Dress Code - Dare To Wear Dress - Chapter 4

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I was a little disappointed when Joyce pulled her car into the Stonebriar Mall. I was hoping we’d be going out to lunch to someplace a little fancier. 

This is where some of the guys and I would come for lunch just to ogle the high school girls.

 As we climbed out of Joyce’s car, I asked, “What made you pick this mall for lunch?” Joyce shrugged and said, “As good a place as any. Besides, I wanted to look for a few things, and did you get anything casual for like after work and weekends?” 

As we walked through the parking lot, I answered, “No. Why should I? This dressing up stuff is just for work.” Candace laughed, “You can’t be serious! Won’t it look funny for you to come and go at your apartment as a woman and then go back to being a guy the rest of the time?” 

Denise, another woman from the office, added, “Didn’t you tell us on the ride over that you had an encounter with your neighbor this morning, and you gave him a cover story?” Joyce added, “Yeah, Heather. How are you going to square that with your neighbor? 

He thinks you’re gone for the month. You can’t show up on weekends and after work as a guy.”

 “Damn!” I shook my head. “I hadn’t thought of that. I was looking forward to getting out of my bra when I got home.” Candace laughed, “We all do! So, girl, it looks like you need to do some shopping. We’ll help.” 

After entering the mall, instead of one of the restaurants, we headed for the food court. There were already a billion people in line. Okay, not quite that many, but there were a lot. Everyone went to a different line. About fifteen minutes later, we were all gathered at one table.

“We’re not going to have time to shop before we have to go back,” I cautioned, feigning disappointment. Joyce waved her hand, “Ah, who cares? Ms. Rogers doesn’t mind since we all have to put in so much overtime anyway.” Candace was assuring, 

“Don’t worry. We’ll make sure you leave here with some casual and evening wear. I’d recommend you buy some pantyhose to keep on your desk while you’re here, too.” 

I looked up from my lunch and studied Candace for a moment, “Did you say ‘evening wear’? I don’t think I need that. It’s not like I’m going to go out on dates or anything.” Joyce disagreed, “Well, you’re going to need a nice dress for the Awards Dinner coming up in two weeks. We all thought you might want to join us girls for a few nights out. 

We always dress up for those. Every girl needs a ‘little black dress’.” “Y’all’d invite me along on your nights out?” That surprised me. Not all the women in the office were on the ‘evening out club’ list. Joyce smiled and said, “Sure. You need a full appreciation of everything women have to go through… even a so-called casual night out.” I frowned and asked, “Don’t you think that’s expanding the scope of the bet a little too far?” “No.” 

 I walked into the same clothing store I’d bought my new wardrobe just a few days ago. I went straight to the pantyhose display and picked several packages. I stood there a moment trying to decide where I needed to go next. The women from the office went with Joyce and said they’d be back in a minute to help me with my selections. From behind me, a female voice was heard, “May I help you?” I turned and it was the same salesgirl from Friday. 

I smiled, “I’m just looking for something casual and also maybe an evening dress?”

She took a couple of steps to a row of racks, smiled, and went on, “This is our casual wear.” She pointed across the store and continued, “Over there is our formal wear. If you need any assistance with selections, please let me or one of our sales associates know.” I smiled back and said, “Thank you.” 

Before she had a chance to walk away, I asked, “Do you remember me?” Looking puzzled, she shook her head, “No. I guess I don’t.” 

I grinned, “I was here Friday and you helped me pick out this very outfit. Remember? I’m the guy with the bet?” Recognition finally struck and said with surprise, “My goodness sir! Until you said something, I probably never would have recognized you. Did you take my advice?” 

“Yes, I saw Thelma Saturday. She was extremely helpful in showing me how to wear make-up and how to carry myself as a woman. I fooled everyone at work today.”

 “Well, congratulations, sir. I’m glad it’s going so well for you. Being a woman seems to suit you.” Gee, thanks, I thought. “Maybe you can help me find some things I might need for after work and weekends?” 

“Of course! Let’s see… you’ll need some tops, but ones that hide the fact that you don’t have any breasts, some jeans, and shorts, and since you’re young, some miniskirts might be good. Let’s start over here.” She led me to some other racks. 

 As I plopped down the pile of clothes at the checkout counter, Joyce and the rest of the crew finally arrived. I looked at the clothes and decided that I’m going to need another job to help pay for all these clothes. Next month, I was going to have one big garage sale. 

“Hey, girl! Sorry, we’re late getting here,” Joyce smiled.

Candace thumbed through the pile of clothes, “Hey, you don’t have any evening dresses in here.” I groaned at the thought of spending more money on women’s clothes, 

“I forgot about that. You said ‘dresses’. 

I only need one, right?”

 “Oh, no no no,” clucked Candace, “you’ll need a couple different ones for when you go out to the dance clubs with us, and then, you’ll need a formal gown for the awards dinner.” 

I frowned and looked at Candace, “Gown? It’s not that formal. I mean, the guys aren’t wearing tuxes or anything.” 

Candace laughed, “Well, I’m not talking about a prom dress, but you’ll want to look nice and we always dress up for the dinner.” Joyce said, “We need to be going in a minute. 

Let’s help him pick out a couple of nice dresses for going out and we’ll come back later to pick out a formal.” 

 I was checking my make-up in my compact mirror at my desk when I heard Chuck say, “Geez, man! You haven’t been a woman a full day and you’re already spending all your time looking in the mirror!” 

Deciding I didn’t need to do anything at the moment, I closed the compact before answering, “Nature of the beast, Chuck. This damned stuff rubs off during the day and you have to touch it up, otherwise, we’d wind up looking like you.” 

Chuck grinned, “Oh, so you’re already saying ‘we’. That’s very interesting.”

 “Don’t you have some work you need to pretend you’re doing?” I asked. Chuck started to leave, and then stopped, “Just one more question… when do you go on the rag?” He then laughed heartily.

I was so glad to walk through the door of my apartment. I kicked off my heels and padded across the carpet in my stocking feet. It surprised me at how nice that felt. 

I plopped down on the couch and turned on the television and tuned to a news channel. After a few minutes of sitting idly watching the news, I decided I was really tired of being dressed as a woman. 

I got up and went to my bedroom and stripped down to my underwear. Then I went to the bathroom and washed my face. 

I looked down at my polished fingernails. 

Screw it. 

I didn’t feel like doing my nails again tonight and since I wasn’t going anywhere, it didn’t matter. I put on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt and went back to the television. It didn’t take long for it to sink in I was getting hungry. I got up and took a look in the fridge. 

There was a half-empty bottle of soda and a jar of mustard in it. That meant either going to the grocery store or to a fast food place. 

I looked out the window and there was my neighbor, working on his car. I couldn’t let him see me since I was supposed to be out of town. I could always call out for pizza. I looked down at my hands again. 

Even the pizza guy would notice I was wearing nail polish. I looked at my bags of casual clothes. Okay, simple solution. Put the bra and wig back on, put on some of casual clothes, don’t bother with make-up, and order pizza. I’ll go to the grocery store tomorrow. 

Things went a little smoother the next day. I was still nervous about going out in public in women’s clothes, but at least now, I had the confidence that no one would think that was odd. I even left a few minutes early to avoid bumping into my neighbor. 

As I entered the lobby, Jennifer looked up and smiled, “You look very nice today, Ms. Stephens.”

 “Thank you, Jennifer,” I said as I walked past the receptionist.

Passing Ms. Rogers’ office, her secretary, Ann looked up and took notice, “Good morning, Heather. Hey, you’re actually on time today.” I made it back to my cubicle without further incident and plopped into my chair. I was dreading the nine-thirty meeting with the new client. I really hated that we were going to be presenting an unworkable solution. 

Add to that the fact that I was going to be the only person in the meeting wearing a skirt. 

Chuck walked by, and noticed I was in my cubicle. He stopped a little past the entrance and hesitated. He came back and stuck his head in my office, “Hey Heather. I... 

I just wanted to apologize for my comment yesterday about you, uh, being on the rag. It was very insensitive and I’m sorry.” I was surprised that he’d apologize for that. I probably would have made the same comment. Instead, I smiled, “Thank you, Chuck.” 

He just nodded and then continued on his way. Aloud, I commented, “That was unusual.” Candace’s head bobbed above the cubicle wall and she looked quickly back and forth. “Just a second,” she said cryptically. 

Candace quickly entered my office, grabbed a chair, and scooted closer to me. She said, “You didn’t see it. You’d already left.” 

I gave her a questioning look and she continued, “Chuck and some of the other guys, after most had left for the day, were standing in the break room commenting and joking about... well, you.” 

“Oh, really?” I frowned. “I don’t like the sound of that.” 

“You wouldn’t have enjoyed those jokes, trust me,” agreed Candace. “Anyway, I was at the copier and I could hear every word, but they couldn’t see me. Just as Chuck was telling them what he said to you about ‘going on the rag’, Ms. Rogers walked in. She was furious!

 She read him the riot act up one side and down the other! Chuck tried to explain that he was just joking with you because you’re not a real woman, and he didn’t mean any harm. 

“Ms. Rogers told Chuck and the other guys that ‘Heather’ is a woman, due all the respect and courtesy as any woman. She reminded them that men are due the same respect and that jokes such as these can be considered sexual harassment and will not be tolerated by her.” 

“Wow,” I was surprised, “she really lowered the boom on them. 

How did the guys react?” Candace laughed, “They all apologized and promised not to say those kinds of jokes again and that they’d treat you just like they would any woman at work.” I frowned some more, “Hmmm... that could be bad, actually.” Candace just shrugged, “I think it’s great. 

You’d be surprised at some of the horrible jokes they say when they think none of us are listening.” I know. I think I told a few myself. 

Ms. Rogers appeared at the entrance to my cubicle and looked straight at her, “Candace, I don’t remember seeing ‘gossip’ in your job description. 

Do you have something to do, or would you like to gossip on the unemployment line?” Turning red, Candace quickly retreated, “I’m sorry, Ms. Rogers.” To me, she said, “We’ll talk more at lunch.” 

Ms. Rogers came in and sat down in my office and crossed her legs. 

“Heather looks like you’ve got another meeting with the boss this morning at nine-thirty.” I gathered up some papers on my desk and waved them, “Yes ma’am. With the customer. 

I’m going to try to work in my idea if at all possible.” Ms. Rogers smiled and was encouraging, “Well, you can always try. Just don’t be too disappointed if you don’t get very far with it. If you get stuck with Murphy’s design, I’m confident you can cook up a work-around.” 

I shook my head, “It’ll be a kludge and I hate doing that.” Ms. Rogers stood and smoothed her skirt, “Do a great job, Heather, and Mr. Keys will start trusting your judgment. I want a follow-up in my office after the meeting. 

You can wait until after lunch.” Turning on her heel, she left.

As soon as I got off the elevator, I made a quick dash to the restroom. Well, the dash was about as quick as the restriction of the skirt would let me. 

I stood in front of the mirror and turned this way and that. I checked my pantyhose, fore and aft and thankfully, there were no tears. A quick check of my shoes confirmed no scuffs. 

I looked at my hands nails perfect. Not that I could do much about it now anyway. 

I leaned into the mirror and fluffed up my wig a little. I decided I pretty much hated wigs, but I wasn’t going to get much hair growth in just one month. I decided my lipstick needed freshening. 

After that, everything looked about as good as it was going to get. I have never been this nervous about meeting a customer before. 

Usually, I’d just make sure my tie was on straight and I didn’t have any Oreo cookies stuck on my teeth. Satisfied with my appearance, I left the restroom. I stood outside the door to the conference room for several seconds. I took a deep breath and opened the door. 

I was very surprised as I entered the conference room. On one side of the table sat Mr. Keys, Murphy, and the rest of the team. On the other side sat two women. 

As I entered, Mr. Keys looked at me, “Ah, Ms. Stephens. Thank you for gracing us with your presence. Let me introduce you to our IOTEK customers, Ms. Hoden, president of IOTEK, and her assistant, Ms. Krisenhelfer.” 

I walked around the table and both women stood and extended their hands. The one identified as Ms. Hoden was a striking, tall woman, blonde with shoulder-length hair, very attractive, around her mid-thirties, and was wearing a smart navy skirt and blazer. She was used to dealing with men, as her handshake was quite firm even though I offered her a somewhat limp hand. 

Her partner, Ms. Krisenhelfer, was equally striking in her contrast. She was shorter than me, with short mousey brown hair, glasses, no make-up and she was wearing a drab black skirt and jacket. I couldn’t tell her age. Her handshake was wimpier than mine.

 I hesitated a second, not sure of which side of the table I should sit on. 

There were a couple of empty chairs on the side where the guys were sitting. 

I almost sat down with the client so all the ‘girls’ would be on one side. Then I thought I’d best sit with my so-called team. 

I quickly took a seat next to one of the drones. 

Mr. Keys looked around, satisfied that everyone was present. 

He said, “Before we start, anyone wants coffee?” 

There were nods around the table. I tensed. Why doesn’t he just bring the stupid coffee pot in with him? 

Mr. Keys looked at me, started to say something, glanced at Ms. Hoden, then turned to the drone next to me and said, “Nichols, would you mind doing the honors?” Nichols looked shocked that he’d be selected for such a lowly task. It was obvious he was about to protest until he was met with both Mr. Keys and Murphy’s withering stare. 

“Of course, Mr. Keys. I’ll get it right away.” 

He gave me a disgusted look as I just smiled pleasantly at him. Mr. Keys then cleared his throat, “Okay, let’s get started, shall we?” Murphy stood up, grabbed his pointer, and started walking towards the screen. 

Mr. Keys continued, “Mr. Murphy is our senior analyst and lead software architect. I think he has some very exciting designs to offer you. Go ahead, Mr. Murphy.” Murphy nodded to Mr. Keys and smiled towards Ms. Hoden. He then started his presentation. He went on for twenty minutes. 

The two from IOTEK just sat there silently with unreadable expressions. 

“Any questions?” asked Murphy when he’d finished his pitch. Ms. Krisenhelfer looked up and said in a rather annoying, squeaky voice, “Yes, I have a few questions.” Murphy looked expectant as Ms. Krisenhelfer smiled like she was making a joke and continued, “Now, I’m in no way a programmer or anything, but none of those screenshots were using a web browser.” She looked at Mr. Keys as she continued, “You recall we specifically requested a web application as the solution.”

Murphy smiled thinly and said, “Surely. With our RAD tools, it was just faster for us to prototype our models as standalone apps. Once the design is signed off, we’ll just move our prototypes over to web apps.” 

Ms. Hoden asked, “Can you do things like that on a web page?” She pointed to some features still on the screen. Murphy again smiled and said, “Surely. With JavaScript, we can do some amazing things.”

 Ms. Hoden grew tense, “We need to stay clear of Java. We ran into that problem last year with another product we sold our customers... too many different versions of Java that caused other applications they had to fail when they upgraded to a newer version.” She looked over at Mr. Keys with a look of exasperation. “Is this all you have to show us?” Mr. Keys started to say something but stopped when I coughed. I looked pleadingly towards Ms. Hoden. Mr. Keys was about to say something again when Ms. Hoden spoke. “You have something to say... um... Ms. Stephens?” she asked.

 I pulled some printouts of slides I’d made from my folder and slid them across the table. 

“Actually, I’ve given some considerable thought to this problem, Ms. Hoden. I think this solution would give you the most stable product as well as a flexible one.” As she looked through the slides, I continued, “All the action takes place server side using a three-layer system. 

A database layer, an application layer, and a user interface layer. This will help you move your customers to an ASP model relatively quickly.” Ms. Hoden and her assistant sifted through the slides and talked quietly to each other. After several minutes, Ms. Hoden spoke.

 “I’m impressed, Ms. Stephens. I know my way around specs and this is very thorough. You probably should be the senior analyst on this project.” 

“Thank you,” I was blushing, “but I’ve only been here a few months...” Mr. Keys glanced over to a confused-looking Murphy, then back to Ms. Hoden. 

He looked at me, “Ms. Stephens will be the lead programmer, and she’ll be managing the team developing the code. She has a lot of great ideas. That’s why we hired her!” 

  The meeting was over and I was waiting for the elevator when I heard Ms. Hoden call my name. She had been talking to Mr. Keys since the meeting ended. “Do you have a moment?” she asked as she hurried over towards me.

 I turned away from the elevator just as the doors opened, “Of course, Ms. Hoden.” She smiled, “Please, call me Laura. May I call you Heather?” 

I nodded and she continued, “I just wanted to say again that I thought your ideas were great. I was about to turn your company down for this system if that was the best you could come up with. I’m also very glad to see a woman on the development team. 

Mr. Keys originally struck me as a ‘good ol’ boys club’ type. I guess I misjudged him.” 

“Thank you,” I said. “As soon as I have the specifications document written up, I’ll email it to you for your approval.” 

Ms. Hoden extended her hand again, this time she held it out in a more womanly fashion and added, “It was so nice meeting you, Heather. I look forward to working with you on this project. 

I need to go look over contracts with Mr. Keys, so take care and I’ll talk to you soon.” She turned and with a click of heels, she disappeared behind the glass doors of the administration offices. I felt very happy with myself. I asserted my ideas and I won the contract. I headed back to the elevators and punched the button. 

The door opened and I began to enter when I looked up with a start to see Murphy standing at the back of the elevator, arms folded and a less-than-friendly look on his face. The door closed behind me. When I started to push the button for my floor, Murphy covered the buttons with his large hand.

“You think you’re so smart, don’t you?” he sneered. “How dare you show me up like that in front of Mr. Keys and a client! Who do you think you are?” 

I began to feel alarmed but didn’t think he’d actually try to hurt me on the elevator. I said as calmly as I could, “I’m sorry, Mr. Murphy. 

I’ve done web apps for a few years now and I didn’t think...” 

“You didn’t think!?” Murphy leaned in close to me as he raised his voice. “I’m the senior analyst at this company! 

I helped Mr. Keys build this company from the ground up!” I backed up against the wall of the elevator and felt a trickle of sweat slide down my back. I said, “That’s great, Mr. Murphy. 

I know that was a lot of hard work, but the world of web development is changing rapidly and...” Murphy interrupted by shouting, “I’m not going to stand here and be lectured about software development by some woman... some college kid!” 

He huffed a moment, then continued, “There are rules, Ms. Stephens. Rules and protocols. 

If you have a problem with my designs, fine. 

You come to me in private and we’ll hash it out. Don’t ever challenge me in front of Mr. Keys again!” He punched the ‘Door Open’ button and left as soon as the door opened. I was shaking as I stepped off the elevator on my floor. 

Do I say anything to Ms. Rogers about what Murphy just said? If I rock the boat too much, Mr. Keys will find out I’m not really a woman. 

Not only will that hurt me but Ms. Rogers as well. I didn’t want that, but I couldn’t just let Murphy say those things and walk away, could I? Feeling very alone and confused, I walked back to my cubicle.