The Breadwinner
By Margaret Jeanette
Mike Strong downed his third beer. He said to Jake Timm, "They
made Sharon West a supervisor. She whored her way into that job.
She gave her ass for it, always coming on to all the bosses. That
job should have been mine."
Jake agreed with him, but Jake knew Mike's aggressive attitude
was so strong that the company deliberately overlooked him. Mike
was known for having a temper and not backing down.
Mike left the bar and headed home. His wife wasn't there when he
got home, so he figured with her being a surgical nurse that there
had been an emergency and that she was working overtime.
After about an hour she arrived home. Mike asked her, "Do you
want to go out for supper? We can go to Calvin's. I love their
steaks."
Sue answered, "That sounds like a winner! Let's go!"
Mike said, "Why don't you change into that black skirt that you
wear with those high heels?"
Sue said, "I want to relax and be comfortable. These clothes are
stylish and comfortable. Why can't we go like we are?"
Mike said, "I am the breadwinner and the breadwinner has rights.
One of those is at times to decide what is to be worn. Now, go
change, will you?"
Sue said, "OK, I'll change." She was tired from a hectic long day
and didn't feel like arguing. She knew he liked her to look her
best and she knew he liked to show her off. Even so, she knew the
outfit was not comfortable.
They went and had a delicious meal. When they got home Sue took
a warm bath to relax. When she was done she came into the living
room where Mike was reading the paper. She asked him what was new
at work.
He said, "They made Sharon West a supervisor. She whored her way
into the job."
Sue said, "Be careful what you say. Companies don't take it
kindly if someone makes comments like that. If you were at work and
someone reported you, you would be in a lot of trouble."
Mike said, "That job should have been mine! I deserved it but now
they are all concerned about equality and so they took someone who
has been there half as long as I have and made her a boss."
Sue tried to soothe his feelings, saying, "Maybe the next one
will be yours. Don't get hung up on it."
Mike sat and looked at the paper, boiling inside about how he had
been overlooked. Soon it was time for them to go to bed. They made
love, but Mike came quickly and rolled off of her, turned over, and
went to sleep. Sue laid there and thought it was over in a flash.
It was like going to the quick stop for service. She wished he'd be
a little slower and gentler.
It was the weekend and Mike seemed to settle down. Monday morning
Mike went to work. He was working hard when Sharon West came up to
him.
She said, "Your line is one of the areas I have been assigned to
supervise. I know we haven't always had the best relationship. I
will do whatever it takes to improve that. If you have any ideas of
anything we can do to improve things let me know."
Mike said, "You are right, we haven't gotten along. As far as I
am concerned you whored your way into that job. It will be better
if you just let me do my job and go do yours!"
Sharon asked, "Are you calling me a whore?"
Mike said, "If the shoe fits, wear it. Take it any way you want."
Fifteen minutes later another supervisor told Mike that he was
wanted in the office. He walked into the office and Sharon was
there. Also the head of Human Resources was there.
The head of Human Resources asked, "Did you tell Mrs. West she
was a whore?"
Mike answered, "Not exactly in those words."
Sharon recounted the exchange of words they had had earlier. The
head of Human Resources asked Mike if that what was said. Mike told
him he guessed so.
The head of Human Resources said, "We take a very strong stand on
anything sexual and anything demeaning to any of our supervisors.
I'm afraid we are going to have to let you go. Get any of your
personal items, and then stop by my office for your last paycheck
and to sign some papers. I'm sorry this had to happen but we have
responsibilities, you know."
Mike went to his machine and got his lunch bucket. He didn't have
anything else personal to get. He stopped by and got his last
paycheck and to sign some papers having to do with vested pension
and a questionnaire about how he felt about his job and the
company.
He left and stopped at Hurl's Wood Products to put in a job
application. A man who introduced himself as John interviewed him.
The interview was going good when Mike was shaken by what John had
said.
John had said, "I know someone you used to work with. My wife
works there. Her name is Sharon West. Do you know her?"
Mike answered, "Yes, I know her." He knew he didn't stand a
chance of getting hired. He left and stopped at Toby's Tap for a
couple of beers.
He got home and was going to watch TV but couldn't find anything
that interested him. He went out and washed the car to kill some
time.
When Sue got home it took him a while before he could tell her
about being fired. Sue said, "Why don't you apply at Hurl's, they
are also a woodworking place. You have the training so I'm sure
they might hire you."
Mike said, "It's no use. I stopped there on the way home. The guy
who does the hiring is Sharon West's husband. I know he is going to
ask her about me and she isn't the type of person to not say what
happened."
They ate supper in pretty much silence. After supper Sue cleaned
up and went into the living room. She tried to soothe Mike down. He
was visibly tense and angry. He said he didn't know what he was
going to do tomorrow.
Sue said, "There's a spot on the kitchen floor and I haven't had
the ambition to clean it. You could clean the kitchen tomorrow. It
would be a big help to me."
He didn't answer, She read the paper and soon was feeling tired
so she went to bed. The next day was Saturday and normally she was
off, but Dr. Thompson had scheduled a surgery and she took the
overtime.
She was enjoying her first cup of coffee when Mike walked in. She
said, "This surgery should only last about two hours. It'll give
you plenty of time to clean up the kitchen. I have to leave right
away. Love you."
She left and Mike sat sipping his cup of coffee. He thought about
any possible jobs he could apply for. He couldn't think of anyone
who was hiring. He lounged around and before he realized it Sue was
home. She was miffed that he hadn't done the floor but didn't say
anything. She thought he was probably pretty down in the dumps from
getting fired.
They relaxed the rest of he weekend and Monday before she left
for work she reminded Mike about the kitchen floor. Mike goofed
around all day and later in the afternoon he headed for Toby's Tap.
He wasn't home when Sue got home. She was tired and fixed herself
a light meal. She noticed he had not done the floor and couldn't
see where he had done anything. She was slightly angry with him but
decided to wait to see what his excuse would be.
She finished eating when there was a knock on the door. It was
Caroline Huxley, her neighbor. Caroline was a widow having lost her
husband in an auto accident the year before. They chatted about all
kinds of small things. Mike came home. He was very drunk. Sue asked
him why he hadn't done the kitchen. He mumbled something she didn't
understand. She stood right in front of him and told him he better
do it tomorrow. Before she could move he slapped her. She stepped
aside and he headed to bed. She had been humiliated in front of
Caroline.
Caroline asked how often he was like that. Sue said he had never
hit her before, She said he was under a lot of stress since losing
his job.
Caroline said, "Well, he certainly can help around here. If he
were my husband and I was working full time you better believe I'd
have him doing some cleaning."
Sue said, "I know he can do it. He just has to settle down. I am
trying to think of how I can get him to do some cleaning around
here. I just don't know how to get him to see that it has to be
done."
Caroline said, "I know something that might work. But it would
involve some major changes."
"What do you have in mind? I can't think of anything and I'm at
wit's end."
Caroline continued, "Get him in some women's clothes. Use it to
remind him he has to do some housework."
Sue quietly said, "I don't know. Besides none of my clothes would
fit him."
"What size does he wear?"
Sue said, "I know he wears a 42 suit."
Caroline smiled and said, "Perfect! I have some clothes that
should fit him."
"Oh, yes, all I have t do is tell him and he will put them on. In
your dreams, maybe."
Caroline said, "If he comes home like last night tonight we can
dress him. He probably will never know it until he gets up."
Sue said, "That maybe so but let's wait until at least tomorrow.
I want to give him one more chance. He has to change. He has to get
off this path he is on. It is going to ruin him."
Caroline said Sue should think it over. They decided to wait
until tomorrow night to decide if they wanted to go ahead with the
idea."
They were chatting when Mike got home. He was staggering drunk
again. Sue didn't confront him and he headed to the bedroom. The
two women continued their chat. Caroline left and went home.
Sue sat and thought about how romantic Mike once was. She thought
about how much he had changed, mostly in this last year. He hadn't
been lazy or even abusive before like he was now." She tried to
think of some way she could get him to change other than what
Caroline had said. She couldn't think of anything. Then she thought
about counseling. She knew he would never go for it. She hoped he
would be better tomorrow.
The next morning he got up and went to get a cup of coffee. Sue
was sitting and didn't say anything. Mike said good morning. Sue
didn't answer. Finally he implored her to say something.
Sue said, "I have asked you enough times to clean the kitchen.
You haven't done it. You either do it today or there is going to be
hell to pay. You have all day and you haven't done one iota of work
around here. It has to end and end now."
She didn't wait for an answer from him. She left for work. He sat
there thinking about what she had said. He thought to himself she
must be crazy if she thinks I am going to start doing the
housework. Who does she think she is anyway? I will do what I want
to do, not every little thing she wants.
His stubbornness led him to dawdle around until the middle of the
afternoon. Then he headed for Toby's Tap. Sue got home and was
miffed when she saw he hadn't done anything noticeable. She made
herself a sandwich and soup for supper.
She was reading the evening paper when Mike got home. He was out
of it. No words were exchanged as he headed straight for bed. After
about three minutes she peeped in on him. She saw him lying naked
on the bed sleeping. Then she heard a knock on the door. It was
Caroline and she was carrying a two-handled grocery bag.
Caroline said, " I saw him come home. He was lucky to get the
truck in the garage. Are you ready to do what I suggested."
Sue said yes and led her to the bedroom. Caroline looked around
and saw the pile of his clothes on the floor. She told Sue she
would hoist him to a sitting position and Sue should slip the bra
on him. She handed Sue the bra. IT was a black long-line bra. Sue
slid the straps up his arms and over his shoulders. Caroline held
him as she hooked the hooks and eyes in back. She noticed four
buckles and straps on the opposite side. Caroline told her to start
on the bottom and work her way up and to get them as tight as
possible. Sue soon was done. Caroline laid him down on his back.
She then lifted his legs for the black pettipants-pants. They came
down to his knees and were trimmed with pink lace. Caroline laid
his legs down carefully. Sue excused herself and came back several
minutes later. She had a camera and took several pictures of him.
Then they posed him with his hand in a sexual position. Sue took
several more pictures from different angles.
Then Caroline produced a sheer white nightgown from her bag. They
got the nightgown on him and after a lot of maneuvering had it
looking like he had gotten into bed with it on. Sue took some more
pictures of him.
They left the bedroom and Sue told Caroline to get herself a cup
of coffee. She said she would be with her in a couple of minutes.
Within five minutes Sue was sitting talking to Caroline.
Sue asked, "What kind of bra is that? I have never seen one like
that before."
Caroline said, "It is a corset bra. You buckle from the bottom up
to the top. It pushes excess flesh up into the bra cups. Didn't you
notice he developed small boobs?"
Sue said, "No, I was so afraid he was going to wake up I didn't
look too close at anything."
Caroline said, "I wore that bra twice and I had to have my
husband buckle and unbuckle it. I don't know what I was thinking
but I was a young bride and didn't always think straight. I was
going to throw it out several times but never got around to it. I
remembered it today and dug it out. The other items I had on our
honeymoon although the nightgown I could have forgot as I only wore
it for maybe ten minutes."
They laughed and Sue was thankful for a friend like Caroline. Sue
asked, "When do you think I should let him out of those clothes?"
Caroline said, "I wouldn't let him out until he changes his ways.
Not just cleaning the kitchen but agreeing to do whatever else you
ask of him. He has all day to clean. I would have him make your
supper also. I always thought when he spoke of the breadwinner's
right he was off base but you should use that against him.
Sue thought about it and decided she would keep him in the bra
and panties until he changed for the better. She told Caroline of
her decision.
Caroline with a slight smile on her face said, "I'm glad you see
the light. I have some dresses and other clothes that will fit him
if you want them. I'll get them out tomorrow for you. If you work
this right you will be able to come home and relax every night. How
does that sound?"
Sue said it sounded good to her. Then she said, "Here are the
pictures I took of him. Do you want to see them?"
Caroline said yes and looked at the pictures. She was amazed at
how quickly Sue gotten the pictures back and what good quality they
were. She asked Sue if she could have one of each and Sue said she
could.
Caroline wished her luck and left. Sue sat and wondered if they
were doing the right thing. She decided that it had to be done for
Mike's own good. She went to bed and slept like a baby.
The next morning Sue was enjoying her first cup of coffee when
she heard Mike loudly exclaim, "What the hell!"
In less than a minute Mike was by her still wearing the
nightgown. He asked, "How did I get into these clothes? What the
hell is going on here?"
Sue said, "You were naked on the bed. Caroline and I dressed you.
You didn't raise a finger to stop us. I figure I have asked you
many times to clean the kitchen and you haven't tried to do one
thing to help around here. Now you can keep those on as a reminder
to get something done around here. I work full-time and can't do
everything. You have all day to do something constructive around
here. You can keep those on until you get the kitchen cleaned."
Mike said, "Like hell I will. I'll get these off and you can go
to hell before I clean the kitchen."
Sue said, "You don't seem to hear what I am saying. Now you can
wear those clothes until you have the whole house cleaned to my
standards. You talked about the breadwinner making decisions on
what to wear. Now I am the breadwinner and I am telling you to
keep those clothes on. You better go now and get dressed. Wear old
clothes so you don't ruin your good ones."
Mike said, ?Get these clothes off of me. I'll clean the kitchen,
but first get these off of me. I'm your husband for God's sake.?
Sue said, ?You had plenty of chance to clean the kitchen before
and you didn't so now you are going to pay the consequences! Now go
get dressed. You have work to do.?
He went into the bedroom and took off the nightgown and rolled it
in a ball and threw it in the corner. He got one of his older
shirts and a pair of denim jeans and put hem on. He was putting his
socks on when Sue came in. She handed him a set of the pictures she
had taken of him the night before.
She told him, "If you don't do what I said. I'll take those
pictures and paste them on the walls of Toby's Tap. Take a close
look at them. There is no doubt who it is. Look at that one of you
in the nightgown, you can still see the bra and panties you have
on. Look at the other ones. Doesn't that pink lace show up nice?
Now you can decide what you want to do. I have t get to work now.
Hopefully you'll get smart and start doing something constructive
around here."
She left and he went and got a cup of coffee, wondering how she
could do something like this to him. He drank three cups before he
started to calm down. Then he started noticing how tight the bra
was. He noticed he couldn't take a full breath. He was afraid to go
anywhere. He decided he might as well clean the kitchen. He started
cleaning. It was ten A.M. When he got the whole kitchen cleaned
including the floor it was four-thirty. Sue would be home soon.
Sue walked in and was really surprised at how the kitchen looked.
She was impressed. She heard the TV in the living room. She walked
in and saw Mike sitting in his easy chair napping. She changed into
some more comfortable clothes, and then started supper. When supper
was just about ready she went in and gave Mike a kiss on the cheek.
He woke up and she told him supper was almost ready.
When they started eating Sue said, "The kitchen looks superb. You
did a good job. Thank you!"
Mike asked, "Now can you get this bra off of me? I cleaned your
damn kitchen."
Sue said, "I told you this morning, you will wear it until the
whole house is cleaned to my satisfaction. I'll tell you something
else, your attitude better change or you will be buried in that
bra. I want you to be the Mike I married, not the Mike you became.
You better think about who you are and what you have become. The
old Mike would never have been fired. You have been a loose cannon
lately. You don't have anything good to say to anyone."
Mike thought about what she had said. He knew she was right about
his attitude. He shuddered when he thought about what she said
about him being buried wearing this bra.
They finished eating and Sue asked him to clean up. He did it to
show her he wasn't all bad. The phone rang and Sue talked to
someone. He walked in as she hung up.
Sue said, "That was Caroline. She has some things for you. We are
going over there. Now listen and listen good. When we get over
there I want you to thank her for helping you get dressed last
night. Remember, you will do what I say or the pictures will be on
the walls of Toby's Tap. Now, she has some things for you, and you
will thank her nicely for everything she gives you. I don't care if
it has to be an act. If it has to be you better be an academy award
actor. Do you understand?"
They walked next door to Caroline's. She let them in and smiled
at Mike. They sat down in the living room with Sue and Mike on the
sofa and Caroline in a recliner. Sue told Caroline that Mike had
something to say to her. Sue then nudged Mike.
"I want to thank you for helping Sue dress me last night. I was
out of it and couldn't have done it myself. Thank you."
Caroline replied, "Why thank you. You are so sweet. I enjoyed it
thoroughly. I am always happy to help a neighbor."
Mike knew she was always a sharp dresser, but when she got up he
thought her shorts she had on would burst a seam they were so
tight. She came back with two good-sized boxes.
She turned to Sue and said, "There are two boxes like these for
you. Do you want a style show or would you rather wait?"
Sue said, "I think a style show would be fun. Don't you think so,
Mike?"
Mike answered, "Yes, I guess a style show would be fun. I am not
into women's fashion but it might be fun."
Caroline said, "We'll use the clothes in two other boxes I have
in my bedroom. Come on Mike!"
Mike looked perplexed. Sue whispered to him. "Go with her and do
what she says or else!"
Mike knew that voice. It had been a long time since he had heard
her like that. He knew he had better do as asked. Caroline led him
into her bedroom. Lying on the bed were three different dresses.
She asked him which one he wanted to put on first. He protested
until she told him she knew two people who worked where he worked
before. She told him she had a set of the pictures of him last
night in bed and she would get one of the people to post them where
employees could see what he was up to. He quickly picked the yellow
sundress. Caroline helped him get it on.
He went out by Sue. She was delighted and giggled when she saw it
had a short skirt and that the bottom of his panties was showing.
Caroline led him back and then asked him his shoe size. He told
her and she had him try on a pair of her shoes. He was shocked when
her shoes fit almost perfectly. She handed him a black slip to put
on. He put it on and felt some reaction to the satin slip. Then
Caroline helped him put on a dress that had a black top with sheer
full-length sleeves. The long skirt was a red floral pattern on a
black background. Caroline told him it was for eveningwear. She had
him put on a pair of black patent leather heels.
He tottered out to show Sue. She told him he looked divine. He
blushed redder than she had ever seen him blush before. He hurried
as much as was possible in those shoes back to the bedroom. Then
she produced an old square dance outfit of hers. She had him wear
the red flats that she always wore square dancing. He was going to
go out to show Sue when Caroline said she remembered something.
Caroline came out of her walk-in closet with a long blond wig. She
told him that she had worn it many years ago to one of her
husband's company's Halloween parties. She told him she won first
prize for a woman in a costume. She placed it on his head then
brushed it into position. Finally she was satisfied that he looked
OK.
When he went out by Sue she was flabbergasted. She thought he
looked just precious. She said to Caroline, "That is one beautiful
outfit. Look at all those petticoats and that embroidery on the top
is just too beautiful. With some make-up he would look like a real
woman."
Caroline said, "I have all kinds of make-up I don't use anymore.
Being a widow I am not trying to attract another man. Not yet,
anyway. Do you want me to make him up?"
Sue said, "It's up to you. I know a little about make-up but not
a lot."
Caroline said, "Well, come on, maybe you'll learn some things."
Caroline started to put foundation on Mike's face. As she started
she told them she worked in a beauty salon when she met her
husband. She explained everything she did, and continued for about
forty-five minutes, when finally she stepped back and declared him
done. She then handed Mike a mirror so he could see how he looked.
He was amazed. He looked like a woman. There was absolutely no
trace that a man was under all that make-up.
Sue told him he should start carrying all the stuff to their
house. He looked at her surprised. She told him Caroline was
giving him all the clothes. His jaw fell.
Caroline said, "You can have the make-up I used also. I don't use
hardly any anymore. Since my Henry died I don't feel like I want to
impress anyone."
Mike started to carry all the stuff over to their house. He put
it on the floor of the spare bedroom. Ten minutes later he had all
the clothes over there, and went back to Sue and Caroline.
They were enjoying a glass of wine. Sue handed him one. He
sipped it and was surprised at how good it tasted.
Caroline said, "You have to get the make-up yet. I threw a
make-up case in the box with a bunch of old lipsticks. I have been
telling myself to clean those out for so long, and now I am rid of
them. I was going to call a charity shop to come and get those
clothes, but now I know they will be put to good use. Thank you for
helping me get rid of some things I should have gotten rid of a
long, long time ago."
Sue nudged Mike. He said, "Thank you for all the stuff. Are you
really sure you want to part with it?"
Caroline said, "Yes, I'm sure."
Mike asked, "Can I go change into my clothes now?"
Sue said, "You are in your clothes now. It would look ungrateful
to Caroline if you changed now. Caroline, can you get rid of the
clothes he leaves here?"
Caroline said, "That will be no problem."
Mike said, "But my wallet is in them, and I had some things in my
pockets."
Caroline said, "Excuse me. I'll get them."
She returned carrying a black purse with a shoulder strap. She
handed it to Mike. He opened it and saw the contents from his
pockets in it. He also saw a woman's wallet. He took it out. It was
pink and white with a pink rose on the white part.
Caroline said, "I've had those for years. I can't see me using
them so I thought you could get some use out of them."
Sue said, "That's enough. If you keep giving us everything we'll
soon have your house and you'll have nothing. Mike tell her thank
you."
Mike said, "I want to thank you for everything. It is too much.
Are you sure you want us to have all that stuff?"
Caroline said, "I want you to have it all. I want to see you get
some use out of it. It is worthless to be stored here with no one
getting any use out of it. By the way, in one box there are a lot
of bra and panty sets. For a while I was on a color kick and got
every color there was I think. It was a turn-on for Henry to see me
in all different colors."
They enjoyed another glass of wine and then it was time for Sue
and Mike to go home.
At home Sue said, "Tomorrow move all your man clothes into the
closet and dresser in the spare bedroom and put all of your new
clothes in your closet. Look at each outfit and pick at least six
or eight to give me a style show tomorrow night. "
Mike asked, "Do you really expect me to wear dresses?"
Sue said, "As breadwinner I decided you can wear dresses. If you
want to get out of that bra and into a more comfortable one you
will do it. When you are ready to do as I say let me know and I'll
maybe release you from that bra. Now, it's bath time for you. Come
with me."
Sue led him into the bath and helped him remove his bra. She put
a lotion on him and told him he had to wait fifteen minutes before
he could get into the bath. She ran a bath for him and he saw her
putting some crystals into the bath. The bathroom started to smell
like flowers.
Sue gave him a slight push and said, "It's time to get clean.
Soak in the tub and wash yourself good. I'll tell you when you can
get out."
He got in the tub and started washing. He didn't immediately
notice the hair on his arms disappeared. The water felt nice and he
relaxed. He thought that he could take one or two days in a dress
if Sue made him wear one. He didn't think she would go any longer
than that. The warm water contributed to him starting to doze. All
of a sudden he heard Sue's voice telling him it was time to get
out. He slowly got up. He was shocked to see that he had lost all
of his body hair, even his pubic hair.
Mike said, "Isn't this going a little too far?"
Sue said, "You don't want any hair except that what is on your
head to show, do you?"
Mike replied, "What's the matter if some hair shows?"
Sue said, "Did you ever see a hairy lady in a dress? You are
going to learn what a woman goes through to look nice for men."
She helped him dry off then dusted him with a strong smelling
powder. He thought he smelled like a bouquet of flowers. She helped
him put the bra back on. This time she got the buckles a lot
tighter than before. She thought to herself, 'I hope that makes you
as uncomfortable as possible,' thinking of the things he had said
about women before.
Mike asked, "Does this bra have to be so tight?"
Sue said, "You don't want it slipping, do you?"
Mike said, "No, but I can hardly breathe. Can't it be at least a
little looser?"
Sue told him, "You'll get used to it. Now come on, get your
panties and nightgown on."
He went into the bedroom and found a fresh pair of panties on the
bed. They were red and entirely made of lace. He thought they were
Sue's panties. He was surprised when they stretched to fit him. He
put the white nightgown on and went to see Sue.
Sue looked up and asked, "Did you get the panties on OK?"
He told yes but that they were tight. She told him they were a
pair of hers and that she knew they stretched. She told him they
were his now as he had stretched them out.
They went to bed. Mike saw that she had put on a pair of his
pajamas for bed. As she got into bed Sue said, "Tomorrow morning
you can wear what you took off tonight and don't forget to do your
make-up first thing in the morning. Good night and sleep tight."
She turned over away from him and was soon asleep. The next
morning she was having her cup of coffee when she heard him up. She
thought about what she should have him do today. He appeared, and
sat down at the table.
Sue said, "Good morning. You don't look half bad. However you
don't need to go so heavy on the mascara. Now, today you can clean
and dust the living room. It shouldn't take too long so you should
have time to wash all the windows, inside and out. I want you to
make supper for us. I don't care what you make. Don't forget to
move your clothes to the spare room and put all your new clothes
away. Leave all your pajamas on the bed after you make it."
Mike said, "I'll do what I can. Why do you want the pajamas on
the bed?"
Sue said, "I found out last night they are really comfortable so
I intend on wearing them."
She thought that would remind him that she was in charge now.
She also thought about how she could impress on him more strongly
that he was going to be the woman of the house. Then it came to
her.
She innocently asked, "Do you have a favorite feminine name you
like?"
Mike answered, "Not really, why do you ask?"
Sue told him, "Well, I figure with you in a dress it doesn't make
any sense to keep calling you Mike. So I figure I'll let you pick
a name. How does that sound?"
Mike said, "My name is Mike. Why can't I at least keep my name?"
Sue said, "Do you really want me to loudly call you Mike when we
are out shopping or something?"
Mike said, "No, I guess not. I can't think of a feminine name I
like. What's that about shopping??
Sue said, "Think about it today and let me know tonight when I
get home. As far as shopping, yes, we will be going shopping. You
will need other things and I am not going to get you something and
you don't use it so you will pick what you need and I'll know it
will get used.?
Mike agreed that he would think about it and Sue left for work.
He made up the bed. He started to move his clothes. He then started
to unpack the boxes from Caroline. He was amazed at how feminine
all the outfits were. He got all of the clothes done and was
surprised that it took him almost two hours.
He immediately went and started the living room. As he was doing
it all he could think of was what name to pick. He finished the
living room and had a late lunch. Then he started the windows. He
knew there was very little traffic on their street in the early
afternoon so he started outdoors first. He finished the windows and
was surprised that it was four-thirty. He started supper. As supper
was cooking he thought if he showed Sue that he was really
submitting to her making him feminine that maybe she would get the
restricting bra off of him, maybe even let him go back to his man
clothes. So he put some of her perfume on.
Sue came home and immediately smelled the perfume. She said, "You
smell so nice! What a beautiful surprise!"
She kissed him and went to change, and appeared just as supper
was being put on the table. She was wearing a pair of cut-offs and
one of his shirts. They sat down to eat.
Sue asked, "Did you decide on a name?"
Mike replied, "Not really. One name might be Michelle. It's as
close to Michael as I can think of."
Sue said, "No. I don't think Michelle is right for you. How about
something like Barbara or Tammy?"
Mike said, "I don't care. Why Barbara or Tammy?"
Sue said, ? Because I don't think you should have a name that has
a masculine sound to it."
Mike said, "You pick what you want."
Sue said, "No, you have to pick! Pick something!"
Mike picked Barbara. Sue told him she was happy that he picked
that as she could call him Barbara or Barb or Babs or Barbie.
They finished eating and Mike cleaned up the mess as Sue checked
on what he had done that day. She told him he did a great job. She
said she would reward him and take him to Toby's Tap. He declined
the offer.
They sat and read the evening paper. Sue told him tomorrow he
could do the bedrooms and bathrooms. She said that would be the
whole house and maybe he could stop wearing that bra. He looked
forward to that. She said if he completed that she wanted him to
put on an evening gown to wear for the evening. She said if he
continued like he was she would think about letting him do some
other things.
He went to bed anticipating changes. He thought to himself, the
perfume worked, and he slept the best that night than he had slept
for a long time. The next morning he was up before Sue. He dressed
and got his make-up on and made coffee. He was enjoying a cup when
she came in.
Sue said, "Good morning Barb! That coffee smells so good." She
got a cup of coffee and before she sat down she gave him a light
kiss on the cheek.
Sue continued, "You look really good this morning. You have
improved in your abilities for make-up. Oh, while I think of it you
don't have to make any supper. Maybe I'll surprise you with supper.
How does that sound?"
He said, "It sounds good to me."
She told him, "I looked at your clothes and you need underwear,
you know bras, panties, slips, et cetera. We'll have to get you
some. Is there any store you would rather go to?"
He told her he didn't care. She said she knew just the place. She
had her usual two cups of coffee and left.
He started the bathrooms and then went to do the bedrooms. While
doing the their bedroom he caught sight of himself turning rather
quickly and his skirt billowing out from him. He watched as he did
a couple of more twirls. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and
started crying. He didn't know why he was crying. He thought about
how he was a man and a man shouldn't be in a dress. He wondered if
it was wrong to feel good about something that was wrong, to feel
so very good about being like a woman. He got himself under control
and continued the cleaning, finished it, and was surprised that it
was four-fifteen. He remembered Sue telling him she wanted to see
him in an evening dress.
He got the dress he had worn at Caroline's house, put it on, and
thought that since the perfume worked last night he'd do it again.
Then he got an inspiration. He put on a pair of Sue's clip-on
dangly earrings and the matching necklace and bracelet. He looked
at himself in the mirror and was satisfied. He realized it had
taken longer than he thought when he heard Sue call for Barbara.
He went toward the voice. When Sue saw him she exclaimed, "You
look gorgeous. If I didn't know this was my house I would think I
am in the wrong house."
He said, "Thank you. I dressed just for you."
Sue said, "I appreciate that. To show I appreciate it grab your
purse, we are going out for supper."
He said, "I can't go out like this. What if someone recognizes
me?"
Sue said, "No one is going to recognize you. Now, come on, let's
go."
They were in the car and Sue was driving when he realized he
hadn't eaten any lunch and was really hungry. Sue pulled into a
supper club known for its ribs.
The hostess greeted them and sat them at a table for two. When
the waiter came for the order Sue said, "I'll have the full rack of
your ribs with a baked potato with sour cream and Barbara will have
a half rack with a baked potato, and no sour cream as she is
watching her weight.
When they were alone Sue said, "See, the hostess and the waiter
think you're a woman. Now relax and enjoy yourself."
They made small talk as they ate. When they were done Sue took
him to the ladies room. He went to the toilet, and then she
reminded him to refresh his lipstick. By the time they left he was
feeling pretty confident about himself.
On the way home Sue pulled up in front of a shop in a small strip
mall. Mike saw it was called Laura's Intimate Apparel. They went in
and Sue quickly had him picking out some bra-panty sets in his
size. When he had picked a half dozen in every color but white she
told him to head over where the nightwear was. She told him to pick
out four or five nights worth of clothes. When he picked out a
plain nightgown Sue told him to put it back and get something more
daring. He picked three lacy nightgowns with ruffles and two baby
doll outfits that he thought would turn him on if Sue were wearing
them. She was happy with the selections he had made.
They were heading to check out when Sue saw something she knew
they just had to have. It was a full-length corset. She didn't know
what size to get. Just then she spotted a saleslady. She asked the
saleslady what size to get, telling the saleslady his bra size. The
saleslady explained that there were different styles of corsets,
and how much you wanted to take off the waist determined what
corset you got. Sue picked the one that took the most off the
waist. The saleslady told her how to lace it and gave her other
tips.
They left with their purchases and when they got home Sue handed
him the bags and told him to put everything away. He got
everything put away and returned to Sue.
He said, "I never thought I would be able to pass as a woman, but
tonight if anyone saw me as a man in a dress I didn't notice. It's
amazing how people don't notice who is around them, or don't look
closely."
Sue said, "That's why you wear make-up and jewelry and nice
clothes. People are more apt to notice those things than notice the
person wearing them."
When he went up for his bath Sue helped him get the bra off. She
asked him what color he wanted to wear the next day. He told her
the maroon one with the black lace. As he was bathing she got the
matching bra and panties for him.
When he was done she watched as he dried then powdered himself.
She helped him put the bra on.
When he had the bra and panties on she asked, "Is that more
comfortable?"
He answered yes. He didn't know why but he felt he had finally
accomplished something. He had gotten rid of that uncomfortable
bra. Sue handed him one of his new nightgowns to put on.
They went to the living room to read the evening paper. He was
distracted when Sue asked, "It's Friday evening, what are we going
to do this week-end, Barbie?"
He said he didn't know, he didn't feel like doing much. She asked
if he felt like shopping. He told her not really, but if she wanted
to go shopping she should.
Sue said, "Barbie, I want to go shopping with my new girl friend.
Don't you want to learn the secret of women shopping?"
He answered, "I am not a shopper. If you insist I go then I'll
go, but I'm not promising anything. Where did you want to go
shopping?"
She said, "There is a new shopping center that just opened three
months ago and it's only 80 miles away."
He said, "Eighty miles seems a long way to do something you can
do locally. Can't you think of something you could do around here?"
She said icily, "Yes, I think I can. But I'll guarantee you won't
like it. So which is it, here or there?"
He said, "If you want to see that mall so bad why don't you drive
there and look. Why do I have to go along?"
She said, "Don't go then. But don't cry to me if something you
don't like happens."
When it was time for them to go to bed Mike knew she was angry.
Mike saw her take a bowl and put water in it, but knew better than
ask her what she was doing. They both fell asleep soon after
getting in bed. The next morning Mike was up early and made coffee
after dressing and doing his make-up. He was wearing a bright
yellow sundress with ruffled straps over his shoulders. Sue came
in and silently sipped her cup of coffee.
Finally Mike broke the silence. He said, "If you really, really
want to go to that shopping center I guess I can go with you."
Sue asked, "Barbie, do you really want to go?"
He answered honestly, "No, not really. But you got all upset last
night when I said I didn't want to go so I'll go to please you.
That's the only reason I will go."
Sue said, "Don't do me any favors! We don't have to go. I can
find things to do here in the area."
He answered, "Good. Then that's settled."
Sue said, "Come in the bedroom. I have something for you."
When they were both in the bedroom she had him take his dress off
and slid the corset on him. She then laced it so tight he could
hardly breathe.
He said, "How am I supposed to breathe in this? Why do I have to
wear it?"
Sue said, "You have to wear it to remind you that I am the
breadwinner now. When the breadwinner would like to do something
the non-breadwinner is supposed to go along with it. You had better
start learning fast. You also better learn to breathe in it now
because I used a wet leather lace and the lace is going to dry and
shrink, making the corset even tighter."
Sue then led him back to the dining area. She said, "I think
today is a good day for you to weed the flower garden. The warm sun
will dry that lace faster and you will remember who's the boss now.
I am going to do some running and probably will be gone for a
couple of hours. The weeding better be done when I get home."
Sue left and he went out to weed the flower garden. He was having
trouble bending so he squatted down to pull the weeds. There
weren't many so it didn't take too long. He got into the house but
started to feel dizzy. He headed for the couch but passed out
before reaching it. When Sue came home she found him lying on the
living room floor. She quickly checked him and saw his breathing
was real shallow. She unzipped his dress and when she saw his
corset she got a knife from the kitchen and cut the laces. She
noticed immediately that his breathing was better but not full deep
breathes. She pulled on the corset to open it up a bit. Then his
breathing was closer to normal.
He started to come around. He was groggy and didn't know where he
was. Sue rubbed his arm and hand not knowing anything else she
could do. Soon he was fully awake.
He said, "What happened?"
Sue said, "You passed out. I'm sorry. I guess I made the corset
too tight. It won't happen again. Let me help you into the bedroom
and we'll get that corset off."
They went into the bedroom and she helped him out of his dress
and out of the corset. She told him she had a surprise for him.
She led him out of the house to the driveway. She said, "Look at
your brand new car."
He looked at the pink compact Ford. He asked, "Why do I need
that, I have my truck?"
She said, "You don't need that gas-guzzling four-wheel drive
truck with all the bells and whistles. This is more your style now.
This is what any stylish woman would love to drive. I traded in
your truck and got this plus there was money left over. Look in the
back seat and see all the things I got you. Better yet bring them
in the house and we'll try everything on."
He asked, "How could you get rid of my truck? You didn't have
the right! What were you thinking?"
Sue replied, "I have the right as breadwinner. Now, if you don't
want this car, I'll take it back and you'll be without any vehicle.
Do you want that?"
He answered, "No, I want a vehicle. It's just that I loved that
truck."
She said, "Now, Barbie get your new stuff out of the back seat
and we'll go in and you can try it on."
He meekly got the bags and boxes from the back seat. When they
got in the house Sue took one box and said this was a special gift
for him. She opened it and it revealed a pair of silicone breast
forms. She took him into the bedroom and soon had them glued to his
chest. He was surprised at the weight of them. Then she handed him
a one-piece swimsuit and told him to put it on and come into the
living room.
When he came into the living room he had the swimsuit on. It was
yellow with a wide green stripe diagonally in front. She saw he was
blushing and that he kept his eyes downcast toward the floor.
She said, "Barbara, I want you to be happy about your new
clothes. Would you rather take that off and put the corset back
on?"
He answered no and she continued, "Then let me see some joy about
all your new things! Now go and try another outfit."
He went in and put another outfit on. When he came into the
living room he was wearing a red evening dress. It was sheer red on
the upper part with little red sequins all around spaced about an
inch apart. Sue looked at it and saw it fit him like a glove. She
knew the straight skirt with the small opening at the bottom would
make sure he walked with short dainty steps.
Sue said, "That looks great on you but I want the full effect. Go
back and in one of the shoeboxes there is a pair of red heels to go
with it. Put them on, I want to see how you look with the full
effect."
He went and found the heels. He couldn't believe she had gotten
him a pair with -- according to the box -- five-inch heels. He put
the shoes on and could only totter back to the living room.
Sue was delighted with him in the outfit. She said, "Don't worry
about the heels. You'll get used to them."
He went back and after trying on the last three outfits, Sue told
him to leave the last outfit on. It was a mini-skirt with a white
blouse that was trimmed with three rows of lace on each side down
the front.
Then she said, "Don't you want to go for a ride in your new car?"
He said yes, and they got in the car. She told him when to turn
and where. He knew she had some place in mind and followed her
directions. She had him park at a strip mall and then led him into
a shop. It was an earring place. She had the attendant pierce each
ear three times and place studs in the holes. She also bought some
other earrings. Then he saw her pick out a jewelry box. It was wood
looking with three drawers. She also picked out some necklaces. She
put one necklace on him and commented that it looked nice.
They left, and Sue directed him for another three blocks, then
had him park. He looked around and wondered what she had in mind
now. She had him get out and they walked about half a block. She
led him into a beauty shop.
Before he knew what was happening he was sitting in a stylist
chair and his wig was being removed. Sue asked the stylist if she
could do something with his natural hair. The stylist said there
were several things she could do. They settled on a pixie style for
him. Sue asked for a bridal facial also. The stylist went to
work. Some of the parts of the facial he really enjoyed.
As he was being worked on the owner of the salon was talking to
Sue. She told Sue that her receptionist and shampoo girl had quit
and that she had to do double duty. Sue asked how difficult the
job was. The owner said it was easy work but hard to keep anyone
for any length of time.
Sue said, "I have to tell you this. Your stylist is working on
the man who was my husband. He doesn't have a job. If you are
interested he could use a job. I call him Barbara. He'll need
training but it could kill two birds with one stone if you hired
him."
The owner looked at him and thought to herself that this might
work. She asked Sue, what if he had a problem working in an
all-female environment? Sue said she would take care of it if that
happened.
When the stylist finished with him he looked completely
different. He looked in the mirror and was amazed at how feminine
his face looked. He could fall in love with that face. When Sue
told him she'd found him a job his face brightened, then fell when
she told him where and what.
Sue decided to get tough with him. She said, "You need something
to do and this is as good as anything, or don't you think you are
smart enough to do it. I think you can do it and I think it will be
good for you. Now, are you going to talk to the owner? I told her
you would take a job here. You aren't going to make me a liar, are
you?"
He said no, he wouldn't make her a liar. They talked to the owner
and the owner told him he had a job. She told him they had a
uniform of sorts to wear. She took him in back to see if they
could find one that would fit him. She found one top and two
bottoms for him. She told him to change and come out front so they
could check him.
He got it on and it felt different. He really liked the feel of
the red pleated skirt. It was short but swirled in a most
delightful way. He went out front. Sue and the owner looked at him.
The white top with the sweetheart opening fit him perfectly. At
little cleavage was showing but he looked very good. The owner told
him he should wear red heels with it, and asked if he had any. He
told her yes and she smiled. The owner then asked Sue if he could
stay about an hour so she could show him the ropes. Sue said it was
fine, and got the keys from him.
An hour later Sue came back to get him. When they were in the
car she handed him a spray device. He asked what that was and she
told him.
"That is a spray we use for certain throat infections. We have
found it tightens the vocal cords. It will give you a more feminine
voice. Try it!"
He sprayed it into his mouth. He didn't say anything. Finally Sue
said, "Well, are you going to talk or not. I want to see if it
works for you."
He said, "I don't know about all of this. I never thought I would
be working in a beauty shop. Do I really have to?"
Then he realized his voice had changed. It was more feminine than
Sue's. He blushed deeply and Sue smiled broadly. They returned
home.
When they were home about a half hour Mike sat down and asked
Sue, "Do you think I can ever return to being the old Mike I was?"
Sue thought, and then replied, "It is possible but in all honesty
I don't know. I like the new you. You are more kind and considerate
than I have ever known you. You have become my best girlfriend. I
hate the thought of losing my best girlfriend."
He said, "Well, I would like to think that I would be able to
change back someday. You make it sound like I may never change back
to being your husband."
Sue said, "I never gave it a thought. Let me think about for some
time. I'll weigh the pros and cons of you changing back and then
we'll have a talk either way. Does that sound fair?"
He agreed he would wait for her to decide what she wanted of him.
He thought if she wanted him to remain a woman he might divorce
her, but he hoped it wouldn't be necessary.
They took it easy the rest of the day. Sunday it was very warm,
so they went to the beach. Mike felt that everyone was looking at
him. He felt a tinge of envy when Sue came by him on the arm of a
man. She introduced him as a nurse in the emergency department
where she worked. Sue told Mike he could call him John. When Sue
and John kissed it wracked his heart. He was very quiet the rest
of the time they were there and the whole trip home. He wondered
how she could be so friendly with John when he was right there. He
thought he was her husband after all. The thought ran through his
mind that she saw him as a girlfriend not a husband but he
dismissed that as not being right. He realized he was jealous of
John, like he was taking his place. He thought she was acting the
way she was just to get his goat.
At home Sue asked, "Barbara, what's the matter with you? You
haven't said anything just about all day. Come on now, talk to me."
He said in a sarcastic tone, "I don't feel like talking. If you
want to talk go get John, you seem to think he is the answer to
your prayers."
She replied, "Are you jealous? My God, I was just having a little
fun. What's wrong with that?"
He replied, "Did you forget we are married? Most married people
don't run around on the arm of their boyfriends!"
Sue stated, "You are jealous! Are you jealous because I was with
a man or are you jealous because you didn't have him?"
He answered, "You know damn well what is bothering me. How would
you like it if I took up with someone else?"
She said, "I'd be happy for you. There has to be someone besides
the two of us. We have never had any true-blue friends that we
chummed around with. You had your friends and I had mine. It's time
to broaden our horizons."
He didn't have anything else to say, so he got up and went to bed
early. The next morning he put on his new uniform. Sue wished him
luck in his new job. He arrived at the beauty shop fifteen minutes
earlier than Monica the owner had told him to be there, and she was
very pleased to see he was anxious to get to work. He sprayed his
throat and sat down at the reception desk. Customers started to
come in and he was soon very busy doing shampoos and manning the
reception desk. About noon Monica sent him to get some lunch for
everyone. She gave him a written list and told him to get whatever
he wanted. She gave him plenty of money and he left to get the
food. The restaurant was right across from the emergency entrance
of the hospital. He looked at the hospital and wondered what Sue
was doing right now.
When he returned with the food and gave Monica the change she
complimented him on how much better he was walking in his red
heels. She said that by tomorrow he would be a pro at walking in
them. The afternoon went by as quick as the morning. He got home
and started the evening meal.
When Sue walked in she was smiling like no tomorrow. She said,
"Babs, I have some great news. I have been promoted to chief
surgical nurse. The old one quit because her husband got
transferred out of town, the head surgical nurse turned it down
because she thought it was too much responsibility. So they offered
it to me. I took it. It is a huge increase in pay and I have my own
office. Isn't that great?"
He congratulated her, and when he went to give her a kiss she
turned her head so he kissed her on the cheek. He overlooked it.
She asked him about his first day at work. He told her it wasn't so
bad. They made small talk as they ate.
After he cleaned up in the kitchen he decided to take a long
bath. As he was lying in the tub he wondered about where he was
headed and what was going to happen. He thought about asking Sue
what she had decided about him returning to be her husband. He
decided to let her have more time to decide. He was afraid of what
the answer might be.
After his bath he got a baby doll outfit on and went to find Sue.
Sue told him he looked beautiful. So beautiful any man would have
a hard time keeping his hands off of him. He blushed but was
secretly happy with hearing that.
The next day he never realized something special was going to
happen. It happened as he was getting out of his car to pick up the
lunches for the staff of the beauty shop. He looked over at the
hospital, and saw Sue coming out. She was on John's arm. He saw
them kiss and saw Sue lift her leg as she was being kissed. He knew
she only did that when she was horny. He saw them leave in separate
cars. Shaken but under control he got the lunches and headed back
top the shop. All kind of thoughts ran through his mind. Sue and
John were obviously more than just friends.
That night she got home a bit earlier than usual. He looked at
her and saw her disheveled hair and saw a glow he hadn't seen for
a long time. It was the same glow she had when they were on their
honeymoon. He was sure they had made love.
At supper he was quiet until Sue said, "Today went great! Just
like I wanted. Everything fell into place. How was your day?"
He told her his day was busy. Then changed to subject to small
bits of conversation. After he had taken his bath he told Sue that
where the breast forms were glued on that it itched. She got the
remover and when they
were off she saw a rash.
She said, "You have a rash. I'll get some ointment for it. If the
forms are going to be a problem maybe we better get you implants.
What do you think?"
He replied, "Implants seem pretty permanent, aren't they?"
She told him that implants could be surgically removed if someone
wanted them removed. She said he should let her know if he wanted
them. She told him she could set it up and within a week he could
have implants that would make any woman proud."
He didn't answer.
That night in bed he had the worst nightmare. He was a complete
woman and was getting married. He saw his face in complete terror
as he walked down the aisle. He woke up sweating and wondering if
it was real. The next day at work he was giving Mrs. Grayson a
shampoo and massaging her head. She told him she would give him a
tip if he extended the time of the massaging. He did and she
slipped him a twenty-dollar bill when he was done. He smiled
broadly at her and felt really happy that things were going so
well.
Thursday when he was picking up the lunches he saw Sue and John
come out again. He could see the love in Sue's face when she
looked at John. He was devastated that she seemed to completely
forgotten about him.
That night when she got home she said, "Have I got some news for
you. Saturday night we are going to double date. John asked me out
for supper and maybe dancing afterward. He needs someone to go with
his brother and I told him you would. Doesn't that sound like fun?"
He answered, "Oh yes, whoop-de-doo!"
She asked, "What's the problem?"
He replied, "You forget, I am a man. I am not homosexual!"
She said, "You are more woman than man now. It's time you start
taking advantage of being a woman! It's all set up so you better
get it in your head that you are going. I don't want you to spoil
anything! If you do, you are going to regret it for a long, long
time!"
He was extremely quiet all night thinking about Saturday. He
didn't say a word to her the rest of the night. The next morning he
was still not talking to her.
Before he left for work Sue said, "Barbara, You are going
tomorrow night so make your mind up that you are going to have a
good time. I will be very angry if you let me down."
On his way to work and all day at work it was on his mind.
Finally, just before quitting time he told Monica about it. She was
pleased that he was going to be going out. She told him to come in
the next day at noon and she would do him up herself on the house.
Her words made him feel better about going out but he still had
doubts. It was all he could think about all night. He knew he was
going, because try as he might he couldn't think of a way out of
it. He slept fitfully all night. The next morning he dawdled
around. Finally he went to the beauty shop. Monica was all smiles
when he walked in. She kissed him on the cheek and led him to a
chair. She got him a cup of coffee. She told him there was a
relaxant in the coffee.
By the time she was done with him he felt a lot better. He felt
better about himself and about the coming evening. He had decided
to take things as they came and try to enjoy it if that was
possible. He was happy when he got home. Sue saw it right away, as
she was telling him how nice he looked. He told her he was looking
forward to the evening but didn't know what to expect.
Sue said, "Babs, you are like every girl going out on her first
date. I am going to tell you what my mother told me when I was
getting ready for my first date. If you get pregnant, you are
going to keep the baby and raise it."
They both laughed heartily at that. It was time to get ready, and
he hadn't decided on what he was going to wear. Sue recommended his
red dress. He agreed. She said the corset would enhance his figure,
but he had reservations after the last time he wore it. She told
him she wouldn't lace it so tight this time, and he agreed to wear
it.
When he was all dressed complete with jewelry Sue was full of
compliments. There was a knock at the door and Sue went answer it.
It was Caroline from next door. She said she had just gotten home
from a cruise and wanted to know how things were going. Sue told
her things were going beautifully, and wait until she saw Barbara.
When Caroline asked whom Barbara was Sue told her. Then Sue called
Barbara.
He was in the bathroom fluffing his hair when Sue called. He
thought the guys were here and was pleasantly surprised to see
Caroline.
When she saw him Caroline said, "My gosh, what an image of
beauty. Is that your own hair? You look lovely! I can't believe
it!"
He blushed and said it was his hair. Then he shocked Caroline,
Sue and himself when he said, "Caroline, I want to thank you for
all the help you were to accomplish this. Thank you very much!"
It was quiet for some time after he said that. Caroline knew he
meant it and broke the silence saying, "Thank you. You have just
made my day and my month and my year. I really appreciate it. I was
worried about you and thought about you a lot on my cruise. I never
in my mind envisioned you to be as beautiful as you are now."
She gave him a kiss on the cheek, and whispered in his ear,
"Thank you. You are very sweet." She left, telling them to stop
over when they got a chance to see her pictures from the cruise.
When she was gone Sue said, "Barbie, that was sweet, what you
said to Caroline, thanking her like that. I think you really meant
it. I'll tell you it surprised me to hear you say that."
He said, "I think I meant it. I didn't think of what I was
saying, I just talked from my heart, I guess."
Sue said, "Well, keep it up. You'll do just fine."
Just then there was another knock at the door. Sue answered it
and it was the guys. John gave her a deep kiss and the
introductions were made. John introduced Adam his brother to Sue
and Sue introduced Barbie to Adam.
They left with John driving and Sue next to him, Adam and Barbie
in back. Adam had helped Barbie walk to the car and get in. Barbie
couldn't help but be impressed by Adam's strength as he helped her.
When they got to the supper club Adam again helped Barbie. He had
his arm around her waist and practically carried her into the
supper club.
As they were eating Sue and John talked together, sitting as
close as possible. Adam talked to Barbie and it was pleasant for
both of them. When they were finished eating, Sue and Barbie headed
forth to the ladies room.
After they had done their thing and were refreshing their
lipstick Sue said, "I think Adam is taken with you. It looks like
he can't get enough of you. Enjoy yourself but be careful. Remember
what I said about getting pregnant."
They both laughed heavily at that. Barbie found herself enjoying
it more than she ever thought she would. When they rejoined the
guys, John suggested they stop at the bar for an after dinner
drink. Barbie had a grasshopper and didn't know why but it seemed
to hit her harder than usual.
When they finished their drinks they decided to head for a dance
club in the next town. It was about a fifteen-minute drive. In the
back seat, Adam asked Barbie if she would let him kiss her. She
agreed and when he took her in his arms and kissed her she saw
fireworks. This was something that had never happene