The Export                               by: Jacki Pett

Part 3

 

TUESDAY - DAY 32

John awoke on his own. It was almost eight and no one had come in to wake him. That was a first.

He wasn't sure what he should do after he showered. He knew he should fix his hair. Regardless of what they had in store for him he'd need to do that. He wouldn't admit, even to himself, that he was anxious to make himself look as pretty as possible.

By nine thirty his hair was done to his satisfaction, he had his makeup on and he was dressed. He was pleased with what he accomplished without anyone's help.

He stopped to admire himself one last time in before knocking on the bedroom door for someone to come and let him out.

"Well, good morning." Tina was the one that heard his knock. "Don't you look nice this morning." He had gotten himself ready and he looked lovely. John wore his new brown stirrup pants and his bulky beige sweater, he was a picture. It didn't escape Tina that he'd done his hair and makeup skillfully.

"Thank you. This is alright?" Tina's approval was reassuring.

Tina only sat with him and had tea while he ate breakfast.

Tina wasn't worried about leaving Ben alone for a while. Margaret was assisting him and while she wanted to be there, the two could manage quite nicely without her.

They had discussed at length yesterday, when Ben came over in the morning, what they would do with him. Margaret would assist him in the operating room and she would be here if they needed him. Everything was going beautifully with both their 'girls'.

They were delighted to find out Scott was such a shy and sensitive young man. Even better, was to see that his blond hair was not as short as his picture showed.

Upon seeing him for the first time last night, Connie had remarked, "He'll look absolutely adorable with a cropped cut. He won't need a wig."

They were all happy with their choice of Scott. His baby face was perfect for the transition. Cindy was the name they decided on for him.

John was almost afraid to ask, as he picked up his dishes and started toward the kitchen, "What are we doing today?"

"I thought you might enjoy just relaxing today. The past few days have been pretty eventful." Tina wasn't being completely honest. They had plans for him.

Connie suggested that you ought to work out this morning. Why don't you change into your workout clothes and play one of the Fonda tapes we have? You can work out right here in the living room.

John was actually hoping for an opportunity to get out. He no longer feared exposing himself and he was sure now that his only chance for escape would come when he was away from the loft.

If he had to spend the day inside, he might as well exercise. At least that way he could build himself up. It seemed a shame though, he had spent so much time in making himself look attractive. Now he would have to do it all over again afterwards.

John was about a half an hour into the tape when he was interrupted. He hadn't expected to see Jack walk in.

"Hi Laura." Jack said with a smile. This was the first time he saw the man in anything so sexy as a t back and leotards. Even with the sweat soaking through the outfit he looked hot.

John just stood there, embarrassed that the guy caught him in the middle of his workout. "Hello Jack."

Jack didn't make a big deal of it. He knew better. That wouldn't have fit in with their plan. He walked up to John and gave his arm a squeeze and smiled. "You don't have to stop on my account." He headed for the kitchen to get a cup of coffee.

John wasn't sure what to do. He really wasn't comfortable exercising with John there. Tina solved that problem for him when she appeared in the kitchen door. "Why'd you stop the tape?" She asked. "You're not done already, are you?"

He'd planned on doing the whole tape. He'd felt pretty good. Now, he didn't know. "I was just taking a break." He explained.

Jack could tell it bothered him. He took his coffee and disappeared into the back. He was curious about Scott anyway.

With Jack gone, John rewound the tape and started up where he'd left off. John watched to see if he'd come back as he went through the rest of his workout.

Once, he appeared in the kitchen to refill his coffee cup. He left again after commenting to John about being impressed about how hard John seemed to be working at it.

That comment didn't bother John. He actually felt good that he impressed the guy. For him to say that, given the shape he was in, it was a complement he could live with.

He finished up his workout without interruption. Tina appeared when he was done. She let him into his bedroom and he showered and changed. He put on the outfit he'd worn earlier. His hair and makeup didn't take him as long as it had that morning. He knew what he was doing this time.

"Hungry?" Jack asked.

"Sure." John replied, standing in the kitchen door.

"It's such a beautiful day. Let's go out for lunch." Jack suggested.

"Out!?" This was not what John expected.

"Sure. We'll get some fresh air." Jack anticipated the man would object.

Getting out was exactly what John had wanted to do, but not with Jack. "I don't know...."

"What are you two up to?" Tina asked with a smile as she entered the kitchen from the living room.

"We were just talking about going out for lunch." Jack told her.

"That's a wonderful idea." She turned to John and said, "That's just what you need Laura. It's good for you to get out around people." That was their plan.

But not with Jack, he said to himself.

It was settled.

The restaurant was crowded as the two walked in. John was not the least bit comfortable with Jack's arm around his waist. It was as bad as have to hold hands with him from the car to the elevator. John initially tried to pull away but Jack, in a joking sort of way, insisted.

Jack made small talk over lunch. John, not too uncomfortable in the busy place, tried to appear congenial. He knew he had to catch the man off guard if he was going to slip away. He tried to put him at ease by appearing friendly. It had been a mistake to object to Jack's attention earlier. He wouldn't make that mistake again.

John couldn't believe his luck when Jack paid the bill with cash. He left the waiter a generous tip and as they stood up to leave, John snatched the cash from the edge of the table as they left. He hid it in his tightly clenched fist. It was only ten dollars, but it was something.

"I need to use the bathroom." John whispered to Jack as they started to leave the restaurant.

This was to be expected. "I'll wait for you here." Jack told him. He had a clear view of the ladies room door.

John's hopes were dashed when he discovered there was no window in the ladies room. If there had been, busy or not, he would have climbed out.

Jack needed to go too but he didn't dare. He fingered the small black remote in his pocket.

John took care of business and put on fresh lipstick. He hoped, as he opened the ladies room door, that his escort might be looking elsewhere but no such luck.

"Let's go for a ride. I'll show you the sights." Jack suggested as they stepped out into the afternoon sunshine, holding hands.

John pretended he liked the idea, "That sounds good." He didn't want to go back to the loft.

Jack drove him around for about an hour and a half. Peoria had a few points of interest to tourists.

John pretended to be excited about the tour. Jack took him down Jefferson Street, to see Peoria Lake. He drove him through the Bradley University campus. Their tour ended at the Glen Oak Zoo.

When he wasn't holding his hand, Jack's arm was on his shoulder. At the elephant exhibit Jack came up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist and snuggled up against him. John had to pretend that he didn't mind being held that way.

When he kissed him on the nape of the neck, nuzzling against him, John had to say something. He just had to be careful how he said it. "Oh, stop that Jack. Not sounding annoyed as he said it was really hard.

John was afraid he'd loose his chance to escape as the afternoon wore on. He was afraid that any minute Jack would say it was time to head home. John pretended to really enjoy himself and was friendly toward Jack, in hopes of keeping them out longer.

They had just passed a pretzel vendor as they casually strolled down one of the lanes. Ahead, John could see restrooms. He had to try. "Jack, do you think I could have an pretzel?" He asked as sweetly as he could.

Jack thought he was adorable, the way he asked. "Sure, come on. I'll buy you one."

Jack turned to head back when John said, "I really need to go to the ladies room first. Could you get it while I go?" He tried so hard to sound convincing.

Jack wasn't stupid. "I'll wait for you." He told John with a grin.

John didn't expect what he did next. He pulled him close and kissed him. HE KISSED HIM! Right there in public. John didn't know what to do. He was about to yell at the man but he caught himself. Don't act as if it was anything to get excited about, he told himself. Stay calm.

"Don't be too long." Jack said with a smile, as if it was the most natural thing in the world for him to have done.

John forced a smile, "I won't."

John didn't look back until he reached the restroom. He watched Jack from the partially open door. Several woman had to step around him to get in and out of the ladies room. He got a few looks from them.

Jack meandered toward the restrooms. He rolled the remote over in his pocket.

John realized he wasn't going to get the opportunity he was hoping for, not now.

More than ever, he had to get away.

Jack bought him his pretzel. He was feeling pretty good about how the day was going but it was time to get on their way home.

John tried to appear cheerful as they walked back to the car together, hand in hand. He laughed at Jack's jokes and worked at keeping conversation open.

His mood dimmed as they drew closer to the loft.

John didn't tell anyone about the way Jack treated him. He was too ashamed to even mention it to Connie as he helped fix dinner.

Jack remained attentive, before, during and after they ate. The little things he did, like sneaking up behind him as he cooked and grabbing him around the waist, nuzzling his neck like he'd done earlier. It drove John crazy.

When Connie disappeared after dinner, John worried. Tina left them as soon as she finished eating. It was just Jack and Margaret there with him.

He was going to go to his room but they wanted him to settle in with them and watch TV. John took his same spot on the couch, assuming that Jack would sit at the far end, away from him. He should have known better. Jack dropped down on the couch right next to him. Where he stayed for the next hour and a half. Sometimes he had his arm around him, once he put his hand on John's leg and stroked it absentmindedly as he watched TV. It made John's flesh crawl.

Finally, Connie came back and that seemed to put an end to Jack's familiarity with him. He sat up and left him alone. That was John's que to slip away.

"Don't stay up too late reading. You and Tina have an appointment tomorrow morning." Connie told him.

"We do? Where?" This was a surprise. Every day it was something new.

"She wants to take you to the spa with her. She has a nice surprise for you."

The spa? "What's the surprise?" Now what, John wondered? Why would she want to take him to one of those places? Did she just want to embarrass him?

"I'm not going to ruin it but trust me, you'll enjoy yourself. I wish I could go too but I just have to go to work tomorrow, before they decide to fire me." There really was no danger of that. Connie had lots of vacation left and she never took more than a few days off at a time.

Tomorrow, she would be very busy making their latest prospect disappear.

What had Tina cooked up now? Slipping away from Tina was going to be a lot harder than Connie. Would she even give him a chance?

He read until one. The story bored him at first but the plot finally started to develop. He read until he couldn't keep his eyes open any longer and had to put it down.

 

WEDNESDAY - DAY 33

Margaret was missing at breakfast but Jack was there. John would not have come out for breakfast in his nightgown and robe if he had known. He was a little surprised. Jack had never been there so early before.

"Where's Aunt Margaret this morning?" John asked.

"She ate earlier. She has some things she has to do." John would probably figure out that there was a guest in the nursery soon enough. There was no reason to volunteer the information.

"Connie said we were going to a spa today?" He commented to Tina as they sat down to cereal, toast and juice with them.

"That was supposed to be a surprise." Tina said, trying to sound disappointed. Their going to the spa served two purposes.

Ben was due around ten to finish up with Scott. They had thought it best if John wasn't wandering around the apartment when he was here.

With the party tonight, Tina wanted John to visit the spa's beauty parlor with her today. He should look his best tonight.

"All she said was not to stay up too late because we were going out this morning. She wouldn't say any more than that." John didn't want to get Connie in trouble.

"It's ok Laura." Tina assured him. It was nice to hear him stick up for his friend. "We don't have much time. You better go get ready Laura."

John showered and dressed quickly, nervous about going to a spa. Tina had said not to wash his hair this morning. It took a curl well enough with just the curling iron. It had looked better though.

He had his makeup on in record time. He was getting accustomed to the pretty underwear finally and it felt very natural to put on his lacy bra and string bikini panties. It made him feel pretty and for the first time, he admitted to himself, sexy.

There were so many things that made him feel that same way. Little things like the way his hair and earrings brushed his neck. The feeling as his legs brushed together when he was wearing panty hose. There were so many alien but pleasant new sensations to get used to.

Tina had said she was going to wear a dress so he would have some idea of what to wear. He knew he shouldn't overdo it so he picked the peach knit. It was loose fitting with long sleeves, padded shoulders, high collar and matching belt that accented his narrow waist.

The two inch gold hoops looked nice in his ears. He wore the delicate gold serpentine necklace. He slipped on his rings. He slung his purse over his shoulder.

He stood looking at himself in the mirror, his hand smoothed the soft knit material at his thigh. He was beginning to feel so comfortable dressing this way, he liked the way he looked. If only he knew what their plans for him were? Be careful, he told himself, you're getting in deep.

Tina was waiting when he knocked on the door. "It's cold outside. Better grab your heavy coat."

Tina was right and, down in the cold garage, he climbed into the car quickly. The sky was partly overcast and the sun only periodically snuck out from behind the clouds.

"They say it might snow tonight." Tina commented as they drove down the busy street.

John was only half paying attention. He was watching the people. He had a new interest in the women who scurried past. It was the young women who interested him in particular. He wasn't looking with the eye of a man searching for a new conquest. He was looking at their clothes and the figures underneath. He looked as good as most, better than a lot of them. He asked himself, could he really live in their world?

"Are you alright?" Tina touched his shoulder.

He snapped out of his daydream. "What?"

"Penny for your thoughts?" Tina said smiling.

He couldn't tell her his thoughts. He couldn't tell he was nearly resigned to living his life as a girl and the idea was beginning to terrify him less and less.

Something was happening to him. During the past few days he was accepted by Connie's friends, the women they met in church and strangers on the street.

He felt something nice when Connie's friends consoled him and tried to make him feel better. Their warmth and compassion for what they thought was another girl, a stranger, made him realize he had been missing something all his life. He felt close to them and he didn't want to lose that feeling. He wanted to nurture the relationship with them, with Connie.

"I was just daydreaming. It's so nice to be outside, among people." He couldn't tell her the truth.

"You seem so much more relaxed and happy lately, it's nice." Tina said softly.

Her uncharacteristic kindness caught him off guard. He turned and studied her face as she drove.

Tina was aware of his stare but didn't react. She decided she should tell him about tonight. "We're going to have a little dinner party tonight."

She had his undivided attention. "A dinner party?"

"Yes. It's going to be formal. That's one of the reasons for going to the spa today. I want to have our hair done in the salon and I thought you might enjoy finding out what it feels like to be really pampered."

He didn't know if he was ready for this. "Are there going to be men there?" He asked nervously.

"Where, at the spa or at the dinner party?"

"Both." It occurred to him.

"Well, rest assured, there'll be no men at the spa." Tina smiled at him. She put her eyes back on the road. "There will be a few gentlemen at the party. My old boss and a...."

John cut her off. "Do any of them know about me?" he asked nervously. That he couldn't handle.

"Only Connie, Jack and I. I'll simply introduce you to the others as a friend of ours. Don't worry Laura." Tina had already told Brevard that because he was so nervous, that it would be best to pretend that he thought Laura was really a girl. He had agreed.

Brevard had asked if it was alright if he brought a friend and his wife along. He was a business associate and might possibly be interested in one of Tina's girls. This was not, however, the one that had contracted for their Laura.

"As I started to say, it's only going to be my old boss and his wife, a few business associates and their wives and few others. So there's nothing to worry about."

They were bringing wives and girlfriends? He decided maybe that wouldn't be so bad. At least there wouldn't be anyone there trying to hit on him, not with their wives there. Connie would be there so he'd be alright. "I guess that doesn't sound so bad."

"It'll be fun. You'll have an opportunity to wear that new white dress you just got." She added. She knew that he liked seeing himself in that the other day.

That might be exciting. He could wear some of the beautiful jewelry they bought too. The idea started to excite him.

They only drove a little longer before Tina pulled into the parking lot in front of a large two story brick building. Tall white columns stood on either side of the big oak doors. High brick walls faced off the front of the property on either side of the building.

"This is it?" John asked as they stepped out of Tina's car. He had expected something different. The spas that he was familiar with were all low modern building with huge signs out front advertising specials that changed every week. This looked like a small mansion.

"This is it." Tina came around the car and stood beside him. "It's very exclusive and worth every penny. Now there's no reason to be nervous. Just relax and enjoy yourself. If they try to wipe your ass for you just let them."

John shot Tina a startled look but saw her wide grin. "You scared me, I thought you were serious for a second." He couldn't help but smile. Tina was alright at times.

"Let's go get pampered." She said and took his arm, leading him up to the front door.

John followed, keeping pace with her. Tina checked them in at the desk and he followed her to the dressing room.

Although it was mid week, the spa did not want for patrons. There were a few young women in the dressing room but they were far outnumbered by the middle aged and older women who's affluent husbands could afford for their wives to visit the spa regularly.

Tina found them lockers, side by side, in an isle occupied by only a few women. "Is it always this busy?" John asked nervously.

"It's much worse on weekends. We were lucky to get two appointments at the same time today." He was just standing there. They had given them robes at the front desk. "Laura, we need to get a move on. We're scheduled for massages in five minutes." Tina tried to hurry him up.

John hung up the coat that he carried over his arm. He unbuttoned the belt and pulled his dress over his head. His slip dropped to the floor and he quickly scooped it up. He whispered to Tina. "How far do I go?"

Tina smiled at him and whispered back, "Everything. There's a pair of cotton panties in with the robe. Just slip those on and put on the robe." He was a frightened little girl and Tina thought it was cute. She had never brought any of the girls here, Connie always did, but since she had to take care of business today, Tina took over and it was fun.

He unhooked the bra and tucked it in the locker, quickly donning the short white robe. Then, slipping out of his underwear, he pulled on their's. He liked his better. He looked over at Tina.

The body he had lusted after, when he first saw the beautiful blond in her red LeBaron drive up in front of his hotel, stood before him now. He felt little of what he had felt that day. She was even more beautiful than he had imagined but he no longer had the feelings in his groin that he was once slave to.

"We better get going." Tina reached out her hand and clasped his.

"Ok" It seemed strange to hold her hand that way.

Across the lush carpeted hall from the locker room was the massage therapy room. On either side of the long room were cubicles with heavy leather covered tables. John only got a quick look before he and Tina were split up and ushered into separate cubicles.

"You are Miss Laura Cabbot?" The heavy set woman asked.

"Yes." It felt odd saying to a stranger that he was Miss Laura Cabbot. The woman checked off something in a ledger on a narrow table against the back wall.

The big woman turned to him again and with business out of the way, smiled. "If you'll slip out of your robe Miss Cabbot and lay on your stomach on the table." She instructed him as she spread a clean sheet on the table.

It made him uneasy to remove the robe in front of her. This woman must see twenty or thirty women a day. He climbed up on the table and she gave him a small pillow for his head.

When he was comfortable, she covered his behind and upper body with a towel. "My name is Mary. Is this your first time with us Miss Cabbot?"

It would be less awkward if he was partially honest. "This is my first time anywhere." He clarified before she got the wrong idea. "Yes, it's my first massage."

"I promise to take good care of you. Now just relax Miss." The woman started on his legs; stretching, stroking and kneading his muscles with warm oils.

His feet were next and it felt wonderful. The woman shifted the towel and started on his waist and lower back, slowly working her way up his body and arms to his neck. She had him roll over and worked on his upper body some more. He lost track of time as his muscles melted at her strong touch.

Even his face received a treatment. Every muscle in his body felt limp when she finally had him get up from the bench.

He saw Tina standing in the hall waiting and she looked as if there wasn't an ounce of tension in her body either.

"Like it?" She asked.

"I've never felt this relaxed before. I loved it." He turned back to Mary as he took his robe from the chair and put it on. "Mary, that was wonderful." He told the woman sincerely.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it Miss Cabbot. Come back again." The woman said with a warm smile. "Goodbye."

"I'll try." If they'd let him, he would.

John and Tina left the room. John followed Tina as she turned right and started down the hall. "What's next?" He asked, actually excited.

"Steam. Now we get to sweat out all the oils." Tina said.

The smoked glass doors had the words STEAM and WHIRLPOOL stenciled across them. Inside the door, on the right was a row of leather covered benches with hooks overhead. To their left was the steam room.

Tina and John hung their robes on the hooks and took the towels the attendant handed them.

"What about our hair? The steam's going to ruin it." John asked in a whisper as they walked into the hot mist.

Tina rested a hand on his shoulder. Smiling, reassuringly she said, "We're going to have our hair done, remember." Tina guided him to the end of the room and the wooden bench.

There were about twenty women already there so talking openly was out of the question. The sweat began to pour off him in steady streams. He looked around the room at the women, young and old, mostly older, who looked like they were on the verge of passing out any moment.

John understood why after about twenty minutes. This room was a lot different than the one at the club. It was much hotter.

John was relieved when they stepped out of the heat. The clock on the wall, outside the steam room, said it was a half hour since they entered. He followed Tina to the shower stalls around the corner from the steam chamber.

Another attendant stood behind a counter. "What size Miss?" She asked Tina.

"Five short please." Tina told her. She quickly turned to John and whispered. "You're a seven regular." She turned back again as the woman handed her a white bathing suit.

"And you Miss?" She asked John.

"I'd like a seven regular please." John didn't have to ask Tina why the bathing suit. He could see the large tile hot tub from where he stood. When the woman handed him the suit he followed Tina back to the showers.

As the cool water ran over him he stripped off the soaked cotton panties and stepped into the suit. It was a little difficult to pull up since he was wet but he managed quickly as he faced the wall.

Tina looked over at him. "You ok?"

"I'm fine." He was almost fine. The suit was a little different than wearing the leotard yesterday but at least it wasn't a T back. John wished there was a mirror nearby but he made do with the smoked glass door to the steam room as he went out of his way to pass it on the way to the hot tub.

The suit was a standard tank style, meant for functional purposes, not fashion shows. That was fine with John. Still, he got sort of a thrill out of his shapely reflection.

"Twenty minutes, no more." Tina told him as they gingerly stepped into the hot water. Tina picked a seat far away from the other women. Here, they could talk.

"I'm glad you brought me here today Tina, thanks." He really was enjoying it.

Maybe Connie was right about him. He certainly seemed to be coming around. He was even pleasant. "The best is yet to come."

He cocked his head, questioning.

"Next we get a manicure and pedicure. Oh, that reminds me, don't let them cut your nails, just shape them. Ok?"

"I won't. They're just starting to get long. I want nails like Connie's eventually." John's were only just beyond the tips of his fingers. "It's frustrating, they grow so slowly."

"We can fix that easily enough, we'll have them add tips." Tina was glad to hear he wanted longer nails. They could easily accommodate him here.

"Can they do that here? That's great." John had just been playing up to her and it backfired. Now he was going to have long nails. Connie's were a good quarter to three eights of an inch long. Damn!

"Have you thought about how you want your hair done for tonight?" Tina asked. She was sure he hadn't but she wanted to get him thinking about it.

He hadn't given it a thought. He didn't know he was expected to do it any different then usual. "I don't know what to do with it." At the moment it was laying flat against his head. It was soaking wet. "Will you help me?"

"Of course I'll help you. I just want you to be sure you like what the hairdresser or I suggest before you let her do it. It's important that you be happy with the way it looks."

"Ok, thanks." Tina wasn't so bad. She did seem to care about him in her own twisted way. He made no mistake though, Tina was not as easy to fool as Connie had been. He would have to be careful.

John decided that this was the time to ask the question that was nagging at him. The worst she could do is to not answer him. "Tina, I don't want you to get angry but there's a question I have to ask you."

Tina had expected this. They all asked eventually. Several had taken the opportunity while they'd been here with Connie.

"What is it Laura?" Tina asked calmly.

He had to find a delicate way to ask. He wished he'd rehearsed. "Why am I here?"

"Silly girl, to get ready for the party, of course." She wasn't going to make it easy.

"No, that's not what I mean." He paused. He had to get this right. "Why did you pick me?" That wasn't what he meant to ask.

"It was nothing personal Laura. You were just the best candidate we found." It was just that simple.

Now what? This was getting him nowhere. Just drop it for now he told himself.

He did want to try to butter her up a little. "I want to thank you. I've changed so much in the past few weeks. I think I'm going to enjoy being a woman."

Whether he cared to be honest with himself or not, he was coming around.

She wasn't fooled by his line of bullshit. Did he really think she was that stupid. Just the same, Tina had been watching him lately, from the window in the hall. She had seen what he does when he thinks he's alone. He really likes the role they've forced him to play, more than he's willing to admit.

"I've seen the difference in you and it's amazing. I'm glad you're happy." She could play the same game.

John leaned back and let the whirling water beat on him.

He felt limp when the got out and showered again. They dried off and left the room in their robes, wearing a fresh pair of cotton panties. Their hair wrapped again in white turbans.

They entered another room, similar to the room where they had gotten their massages. It was smaller with fewer cubicles and again they were escorted to separate chambers where they disrobed and laid out on leather tables.

Instead of a massage, they were rubbed down with lotions and creams from their neck to their toes. John's skin felt unbelievably smooth and silky when he and Tina left to get their facials.

Tina had been right about being pampered. No man had ever experienced what he felt today. His face was gently massaged with skin cleansers, dried and treated with creams.

The woman explained as she applied them. One was to fight wrinkles, another was a moisturizer to tighten up his pores. Finally they applied a facial mask.

They sat in a little waiting room with about ten other women. They all had on facial masks and waited patiently for them to work their magic. "I could get used to this. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be treated like this every day." John wasn't just making noises for Tina's sake. He was really enjoying the experience.

Several women who heard him looked over and acknowledged him, they agreed.

"Nothings impossible Laura." If he treated his man well, it wouldn't be too much to ask.

What did she mean by that he wondered. He didn't get an opportunity to ask. They were ready to have the masks removed.

His face felt as smooth and silky as the rest of him.

"We go upstairs next." Tina said holding the door for him. There were elevators but they chose to climb the wide winding staircase at the rear of the building. A wall of glass next to the stairs opened onto gardens on the right and a huge olympic sized pool on the left.

"It's beautiful in Summer." Tina commented as they climbed the plushly carpeted stairs.

John didn't doubt it. He looked up at the gathering clouds in the gray sky. "I think you were right about snow."

"It certainly looks that way. I hope it waits until we get home." Tina didn't like driving in a snow.

The second floor was about half the size of the downstairs. Again, a long hallway divided the upstairs. They went through the first glass door on the left, the sign said NAILS.

Tina and John explained what they each wanted done and then went to pick their colors. They hadn't waited long when Laura Cabbot's name was called. Tina followed to make sure the girl gave him just what he had said he wanted.

John worried when the acrylic material the girl applied to his nails seemed so long. They had been very explicit about the length they wanted. He decided not to say anything that might make him appear naive. John had to assume she knew what she was doing.

It seemed to take forever for the stuff to dry and for her to shape them. When she asked whether he wanted them square or round he didn't know what to say at first. "Square." He decided. Connie had squared off nails and they were attractive.

It took almost an hour for the girl to finish shaping them and then apply four coats of polish. The sealer coat, she called the first. Then two coats of the dark pink polish and finally, a clear top coat.

While his fingernails dried she had him change seats and she did his toes. These hadn't been cut in a month either but the girl didn't file them very much before she repeated the four coats of polish.

John held out his hands to look at what the woman had done. Judging by her smile, she was very proud of her handy work. John only returned her smile. How could he thank the woman for making his hands look so feminine.

Tina had been waiting for quite a while when he came and showed her what the girl had done.

"They're beautiful. You're hands look so much better with your nails that length Laura."

She was right. They made his fingers look even more slender. He took a good look at his hands. His skin used to be rough and abrasive, now it looked and felt soft and smooth.

The hair salon was next and they were both grateful for the little sandwiches and wine they were served as they waited for their turn.

John's new, longer nails made even picking up the food seem like a new experience. They would take some getting used to.

There were several books on the table so Tina and John started to look for a style that would look appropriate for tonight.

His hair was either to long or to short for most of the styles. He was nervous about what they might do to him. The way he'd been wearing it suited him just fine, if he had to perpetuate this farce. He tried to no avail to convince Tina.

"No Laura. This affair is formal and you should wear your hair up. We'll find a style that will work for you, I promise." Tina was determined

"Hi Tina."

They both looked up from the book as the woman approached them. She was of average height with very long curly brown hair. She was not unattractive but certainly no beauty.

"Hi Amanda." Replied Tina.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.?"

"No, Laura and I have only been here about ten minutes." She turned to John. "Laura, this is Amanda. Amanda his is my friend Laura."

"It's nice to meet you Laura." Amanda said with a gracious smile.

"It's nice to meet you too." John said smiling back. He had perfected the smile but his heart wasn't in it just now.

"All ready Tina?" Amanda asked.

"I'd like Laura to go first Amanda. We're having a formal dinner party tonight and we were trying to find a new style for her. There just doesn't seem to be anything here we like." Tina pointed to the books on the table.

"Well come on in back." Amanda reached out her hand to Tina's friend. "We'll see what we can do."

John took her hand and let himself be led by the woman into the salon. Tina followed them.

Amanda sat the girl in her chair and removed the turban. Her hair was still damp and Amanda brushed it out. "You have beautiful thick hair Laura. I wish mine were that thick and healthy."

"Thanks." What was he supposed to say?

Tina stood in the background and watched in silence. She would jump in when needed.

"Do you have any idea what you'd like done?" Amanda asked as she looked at Laura in the mirror.

He was aware that a girl his age would have had her hair styled a number of times for formal occasions; for proms, wedding and the like. He couldn't tell Amanda that he'd never had his hair done before. He responded with the only thing he could think of.

"My hair has always been long. I had it cut only last month. It hasn't been this short since I was.." He paused to think. "Since I was about twelve. I'm not sure what to do with it."

"Ok. Let's start by giving you a shampoo. Then we can try a few things and you can decide which you like best.

It wasn't much different than having Margaret wash his hair for him. Back in the chair, Amanda brushed it out again. "You don't want it any shorter?" She asked.

John hesitated. He hated his hair short and when this was finally over he was going to probably go back to wearing it the way he used to. He was about to speak up when Tina spoke for him.

"Laura, didn't you say you were going to let it grow out again.?" Tina asked from behind him.

John got the hint. "No, Tina's right. I miss my long hair." "Alright, let's see what we can do." Amanda got started. "You've only got a few split ends. I'll get rid of them first."

John sat quietly while Amanda worked. She and Tina got into a discussion about some local scandal in the news. John hadn't heard a news report or read a paper in a month. Besides, it was a local affair. He had nothing to add to their discussion.

Amanda finished and put down her scissors. "Alright Laura, let's see what we can do." She pulled his hair into a upsweep on the sides and back using a small bobby pins to hold it loosely. "It would look lovely if we simply gave the top soft curls and let a few soft strands dangle from the sides and back." She looked at Laura in the mirror. "What do you think?"

John looked to Tina, in the mirror, and saw her nod ever so slightly. "That sounds nice." He couldn't picture it himself.

"Ok. This shouldn't take too long." Amanda brought over a chair for Tina. She sat down behind him, out of Amanda's way. Amanda took great care to completely hide the bobby pins. Since Laura was obviously content to sit there quietly while she worked, Amanda resumed her conversation with Tina. The girl wasn't very talkative, unlike most of Amanda's clients.

Amanda worked on Tina's hair while he sat under the big dryer, surrounded by other women drying their hair. He flipped through one of the magazines that lay on the little table next to him.

"Laura's very shy."

"I could tell." Remarked Amanda as she trimmed Tina's split ends.

"It takes her a while to open up to people. This party tonight is for her benefit. Her father has asked Connie and I to try to help her come out of her shell. She doesn't see herself as a very attractive woman."

"But she's lovely?"

"I know that and you know that. The problem is that she doesn't." Tina was simply trying to explain why John had been so quiet.

"I'll do my best to make her glow for your guests tonight." Amanda understood. She felt sorry for the young woman.

"She needs all the encouragement she can get." Tina was enjoying this. She knew how Amanda would fuss over him now, more than normal, to make him look especially glamorous.

One by one she removed the little curlers. John just sat and watched as the style took shape.

Amanda placed each curl very deliberately and spritzed them with holding mist. When she was satisfied, she carefully pulled out several strands of hair on the sides and back. She wound them tightly and spritzed each individual curl. She wasn't satisfied to stop there. At his forehead she feathered his hair just slightly to soften his look even more.

John had watched closely as his set took shape. Now he stared in amazement. John had slowly come to the realization that he made an attractive looking woman. But now he was more than that. With his hair done this way he was...beautiful. How odd to think of himself that way?

Amanda stood back and admired her work. She was more than satisfied and she could see by the look on Laura's face that she was too. It was gratifying to see that look on a woman. It didn't happen often but when it did it made her feel really good about what she did for a living.

"What do you think Laura?" Amanda asked grinning.

He didn't hesitate. "I never thought I could look this beautiful." He turned and looked at the sides. There was something about a woman's neck when her hair was pulled up that John found sexy and alluring. He felt sexy and alluring.

Tina returned from the dryer when the buzzer sounded that the time was up. She was anxious to see how John was doing. She paused in mid stride when she got a good look at him rising from Amanda's chair.

Amanda turned in Tina's direction when she saw her in the mirror. The look on Tina's face was almost as satisfying as Laura's.

Tina hurried up to him. "Laura, you look fantastic."

He turned to show Tina the back.

"I don't know what to say Amanda. I love it." John did glow.

"I'm happy you're pleased Laura. You look terrific. You'll have every man's eye at the party tonight."

"She had the most beautiful, off the shoulder dress to wear tonight. It's a designer original." Tina told Amanda, excited.

"Please take pictures. I'd love to see you in it." Amanda begged.

"We will," He looked to Tina, her nod of assurance was obvious. "I promise."

It was Tina's turn to take the chair. John sat down, out of the way, and watched as Amanda did her magic on Tina.

Funny, he thought to himself. As resentful as he'd been toward Tina, he thought of her as a friend now. He'd seen a side of her he hadn't let himself see before. Yes, she had punished him when he was difficult but all she wanted him to do was accept his role. The role that he was more and more willing to accept and even enjoyed playing now. He was grateful to her for so many things; the clothes, the jewelry and now this. She had given him beauty and a growing feeling of confidence.

Were the looks he was getting from the women around him in the waiting room envy? He liked to think that was what they meant.

All heads turned to Tina as she come out of the back of the salon with Amanda. She too had her hair piled high on her head but without the delicate wisps of hair dangling down. She looked gorgeous, even in her robe.

"You look fantastic." John told Tina.

"That means a lot coming from you Laura. Thanks." She hadn't really been trying to win his friendship but apparently she was starting to and she was sure it wasn't an act.

"You two are going to knock them dead tonight. Have fun." "Thanks Amanda." They said, almost in unison as they left the salon, waving goodbye.

"Is that it? Are we going home now?" John asked. He was dying to show Margaret and anyone else who was there, even Jack, how beautiful he looked.

"One more stop." Tina answered as they walked across the hall and through another glass door.

They stood in a small waiting room. There were only three women seated in the soft leather chairs looking at magazines. John could see nothing of what lay behind the closed door. There had been no sign on the glass door they had passed through, unlike the other doors they had entered. In the company of these women he didn't want to sound foolish by asking Tina what they were here for.

They waited for almost twenty minutes as one by one the waiting women disappeared through the inner door, escorted by women in white smocks. No sooner were the seats vacated than other women came in to occupy them. The weren't left alone so that John might question Tina. They read magazines and waited.

Finally it was their turn. They were taken through the door together. Now John didn't have to ask, he could see for himself. This was the cosmetology salon.

In the center of the large square room was a large display case filled with every imaginable form of makeup. Around the walls were shallow cubicles lined with glass shelves covered with makeup. There were four cubicles on each wall. In the right rear corner of the room was a glass door.

What's the occasion Laura?" Asked the woman who introduced herself as Susan. John was being led toward an empty booth on the right side of the room while Tina was being seated in one of the booths on the back wall. All the other booths were occupied by women having their makeup done.

"We're giving a formal dinner party." He replied. Susan seemed like a pleasant enough person. She looked like she was in her mid thirties at first glance but now that they sat down in the booth, only inches apart across the narrow table, John could see that she was actually older.

Her makeup did a marvelous job of hiding the tiny lines and wrinkles around her eyes.

"Delightful. Your hair is lovely and now you want a makeover, a new look?"

"Yes." He supposed. It wasn't his idea to come in here. He thought he was quite capable of doing his own makeup. There was no point in fighting it though.

"And what is the color the dress you'll be wearing tonight?"

"White." He answered. Why did she need to know that?

He had his questioned answered. "We don't want your makeup too dark then."

She carefully examined his face. "We're going to have to wax those eyebrows of yours. You haven't been tweezing them as often as you should." She put the protective apron on him and wheeled over the little table with her wax pot and tools.

Wax? He didn't like the sound of that.

With his eyes closed she thoroughly cleaned the area with alcohol. Then, after testing the wax. she spread it carefully under the line of his brows and gently pushed the paper into the wax.

He stayed very still. He was dying to ask questions but was afraid of showing his ignorance.

"Now don't move." As soon as the words were out of her mouth she ripped the paper from his face. She immediately applied the pressure with her palm that would alleviate most of the pain.

It felt like someone pressed heave duty tape on his arm and tore the hair off with it. Which was approximately what the woman had done. It didn't hurt as much as he thought it was going to.

Susan repeated the procedure on his other eyebrow. "There, that wasn't too bad, was it?"

"Not at all." He lied.

"Now I'll just tweeze these last couple." She said, tongue in cheek, as she started plucking.

She pulled out more than a couple as he sat there for ten minutes while she worked. He was quite relieved when she announced that she was finally finished.

Susan started to pull down bottles and small plastic compacts off the shelves.

Susan had never ceased to be amazed at the ignorance of some women. Especially young girls who knew almost nothing about cosmetics. She had taken to explaining everything she did, for their enlightenment. She didn't assume that they knew anything about proper shades for their coloring or technique. The other facet of her job was to try to sell the women the expensive cosmetics they used. She was usually successful in selling most women at least something.

Satisfied that she had everything she needed, Susan went to work on her. This is concealer," She explained as she dabbed it under John's eyes. "It will cover the tiny lines and faint circles, to help accent your eyes."

John just sat there and let her do her thing. She certainly knew what she was doing. Everyone else in this place seemed to. He had never even heard of concealer before. Who would have imagined he'd ever want to.

Next, Susan tested three shades of matt foundation on his cheek. She made a note on the pad on the table. "This one is best for you Laura." And she proceeded to use her cosmetic sponge to deftly apply it.

She asked him what colors he normally wore on his eyes and John told her. "That just won't do." She said. "You have beautiful brown eyes and you need to accent them and make them look bigger with the right colors."

Again, John watched as she jotted down more notes on her pad. Then she began to apply the eyeshadow. She pushed the little stand up mirror over closer to him. "Now pay close attention as I do this."

He was more than a little curious and he watched closely. When she was finished he had no doubt that she was an expert at what she did. "That's amazing. My eyes look so much different." They looked larger and the makeup less harsh than the way he had been applying it. He hoped he could do it as well himself.

Susan was glad that the young woman appreciated her talent. "I've reshaped your eyebrows just a little," She said as she defined them with her pencil. "But we don't want to make them so prominent that they draw attention from your eyes."

He had been making them too pronounced, he realized. The eyebrow pencil was added to her list.

John had found it a little awkward to find just the right areas to apply the blush and when he told the woman that she spent a few minutes showing him the easiest way to do it correctly.

When he applied his blush he could easily see that he had colored his cheeks. The techniques she used and the colors picked for him, made it appear that he had natural shading.

The woman applied the pale red lipliner and lipstick the same way he had been taught.

"Your lips are perfectly shaped. You only need to follow the natural contour." She remarked.

Natural? He laughed to himself.

Susan put on the finishing touches with the powder, to soften his look. The shiny areas around his chin, nose and forehead disappeared.

The powder was something Connie had never given him or taught him to use.

"And there you are." Susan said proudly as she pushed her chair back from the table and waited to hear what the young woman thought of the makeover she'd done.

The left wall of the booth was lined with mirrors. John turned away from the little mirror on the table and studied the reflection of girl that looked back at him. His serious expression melted into an astonished, contented smile as he turned this way and that with delight seeing how terrific he looked.

The look on her face was enough to please Susan, even if she said nothing.

He looked at the woman in the mirror. "I didn't know I could be this pretty. Thank you."

Susan was a gracious lady. "You were already pretty. The makeup and the techniques I showed you just bring out the woman inside."

He didn't care that what she said was so ironic. At the moment, the only thing he cared about was that she'd made him look so beautiful.

"You can easily do the same thing at home. All you need is the right makeup." Susan stood up and picked up her pad. "Follow me." She led him to the display cases in the center of the room. John watched as she brought out each of the cosmetics she had shown him how to apply.

"Wow. Laura, you look fantastic." Tina had just finished. Unlike John, she knew what she wanted done. She would have made herself up at home if it weren't for her desire for him to experience this and learn from it.

It was a little unnerving to see him standing there looking the way he did. His hair, his makeup. He looked more naturally feminine than she had imagined he ever would. Brevard will be delighted, of that she was sure. She only hoped his friends would be equally impressed.

"Thanks Tina. I still can't believe it's me." John wasn't worried that the woman would misconstrue his words.

"You are an absolute knockout Laura." Tina said smiling.

John had been doing mental calculations as the woman put things on the counter. The total would be over one hundred and fifty dollars. It was a lot of money but he wouldn't be able to repeat what Susan had done without them.

He turned and looked at Tina, hopefully. Did he dare ask.

Tina interpreted his pleading look and smiled. She turned to the woman who waited. One did not come to an exclusive place like this if you couldn't afford it and you did not ask the price of things. That would be totally gauche. "Add it to our bill." She told the woman. "Tina Foshe."

He was very careful not to ruin his hair or make up when he pulled the dress over his head. Tina helped him.

John looked up at the clock as stepped into his heels. "God Tina, look at the time. Don't we have to hurry?" It was almost four o:clock. There had to be a lot to do to get ready for the dinner party.

Tina smiled. "There's nothing to worry about. All we have to do get ourselves ready. The caterers will take care of almost everything." She found it delightful that he was concerned.

John was surprised. When Tina said it was a formal party he hadn't realized it would be a catered affair.

Tina and Connie had done all the cooking and the other preparations for their parties the first year they started entertaining their clients but had learned quickly that everything went much smoother this way.

She watched him as he put on his coat and slung his purse over his shoulder. She was getting out her coat as he walked over to the mirror and looked at himself again.

Maybe she was wrong about him. He was obviously happy with the way he looked as he looked at his hands, extending his fingers to look at his new fingernails. He smiled as he looked at the makeover they'd given him. He absolutely glowed. He couldn't fake that. He had overcome his fears the other day, shopping. But today, from the moment he walked in, he had been a woman and enjoyed every moment of it.

There was one more hurdle to over come and the way he felt about how he looked would have little to do with his reaction to accepting the affections of men. They would have to move along more quickly now. Jack had already started to overcome the mistake he had made. Connie had told her about how it went on the couch last night while she was occupied with Scott. Jack would have to become more aggressive now.

Tina was ready. "Let's go Laura." She said as she walked to the door. In the lobby, Tina paid their bill. John's cosmetics were there waiting for them. It hadn't been cheap but it was worth it, considering the strides John made today.

They walked out side by side and John felt more confident than he had at any point up to this. As they walked along, past the front of the building, toward the parking lot, several men approached on the sidewalk. As they passed and stared he knew that it wasn't only Tina they were staring at.

"Don't look back." Tina whispered after they passed.

John looked at her with a question on his face.

Tina smiled, "They're probably still looking."

John couldn't resist and when he turned his head, Tina was right. John turned back quickly.

"Told you." Tina said smugly.

"That's neat." He said with a smile. He almost wished they could stop somewhere for a drink so he could enjoy the reactions of other men. Even as the thought popped into his mind it made him nervous. No, that probably wasn't a good idea. Yesterday had been nerve wracking enough.

The gray mantle of clouds hung overhead. It was only four but it looked like dusk. It looked like it could start snowing any minute.

When they rounded the corner of the building the cold wind hit and they hurried to the car. Running in heels was not easy for John. The heat in the car didn't come up as quickly as they would have liked.

They were just in time for rush hour traffic. It had taken them almost a half hour to drive to the spa that morning. It took them nearly an hour to drive back across town.

As men in their cars pulled up along side them and stared, John looked away but not as quickly as he had in the past. He was curious. He paused for a second to smile. Most smiled back and John thought that was great, definitely laughable.

"You're flirting Laura." Tina said in a laughing tone. She had been watching.

"No I'm not." He insisted.

"Yes you are." She answered in a lilting voice.

He smiled back at her. "Well, maybe just a little. It's fun." He liked the idea that his disguise was so perfect that it made men's heads turn.

Tina got serious with him. "Just be careful. It's ok when your in a car but in public, it can get you in trouble."

"How?" The answer to his question dawned on him as soon as he asked it. It would be hard to imagine someone trying that with him.

"Women that flirt too much usually find they get more attention than they anticipate. Sometimes it's the wrong kind of attention." It was all part of learning to be a woman. Some girls learned the hard way.

"I understand." John had known a number of those girls. They were the ones that got hit on all the time because guys believed they were an easy lay. He'd met his share.

He didn't get the full meaning of Tina's words.

They were both thankful for underground parking. The wind had increased and their hair would have been ruined if they had to park on the street.

Margaret looked up from her book as the door opened and Tina and John walked in. "Oh my!"

Jack looked out from the kitchen. He had to look twice. Tina, as always, looked terrific but it was John that caused him to do a double take. He looked fantastic.

John walked over to Margaret as she rose from the couch. "What do you think?" He asked her.

Margaret searched for the words. "Laura, you look...beautiful. Turn around for your Aunt Margaret."

Tina was content to stand back and enjoy the exchange.

Jack left the caterers in the kitchen and joined them.

"I love your hair sweetheart." Margaret couldn't get over how lovely he looked.

John put down his bag and held out his hands to show Margaret his fingernails. "Nice?"

Margaret took his hands in hers. "Lovely, just lovely." She said looking from his hands back to his face. She beamed, admiring the young woman before her. She felt so proud.

"You look gorgeous Laura." Jack just stood and stared.

The transformation was almost too complete. If Jack hadn't known John was a man...

"Thanks Jack." It seemed funny but he appreciated the complement, even from Jack.

John turned to Tina who was smiling at the three of them. "What?"

Tina shrugged her shoulders. "I'm just delighted to see you so happy."

"I want to go try on my dress." He told her, more than a little anxious to see how he'd look.

"Slow down Laura. Our guests won't be arriving for hours. You don't want to be standing around in your dress that long. Why don't you put your things away and relax. You could read for a while. You'll have plenty of time to get ready." She was thrilled that he seemed so excited.

Tina was right of course but he was just so eager to see how he looked in the dress and his new jewelry. "I don't think I could possibly relax."

Tina laughed. "Give it a try." She looked at Margaret. "Would you open Laura's door for her?"

Need she ask? "Come on Laura."

John, for the first time, noticed the man and woman in the kitchen, cooking. Both looked up and smiled as he and Margaret passed through. John returned the smile, "Hello." The older woman's smile was warm and her look, admiring. The man, he looked to be about twenty five, had a different way of looking at him. John found his interest amusing.

Margaret held his hand for just a second as she stood in the bedroom door. "You look so beautiful child. Wait until Connie sees you. She's going to be thrilled."

John couldn't help feeling strange when Margaret reached out to kiss his cheek. It was an contact between women that he still had to get used to but he did appreciate her affection. "You've been so good to me Aunt Margaret."

When he was alone finally, he shed the jacket and took the bag of cosmetics they'd bought over to his dressing table and proceeded to lay everything out.

As soon as he was gone Tina turned to Jack. "How did Ben do?" She asked anxiously.

"Wonderful. He finished about an hour ago."

"How does he look?" Tina was excited.

"It a little hard to tell. His face is pretty well covered with bandages."

That was a silly question. "Did Ben do everything we discussed?"

"Yes" Jack had stood in the background and watched as Ben and Margaret worked on the man. Scott was a little more frail and feminine looking than Jack preferred. He anticipated that after today, Scott's looks would be everything that Tina had anticipated.

"Ben didn't castrate him like he did Laura?" Funny, Tina thought to herself. In the past she had never stopped thinking of the girls as guys, calling them by their given names. John was different somehow.

"No. He wanted to but Margaret reminded him of what you said."

"Good. I'm still a little worried about Brevard's reaction to Laura."

"Why are you worried? John looks wonderful. He looks as much like a girl as any I've ever known." Jack didn't understand.

Poor Jack. So brilliant about some things, so naive about others. "That's the problem. He may be too feminine. Aside from the little that's left of his penis, he doesn't even resemble a guy any more. The hormones have changed him so much already."

In the past, their problem had be to make them look and act feminine enough for their demanding clients. Tina was right, John, or more appropriately Laura, had exceeded all their expectations.

"Ben's still here?" Tina asked.

"He's waiting for you in the nursery."

"Thanks Jack." Tina looked around the room. "Everything on schedule?"

"According to Maria, yes. Thomas has already set up the bar. Constance finished her cleaning about two."

"Great. Thanks for all your help today Jack." Tina stroked his cheek affectionately then headed off toward the nursery.

It took him forever to get his dress off. He had to be so careful pulling it over his head. He'd know better than to wear that kind of a dress next time he went there. Strange thought, there wouldn't be a next time.

He took his white dress from the closet and carefully laid it on the bed. He went through his underwear drawers and found a pair of white lace panties. He laid out a new pair of pantyhose and his white half slip next to them. The long line strapless bra, he put on. It was different than any of the bras he had worn and it was more comfortable than it looked. The half cups pushed his breasts up just slightly, making him look bigger, more full chested, than he actually was.

He set his new white heels at the foot of the bed. He debated for a moment then decided to follow Tina's advice.

With his book in his hand he sat down in the chair. His hair was done and so was his makeup. All he had to do was get dressed. Then he thought a moment. John jumped up and went over to the dresser. His jewelry was spread out neatly on the top and he picked up the earrings he had picked out with such delight. He took out the gold knot earrings he had worn today and pushed the studs of the new drop earrings through his lower hole. It took him a few seconds to get the retainer on the back. He felt clumsy with his long nails. John looked at himself in the mirror and moved his head slowly from side to side. The sparkling diamonds glittered in the light. Very pretty, he thought to himself and smiled.

The necklace was next and the stones lay just over his breasts. He wanted more than ever to put on the rest of his clothes.

He could at least put on his perfume. Behind his ears, on his wrists and, as he smiled, between his breasts. John had seen girls do that. He had also seen them put it behind their knees.

The fragrance had such an effect on him. He enjoyed the wave of emotion that swept over him. Now he settled down in the chair to read and the love scene that he was just on the verge of reading as his eyes closed last night. This was where he picked up the story.

The heroine was a young woman, Marsha, who was sure she was in love with her father's young business partner, Adam. She had called the office one afternoon, when she knew her father wasn't in. She told Adam that she was in trouble and needed his help. She wouldn't explain the problem over the phone, he had to come out to the house.

Marsha told him to come upstairs when he arrived. Now she waited impatiently, dressed only in her seductive nightgown. She had bathed in scented oils and perfumed herself. Her long brown hair softly framed her pretty face.

She knew he had an interest. She had seen the way he looked at her with his deep hazel eyes, longing for her but keeping his distance, because of her father. Martha would no longer be denied his touch.

She heard the door open and Adam call out her name. "Up here Adam." She put a touch of fear in her voice, to draw him to her quickly, for she was tingling with anticipation.

He stood in the doorway, gazing at the lithe young woman standing in front of the open window. The half open curtains caught the breeze that carried the scent of the gardens below. Sunlight made the sheer curtains almost transparent and her delicate pink nightgown hid nothing from his gaze.

Adam felt flush as his eyes took in every soft curve of her young healthy body. He could not deny the way he felt about her any longer.

"I'm sorry I tricked you." Marsha said softly as she slowly drifted across the room to him, her eyes never leaving his. "I need you Adam, I want you."

He was spellbound. "I want you to. I've wanted to hold you, to touch you..." He gently laid his hand on her cheek as she put hers over his lips.

"No more words." She whispered as she reached up to him with warm moist lips.

He was helpless as the passion swept over him. Marsha pushed his jacket off his shoulders and it dropped to the floor. He stood there looking at her with desire as she slowly unbuttoned his crisp white shirt. It landed with his tie at their feet. Again their lips met.

His touch was like electricity lighting up every nerve in her body. She longed for his soft caresses.

John turned the page quickly.

Without their lips parting. Adam bent down and effortlessly took Marsha in his arms and carried her to the bed. After what seemed like an eternity to both of them, he lay down beside her. His body was cool, hers hot with anticipation. Neither spoke, except with their eyes.

Again, their lips touched as Adam stroked her arm from her shoulder to her wrist.

She welcomed his naked body as it pressed her down. She shivered with anticipation as his hand touched her breast and her shiver was one of excitement as he lightly touched her nipple with his finger tip.

John was not completely unaware of the stirrings inside him but putting his hand to his own breast was almost an unconscious move on his part. As he felt Marsha's passion in the words he read, his own skin began to tingle.

She could feel his eyes on her as she lay there with the electricity coursing through her. "Ahhh." A gentle moan escaped her lips. It seemed to encourage Adam. He shifted his weight on Marsha. Her hands on his hips guided him.

Now he gently molded her other breast as his warm hot lips covered her other nipple. He gently pulled on it with his lips, caressing it with his tongue. Her heart raced and her desire built until she thought she would scream.

John leaned his head back and lay the book in his lap. Now his other hand was on the other breast, stroking his sensitive nipples. He felt something building inside him like small explosions going off and they spread warmth all through him.

He pulled his robe open and, with one hand, lightly ran his fingers down to his panties. He moved slowly and with only one finger he rubbed, through his silky panties, what was left of his manhood. His excitement grew and grew but no matter what he did he couldn't make himself reach the level he sought. He came to the brink but something stopped him.

It was different from anything he'd ever experienced. In the past the feelings had been pleasurable enough and he had always felt satisfied as the rush came quickly and then passed.

When he stroked his nipples his sensations weren't confined to one part of him. He felt the excitement throughout his body and it grew and grew until it was almost overwhelming. Then, when he stroked himself below, on the skin that was still so sensitive, he experienced a different sensation that, when combined with the warmth running through him, was enough to almost drive him to distraction.

Frustrated he dropped the book on the nightstand. He sat there and let the warmth drain from his body. He felt limp. A few moments later there was a knock at his door.

"He's doing very well." Tina said to Ben as they walked down the hall to his bedroom. "He's learning to accept everything nicely."

"I just want you to give him a quick check. Just to be sure everything's alright." Tina explained.

"No problem. Frankly, I'm anxious to see how he's doing myself."

"We're at a very delicate stage with him Ben. You'll need to be gentle and not over do. He's accepting being feminized but we're only on the verge of introducing him to Jack's advances."

"I'll use my best bedside manner Tina, I promise."

Tina swung the picture aside on his hinges to expose the one way mirror. John was sitting in his chair in his robe open with his head back.

"Will you just look at him. I can hardly believe it. He looks adorable." Now Ben regretted not having castrated Scott. "I can't believe the difference in just a month of hormone therapy."

"Just remember, don't over do it." Tina said as she knocked on his door.

John stood up and pulled his robe closed. "Come in."

Tina led the doctor in.

John's recollection of his encounter with the man was still crystal clear in his mind. He looked to Tina with fear in his eyes.

"It's alright Laura," Tina hurried over to him. "The doctor just needs to give you a check up. I promise he won't do anything to hurt you." She reassuringly stroked his arm.

Could he trust her. He wanted to. "What kind of checkup." He asked, looking from Tina to the doctor.

Ben behaved as promised. "It's nothing Laura, really. I need to give you a simple breast exam and give a quick look to your face."

John had become so accustomed to the face in the mirror that he'd almost forgotten. The idea of a breast exam scared him. What would he do?

"I'll stay right here with you." Tina said with a warm smile.

"Please take off your bra Laura and sit down over here on the bed." Ben asked as pleasantly as he could.

Tina moved his clothes to the chair while he unhooked the back of the bra. Not once did he take his eyes from the doctor. It was one thing to be seen this way by a roomful of women, but to have a man see him with his breasts exposed was something else altogether. That was foolish, he new. This was the man who gave him these breasts.

Tina stayed by his side as he sat down, his robe pulled tightly closed over him while the doctor sat on the edge of the bed, probing his face gently with his fingers. "I can hardly see the incisions Laura." He said, satisfied that he'd done his job well. "You healed beautifully."

John didn't respond. He just looked at the man.

"Now I promise not to hurt you." Ben opened his robe.

John flinched as he put his hand on his chest. He sat there, so nervous as the doctor gently moved his breasts from side to side and up and down. Then, when he thought the doctor was finished, he squeezed them.

"I'm sorry Laura. I just had to check that no seepage had taken place." Ben sat back. "Just one more thing Laura."

What now, John thought to himself. Then it dawned on him.

"Please pull your panties down for just a moment." Ben was driven more by curiosity then a medical need.

John looked to Tina. "Just a real quick look and he'll be done Laura." She was sympathetic but this was what she wanted to see too.

He closed his eyes and reached down for his underwear.

Ben only touched him lightly as he discovered to his delight that the man's penis was no bigger then the end of a pencil. It lay, tucked under one of the soft folds of loose skin.

"All done Laura. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable." His apology was genuine. He stood and walked halfway to the door and turned. "You've become a beautiful young woman Laura. I wish you happiness in your new life." Ben turned and left.

John quickly pulled up his panties and covered himself with his robe. He was relieved that he was gone. Being touched like that by the old man had made him feel creepy.

"That wasn't so bad Laura, was it?" Tina had seen how uncomfortable he had looked when Ben touched him and now she tried to play it down. "Most women get a breast exam every year and it's not nearly as gentle as the doctor did with you."

"Doctors really push and squeeze you like that?" He asked getting up.

"Worse usually. I've occasionally been sore for days afterward." It was the truth.

"I hated having him touch me down there." John only looked down at his crotch.

Tina felt sorry for him. It certainly wasn't a medical necessity. "It's all over now." She assured him.

John looked up at her. "Is Connie home yet?"

"Not yet. She had to stop on the way home and get her hair done. She should be here by six thirty or seven." It would have been fun if she could have gone with them today but that was impossible. There was too much for her to do on her computer today.

John glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was almost six. "I guess I'll read for a while." He had to kill time somehow and it would help him to forget what had just happened.

"That sounds like a good idea. Shall I tell Connie to come in when she gets in?" Tina offered.

"No." He answered quickly. "I want to be all ready when she sees me. I want to surprise her." He looked forward to seeing her reaction.

"Ok I'll knock on your door three times when she comes in." Tina turned to go. "Can I get you something to nibble on or something to drink? It's going to be a few hours till dinner."

"I'd like that, thanks Tina." His whole outlook towards her had been shaken today. She had been as kind and sweet as she could be. Part of him fought it but he was starting to really like Tina.

He picked up where he had left off and while said to himself he wasn't going to let the story excite him, he knew as soon as he started reading again that he was kidding himself.

Marsha wanted him on top of her. She put his hands on his face and drew his lips to hers. His kisses touched her eyes, her cheeks, her neck and finally found her lips again. He pressed them hard against hers and she could feel his excitement growing. His hand caressed her side and slid down to her narrow waist. She became moist with anticipation as his hand rested on her hip.

Adam was as gentle and sensitive as she hoped he'd be. His finger tips touched her tenderly and she could no longer think of anything but him. She wanted him to take her. To bring them both to ecstasy together.

John was there with her, feeling what she felt and he too felt on the verge of ecstasy but, unlike Marsha, he wasn't able to step over the brink to find it. The feelings took longer to drain from him this time and he felt frustrated.

The three knocks on his door came about a quarter to seven. He had read past Marsha's encounter and was reading on with anticipation of their next. But now he dropped the book on the nightstand.

He didn't stop to look in the mirror as he quickly dressed. He was afraid that Connie might come in too soon. It only took him a few minutes before he was ready. He checked his hair and makeup.

A noise from the nursery had called Margaret away but the others; Tina, Connie and Jack watched him dress.

"I never imagined he'd take to everything so readily." Connie was amazed. "He looks fantastic."

"Remember what his secretary had said about him being an overachiever? He feels he has to excel at anything he does. He's compulsive."

"I hope he applies the same gusto with me." Jack said smiling.

Tina and Connie both turned to Jack but it was Connie that spoke. "Slow and easy Jack." She was still annoyed buy his obvious interest in John.

"Yes, but not too slow. We don't have that much time left." They had intended that John be on his way before Scott graduated from the nursery. They had a few weeks but that wasn't a lot of time to turn a heterosexual into a submissive sex object.

He was nervous and he stood before the mirror, straightening his dress with shaking hands. Now that the moment was almost at hand he didn't feel the same confidence he had earlier. He looked at himself with a critical eye.

He had been thrilled earlier with how convincing he looked but now he wondered. Was he just kidding himself? Were the stares of the men on the sidewalk and in their cars really desire, as he first imagined, or were they something else? Had they seen through his facade?

Then he thought about Greg. He had seemed completely fooled the other day. He wouldn't have asked him out otherwise. He considered Connie and Tina. Their assurances had meant a lot to him but were they only stroking him? No, not Connie. She was his friend. Tina? Was she just trying to build up his confidence? The look he had seen on her face several times today had said more than her words. He had believed her then.

So what was he so afraid of? The people he was about to meet as Laura? He had no idea what he was going to do or say to them. Would they even talk to him? What was their reaction going to be toward him? Would he be convincing enough to fool them?

The knock at the door brought his thoughts back to the moment. He took one last look in the mirror. It had to be Connie. Hair, makeup, dress, shoes and jewelry, all perfect. Turning from the mirror to the door he said, "Come in."

Pretending she had not been watching, Connie stepped into the room and came to an abrupt halt. She stood and stared at him for and instant before her face broke into a wide grin.

He was uncertain at first. What was wrong? When her mouth turned up at the corners and her dimples blossomed he knew there was nothing wrong. He returned her smile.

"What do you think?" He asked. His hands on his hips and his white heels together, in proper fashion.

Connie didn't hold back the urge. She rushed up to him and put her arms around him. "Laura, you look so beautiful. No, more than that, you look elegant."

It felt strange to hug Connie in return, their breasts pressed together. He didn't let go until she did. She held his hands at arms length as she looked him over.

"Are you sure I look alright?" He needed to hear it again. He needed the encouragement.

"I've never seen a prettier dress on a more beautiful woman." Connie answered his question with a twinkle in her eye.

It was John's turn to draw her close. "You're my best friend." He said sincerely as they held each other again.

He realized how selfish he was being. John released her and mimicked her reaction of a moment ago. Holding her hands, he admired her hairdo. "You look fantastic." Connie's long brown hair was piled high on her head in soft curls with short bangs. One small curl hung down in front of each ear. She looked like she belonged on the cover of a fashion magazine.

"I have to hurry and get dressed. Our guests will be here any minute." Connie explained as she backed toward the door.

"Connie, I'm terrified about tonight. Will I fool them?"

"You have nothing to worry about Laura. Just be yourself." Connie decided she better take a few minutes and have a talk with him before he met Brevard and their other guests but it would have to wait until she was ready. "I'll be back in a few minutes and we'll talk about how you should act tonight."

He wasn't sure he understood. He had done alright with her and the girls on Monday and on his other excursions. What was different about tonight?

He was too nervous to sit and read so he paced around the room, waiting for Connie to return.

Tina had taken care of the last of the details. The hord'oeuvres were ready and Maria had dinner under control. She and Thomas had changed into their uniforms. Thomas was making his last minute preparations at the bar.

Tina, satisfied, hurried off to the bedroom to change.

It had been Lewis' idea to pick up Justin Brevard, his associate and their wives in the company limo. They sat in strained silence as they drove to the party. Justin Brevard's

associate, Paulo Constanza, and his wife, Celeste, had been arguing.

Lewis sat behind the driver in the big car, next to his wife, Anne. Brevard and his wife, Alexa, sat in the rear with Celeste. Paulo was sitting on the other side of Anne, sipping his wine.

Justin didn't often bring his wife on business trips but this trip was to include pleasure as well. Alexa had been a dutiful wife and deserved an occasional vacation.

She knew nothing of his private dealings with Tina Foshe. She was totally unaware, as it should be in a man's dealings, that he trafficked in human lives.

Alexa had objected when Justin first brought Petra home to live with them. It had been necessary to remind her only once of her place and eventually she and the charming boy became friends. They spent a great deal of time together in the social circles Alexa knew so well. She had taught dear Petra so much. He knew she was upset when he left their bed to lie with Petra in his but she held her tongue.

Alexa had met Anna two years ago when she came to the States with Justin. She had been uncomfortable at first but Mr Write's wife had proven to be a very gracious hostess. They had enjoyed several pleasant afternoons together while their men conducted their business. It was unsettling to Alexa that, like most anglo women, Anna intruded into her husband's affairs. The idea that she objected to his working the whole time they were there and had no time to spend with their wives was totally wrong. A proper wife would never dream of doing such a thing. Despite it all, Alexa liked the woman and enjoyed her company.

For now, she sat silently at her husband's side. She exchanged smiles with Anna but would not speak unless spoken to.

Paulo was very excited to meet this woman, Tina, that Justin had told him about. He was even more anxious to meet the boy the woman was so anxious to show off to his friend. Paulo had met Petra and had been amazed to learn that she was actually a man.

Paulo had many young boys. There were so many willing to do anything for a few pesos. In Brazil, the rich were very rich and the poor were very poor.

It wasn't until he learned the truth about Petra that Paulo knew that he wanted a pretty boy of his own, to live in his home. Available to him when ever he wanted him.

Justin treated Petra well, as well as he treated his wife. What boy wouldn't give anything to enjoy the luxury of the life their wives enjoyed.

Celeste could accept if it was simply a mistress he brought home but she would certainly be upset when she learned the truth. He didn't care. She would accept and adjust or she would simply disappear, as he would never divorce her. No, she would adjust. He would share himself between them. The life she would have to face as a estranged wife in Brazil would not be an acceptable alternative for her.

Celeste was furious. They had arrived in America this afternoon. It was her first trip to this country and her husband informs her that they are going to an intimate dinner party with his boss. She had anticipated going out to experience some of the nightlife she had only heard about. It was bad enough that he didn't take her to someplace exciting like New York or Miami. Instead he brings her to, of all places, Peoria, Illinois?.

She kept her silence when she had learned that they'd be traveling with Brevard and his old, stuffy wife. Now she had to contend with this other woman. So smug with her charities and societies that they had to endure hearing all about over cocktails that afternoon. She bit her tongue. She maintained her silence.

What really was upsetting Celeste was that she envied Anne and women like her that weren't bound by the customs of her country. Here, women had a voice. They could speak their mind. Make their own decisions. Choose their husbands. Celeste deeply resented the charming, outgoing woman.

Lewis had not seen Tina in almost six months. It had been over four years since she left the firm. She had been a very capable executive and while he understood her reasons for leaving, it had been a pity to lose her. She was apparently very successful in her export business and although he knew almost nothing about it, he was happy for her. The fact that she did a great deal of business with one of his clients didn't bother him at all since she wasn't in competition with his advertising interests. He thought to himself, sitting there next to Anna, how nice it would be to see Tina again.

Alexa hadn't changed in the two years since they'd met. She had a few more gray hairs but so did Anne. She was still the meek, obedient wife she had always been and it made Anna sad to think that the sweet woman had to endure the kind of life she did. As Anna thought about it, that was the only life she had ever known. Woman were respected as wives and the object of men's passion, nothing more. It wasn't right but Anne kept her opinions to herself. She spoke to Lewis about it, of course, but she would never presume to say anything in front of Alexa. It wasn't her place.

This Celeste was another story. It didn't take a psychologist to see that she was a very angry woman and she and Paulo, Mr Constanza, as Lewis reminded her, had a strained relationship. As Anne understood it, these types of men didn't divorce their wives, they just cast them aside, ignoring them while they lavished their affections on their mistresses. Lewis had even told her that Justin, Mr Brevard, had his mistress living with him and Alexa. Anne just couldn't imagine.

Thomas opened the door for the two gentlemen and took their coats as he asked them to make themselves comfortable.

Ed looked over the extraordinarily large room with it's expensive furnishing. "This is quite a place Paul. What does your girlfriend do for a living?"

Ed was thirty four, very fit and one of the most successful account reps that Write and Associates had at the moment. He stood at 5'10" with sandy brown hair. He put the same energy into staying fit as he did into his work. He jogged five miles every morning for the past three years. He starting jogging seriously after he and Karen split up.

Ed thought he'd finally found the right girl but he learned, to his disappointment that Karen was fooling around behind his back. Since then he had thrown himself into his work but he still dated occasionally, but he rarely saw any woman more than once or twice. He was just afraid of being hurt again.

Ed was here tonight as Paul's guest. Something about needing to round out the number of men and women at the party. It wasn't a blind date. Ed didn't do blind dates.

"I told you Ed, Tina's not exactly a girlfriend. We just see each other every now and them. We enjoy each others company." He often wished it was more than that but he had finally resigned himself that she was more devoted to advancing her business than an intimate, long term commitment.

Paul had worked with Tina at Write and Associates for several years before she left. It wasn't until a few months before she left that they started seeing each other. Unfortunately, he was as ambitious as she had been and he believed at the time that life as a devout bachelor was much preferred to being tied down. He was on his way up the corporate ladder and he was just a few steps away from the top spot. He had his priorities then. He still did.

Paul did not want for female companionship, even now, at thirty five. He stood five foot eleven, with blond hair and classic greek features, he rarely had to do more than look at a girl to peak her interest. It was burden he carried with pleasure.

But it was Tina he wanted. The others he could have at the drop of a pin but not Tina. She was the most beautiful, intelligent and intriguing creature he had ever met and she wasn't interested in marriage and kids. It drove Paul crazy.

When she had called to invite him tonight he was surprised. He hadn't heard from her in weeks. He was equally surprised when she asked him to bring a friend.

Tina told him, "Just make sure he's at least half as handsome and charming as you. I have a friend."

Paul had immediately thought of Ed.

Thomas returned from hanging up their coats and brought them drinks. "The ladies will be out in a few minutes." Thomas replied to Paul's inquire.

Maria smiled at the two young men in their immaculate suits as she set out the hord'oeuvres on the table by the windows.

"Two of our guests are from South America. They're very important business men and they had some strange ideas of the way a woman should behave." Connie explained.

She had been gone for about a half hour when she returned in her gown. Connie wasn't quite as slim as John. She had a more curvaceous figure than either John or Tina. She filled out her pale pink gown gloriously.

John had read about the way women were treated in South America. It was only a little better than they were treated in the middle east. Slaves to their husbands. "Are they really as culture bound as I've heard?"

"Yes. And that means we don't speak unless we're asked a question and we don't inject our opinions into their business discussions."

"Are you serious?" It sounded like something out of the middle ages.

"Very. Tina and I do business with some of these men and to insult them could ruin that business."

John shook his head in disbelief. It didn't occur to him then that he was an integral element in that business.

"This is very important Laura. You have to remember. We'll leave the men when they want to talk. It's alright to talk openly with their wives, away from the men."

"What a terrible way for them to live." John said of the poor women.

"They're quite content with their way of life, it's the only way they've ever known." Connie paused, looking at him. "You will remember?" He would have to eventually, to survive in his new life.

"I'll remember." How strange, John thought to himself.

Paul spotted Tina first and rose from the couch. Ed rose an instant later. "Wow" The word escaped Ed's lips in a whisper.

It had been a long time since Paul had his arms around her and it felt good. So did her moist red lips. He whispered in her ear, "You look more beautiful every time I see you."

Tina didn't respond immediately. She looked deep into his blue, blue eyes for a second and saw the love there. "You are so sweet."

Paul realized he was being rude. "Tina, this is Ed Hoster. Ed, I present the lovely Tina Foshe."

"You're such a flatter." Tina said blushing. "Hello Ed."

"It's so very nice to finally meet you. I've heard so many nice things about you but Paul never told me that his friend was a goddess."

Tina turned to Paul and, speaking to both of them said, "I thought I said to pick someone only half as charming as you. You messed up Paul."

"I tried. Are we early?"

"No, not at all. Lewis should be here any minute. He's bringing Mr Brevard and a associate of his. And their wives of course."

"Write's coming here?" Ed asked in surprise. "With a client?"

"Did I forget to mention that?" Paul said smiling. He had been afraid that Ed would have begged off if he knew. Both Wright and Brevard were rather overpowering men. "Smoozing with the boss is a good thing."

"A little warning would be nice next time." Ed could handle it. "May I get you a drink?" Ed offered to Tina.

"Yes, thank you. Just a glass of white wine would be nice."

After Ed stepped over to the bar, Paul whispered. "Where's Connie?"

"She and Laura are still getting ready." Tina was going to let Connie know when the others arrived. Tina wanted Laura to make an entrance.

"Who's Laura?" Paul asked. He hadn't heard of her before.

"Laura's a friend. She's the reason I asked you to bring along someone tonight." Tina explained.

"I thought Ed was for Connie." He had just assumed.

"No, she and Jack are still together. Jack's in getting ready too."

Paul was about to ask about Laura when Ed returned with Tina's drink. At the same moment, Jack appeared in the kitchen door, all decked out in his new three piece suit. "Paul, how you doin?"

Tina and Ed turned at the sound of his voice. Jack joined them.

"Good Jack. You?" Paul replied. Jack was alright. A little rough around the edges but he was basically a decent sort. "Jack, this is Ed. Ed, Jack."

"How you doin Ed." Jack reached out his hand to him.

"Nice to meet you Jack." replied Ed shaking his hand. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the guy. He didn't seem to fit in here.

Tina felt awkward too and she would have asked Jack not to stay tonight if she didn't need him to balance things out. Besides, he would have been hurt. She would have to speak to him though, about his manners. This was going to be awkward and she didn't have much time.

Celeste wasn't happy when she heard the man, Write, tell the chauffeur he didn't need to be back until midnight. Now her whole night was going to be ruined.

Thomas had heard the elevator doors open and he was at the front door and ready. Paul and Ed rose in anticipation. Tina returned just in time. She was coming out of the kitchen, from the bedroom, as they the rest of her guests came through the door.

The exchange of pleasantries and introductions began.

The latin courtesy of kissing the ladies hand was not unfamiliar to Tina. She caught just a flash of something from the eyes of the tall woman, Senora Constanza. It wasn't a look of pleasure.

Lewis kissed her on the cheek and so did Anne. Brevard's wife at least smiled when she nodded hello.

Lewis, surprised to see Ed there, took care of introducing him and Paul to Senora Brevard and the Constanzas. They had both already met their client, Senior Brevard.

Jack had returned as introductions began and Tina did the honors. Paul and Ed were both a little surprised to hear his refined replies.

"Please come in and sit down." Tina suggested. This was a little more awkward than Tina had anticipated. Having a woman act as the host was not customary. The women sat, the men stood. Everyone looked uncomfortable.

Write came to her aid. He whispered in her ear, "Would you like some assistance tonight?"

"Would you Lewis. You're a dear." Saved, thought Tina.

Lewis was quite comfortable, taking over as host for the evening. He had entertained South Americans many times in the past and was familiar with the customs.

Tina realized her second mistake almost immediately. She had assembled the wrong mix of people for a social gathering. The men gravitated toward the hord'oeuvres and began talking business. Even Jack joined them, leaving Tina alone with the three women. As soon as the men were occupied the women opened up.

"You have a lovely home here Miss Foshe." Commented Alexa.

"Please, call me Tina, Senora Brevard. Thank you." Tina felt bad, the way things were going.

"Then you must call me Alexa." She said graciously.

"That's very kind of you Alexa."

"You've done something different with the place." Anne commented.

"Yes, we had that awful carpeting removed and the floors redone."

"It makes the room appear so much warmer." Anne always like Tina.

Celeste had been silent long enough. This person was no more than a girl and she had everything. If she disliked Anne Writer, she detested this person. "Do you have maids to take care of it for you?" Celeste asked bluntly. She had three.

"Not usually. We only have someone come in for special occasions. Like tonight." What was the matter with this woman, Tina wondered. Why was she so testy

Alexa was embarrassed for the girl. She knew what kind of a witch Celeste could be.

Anne didn't know her but she had disliked Celeste from the moment they met.

Tina looked toward the kitchen. Maria was busy with the dinner. She turned toward the bar and Thomas was not. He had already distributed drinks to the men and Anne. Alexa and Celeste had declined alcohol.

"Thomas, would you be so kind as to bring the ladies some of the hord'oeuvres?" He didn't waste a second and brought over a tray and plates for everyone.

Tina was just wondering how she could slip away to tell Connie to come out with John when she saw them enter the kitchen.

He looked stunning as he entered the room. Write noticed them first and his distraction brought all the men's eyes around. Conversation in the room ended abruptly.

Justin knew Connie and when he looked quickly to Tina, she was looking at him with a sparkle in her eye. She nodded almost imperceptibly and he knew this was the person he had come to see.

He was infinitely more lovely than Justin had expected.

Paulo was having difficulty. He whispered to Justin. "He can't be one of them."

Justin smiled in the direction of the girls who just entered but spoke in a whisper to his friend. "He's the one in white."

"No." Said Paulo in disbelief, staring. She couldn't be.

John had not expected this kind of attention. All eyes were on him and Connie and it was embarrassing. The men, who were all gathered around the food, returned to the women now as they approached Tina.

Now what should she do? Repeat the error she had made earlier? No. "Mr Write, you already know Connie Night. This is our friend, Laura Cabbot. Would you do the honors please?"

Lewis kissed Connie on the cheek but only shook the other girl's hand.

Alexa was next and she returned John's, "Hello" with her simple charming smile and nod.

Celeste stayed in character and simply nodded in response.

Anne shook the girl's hand warmly. "It's very nice to meet you Laura. I just adore your dress, it's lovely."

Justin kissed the