For the Business
By Karin Roberts
It started of innocently enough, an invite to a Halloween party for
small business owners.
"Darling we really need to attend this," my wife said as she opened and
sifted through the day's mail.
"I hate Halloween, it's just an excuse to get people to spend money," I
replied
"Oh lighten up Scrooge, anyway were going I could make some useful
contacts there."
"So that was it then, we were going, I suppose," I sighed as I glanced
through the remaining pages of the day's newspaper.
"We'll need costumes of course," she continued. "I suppose I'll have to
sort that out as well," she said.
"Yeah you got that one right, just do what you like let me know on the
day what I'll be wearing."
"Fine, be like that," she said a bit of a scowl in her voice.
"I just don't see the point of it," I said.
"There is no point, but it could be a good night and the business
contacts there could really help us out."
"Ok, ok I hear you, I'll be there."
She was right of course we could do with the extra business and
definitely the extra money. It's not that we were destitute or anything
but since I had been made redundant 2 years ago from my sales job,
money had not been so plentiful. We were still getting buy, hell the
house was paid for, sure we had to get rid of one of the cars and our
holiday's had dropped to one a year but we were not in the poverty trap
that so many were in this area of Western Scotland.
At just approaching 42 I was made redundant cast to the four winds
after 20 years of toil and sweat. I had been good at what I did from
kitchens; to bathrooms to office supplies you name it I had sold it.
Worked for the same company all that time then a foreign buy out and I
was out. Well I had the opportunity to stay at the time but had been
talked out of it by Amy.
Amy and I had been married for fifteen years, while I had been the main
breadwinner Amy had worked in various catering firms since she left
school. Her one ambition in life had been to run her own business a
catering firm of her own. My generous, well more than generous pay-off
had given us enough to bank some money for a rainy day and set up Amy's
business.
At first she had taken on a small unit in a local industrial park. I
helped out at first and still did from time to time doing deliveries
and picking up supplies. What I did notice was the change in Amy, how
much more driven she had become. She worked like a demon, chasing
contacts while all the time doing much of the catering herself. She
hired a young girl fresh out of school and they slaved endlessly,
preparing food for banquets, office parties, wedding's wherever they
could get work.
Within a few months' they had moved to a bigger unit and two more were
hired to do the work behind the scenes while Amy chased fresh contacts.
Personally I thought she was moving a bit fast, but in no time another
couple of staff were required and by now she employed a staff of ten
and was searching for even bigger premises.
In the meantime I had found it hard getting work a couple of short
contacts to cover for women on career breaks or maternity leave was all
I could muster, besides though after 20 years of hard graft I was
enjoying some time to myself.
We'd never had any children, we'd tried in the early days but it never
happened. After test's it was discovered that I had a low sperm count
and that IVF would probably be needed should we want to have a family.
It was around that time that something else was discovered and that was
my liking for dressing in women's clothes. Yeah that's right a closet
tranny, discovered by accident one day when I though that Amy was
working late. It was the worst period of my life no doubt about it. A
year when my marriage hung by a thread each week and lot's of promises
and counter promises were made to salvage our relationship. Sex had
been a no go for about nine month's indeed for over six of them we
never even slept in the same room. Gradually things got back to normal
and the subject faded although never fully forgotten it passed and life
returned to some normality.
So there you go a potted history of our life together and where our
future was headed, at least that's what I thought.....
The Party
"Remember, Friday night's that Halloween party," Amy called as she
picked up her briefcase on route to another meeting.
"Do we have to," I said hoping that she had gone off the idea from a
few weeks back.
"Yeah we do, there's going to be some councillor's there, you know I've
been after some of their school contracts for ages, not to mention
their own in-house canteens, so yes we do."
"Ok I'll finish early Friday," I replied.
"Good, I'll collect the costumes on Friday morning."
"What we going as?" I asked.
"Not sure yet I've not really made up my mind, look I need to go I've a
meeting in 15."
"Ok see you tonight," and she was gone.
I'd picked up a three month contract with a local confectionery firm;
things were going not too bad although it could have been better. Sales
were ok but not up to my usual standard maybe I'd lost the knack or
maybe I'd lost the drive I don't know but I was not turning out my
usual figures. Did it matter I thought only three week's left anyway
and then I would need to look around for something else, maybe get back
into kitchen's if I could, I was good at that, I picked up my briefcase
and headed out in to the chill October day. "Another day another
dollar," I said to myself as I pressed the remote to unlock the company
car.
Friday arrived and after a successful lunch where I'd managed to clinch
my best sale of the week I was feeling good about myself. If only we
didn't have this damn party tonight I thought to myself as I drove home
early afternoon.
Parking the care I got out and opened the front door "Amy," you home I
called, no answer. I looked at the telephone the red message light
blinking brightly, I pressed the button. "Hi darling I'm running late,
I got the costumes there going to be fab, have a shower and shave and
I'll see you about five." Damn I could have went for a drink with the
lads after all, bloody party I thought as I walked upstairs towards the
bathroom.
Showered and shaved I pulled on my dressing gown and went into our
bedroom. Picking up my briefcase I opened it and took out some
paperwork, looking at the clock I noticed it had just turned four. Good
I thought to myself enough time to do my sales return for the week,
give me a clean slate to start with on Monday. I slipped up onto the
bed and took out the log sheet closing the case I put the sheet on the
hard surface and began to enter my figures.
Sometime later I heard footsteps on the stair. "You home Andrew," Amy
called.
"Yeah in the bedroom," I called back putting the plastic top back on my
pen.
I gathered up the papers and put them in the case as she entered the
room with two clothes bags draped over her arm.
"Good week?" she asked gesturing towards the case.
"Yeah ok, good sale today to close the week, commission should be not
bad, not what I used to make but ok, we might get a holiday out of it,"
I said.
"Cool, but not for a little while I've another project brewing at the
minute."
"Oh what's that?" I asked.
"No time to talk about it just now, we need to get ready, I'll tell you
later," she said.
"So what we going as," I asked.
She paused putting the clothes bags down on the chair.
"Eh well I need to talk to you about that," she stopped.
"What is it?"
"Well I had a meeting on Monday so I never had time to go to the Fancy
Dress shop myself," she paused.
"And?"
"Well I asked Karen in the office to go and order the stuff for me and
she got it a bit mixed up."
"How, wrong costumes, maybe we should just stay home," I hoped the
answer would be yes.
"No chance I paid enough to hire these were going it's just that it
will be a little unusual."
"How come?" I asked.
"Well we are going as Gomez and Morticia from the Addams Family. The
problem is that Karen ordered the Gomez costume in my size and the
Morticia in yours....."
"No way, I'm not going dressed as Morticia Addams," I said my voice
rising slightly.
"Look it'll be fun; we need to go I promised Chris we would be there."
Chris was one of my friends from years back, he had gone into business
himself and started a courier firm, bikes vans etc. In fact since the
early days when I had helped Amy out with deliveries he had carried
most of Amy's runs transporting food from the factory to events and
picking up supplies for her and being a family friend had done it at
very good rates saving us a good deal of money.
"Well that's another good reason not to go, me being dressed as
Morticia with Chris there," I shouted.
"Look he won't mind and it's not if you don't have previous of dressing
in women's clothes," she called back with an edge in her tone.
I flushed, why do women do that, you know what I mean, mistakes you've
made are not mentioned for ages then as soon as an argument pops up
back come the indiscretion like a torpedo below the waterline to sink
any argument that you have.
"Well are we doing it," she said as she looked at me with an icy stare.
"Fuck, I suppose so,"
"Good, I'm going for a shower; I'll be back in 10 to help you dress."
Now going out dressed as a woman with Amy was probably one of my
private fantasies but somehow I had a bad feeling about this!
Fifteen minutes later I had been ordered back into the shower to cover
my body in a hair loss gel.
"Is this really necessary, I mean from what I remember of Morticia
Addams she has a really, long dress so nobody will see me legs," I
protested.
"Andrew just do it it's not as if you've never done it before." Another
stab at my guilt.
Half an hour later I was sitting in front of the mirror that vaguely
familiar smooth feeling on my legs as Amy set about my face with
cosmetics and brushes of all sizes. Another half hour and a long dark
wig was being pulled over my head and fitted snugly to my scalp. I
looked in the mirror the pale foundation giving that slightly ghostly
look, vibrant red lipstick coated my lips that gloss Amy had used
shining in the mirror. My eyes, dark pools, created by lots of dark
mascara, eyeliner and kohl pencil. Light grey eye shadow completing the
look. Taking my hands she filed each nail a bit and then removing some
false nails from her dresser not too long but long enough she glued one
to each finger before painting them with a black nail varnish.
"Now let's just let them dry and then we can get you dressed." Amy left
the bedroom and went downstairs returning about ten minutes later with
a coffee she walked towards me. She leaned forward a bit over my
shoulder and whispered, "You know I had clean forgotten how convincing
a woman you make, I think we might just win this," she said I forced a
smile as she took my hand and led me away from the dressing table. Amy
rustled around in her closet and pulled out a black shiny waist shaper.
"Here you will need to wear this, the dress tapers a good bit at the
waist, turn round."
I turned away from her, her hands slipped the garment round my waist it
felt cold against my bear skin.
"Breathe in a bit," she said as she pulled it tight.
"There that should do, now breasts," she walked away to the bags she
had brought in with her earlier. She pulled out a pair of realistic
looking breasts.
"Wait a minute, if Karen made the mistake in ordering why did she order
them," I asked pointing over.
"She didn't, when I realised the mistake in the sizes I had just enough
time to catch the shop tonight and pick them up."
"Couldn't you just have sorted the changed the size of the costumes?" I
asked.
"Didn't have any more in stock, beside I bet you always dreamed about
dressing up in front of me." Another blow at my guilt my face flushed a
bit.
She walked over spraying some liquid on to the back of them as she
moved.
"Now come here."
She pressed the object to my chest and started counting "One, two,
three ... Fifteen," she stepped back. "There, ehm a bit big, but they
will do, now the other."
Soon both breasts were in place and encased in a black lacy bra, Amy
worked away with some foundation and concealor at the edges blending
them to my skin tone. "Now stockings," she said as she walked back to
the bags. "Here they are," she said tossing me a packet over. I looked
done "Hold-Up Fishnets," the title displayed.
"You know what to do with those now I'm going to start and get ready
put the dress on and I'll be back in ten minutes," she announced
leaving the room with the other costume bag in her hand.
Although a fantasy of mine I was still getting an uneasy feeling about
all this.
Opening the packet I removed the stocking's and took them out,
unrolling them one by one I pulled them up my legs letting the gummed
tops settle and join to my thighs. I couldn't resist a little walk over
to the full length mirror to ogle myself. My shapely legs encased in
the black fishnet, the bulging boobs protruding a bit from the lace
bra, my waist nipped into shape a forgotten stirring starting in my
loins. Not now I thought as I walked back to the bed and pulled out the
dress.
The dress was just as expected made from a stretchy figure hugging
cotton material I opened the zip and pulled it down. Stepping inside I
pulled it up my body the material clinging to each area as it got
higher. The round neck settled just above my breasts. I slipped my arms
into the spider's web lacy sleeves, a piece of material in the same
spiders wed design fell from each arm almost touching the floor.
Pulling the zip to the top I encased my self in the dress.
I shuffled across the room the dress was narrow to the knees and then
flared out a bit. "This is going to be awkward to walk in," I said to
myself the dress in truth was just a bit too long the frayed edges
getting caught under my feet almost causing me to trip once as I
arrived at the dressing table and sat down. Maybe there was a chance
yet to call it off, plead to Amy about the length, and show her I could
do myself an injury. I sat at the mirror at looked at my reflection
once more, what Amy had said was true I had forgotten how convincing I
looked as a female since my self imposed abstinence from dressing as a
female. The door opened.
Amy stepped in her hair all slicked back in her purple and black wide
stripped suit complete with bow tie a false moustache adorned her face
completely bereft of make up I was surprised how boyish she looked. She
stepped inside doing a twirl in her manly shoes.
"What do you think, not bad eh?" she beamed.
"Yeah looks good, I've got a bit of a problem though the dress is a bit
too long the fringes keep getting caught under my feet, I could trip,"
I said a pleading look on my eyes.
"Ehm," was all she said.
Then "I know it's not exactly Addams wear but what about if you wear a
pair of heels, lift you up a bit, that would work," she said heading
towards her closet.
"But you're a full size smaller than me, they will kill my feet," I
said.
"Maybe, just a minute," she said rummaging in her closet.
"There they are," she said pulling a pair of black high heeled sandals
from the closet. She walked towards me, kneeling down she said, "Here
give me your foot."
I pushed it forward, she moved the dress back taking my foot onto her
lap she slipped the sandal on, and she pulled the thin leather strap
round my ankle with a little extra tugging she managed to get the pin
to catch in the last hole. She repeated the process on the other foot.
"Now stand up," she said "and walk around the room." I did so a bit
wobbly at first but then into my stride.
"There you go see how easy it is, once you've walked in heels it's like
riding a bike, you soon get used to it again." Another slash at my
guilt of the past.
"Ok let's get going," she said picking up a black leather clutch bag
she handed it to me.
"Morticia never had a bag," I said.
"Yeah I know but you will need it for key's money etc you can ditch it
somewhere when we get there. I better drive I mean you can walk in
heels but driving might be a different proposition," she said as she
held open the bedroom door and we walked out into the hall.
"Oh just a minute," she said dashing back into the bedroom; I stood
wondering what she had forgot. She reappeared.
"Hold out your hands palms upward." I did as she asked.
She gripped my wrists and a perfume bottle appeared she sprayed my
wrists liberally.
"Surely there's no need for that," I said.
"Oh stop complaining," she said as she sprayed more on each side of my
neck and on the bare patch under my chin and above the breasts. "Turn
round as well," she said. I followed her lead once more, felt her move
my hair back her hands moving round my neck she fastened a single
string pearl necklace in place, and then she clipped a pearl stud
earring to each ear.
"There now we can go," she handed me the perfume and asked me to put it
in my bag, inside I saw the lipstick she had used and a compact, I
stared at it.
"Just in case you need to touch up your make up, now where did you
leave your watch," she asked.
"It's on the telephone table in the hall," I said.
"Ok let's go."
We went downstairs and towards the front door Amy picking up the watch
she fastened it to her wrist. I opened the door and handed her the key
stepping outside into the night air as Amy locked the door behind us.
The tightness of the dress made it a struggle to get seated but once
inside I fastened the belt as Amy switched the car into life. "I'm
looking forward to tonight," she said as she turned looking behind her
she slowly backed the car out into the main road.
......
The drive to the Community Centre where the dance was being held was no
longer than fifteen minutes. Amy switched on the indicator and made a
turn into a busy car park. Pulling up into a space she switched the
engine of we stepped out. Walking round she took my hand and led me
towards the hall.
Inside the buzz of chatter was interrupted by soft music being played
by a band on the stage at the top of the hall. She looked around
spotting someone she waved.
"There's Chris," she said pointing over to someone dressed in a cowboy
outfit, he walked towards us.
"Jez Andrew what a change," he said looking me up and down.
"Knock it off, costume mix up," I said.
"Yeah but you look so, so, natural," he said.
"He is a natural, aren't you darling," she said.
A blush spread across my face. "All Amy's work," I said deflecting the
dig at me.
"You look great too babe," Chris said turning towards her and placing a
kiss on her forehead.
"Thanks, you look lovely too," she replied.
"Look there's a couple of people I need to introduce you to, get
yourselves a drink and follow me over," he said.
We walked over to the bar, "What do you want babes," she asked me, "Eh
a pint," I replied "Don't be ridiculous you can't have a pint dressed
like that," she said as we stopped by the bar. "Eh a glass of white
wine and a whiskey and soda," she said to the barman.
The barman poured the drinks and brought them too us she handed me the
glass of wine and took the whiskey herself. "Now let's go and find
Chris," she said scanning the room.
We spotted him talking to a man dressed as a Sheikh and what I assumed
to be his wife dressed as a Belly Dancer. "Amy this is Kevin Peter's he
owns two city centre public houses which have function rooms he's often
on the look out for caterers."
"Pleased to meet you Kevin, eh this is my husband Andrew," she said
gesturing in my direction. I just smiled "Eh novel idea," he said
looking me up and down.
"So you need caterers from time to time," Amy went on.
"Yeah it's mostly evening work you know birthday parties, the odd small
wedding reception, office parties that type of thing."
"Well that's no problem, do you have anyone regular just now?" she
asked.
"No not really, sometimes get the customer to organise themselves, but
it would be nice to have a regular caterer that I could rely on, a
couple have let me down from time to time," Kevin said.
"Well we are very reliable just a small firm but growing all the time
and we are very competitive," Amy reached into her pocket and took out
a card, "Here take this it's my business card, home, office and mobile
is on there give me a call we will see if we can work something out."
"Thanks," he said.
The business chat continued and to be honest I was bored and felt a bit
left out standing there while Chris and Amy did most of the taking with
there new found business client. I scanned the room looking at the
other guests. There were the usual costumes on view, policemen,
soldiers, sailors, Wonder Woman, Batman, Robin and Batgirl just what
you would expect to see, all huddled in small groups chatting and
laughing with each other. No one had really given me a second glance so
I figured Amy's make over had worked and there were no second glances
or pointing in my direction, you know look at the guy in drag.
"You know there's something missing from your outfit Amy," Kevin said
his voice shaking me from my self imposed daze.
"Eh what's that?" she asked gripping his arm in a flirty way.
"A nice big cigar," he said, she giggled and took sip of her drink.
"Yeah you're right," Chris chipped in.
"Well as we have made a deal let's celebrate," Kevin said producing two
thick long cigars from inside his costume he handed one to Amy, she's
not going to smoke that I thought to myself. Amy had been a smoker when
we met but when she had tried to get pregnant she had given up, me I
had also been addicted to the weed especially, when I had dressed up as
Chloe my TV alter ego and also when sales pressure had been high and
deals were scarce. The constant barrage of pressure from Amy and me
losing my job had meant that I had stopped as well but at times when
Amy was not around and I felt down about my unemployment I sneaked off
for the odd one.
Amy slipped the long fat cigar between her lips, Kevin producing a
lighter flicked the flame into life, Amy embedding the end of the cigar
in the flamed and puffed, she slightly then settled the cigar smoke
spiralling to the ceiling. I felt a stirring in my groin as I watched
her to be honest I thought some women were very sexy when they smoked
if done in a seductive way and seeing Amy puff on the cigar was having
a marked effect down below.
"Eh maybe it's time for another drink," I said hoping I could sneak
away and try and recover my composure.
"I'll have the same again darling," Amy said handing me her glass "Oh
and be a dear and get Chris one as well," she said slipping her arm
through his and resting her arm over his forearm. I walked away my
heels clicking on the tiles as I went towards the bar reaching it I
asked the barman where the toilets were "Out in the foyer Madam," he
replied. With one look back I saw Amy still flirting away with Kevin
and Chris the cigar going to her lips once more, "Well dear two can
play at that game," I said to myself as I stepped out into the deserted
foyer.
I located the toilet and took care of business, not surprisingly using
the ladies as I had done many times before as Chloe. Back out in the
foyer I went to the front door and stepped outside across the street
about 50 yards from the Community Centre was a Off- Licence. Just the
job I thought leaving the building I walked towards it. Two youth's
stood just s few yards before the front door of the shop I could see
them scanning me as I approached, "Keep calm," I reminded myself the
more confident you conducted yourself the easier it was to pass I
reminded myself from my cross dressing days. I passed them and entered
the shop; it was deserted except for a middle aged woman behind the
counter.
"Can I help you Madam?" she said as I reached the counter.
I scanned the racks behind her "Eh can I have twenty More please," she
made a move towards the familiar Red packet, "Eh sorry no the Menthol
one's," I said pointing to the white packet just beside them.
"Oh sorry," she said picking them up. "Eh that will be 5.60," she said
handing them to me.
"EH can I have one of your disposable lighters as well."
She picked one up. "6.45," she said.
I opened my bag and took out a ten pounds handing it to her she looked
at it checking the security line as most assistants do in these days of
fraud and forgery. Satisfied she opened the till and dropped it inside
taking my change out she handed it to me.
I left the shop and headed back towards the Community Centre. The two
youth's wolf whistled behind my back. Me I just kept walking but
wiggled my hips a bit more for their benefit. As I approached the
centre I could see one other guest dressed as Spiderman standing by a
little alley up the side of the building puffing away on a cigar. I
reached him and stopped by his side; I pulled the wrapper from the
ciggies and tossed it in a small bin.
"Just taking a break?" he asked me.
"Eh yeah," I said taking one of the long slim cigarettes from the box
lifted it to my lips opening the bag to locate the lighter.
"Here let me," he said taking a step forward he clicked a lighter into
life. I pushed the tip forward and into the flame and inhaled.
"Thanks," I said taking it from my lips; I blew a cloud of smoke
skyward. "That's better I've been dying for that," I said.
"My partner hates me smoking," my companion said.
"Same here," I replied.
"I just sneaked out, I hate Halloween, just got dragged along to this."
"Me too," I giggled.
"Eh I'm Ken by the way," he said extending me his hand. "Eh Chloe," I
said shaking hands with him. Then realising what I had just done
introducing myself as Chloe, too late now I thought if I change it
he'll think I'm a nutter.
"Getting a bit breezy out here," I said stepping back into the alley a
step as I took another drag from the cigarette.
"Yeah it is, supposed to rain later," he said taking another puff on
his cigar.
"You enjoying the party?" he asked.
"What do you think might as well not be here my partner is spending so
much time doing deals I feel like a spare part," I replied.
"Yeah mine too, say we could sneak of together go get a drink there's a
pub down the road." He took a step closer.
"Eh I don't know," I said nervously. "I mean look at the way we are
dressed." He was only inches from me as I took a nervous puff on my
cigarette blowing smoke to my left.
"Good looking girl like you shouldn't be left like a wallflower," he
said taking hold of my free hand.
At that moment I don't know why but I really wanted him to kiss me. I'd
been kissed as Chloe before but I needed it now once more. I looked
down at him holding my hand and then back up into his face the
Spiderman mask only showing lips and a pair of deep brown eyes.
He stepped a bit closer. "So what do you say,"
"Eh maybe not I better get back," I stammered.
"Well, what about a little kiss for the road?" he said.
His other hand blocking the exit to the alley which we were now a
couple of feet inside. His head moved towards mine our lips met, my
mouth opening accepting his tongue as it probed deeper toying with mine
as I responded.
His arms slipped round my waist one moving downwards caressing my arse
as our kiss continued. I wanted more but knew this was not the time, my
hand between us I pushed backwards edging him away from me. The kiss
ending.
"Eh I better go," I said as he released me.
"If you want," he replied.
"Well I don't really but I better before things get out of hand," I
said walking past him.
"Nice meeting you, maybe we will meet again," he said as I walked up
the couple of steps to the front door.
"Eh you to but I'm not sure we will meet again,"
"Never say never," he said, as I walked inside.
I went straight to the bathroom checking the mirror my lipstick was
smudged; I repaired it and then headed back to the hall. Going to the
bar I collected drinks for Amy and Chris and myself and looked around I
spotted them talking to a couple dressed as the Flintstones and headed
over.
"Where have you been," Amy said as I arrived handing them their drinks.
"Eh I went to the toilet," I replied.
"You been smoking?" Amy asked.
"Eh no I was talking to another lady in the toilet she is a saleswomen
said she might know of a job going she went out for a cigarette and I
went out with her must have got some of the smoke on me," I lied.
Amy looked a bit suspicious her eye's giving me the look; you know the
one, you're lying look. I bowed my head slightly as she raised the
remainder of her cigar to her lips and took a puff a cloud of cigar
smoke whirled above my head as she went back to speaking to Chris and
the others.
The rest of the party passed off in a pretty similar way, Amy and Chris
talking shop while I followed them around like a little puppy dog. A
couple of times I lost them and wandered around speaking to strangers
until they appeared again and I could join the company. Finally it was
time to leave as we left Chris kissed Amy on the cheek. "Good night for
business I think," he said as we stepped outside "You enjoy yourself
Andrew," he asked looking at me.
"Not really, not much for me here."
"Well maybe that woman you met will come up with something for you."
"Yeah maybe," I said.
"We better just leave the car," Amy announced. "I mean I've been
drinking, you can come over and collect it tomorrow," she said as we
looked around the street for a taxi.
"Yeah ok," I said.
Soon a cab appeared and we got in. "406 Fuller Avenue," Amy asked as we
sat down. "Yeah that was a good night, lots of possibilities," she said
as the cab pulled away from the kerb.
......
6 Months Later.
A bright Easter sunlight spread across the lawn as I stepped out of the
car and walked up the path to the house. Opening the door I went inside
and opened my briefcase. It had been a crap week; I had another three
weeks to go on my latest temporary engagement. Work had been scarce
since the start of the year but I had landed an eight week temporary
sales post to cover for someone on the sick. The job and the company
were ok but trying to flog Encyclopaedia's is the pits. It's the job no
sales man or woman wants the dead end of sales jobs, but then beggars
can't be choosers then I had to take it.
Don't get me wrong it's not as if we were destitute, Amy's business was
going well she had hired another two employee's since Christmas and
even put in some new machinery at the factory. She was supplying two or
three shops in the area with pre packed sandwiches and she had taken on
a small kitchen in a new small engineering plant and was providing
breakfast and lunches for the small workforce. So money was not a major
worry so I suppose I had just taken the gig to keep me in shape and in
the loop as they say.
I took out my ledger and totted up the weeks' sales. "Shit only twenty
sets of volumes sold all week, no bonus for me this week," I said to
myself as I filled in the sales ledger. I made a coffee and leafed
through the daily paper as I waited for Amy to return. Checking the
cooker I say Amy's note about dinner for the night taking some chicken
breasts from the fridge I began to cook them so that we could have our
meal once Amy got home.
"Good day?" I asked as she stepped into the house, gone were the days
that she appeared back in an overall. Amy was now very much hands off
the actual food preparation and very much the business lady. Sharp
suits and blouses were now the order of the day, we had even managed to
stretch to a second car for her to visit clients and attend meetings.
"Yeah not bad, the engineering works is going well and I've signed up
another three shops for pre-packed sandwiches so not bad all round,"
she said as she helped finish off preparing our dinner.
"What about yours," she said.
"Crap, you know selling Encyclopaedias is the pits, I'll be glad when
this contract ends and I can look for something else," I said.
"Sometimes Andrew I don't know why you bother."
"Couldn't I maybe do some sales for you?" I asked.
"Not really were not big enough yet maybe if we get a big contact like
the Council job I've been chasing," she replied. Amy had been
relentlessly pursuing our local Council for ages to try and get the job
of providing meals in all the offices and Council units. Frankly I
though it was a bit too big for her to handle but she was adamant that
they could do it, keep the employees they already had, lower the wages
a bit but at least keep them in work and make a real profit.
We sat down and uncorked bottle of white wine between us as we began to
eat. Half way through the meal Amy spoke.
"Andrew I got an invitation today," she said.
"An invite to what?" I asked.
"Well it's a Small Business Conference in London in late May," she
said.
"Are you going?"
"Of course I am despite the exposure it will give the firm, they have
also asked me to be a guest speaker it's a real break get the firm's
name up in light's," she said as she topped up our wine.
"That's excellent," I said.
"Yeah I think so just show's how far we've come," she said as she went
back to her meal.
"Well you should go then, do you want me to come with you." I asked.
"No you would be bored; I mean I will be in seminars or meeting's all
day. At night all I'll want to do is crash out in a hot bath and then
bed," she replied.
"Yeah I suppose your right, anyway hopefully I'll have another contact
by then," I said as we continued to eat.
The Conference
It was Monday morning when I kissed Amy goodbye, she turned and walked
towards the departure gate of Glasgow Airport. I watched her walk away
the change in her these last couple of years was nothing short of
dramatic. From a simple Canteen Assistant to the confident business
woman I could see now. The sharp navy blue tailored suit with a deep
split back vent, a white silky blouse underneath stretching tightly
across her breasts. The four inch matching navy stilettos, her feet
encased in shiny tan pantyhose, as she pulled her cabin luggage behind
her. She turned and waved as she made the turn out of site; I waved
back and then headed for the car park.
Work had been hard to come by since I had finished my Encyclopaedia
contract, no that's a lie work had been non-existent, so with a whole
week to fill on my own I was at a bit of a loss. What to do to keep
myself occupied I thought as I backed the car out of the parking space
and towards the motorway.
Back home and with an empty week ahead I decided to re-knew my
acquaintance with the golf course. Dusting down the clubs in the shed I
put them in the boot of the car and set off to the golf course. It had
been some time since I had played despite my gaps in employment and it
showed I carded an 85 when less than a year ago I was playing of a 3
handicap. Practice was needed as I thought as I pulled of my spikes and
put them away in the bag.
I arrived back home around tea time and started to prepare my dinner
for one. Thirty minutes later having slaved over the cooker I sat down
with my meal and a beer. The kitchen was certainly lonely with only one
diner and the house eerily quite with no chatter over the dinner table
about each other's day. Finished my meal I put the dishes in the
dishwasher promising myself to sort them out later. Picking up what was
left of my beer and the daily newspaper I retired to the living room.
Switching on the TV I sprawled out on the couch and leafed through the
pages while the newscaster's on the screen gave details of the latest
stories to hit the headlines.
I finished off my beer and grabbed the remote flicking from channel to
channel, the latest episode of nightly soaps began, I sat back the
pictures washing over me. Normally by this time both me and Amy would
either be seated on the single Armchairs or curled up on the settee,
her in front while I stroked her hair or massaged her neck as we
watched some TV Drama or a DVD together.
I picked up my beer glass and returned to the kitchen washing it under
the tap; I left it on the drainer to dry. Switching on the dish washer
I cleared up the remainder of the kitchen from dinner. Glancing at the
wooden clock on the wall I checked the time, just gone 8pm, Amy should
be settled into her Hotel by now I'll give her a call I thought. I
walked back to the hall my legs stiffing a bit after my golf earlier
today, "I need to get more fit," I said to myself.
I reached the telephone looking down I saw the red light blinking on
it, someone's left a message. I'd come I the back when I had got back
from the golf so I had not seen it before. Maybe it's Amy, to tell me
she had arrived ok. I picked up the receiver pressing the rewind I
placed the phone to my ear....
"Hello this is Kenneth Jackson from North Lanarkshire Council, eh I
need to speak with Amy Clark re a business proposal she left with me
for catering. I would be grateful if she could call me as soon as
possible it's very urgent."
"Message left at 2.23pm, telephone number 01698 343568, end of
message," the recording said. Sounds urgent I thought better call Amy.
I picked up the piece of paper Amy had left with the Hotel number on
it, studying the numbers I dialled, it rang.
"Good evening, Banbridge Excelsior Hotel, how can I help you?" the
woman's voice announced.
"Eh yes can you put me through to Amy Clark's room?" I asked,
"Certainly sir, who can I say is calling?"
"I'm her husband Andrew," I replied.
"One moment sir and I'll connect you."
Silence as she put me on hold.
"Andrew is that you?" Amy said as the line kicked into life.
"Hi babes, trip ok you got there safely?"
"Yeah no bother, tube was as horrendous as usual, you had dinner," she
asked.
"Yeah, you."
"Not yet just getting changed now, was in the shower five minutes ago."
"Oh sorry," I said.
"No its ok I'm just drying my hair, what you do today?" she asked.
"Went to the golf would you believe it," I replied.
"Eh yeah been a long time since you done that, play well."
"Eh not really as you said, have not played for a while."
"Well maybe you can get some practice in till you get a new contract,
any leads?" she asked.
"Eh there's one in the paper I can call about and there's a reply from
Baxter's the kitchen people saying they have nothing just now but will
keep my CV on file."
"Never mind, you will get something," she said.
"Listen Amy there was a message on the machine I just noticed it from a
Kenneth Jackson as the Council say's he wants to speak to you
urgently," I told her.
"That's the guy I was telling you about, I had a meeting with his
predecessor left a business plan with him he must have read it, I
wonder what he wants," she said.
"Don't know but it sounds urgent," I said.
"Ok I'll ring him in the morning before the first seminar," she said.
"I'll let you go eat now," I said.
"What you gonna do for the rest of the night," she asked.
"Eh just crash in front of the TV there's a film on later," I replied.
"Ok enjoy, I'll call you tomorrow," she said the line went dead just as
I went to say "Love you Babes." I put the phone down and returned to
the lounge. I lay on the settee and focussed my gaze on the pictures. A
few minutes later I was asleep.
The Set Up
Next morning I rose early and after glass of water I looked out my old
tracksuit. Yesterday's golf had made me realise how unfit I had become
after years of business lunches and night's in front of the TV. Don't
get me wrong weight had never been an issue as I ate well and sensibly.
But I was just not getting enough exercise.
I drove to a local community park I knew which had a red ash pathway
which snaked a few miles around it. Parking up I set of at a gentle
pace not wishing to overdo it. Gradually I settled into a rhythm and
threw in a few short sprints as well. After about an hour feeling good
about myself and resigned to a new regime of doing this daily till I
got a new job, I returned to the car. A quick stop at the petrol
station to fill up and pick up the daily paper to do some job hunting
and I was off home.
Putting the car in the garage I opened the kitchen door and walked
inside. Remembering last night when I had not checked the answer
machine and missed that call for Amy I walked through to the hallway.
The red light blinked into sight "Oh no I've missed another message," I
said to myself reaching out to press the button. The machine kicked
into life...
"Andrew, Andrew pick up where are you?" silence for a second as Amy
waited.
"Andrew look I need to speak to you it's urgent. There's no point in
calling me I'm at a seminar but please be by the phone lunchtime I'll
call you then."
the message ended. Must be important I thought returning to the kitchen
I tossed the paper on the table and went to make a light breakfast.
For the rest of the morning I sat in the lounge, scanning the paper for
vacancies I spotted two possibilities, circling them in red ink I vowed
to get to them later. I called a ex colleague who was still in sales to
enquire if there was any vacancies or anything he knew off "Nothing
doing just now old mate but I'll keep you in mind," he said as we ended
the call.
Just around 12:30 the phone burst into life. Crossing the lounge I went
to the hall and picked up the receiver.
"Andrew oh thank god your there, where were you this morning?" Amy
asked a bit exasperated.
"Eh I went for a run," I said.
"A run?"
"Yeah fitness drive, new me," I replied.
"Well forget that I need you to do something for me," she said.
"Anything babes just ask I free the rest of the day."
"That call yesterday it was from the Council as I said. Well it turns
out that the catering firm they have been using for most of their
banquet's and for the Leisure and Conference centre have gone into
receivership."
"Oh," was all I could say.
"Well I've got a shot at the contract, isn't that great, but I need to
meet with Mr Jackson."
"So does that mean you're coming home early?" I asked.
"Eh well not really, I though you could meet him," she said.
"Yeah I can do that but you said he needs to meet with you."
"Yeah that's right well if you're not coming home then how...."
Suddenly, a thought was coming into my mind. I hoped it was not true
but the conversation seemed to be heading that way.
"Eh you don't mean what I think you mean?" I asked.
"Yes I do."
"Amy that's nuts he will read me right away, you will throw away the
contract."
"Rubbish Andrew, you know you are so convincing you only need a little
help and you will be fine, babes you can do it," she said.
There was silence as my mind whirred and my heart pumped as much as the
idea appealed to one part of me the though also terrified me.
"Andrew you there?" she asked.
"Yeah I'm here, this is mad can't you just come home."
"No I can't tomorrow's session is really important to me and he needs
to see me tomorrow, so will you do it, for me, for us, for the
business. You know how hard I've tried to get that contract."
I could hear some emotion in Amy's voice as if she was close to tears,
now Amy and tears were a certain loser for me. It's not that she cried
a lot, she was not really the emotional sort but when she did I just
caved in to whatever had brought it on. I stood and thought chewing my
lip nervously as I did.
"Well I suppose, I could maybe."
"Yes I knew you would do it, I love you babes. Now listen I've not got
much time left before I need to go. You remember Sheila who worked for
me for a little while."
"Eh yes she left a few years back."
"Well she went to beauty school; she's qualified now set up her own
salon."
"Oh, and..."
"Well I called her told her about our little situation and she agreed
to help."
"How?"
"With you silly."
"Sorry I'm still not getting you."
"Look I told her I could not go but you would go in my place."
"You told her I would dress as you, but how come I had not even said
yes yet."
"I just knew you would do it for me, anyway she's going to help. First
you need to go out and get an outfit," she said.
"Why can't I just.."
"No way buddy, I might be letting you do this but you're not dressing
in my clothes. No you go out and get something of your own; you know
what I normally dress like so you will be fine."
"Ok, then what?"
"Well later tonight after six you go and see Sheila the address is in
the little telephone book in the drawer under the phone. The salon will
be shut then and she will help you out."
"With what," I said.
"Look I've already spoken to her and explained she knows what to do
just be there after six. Ok, look I need to go," she said, I could here
somebody moving about in the background.
"You clear after six and oh take a bath and use that hair removal cream
in the bathroom cupboard, ok."
"Ok," I said a bit reluctantly.
"Good, oh and babes I love you for this, I'll call you later tonight
and see how you got on."
The phone went dead; I stood and stared at the receiver not quite
believing what I had just agreed to do. Slowly I put it back in place;
I better move I thought I've got an outfit to buy.
The Salon Visit
I was still in an element of shock at what Amy had asked me to do as I
backed the car out of the driveway and headed towards town. That night
just a few short months's ago when I had been Morticia Addams came back
to me. Like any cross dresser who has given up their hobby the
slightest little reminder or temptation can make them lapse back to
their old ways. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you're born
with the urge then it never leaves you.
Sure you can deny yourself the thrill, but in some way you are only
masking the real you and for many that can lead to problems some have
difficulty dealing with. Anyway I could still not believe I had been
given a free pass by Amy to dress again. My heart was beating with
excitement as I pulled into the shopping centre car park and drew to a
halt.
I walked the short distance to the entrance and into the brightly lit
hive of activity. Shoppers bustled up and down the polished tile floor,
now what do I need I thought making a mental note in my head as I moved
a amongst them.
Eh a business suit something smart but with a hint of sex appeal, a
blouse again smart but sexy and heels, the higher the better I thought
to myself as I scanned the shops looking for possibilities.
I spotted Debenhams, ideas I thought should be able to get everything
in there. The familiar nervous feeling's that I had experienced in the
past returning to haunt me. I knew that I would probably go in and
circle rails time after time thinking that the whole shop was watching
me as if I had a flashing neon sign above me saying crossdresser. I
knew however that I would eventually over come it and get what I
wanted. "Here goes," I said to myself as I pushed the door open.
.......
An hour later I emerged from the store four bulging packages hanging
from my arms. As expected I had hovered about the ladies sections for
ages looking at displays all the time conscious that the security
cameras were on me along following me from rail to rail as I cast my
eyes over the selections available. Eventually I had picked out a black
skirt suit with a sort of sheen to the jacket and skirt. This bought
with the usual excuses, "Eh it's for the wife's birthday," as the sales
assistant checked me over, a small bead of sweat trickling on my
forehead, she knows, my head screamed as she rang up the sale.
The same performance further down the shop, where I picked out a nice
red spaghetti strap camisole to wear underneath the jacket. On to the
shoes now they had been a problem, I just fell neatly outside the
ladies popular range with size seven so sometimes the choice was
limited. Time had passed as I walked through the stands looking for
something eventually I saw them a black patent show with a red heel.
Checking the size it was only a five damn, I thought well there's only
one thing for it, I'll need to ask the assistant if they have my size.
Picking one up I looked around a young girl maybe early twenties stood
of to the left, I moved towards her.
"Eh excuse me Miss; I was wondering if you have this in a seven, it's
for my wife," I said the exclamation on wife. She looked at me
strangely knowing full well that guy's don't buy shoes for their wife's
I mean they would never trust them with such an arduous and important
task, would they.
"Eh we did have' I'll just check the stock room, sir," she said as she
strode off.
I stood there like some flashing beacon in the middle of the store as I
waited.
Minutes passed that seemed like hours, women strolled past some just
looking other's with shoes in hand to try on. Then from the rear of the
counter she appeared a box tucked under her arm.
"I think this is what your looking for, sir," the emphasis on the
"Sir," again.
"You're lucky that's last pair we have," she said handing me the box.
"Eh thanks I'll take them," I said taking the box from her.
"Ok just pay for them over there," she said pointing towards a cash
desk.
"Eh thanks," I said scurrying off happy that the ordeal was over.
I finished off my shopping with the purchase of a black leather smart
shoulder bag with a gold chain strap and a pair of black leather
gloves. Yeah I know I didn't need them but the opportunity was there so
I took it. All in all my purchases came to just under ?250 pounds, Amy
would go spare but then it was her idea!
Back at the car I stored my purchases away, glancing at my watch I saw
it was just gone four. Enough time to get home and change before my
salon appointment. Now this worried me and I wondered exactly what Amy
had arranged, soon I would find out.
Back home I checked the telephone book for the number, there it was, I
picked up the phone and dialled the number, it rang.
"Sheila's Salon, good afternoon, can I help you?" the young voice said
at the other end of the line.
"Eh, Eh, yes I was looking for Sheila," I stammered.
"Just a minute," the sound of the phone being placed on a counter then
"Sheila it's for you," I could hear the voice call.
A voice spoke, "Hello, Sheila here."
"Eh Hello it's Andrew Clark here," I said my voice wavering as I
thought about what I was calling for.
"Oh Hello Andrew, I've talked to Amy she explained everything," she
said a slight giggle in her tone.
"I was just wondering how I should dress tonight?" I asked my face
blushing as I asked the question.
"No need to go to any trouble just wear say sweat pants and a top, oh
and maybe a cap would be a good idea," she replied.
"Eh ok."
"There's a little access road that runs along the back, for deliveries
and that. Just drive in there, there's a sign on the wall so you will
know where to stop."
"Right ok," I said my nerve recovering a bit; at least I didn't have to
go in the front door.
"Don't worry it will only be me that's here, ok, so see you just after
six, you'll be a couple of hours no more," she said.
"Ok."
"Right see you then, bye," she said as the phone was replaced and the
line went dead.
Jesus a couple of hours I thought to myself, what was she going to do;
looking at the clock it had just gone five. "Better have something to
eat," I said to myself as I strode towards the kitchen.
It was five past six as I turned left into the deserted lane that ran
behind the shops driving slowly I spotted the sign and parked up.
Locking the car I moved towards the door and knocked. My heart was
beating as if it was about to burst from my body.
The door swung open bright light assaulting my eyes. "Andrew, come in."
I stepped inside she shook my hand.
"This must be a bit strange for you," I stammered.
"A bit, but we have had a couple of transsexual customers before, but
it's the first time I've helped deceive a council official," she said a
slight snigger in her tone.
"First time for me as well," I said trying to sound relaxed.
"Yeah but not the first time you've dressed, I hear."
I blushed not sure what Amy had told her. "Eh no I went to a Halloween
party as Morticia Adams a few months back," I said trying to make light
of it.
"I see," she said not giving anything else away. "Well this might be a
bit different, look here's a robe change into it and join me over at
the through at the front of the shop."
She walked away through a set of swing doors leaving me standing there
looking down at the robe in front of me. I began to undress piling my
clothes on a chair. A few minutes later dressed in the robe I walked
through to join her.
"Here sit," she said pointing to a chair beside a wall mounted sink.
"I'll just wash you hair and dry it a bit," she said as I walked over
sitting down she spread a towel around my neck and adjusting the seat
she leant me back and began washing my hair.
The sweat smelling shampoo and the relaxing way her fingers massaged my
scalp made me relax as I wondered what else the night had in store.
Soon my hair was washed and under a dryer as she moved around kneeling
down I felt her hands caress my legs. "Oh they are smooth," she said.
"Eh yeah I don't have really hairy legs and I used Amy's hair removal
cream yesterday."
"Underarms and chest as well?" she asked.
I nodded, "Ok then we can do without the torture of waxing then, I'll
just shape and thin your eyebrows a bit," she said picking up some
small scissors she moved in closer to me and began to cut.
With my eyebrows trimmed she commenced work on my drying hair combing
and cutting a little. Pulling over a trolley she selected a couple of
strands of hair.
"These are extensions," she said holding one up.
"I'm just going to put some in, now you can wash them and treat them
like real hair; I'll take them out for you after your meeting."
"Ok," I nodded, nervous about what was going on but in a funny way
exited as I was getting the chance to do something that most closeted
cross dressers would love the chance to do. She worked away then
finally it was over.
"Ok time to have a look," she picked up a large mirror and placed it in
front of me.
I looked at the sight in front of me my hair in a dark page boy like
style while not long in length the hair was much fuller and shinier,
very similar to Amy's current style; the thin arched eyebrow's
enhancing the feminine look.
"Wow!" was all I could mumble.
Sheila walked away to a set of cupboards opening drawers she took out
small boxes examining each one before putting it back. Finally having
found what she was looking for she returned.
"Let's see your hands," she said, I lifted one to her, and she took it.
"Yeah these should be fine."
She handed me the box. I looked at it, false nails. "Amy had her nails
done recently didn't she?"
"Yeah," I replied.
"Ok well just glue them on and you will be fine, now your ears are
pierced," I believe she said a smirk crossing her lips. I nodded,
before meeting Amy I had got them done at the height of my interest in
cross dressing. "Ok then that's about it then," she said as I stood.
"Eh I suppose I should pay you," I said sheepishly.
She gestured with her hand "No that's ok Amy paid by card when she
called me, now I'm out of town for the next couple of days," she said
walking towards the door, "so you will need to come back Saturday
morning to get your hair fixed."
"Not before then!" I said a bit put out.
"Well I could arrange for one of my other stylist's to do it for you,"
she said that smirk appearing on her face once again.
"Eh no it's ok," I said as I reached the door, "I'll wait," as the
outside air hit me.
"Ok, see you Saturday then, oh and enjoy," she said as the door closed
behind me.
I drove home, Saturday I thought to myself well I suppose it would be
ok I mean it's not as if I'm working and I had nothing planned for the
rest of the week, and maybe just maybe I could make the most of this I
thought as I turned into our driveway.
The Meeting
I woke up the next morning early, high on excitement about the day
ahead. I wasn't worried I knew I would pass as a women, I had done so
many times before, before I had married Amy. The prospect of dressing
and securing a contract for her didn't worry me either, I mean after
all I was a salesman. I ran a hot bath sprinkling in some scented bath
salts, the hot water sending bilious clouds of steam in the air.
Relaxing back in the hot water, I soaped myself feeling the smoothness
of my body. That hair free felling I had felt so many times before.
Relaxing back I smelt the aroma of the feminine scent which would be
seeping in to my skin as the water lapped around my legs.
The phone rang, damn. I stepped out of the cooling water patting myself
dry. Instinctively I tied a large towel around me as a female would
just above the breasts. Moving out of the en-suite bathroom I looked
around spotting pair of Amy's open toed mule slippers I picked them up.
I knew my feet would be too big for them but the open toes would allow
me to slip my feet into them, the one inch heel felt good under my
weight as I walked towards the phone.
"Hello," I said pushing the receiver to my ear.
"Morning babes, just me to see how you are getting on."
"Ok, you?" I said.
"Not bad so how was Shirley did she come through?" Amy asked.
"Yeah but she can't see me again till Friday to sort my hair and that,"
I replied.
"Well that's not a problem is it; you've nothing planned had you."
"Eh I suppose not."
"So what are you doing?"
"Eh just had a bath."
"Hope you're not using my scented bath salts," she said with a giggle.
My face flushed as I could smell their aroma from my warm skin, "Eh
no," I said my voice a bit nervous. Calm down I thought, it's not as if
she can smell me down the phone.
"Ok I'll let you go and get ready, and please try Andrew," she said.
"I will try my best dear after all I'm a salesman," I replied.
"I know babes. I'll call you tonight see how you got on, ok."
"Ok," I said as the line went dead.
An hour later I was standing dressed in the clothes I had bought just
yesterday for the meeting. Straightening the jacket I looked in the
mirror. Yeah I still had the knack I said to myself looking at the
expertly made up face with the mid red lipstick on my lips the
carefully made up eyes in two tone blue and the thicker mascara coated
lashes. My hair looked good and the nails I had fitted gleamed as the
light caught the matching red polish.
I glanced at the clock on the wall, just gone eleven the meeting was at
1:30pm, time to get going I thought. I could have a stroll around the
shops before meeting Mr Jackson. Get the confidence up mixing with
shoppers I thought as I picked up Amy's bottle of "Poison," perfume and
sprayed it liberally on my neck a couple of shots to my wrists and I
dropped it into the bag. I lifted Amy's business file from the table,
slipping a shoulder bag over my shoulder I walked to the door and
headed for my meeting.
The roads were quiet that morning as I pulled into the parking lot
behind the shopping centre. Parked, I stepped out of the car taking my
bag and file I locked the car and headed off to the shopping centre
that familiar sound of heels clicking on the hard surface as I walked
along. Inside the shops were quiet a range of young mothers pushing
buggys with children and a mix of workers on lunch breaks as I strolled
along.
Glancing at my Amy's watch on my wrist I noted it was just before
twelve thirty, time for a coffee I thought as I walked along but first
while the cats away the mouse can play I thought to myself. Spotting a
newsagents I walked in the young assistant looked up and smiled.
"Twenty Berleky Menthol and one of your disposable lighters?" I asked.
The girl reached behind her and picked up my purchases. Opening my bag
I took out the purse that I had borrowed form Amy and opened it taking
out the money I offered her it, smiling she handed me the cigarettes
and the lighter I popped them in the bag as she rung up the till and
handed me back my change.
"Have a nice day," she said as I turned.
"Eh you too," I said as I headed for the store exit.
I scanned the mall and spotted and outdoor caf? about 100 yards down. I
walked towards it soon I was seated and a waitress approached taking my
order for a coffee and a Tuna and Sweetcorn sandwich I sat back and
watched the people going about there business. Opening the bag I took
out the cigarettes removing the cellophane and silver wrapping paper I
pulled one free and put it to my lips. The flame of the lighter kicked
into life as I pushed the tip of the cigarette forward into the naked
flame. Inhaling I sucked in the smoke and then taking the cigarette
form my mouth I blew a stream of smoke upwards. The red stain, on the
white tip reminding me that I was Amy for the day.
I scanned the mall as I sat smoking my cigarette watching people go
about their daily business unaware of my presence or that I was
impersonating my wife. I mean after all why should they I looked
convincing, I knew that I had done this many times before I had married
Amy, going out mixing in the gay and straight scene, I had guys hit on
me before unaware of my true gender. I'd never done anything of course
except a little kiss here or there all the time wondering what it would
be like to push it just that little bit further but not having the
courage to do so. I glanced at the gold watch that circled my wrist,
ten minutes to my meeting with Mr Jackson; crushing out the cigarette I
drank the last of my coffee. Opening my bag I dropped the cigarettes
and lighter back into it and lifting out the perfume I sprayed some
more on me to disguise the smell of smoke. Standing I walked from the
caf? and headed towards the Council Offices for my meeting.
The imposing glass fa?ade of the Council Offices was just yards in
front of me I could feel a moistness in my palms as I approached, "Stay
calm, It'll be Ok," I mumbled to myself as I stepped into the revolving
door and out into the tiled cool lobby. My heels echoed loudly on the
tiles as I neared the reception desk.
"Can I help you Madam?" the receptionist asked.
"Eh, I'm Amy Clark I have an appointment with Kenneth Jackson," I said
stuttering ever so slightly.
She looked down scanning a sheet of paper attached to a clipboard.
"Ah yes Ms Clark, his office is on the second floor." She pointed
towards a lift. "Take this pass," she went on, "and the receptionist
will meet you at the lift."
"Thanks," I said taking the plastic pass from her I turned and moved
towards the lift. Inside I clipped the pass to the lapel of my jacket
and pressed the button for Floor 2 the doors closed and the lift began
to rise.
The lift stopped with that familiar "ding" as the doors slid open. An
attractive woman in her mid twenties or so stood waiting.
"Ms Clark this way," she said gesturing for me to follow her. I walked
behind her the tight black skirt moving in tandem with her ass checks
as the moved up and down.
"Take a seat there, I'll just see if he's ready for you," she said
gesturing towards a settee by the wall.
She left me and disappeared through a door. I sat down being carefully
to cross my legs in a lady like manner. Minutes passed which seemed
like hours my palms still a bit sweaty as I nervously waited. I opened
my bag took out a tissue spotting my cigarettes how I wished I could
have one now. I wiped my palms and scrunching it up dropped it into the
litter basket. A door opened I looked up.
"You can go through now he's waiting for you," she said holding the
door open as I rose and walked towards her. "Room 28 on the left," she
said as I passed her. "Thanks," I said as the door closed behind me.
I walked along the corridor glancing at the room numbers, 28 there it
was I looked down pulled my jacket down and raising my hand knocked on
the door.
"Come in," a voiced sounded from behind the door, reaching for the door
handle I turned it and stepped inside.
Mr Jackson
"Mrs Clark, pleased to meet you at last," he said as he rose and walked
over to me shaking my hand. "Here t