Vacation Week II

by

Karen Anne Summerfield

© May 2005

 

I'd been working for a week and a half at the Alpine Motor Lodge as a chambermaid mostly and on Saturdays as a waitress serving breakfast and lunches then drinks in the bar in the evening. Quite surprisingly, between tips and my meager wages I was grossing more than my regular job had paid. Yes, I was working an average of nine hours a day as a maid and fourteen when I was waitressing, or almost seventy hours a week with only time to eat sleep and change uniforms, but I was feeling good, despite little free time.

"Nancy may we talk, please?" I was cleaning the windows in the lobby when she arrived Wednesday morning. She checked her watch before answering.

"Finish all of your chores in the public areas and I'll see if I can spare you a few minutes, Karen." It seemed that her tone towards me was harder than previously, but I got on with my work.

At nine thirty, I knocked on the door frame and she bid me to enter. I curtseyed and noted that I was not invited to sit. Nancy hadn't even looked up from a paper she'd been reading until she set it aside. I was given a brief glance then she started to read another.

"If you've asked to see me just to complain, I do not wish to hear it. Is that why you asked to see me? Be honest!

"Yes, in a way..."

"Obviously, you've too much free time. I'll see that you've white uniforms in your room before the end of your shift today. Change into one when you finish. After your meal, report to the kitchen. The under chef will assign you to washing dishes and cleaning up there. Scullery maids are paid minimum wage and do not share the waitresses' tips.

"Get back to work!"

I was shocked by the way she'd treated me, but saw little options at the time. Yes, I was making good money, but my pay was being directly deposited our joint account and I'd been instructed to put all of my tips into the locked box that had been Maria's and bore my name. I did not have a key to open it.

Under my new schedule, from morning until I finished at eleven at night, I only had time to eat, freshen up and change uniforms. There was no free time.

I'd been following the increased schedule for another week and a half. On Friday, I was again cleaning the lobby, mopping the floor, when Nancy came through. "Wring out your mop, park your cart then come to my office," she ordered.

"Close the door, Karen," her warm smile and soft tone surprised me after our last chat. We'd not talked since. Again, I was not invited to sit.

"I've put you to a real test this past week or so. Frankly, I didn't think you'd do it," she said.

"I've asked the girls to substitute tomorrow for Sunday and to do up the rooms then to give you a day off with Dara. You are excused from waitress duty tomorrow as you'll be doing chambermaid. She'll be in tomorrow afternoon so you can spend some time together. Would you enjoy that?"

"Yes please, Nancy?" I was ecstatic. "Thank you."

"Very well. You still have scullery maid duty tonight and the rooms and public areas to do tomorrow.

"Return to work." I was dismissed.

At the door, she addressed to me again. "I don't think that Dara wants to hear any petty complaints about your situation anymore than I'll tolerate them, Karen... That will be all."

I was both thrilled at the upcoming visit, but also disappointed that my situation hadn't really changed. My long hours were exhausting.

Saturday, I'd finished the rooms and was mopping the lobby floor when my wife entered late in the afternoon to check in. She seemed to pay no attention to me as they processed the paperwork.

"Maid Karen will be happy to bring your luggage to your room, Ms Larson," I heard Mike say. I just wrung out my mop and pushed the bucket beside my cart.

As I approached, Dara walked towards the elevators. "It's the green BMW with New Jersey plates, maid. Suite two twenty-five." He offered me Dara's keys. Briefly, I thought of taking the car and driving home, but quickly realized that idea had been dashed; the ignition key and house keys had been removed from the ring. Dara hadn't missed a thing.

That time, I did remember to use a cart to deliver her three bags. "Housekeeping, Maid Karen," I announced and was invited in.

"Just put the bags there, maid," Dara pointed. She came close and extended her hand for her keys then offered me a five dollar bill.

"I've a date with Karen Summers at six thirty. I'll meet her in the lobby. Thank you, maid." She moved to the door, opened it and waited for me to go out.

"Take that garment bag with you."

I finished all of my work a little after five and turned in my key after I'd restocked the cart.

The shower felt great, but I'd no time to linger. I'd laced on a fresh corset then dried my hair. Dara had been correct to give me the bob with a permanent set as it was much easier to care for. Carefully I applied evening makeup, more suitable for a date than a chambermaid and redid my nails, a bright scarlet.

The garment bag contained two outfits, one was a mini with white blouse and the other was my deep green satin and velvet cocktail dress. Both had all their accessories: green silk, six-inch heeled pumps, matching clutch and black petticoats for the cocktail dress and knee boots to go with the black leather skirt.

I was seated in the lobby well before six thirty. Dara decided to make me wait until quarter of seven. I rose and curtseyed.

Dressed in tight black denim jeans, heels and a black leather bustier, she looked sexy, but more than a bit 'butch'; especially compared to me all in frillies.

"Oh don't you look especially sweet tonight," Dara grinned, gave me light hug and just touched her cheek to mine.

"Have an enjoyable evening, Karen," Mike called from the front desk with a grin.

"You are my date tonight," Dara said outside. "Play your part right and enjoy it." She guided me to her car and tended the door for me.

Once seated behind the wheel she said, "Take off your name tag. Put it in your purse. Nancy told me it will still trigger the cameras if you just carry it." I did as she instructed, with difficulty as the bodice of my dress had a high neckline. Dara leaned over and helped.

As she turned onto the road, I was handed her purse. "I didn't pack any perfume for you when you first came here. There's a bottle of your favorite in my purse. Why not put it on so you smell especially nice for me tonight." I didn't need to be persuaded; I'd missed my Shalimar^®, but two hundred fifty dollar an ounce perfume really wasn't appropriate for my chambermaid role.

"Put it your purse," Dara said when I'd replaced the stopper.

Thank you.

"How's your mother, Dara?"

"She gave us all a scare, but she's much better now; that's why I was able to come home.

"Tell me, how are you doing physically? Save the mental stuff for a bit, Karen."

I chuckled. "I'm getting plenty of exercise. Every night I'm exhausted when I lie down in bed, but it is a good kind of tired. Plus I'm adapting to it.

"With all the exercise I'm getting, I'm also losing weight. My corsets aren't as tight and I'm closing the gap all the way now."

"Good for you, Karen. I'll have to order you new ones when I get home. I can't have you going about with a loose corset.

"OK Tell me about the rest; how do you feel about the situation I've put you in?"

"The novelty has pretty much worn off. I'd like to go back to the way things were."

"Not happenin', girl ... at least not right away. You made a commitment to Nancy to work at the Lodge for another five weeks and I'm going to see that you keep your word on that. You've never been one to break it." Being with Dara had stirred things up in my chastity belt and her words were intensifying my arousal or rather, my futile attempt at one.

"I've missed you a lot," I told her.

"As I have you. You're with me now and I arranged for you to have a day off so we can be together."

"Dara, what happens when I finish my commitment at the Lodge?"

"The final decision is up to you, but I'll tell you what I would like you to do...

"In the past three weeks, I've thought a lot about you. I'm not talking about you and I, but that has been on my mind too. I'd like you to be happy. Ever since you introduced me to Karen, you've told me that you are happier in her role. A few times, I've suggested that you quit your job and get one as Karen. I don't think you ever gave that any serious consideration before.

"You lacked the confidence in yourself. Sure, when we played and went out together for a day or just a few hours, you pulled it off and always passed without problems, but often you were very nervous when I told you to get dressed pretty to go out." My wife was one hundred percent correct.

"OK, I sort of tricked you into working as a maid for a week. I can well imagine how nervous you were when you realized just how deep the situation I put you in was." I nodded agreement when she glanced over at me.

"I also believe you got over it rather quickly when you found yourself having to do it and that, other that Nancy, you were able to pull it off without even giving real thought to it.

"The situation that arose with Mother was totally unexpected and I had fully intended to pick you up when I said I would. You volunteered to stay on the additional seven weeks. You did have a way home."

"How?" I asked.

"It doesn't matter now, so don't fret on it. I'd have told you via email, but you never asked and just told me what you agreed to with Nancy."

She turned into a parking lot.

"Nancy told me this place is one of the best." A valet opened my door and extended his hand to help me out.

"Good evening, Ms. Welcome to La Chateau." Involuntarily, I gave him a good leg show as I exited the low car. It struck me that Dara was right, I wasn't nervous or worried about it.

"Thank you." I stood and waited until my wife was beside me then we went in together.

"Remember, you are my date," she whispered.

Our conversation continued once we'd been seated and had ordered drinks.

"Where was I? Ah ...yes, confidence in yourself to work as Karen and live as her 24/7 for eight weeks straight without a break. That should give you all that you needed to convince yourself that you should ditch your current job and seek one as Karen. Don't you agree?"

"Yes," I smiled. "What sort of job to you think I should look for Dara?"

"From the deposits that are being made into our bank account, you seem to be doing pretty darn good as a chambermaid and part time waitress."

"You forgot scullery maid," I added.

"What's that mean, scullery maid'?"

"She's the maid responsible for washing the dishes and cooking utensils. In more common terms; dishwasher, Dara."

"What's that all about and when did that start?"

"A week and a half ago, I went to Nancy to ask for some time off. She told me that she wasn't going to listen to any petty complaints before I could even ask. She decided I had too much time on my hands since, in her opinion, all I was thinking of was complaining. I've had to work about four hours a night in the kitchen six days a week.

"How long is your work day then?" she asked.

"From six thirty in the morning until eleven o'clock at night. Saturday's when I waitress, I do breakfast from seven until nine thirty, lunch from eleven 'til two, then the cocktail lounge from four thirty until one AM."

"My god! That's cruel. I'll put a stop to that immediately. It's just not right." My tale had upset her and she stewed on it until our cocktails arrived.

"Back to my question, what do you think you'd like to do for work, Karen?

"Wait, before you answer, leave your expected income out of the equation for now."

"But money is important," I pointed out.

"Yes, but pretend it isn't when selecting a career. Let your imagination go, but limit you selections to those jobs traditionally thought of as women's jobs and don't be politically correct with your answer."

"I think being a receptionist or a secretary would be nice; somewhere where I could dress pretty much of the time, Dara.

"Are you going to continue to keep me be corseted and locked in my belt, if I get another job?" I asked.

"Yes. I like your new figure. As far as the chastity belt ... I've no plans for you to have surgery there, but I do think it's best. End of this discussion." Dara fell silent and seemed to think though an idea that had come to her. We looked over their menus for a few minutes.

"Karen, I've thought of a possible job I might be able to help you with."

"What is that?" she asked.

"Not right now, but I'd like your permission for me to share you secret with your potential employer."

Dara stopped me from the protest I was about to launch. "I know I shared it with Nancy and didn't ask you first, but it was necessary to keep this entire scene a big surprise. This time I'm asking you."

I thought everything through. "How sure are you that the job will work out?" I asked.

"I'm not, but I'll see how he receives the idea up front, before I let on."

"He, Dara? You want me to work for a man?"

"Get real, Karen. Just how many jobs are out there where the boss isn't a guy at some level? Calm down. Nothing is final; this is just an idea. Would it ease you pretty little brain if I said that ninety plus percent of those you'll work with and those you'll come into contact will be female if you get the job?"

"Some ... yes and your right I shouldn't get upset that my boss might be a guy... It's just that knowing ... well, about me does bother me."

Dara invited me up to her suite when we returned to the motel. Despite the prospect that she also might invite me to sleep with her and the excitement I felt about that, I had the presence to go to my room first and leave my nametag there. Neither of us needed to have our activities recorded.

"Go fill the ice bucket, please?" Dara pushed it towards me when she opened the door.

"I've had enough to drink tonight, thank you."

"Just do as I told you silly." She closed the door before I could argue further.

My wife was already wearing nothing but a sheer black baby doll when I returned.

"Get undressed and freshen up, Karen."

She was kneeling on the bed with the key in her hands when I came out of the bathroom. "Took you long enough. Turn around."

It was after one o'clock when she used the ice.

Very contented, despite that my chastity belt was again securely locked, we fell asleep,.

*****

Sunday evening came all too quickly. I hated to see Dara drive off, but I knew I had made a commitment.

"Karen, Nancy would like to see you in her office," Vicky told me when she'd put down the telephone.

"You sent for me, Nancy," I curtseyed.

"Yes, close the door."

"You disobeyed me this weekend, Karen. Not once, but twice," I was told in a stern voice. I'd no idea where she thought I had.

She let me fidget for several long minutes.

"Removing your nametag and leaving it in your room is a minor infraction compared to the other rule you broke," she spoke sternly as she glared at me.

"What did I tell you about members of the staff fraternizing with the guests?" she demanded.

"You ... told me it was forbidden, Nancy," I managed.

"Correct! Such complete disregard for the rules is grounds for immediate dismissal." Nancy picked up a personnel folder, opened it and wrote an entry.

"What do you think I should do about your misbehavior?"

Before I could reply, she stated to giggle. "You should see the look on your face. Relax and sit down. I've been teasing with you... In a round about way, you did have permission. Actually, I gave Dara permission so I could play this little joke on you.

"Did you have an enjoyable time?"

"Yes, thank you."

"I'm pleased.

"Dara lobbied hard to relieve you of the scullery job... I will, that was just another test and you passed. I'm going to ask for you to continue a few days to give me a chance to hire your replacements. Note: plural. I doubt I can find another to do all you've been doing."

"Yes, I'll do that. Thank you."

"Thank you, Karen.

"Now, there's the other thing she requested... I'm going to deny that request...

"When you accepted this job that it was seven days a week and you'd already worked a more than week when you volunteered to extend your stay to eight weeks total. We'd made an agreement."

I took a deep breath when my boss looked for an answer. "We have an agreement. I'll work the hours that we settled in the beginning." She smiled in return.

"Tell me something; are the uniforms I provided you satisfactory, Karen?"

"Yes. At first I would have protested that they are far too long and would have asked for their hems to be a few inches above the knees rather than six inches below, but I changed my mind and wouldn't now."

"What changed your mind?"

"All of the attention from the guys that I get working the lounge on Saturday nights."

Nancy laughed, "Yes as short as that uniform is, I can imagine. I'll have to bring my husband in Saturday to check you out.

"Enough chit chat, it's best you get back to work."

*****

It was my last scheduled shift as a cocktail waitress. I'd liked to think that the steady increase in business since I'd first started, was due to the customers coming in was because I was waiting their tables. Many had become regulars and these weren't guests at the motel, but locals who'd made the bar at the Alpine Motor Lodge their Saturday night watering hole.

We'd become so busy that instead of my first night when, with no experience, I'd easily handled it by myself, that Sue and I, together, no longer could. Nancy had hired another waitress to work Saturdays and, despite that, my tips had increased every week.

"Karen, the couple in the corner asked for you to serve them," Kathy informed about ten o'clock. I'd established regulars, as had the other waitresses and thought nothing of it.

"Thanks, which one?"

"The blonde in the black leather dress and the bald black dude." I looked and almost screamed. It was my wife and she had a date!

Despite what I was believed and the deep hurt that I felt, I was able to gain my composure and walk sexily to their table. "Good evening, sir, ma'am. My name is Karen. How may I serve you this evening?" With effort, I forced a smile with my curtsey.

"Hello, Karen," he grinned to show his bright white teeth. "I'm, Toni, and this lovely little lady is Miss Larson." I bobbed to acknowledge and avoided eye contact with my wife.

"The lady will have rum and coke. I'd like a double Glenfiddich, thirty year, neat."

"The only Glenfiddich we serve is twelve year old. Will that be acceptable?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Run a tab, please? This will be charged to Miss Larson's room, Karen."

"Yes sir. I must see the room key, please?" I was even more infuriated when he took it out of his pocket to show me. 'How could Dara possibly do this to me?'

The crowd usually started to thin by eleven. Unless we were still busy, Kathy went off shift at half past, leaving Sue and I to tend the tables until closing. That night she only had two and Dara and her date were the only ones I'd remaining.

"Hey, Karen, telephone?" Will, behind the bar, called around midnight. 'Who the H would be calling me?' I never got any phone calls!

"Good evening, this is Karen?"

"Karen, it's Nancy, you may go off duty and you are no longer scheduled to work at the Lodge after you finish with your customers. I'll be in around ten and will say good-bye then."

"Are you firing me?" I demanded.

"No, you've fulfilled your part of our agreement. I'll talk with you in the morning about it." She hung up.

"Girl?" Dara's date called for my attention. He raised his empty glass for a refill and motioned to Dara's.

"Let me buy you a drink?" Toni placed a crisp hundred dollar bill on my tray. "Get what you'd like then join us please?"

"Sir, we are not permitted to socialize with the customers."

"Didn't Nancy just tell you were fired, Karen?" Dara asked softly.

"How did you know that?" I blurted and actually looked at her for the first time that evening.

"Just get yourself a good drink then join Toni and me."

"Double scotch on the rocks, please, Will?" he poured and pushed back the hundred when I tried to pay, as I was required to for all the drinks, even when the customers ran a tab.

"My treat, Karen. You've been a delight to work with. I'm going to miss you."

Totally bewildered, I walked back to the table and set my drink down. Toni was standing when I had. "Allow me," he tended my chair.

I tried to return his money, but Toni pushed it back. "I lost the bet?" he grinned.

"What bet?"

"Dara told me you were one of the waitresses. I bet on the lanky redhead; second guess was the blonde." He'd named Sue and Kathy.

"Bet what?" I asked.

"That they were the girl she wanted me to check out and possibly interview. I'm happy to say that I was wrong. You were my last guess."

"Just what is going on, sir?"

"Toni, please.

"I saw you freeze when you were told we requested that you serve our table. You must have been furious seeing Miss Larson seated with a black guy, but you got over it and handled what must have been a horrifying experience with nothing but polite professionalism. I doubt that I could have. I'm not what you've been thinking since we came in."

"If you are not Miss Larson's date, just what are you, sir?" I kept my voice low, but demanded an answer.

"Hopefully, if you agree, I'll be your future employer. I own Dreams Do Come True. We are a brand new, very upscale salon and spa. Our grand opening will be this coming Friday and I would like you to be at the front desk as my receptionist then and in the future. Miss Larson has already accepted my offer to be one of my hairdressers and beauticians."

I glanced at Dara, but she averted her eyes. "Let me be honest with you, Karen ... or do you prefer I address you as Miss Summers?"

"Karen is fine. Go on, please?"

"I've been informed of your ... um, gender ... preference. We'll have no further discussions regarding that. Myself, I prefer men; I've no interest in you in that regard. The men that will be working at my spa are the same; they have no interests in women or girls like you. That's why my clients feel safe with them. This will be the last discussion on that topic, please?

"I'm offering you a salary of fifty thousand a year including holidays, vacation, medical, pension and 401-K.

"What will be my hours and what exactly would I be expected to do, Toni?" I'd softened considerably as I'd learned just what was going on and why he was escorting my wife.

"As you don't seem to have a problem with dressing attractively, like you are now in public, a cute uniform will be mandatory. You are also going to get the works to present a proper appearance to our customers, probably weekly. Your job will be to greet the clients, make them feel welcome and, at the appropriate time, escort them to their beauticians or the spa receptionist.

"Initial hours are nine until past six, six days a week. We'll be closed Sundays and I'll try, but no promises, to give you the same day off as Miss Larson. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are not among the choices.

"It would also be your job to handle the phone, arrange the schedules for the beauticians and make the customers' appointments, Karen.

"What else are you offering, Toni?"

He laughed, "Girl, are you going to play hardball with a heavy hitter?

"Please get me another drink?

"Miss Larson?"

"Please, Karen?"

"Get another for yourself too, Karen." As I lifted my tray from the adjacent table, he placed three hundred dollars on it. "Settle my bill too, please?"

Will, at twelve forty-five, had said, "Last call."

"Please excuse me? I need to settle with the bartender."

"Karen, suite two twenty three," Dara stated. "Join me, please?"

Will was all prepared. We dealt with the finances then up-ended the chairs on the tables.

"I'll mop up tonight, Karen. It's been fun working with you." He had opened his arms, hoping for a kiss. 'What the heck?' I met him for a nice hug and gave him a light kiss.

"Come in, Karen?" Dara invited when she opened the door.

"Get undressed, please?" She spun me around and pulled out my apron's bow then unzipped me.

"How much of this is yours to keep?" She asked when I emerged after taking off my makeup; obviously she'd counted the money that had been in my tiny apron as it was all stacked neatly on the table.

"All of it. I started with a hundred dollars in small bills and coin of my own, so I could make change at the start of shift."

"There's over four hundred dollars here?"

"It was a good night and most of the regulars had learned it was my last night."

"I think I should tell Nancy that I'm leaving you here!" I knew Dara was teasing.

"If what I'm going to tell you is going to annoy you and going to ruin my very good mood, you can go to your own room." The key to my chastity was nowhere in sight.

"Dara, all I really want to do is just go to sleep. I honestly don't think I'll be very much fun for you after only five hours sleep last night and almost a twenty hour shift."

*****

Tuesday morning, before eight o'clock, wearing my beige suit, white stockings and five-inch white pumps, I was surprised to see a spot marked, 'Reserved for Receptionist', when I entered and parked in the staff area on the bottom level of the underground garage. Taking the elevator up to the 'Salon' level, I introduced myself to the security guard at the rear entrance of Dreams Do Come True.

"Good morning, I'm Karen Summers; I've an appointment with Toni." (I'd not been told his last name) The guard checked the clipboard he'd lifted from the desk.

"Right. I need to see ID, please?" I started to panic; I'd nothing that even hinted I was who I'd just said I was.

Ali chuckled. "It's OK, Miss Summers. You are marked pre-approved. You are not the first."

"LaNiha?" he called. A short woman in black skirt with a white blouse smiled as she appeared from around the corner. 'I'm not the first pre-approved what?' I questioned, but didn't vocalize it.

"Karen Summers, receptionist, uniform then make-over. After she's finished, she has an appointment with Toni."

The short female security guard smiled up at me. I'm not that tall, only five foot eight, but I was in heels and hers were low. "This way please?

"You're the receptionist?"

"Yes, that's what I was hired for," I answered.

"Tell, me something, LaNiha, - what's with all the security?" I asked as I followed her into the gorgeous salon. There were mirrors everywhere and crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling.

"We hope to attract many customers who are very wealthy and some celebrities. We need to assure that they feel safe in our facility."

We entered a room filled with racks of clothing. "This is your clothing rack, Karen." Before me was a rod, about six feet wide, it was crammed with dresses of different colors: green, yellow, lilac, pink and blue. The sign above had my name and title.

"For the grand opening this Friday and Saturday will be pink days." I was handed a pink chiffon dress trimmed in white then a hanger with very full white petticoats.

She seemed to look me over carefully. "Are those stockings or tights Karen?"

"They're stockings."

"Then you'll not need a garter belt." I was given a pair of sheer, pale pink stockings and she crouched to pick up a pair of pink sandals.

"This way please?"

"LaNiha, what do you mean by 'pink' days?"

She laughed and glanced up at my hair. "You're not blonde yet. All week the girls all wear their pink uniforms. The week's color is posted on the schedule in the wardrobe room. Everything you'll be wearing will be the appropriate color. Your petticoats and pinafores will always be white.

"You may change in here. Find the locker with your name and put your things in it. Transfer what you need into an appropriate purse in the locker, as that will be the only one you're to use on duty.

"Get changed. Put on a pinafore then meet me in the lobby please?"

One of the petticoats was multi-tiered and layered net, the other was chiffon with a heavily ruffled hem of the same fabric. I assumed that it went on top of the other. After straightening the seams of the long full-fashioned stockings and bucking the clear plastic, platform-soled sandals on. I stepped into the petticoats which were mid-thigh length then put on the long sleeved dress.

The bodice fit my corseted torso and had to have been made or altered just for me. It was a beautiful garment, but not a style I'd pick to go to the supermarket wearing. The ruffles on my petticoat just showed. Full cuffs on the sheer, balloon sleeves were filled with white chiffon ruffles that ended where my fingers began; covering the backs of my hands and the stand up collar was of similar design which tickled me under my chin and ears.

I'd no idea what the full, ruffle trimmed pinafore was made of. The sheer fabric was stiff and had a sparkle to it. LaNiha came in as I was sorting the shoulder straps and finished me off by pressing the Velcro^® strips under the huge preformed bow with long wide streamers in back. On the way out she pointed to a door marked 'Powder Room'.

"Never use those for the clients, Karen."

My eight-inch plastic heels clicked loudly on the white marble floor when I crossed the salon to one of the stations. I noticed half of the chairs were occupied. "Janine, this is Karen, receptionist.

"Karen, Janine will give you your required makeover. You may look forward to one every Monday morning. Janine is your assigned beautician. If you need help with your appearance, please ask for it from her. Remember, in your position, your appearance is just as important as your demeanor.

"Good luck, Karen." LaNiha left me with the beautician.

"You do look very pretty, Karen. Please be seated?" She reached for the small pink handbag I was carrying.

Toni's idea of a uniform for his beauticians was a gingham dress with white short, pouffed sleeves, trim and apron: it was a fancy maid's uniform, but nothing I'd call a French maid's uniform.

She covered me with a thin cape. "I need to unzip your dress a little so I can get your collar out of the way, OK?"

"Sure. Just what's planned for me, Janine?"

"I'm not sure you want to know."

"Go on, tell me, I'll see it soon enough," I replied.

"Well, be aware that 'soon enough' is going to be about three hours.

"Is your hair color natural or dyed?" she asked.

"It's natural. So what's planned?"

"I going to style and color your hair in a lot of curls then match it to your uniform," she seemed reluctant to tell me.

"OK you're going to dye it pink?"

"Mostly white, with pink bangs and tips."

I giggled. "Well, I imagine that's going to take a lot of getting used to. So, what happens, it gets a different color every week then?"

"You've caught on to the idea."

"Going back, just let your neck rest on the portable sink."

Janine wasn't exactly the talkative type as she worked. All of my makeup was removed and a fragrant lotion worked into my face. The beautician then washed, shampooed and conditioned my hair. It had been bleached pure white when she sat me up and stated to work on it with the blow dryer, scissors and comb.

"Hey, Nicole, if you're done, we need a set of nails here," Janine called. The cute black-haired pixie pushed her cart over and looked at me with a big smile.

"Hi. You're the new receptionist?"

"Hi, Nicole, I'm Karen. How'd you know that I'm the receptionist?"

"Your hair.

"I hope you don't do much housework, Karen."

"Why's that?"

"Because of the set of killer nails I've been told to give you. They are going to take getting used to." She pulled over a stool and stated to work on my right hand.

Janine had been correct with her three hour estimate, but she wasn't quite done.

"Were you told that your ears were going to be pierced this morning, Karen?" she asked.

"No, but I suppose it goes with my job."

"It does." She turned her head and pushed her hair aside to show me a gold cuff type earring high up the top of her ear. It surrounded the rim and a small pendant hung from it on a fine chain. "Blondes get white gold instead of yellow like the rest of us and it will be fitted once you've heal." I watched her don latex gloves and she had swabbed and pierced my ear before I could stop her.

Three more were shot through my left one before I came to my senses. "Just three more in your right." Snap! Snap! Snap!

"I'll change your others for you." I felt the beautician remove my earrings. "Don't forget these." She placed my earrings on the counter. Gently, Janine inserted three new earrings to replace my others. Resigned, I just sat still.

"All done." She whisked off the cape, closed up my dress and offered her hand to help me stand.

Before leaving, I took a close look in the mirror at all she'd done. My hair, of course was the biggest change. With the pink bangs and tips all over the curls, I was reminded of a raspberry topped, vanilla ice cream sundae with a pink bow on top. My thin eyebrows had been dyed pink to match my bangs.

The makeup had been exquisitely applied, yet, with the long, pink tipped black lashes, it was definitely over-done and then there were the two-inch long curved nails that arced almost ninety degrees. Nicole hadn't understated that the pink talons were going to take a bit of getting used to.

I pushed aside the collar of my dress to examine the earrings. These were graduated, pale pink faceted stones; probably cubic zirconia. A stranded pendant of the same stones hung from the lowest hole of each ear.

"Toni's office upstairs, make a left at the top of the stairs. Good luck," Janine bid.

I walked across the salon, noting that most of the others were no longer there then climbed the sweeping staircase near the entrance.

"Good morning," I greeted the muscular black guy wearing a pale pink dress shirt and darker necktie seated outside the door that had been placarded with Toni's name.

He gave me a nice smile. "Hello, I'm Charles."

"Charles, I'm Karen Summers, the receptionist. I was told to come up after my makeover.

"Ah yes, please be seated?" He pointed to a chair beside his desk. "We'll need to fill out your paperwork." For the second time that morning, I was shaken and started to shake.

"Relax, honey. I'm Charles Washington, Toni's confidential secretary and the word means exactly that!" His fingers felt very soft when he lightly stoked the back of my hand. "It's OK."

"I was told that no one here was supposed to know." I blurted out a confirmation of what I'd thought he had stated.

"I know that you are a very pretty woman, nothing else.

"Confirm your Social Security number, please?" I gave it to him.

"Sign here." He offered the completed employee data sheet. It contained Karen's name not my legal one. All the other data was correct.

"OK?" he asked after seeing I'd read and signed it.

"W-4..." I signed it, along with Karen's name on a bunch of other forms for perhaps ten or fifteen minutes.

"You still OK with me?" he asked.

"I'm fine, thank you?"

"Please read and sign this. The company will pay the fees." Charles handed me a thin legal sized document. It was an application for a legal change of name to, Karen Alicia Summers'. I signed it

"Be right back." He entered Toni's office and, upon his return, added his information and signature below Toni's as a witness then notarized the document.

"I'll file this with the court clerk this afternoon and see if I can get a date for your appearance. You will have to appear in person before a judge.

"This is your name tag. Would you like me to pin it on your apron?"

"Yes please?"

"Toni will see you now. I look forward to working with you, Karen.

"Just go in."

"Good morning, Toni." I curtseyed.

"Good morning. My, you do look beautiful, all dressed up, pretty in pink!" he grinned.

"Model for me, walk around please?

"You look absolutely gorgeous, Karen. You may sit."

"Thank you."

Toni just stared at me for a moment, before speaking. "Has your morning been pleasant for you, Karen?"

I was still a bit nervous, not knowing just what to expect. "Yes, thank you."

"I'm pleased. Janine is one of my best girls, that's why I selected her to be your personal beautician." He pointed to a steno pad with a pen on top on the corner of his desk. I took it and opened to the first page after seeing 'Receptionist' written on its cover with a black felt tip pen.

"Please, whenever you come upstairs, bring your notepad and a pen. I'm confident that your memory is excellent, however, I'd like you to write everything you are told or asked to do. Please refer to your notes to make sure you don't forget? That isn't too much of me to ask, is it?"

"No, it isn't"

"Enter today's date, please? Karen's schedule. Lunch with Toni at Flannigan's. Make the reservation for two at twelve thirty." He waited until I'd looked up. My long nails were a major encumbrance!

"Afternoon – Familiarize yourself with the salon and the beauticians' and their stations. Find the list on the computer. Review telephone messages and note appointments requested. Check requests with the priority list for selected clients on the computer. It will tell you if you've attempted to schedule a conflict. Coordinate with my secretary if there are any. Enter appointments in the computer and continuously update the files.

"Call all clients to confirm their appointments the day before.

"Got all that, so far, Karen?"

"Yes, sir."

"Let me cover the rules then we'll go to lunch. There aren't many." I nodded.

"Punctuality is very important. Tardiness is unacceptable.

"No smoking, chewing gum, snacks or drinks permitted in the salon or reception area for you. No grooming there either.

"Appearance and politeness are your highest priorities. If you need help with your appearance, ask Janine or one of the other beauticians to help; they all understand your position.

"Much of time, your job is going to be very, very boring with absolutely nothing to do but sit and pose. I mean exactly that. Sit and pose; no magazines, books or whatever.

"Your computer has no Internet or email and only the applications to do your job.

"Are there any questions?"

"Not at this time, sir." He chuckled.

"Do not make me remind you again that I've already told you to address me as Toni. Write that down, please?"

He waited until I had. "I hope you find that I'm really a nice guy to work with and not too hard to please. Run along now and do as I've asked you too, please?"

I used the rest room before I'd gone to the reception console. All of the layers of net and chiffon combined to make things very difficult for me wearing my chastity belt in the small stall.

The reception console, like the counters for the stations, the floor and grand staircase was white marble too. Supported by wrought iron at each end, there was no modesty panel and it faced the glass doors and windows separating the lobby from the street. I'd only a white pedestal stool fastened to the floor to sit on.

Making the lunch reservation was easy; guessing that he was known at Flannigan's, I name dropped. "Good morning, this is Karen, the receptionist at Dreams Do Come True; I'd like to reserve a table for two at twelve thirty today for Toni, please?"

"Certainly, Karen. We'll be expecting him," the woman replied.

While waiting for my boss, I booted the computer and reviewed the list of stations for the beauticians, the client list, price list, etc. Out of curiosity, I added up the services that Janine and Nicole had given me earlier. I was pleased I didn't have to pay for them. My guess was off by three hundred percent. 'Exclusive and very pricey!' I said to myself. The client list had many names I recognized, but none, I'd ever had thought I'd meet in person.

"Ready, Karen?" I'd not realized Toni was standing behind me.

"Yes." I stood and grabbed my small purse.

"Let's go then. Don't forget you pad and pen." My purse was too small for even a steno pad to fit.

"It's only four blocks; we'll walk." He unlocked the front door and locked it after I'd passed through. Wearing eight-inch platform sandals, I stood taller than my boss by a couple of inches and I'd guessed him to be six foot – it was the first time I was next to him standing. His hand sought mine and I transferred my purse to accept it.

"Does it bother you, a pretty white girl, to be holding hands with a black man in public in bright daylight?"

"No, should it?" I honestly answered.

"Then why is your hand sweaty and you're all tense?"

"Well ... I've never been out on the street, looking ... quite like this before," I forced a smile.

"You look very attractive."

"And attracting a lot of attention to us," I added with a nervous giggle.

"Hello Toni," A distinguished man of about sixty greeted him. "When's the grand reopening?"

"Hello, Judge. The big gala is Friday, stop by, we'll have a buffet, champagne, drinks, the works. Nine until six."

"I'll make it a point if my court calendar permits. Who's your new lady?"

"Karen, let me introduce you to Judge George Saunders.

"Judge, this is Karen Summers, my new receptionist. It's her first day on the job."

"Pleased to meet you, Karen. I hope we never meet in a professional capacity."

"Pleased to meet you also, Judge Saunders," I curtseyed. "I don't plan to commit any crimes and have to face you in court."

He chuckled, "Neither of us do; I only handle boring civil matters, Karen."

"Judge, we were on our way to lunch at Flannigan's, will you join us?" Toni invited.

"Yes, I will. Thank you. Don't have court until two. Another boring afternoon, I'm sure ... a divorce case."

"Good afternoon Toni, Judge Saunders," the hostess greeted. "Will it now be three, Toni?"

"Yes, please, Lily?" he responded to the hostess.

"Just a moment, while we set up your table." She checked me out with a grin.

Lily returned and seated us quickly.

"Lily, let me introduce Karen Summers, my new receptionist. You'll be seeing her and talking to her often, I'm sure."

"Hello, Karen, Lily Madison, I'm pleased to meet you. You've a great boss – take care of him.

"Pleased to meet you, Lily," I smiled.

"Karen would you like a drink? I've no problem if you like a cocktail or something else at lunch," Toni offered.

"Just iced tea, please?"

We had a pleasant lunch, but I was mostly excluded from the conversation while they talked golf and the latest baseball news.

Judge Saunders excused himself to return to court when he'd finished.

"Open your pad please, Karen? I forgot to give you your schedule this morning." I turned a new page and wrote, 'Karen's Schedule', without waiting to be told.

"Someone should have told you this morning, that every week on Monday, all the girls change to a different color."

"Yes, I was told."

"Good. For the beauticians that just means a different colored uniform though some carry it a bit further with their nails and some makeup. For you, it's a bit more involved.

"Let me guess, my hair is going to be green, blue, lilac and whatever else," I grinned. While Janine had done my curls and bangs, I'd already figured that out.

"Yes. Understandably, it is going to take a bit more time to prepare you every week. Janine thinks she can accomplish what she needs to do to you every other morning in about an hour. How long did it take you to change this morning?"

"About twenty minutes. I imagine that it is going to take quite a bit longer now with these." I flashed my nails.

He chuckled, "Yes, I can imagine."

"Can't I just get dressed at home, Toni?"

"No, even though you've been provided with two uniforms in each of the current colors, your uniforms and the beauticians' require proper care to be presentable every morning and that's done at night. I'm not implying you can't, but I seriously doubt you or any of the girls I employ would be able to clean and press your uniform or would enjoy ding that on your own time."

"OK, change at work then. I understand. So what time do you want me to come it?" I asked.

"Refer to your notes. What did I tell you this morning?"

"Tardiness is unacceptable."

"Give yourself an hour to change tomorrow. If you need longer, adjust your schedule to be at your station before nine o'clock every morning.

"I told you at the Lodge that your duty hours are nine until six. I do not wish you to leave until the last client is finished and you've settle their account. The beauticians handle any cash transactions." I wrote that down and didn't state he'd never told me the last part. He was paying me far more than any other job I'd ever held previously and it seemed like it was going to pretty much be a 'do-nothing' job.

"We are closed on Sundays and major holidays and everyone has off," he continued. "Unlike many office type businesses, we do not close early on the day before a holiday. Easily you should be able to understand that those days are among the busiest of the year."

"Certainly."

"I'll decide in the coming months if we'll be closed on another day of the week too," Toni added. "Before, in the old salon, Tuesdays were barely profitable.

"If there's nothing further, we should get back to the office," he said.

I was busy making an appointment for a client when Dara stopped in front of my console. "My you look delicious enough to eat. Very, very nice, Karen." It was the first time I'd seen her since leaving home that morning.

"Hi, Dara. Your uniform looks cute too," I returned.

She fluffed her petticoats. "This is something I'd pick for my pretty maid not myself.

"Do you have a minute?"

"Sure," I told her.

"I just had a talk with Toni. He thought it would be better if I broached the subject with you rather than if he or Charles brought it up. Charles told him that you seemed a little shaken with the name change bit."

"It took me completely by surprise and that Toni had told someone else about me. What's next, he wants me to have a sex change?"

"Not quite ... besides, I'd never have approved of that. You're too much fun intact."

"It's no fun being locked up all of the time," I complained.

"Karen..." Dara glared at me. "Do not go there!" she warned sternly." Complaints about my chastity and tight corsets were not permitted. I was at fault for first having suggested them. As much as they'd cost us, the 'no complaint' rule was something I had agreed to.

"No, Toni doesn't wasn't you to have SRS. It gives him a real charge to know what's in your panties and looking like you do. He does want you to grow breasts so your future uniforms can show cleavage."

"We've discussed this before and you, quite emphatically told me, 'no', in no uncertain terms. Why the change?"

"That was when you still had that other kind of job. Since you successfully pulled off being a chambermaid then volunteered for seven more weeks and now landed yourself a job that is paying you more than previously, I've changed my mind about a lot of things. Besides, we all know that women have the right to change our minds.

"So, I'm all for it. What do you say? Oh, Toni offered to pay for doctor and the pills. When it's time, in a couple of years, he's already said he'll pay for surgery."

"Gee... Dara, I've not even agreed to hormones yet, and you two already have me scheduled for surgery," I didn't suppress my grin very well, I'm sure.

"Right, like we'll have to tie you down and force feed you. You're thrilled, admit it!"

"Yes," I couldn't pretend that I wasn't. 'What self respecting T girl can honestly say that she doesn't want real breasts instead of forms filling her bra?'

That evening, when I'd served dinner and sat with Dara to eat our evening meal, she brought up the subject of my breasts again. "Have you given thought to going on hormones, Karen?"

"Yes, but how do you feel about that, Dara. Breasts would be a rather permanent change."

"Un huh, but I'm a bit fascinated by it too. I mean, when we make love and you play with mine, it's kind of frustrating that I can't do the same for you. You know; cause those same pleasures for you."

"It my understanding that it's about two years before real results are achieved," I pointed out.

"Other girls take about the same time. I was twelve when my hormones kicked it and I'd turned fifteen before I filled a C cup," Dara stated.

"I'll give it a bit more thought, but I'm inclined to say, 'yes'."

"You know the answer, silly, you've always wanted them," my wife grinned and reached to squeeze my false breast.

There was no possible way for me to unlace my corset in the morning. I was acting as blonde as my new hair color and didn't want admit to Dara that I couldn't do it. The turtleneck pullover had no buttons and I managed the single one on the green plaid skirt I'd chosen without difficulty. My lack of dexterity began to really surface while I gartered my stockings.

"Dara, I'm really being stupid," I commented. We were both applying our makeup before the double vanity in our bathroom at the time.

"Why did you say that, honey?"

"Because I'm acting like a stupid macho twit, that's why."

"Take a good look in the mirror, Karen. You're gonna have a real hard time if you try to convince anyone that your macho," she giggled.

"Well, that doesn't change what I said. Only a macho jerk would let his pride stop him from admitting defeat."

"OK, look at me and tell me what's wrong."

"It's these nails Nicole gave me. I'm all thumbs and can't hold the liner brush to do my eyes." She laughed.

"I get your point. Yes, you are acting like a stupid macho. So just stop... In a clumsy way you just did, so there.

"I'm almost done. Be patient for a couple of minutes and I'll help.

"In the meantime, just look in the mirror and let the person you see there convince you that you are one very attractive girl and let her talk you into believing that girls don't think like guys and we ask for help when we need it."

At few minutes later, with her much shorter nails and years of practice, Dara easily accomplished what I'd failed to complete.

Wednesday and Thursday were scheduled as practice or rehearsals for the grand opening on Friday. When I'd changed into my uniform Wednesday, I gave serious thought to what my wife had said – there was no shame for a girl to concede defeat. My fingernails were just too much for me to cope with then and to get fully dressed, I needed help. With my dress on, albeit unzipped and barefoot, I found Janine, Dara was nowhere in sight.

"Good morning, Janine."

"Hi, Karen," she smiled.

"You and Nicole win. I need help getting dressed with these handicaps you gave me," I flashed my curved talons.

"I doubt I could manage with them either. Help me finish first and I'll come over to do you." Though I couldn't manage my own behind my back, I easily zipped up Janine's dress then sorted her shoulder straps and fastened her apron's bow.

The beauticians wore white, spike heeled oxfords with just four-inch heels and I didn't even try to lace them for her. As we walked to my locker, she zipped my dress with one hand.

"Stockings and shoes?" I handed them to her. "Lift your petticoats." I was fully aware that I was at great risk of exposing my steel panty, but I'd no choice. I managed to get all of the fabric up so she could sheath my legs and still keep my crotch covered.

"Think you've enough garters?" she joked. My corset was one of the new ones that Dara had promised while I was still working at the motel. She'd bought me three. All of them had ten garter straps that weren't detachable.

Everything went fine until she was almost done and the elastic slipped from her grip and snapped away. The strap must have disappeared in the folds of net and chiffon I'd gathered. She probed for it and made the inevitable discovery. I froze and had nothing to say as I felt her fingers trace over the front shield, tug the lock on the secondary one and probe around the edges.

Janine finished dressing me without a word.

"Grab your purse and come to my station so I can put your lashes on right and touch up your makeup."

I was very anxious about what she might ask about what she'd discovered under my petticoats, but still needed help and, Janine, then knowing what she did, was my best available choice rather than risk more people knowing that secret.

"There you are, Karen, all pretty. Best get to your station, it's almost nine o'clock." That was it? No questions? She smiled nicely as she removed the cape.

"I'll come in early to help you dress until you get used to your nails." I curtseyed and thanked her.

Before I could walk away she grasped one of my fluffy cuffs, "Tell me one thing. What's with you and all the curtseys?" I was relieved she didn't question my belt.

"Force of habit, I worked as a maid before Toni offered me this job."

"Ah, that explains a lot."

Toni took charge when the big grandfather clock in the waiting area began to strike nine o'clock. "Good morning, girls. All of you come up front to reception, please?" He waited until the three dozen beauticians, shampoo girls and manicurists flanked my console with the boys and girls from the spa.

"Karen, stand next to me please?

"Day after tomorrow, Friday, is our grand reopening in this beautiful new facility. In addition to our regular clients, I've invited several dignitaries, local officials and the press. Since the beauticians are dressed to resemble maids, I want you to act like them on Friday, serving the guests food and beverages.

"Have any of you worked as maids or waitresses before?" I saw six girls raise their hands along with me and two of the guys from upstairs.

"Karen, put your hand down, you too, Joe and Billie." Many giggled at the guys.

"Karen you've a special job," he added. "Your job Friday is to greet our guests at the door. Billie and Joe, you'll serve as door attendants. If you want to dress pretty on Friday, that'll be OK." There were more giggles. As they stood to the side, I didn't see their reactions.

"Back to you, Karen, after greeting our guests, I want you beside me acting as hostess much of the time." 'First he'd held my hand as we'd walked to and from the restaurant, now I was to be at his side pretending to be co-hosting the party?' I questioned just how gay Toni was and what he'd told me at the Lodge about having no interest in me or in girls.

There was some commotion behind the group and I, with others turned to look. I guessed they were caterers wheeling in steam tables and carts laden with folding chairs and tables.

Toni had the masseurs and physical trainers act as the guests along with an equal number of beauticians and the rest of us perform in our assigned roles throughout the morning while the caterers set up. Quite surprisingly they actually brought in dishes of real food to fill a few of the steam tables and someone to tend the bar.

"OK girls and boys, the bar is open," Toni boomed around twelve o'clock. "Stay in your roles!" he empathized. "Beauticians acting as waitress, you may help yourselves after you serve the others.

"Karen, your place is on my arm." I'd no doubt that I'd been given an order to be there. Very apprehensive of his intentions, I walked next to him and hooked my arm over his when it was offered. He must have sensed my upset.

"Calm down, please? I've no desires for you, no matter how pretty you are, Karen. This is all for show. You're the prettiest girl here, but that's as far as it goes with us." Among all the beauticians and technicians, my vote for the most attractive, though I'd never dare to say it to Dara, was a petite Thai girl named Chanel. She was a nail technician.

He steered me to a group playing guests. They were sipping drinks and Dara was among them. "Good afternoon, Mr. Washington," he greeted Charles with a handshake.

"Wonderful new place you have here, Toni. I wish you the best of good luck. I'm sure the future will bring success."

"Thank you." Toni acknowledged.

"Introduce me to your new girlfriend, please?" Charles grinned from ear to ear at me. Toni patted my hand on his arm then left it lie there.

"This is Miss Karen Summers. I was quite lucky to steal her away from a resort in Pennsylvania.

"Karen, this is Mr. Washington, Miss Larson, Mr. Wilson..." he introduced the guys and girls we faced.

"I see other guests arriving. Karen, please stay with my guests and assure they enjoy their visit." Before I could react, Toni had left my side.

"Wine, Miss Summers?" Janine was beside me. Acting as a waitress, she extended a tray full of glasses towards me. Very carefully, I wrapped my fingers under the flute and lifted one.

"I just love your nails, Karen." I turned to see it was Nicole who'd complimented them. "Where do you get them done?"

"There's a nail place out on the highway," I fibbed. "I called this morning for an appointment with my manicurist only to be told she no longer worked there.

"I suppose I'll have to try somewhere else now that Nicole is gone. She did such fabulous work." I scowled while looking at my fingernails and let out a deep sigh.

"Yes, good help is just soooo hard to find these days," one of the guys joked.

"Karen, by any chance are you talking about Nicki Pukat?" Dara asked.

"I never knew her full name. Cutest little Asian, Thai I think. Big dark eyes, gorgeous long black hair..." I continued to describe Nicole while looking at her as she grinned back.

"I'm Vietnamese," Nicole pouted.

"Do you know where she works, Anne?"

"Oh yes, Right here at Dreams Do Come True."

"Great! I'll have to ask Toni, he failed to tell me if I get an employee discount. With the prices they charge here, I'll never be able to afford her on my receptionist pay."

Charles started to laugh with his deep baritone. "You missed your true calling, Karen. You should be on stage."

I decided to continue the game and affected an aristocratic air. "My good man, all the world 's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." They all burst out with laughter.

"Karen?" Toni called angrily and motioned me to his side. As I walked over I saw him point to the group and cock his finger.

"You are supposed to be entertaining my guests, not cracking jokes with your friends!" he sternly admonished. I'd no idea that Charles was right behind me until he spoke.

"This little bit of cotton candy fluff was doing exactly what you expected of her, Toni. I thought you were crazy for hiring a girl like her and told you so. Having watched and listened to Karen just now, I'll tell you, you could not have hired a better person for her job," Charles defended. The secretary proceeded to relate the substance of the entire conversation.

"You owe Miss Summers a sincere apology, boss."

*****

"Good morning, Karen," Toni, with Charles at his side, greeted me with a big smile before the grand opening Friday morning. I'd just walked to my console after Janine had worked her best magic on me and Nicole had re-polished my fingernails. "How are you this morning?"

"Good morning, Toni, Charles.

"I'm a bit nervous."

"No need, Miss Summers, just perform as you have been in practice these past two days and you'll have no problems." Charles had taken to addressing me formally since my Shakespearian performance.

"Thanks, but I still have butterflies."

"You'll do fine," Toni encouraged.

I saw that Toni hadn't jested idly about two of the two physical trainers, Joe and Billie getting dressed up pretty to tend the front doors for the anticipated guests when they arrived. Their costumes were like court attendants from the sixteenth or seventeenth century with fitted white brocade vests over elaborate lace blouses with large jabots under their chins. It was obvious to me that they were very tightly corseted, but they were missing any pretense of breasts though.

Both wore fitted jackets of pink satin with silver trim and long tails and their very short, white satin skirts were fluffed with clouds of lace petticoats. Both Joe and Billie had nice legs any girl should be proud of, sheathed in sheer white pantyhose and further displayed by their pink silk pumps. This wasn't the first time either of them had worn high heels as they walked easily with straight knees, despite their six-inch height.

The beauticians had given them very heavy makeup over white foundation and the long black lashes combined with the reddest lipstick and period, white wigs to conceal their gender.

"Hi Karen," Billie greeted. He made no attempt to mask his masculine voice.

"Good morning. You both look very pretty today," I complimented.

"Yes, but this corset is too damn tight."

"No complaining now, Joe," Toni told him. "Charles told you at the costume shop the largest sizes available in the costumes you both wanted were going to require that six and eight inches be nipped out of your middle and you both agreed.

"Yes, but I didn't realize what I'd agreed to."

"No 'but's', Billie. Now be good boys, put your gloves on and go out front."

Toni waited until they were outside and turned to me with a smile. "One very nice thing, among many about you, Karen, is that you never complain."

I giggled, "You weren't around to hear me the first time I tried to get dressed after Nicole gave me these." I flashed my curved nails.

He took my hand in his and lifted it up. "I love the rhinestones Nicole added. Was the salon initials on them your idea?"

"No, it was Janine's. She pinned me down while Nicole applied them," I giggled.

He chuckled, "Un huh." Toni placed my hand on his left arm and escorted me towards the entrance as the doors started to open.

"Good morning, Karen." Before I could react, Judge Saunders took me in his arms and kissed me on the lips.

"Good morning, Toni. I thought I'd stop by to wish you and your beautiful girlfriend good luck while on my way to the courthouse."

"Thank you, George." They shook hands, but the judge still kept one arm wrapped around my waist.

"We'll have food and an open bar. Stop by for lunch if your schedule permits," I invited.

"I'll make it a point and later, I'll stop by to have a few cocktails with you, Karen." He kissed me again and moved towards the door where he wished us good luck again.

Toni chuckled, "If you weren't wearing so much makeup, I'd see you blushing, Karen. Clearly he likes you."

Things were fairly dead until about ten when we seemed to be descended upon in force. With so many arriving at once, including the press, Toni separated from me, so we could cover more of the crowd.

I'd lost track of time greeting so many guests from those I guessed to be regular people, to celebrities, a few I recognized as fashion models, to a few television personalities.

"Excuse me?" A finger tapped my arm hesitantly and I turned to see a young woman holding a narrow pad. The tag on a lanyard around her neck identified her as 'Press, Jane McGuire' of The Daily Liberty, the large area paper.

"Hello, I'm Karen, welcome to Dreams Do Come True." She was focused on my nametag and writing.

"Hi, I'm trying to do a story for my paper, can you help me please?" For a reporter, not that I was in anyway familiar with dealing with them, she seemed very nervous and lacking confidence. I'd already done two interviews that morning.

"Sure, if I can."

"I'm just a junior reporter... My editor told me this was my last chance to get a good story ... or ... I'll be looking for another job, Ms." The girl seemed very frightened. I drew her aside to the back of the salon where it was quieter. My claws allowed me to do something I'd never have been able to without them – pluck several hot appetizers off the tray of one of the beauticians as I passed in the opposite direction.

"Here," I gave Jane two and slowly ate one until we reached a station.

She started to ease up a little as we talked for about several minutes. I got an idea for her story. "Julie, I called to one of the hairdressers refilling her tray at the steam tables. Can you come here a sec', please?"

"What's up, Karen?"

"Please find Charles or Toni, I want to talk to one of them, please?" She gave me a questioning look after seeing Jane, but left to do as I'd asked of her.

"Excuse me, Jane, I'll be right back."

"Charles, the young girl is a reporter and I've got this really wild idea..." He caught on very quickly and joined me in my enthusiasm.

Charles didn't return, but Toni did with one of his masseuses, a girl from the spa and one of the shampoo girls carrying an expensive digital camera. She started taking pictures as they approached us.

"Miss McGuire, is it?" Toni acted a bit angry, but by then I'd learned to read him.

"Yes, I'm Jane McGuire, er ... Daily Liberty ... sir." He fingered her press card.

"You've been pestering my assistant with your endless string of questions for the past hour while keeping her from her more important duties and this must come to a stop ... immediately!" In reality, it had been much closer to fifteen minutes.

"Sir ... all I want is as story..."

"Young lady, I'll give you a story you'll never forget!" He said like a father preparing to punish a naughty child. Toni nodded to his upstairs attendants. Jane shrunk back as they approached and gripped both her arms.

"You're cruel," I mocked as they led her away.

Toni surprised me when he spun me to face him. "That idea, Karen, was an absolutely brilliant stroke of genius!" He grinned.

"Sherry will take pictures that will blow her editor away and if he doesn't have the sense to give us the publicity her story can bring, I'll withdraw the hundred grand of print advertising I was going to do with their paper in the next year, starting tomorrow."

"Perhaps a judicious, pre-emptive call to the editor-in-chief or even the paper's owner might avoid any misunderstandings?" I suggested.

He grinned at me, "Perhaps if you put that bee in Charlotte Graham's bonnet, the sting might be more effective.

"Take my arm, I'll introduce you," he offered.

We stopped next to a group of seven. A tiny woman, I estimated to be in her late sixties, acted as is she was holding court with the men. Toni waited until there seemed a pause.

"Mrs. Graham, if you could spare but a moment, please?"

"Certainly, Toni," she stepped away. It was my distinct impression that she looked at me disdainfully. "What is it?"

"Mrs. Graham, permit me to introduce my Assistant Manager, Karen Summers, please?" 'Had I just been promoted?'

"Karen, Mrs. Charlotte Graham, of The Daily Liberty."

I curtseyed deeply and she glared. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, madam," I said.

"Yes," was her cold response.

"Karen has developed an idea to boost your circulation that I'd think you should listen too, Mrs. Graham." 'I had? Where'd he get that idea?'

The older woman seemed to warm a bit. "I'm listening, girl?"

"Well ... right now, one of your reporters is getting a full treatment..." I stalled to think.

"I certainly hope that Toni doesn't believe that I'm paying for such frivolity?" she scowled.

"Oh, no, certainly not, Mrs. Graham! This is our treat."

"Treat? Whoever it is, they are here for a story, not a treat!" I assessed her as hard as nails.

"She is getting a story of the lifetime. Certainly not a Pulitzer, but a good story – 'What a Makeover at Dreams Do Come True, is really like'." As I said the words, the idea formed.

"Mrs. Graham, what we propose, is a contest for your readers, something for nothing on their part." Though frowning, she urged me to continue.

"I'm suggesting a contest, 'Why I want a full make-over at Dreams Do Come True?' Better ... 'Why I Deserve a full make-over at Dreams Do Come True?' I'm sure that your copy writers can come up with appropriate words. This costs you only a few column inches. Weekly, a winner is chosen and you have the opportunity for a regular human interest story.

"The winner is given the full spa treatment upstairs then a full make-over, you know, hair, nails, makeup." At least her scowl had disappeared as I outlined the campaign.

"To start this off, Jane McGuire is upstairs in the spa... She'll have a story to write by the time it's all done and one of our people is taking pictures throughout."

"As I said, once a week, your paper will offer the winner of a contest, a free treatment, the works from the spa to hair, makeup and manicure at Dreams Do Come True worth a thousands dollars. You then do a story featuring them from before to after, plus whatever follow-ups." Her look had markedly softened still more, and I pushed ahead.

"This costs your paper nothing in cash, just a reporter/photographer to do the weekly story. You gain reader interest and, as word spreads, increased readership."

"I'm following you, go on, girl," she urged.

"In return, again, at no real expense to your publication. You've given your readers a weekly feature to look forward too."

"And in return for my few column inches for the contest entry, Toni gets free advertising that he couldn't buy," she stated.

"Girl..." I was being glared at, "Have you any idea what a page of advertising in my paper costs?"

"Absolutely not, madam, but I do think, in this day of declining newspaper circulation, what would the possibility of increasing your readership be worth to you?" I smiled and returned her curtsey when she actually dipped to me.

"Toni?" Mrs. Graham called rather forcibly.

I was physically pulled in another direction and kissed.

"Hello, George," I forced a grin and he kissed me again. Toni pulled him aside.

"Later George, Karen is conducting important salon business." I heard my boss say.

"Excuse me, Charlotte," one of the men who'd been in the group she'd been talking too, interrupted.

"This young lady is making excellent sense to me."

Mrs. Graham laughed, "Are you going to suggest that your boutique, Fantasies in Fashion, sweeten the pot with a complete outfit to go with the winner's makeover, Edward?"

"It makes sense to me, but I'll add that I will continue with our current advertising," he added.

"As will Dreams Do Come True, Mrs. Graham." Toni offered.

"I'm liking this young lady's idea more and more," Mrs. Graham smiled at me. "Thank you ... Karen wasn't it?"

"Yes, madam, Karen Summers." She left me to visit with others.

That business concluded, Judge Saunders insisted I sit with him for lunch. Toni nodded to give me the go-ahead.

Things had quieted about three and we relaxed before the anticipated afternoon crowd arrived. I was sitting with Janine, Nicole and four other beauticians enjoying a glass of wine with a lobster salad. Dara and I had agreed that, at least for the first few weeks, it would be in our best interests if we did not socialize together at the salon.

"Miss Summers," a beautician who I'd not met was beside me. "The gentlemen at that table request that you join them, please?"

"Business," I smiled to my friends and walked over. My job was to make everyone happy.

"Thank you for joining us," a businessman stood and tended a chair for me. "My name is Martin West. I'm the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce." He proceeded to introduce the other members seated around the tables they'd pushed together for their impromptu meeting.

"Miss Summers..."

"Karen, please?" I interrupted.

"Karen, we all know that downtown businesses continue to lose sales to the malls. We think your contest idea with The Daily Liberty has the potential to help improve things for all of us."

"The problem is, if we were all to participate," another merchant started, "then the benefit to Toni's Dreams Do Come True would be diluted."

"We invite you to give us any suggestions you might have, Karen?" a third asked.

"I'm really not experienced in sales or advertising, guys," I stated.

"How about you buy the mailing list from the newspaper and mail your own flyers to all entrants?" was all I'd thought of. Everyone else at the table had a reason why that wasn't a good idea. I offered a few more suggestions then excused myself when a group of young women came in.

I gave them the grand tour and two of the five asked to make appointments.

I returned to the Chamber of Commerce. "Hey guys, I just had another idea."

"Go ahead, Karen, we've not thought of anything," Martin encouraged.

"Dreams Do Come True seems like it's going to be a busy spot. Why don't you print up a little paper and leave a stack to give away with every business in town? You share in the cost based on the space you each use. Do not look to make any profits; just cover your costs.

"Each of your ads has a clip-out coupon the customer fills out deposits when they shop in your stores then once a month, once a week; however often, you have a drawing. You could include discount coupons for your businesses, as well as advertising your sales offerings. Think on it."

Before the big rush, I asked Janine to touch up my makeup.

I'd just finished when there was a big commotion and everyone seemed to be hurrying towards the front where cameras were flashing. Had I not seen her when she'd been interviewing me, I honestly would not have recognized the junior reporter from The Daily Liberty.

Jane was a redhead with blonde highlights and her makeup, while not overdone, had been exquisitely applied. She looked like she was ready to attend the prom if not a gala ball in the green cocktail dress she'd been given. Several of the press boys were interviewing her and I guessed Mrs. Graham had brought in reinforcements by her paper's logo on one's camera bag. Since she was so occupied, I made no attempt to get close.

Very luckily, I managed to be kept busy with other potential clients and future customers, mostly booking appointments and avoided my suitor, Judge Saunders, until near closing. I did have one drink and accepted his inevitable kiss before he left and Billie and Joe locked the doors.

*****

"How was your day, Karen?" Dara asked as we ate Chinese that she'd bought on the way home.

"Exhausting." I smiled, "Yours?"

"Not too bad, but I did get to sit and rest some. I saw you were on your feet most of the day. Tomorrow, we get to switch in that regard."

"Did you hear that Billie asked to tend the door all of the time?" she asked.

"You're kidding. I thought they both hated being corseted."

"Apparently Billie had a ball playing dress up in public. Like someone else I know, all to well," she grinned at me.

"It's a job," I joked.

"Truth, Karen," Dara turned serious. "Are you enjoying being Karen full-time?"

"Yes, all considered. I'm not exactly happy about how the guys are being with me though; especially Judge Saunders, Dara."

"I saw him hug and kiss you this morning then later. So long as he limits his activity to that, my suggestion is to just put up with it and accept it. It's all part of being an attractive girl and no harm done."

"But, he's started pestering me for a date?" My statement raised her brow. "I'm running out of excuses. Then there's the way he's starting hugging me. It's inevitable that he's going to try to feel me up." Dara giggled.

"Welcome to being a pretty girl. That by itself is reason for getting you started on breasts and to keep you locked in your chastity belt."

"Dara?"

"Just be quiet!" she snapped. "I do not want or intend you to be dating someone. I don't want you being with guys, being held by them or kissed by them! Now just listen to me.

"You told me more than once that you wanted to be accepted as a girl by me and by the public. For the past nine weeks now, you have been and it continues. Part of being accepted is acting and behaving as one, all of the time.

"You've been doing darn well there too. You've even made a couple of close friends at the salon. I overheard Janine and Nicole talking and think you could count them in that department. But there's more to being just a pretty girl then looking like one.

"You've got to cope with what else goes with that ... learning that you attract men. OK You know at least one is attracted to you. You're pretty well isolated and insulated at the salon, because Toni only hires guys of his persuasion. That doesn't exclude any of the general public.

"I've had to deal with being attractive much of my life. Yeah, really tough, eh babe? But that is reality. I had to deal with guys I wanted no part of being anywhere near and who wanted to be more than just friends with me. Now it's your turn!

"No one, certainly not me, is going to even begin to suggest you aren't one very attractive chick; not after Janine had free rein with you and the way Toni has you dressed. No way! Not happenin' girl! Now learn to deal with facts and learn how to politely deal with your admirers! Just like I and every other girl has." My wife wiped her hands and stood.

"Please clean up here? I'll wait up for you in bed, dear, but I don't wish to discuss this any more tonight, please?" her voice had softened and was inviting.

*****

"Good morning, beautiful." Janine was in front of me with her fingers undoing my skirt in the dressing room almost as soon as I'd set my shoulder bag in my locker. It fell from my hips.

She took a pair of stockings and knelt on the floor with my shoes. "Sit so I can put these on for you, Karen." I was still wearing a half slip and a sweater, but she got right to asking what was on her mind.

"Tell me about that panty you're wearing." My other stockings were removed and she was working up the first pink one.

"What's to tell? You already figured it out that it's a chastity belt. My partner holds the key.

"OK, so you're in a serious relationship. Does he know about that judge from the court that was trying to get all over you yesterday?"

"We talked about him some last night." I saw no point in telling more about my spouse or correcting Janine's perception of her sex. "I really don't want to keep fighting him off, but I know he's a friend of Toni's, so I don't want to piss him off either."

"Maybe a private word with Toni would help, Karen?" She had my shoes buckled and stood.

"I'll zip you up when you're ready and do your pinafore. Can you manage the rest?"

"Yes, thanks." My friend went to change into her uniform.

I was at my station reviewing appointments when Billie greeted me. Gone was his masculine voice and I immediately noticed that his chest was no longer flat.

"Hi, Billie. You look pretty this morning, or is that inappropriate to say?"

"No. Thank you for the compliment. It's especially nice from a girl as pretty as you are."

"I'm curious, why'd you ask Toni to let you be the door girl all the time? I thought you hated the corset."

He giggled, "My Master has wanted me to dress for some time..." I think he caught on to what he'd just told me and quickly lowered his eyes. His black false lashes were heavier and thicker than mine and I'd considered those heavy.

"It's kewl with me, Billie. I understand."

"Well Master stopped by yesterday and, when he found out it was me out front, he talked to Toni about keeping me this way..."

"Kewl, good for him," I grinned.

"From any other girl here I'd say you've no idea what it's like to wear a corset all day, but I know you do.

"I better get out front. Talk to you later, Karen." Billie needed to work on his curtsey.

*****

"It feels good not to have to go to work today," Dara said as we lay in bed Sunday morning, cuddling. Her fingers began to play around the edges of my chastity belt's front shield.

"I really like this, Karen."

I chuckled, "Perhaps you'd like to be locked in it instead of me?"

"Don't be absurd. I like it locked on you and knowing that you can't do a thing about it. It makes me hot, when I see your girlfriend working you over and remember how aroused you used to get when I did it for you.

"How do you feel when she is? Be honest with me now."

"I assume you're talking about, Janine?"

"Who else, silly?" she nodded.

"Yes, she stimulates me; there, I've said it. You know I can't even get an erection and it's very uncomfortable when my body tries to respond." Dara giggled.

"Girls aren't supposed to get erections."

"Dara, I'd never even think to try anything with anyone, but you! Why must I have this damned thing locked on me all of the time? It's not like I want anyone to every find out what's it my panties.

"I know I can trust you around other girls, Karen. By your own admission, you allowed Janine to discover you wear steel panties instead of nylon or satin ones. If they weren't steel, where would that discovery have led?" I started to react to what her fingers were doing.

"There you are, doing it again," she laughed.

My wife playfully shoved me away. "Go take a bath and get yourself pretty."

*****

On Monday, I arrived at six thirty for the appointment I had with Janine. She was fastening her apron over a bright Kelly green gingham uniform.

"Hi, Karen. Be with you in a minute. Put on the uniform next to your locker. You might guess what color Toni picked for this week."

"Unh … red?" I joked.

Janine helped me finish with my uniform and we went to her station for my makeover. Billie was seated at Sally's station nearby and being worked on too. We exchanged greetings.

"Hey, Karen," he called. "How do you manage with nails like these?" Nicole was in the mid-stages of creating claws like mine.

"With great difficulty," I chuckled. "I've had mine for several days and only just starting to adapt."

Billie's hair, while a bit shorter, had been bleached, curled and done just like mine with green bangs and tips. On his head was a green bow too.

"Karen, come over please?" Sally requested.

"Toni instructed me to pierce your ears just like Karen's." Billie didn't look thrilled, but didn't protest.

Sally examined my earrings then duplicated the jewelry in Billie's lobes including the cuff in his left.

When he stood, I noticed that he also wore platform shoes, just like mine. Billie moved closer to the mirror for a better look at his makeup.

"Green eyebrows and this …green lipstick, are going to take bit to get used to. What do you think, Karen?"

"Mine's the same, but yours stands out a lot more because of the white foundation," I smiled. "I think jut about when we think we've gotten used to it will the time decides its going to blue, yellow or something else.

"Best we get to our stations," I reminded.

Late morning, I escorted an attractive customer to Dara's station, curtseyed and introduced them then curtseyed again. When I turned, I saw Charles smile at me.

"Toni would like to see you in his office, Miss Summers." He followed me there. "Go right in."

"Good morning, Toni," I curtseyed.

"Hi, Karen. Sit for a moment.

"We are getting quite a few compliments about everything after the reopening. Many make mention of our attractive receptionist."

"That's encouraging," I replied.

"I wanted you to know that you are playing a major role in customer satisfaction and ask you to please continue."

"Yes, I'm enjoying the job so far. I'll do all I can, Toni."

"I know you are. Again thank you.

"Is there anything that I can do to make things better for you?" he asked.

"Perhaps for both of us, Toni… I'll agree to going on the pill. When they are reaching their potential, I'll consider surgery. Please note: I'm not agreeing to that at this time; only promising that I'll consider it, OK?"

 

The End

  

  

  

*********************************************
© 2005 by Karen Anne Summerfield. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, and compilation design) may be printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without the express written consent of StorySite and the copyright holder.