeous. I knew little of what was good jewelry and what wasn't but if it came from Virginia, it was safe to assume it was only the best. "I love them." I told her as I hugged her. Of course it was the appropriate thing to do but that wasn't my reason for doing it. I really appreciated her thoughtfulness. "I'm glad you like them." Virginia said in my ear as we held each other. "You should try them on." Pat insisted. I held the necklace up to my neck. The strands weren't too long but it wasn't a choker either. "They'd look beautiful with your beige dress tonight." Pat commented. Virginia knew the dress she was talking about. It was one that she had picked out for me. "Oh definitely. You must take a picture for me." She insisted. "I promise, we will." I assured her. Seeing how well Pat and I got along and knowing she was our guest for the weekend, she suggested, "Pat, Jennifer and I usually spend our Sundays together. Why don't you join us tomorrow?" I was thrilled with the idea. "Yes Pat, please do." "I wouldn't be imposing?" She asked. "Not at all." I insisted. "We'd love to have you." Virginia assured her. I was glad that Virginia had taken a liking to Pat. "I was going to ask Jennifer if she'd like to go to the medieval arts and craft's festival that just opened. You're welcome to join us Pat." That was unexpected but not unwelcome. "Sounds great." Patty gladly replied. "Is that alright with you Jennifer?" "Sure." I could handle that. "Why don't you come over early, around ten o'clock, and we'll make a full day of it?" "We'll be there." I told her. "Thank you so much for this." I hugged the large jewelry box. I still couldn't 't believe she had bought it all for me. "I'm glad you like them. I was hoping you would." She said with a smile. "Who wouldn't?" Pat commented. I put the pearls away in my bedroom. I was almost tempted to put on the dress and try on the jewelry but decided I should wait till later. We settled down to wait for Connie to get home. The old movie we watched was something of a tear jerker. Both of us had tears running down our cheeks in the final scenes. I never used to cry watching movies. Of course, there were lots of things I was doing that I'd never done before. Connie finally got home around five thirty. "Did you girls have a nice afternoon?" She asked as she set her things down at her bedroom door. "We had a great time." I told her enthusiastically. "It was delightful. The workout felt great and I haven't loafed around like this in so long. It was nice for a change not to have to do for people. I love Carolyn and Jimmy to death but it's so nice to just goof off. This is like a little vacation." I was glad Pat was enjoying herself. "Who won?" I asked. Connie looked at the two of us with an impish grin. "Well, Park, of course." We both laughed at the way she said it. I knew Connie had only an eight handicap. She was a very good golfer, so I'd been told. If that man won, he had to be either a terrific golfer or she let him win. "He has this amazing hook and the fairways at the club are very tight. It wasn't an easy day for either of us." "Do you play Jennifer?" Pat asked. "I've played a little." Pat acted as if she understood more than what I said, "Your Dad and brothers play?" I winked at Connie's curious glance. Pat didn't see the exchange. "All the time." I would explain to Connie later, when we were alone. I had played a lot of golf and I wasn't too bad. Not good enough to make the team in high school but I tried. I tried anything to please my Dad. I just was never good enough. "Jimmy's been trying to get me out to learn. Maybe I should get out with him." "Anyone want a glass of wine?" Connie asked. We had two hours before we were to meet Park at the restaurant. Plenty of time to relax. Even for me. I was getting better at doing my hair and makeup. I decided I better call Christy since I hadn't spoken to her since Thursday. My bedroom gave me the privacy I needed to talk openly with her. "You're taking the client out again?" She sounded frustrated. "We have to." I explained. "But I'd rather be with you." I wasn't as apprehensive as I had been about our relationship. How could I be? I was doing on my own, exactly what she wanted me to do for her. "I wish we could be together too." There was a short pause. "Are you spending tomorrow with Virginia again?" "Yes." I had promised Virginia her Sundays. That commitment I would keep, I no sooner hung up the phone than Trish called. "Kim and I were wondering if you and Pat wanted to go out with us tonight?" "We have that dinner engagement we have to go to. You remember, I told you." "I meant afterwards. We could meet you and go out and have some fun." If it were anyone else but Trish and Kim, I'd have worried. "I don't know." "Well think about it. I'm sure Pat would enjoy getting out and I think it would be good for you too." "I'm not sure." I was doing better but I could just picture the same thing happening that had taken place at the bar on Thursday evening. "You're having dinner at Peter's. We'll drop by about nine and wait in the bar until nine thirty. If you change your mind, meet us there." "Alright Trish." At least I didn't have to commit, then and there. I had time to experiment with my hair a little. Using my curling iron, I gave it a little more curl than usual on the ends. I didn't over do the makeup, keeping my look soft. It just seemed more appropriate with the style of dress I was wearing. When Connie came in to check on me, she helped me put the finishing touches. I took the opportunity while we were alone to tell her the story about my 'family' that I had told Pat. While she agreed that I would probably ease my predicament, she didn't like the fact that I made up stories. "Honey, you know what happens when you start lying." "It's hard to stop?" I knew that. "But I'm already living a lie." "I know Sweetheart, but don't make it worse by compounding it." She was right. I shouldn't have told Pat my Mother was dead. Making up three brothers didn't seem so bad. I could live with that. "I'll be careful." I promised her. She didn't press it. "Very pretty." Connie said, as we both looked at my reflection in the mirror. "Your skin has really improved since you started taking care of yourself." I really hadn't noticed much of a change but, like the other changes I had undergone lately, it was subtle. I told Connie about Trish's call. I expected her to advise me not to go. Instead, she thought it was a good idea that Pat and I go out with them. "It'll give you another opportunity to watch and learn. The best way to learn is to spend time with other girls your age." 'Other girls my age' sounded so funny but I couldn't argue with her logic. I was constantly watching and mimicking others lately. Short skirts and dresses made me feel only a little self-conscious now. The length of the beige print was below the knee. While the longer length of the dress helped, wearing something so strikingly feminine, didn't. Still, I felt that the way I looked that evening was the most convincing yet. I stepped into my matching heels, put on my new jewelry and my dabbed on my perfume. Gazing into the mirror at the young woman before me, inhaling the scent of her perfume, I was excited with the image of myself. I felt I could appreciate how women feel when they work so hard to look attractive. I was anxious to hear Pat's reaction. It would be great to hear what Trish and Kim thought too. It could be worth it to go out with them. Maybe I could handle a scene similar to Thursday's, but I was sure Trish wouldn't do that to me, knowing how nervous it made me. The uneasiness I felt that night seemed to fade over time. I was still the last to be ready. I had to transfer my things from the black purse to the new white clutch bag. It barely held all Jennifer's things. Pat looked wonderful and so did Connie. I wasn't disappointed when Patty and Connie saw me. It wasn't what Connie said so much, "You look divine." It was more in the look on Patty's face when I came out of the bedroom. Her face lit up with what I took to be praise. I was more than satisfied. Connie noticed my pearls almost immediately. She rushed over to me for a closer look. "They're beautiful. Virginia?" "She stopped by with them this afternoon." I said with delight. "She has exquisite taste." Connie remarked, inspecting the necklace. "They look lovely with that dress. You make quite a picture tonight young lady." "Didn't Virginia want a picture of you in your dress, with your new pearls on?" Patty reminded me. Connie didn't have to be asked twice. She grabbed her camera and took several shots of me there in the living room. I was getting better at posing and my smile was more relaxed than ever. After all, as strange as it seemed, I did feel pretty. The look from the doorman and the valet didn't hurt either. As we got into Connie's Cadillac, I tried to remember if Connie had ever introduced me to either of them as Jeffrey? The looks they gave us didn't suggest that they saw me as a guy. No, I couldn't recall every giving myself away. They had seen me dozens of times without makeup but that didn't mean they didn't see me as a woman. Did they really know? The looks they gave me tonight certainly didn't betray my secret. I was glad. The conversation on the way to the restaurant was pleasant. Pat and Connie did most of the talking. Pat loved talking about her family and I was quite content to just listen. I did tell Pat about Trish's invitation and she liked the idea of going out with my friends. "I get out so little these days. It'd be nice to have a night out with just girls." Connie, again, encouraged us to go. I had spent enough time in heels by that evening to be confident in my walk. The click of my heels on the tile floor of the restaurant lobby was an interesting sound. It was a reminder of who I was and I liked the sound of it. I walked into the restaurant, along side my friends, in high spirits. Even the looks we received didn't bother me. Most of the faces that rose at our passing quickly turned to Pat. She was a beautiful woman. Again, I did feel just a faint twinge of jealousy but that was silly and I got over it. Mike Park was late and the maitre d' seated us. That was the second time a man pulled out a chair for me and I was nice to be treated that way. The smile I had for the man was genuine. Peter's was, according to Connie, one of the nicest restaurants in town. If you judged a restaurant by the way its patrons dressed, I had to agree. I was, if anything, underdressed. Many of the women were in evening wear, more elegantly dressed than any of us. The tables were adorned with linen table cloths and napkins. The dinnerware was real china with stainless place settings and crystal glassware. It did little to make me feel at ease. When the waiter took drink orders, I asked for only water. Connie looked at me funny because she knew I would have liked a drink. She didn't realize why I didn't risk ordering anything. It was too big a chance to take. I would explain to her later. Park showed up as they brought us our drinks. Pat and I had thought nothing of it when we took seats on either side of Connie at the small table. It wasn't till he arrived that I wished I had managed to take a different seat, away from the man. I endured the kiss on the cheek, smiling the way I saw Pat do when he greeted her. That sort of thing I would never get used to. He was his usual self. He loved to be the center of attention and didn't miss an opportunity to tell of his exploits, both business and personal. I had never heard a man brag about himself so much before and he sounded so ridiculous. I knew what he was doing, trying to impress us, but it was so obvious. He tamed down the conversation a little when the meal came and I was relieved not to have to listen to him. I did everything right, just the way I'd been shown. I sat properly, I ate like a lady. I watched Pat closely, smiling when it seemed appropriate, laughing at Park's jokes. It was one thing to act my part to the best of my ability but to do it for that man made it seem a farce. I was just finishing my entre when he started touching my leg with his stockinged foot. I almost jumped out of my chair the first time I felt him. It only took an instant to figure out what was happening. To cover my surprise, I said, "Excuse me." Pretending I only burped. When he did it again, I tried to swing my legs away but the table leg was in my way and I couldn't move far enough to get away from him. "So Jennifer. You're not married. What does your boyfriend think of us stealing you away on a Saturday night?" They all looked at me, even Connie. I had to think of something to say. I had told Pat that I had someone. "Chris is very understanding Mr. Park." "Come on now Jennifer, it's Mike. We'll be working together very closely. We should be friends." He ran his foot up the back of my calf. I kept my composure, despite his playfulness. "Did I mention that Chris is a model? He's also a body builder and does a lot of modeling with exercise equipment." It sounded silly as soon as I said it. I wished I hadn't. It had no effect on Park. He just kept smiling and stroking my leg. He only stopped when the waiter came to take our dessert orders. I glanced at my watch. It was almost nine. It seemed that I had been checking the time often and it dragged by. "Just tea, I told the waiter." I had enough to eat and I didn't want to over do it. I remembered how trim Pat was when I saw her in the bathroom, how flat and firm her stomach and legs were. I bet that she never ate dessert. Not tonight, at least. She ordered only coffee. He didn't let up. When I reached for my fork he reached out his hand and took mine in his grip. Holding it firmly, he said, "You know Jennifer, that boyfriend of yours better watch out or someone might come along and try to steal you away from him." He actually kissed my hand, right there at the table. I felt my face turn red. He was too much. Connie knew how awkward I felt. She spoke up, "You girls really need to watch the time. Aren't you supposed to be meeting Jennifer's friends soon?" Mike turned to Pat and I in surprise. "You're leaving?" He obviously planned on spending the evening with us. "We're meeting some friends." I told him, content to see his disappointment. "And I'm afraid that I'm going to have to leave you too Mike." Connie said apologetically. I knew Connie didn't have any other plans that evening. She was just not going to waste her evening with Park. It served him right. I had enough tea and looked across the table to Pat. She nodded she was ready to go too. "Well, if you'll excuse us." I pushed my chair back. Park rose, like any gentleman should, helping me first with my chair then Pat with hers. "You girls have a good time." Connie told us. I almost called her Mom. "We won't be too late." I told her, returning her cute smile. Pat led the way between the tables. I was quite aware of the heads that turned as we passed. Men, young and old, took notice of our leaving. As we neared the exit from the dining room she turned back to me and asked, "Ladies room?" I had nervously sipped water throughout dinner. "Definitely." What was left to fear about going into those places? I took a few minutes to freshen up my makeup and brush my hair. I wanted to look perfect when we met Trish and Kim. I wanted to make my best impression yet. There were other women in there but their presence didn't phase me. I felt pretty confident about myself that night. I applied fresh lipstick, blush and powder. Watching Pat, she seemed to do everything so easily and deftly. I wished I had the skill and confidence she possessed. "He was his usual obnoxious self tonight." It was obvious who she was referring to. "I couldn't believe some of the things he said." "You haven't worked with men much, have you?" I understood, or thought I did. "No." "You might as well begin getting used to it. Most of them act that way. Especially around attractive women." Her remark didn't go unnoticed. It was nice that she thought I was attractive. "There should be a way to shut him up." "Sure, there should be. But there isn't. You just have to learn to ignore it." "I thought I'd die when he started rubbing my leg with his foot." "I figured that was what he was doing. Wouldn't you just love to slap him across the face?" I would have preferred to run. I never thought about slapping him, as any girl would. "Nothing would have made me happier." I told Pat, trying to respond as expected. I couldn't help but notice the low cut, strapless dress on the woman standing beside me. I wondered what I might look like in her dress. I dismissed the thought quickly. A few more days and this game would end. The thought almost saddened me. I didn't think to freshen my perfume until I noticed Pat dab on hers. I felt a little silly, mimicking her actions, but it did seem the natural thing to do. We made our way across the lobby to the cocktail lounge. Standing in the arched entrance, we looked around for Trish and Kim. It was just nine thirty and I was beginning to worry that we missed them. "There they are." Pat announced as she waved to them. I turned to where she looked and saw them seated at a small cocktail table. They weren't alone. Facing our way, seated next to Trish, was a face I recognized from pictures Trish had shown me, her boyfriend Craig. Pat didn't hesitate for a second. I reluctantly followed her. Trish introduced Pat and then me. "You remember Jennifer. I told you about her." She said to Craig and Allen. I had never seen a picture of Kim's boyfriend. What did she mean, 'she told them all about me'? I felt panic start to rise up inside me. I looked to the two I thought were my friends. I certainly couldn't look at the two guys. Trish must have recognized my apprehension because she quickly added, "She's Connie Sackett's new assistant." As they had with Pat, they shook my hand. It felt strange, both were big men, almost six foot tall and well built, but their handshakes were gentle as they took my small hand in theirs. Had the circumstances been different, I would have felt compelled to give them a firm handshake but I remembered to return only a limp one. So strange. Pretending with Trish and Kim was fun. Doing the same around Pat was both exciting and scary somehow. With guys it was so different. Being around guys unnerved me. They were ready to leave. The guys followed the four of us outside to Allen's car. Pat got in back with Trish and Craig while Allen, Kim and I got in the front. I was glad Kim sat between us. We made small talk. Pat told them of Park's disgusting behavior over dinner. I said little, feeling so awkward there with them. I didn't feel any the more confident as we pulled into the parking lot for the Point Club, the place where I first met Christy. It was more crowed than I had ever seen the place. We stood in a group near the bar, looking for a place to sit. There was one table near the door but it was small and wouldn't accommodate all of us comfortably. Near the door, where anyone could see us easily as they came and went, was not where I wanted to be. I scanned the room as best I could, looking for Christy. I couldn't be sure, as crowed as the place was, that she wasn't there but I did feel some relief that I didn't spot her. I just happened to notice a group in the back of the room, near the dance floor, getting up to go. "There's a table." I announced to my friends. We managed to reach it before anyone else could. From our table I could easily see anyone coming in and the coup