Vicky's Secret

By Susan

III

 

Dr. Evelyn Johnson had just finished with a patient and was scribbling some last minute notes. She had a thriving practice. Unlike most psychiatrists she takes an active role in helping her patients. Often going out to interview family members or fellow workers of patients. This often got her more clients. It also helped correct problems quicker. As such she only took on patients who wanted to resolve their problems. Some just didn't realize that when they started.

At 47, she still had a good figure. More importantly she had a great personality. As such she made friends easily. Evelyn was not a swimsuit model babe but she wasn't homely either. She knew how to use what she had. She always dressed professional but feminine. Skirt suits or dresses were preferred. She had found that by dressing feminine her clients put their trust in her more quickly. This didn't mean she was a push over. On the contrary she could be a bitch when necessary. The success of her practice made it possible to indulge in one of her passions, clothes. She loved them. Her closet was a testament to that.

It was coming on noon and had a cancellation. Long lunch she thought with a smile. She picked up the phone and called home. Brett was the apple of her eye. She had married late and had a child late. Turned out he would be her only one as there had been complications. She turned her sorrow to joy by just loving the heck out of him. Now she was disappointed as there was no answer at home. Oh well, she thought. I'll get Jenny to do lunch with me. A push of a button and speed dial later they were making their plans.

 

&

 

Brett put up a fight but to no avail. Vicky like most girls just used her wiles on him and they were soon off.

"Where we going?" He asked

"Take me to lunch I'm famished."

"Any preferences? Perhaps Mickey D's or we'll go royal, BK and DQ." He said.

"Is that where you would take a girl this pretty?" I asked with a pout. I did not want to eat fast food. Been there, done that, but he didn't know that. Mary, my sister, had dragged me to these places trying to convince me that I looked like any other girl in the place. She was great for my confidence. Now I wanted a sit down meal with a waiter and everything. It was my next step. With Brett on my arm I felt I could handle it.

All right he conceded. We'll go downtown. I'll feel a lot safer where we shouldn't meet any of my buddies. I still can't believe what I have on underneath. If they knew, man I'd never live it down. I know of a place that is great. My parents take me there from time to time. Great food and we'll fit in as it will be a businessman's lunch crowd.

Never lives it down? Wearing underneath? What am I chopped liver. Here I am fully dressed to the nines. Everything out in the open. Recognize me and I'll be known as a dress wearing sissy till the end of time. Oh that just flames me. Who does he think he is? Obviously I'm a nobody so it doesn't matter if I'm found out. Am I going to let him have it.

"Vicky, you are so hot. I just love how you're legs look in the sunlight. I can't wait to sit at that restaurant. All those arrogant lawyers and accountants will be dragging their tongues on the floor as they watch you walk to our table. You make me feel good. I've gone out with other babes but not any like you. I know the tables are turned. Usually they strut around showing me off to their girlfriends. I guess now I get the chance. But don't worry I'll treat you like a lady."

The taste of Nike can ruin a lunch. I was all ready to rip him up one side and down the other. Then he says that. Luckily, I hadn't yet put my foot in my mouth. He didn't think any of what I thought. He sees a babe not a guy in a dress. I need to change my thinking. I could give myself away. Lawyers and accountants, this could be fun. What am I thinking? Men, lots of them eating lunch with nothing better to do than to gape at sexy young girls. At least till they figure me out. Oh no! What am I doing? Drive thru! Yep! In and out as fast as possible.

"Brett?"

"Yes, hun we're here, Bartolo's Grill. You'll love it and so will I. Valet parking even!"

Without a chance to object or even breathe my door was opened by a young guy in a red jacket. As he got a look at me a smile grew rather large on his face. Too late, I'm read.

"May I help you out, Ms.?" He said reaching out a hand.

I had no choice but to give it. I swung out a leg and my skirt rose up to thank him. Arrrrggh! I gotta start thinking like a girl. I quickly brought out the other one trying to save some semblance of dignity. At least he didn't see my panties. That grin on his face told me he saw enough. No more tip for him. I stood and stepped away from the car turning my back to him. Great! The reflection in the glass of the restaurant showed me he was now checking out my ass. A lady just can't win.

Finally, Brett came around the car tossing the attendant his keys. I quickly took his arm and pulled in close and looked over my shoulder. Maybe this will give that guy a second thought. He winked at me!

"Mr. It'll be a pleasure parking the car that carried your beautiful lady in." He shouted beaming with pleasure.

Brett just pointed at him and smiled. I jabbed him in the ribs. The pain of that brought him back to reality.

"Sorry, Vic. I forgot." he whispered in my ear.

I took a deep breath then began walking into the restaurant.

 

&

 

Evelyn and Jenny were having a great time together. Neither one had the chance very often to do lunch. Their demanding jobs didn't allow too much personal time. They had been friends since being roommates in college. Both were married, though Jenny was on her second hubby. Both had children one each, however Jenny had a daughter. Both their husbands traveled a lot. It was a running joke that their kids would maybe one day marry. So it wasn't unusual that they had remained close.

Having caught up they began to get more personal. Jenny got very serious.

"Evelyn, I need your professional opinion." She spoke in a whispered tone.

"Okay! In my professional opinion you are definitely sane." Evelyn said trying to ease the atmosphere.

"Seriously, please? It's about my daughter, Abigail. I am at my wits end and I don't know what to do. Your call this afternoon was a godsend. I need your help."

"Hey, relax Jen. Nothing is that bad, tell me about it."

"Abby. I think. Well she's been. She and Brett will never marry. I found some notes and pics in her room. She and her best friend have been doing everything together. I think, no, I know she's gay. I don't know what to do."

Evelyn sat back. She could see the pain on her friends face. It was a shock to her as well. She had known Abby since she was born. Now the rubber meets the road. She had to respond. It was Dr. Evelyn advice time but Evelyn the friend was wrapped up in this. Her thoughts were running a hundred miles a minute. Jenny teared up and ran to the bathroom. She followed.

 

&

 

Thankfully, the hostess quickly sat Brett and myself. But not before having to walk the gamut of the dining room. True to Brett's words every male's eyes were on me and their tongues on the floor as I made that trek. I really don't remember getting from the door to the table. Some how I managed. I was so nervous my hands were shaking. I could feel sweat starting to roll down my forehead. I knew I just made the worst decision of my life. I just wanted to run.

Brett noticed my condition and reached over and held my hand. He smiled. Then very slowly but purposefully he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it.

"Relax Vicky. You're a beautiful woman and that's all anyone sees. Besides, I'm you're knight in shining nylon. They have to get past my silks to get to you."

He always knew just what to say. I started giggling like a school girl. It helped because I started to relax. The waitress came over and took our drink order. As she turned to leave she bent down and said I was shining and pointed out the ladies room. She left without another word. Another challenge. I looked at Brett. He was busy reading the menu. I couldn't very well ask him to come with. So I gathered my courage after all she pointed out the ladies not the men's and off I went.

Once again I had to endure the eyes. This time I tried to take it as a compliment. I entered the bathroom just as my confidence was waning. I almost thought I had entered the wrong room as this was a posh sitting room. There were two women talking in hushed tones sitting on one of the couches. I did my best to ignore them and headed for the other door. Sure enough the bathroom. I bee-lined to the nearest stall then almost collapsed with exhaustion.

I sat to do my business. At least I remembered that. The privacy of the stall gave me the solitude I needed to gather my composure. I needed to get moving as I was taking more time than I should. Brett would surely be getting anxious. As I rearranged myself I heard someone enter and use the sink. My heart jumped. I have to stop being so nervous I thought. Another deep breath and I walked out.

I approached the sink and began to wash. The woman next to me seemed in her own little world. I could tell she had been crying. I felt for her. Funny that I would feel that. Don't think I would have as a boy. She walked over to the hand towels and started drying her hands. She handed me one as I finished washing. I smiled and almost silently said thanks. She looked at me and commented how pretty I was. Just like her daughter. I noticed a pained look as she said it.

Turning back to the mirror I opened my purse and drew out my compact. I had just started touching up when the other woman who had been in the sitting room entered. Panic welled up in me. It was Brett's mother. Now what do I do?

 

&

 

Evelyn had been consoling Jenny in the sitting room. She had managed to calm her down. Then fishing out her cell phone canceled the rest of her sessions. She would spend the rest of the day with Jenny. While on the phone Jenny entered the bathroom to fix herself up. A couple calls directly to clients cleared her afternoon. Time to go she thought. With that she got up and entered the bath area to retrieve Jenny. Her office was more appropriate than a sitting room. Entering the bathroom she started speaking thinking it was empty.

"Jen, why don't we go back to my office and discuss your daughters....." She stopped as she noticed the young woman fixing her make up. "Oh, I'm sorry I thought you were alone."

"That's okay I'm ready now" Jenny replied.

As Evelyn turned to leave she noticed the young ladies outfit.

"That is a lovely suit I have one similar to it. I can see you have great taste young lady." With that she left.

 

&

 

I almost passed out. I had stopped breathing the entire time Brett's mom was in the room. I held onto the counter catching my breath. I can't believe she didn't recognize me. Great, now what do I do? Surely she'll see Brett. They'll chit chat till I get out there then she'll know. My life is over. At least I'll leave a good looking corpse.

I grabbed up my stuff and exited the ladies. Thankfully, no one else entered as I was exiting. I turned the corner toward my table I saw Brett kissing his mother goodbye. I paused and turned as she started for the door. Luckily she didn't look back. I waited a few moments perhaps too long as a waitress noticed me and asked if I needed anything. With that I declined and headed for the table. Enough confrontations already.

Brett stood as I approached. He was beaming. Always the gentleman I noticed. He could tell I was flustered. Quickly pulling out my chair he seated me then returned to his.

"What's the matter, Honey?

I was on the verge of tears. Too much stress I guess. This wasn't like me. Then again I had never pushed my personal limits this hard before. I felt alone and wished deep within that Mary was here with me. I guess after all this time I myself wasn't over her loss. Those thoughts almost made it impossible not to cry. Brett was waiting for an answer. His eyes showed a great deal of concern. He is going to make someone a great husband some day.

"Your mother..."

"Yes my mother was here you just missed her. She was lunching with an old family friend. She had to leave. Something personal came up I guess. Though she didn't say. Small world I guess. She rarely goes out for lunch. Our dumb luck wouldn't you say?"

"Brett your mother was in the bathroom. She saw me. She noticed my outfit! She commented on it. She knows, I'm sure of it."

Brett got serious. I could tell the wheels were turning in that jock mind. I reached for my water. Just then I noticed my nails. They looked so pretty. I took a sip. It was actually refreshing. I kept drinking letting the water cleanse the stress from my body and mind. As I put the glass down my lipstick had left its print. I lost myself in the reality of that simple stain. It was my lipstick on a glass in a restaurant in public, very public. I looked around the room. No one was pointing and laughing. No one even seemed to notice me. They were all caught up in their own worlds. Their days filled with their problems. A boy dressed as a girl was no where on their list of concerns.

Least wise all but one. I caught him staring out of the corner of my eye. Relaxation turned to tension. He made me self conscious again. I casually turned as if I hadn't noticed anything specific. Sure enough he was staring. Almost as if transfixed by something. Now I spied him. I had to know what had given me away. Did I forget something in the bathroom? Was I doing something wrong? Sitting to boyish? Wait. No, he hadn't figured me out. He was transfixed all right but not by my impersonation. He was entranced by my legs. Every time I moved them his eyes followed. So I did it on purpose. Yep, it was my legs or should I say my hose.

I remembered I had put on those unusual hose this morning. They looked like old fashioned stockings but were pantyhose. They had a seam and shined like pure silk. Poor guy couldn't enjoy his lunch I thought. This actually helped me to relax again. I had power over this guy just because of a thin layer of nylon. I decided to tease the heck out of him. I crossed my legs and began to dangle my shoe. Now he could see the reinforced heel. I innocently began to stroke my calves with my hands. Then my shoe accidentally fell off. Now he could see the whole pattern. I reached down and carefully and slowly put it back on. When I turned to see what effect that had, my voyeur was gone. I quickly looked around and caught sight of him hurrying into the bathroom. I chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

Brett brought me back to reality. I was relaxed now. I smiled at him.

"Nothing really, just a thought." I replied.

"Listen Vicky. I really don't think mom knows. I've thought long and hard. She didn't say anything. Yes, she asked what I was doing in town and who I was with. I just said I needed to pick up some things and that you were with me."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Not you but you, Vic. I told her you were in the john. She just told me to have fun and that she would see me later. Believe me she doesn't know."

 

&

 

Evelyn and Jenny were just getting settled in the cab when she realized she had forgotten to give Brett some instructions for later that evening. The cabby had to make his way around the block to get back to the restaurant. Lunch time traffic is slow was his only comment. Pulling up she got out and entered the grill. As she motioned off the hostess, she noticed Brett sitting with a very pretty girl. Odd she thought. He told me he was with Victor. It's not like him to not tell me if he's on a date. Usually he's eager for me to meet his latest cheerleader of the month.

As she started into the dining area she froze. This was the girl from the restroom. The one with the similar dress. Right, similar she thought. It's my outfit! How dare she. Evelyn was about to storm right up to the table when recognition took hold. Abruptly she turned and headed for the bar. She took a seat where she could see into the dining area, right at their table. Opening her purse she drew out her phone. One button and Brett's phone was chirping.

"Hello?"

"Hi sweety, it's mom. Sorry to bother you but I forgot to ask you to defrost the roast when you get home and get some potatoes boiling as well. Okay?"

"Sure mom no problem."

"Who did you say you were with?"

"Um, Vic. We're picking up some things at the computer store."

"Do you think sh...he'd like join us for dinner?"

"I don't know let me ask"

"Brett dear let me talk to him."

Just as she suspected Brett handed the phone to the beautiful young lady with him.

"Yes?"

"Vic is that you, dear?"

"Yes, Mrs. Johnson."

"Listen doll do you think it would be okay with your parents if you had dinner with us. Brett's dad is out of town and I would love the company."

"I guess that would be all right. I'll have to check but I don't see why not."

"Call me if you can before you head home. I'll need you and Brett to pick me up a few things. Okay?"

"Sure thing Mrs. Johnson."

"Mrs. Johnson. That's too formal. You've been around long enough to call me mom. I'll call you whatever you wish. deal?"

"Okay, Mrs......Mom"

"Bye, cutie."

With that Evelyn hung up and with a smug grin headed out the door. She wasn't considered a great therapist for nothing.

 

&

 

I hung up the phone and handed it back to Brett. Something inside me had suspicions but I couldn't place what had caused them. Perhaps I was just being too sensitive.

"Well?"

"Huh?" I responded lost in my thoughts.

"Does she know or doesn't she? You talked to her did she mention your outfit? Did she say how adorable you looked in the john?"

"No. She just asked me to dinner."

"Dinner? That does seem mighty suspicious. After all you've never been asked to join us for dinner have you?"

"All right!" I responded annoyed at his sarcasm. "I eat with you all the time. No big deal."

I was trying to think of a come back. Just some way to needle him when the waitress brought our food. Funny, I don't remember ordering. Steak sandwich for him. Boy that looks good. Chicken Caesar salad for me. Sandwich and fries with condiments steaming on his plate. Cold salad with bland chicken for me.

"Hey, what gives?"

"Listen babe, I got you what all my dates get when we go out. I didn't think you'd mind. I figured if I got you the same as me you'd freak accusing me of trying to divulge your secret."

He was right. Gosh that burns me. I hated that he kept being right about things. What am I thinking? That's just it. I keep thinking like a guy. Even this competition thing. It's like a game. Can I be right about everything or will he. Who will score more points? Girls don't think that way. They let their dates think they are all that. Not that I would know much about dating. Once again lessons from my sister. I decided to try and enjoy my meal. It couldn't be as bad as I thought.

I must have been hungry because that salad was delicious especially with the honey mustard dressing. Even my flavored ice tea was good. I guess I had finally relaxed. Time flew and Brett was starting to get anxious to leave. I didn't want to because I was finally relaxing in my true role. I accepted how I was dressed as if nothing was wrong. This is who I was and this is how I dressed. Tell you the truth it wasn't that I didn't want to leave as much as I didn't want to change. I'd have to for dinner with Mrs., I mean mom.

Brett was actually getting agitated. This was not like him. I couldn't figure out why. He kept looking past me. Curiosity got the better of me. After all perhaps someone had figured me out and was pointing preparing to make a scene. I had to know. I dropped my napkin "accidentally". As I reach down to pick it up I noticed a pair of shoes standing there. Actually there was a set of legs attached to them as well. I looked up to see my gentleman admirer from before.

"Allow me M'lady." He offered as he bent to retrieve my errant serviette.

I smiled and sat back up. Looking at Brett I now knew why he was so upset. He glared at me for allowing this guy to even speak to me. He was jealous. I had never experienced this before. It felt nice, really nice. I just beamed. Being a girl definitely had its perks.

As I was lapping up the attention I was suddenly jostled to attention as I felt another sensation. This guy had taken the opportunity to not only pick up my napkin but to run his hand up my calf as he stood. I could tell he enjoyed himself as he returned me my wipe. I can't say I didn't enjoy the sensation because that would be a lie. I thanked him then promptly ignored him. Didn't want to encourage the brute. Not to mention my other brute was ready to defend his turf, me. The touch seemed to be enough for this hose aficionado as he promptly returned to his table.

Brett paid the bill using his credit card. A teen with a credit card was not something I was used to. I mean he didn't even have a job. Another one of the privileges of money. He rose to leave and I followed. Standing I glanced at my admirer. Two hour lunch I figured. This guy wasn't leaving till I was. One more tease couldn't hurt. So I stretched my leg out to the side pointing my toe and checked my seam. As if I had to I deliberately caressed my calf straightening an already straight seam. Then quickly bringing my legs together I march out of there.

Outside we had to wait for the valet to get our car. It was the same guy from before as a smile bigger than his head grew on his lips. Off he went whistling while he worked. As we stood waiting I noticed the other patron had finally finished his meal and was also waiting, behind me of course. Brett noticed and he quickly put his arm around me. Mark your territory buddy the wolves are circling. It is amazing what this kind of behavior does for a person's ego. I looked at Brett. He kinda looked almost worried. Okay, enough play time I thought as I reassured him with a kiss on his cheek. His demeanor changed. The power we girls have.

As his car pulled up Brett deliberately opened my door before the porter could come around. Then he tried to block the view of the leg man as I, as femininely as possible, re-entered the car. Giving the porter a tip he got in the car and drove off, not too slowly I might add. My knight in shining armor atop his steed or at least in shining nylon within his car. Where would my hero take me? Into the sunset? To his castle? No, really where are we going?

 

 

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© 2002 by Susan Vasquez. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, compilation design) may printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without express written consent of the copyright holder.