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Gerry had showered twice and washed his face a dozen times, but he was pretty sure that a little mascara remained from yesterday's training in the maternity dress and foundation garments. His mother was due to come by in the next half an hour or so to pick up Mila and Gerry to take Gerry shopping for a new blazer and some new shirts and pants to wear while he filled in for the receptionist at his mother's investment firm, where his wife and sister also worked. A little gurgle came from the bouncy chair in the next room, so Gerry dried his face and went to check on his niece. "How's my little princess." He asked in an excited coo at the child. As he picked her up he continued to speak baby-talk to her. "You look so beautiful today, Princess. Yes you do. Grandma is going to want to show you off to everybody. Yes she is. And why wouldn't she? You're the prettiest and best baby in the world, aren't you?" Mila smiled and giggled at the attention. She was still developing her concepts of the world, but she knew that Uncle Gerry loved her and that was plenty to make her happy. Gerry had dressed Mila in his favorite dress. It was a classic, little girl's dress. Pale pink, with a white Peter Pan collar, puffy little sleeves, a smocked bodice with little red hearts embroidered all over it and a puffy little skirt that just covered the disposable diaper and pink plastic panties she wore beneath. He'd prepared the diaper bag for an afternoon of shopping and was ready to go. He did wish that it was possible to get a diaper bag that looked a little less feminine, though. The bag that Taylor had given him to use was a bright pink checkered affair with a long, white shoulder strap that was covered in lace. Months ago, Gerry had tried to adapt a gym- duffle to act as a replacement to these feminine accouterments, but there was just no replacement for a well designed diaper bag, so - pink checks and a lace covered shoulder strap would have to do. A knock sounded at the door. "Huh," Gerry whispered to his little charge, "that's odd. Grandma usually comes right in." He walked to the door, Mila happily bouncing along in his arms, and opened door to reveal a thirty-something, attractive woman with a large, rolling suitcase. "May I help you?" Gerry asked. "I think so." She smiled down at him. She probably would have been a good couple inches taller than him in bare feet, but she was wearing very high heels. "Is this 1753 Flagler Estates Way?" "Yes," Gerry answered, expecting an explanation. ""Then you must be Gerry!" She seemed overly happy as she pushed her way past him into his townhouse. "Yes, I am, but... excuse me, ma'm, but what exactly is going on here?" "Oh, I'm sorry." She laughed at her lack of protocol as she extended her hand. "I'm Veronica, your mother's hairdresser. I do her hair every Monday afternoon. Usually at the office, but today she asked me to come here." "Oh, I see." Gerry was a bit relieved. "You're looking for 1755 Flagler Estates Way. That's next door. My mother lives there. I don't think she's home just yet, but..." The woman smiled and shook her head. "She didn't tell you, did she?" "Apparently not." Gerry waited for clarification. "I'm meeting your mother here today to do your hair as well as hers. I understand that you'll be working for her this week and she wants me to neaten up, as she put it, 'my son's rat's nest of hair' so that you'll look nice at her offices. I'm sorry if you didn't expect me. She asked me to come here early to get started on you before she comes. I'll touch her up while your hair is drying." "Oh, I see..." Gerry remained nonplussed. He shouldn't be surprised that his mother would go this far, but, strangely enough, he was. "Well... I'll need to put Mila down for a bit. Umm... I guess I could set up her playpen and let her watch some Sesame Street. Could you give me just a moment to set that up?" "Of course." The woman smiled. "Here, let me take that beautiful baby from you while you set things up." "Oh, ok. Thank you." Gerry handed her to the beautician and hustled to grab the portable playpen. He pushed the kitchen table to the side and set it up there so that he could keep an eye on her. "You have an absolutely adorable little girl and I love her dress and the way you've done her hair in those pink ribbons." "Thank you," he huffed with the effort of trying to get everything done at once. "That's Mila. She's actually my niece. I take care of her during the day." "Oh, how nice! I suppose her mommy picked out this dress, I'd love to know where she got it." "Actually, no," Gerry said with a great deal of pride. "I bought her that dress. My sister buys her lots of sports team shirts and things like that. I just love to get her all dolled up in something pretty." As soon as the words left his lips, he knew that he'd sounded silly. Being a doting caregiver to a little girl had required Gerry to explore the feminine side of his personality a bit, but he was still embarrassed to display that side of himself to anyone outside of Mila, Stevie and Taylor. "I bought the dress at 'Little Ones' downtown. I buy most of her dresses there." "How sweet," Veronica smiled. "Now, I understand why your mother wants to treat you to a nice treatment." Gerry attached his iPad to the side of the playpen and started an episode of Sesame Street, which immediately got Mila's attention. She leaned back and reached for the playpen, nearly pulling herself free of Veronica's grasp. "Hey, you!" Veronica held her more tightly and kept her from falling. "Boy, she really loves Sesame Street, doesn't she?" Gerry laughed. "I don't let her watch TV much and it's only ever Sesame Street, so, yes, she loves it." "My goodness! No Disney Channel or other cartoons?" "Nope. It's Sesame Street or I read to her." "Really!? That's wonderful. What do you read to her?" Gerry smiled. "Well, she loves the picture books, of course, but sometimes she just wants to hear a voice, so I read her literature. The Brontes or Jane Austin or Louisa May Alcott. Sometimes it's poetry - Dickinson, Browning... whatever. It all makes her happy." "Hmmm," Veronica smiled. "All women writers. Interesting." Gerry shrugged. "I'm hoping to inspire her." "Very nice." Veronica pulled her roller suitcase into the kitchen and placed it on the floor, opening it to reveal a plethora of bottles, cans and equipment. "We've got a lot to do to get that hair of yours under control, so we should get started." She removed several bottles of hair products and placed them on the counter. "Come on over to the sink so that we can get your hair washed." She began running water, testing it with her hand and making sure the temperature was correct. "Come on. I won't bite." She smiled at the obviously apprehensive little man. "Ummm..." He hesitated. "I thought you were just trimming the split ends and stuff like that. I don't want to cut it short - regardless of what my mother may have said." "Oh, don't worry, sweetie." She smiled. "I just need to wash it and condition it before we start. Your hair is obviously starving for nourishment. We may do a hot oil treatment, too. You know how your mom is about appearances in the office!" "Yes, I do, and that's what worries me." "Oh, come on. I'm going to shampoo it a couple of times, then put in a conditioner. After that, if I think it needs the hot oil treatment, I'll do that too, then another washout and we'll be ready to start shaping your hair." "Ok, then." Gerry went to the sink where Veronica wrapped a pale blue, plastic cape around him. She turned him so she could close the clasps on the cape and pulled his hair through the opening. "This will protect your shirt from the water and the chemicals." "What chemicals?" "Whatever chemicals we end up using to make your hair beautiful." He huffed. "Let's just shoot for 'acceptable' and leave 'beautiful' for someone else." "Bend over," Veronica laughed. As she worked the water and then the shampoo into his scalp she complimented him on his house and how well he kept it and how well he took care of a Mila. "You are quite the little homemaker, aren't you?" She teased. "I guess." Gerry accepted the compliment. "Is that why you're going to the Halloween party as a woman?" Gerry froze. "Excuse me?" "Oh." Veronica felt his unease. "Don't worry, dear. Your secret is safe with me." He tried to stand upright, but Veronica had her hand on his back. "I don't have a secret." "Your costume, I mean," she laughed. "I just meant your costume. Listen, Gerry, every October I am inundated with men and boys needing makeovers to look like women and girls. At least you will be able to pass." "Pass?" "As a woman. I mean, for a straight guy, you're very cute, in a plump- mommy kind of way. You'll look adorable in a little black dress." "No, he won't," came a voice from behind. Kate had let herself in. "He will look adorable in a maternity dress." "Oh, an expectant little mommy," Veronica laughed. "Even better." She wrapped his hair, turban style, then let Gerry stand straight for a few minutes while the conditioner worked. "Hi, mom," he smiled. "Hello, Gerry." She kissed his cheek and proceeded past him to kiss Mila as well. "Oh, I love the dress you put her in, Gerry, did you buy that for her." "Does it say 'Miami Marlins,' or 'Boston Red Sox' on it?" Gerry asked. "No. It's perfectly lovely," Kate replied. "Then I bought it for her." Kate smiled. "I have to admit, Gerry," Kate places a kitchen chair next to the playpen then sat so she could interact with Mila, "that I was very skeptical and a little concerned when I came home last night and found my son looking like a pregnant woman for the second time, but Stevie has convinced me that it was just to try out a few things for the costume party." Gerry looked from his mother to Veronica and back again. Why would she start talking about this with Veronica here? "Umm, yeah, that's true, mom. I'll do it for you guys to win." "And that's very sweet of you, Gerry. It's funny - this morning I was at the Starbucks across the street from my offices and I ran into Janice Llewelyn. You know Janice, right? She has a law firm on the third floor of my building. Tall girl. Beautiful eyes. Any way, she immediately started talking about our annual Halloween bash and she was all excited about the costume competition. It seems that, this year, they have added a prize to the traditional trophy." "Really?" Gerry was genuinely curious. "What's the prize?" "It's an eight person hot tube, Gerry. Now, I could never rationalize spending tens of thousands of dollars on something as frivolous as a hot tube, but if I were to get one for free... we'll, that would be quite lovely." "But mom," Gerry pointed out, "if I won, it would be 'my' hot tub, right?" "Well, yes and no, Gerry. Here's what I was thinking - if I were to help you to look, dress and act like the perfect, pregnant woman so that you could win, then we could all share it right out back here. Wouldn't that be nice?" "Yes, mom, it would." "Ok, then, I'd like to have Veronica give you a complete makeover today. The works, Gerry - hair, nails, eyebrows, makeup, everything. That way you can practice your act and between your sister, Stevie and me, we could have you up to speed by the big day. What do you say?" Feeling very much on the spot and not wanting to get into a big fight with his mother in front of a stranger, he tried to set a reasonable tone for the conversation. "Umm, mom, I appreciate you wanting to win, but it's still a few weeks away and how would it look if I'm sitting at your reception desk dressed as a guy, but with long nails and women's eyebrows?" "Pretty foolish, I should think," Kate scoffed, "which is why you'll be covering the reception desk dressed in your maternity clothes." "What!?" Gerry screamed. "Mom! You can't be serious!" "I am as serious as a heart attack, Gerry." "Mom! What if someone recognizes me!? I'd be a laughing stock!" "Oh, come now, Gerry, who is going to recognize you? Taylor and Stevie already know. You'll be covering for Monica, so she won't know, and that leaves Laura and Erin. Laura started in May and Erin in August. Neither has ever met you. Face it, Gerry, it's the perfect training camp for you. Four days out in public, in disguise as a woman. No one will be any the wiser once Veronica is finished with you, right Veronica?" "She's right, Gerry. When I'm done, you'll just be another pretty face. I promise." Gerry shook his head. "Mom... come on... this is nuts." "Let me up the ante a little, then." Kate folded her arms. "I understand that you intend to take your wife to St Thomas for your first anniversary, is that correct?" "Yes, but you've already agreed to give her the time off for that." "Yes, I did, but how do you intend to pay for that trip?" "We have money, mom." "What money?" "The money in our bank accounts." "That's Stevie's money, Gerry." "No, mom. It's our money. Stevie always says so." "So you're planning on taking her on a trip using money that she earned. Wouldn't it be a bit more gallant of you to pay for the trip yourself?" "Mom, I don't have that kind of money. You know that." "No, but you could EARN the money." "By doing this?" Kate nodded. "You do this for me, Gerry, and I'll pay for the whole trip. Plane tickets, hotel, food, everything. It's just four days work in what I promise will be comfortable, pretty clothing and you can take that tall goddess that you married on a trip to remember. I think that's a much nicer present, don't you?" Gerry felt a knot in his stomach, but he knew that he was going to have to do this. He'd hate himself if he had a way to pay for the trip, but used Stevie's money instead. He breathed deeply and tried to figure out a way out of this. There was none. She had him and she knew it. "Ok. I'll do it, but I don't want to look like a joke or a drag queen. I need to look... right. A regular, everyday, pregnant woman. Ok?" "Of course, my dear." Kate smiled and stood. "Veronica, I shall leave my new daughter in your capable hands while I run next door to change. I'll be back and you can touch up my hair while Gerry's new hair color is setting up." "You want to dye my hair!?" Gerry was frightened. "Of course, Gerry. It's for your own good. It'll make you look so much different that, even if you should run into someone you knew, they'd never recognize you." "Don't worry," Veronica smiled. "I'm going to choose a complimentary color for you. Nothing garish or weird. It'll look great. I promise. Now, let's rinse that conditioner out of your hair." *** Gerry was in the office changing Mila's diaper when his mother returned. He was wearing a plastic cap to keep the dye on his head and he knew that he looked incredibly foolish. "Grandma is going to make Uncle Gerry into a jackass, Mila. Yes she is," he spoke in his baby voice. "She's going to make me look like an idiot and Uncle Gerry is going to sell his dignity for the chance to maybe, just for once, look like a breadwinner. He's going to look like a woman just so he can appear to be a man in the eyes of his wife. Life can be pretty silly, Mila. Yes it can. Yes it can!" "Gerry, can you come out here, please?" Kate called. Gerry picked up his niece and adjusted the perfect little dress she was wearing. "Oh, aren't you the prettiest girl in the world? Yes, you are!" He cooed some more as he headed back into the kitchen. "Gerry, Veronica have been speaking and I think, and she agrees, that in order to get you properly made up and your hair properly styled, that you need to be in your costume... or rather, your disguise. So, please put on your maternity undergarments and a nice dress. Once Veronica has seen you in the dress then you can take it off and you can wear this. I picked it up for you on the way home." She held a simple, satin robe out in front of her. It was a dark rose color with black lace trim along the opening, the bottom and the sleeves, which would only come to his elbows. "Now?" he said, not wanting to don the pregnancy persona with Veronica there. "Now, Gerry. Don't dawdle, dear. I'll help you. Come on." "Mom, I just... I just think it would be silly to put all of that on, right now." "Gerry," Kate did not like being opposed for any reason. "You are going to put on everything that I request you to wear. You are about to take on a very difficult disguise and Veronica is here to help you. You must work with her. Besides, look at yourself. Your hair is in a dye-cap and your taking care of a baby. Gerry, I'm a woman of average height and I am at least three inches taller than you. Veronica is taller than me in those heels of hers. If you're concerned about losing your masculinity, then don't be - it's long gone, my child. Essentially, you are your sister's nanny and it is high time that you started dressing for your position." Gerry was shocked at his mother's harsh tone. He knew that she was just saying these things to force him to cooperate, but they really cut him to the bone. Partially because they insulted his male pride, but partially because it was all so goddamned true. For a moment, he looked as if he was going to cry. "Mom-" He hesitated and sunk his nose into Mila's soft, dark hair for a moment as he chose his words. "I am not my sister's nanny. I am my niece's caregiver and I love her in a way that I never expected to be able to love another human being. Now, I don't expect to be applauded for being a good caregiver to my beautiful niece, but I don't intend to be demeaned because of it, either. Also, if you think that saying that I am less a man than anyone else because of my size, then that's fine. Bullies have done that to me my whole life. But if you think that saying that I act like a woman to take of Mika is some kind of an insult, then you're wrong. Everyone I love is a woman - Stevie, Taylor, Mila and even you. I act the way I act when I'm taking care of Mila because it's good for Mila. If that seems girlish or womanly, then that's fine, because it's good for Mila. I'm not insulted, but I am hurt that you see me as such a disappointment." "Oh, Gerry." Kate, who had a great deal of difficulty expressing affection or even giving positive feed back, looked about to cry herself, now. "That's not what I mean." She sighed. "Gerry, you know that I love you and I am as proud of you as I could possibly be. I'm sorry. I guess I was just trying to goad you into doing what I wanted. You are a wonderful uncle and my favorite son. Both Mila and I are lucky to have you. Do you forgive me?" He nodded. "Sure. I'm sorry, too." "Thank you," she touched his cheek and smiled. "Now, I hate to be too pushy, but I am paying Veronica by the hour, so... if you wouldn't mind getting dressed..." Gerry handed his mother her granddaughter. "Yeah. I'll be out in a few minutes." *** Stevie was a bit surprised to find the front door locked when she got home. As she turned the key in the lock, Taylor peeked into the side window. "I don't think they're home, yet," Taylor said. "It's dark in there." It was nearly eight o'clock at night. Stevie and Taylor had gotten a message from Kate stating that she and Gerry had gotten a late start and she was taking Gerry and Mila for some dinner before coming home. Since Gerry and Kate were going out, Taylor and Stevie decided to go to a lovely East African Cuisine restaurant downtown. It was delicious. "Gerry!? Honey!?" Stevie called into the twilight of the townhouse. "Nope. They're not home, yet." "Geez," Taylor grimaced as they turned on lights and walked through the front room, "I hope everything's ok. I mean, they've been gone for hours. Mila must be getting tired and cranky by this time of night. Being caught between a cranky niece and a cranky mother must be getting to Gerry." Stevie laughed. "Let's go sit on the porch and have a glass of wine." "I'll have to have some cranberry juice," Taylor smirked and pointed to her breasts. "Until the dairy closes, I need to keep my milk pure." "Oh, of course. Sorry. I'll have some cranberry juice, too. Do you want some ginger ale mixed with it?" "Whoa, lady," Taylor teased. "I have a baby, now. I can't be living on the wild side, like you kids." "Right," Stevie opened the refrigerator, "straight cranberry juice it is." "Oh, you know what?" Taylor snapped her fingers as if she'd just thought of something. "What?" "It would be great if you'd add a little ginger ale to that cranberry juice." Stevie smiled and chuckled a bit. "Ok, but don't be cursing me when you have a hangover tomorrow morning." Both women laughed at that. They settled in on the porch and sipped their drinks. They chatted about business and friends until Taylor asked, "How did Gerry deal with the news that he couldn't father children?" Stevie thought about that. "You know, it's not easy to be Gerry. He's smaller than most men and he's got you for a sister and me for a wife. We're both taller than him, stronger than him..." "More successful than him," Taylor said what Stevie was avoiding. "Look, Tay, you and I have been really lucky. Athletic scholarships and then your mom gave us opportunities that most people never get. Gerry works hard." "I know he does, Stevie, but how much money has he made since he started his own business?" Stevie shook her head. "Not much, but so what? I make plenty and he's absolutely wonderful doing the cooking and housework. Heck, he even helps you with the laundry sometimes. He cooks for both of us and just look at how good he is with Mila. No, we're not a traditional couple, but we love each other and we're happy. When he found out he'd never be a biological father, I thought that he was going to fall to pieces, and I think he might have when he was alone, but in public, he put on a brave face. Until this weekend, we've hardly talked about it." Taylor nodded. "He is amazing with Mila, though." Stevie wiped a tear from her eye. "Having said that," Taylor became serious, "I need to tell you something. I recently spoke to a lawyer about my will and I named you guys as Mila's guardians." "Really?" Stevie was surprised. "I assumed that she'd live with Fred if something ever happened to you - or Kate." Taylor shook her head. "I don't think that Fred's coming back, ever, and mom would still need Gerry to take care of Mila, so... She loves Gerry and if I was gone... well, he's the logical choice. I'm glad that Gerry has you... and that Mila has him, too." Suddenly Taylor was crying. "Tay?" Stevie was caught off guard. "Tay, what's the matter, honey. You're not sick, are you?" She shook her head. "No. Everything's just so... fucked up, Stevie. I thought Fred loved me and now don't know where he is or who he's with... I wanted to give my baby a perfect life, Stevie. I didn't want to be a single mom imposing on my brother and sister in law all the time. I love her so much, Stevie, but I'm so lonely and scared all the time. I put her to bed every night, then crawl into my bed, all alone and lonely... all I do is worry and cry and worry and cry." "About what?" "About everything, Stevie. Is she ok? Is she developing correctly? Is she going to be smart enough? What if something happens to me? What if something happens to her? Why am I all alone in that bed and where is that son of a bitch that I was so ready to spend my life with? What did I do to drive him away? Everything, Stevie. Everything." "Oh, Taylor," she took her friend's hand, "I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I thought that you were... never mind, look, honey, you are not alone. We are right here next door and your mom is just one door beyond that. You did nothing to drive Fred away, Taylor. Fred is a craven little coward who ran out on his wife and new born child. You'll find the right guy eventually, honey, I know you will." Taylor nodded and tried to calm her nerves. "Stevie, I'm so sorry that I lost it. Oh, God this is embarrassing. These hormones are making me crazy. " She wiped her eyes and laughed at herself. "Oh, God, I need a glass of wine so badly!" This set them both into a bout of sad laughter. "I'm sorry, Tay, but you know that we're here for you whenever you need us. Both of us. You know that Gerry loves you as much as he loves me or your mom... and as for Mila... well, I don't think I can even compete with Mila." They both smiled. "Thanks, Stevie. I love you guys, too." "We're back!" Kate called as she entered the door. "Where are you?" "On the porch, mom," Taylor called back. Then to Stevie she asked, "Do I look ok? I don't want her to know I was crying." "Here," Stevie handed her a napkin. "Just blow your nose and wipe your eyes. You'll look great." Taylor smirked at that, but wiped her eyes, blew her nose and took a deep breath as she prepared her appearance for her mother. "Well," Kate smiled as she set a multitude of bags on the floor near the doorway to the porch, "we had a wonderful day." "Really?" Stevie chuckled in surprise. "Gerry usually hates shopping." "Yes, well, today was different and I had a wonderful time. I think Gerry did, too." "Where is Gerry?" Taylor asked. "He's changing Mila. They'll be in in a minute, I'm sure. Oh, Taylor, that child was a perfect angel today and Gerry had her dressed so preciously... oh, I got so many compliments on my beautiful granddaughter! I was in heaven!" Taylor smiled at the praise. "I should go help Gerry." She stood to go, but Kate stopped her and said, "Just let Gerry be, now. He knows how to take care her as well or better than you do. I'm sure that he's got everything under control." Knowing her mother was right, Taylor sat back down. "Now," Kate clapped her hands, "about the rest of this week. We got a lovely little travel crib and a little playpen that will fit just perfectly behind Monica's desk so Gerry should be able to have my little angel there without any problems. I think we're all set for everything to go off without a hitch." "What if she gets fussy?" Stevie asked. "Then Gerry knows how to deal with that. A little crying isn't going to upset anyone." "Where is he going to be able to change her if he needs to?" Taylor asked. "There's one of those 'Panda' changing tables in the ladies' room," Kate smiled. "The ladies' room?" Stevie said surprised. "Won't it be a little odd to have Gerry using the ladies' room?" "Oh, I don't think that's going to be a problem," Kate smirked. Stevie and Taylor gave each other confused glances. "Kate," Stevie asked, "why, exactly, do you think that Gerry will be able to use the ladies' room without any problem?" Kate smiled like the cat who swallowed the canary and called into the house, "Gerry!? Are you almost done, dear?" "She's all changed, mom." When he entered the porch, both Stevie and Taylor let out huge gasps of shock. He was wearing an ankle length, navy blue dress with bright flowers printed on it that Stevie and Taylor had brought home from Goodwill over the weekend. It had short sleeves, a tiny hint of a white collar and showed just a very little cleavage. He also had little Mila held against his breast in her pretty, little dress. The fact that Gerry was wearing his baby-belt and bra and, assumably, panties to go out with his mother was surprising enough, but what really shocked them was his long, wavy, chestnut brown hair with subtle red highlights, his delicate, arched eyebrows, the dangling earrings that glittered through his hair and the masterfully applied makeup that changed his face drastically, making him look fresh and plump and fertile. "Hi," he said in a quiet, tentative and embarrassed voice. Both woman sat frozen in shock for several seconds before Stevie stood. "Gerry?" she asked, knowing it was him, but needing reassurance. "Is that you? What's going on?" "I can answer that," Kate smiled and she explained what had transpired throughout the day and her decision to have Gerry working in his disguise in order to properly train him for the contest. "Brilliant, right?" Stevie's breathing began to increase as she searched, but failed, for a way to approach her mother-in-law/employer in a rational manner. "Jesus Christ, Kate!" she erupted. "What the hell have you done!? He doesn't even look like himself, anymore!" "That was the point," Kate replied, calmly. "Alright, Stevie, calm down," Taylor tried to help. "Calm down!? My husband looks like a woman. Not like he's in costume, Taylor, he looks like a real woman!" "Isn't that what you wanted?" Kate smirked. "Well... yes and no, Kate! This is undoable, for crying out loud! His hair color! His eyebrows! He's a woman for real! It's not a costume any more! It's a lifestyle, for crying out loud!" Roused be the sounds of shouting, Mila began to cry and look for protection. "Shh," Gerry said as he bounced her and moved away from the noise. "Come on with Uncle Gerry, my love. Everything's ok. Everyone's just upset because Uncle Gerry is messing up everyone's life, as usual. Shh. Shh." They retreated to the bedroom. "Who do you think you are," Stevie continued, "to do something like this without talking to me about it first!?" "I didn't need to talk to you, Stevie," Kate was getting a bit annoyed that this conversation was still ongoing, "I spoke to my son. He's an adult. He can make his own decisions." "Mom, now that's not fair," Taylor offered. "You know that Gerry would never say 'no' to any of us. Especially you. You should have run this past Stevie first." "Alright, now both of you just sit back down and listen to me for a moment," Kate said with a tone that was commanding enough to make the women comply. "Now, look," she said as pleasantly as possible. "I am very concerned about my son. He is as bright as anyone, but he is floundering. Stevie, if it wasn't for you, he'd be destitute at this point. This is a golden opportunity to give him the kick in the pants that he so desperately needs. He is entirely capable of doing the receptionist's job at our office and that's what I want him doing for the next four days. Now, at the end of that time, I am hoping that he will be either so embarrassed by being in a dress all week, or feel such a sense of accomplishment by succeeding for a change, that he'll pull his life together and make some sensible decisions about his health and his career." The women nodded, calmed a bit by the thought that maybe Kate wasn't just being a bossy bitch. "But," Stevie said, "you still went miles further than I ever would have pushed him, Kate. The makeup looks amazing..." "And my hairstylist taught him how to do it himself," Kate interrupted. "... and that can be washed off, but his eyebrows will be months growing back and how long will it take that dye job to grow out?" "Why would you want to let it grow out?" Kate asked matter of factly. "It's beautiful." Stevie shook her head in confusion. "Because it's a woman's color, Kate. I wasn't planning on dying his hair, just having it done." "Tell me it doesn't look nicer than his typical, greasy, dirty blonde hair.? Stevie thought for a moment. ?Well, I?m not saying that... I mean, it looks beautiful, but men don?t typically walk around with beautiful hair.? ?No,? Kate nodded, ?because they don?t wear it that long. My feeling is, if he?s going to wear it long, then it should be beautiful, don?t you agree, Taylor?? ?Mom,? Taylor chose her words carefully, ?his hair isn?t the issue. It?s... well, did it ever occur to you that Gerry may not be cut out for a nine to five job? That, maybe, he?s happier here, at home.? ?What, just lazing around all day?? ?No, mom. Taking care of the house, cooking, cleaning, taking care of the baby. He hated working for that tech company. He loves doing this.? ?Being a housewife, you mean?? ?In a way, yes, I suppose, but so what. Look, mom, my place was a mess before and so was yours. We both kept talking about hiring a service, but then Gerry started coming by once or twice a week and now our houses are as neat and clean as this one.? ?So, he should just stay home and be a housekeeper.? ?No,? Stevie said. ?Not a house keeper, a partner in our marriage. I like coming home to a clean house and a nice hot supper. I like having you two join us, too. I couldn?t do that if Gerry was working full time. I?ll miss it this week.? ?Well, then,? Kate said, suddenly self satisfied, ?if he?s meant to be a housewife, then I?ve done you a favor and put him into the correct clothes. In my day, men went out and earned a living for their families. If you want to wear the pants in your marriage, Stevie, then I guess that?s fine, but if that?s the case, then maybe you?ll enjoy coming home to your little homemaker looking pretty in nice dresses.? ?Kate...? Stevie sighed. ?No, I mean it, Stevie. Be honest with yourself for a moment. When you left for work this morning, you were married to an overweight, slovenly man who didn?t smell all that nice. Now, your spouse is dressed well, has beautiful hair and smells absolutely delightful - I?ve seen to all that for you. Now, I suggest that you enjoy those improvements for the next four days and then, at the end of that time, you decide whether you?re better off with your previous spouse or this one. Frankly, I think you?ll either prefer this one or a slightly more boyish version of this one, but either way, I suspect that the pretty hair and perfumed soaps and shampoos are here to stay.? Stevie sighed and shook her head. ?Look, Kate, I?m not going to lie. I was pretty turned on when we put Gerry into that one-piece the other day and we had some fun that night, but I wasn?t looking to turn him into a woman forever. We?ll do these four days since you said that Gerry agreed to those, but after that, we just do what we need to do to win the contest, ok? No more forcing him into dresses except for what?s needed and we let his eyebrows grow back and his hair color grow out. Understood?? Kate smiled. ?Whatever you say. Now, let?s talk about his office attire.? Stevie looked at Taylor and they both raised their eyebrows at Kate?s enthusiasm. ?Now, that mint green, chiffon number you bought is fine,? Kate picked up the bags she?d placed on the floor, ?and that white cotton one with the roses is good, too, as long as he?s wearing pantyhose,? she dug into a bag and pulled out several plastic envelopes, ?which I bought him.? She laid them on the coffee table. The women nodded. They knew that Kate insisted that all the women working for her wore hosiery, even in the heat of Florida summers. Kate continued, ?That dress he?s wearing today is just too casual, though. Fine for shopping, but not for the office.? ?Of course,? Taylor said when Stevie remained silent. ?I bought him a few more office dresses, too. More than he?ll need, but... just in case. Besides, I?ve never had as much fun buying clothes for Gerry as I did today.? She smiled as she remembered the afternoon. ?It was nice to have my child and grandchild both dressed so prettily out on a shopping spree with me. Oh, that reminds me,? she handed Taylor a small, but full bag. ?These are all for Mila. Gerry picked them out and I bought them. That boy has an amazing eye for little girls? fashions.? She handed the bag to Taylor who thanked her mother. ?Now, this bag,? she picked up a bag from a store called ?A Pea in A Pod,? ?are five more dresses, all of which are perfect for the office. ?These two bags have some more casual dresses for her to put on when she comes home.? ?He,? Stevie said. ?I beg your pardon?? Kate said. ?He. Gerry is a ?he.? You said you bought ?casual dresses for her to put on when she comes home.? Gerry is a ?he.? I just want you to remember that.? Kate smiled, but moved on. ?This bag has several very lovely bras and a couple more belly belts. And this last bag has a variety of panties.? Stevie looked into the bag. ?How many pairs of panties did you buy him?? ?Oh, twelve or fifteen or so. Like I said, I was enjoying a lovely afternoon with my child and granddaughter. Maybe I got a little carried away.? *** It was an hour or more later after Kate had gone home when Taylor and Stevie opened the bedroom door and found Gerry sitting on the bed, his back against the headboard l asleep with Mila in a blanket sleeper laying on his breast. Taylor touched his smooth cheek. ?Gerry, honey. I?m taking Mila home now, ok?? She spoke quietly. Gerry opened his eyes and smiled as his sister lifted his niece from his shoulder. When he could he stood and kissed first the baby?s soft hair, then his sister?s cheek. ?Goodnight,? he whispered. Then he looked at Stevie and shrugged. ?I?m sorry. I made a deal with mom. I guess I should have talked to you first, but...? ?I know,? Stevie smiled and hugged him, his head nestled sweetly in her neck and shoulder. God, he smelled so good, of lavender, vanilla, roses, hairspray and makeup. ?No need to apologize. I know how your mother can be.? She hugged him tighter. Maybe it was just the dress, but he felt so soft and small in her arms. It was nice. Very nice. ? They walked Taylor and Mila to the door and waited outside until mother and daughter had entered their own townhouse, then Stevie locked up and they headed back to the bedroom. ?Are you ok with all of this, though? The hair and makeup? Everything?? Stevie asked. He shrugged. ?I guess.? ?Were you embarrassed when you went out with your mom?? ?At first I was. I mean, more scared than embarrassed, I guess, but... well as the day went on, I began to notice that no one was taking any real notice of me. As people kept complimenting me on Mila and wishing me luck having a second child so soon, mom pointed out that everyone just thought I was woman. Usually, when I?m out with Mila, I just get funny looks. Today, everyone thought I was a normal person. I kind of enjoyed it.? There was no doubt that Gerry could pass for a woman, Stevie realized, but she still felt bad that his mother had pushed him so far so quickly. She also felt bad that the more she looked at him and thought about kissing those soft, plump, lipstick cover lips, the more aroused she felt. ?So you liked it?? ?I liked the compliments. I don?t get many, you know. I mean, I know that Mila isn?t really mine, but I?m very proud of how I?ve contributed to raising her so far. The way she?s learning. How happy she is. The way I dress her. All of it. It?s nice to know that it?s appreciated.? Stevie smiled. ?Taylor appreciates it, Gerry.? ?I know, but... you know what mean. Nothing I can do was ever appreciated by guys and women look at me funny when I?m out with Mila. Today, dressed as a woman, women kept complimenting me. They told me how beautiful Mila was and how beautifully I dressed her. It was nice. Even my mom seemed to like me.? Stevie laughed. ?Honey, your mom likes you.? ?No, my mom loves me. Today she actually seemed to like me. Even that was different and nice.? Gerry pulled a lacy, blue, sleeveless nightie from a bag and laid it on the bed, staring at it. Stevie stood beside him and put her arm around his shoulders. ?You don?t have to wear that tonight if you don?t want to, baby.? He shrugged. ?Yes, I do. The deal is that I dress as woman, completely, twenty-four-seven for the whole four days and whatever else it takes to be ready for the contest.? ?Yeah, but she wouldn?t know...? ?But I would. It?s ok. I?ll be alright, but I am sorry this all got so out of hand.? ?No need, baby.? Stevie smiled and ran her fingers through his beautiful, chestnut brown hair. ?If it?s any consolation, you really are beautiful.? He turned and laid his head on her shoulder and breast. ?I?m glad you think so.? She hugged him tight, closed her eyes and breathed him in, his breasts pressed into her, just below her own. So nice. She kissed him and drew the zipper of his dress down his back. She slipped her hand inside and felt something silky. ?You?re wearing a slip?? Gerry smiled. ?Mom dressed me. A lady always wears a slip, you know.? She smiled down at him. ?They feel nice, though, don?t they?? ?They do when you?re hand is sliding on it... especially when your hand is there.? Stevie?s hand was on his butt and it was kneading it?s through the flimsy material of his slip and panties ?It does feel nice, doesn?t it?? Stevie whispered, her voice becoming huskier. She nibbled his earringed lobes and worked her way down his neck. She lowered the bodice of his dress down, revealing the lace coved cups of his bra. She continued kissing down his neck to his shoulders to his chest to the tops of his breasts. She kissed some more and soon had his dress completely puddled on the floor around his ankles. She liked the slip too much to take it off, though. Silky and lacy... it was so feminine and it made him look plump and pretty. Suddenly, she stopped. ?What?? Gerry asked. She stood back for a moment. ?Gerry... I was really pissed off at Kate for pushing things so far, and I don?t want to make things harder for you, but... I don?t know why, but I find this all very erotic.? ?I know,? he whispered back. ?I do too.? She smiled. ?I?ll change. Put on your nightie.? Stevie opened a drawer and disappeared into the lavatory. When she emerged, she found Gerry pulling down the bed clothes, wearing the blue nightie. Stevie was wearing dark blue, satin pajamas. She giggled as she looked at him. ?What?? he asked. ?Well, first, you?ll need to take off your makeup before you go to sleep, but I kinda like it for right now. Second, honey, you don?t need to wear a bra and baby belt to bed.? He sighed. ?I do. It?s part of the deal. Does that upset you?? She smiled. ?Actually, it pleases me a great deal.? Not knowing quite why, Gerry smiled at that. ?Come to bed, baby,? Stevie whispered. ?I want to show you something.? Gerry crawled under the covers, but Stevie pulled them to the foot of the bed. Then she climbed on, spread his legs and knelt between his knees. Slowly, she lowered the waistband of her pajamas and revealed a black panty with a very realistic looking phallus hanging off of the front. Gerry?s eyes widened as he looked at it. ?Where did you get that?? ?Do you remember what my nickname was on my basketball team in college?? He shook his head that he did not. He really didn?t know Stevie then. She was just Taylor?s friend. ?The called me ?Stevie, the man? because of my name and because I was so aggressive on the court. They used to shout at me, ?Stevie! You?re the man!? whenever I made a basket. When I played my last game as a senior, the girls gave me this as a joke. I wore it over my shorts that night in the locker room, but it?s been sitting in my drawer ever since. I think tonight?s the night to finally use it.? Gerry looked from the strap on to his wife?s face and back. Was she serious? What would it feel like? Would it hurt? Stevie reached under his nightie and undid the baby belt, removing it and his panties. ?Don?t worry, you can put them back on when you wash your face.? She tossed the under garments onto a nearby chair, then she tucked her pillow under Gerry?s lower back and pulled a tube of KY lubricant from her nightstand. She spread the gel on the phallus, then put some on her fingers and began to work it slowly into his bottom, gradually working her fingers deeper and deeper into him. ?It?s warm,? Gerry said. ?It?s got a warming agent,? Stevie smiled. ?Feels good, doesn?t it?? Gerry nodded, then gasped as she pulled her fingers out. She adjusted herself and guided the penis into his opening. ?It?s going to feel tight at first, baby. It might even hurt a little, but once we get past that, you?re going to love it. I promise.? He nodded, a little scared. ?Ok.? It felt like nothing he?d ever felt before. As soon as the penetration began, it felt tight and full, but as she pushed her manhood forward, he felt himself stretching like he?d never been stretched before. ?Uh!? he gasped. ?Relax,? she whispered. ?This is what it?s like for a girl the first time, too.? She pushed in further and he arched his back trying desperately to create space within himself where none existed. Stevie knew what he was feeling and she leaned down to nibble his nipples through the bra to distract him. Gerry was overwhelmed, unable to think of anything other than the these new, amazing feelings. Stevie leaned back and looked at the beautiful, brown haired woman below her wearing a feminine, lace trimmed, silky nightie and she felt a contentment she?d never felt before. ?Ready?? she asked. Not even comprehending the question, he nodded. ?Here we go,? she smiled and then she pushed. She pushed hard and she pushed deep. She saw the look of pain and fear on his face and she heard his loud, anguished scream, but then she felt him grab her shoulders and arch his back even more drastically than before. His eyes rolled to the back of his head and his face took on a look of ecstasy as he tried to accept more and more of her manhood into him. ?That?s a girl,? Stevie whispered. ?It feels good to have your man in you, doesn?t it?? He couldn?t even speak, he just huffed and puffed and tried to assist her dominance of him in any way that he could. ?What a good little girl you are,? she teased. ?are you ready to cum like a girl?? He didn?t respond, other than to find a way to thrust against her without interfering with her rhythm. Stevie thrust deep and stayed there, then shook her pelvis, imitating the motions of a male orgasm. She held him impaled on her organ while he grunted and gasped and grabbed until he felt his own, new way of orgasming pass. Finally, his breathing slowed and their eyes met. ?You liked it, didn?t you?? she asked. He nodded. ?I?m going to pull out, now. You?re going to miss me, but we?ll do it again another time, ok?? He nodded, again. She pushed him back and pulled the dildo from his rear end as he groaned and involuntarily tried to clench the penis and keep it in him. She smiled at his new expressions of femininity, the expressions expressed by many a satisfied woman after her first intense orgasm. He was lost in new feelings of joy and loss and want. These were feelings that most men ever felt and she had introduced him to them. She hadn?t orgasmed, but she felt a sense of release in herself that was unlike anything she?d ever felt before. She was satisfied. She pulled back the hem of his nightie to find a limp, dry penis. He had definitely experienced several orgasms, but he had not produced any semen. No muss, no fuss, just ecstasy. ?Now,? she smiled, ?be a good girl and go wash your face and brush your hair. You?ve got a big day ahead of you, tomorrow.? *** It had taken longer to get out of then house than they?d expected due to both spouses needing time for hair and makeup, but they were in the driveway at eight thirty and arrived at the firm at eight fifty, just as Stevie and Taylor did everyday. They entered the offices with Gerry carrying Mila, who?d been his back seat buddy on the way, and Taylor carrying the diaper bag. They went directly to the reception area where Gerry would sit behind a high desk. ?Oh, look.? Stevie smiled and pointed to a brass nameplate that read ?Gerri Morley, Receptionist.? ?Your mom gave you my maiden name. Isn?t that Isn?t that sweet?? Both Stevie and Taylor chuckled at that, while Gerry rolled his eyes. Kate, who had been there for more than an hour already, came out to greet them. ?Welcome, ladies, welcome!? She smiled. ?And where is my little angel?? She asked before Gerry had even set the carrier down. ?There she is! Let me have her for a few moments, please. Grandma needs some kisses.? Gerry bent down, released the child?s restraints and lifted her to hand her to his mother. Kate huffed and shook her head. ?Gerry, I am flattered that you are wearing the lovely panties that I bought you, but there is no need for you to show me. When you need to bend, do so with your knees and maintain your modesty, for heaven?s sake.? ?Alright, mom.? He blushed a bit. ?And do not call me ?mom? at the office. You?ll call me Mrs Wentworth. Your wife and sister are both ?Ms Wentworth,? is that understood.? Gerry nodded. ?Yes, Mrs Wentworth.? ?Very good, now, may I assume that my oldest daughter dressed this child this morning?? She displayed the child wearing a onesie bearing the logo of the LA Clippers basketball club. ?Yes,? Taylor said, ?and she looks adorable.? ?She looks casual,? Kate scoffed. ?Miss Morley, please check your book and tell me when our first appointment is.? Gerry stood still for a moment before realizing his mother had meant him. ?Oh, sorry,? he uttered as he hustled around the desk. He flipped the book open and said, ?Ummm, it looks like the first appointment is at nine thirty, a Mr Winslow for you, mo... Mrs Wentworth. Then it gets busier at nine forty five.? ?Excellent, then that gives you some time to run an extra errand when you go to Ruby?s for the Danish.? ?Danish?? ?Yes, Danish. We have a standing order over at Ruby?s. Monica picks it up every morning on her way in. That?s part of your job, now.? Gerry blinked. ?Where?s Ruby?s?? ?It?s down the block near Fast River Road,? Stevie explained. ?It?s only been open for a few months.? ?Oh. Ok.? Gerry already felt out of his depth. He started for the door. ?Your purse, sweetheart.? Taylor grabbed his purse and held it up for him. He retrieved it and headed for the door, again. ?Gerry,? Kate called him back, again. ?You?re in charge of the baby. You need to take her with you.? ?I?ll take care of Mila,? Taylor said. ?No, you have work to do,? Kate insisted. ?Mila is Gerry?s responsibility.? ?Mom...? Taylor started, but Gerry interrupted. ?No, that?s ok. I?ve got her.? He took Mila from Kate, squatted down, knees together, and strapped the baby back into the carrier. As he did that, Kate said, ?On your way back, please stop at ?Little Ones? and find something appropriate for Mila.? Gerry nodded as Taylor folded her arms, annoyed. ?And before you pick up the carrier, let me take a look at you.? Gerry finished getting the straps locked then stood and faced his mother for inspection. ?Hmm,? she had that judgmental sound to her voice. ?Did you do your hair and makeup yourself?? ?Yes,? he replied. ?Yes, what?? Kate demanded. ?Yes, Mrs Wentworth.? Kate nodded. ?You did well. I like that dress on you.? He was wearing a loose fitting, bright red, sleeveless, chiffon dress that clung pleasingly you his breasts then flowed beautifully around his baby bump, resting moderately high on his stockinged thigh. ?Pantyhose or stockings?? ?Stockings.? She nodded approvingly. ?I don?t love the beige shows with the red dress, though. Stop at Roberts? and pick up a pair of either black or red pumps. Both if you want.? Gerry sighed. ?Mom... I?m sorry... Mrs Wentworth, I don?t have that kind of money with me...? Kate waved her hand dismissively. ?Just tell everyone that I sent you and they?ll put it all on my account. Now, hurry. We have a business to run here.? As Gerry hustled out the door carrying Mila?s carrier in his right hand with his purse hanging on his left shoulder, Taylor said, ?You?re being pretty hard on him, mom.? ?Nonsense,? Kate shook her head. ?For the next few days, Gerry is a young mother trying to make it in the real world. It?s important that he learns how to cope.? ?Mom,? Taylor didn?t agree, ?I?m not just a young mother trying to cope, I?m a SINGLE mother and I never have all these things happening at once.? Kate smiled at her. ?You were already well off before having a child, Taylor. Sadly, Gerry is not. Maybe this experience will encourage him to become well off.? ?Gerry is well off, Kate,? Stevie pointed out. ?We have plenty of money.? ?You have plenty of money, Stevie. I don?t want my son living off his wife.? Stevie looked at Taylor and shook her head. *** At nine forty, Gerry hurried back into the offices, looking just a bit disheveled from rushing, and carrying the baby carrier and a bag from Little Ones in one hand and a box of pastries from Ruby?s as well as a large bag from Roberts? in the other. A woman in her early forties was sitting in the receptionist?s desk. She didn?t smile when she saw Gerry. ?You must be Gerri.? She stood. ?Yes,? Gerry put down the pastries and bags in his right hand and extended it to shake the woman?s hand. ?Look,? the woman said without accepting the hand, ?I don?t know where Kate found you, but I am not here to cover for a temp. I work on commission and I have better things to do than sit here while you?re out doing whatever you were doing. Understood.? ?Yes,? Gerry said, his hand dropping back to his side. He set about putting Mila down and unloading his packages. ?I?m sorry. My mo... Mrs Wentworth send me to do a few things that I didn?t expect to have to do. It won?t happen again.? ?I certainly hope not.? The woman started to walk away, but stopped. ?You brought a baby to the office?? ?Yes ma?m.? ?Does Kate know about this?? ?Yes, ma?m. You see...? ?This is highly irregular. I mean, I do not want that child making a fuss while I am speaking to a client.? ?Oh, she?s a wonderful child, ma?m. I promise. You?ll hardly know that she?s here.? ?Well, we shall see about that!? Just then, Kate appeared with another woman, this one in her mid thirties. ?Ah, Laura, I see that you?ve met Gerri. Gerri, this is Laura and this is Erin. You will refer to Laura as Ms Abraham and Erin as Ms O?Hara. Ladies, this is Gerri and she will be covering for Monica for the next few days. Gerri worked here during the summer while she was in college and she has graciously agreed to come back for the next few days.? Erin said ?hello? to Gerry and asked, ?When are you due?? Caught a bit off guard, Gerry looked down, noticed his appearance and smiled back at the woman. ?Three months.? ?Oh, my goodness,? Erin gushed. ?You?re this big at six months? You must be having octuplets!? Although Gerry found the remark a bit callous, he laughed along with Erin and his mother. ?Speaking of babies,? Laura interrupted, ?could we have a discussion about having an infant in the office, Kate?? ?Well, we certainly can, Laura,? Kate smiled as she looked at Mila in her carrier, ?but before we do, I should point out that this infant is Taylor?s daughter, Mila, and my granddaughter.? She reached down to take the child up into her arms. ?Oh!? Erin squealed. ?May I hold her for a moment? I just love babies.? ?Of course,? Kate kissed Mila, then passed her off to Erin. ?I know that this is unusual, but Gerri has been working as Taylor?s nanny since Mila was born and when Monica asked for the week off, it just made sense to have Gerri come back to fill in.? ?Oh, she?s gorgeous.? Erin bounced Mila who smiled back. ?And I just love the Clippers? onesie.? ?Hmm.? Kate shook her head. ?Ms Morely, did you remedy this clothing issue?? Gerry, who had been watching Mila being bounced and feeling a sense of maternal pride at Erin?s compliments, looked at his mother for a moment before saying, ?Oh, yes. I got her a really cute bishop?s dress in purple and white.? ?Very nice,? Kate nodded. ?May I see it?? ?Of course.? Gerry dug it out of a bag and held up the tiny purple dress with puffy white sleeve. ?Oh, yes, perfect,? Kate took it and showed the other women. ?If Taylor had her way, Mila would be wearing cleats and shoulder pads. Thank goodness Gerri is there to bring a sense of femininity to Mila?s wardrobe. Gerri has such wonderful fashion sense when it comes to Mila.? Gerry smiled at the compliment, but his contentment was short lived because Kate continued, ?Did you have a chance to do anything about those abominable shoes you?re wearing, Gerri?? ?Yes, Mrs Wentworth,? he nodded. ?I got a lovely pair fo black pumps and a pair of red heels that match this dress. Which would you prefer I wear?? The women were a little surprised by the question, but Kate moved right along. ?When you say ?heels? do you mean that the heel is narrower than a pump?s heel?? ?Yes, Mrs Wentworth.? ?Well, those sound lovely. Wear those. In the future, I?d like you to show me your attire before we open. I think that will be helpful in training you to dress yourself as stylishly as you dress Mila.? ?Yes, Mrs Wentworth.? ?Alright, ladies,? Kate took Mila and handed her back to Gerry, ?let?s get back to work. Gerri, please put the pastries out and pick up all of these bags before our clients arrive. Thank you.? They all dispersed, but Kate stopped and said, ?Oh, Gerri, did the people at Little Ones add the item I called about?? ?Yes, Mrs Wentworth.? Kate had called the children?s store and asked that they include a Baby- Bjorn baby carrier that would allow Gerry to have Mila strapped to his chest. ?In pink?? ?Yes, ma?m.? ?Excellent.? *** At one o?clock, after several hours of greeting clients, guiding them to the correct investment councilor, making and delivering coffee and the occasional pastry, two discreet diaper changes in the ladies room, two feedings and a lot of standing and bouncing Mila on his hip, Kate arrived at Gerry?s desk and announced that he would be having lunch with his wife and mother at a soup and salad shop down the block. ?Use the Baby Bjorn,? Kate said without room for discussion, ?it?ll make things easier for you.? She went to retrieve her purse. Gerry pulled the item from its packaging and read enough of the instructions to figure out how to adjust the straps and contain the child safely. ?How?s it going?? Stevie asked as she arrived at the reception area. Gerry looked up and mustered a smile. ?Ok, I guess. No one has complained, at least not to me, so I guess that?s good, right?? ?I suppose so,? Stevie smiled. ?Believe me, if any one had complained to Kate, you?d know about it. Mila hasn?t been fussy, has she?? Gerry smiled at the child. ?She?s been great. She likes the fact that she has my undivided attention most of the time.? ?All set?? Kate was already moving past them as she headed to the door. Stevie hustled to get in front of Kate and held the door for her mother- in-law and then her husband, who, besides resembling a very pretty and very pregnant woman, also had Mila strapped to his front. ?Ooh, nice shoes,? Stevie remarked in a not at all teasing way as Gerry passed. ?Oh, thanks,? Gerry smiled. At the restaurant, Kate ordered a salad, as did Stevie, but Gerry ordered a small ham and Swiss on rye with a little mustard and mayo, and some potato chips on the side. It wasn?t a big meal, but it wasn?t a salad, either. When he sat, Kate looked at his plate and shook her head. ?Would it kill you to eat a salad?? ?Now, Kate,? Stevie smiled and joked, ?remember, Gerry is eating for two.? Gerry struggled to sit in the chair at their table, the awkwardness of his plump silhouette increased by the addition of Mila hanging on his torso. The gentle movement of their walk and the fresh air had sent Mila back to sleep and Gerry didn?t want to chance waking her by taking her out of the papoose-like carrier. ?So, we have a complication,? Kate announced before Gerry had even managed a nibble of his sandwich. ?What kind of complication?? Stevie asked, assuming that there was a new investment regulation that Kate was about to explain. ?I received a couple of emails today that impact both of you.? ?How?? Gerry turned to his left a bit to try to grab the sandwich with his right hand. ?Well, one of the emails lays out the rules for the Halloween Ball and the costume competition. It seems that, although spouses and romantic partners are invited, the only people eligible to win the grand prize are employees of the participating companies.? Both Gerry and Stevie remained quite as they considered the ramifications of this statement. ?So...? Stevie spoke first, ?Gerry would have to remain working for the firm for the next three weeks in order to be eligible to win?? ?Correct.? Stevie looked at Gerry and shrugged. ?Oh, well. We tried, baby. I guess we?ll have to think of something more clever. You can still come in your mother-to-be get up, but you can?t win the prize.? Gerry shrugged. ?Sorry, mom. Do you still want me to dress up for the rest of the work?? ?Of course, Gerry, and there?s no need to be sorry. I?m going to keep you on at least until Halloween.? ?But mom...? ?Gerry, it?s still Mrs Wentworth. You never know who?s going to overhear us, even out of the office.? ?Ok, Mrs Wentworth, but won?t Monica be back on Monday? You don?t need both of us at the reception desk.? ?See, that?s where karma and the fates all seem to have come together. The other email I received was from Monica. It seems that on her flight home last night, her old boyfriend was on the plane with her. They sat together and talked, then, after they landed, went to dinner together. Apparently, they chatted all night and he proposed at breakfast this morning. She?s not coming back.? When Stevie glanced at Gerry, the color had all left his face. ?Kate, you don?t expect Gerry to go on like this forever, do you?? ?Oh, no, Stevie, of course not,? Kate laughed. ?Just until after Halloween. By then, I will have found a replacement and Gerry can train her for me. Everything is working out just perfectly.? Gerry pushed his plate away from him, his appetite gone. ?Kate,? Stevie said quietly, ?I think we need to discuss this before we agree to having Gerry living like this all month.? ?Oh, don?t be silly. He?s fine, aren?t you Gerri?? Gerry didn?t answer immediately, so Kate continued. ?Remember, Gerry, your anniversary is coming up soon. Wouldn?t it be nice to give your beautiful wife something extra special for your first anniversary?? The threat was clear ? do this or forget about St Thomas. He took a deep breath and nodded. ?Yes, Mrs Wentworth, that would be very nice.? ?Gerry, you don?t need to...? Stevie started to say, but Gerry interrupted her. ?No, Ms Wentworth, that?s ok. I?ll continue through Halloween. A deal?s a deal.? Stevie sat back, irritated by Kate?s presumptuousness, and confused by Gerry?s passive acquiescence. ?I will make a concession, though,? Kate smiled. ?I will allow Gerri to leave work an hour early every day so that he can get home and get dinner ready. There?s to reason for you to not have a nice dinner in the evening, Stevie and with Taylor still nursing Mila, she needs to eat well, too. So, I have arranged for a car to pick you up every day at four o?clock and take you home, Gerry. If you need to stop at the grocery store on the way, just tell the driver.? Stevie sighed. ?He won?t need a car every day, Kate. We?ll take two cars tomorrow...? ?Oh, don?t be foolish. Imagine what would happen if she got into an accident or was pulled over looking like that and having a license stating that she was a male. Until she?s done with maternity dresses, our little mommy here is not driving herself anywhere.? *** At three fifty five, Gerry put Mila into the car-seat style carrier and and gathered all of his bags together, putting everything he could fit into the diaper bag. It had been agreed that the other women would take turns covering the reception desk for the last hour of the day and Taylor agreed to go first. Laura was not pleased about this arrangement at all. When Taylor reached reception, she found her little brother standing by the door, looking out the window for the hired car. Taylor had heard about Kate?s imposition of a full month of dresses for Gerry and she wasn?t happy about it either, but then she watched her brother with her daughter. He stood in the window in his pretty red dress and red heels, gorgeous waves of brown hair with red highlights flowing down his back and her daughter in the carrier being held, cradled in his arms as he swayed from side to side to comfort the child. The hem of his dress swayed along with him and when she listened closely she could hear him singing quietly. ?Edelweiss, Edelweiss Every morning you greet me Small and white Clean and bright You look happy to meet me Blossom of snow May you bloom and grow Bloom and grow forever Edelweiss, edelweiss Bless my home-land forever? And Taylor started thinking, ?Maybe this wasn?t the worst thing that could happen to her brother. Maybe her mother was actually on to something.?