Dress Code - Dare To Wear Dress - Chapter 15

OTHER CHAPTERS |  ALL STORY LIST

“You broke up with Dylan?” asked Jennifer, her eyes wide with disbelief. “I thought you two were in love.” 

“We were,” I said glumly. I’d stepped outside to get some fresh air after our meeting on the IOTEK project. I was surprised at how close we were to being complete. And then, I stopped to chat with Jennifer when I came back inside. 

“But there was no way it was going to work out. He’s a guy, so sex is on his mind. He told me he wanted kids. I can’t give him kids.” 

“You can always adopt,” Jennifer said while straightening some papers on her desk. “True,” I nodded, “but he wanted his own kids. I can’t really blame him for that, and either way, I still can’t have sex with him. 

I don’t think he’s into that kind of sex, and I don’t think I am either.” Jennifer folded her arms on her desk and said with a shrug, “You should have just told him. He might have found that exciting.” 

“No. Like I said, I don’t believe he’s into that sort of thing. I think he would have been upset that I fooled him, and he works closely with Ms. Hoden on that organization for girls. She’d probably blow a gasket and I’d get fired.” I picked up a pen from her desk and idly clicked it. 

I said, “No, I’m better off without him. I had no business falling in love with a man anyway.” Jennifer laughed softly, “You need to stop fighting it, Heather. You’re a woman. And you’re attracted to men.” 

I laughed and said, “You have quite an imagination, Jen. There’s no way I’d…” Jennifer started shaking her head. “Okay. I fall in love with just one guy and you act like it’s a habit or something,” I said gesturing with my arms. “Anyway, in a few weeks, we’ll finally be done with the IOTEK project and I can go back to being just plain old Harry.”

Jennifer furrowed her brow and said, “Stop saying things like that, girl! I’ve told you before; you don’t want to be Harry again!” I laughed and said, “Why not? I’ve been Harry most of my life. 

I’ve dressed as a woman for only a few months.” Jennifer wagged a finger at me and said, “I’ve said before; you’ve been doing much more than just dressing up, Heather. Just look at you. You’re a beautiful, confident young woman. 

I think everyone here likes Heather more than Harry.” Twisting my face into a scowl, I said, “Well, it’s my life. Not theirs. I have to decide what’s best for me.” Sighing, Jennifer said, “Well, there’re not many girls my age in this department. I’d hate to lose you.” 

“I’ll still be here!” I said, pulling myself to my full height. Jennifer dismissed my comment with a wave of her hand. She said, “It’s not the same thing. You know what I mean.” 

Before I could respond, the elevator doors opened, and out stepped that new guy in Planning I’ve seen a few times in the IT office area. Jimmy something. 

He walked towards us. Looking up, Jennifer flashed him a smile and said, “Well, hi there, Jimmy. I haven’t seen you up here in a few days.” Jimmy stopped and leaned his arms against the little wall surrounding Jennifer’s reception desk. He fumbled with some papers and said, “Hey Jenn.” 

Yep, I’ve been busy.” Continuing to smile, Jennifer said, “Well, don’t be so busy you don’t come by and say hi.” Jimmy smiled back and said, “I promise I’ll come by more often. Oh, hey. Can you verify that I have that meeting room in IT scheduled at four o’clock?” 

“Sure!” said Jennifer as she turned to her computer. After typing a few things in she said, “You sure do.” “Thanks,” said Jimmy. “Well, I gotta run. See ya later.”

“Oh!” said Jennifer. 

“Have you met Heather?” Jimmy smiled at me and said, “I’ve seen her around.” 

“Heather Stephens, this is Jimmy Garrett. Jimmy, this is Heather,” said Jennifer, beaming. “Jimmy works down in Planning.” 

I lamely shook his hand and said, “Oh yes. I’ve seen you around.” I thought ‘he’s the guy who’s been told I’m out of his league’. Jimmy gave us both a smile and said, “Nice meeting you Heather, but I really do need to run. Hope we can chat again.”

 He then hurried off. Jennifer reached over and nudged me in the ribs. She said, “How about him?” I looked at Jennifer funny, “How about him what?” 

“To date, silly! You have to admit he’s gorgeous,” said Jennifer. I shook my head and said, “Jenn, thanks for trying to help, but I’m done with guys. I mean really. Especially since I’m done with Heather in a few weeks. 

Grinning, Jennifer said, “You two look cute together.” 

“Stop it, Jenn!” I said grinning at her. “Stop trying to get me dates, okay? Anyway, I need to go.” 

  “Are you okay?” asked Candace as she poked her head around the corner of my cubicle. I looked up from my computer screen and said, “Hmm? What?” Coming around the corner and sitting in a guest chair, Candace asked, “Are you okay?

I heard you broke up with your boyfriend.” Frowning, I said, “Who told you that?” 

“Jennifer told me,” said Candace. 

“I know how hard it is when a relationship ends with someone you love. I just wanted to make sure you’re doing ok. If you need anything.”

I thought, remind me to strangle Jennifer later… I said, “Thanks. 

Yes, I’m doing okay. Breaking up with Dylan was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it was the right thing to do.” 

Candace reached out and patted my hand, “I know it’s hard, hon. If you need to cry, you should go ahead and not bottle it up inside. 

If you need a shoulder to cry on, I’m here for you.” I smiled at her and was appreciative, “I think I got all my crying done last night. 

I appreciate the offer though, but I really do feel it was the best thing for both Dylan and me.” Looking concerned, Candace said, “Oh? Did he hurt you? 

I don’t know a lot about him. I know he apparently goes through girlfriends quickly, but I’ve never heard anything really bad about him.”

 Looking wistful, I said, “Oh no. He was perfect. It wasn’t anything he did, really. I broke up with him… and for good reasons. But that’s all I’m going to say about it.” 

  I was about to exit the supply room after getting some hand lotion when I saw Carl and Jimmy standing in the aisle. 

After Jennifer made a bit of a fuss between Jimmy and me, I decided to wait a minute hoping they’d hurry up and leave. “Oh, hey Jimmy,” said Carl. “If you still think you’re in her league, Heather is single again.” 

“She is?” said Jimmy. “Who’d give that up?” 

Through the partially open door, I saw Carl shrug. He said, “All I know is that she broke up with that guy who sent her those flowers the other day.” 

“That’s good to know,” said Jimmy, “but I think I’ll pass. It’s never good to be the next guy after a breakup.” Carl said, “It’s just a well.” Carl looked all around, and leaning into Jimmy’s ear and lowering his voice, Carl said, “I probably should warn you though.”

Frowning, Jimmy said, “Warn me about what?” Looking around again, Carl said, “She used to be a man.” Jimmy barked a laugh and said a bit too loud, “Bull shit! Are we talking about the same girl? Heather? That totally gorgeous woman?” Carl said, “No shit, man. 

Hey, I like Heather. Not just because she’s easy to look at, but because she’s changed. She’s much nicer. 

She was more pleasant to be around, but yeah, we had a little bet a couple of months ago after she pissed off the women in the department that she couldn’t handle being a woman. I guess she did it on purpose because she’s since had a sex change.” Looking stone-faced, Jimmy said, “You have to be mistaken. 

You can’t get a sex change in a couple of months. I’ve talked to her. She’s all girl.” Carl shrugged and said, “Hey, I don’t know anything about sex changes except you get your willy whacked.” Carl visibly shuddered. 

“No, but seriously, she used to go by the name of Harry. He was a nerdy, quiet guy who kept to himself.” Jimmy said, “I’m still not sure if I believe you, but I need to go. 

Have a meeting at four.” Carl laughed and said, “I told you she was out of your league!” As Jimmy walked away, he said, “Hey, nobody’s out of my league!”

 After Jimmy disappeared, I stepped out of the storage room and said, “Well, thanks a lot, Carl.” Carl jumped at the unexpected voice from behind him. He spun around and said, “Oh, hey Heather. What’s up?”

 “Why did you tell that Jimmy guy that I’m really Harry?” I asked. Looking puzzled, Carl said, “You are, aren’t you?”

 “Yes, but you don’t have to announce it to everyone,” I said folding my arms. Shrugging, Carl said, “Well, I thought he should know. 

I think he’s interested in you, so I thought I’d let him know who you really are so he doesn’t try to ask you out. Why? Did you want him to ask you out?”

I shook my head and said, “Well no, of course not. It’s just easier for everyone if they only think of me as Heather – until I go back to being Harry.” 

“You’re going back as Harry? 

That kinda sucks. I think everyone likes Heather,” said Carl. Not hiding the frustration in my voice, I said, “We’re the same person, and I’m not going back right now. But eventually.” Carl said, “Well, let us know before you do. We might want to throw a going away party for her.” 

“We’re the same… oh never mind. Let’s just keep it a secret, okay?” I said and walked away. 

 Even after all this time I still haven’t gotten used to the sound of my heels clicking against the hard floor of our building’s lobby. Some of my men’s shoes made a loud noise on hard surfaces, but nothing as distinctive as my high heels. The other women never seemed to notice it. 

Lost in thought, I never heard the footsteps approaching me as I waited for the elevator door to open. The elevator dinged and I stepped inside and pressed the button for my floor. It startled me when I hand thrust through the closing doors and made them pop back open. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” said Jimmy as he stepped inside the elevator and pressed the button for his floor… one floor below mine. I smiled at him and said, “That’s okay. I was lost in thought.”

 He was staring intently at me. I asked, “Is something wrong?” 

“What? Oh, no. Sorry. I really didn’t mean to stare,” said Jimmy. Knowing that it would only make the situation more awkward, I said, “I heard Carl tell you about me yesterday.” “Oh? Yeah, well I still have a hard time believing that,” said Jimmy, staring at me again.

I shrugged and as the elevator dinged and the door started to slide open on Jimmy’s floor, I said, “It’s true.” Jimmy shook his head and smiled at me.

 As he stepped through the doors, he said, “You’re just too beautiful for it to matter.”

 Then the elevator door closed, and it started going up to my floor. I closed my eyes and thought to myself, don’t get interested in another man! 

Don’t get interested in another man! The door slid open and I heard Joyce’s voice as she said, “Are you okay? You look like you’re in pain.”

 I felt my cheeks redden a bit as I opened my eyes and said, “Yeah, I’m okay. Just trying to get a thought out of my head.” 

I stepped out of the elevator. As the door closed again, Joyce said, “Well, don’t hurt yourself.” Jennifer looked up as I approached the doors to our office area and asked, “Are you okay?” “It’s nothing,” I said as I waved off her comment.

 I took a few steps to the door, stopped, and turned back towards Jennifer. 

“No, it’s not nothing. My life just keeps getting endlessly complex. 

Carl told Jimmy about Harry.” Folding her arms, Jennifer said seriously, “What’s wrong with that? I mean, you told me yesterday that you didn’t want to date Jimmy or any other man and that you intend to return to being Harry. 

He would’ve found out anyway when you go away and Harry returns. 

So what’s the big deal?” Feeling frustrated at not getting the emotional support I expected, I said, “It just didn’t seem like the right time, and I ran into Jimmy this morning on the elevator and I mentioned that I’d heard what Carl had told him…” 

My voice trailed away. “And?” prompted Jennifer with a raised eyebrow. “And, well, Jimmy said he thought I was too beautiful for it to matter,” I said. Looking a little surprised, Jennifer said, “He’s still attracted to you after being told you’re really a guy?”

“Maybe it’s because Carl told him I used to be a guy. That I had had a sex change,” I said. Jennifer leaned towards me and said, “You are doing that, right? Are you on hormones? How is that coming?” 

“Yes. I’m no longer producing testosterone and I’m taking estrogen. It’s way too early to see any results, but I can tell my thinking is changing, and my color perception is changing,” I said. “Sounds pretty serious if you’re planning on just walking away from being a woman,” Jennifer said.

“Are you sure you can just walk away?” I laughed and said, “I’m not sure of anything anymore. I’m taking the hormones because HR and Mr. Keys think I’m transsexual and I’m transitioning. My therapist has already scheduled me for surgery in a year. 

After the IOTEK project is done, I just need to put my foot down and end this madness.” Jennifer stood up and stepped close to me, “Look. Just between us, girls think you’re fooling yourself. 

I know a lot of people think I’m dumb because I’m blonde, and yes, I tend to go along with that because it actually gives me advantages over men. But you! I’ve watched you from before the bet until now. I can tell,” She poked me on the shoulder. “I can tell you love being a woman. 

Yes, men talk over you in meetings and maybe your prestige among your male co-workers has dropped, but your confidence is soaring. I see it in the way you walk and act among your co-workers. 

Now, you overcome obstacles men place in your path where before, as a man yourself, you wouldn’t. You were really cute as a guy, but now you’re a beautiful woman – and you’re smart. And now that you’re a woman, you assert yourself. 

“A few weeks ago when you discarded that wig and got that new hairstyle and the new clothes and the new attitude, I saw the real, inner you blossom. 

This is who I believe you really are. This smart, confident, beautiful young woman was hiding inside that nerdy guy... and now she’s free.” Jennifer grinned at me when she finished speaking. “I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard you say at one time, Jenn,” I said.

“I meant every last word!” exclaimed Jennifer. “It’s your life, Heather. I can’t tell you how to live it, but I’ll tell you what I think. And I think that this woman standing in front of me has the confidence and power to achieve great things in her life; things that Harry would never dream of accomplishing.” 

 “Great job, Heather!” said Ms. Hoden with a broad smile. “I knew you were the right one to lead this project from the start.” 

Ms. Hoden turned to face Mr. Keys and said, “Mr. Keys, Ms. Stephens did an outstanding job for us. This is the first project we’ve contracted out to come in on time and within budget. Great product launch, Ms. Rogers.” Mr. Keys said, “Thank you, Ms. Hoden. I’m glad you are satisfied with the product and services we have provided you. 

I remember telling Mr. Murphy the day we hired Ms. Stephens what great potential she had.” 

You little liar I thought. Heather didn’t exist when I was hired, Murphy disliked me and Keys wasn’t even aware Harry existed at that time. Smiling, Ms. Rogers said, “Thank you, Ms. Hoden. We’re very proud of the work Heather performs for us.”

 Lifting her cup of punch, Ms. Hoden said, “Thanks again, Heather. I hope we can work together on some future project.” I smiled and said, “That would be wonderful, Ms. Hoden.” We had lunch and a cake to commemorate the successful product launch in one of Mr. Keys’ executive meeting rooms. 

Mr. Keys stood there sipping a little punch, and looking around at all the idle members of the development team and glancing at his watch. I thought about what Ms. Hoden said. It’s doubtful that Heather will ever work again with her. Now it might be possible to introduce Harry to her at some time in the future. Ms. Rogers pulled me to one side and said in a low tone, “Well, Heather. You’ve won the bet and you’ve completed the IOTEK project. What’s in store for you next?”

I said, “I’ll give Heather another week or so, and then the triumphant return of Harry.” Frowning slightly, Ms. Rogers said, “Well, I was hoping we could keep Heather, but it’s your life.”

 Taking a sip of punch and noticing my lipstick prints on the clear plastic cup, I said, “We’re the same person. I can do everything Harry can.” Ms. Rogers laughed and said, “I’m not so sure Harry can do everything you can.” 

 As I sat down in one of the guest chairs in Jimmy Garrett’s office, Jimmy said, “Hey, Heather. Thanks for coming and congratulations on completing the IOTEK project. I understand Mr. Keys was watching that project pretty closely.”

 “Thank you,” I said placing a pad of yellow paper on Jimmy’s desk. “I knew we’d get it done without too many problems, but I was still sweating it.” 

Jimmy laid a few printed pages on his desk next to my pad. 

He said, “After a project like that, this little assignment I have will probably seem pretty small potatoes.” I smiled and said, “Well, Ms. Rogers said it was a pretty high-profile project.” 

Jimmy slid his papers towards me and said, “Well, it will provide Mr. Keys with a much-needed financial dashboard. I’ll expect you to have this knocked out after lunch today.” He then laughed. I laughed and said, “Oh. I thought you wanted it before lunch!” “That’d be perfect,” Jimmy said. 

“Since it’s almost eleven thirty, would you like to discuss the particulars over lunch? Have you been to Spring Creek BBQ?” “You’re asking me out on a date?” I asked, tapping my pen on the yellow pad.

Jimmy sat up straight and moved his eyes to the papers on his desk as he said, “Oh, no, no. Not at all.

 I’m getting hungry and thought it would be more relaxing to have lunch while we talk about these dry, boring details.” I said, “Okay. But I’m paying for my own.” Jimmy started to stand. He said, “I was just going to suggest that. Let’s take my car.”

We hit the traffic just right and made it to the BBQ place in just under ten minutes. We placed our orders and after getting our food, we sat down at a table by the window where we could watch the traffic on I-Seventy-Five roar by. 

Jimmy took a bite of his sandwich and before swallowing said, “Before we get down to business, tell me about yourself, Heather. 

Who is Heather Stephens? What makes her tick?” I frowned and poked with my fork at the sliced brisket lying on the plate. 

I said, “I thought we were here to discuss the project. I’m not comfortable talking about myself.”

 Jimmy leaned back in his seat, “I like to know a little about who I’m working with. To me, it just makes things easier.” 

He took another bite of his brisket sandwich and said, “Here, I’ll go first.