Numeric ID: 6 
Date Received: 02 AUG 2000 
Idea From: Constance Grant 
Written By: Constance Grant 
Email To: ConnieBabe69@hotmail.com

=========================================================
Part 2 - By Constance Grant (c) 4/2000, revised 7/31/2000
=========================================================

The floor was rolling again as I left the brightly lit living room, but
gently, so I figured I could handle it.  I thought it was Jim's dad,
since everyone else had a key.  So, I held my robe closed at the neck
like mom used to.

The hallway was dark, so I just opened the door to painfully bright
light, which blinded me.  I immediately retreated into the living room
swinging my hips a little, and saying, "Come in please."

When I turned around to face Jim's dad, I saw Jenny.  Yes, THE Jenny.
In my living room, she was only the girl of my dreams - unfortunately,
only in my dreams.  She parried my advances like a fencing master.  She
never let me up to bat, or even spent five minutes alone with me.
Whenever we ran into each other, I could see GEEK ALERT in her eyes.

So here I am, standing in my own living room in a nightie, a pink
bathrobe that I'm clutching like my mom used to.  And standing in fuzzy
slippers with painted toenails poking out.  "Oh."  I said.

"Hi, I'm Jenny Cross.  Professor Roberts asked me to drop Jim's term
paper off to him.  Is Jim here?"

"Oh."  My mind went into geek mode again and I was speechless; Jenny had
that effect on me. Maybe I could just take the paper from her and she
would leave, never knowing it was I.  So, I held out my hand to take the
paper, and said across three octaves, "I'll take it, er, Jim isn't here,
but I'll give it to him.  Thanks for bringing it over."

Jenny started to hand me the paper, and just as I was reaching to take
it, her eyes opened wide, "Br, Brad?  Brad Colson, is that YOU?"

Why doesn't the floor ever open when you need it to?  I even thought of
fainting - actually, I wasn't far from it.  Then Jenny started to laugh.
It didn't seem like a mean laugh; she actually seemed to be amused.  'At
least I'm giving her a good laugh,' I thought dourly. Then I got angry.
Here is a girl that would barely give me the time of day, coming into my 
living room while I'm recovering from death itself, and laughing at me.
I really thought she was nicer than that.

"Look, I guess not much in your life is funny, but I'm just getting over
mono, and if you don't want to catch it, you better just go."  I'm sure
it would have sounded great - manly and forceful - if it hadn't spread
over five octaves, and if I had remembered to hold my robe closed.  She
fell into another fit of laughter; it was pretty laughter though, like
the tinkling of wind chimes.

After getting her breath, she pointed and said, "Did you take the pink
nightie cure?"  And then began laughing at her own joke.

"Look, I really had mono, and I still may be infectious.  You really
better go."  That sounded to me to only cover three octaves.  Of course,
it wasn't as long as the manifesto I delivered moments earlier.

"You look a little rocky, sit down on the sofa.  I really don't want to
laugh at you, it's just that you looked so funny standing there..."

She giggled a little as we sat down, me folding up into a heat-
conserving ball facing her on the couch.

She looked at me seriously, "You really look like shit.  How long have
you had the mono?"

"About two weeks, I think - I kinda lost track of time there."  Why
wasn't she going?

"Look, don't worry.  I had mono last year; I caught it from my roommate
while I was taking care of her.  I know how you feel - been there, done
that."

"Heck, that's how I got it; I took care of Jim while he had it."  She
looked at me funny, "Look, it's the truth, ask him."  My voice only
spanned two octaves this time, but a high two octaves.

"Are you and Jim tight?  I thought he and Steve were an item."

"They are, I think they truly love each other.  Jim and I are just
friends and share this apartment.  I like girls, not guys."

"So that's why you are dressed in a pink nighty and robe - oh, and fuzzy
pink slippers.  You have boobs too!  Are you taking hormones?  You want
to be one of us?"

I could see my rep going into the toilet - hardly a girl on campus would
date me now.  

"It's the truth!"  I squeaked, "Jim's dad doesn't know Jim is gay.  Jim
thinks, anyway. He's a redneck asshole and homophobic, of course.  So a
few months ago, Jim made up this girlfriend and he's been telling his
dad about her ever since.  He used 'Stephanie' as a joke on Steven's
name."

Jenny looked interested - at least she wasn't laughing.  So I continued,
"Jim just needed a girlfriend, and one he knew wouldn't fuck him over or
screw up.  Find a good friend - and there's Brad.... Well I was just
getting real sick with mono at the time, and Jim talked me into this
masquerade.  Some of his friends knew how to dress as girls, and they
fixed my hair and stuff.  The boobs are held on by my bra."  She giggled
at that, but I went on, "Jim bought a bunch of clothes and stuff, so it
looked like a girl was living here with him. Well it wasn't a short
visit like Jim first thought; his dad is still here, but I think he is 
leaving today.  Look Jenny, that's the absolute truth."

"I believe you."

"You DO?"  Now that was stupid, but it just came out.

"Yeah, I know Jim had mono, that is why Roberts asked me to bring this
over.  I know you just had mono, because you look and sound like shit.
And nobody would make up a crazy story like that."

Just then the doorbell rang, Jenny smiled and said, "I'll get it for
you, just sit and rest."

"That has to be Jim's dad, I thought you were him."

"Oh, he has hair like mine?" she teased me, fluffing it at me.

"God no!  The hallway was dark and my vision is still screwed up from
the mono.  I just assumed you were Jim's dad.  Don't forget, I'm
Stephanie."

Jenny was giggling as she answered the door.

From the doorway I heard, "You must be Jim's dad, Stephanie told me how
handsome you were."

"Yes, why thank you little darlin'."

"Sure 'nough, Jim isn't here, but Steffie is on the couch.  Come right
on in."

He strode right over to me and planted a wet one on my forehead, "You're
lookin' better today, how're ya feelin'?"

He sat in a chair across from me and Jenny sat next to me.  "I'm feeling
somewhat better. I'm not sure what time Jim will be back.  Actually I
thought he was taking you to the airport."

"He's parking, and will be up a few minutes.  I wanted to see you at
least one more time.  I can see y'all love each other, and I feel guilty
takin' Jim back home and leaving you here all alone.  I want you to come
on up to the ranch for a few weeks.  You'll recover faster in the fresh
air and sunshine, and we'll fatten you up some."

Oh Christ, how am I going to get out of this?  I can't live as Stephanie
for two weeks - or more.  Then I had pure inspiration, "I don't know
sir.  I've really got to ask mommy.  I don't think she would let me
visit a boy's house.  Er, she doesn't know I, er, stayed with Jim while
I was sick."  I even managed to blush.

Just then, Jim walked in, looking surprised to see Jenny sitting on the couch with me.  
"Jim, I just axed her, but she doesn't think her mama will let her."
Jim was standing behind his father shaking his head yes vigorously and
mouthing 'please.'  His father, oblivious to Jim's pantomime,  continued
looking at me, "You call your mama, little darlin', and if she says no,
let me talk at her.  I'll convince her."

"I can't call now, they'll be out to dinner."  Before he could ask 'This
time in the afternoon?'  I added, "Dad's working in Spain and Mom's with
him, and it's about, uh, nine there, which is about the time they have
dinner.  How about I call you later with her answer?  After all, you
have a plane to catch."

"Don't you worry your little head over that.  It's my damn jet plane,
and they will damn well wait for me!"

Oh shit, Oh shit!  My brain went dark.  The room was quiet for several
minutes.  Jim kept motioning to me to come in the other room with him,
but I wasn't about to let him get me alone - I would be on that ranch in
a skirt with a damn bow in my hair in nothing flat.

Then, like the voice of doom, Jenny cleared her throat and said, "I
might be able to go with you, and your mom knows that we are roommates.
If the two of us were to go, I don't see how she could object."

Traitor!  But my mind was moving now.  "Sir, Jenny's boyfriend will be
heartbroken if Jenny left - he didn't go home and got a job in Austin
for the summer, just so he could be with Jenny."

"Bring him along - we have enough darn rooms, so he can stay in the one
of the guest rooms. I'll open the back wing.  You girls will have your
privacy, and be snug as a bug in a rug back there."

Jim looked like the cat that ate the canary.  He winked at Jenny and me
saying, "Great idea! I saw Steve down in the parking lot; he must be
waiting for you, Jenny.  I'll go down and ask him."

Jim was out the door in a flash.  I looked at Jenny; "Jenny, would you
please help me into the bathroom?"

I got up unsteadily, managing to trip over the nighty.  Jenny grabbed my
arm, keeping me from taking a dive, and we made our way into Jim's
bathroom

"Are you CRAZY?"

"Keep your voice down."  And with that, she kissed me.  Not a little
friendly girl-to-girl kiss, but a deep kiss that had drums pounding in
my ears.  When she pulled her head back, she looked flushed too.  "For a
sick guy, that's a darn nice kiss."

"Nggnh," I exclaimed eloquently, as I put my arms around her and kissed
her until I saw nothing but spots in my eyes.

When we broke this time, she said, "Wow," but softly like she just
learned something.  I just leaned on the counter and gasped frantically
for a while.

"What were you thinking in there?"

"Don't you want to take a two week all expense paid vacation with me?"

"Sure, but I would have to dress as a girl the whole time.  I couldn't
do that."

"Sure you can, I'll even help."

"Why?"

"I've had several classes with you.  Remember, we even wrote a paper
together last year?  I, I guess, I think it'd be fun, and we could, you
know, get to know each other.  Besides, I think you've got a lot of
interesting things to say."  I wished I could think of one now...

"You hardly talked to me before, I thought you didn't think I was good
enough for you."

"That wasn't it.  After I got mono, I didn't want to give it to anyone
else.  I really did want to talk to you more, but.... but I was scared
I'd be too interested and give it to you and you'd hate me.  But, since
you've got it....  That was the first kiss I've had in a year," she
mentioned.

She started to say something else, but I kissed her again, this time
tenderly - trying to show the love that was developing in my heart for
Jenny.  Then reality crashed in.

"But I'll have to act like a girl!"

She laughed at me, then.  "Well, yeah, but I bet we can room together."
She winked and added, "I've heard two girls can have fun together too,
and I'll bet my boyfriend and yours will find ways to occupy
themselves."

I was sick, but not stupid.  "Works for me!"  I replied with a little hug.

She told me to check my makeup before we went back in, but I wasn't
wearing any.  Her eyes got even wider when I told her that.

I made her leave the actual bathroom while I actually went again, and
then flushed and washed my hands before I came out and she helped me
back to the living room.  Steve had come in while we were out,
apparently, since he was standing around looking like he was waiting for
someone.  Jenny, it turned out.

Steve went over to Jenny and kissed her on the cheek, "Isn't this plan
wonderful, Jenny?  We can be together, and help Jim and Steffie too."

Jenny smiled warmly at Steve.  I said, "Come on, Jenny, and I'll try Mom
now.  She might be home by now..."

"Don't forget little darlin', if you have a problem with your mama, just
call me."

Yeah, right, I thought.  We went back into Jim's bedroom to place the
calls.

Jenny called home; Jenny's mom felt better, when Jenny told her that her
roommate would be going with her.  As Steffie, I even spoke to her
briefly.  In reality I hadn't the foggiest idea where to directly
contact my parents - my sister, Lynn, usually placed the call and 
conferenced me in.  On the other hand, did I REALLY want to ask their
permission for this? No.  I'd just have to have a word with Jim about
him being responsible for my life.

So, In grand Texas form, we were packed and airborne in four hours.

Until Jim's dad fell asleep with a stiff bourbon in his hand, I sat with
Jim on one of the jet's three couches.  Steve and Jenny sat on another.
Then we switched partners, after swiveling Jim's dad's chair eyes
forward.

I was feeling lots better.

========================================
Part 3 - Constance Grant (c) 7/31/2000
========================================

It should have been a two-hour flight to the panhandle once we were
airborne, but there was a cold front with big thunderstorms seemingly
hovering over the Spearman Airport, so the trip took over four hours.
You couldn't prove that by me, because as soon as I sat down next to
Jenny, I fell sound asleep on her shoulder.

When I woke, Jim was sitting next to me trying to wake me.  I barely
caught Jenny's back as she disembarked firmly in Steve's grasp.  His
father was offering me his hand with a concerned look on his face.  I
just wanted to go back to sleep.

Then the thought that Jenny was leaving me with Steve acted as a shot of
caffeine, or adrenalin, or something.  Anyhow I was fully awake and on
my feet in an instant.

Holding Jim's elbow, I emerged into the blazing sunlight, and went
completely blind.  Jim stuffed a pair of sunglasses into the approximate
position on my face and said, "Just step down honey, I won't let you
fall."  Even with the sunglasses properly adjusted, the glare of 
sunlight on concrete made me think I was stepping into a lake.

As my eyes adjusted, I saw Jenny looking at me with concern.  Steve's
arm was around her waist.  I had to swallow a sudden surge of jealousy,
Steve looks like Adrian Paul - until I noticed he was holding her very
chastely, almost like he was afraid of her.  Jim and I joined them,
while Jim's dad spoke with the pilot.  We walked to a waiting Hummer.

The four of us sat in the wide rear seat, and I was happy to be in the
middle with Jenny. Jim told us that we would head straight back to the
ranch house, and have an hour or so to clean up for dinner.  Jim's dad
climbed into the front seat followed by a ranch hand who drove.  I
noticed a second hummer following us, I hoped it had our luggage.

When we got underway, Jim and Steve started playing Patti fingers behind
our backs.  Jenny and I were forced to sit real close, and I followed
her lead stroking her thigh, while she stroked mine.  In less than
twenty minutes, we drove through an ornate stone and wrought iron gate
bumping over a cattle guard.  A few minutes more, and we stopped in
front of a large rambling structure.  It was set in the middle of a
cluster of trees, the only ones I'd seen since the plane landed.

As we stopped Jim's dad stepped out of the Hummer, "Howdy, Juanita!"
Jim's dad boomed.

A moment later, a small Hispanic woman stepped on to the porch. "Welcome
home Senor Spearman.  Hola, Senor Jim!"

Jim said quietly, "Juanita runs the house and has been like a mother to
me since mom left ten years ago.  She does a pretty good job of running
dad too!"

We all piled out of the Hummer, except for me - Jim lifted me out, Jenny
giggled and I turned red.  Juanita ran up to Jim, and as he bent over to
kiss her, I thought he was going to dump me on the ground between the
two of them.  "Mamacita, good to see you!  This is Stephanie, my
fiancee," he mentioned as he stood back up.

Juanita looked a little skeptical, but she said, "Mi casa es su casa,
Senorita Stephanie."

"Uh, thank you," I smiled at her.  "It's a pleasure to meet you."  Not
very gracious, but the dip and rise had made me motion-sick.

As we all went into the house, Jim was still effortlessly carrying me.
He parked me on a large leather chair in an enormous room, kissing me
firmly on my lips.  It really wasn't pleasant like kissing Jenny, but
the impact made me see stars.  Thank God, he kept his lips closed.

When I recovered, I looked around.  I had never been there myself, but
several years ago Dad had described the clubroom in the Cattlemen's Club
in Fort Worth to the family.  I thought I had been transported there.
All the furniture, and there was enough to seat fifty or more, was
covered in cowhide - most had the family brand prominently displayed.
The brand looked like a stick man, holding a spear - or his phallus, I
wasn't quite sure.  The wooden frames looked like a dark oak, and there
was a lingering odor of fine cigar smoke.

Jim's dad looked proudly around the room and proclaimed, "My daddy fixed
this room just like the Cattlemen's Club in Fort Worth, and he swore it
was the best decorated room he'd ever been in!"  Luckily, Jim had not
inherited his dad's sense of 'taste'.  "Girls, Girls, Granny Prissy had
other ideas, and y'all might like to settle in the preacher's parlor off
yonder after dinner - this room gets a mite smoky."  I could see Steve
grimace at Jim, knowing they hated smoky rooms too.  Come to think of
it, I was glad I had an excuse to avoid a smoky evening and be alone
with Jenny.  A quick glance at Jenny showed that she felt the same.  
"I'll be tasting a mite of bourbon.  What's yer pois'n folks?"

Jenny and I had Cokes, while Jim had neat bourbon with his dad, and
Steve had a beer.

Jim's dad continued talking about the ranch while we drank; I was very
thirsty and had another coke.  As he continued with his monolog, I could
see this might be a very long boring summer.  Finally, after two more
slugs of bourbon he yelled for Juanita.  She must have been waiting for
his call as she appeared immediately.

"Juanita, take the girls to their suite out yonder."  Looking at us, he
winked, "Y'all be right private, the door locks and everythin'.  Be snug
as bugs in a rug back there."

I stood up, pleased that the floor supported me without moving.  Jenny
took my arm and we followed Juanita into the bowels of the house, which
proved to be mostly a rambling one- story structure.  The house had
obviously been added on to many times over the years.  The 'club' room
we were in was a recent structure; we exited to a long corridor to the
right, and about sixty feet down the corridor we entered a much older
section of the house.  It seemed to be constructed out of rough-hewn
boards, logs, and stone.  However, it must have been modernized fairly
recently, as it was centrally air-conditioned too.

Juanita opened a stout door into a cluster of rooms, the curtained and
draped windows, and delicate watercolors on the rough walls showing a
woman's touch.  We entered a sitting room with two couches, several
small easy chairs, and tables.  It was a little chilly, and Juanita
showed us the thermostat and set it to a warmer temperature.  She led us
into the bedroom which had a Texas sized bed, large double bureau, and
open doors leading to a walk in closet and a bathroom.

Juanita said that someone had brought our bags to the room and unpacked
for us.  Outside of pointing out the bathroom, the towel closet, and
such, Juanita didn't speak to us.  I had the feeling she was surprised
to see us - well me anyway - with Jim.  Even though we spoke to her in
Spanish, we couldn't draw her out.  Although she was polite enough, said
little besides yes or no to direct questions.

As soon as Juanita left, I looked at the single king sized bed and
asked, "Jenny, would you be more comfortable if I stayed in another
room?  It looks like there are plenty of them available."

"Tired of me already?"

"No, not at all.  I just wanted you to know you have a choice."

She said with a big smile, "I know, silly.  But one of the reasons I'm
here is because I think you are a considerate guy.  I don't think that
you would do anything unless we both wanted to."

"You're right, I wouldn't"

"Do you notice anything strange here?"

"Not really, what do you mean?"

"Look at the chairs and drapes, all are covered in cretonne with pastel
scenes depicting English country life.  A woman has decorated this room
- It's a woman's room.  What's more it looks to me as if it was lived in
by a woman."

I looked around the room again, and her observation was correct.  The
bedspread and a two boudoir chairs were covered with the same fabric as
in the sitting room.  Several prints, including a large one over the
bed, brightened the room, and a large mirror over the dresser doubled
the room's apparent size.  The two doors to the closet, and door on the
bath had full-length mirrors arranged so that a woman could see herself
from every angle.  The lighting came from floor lamps and lamps placed
on the two night tables, but several sconces held candles.  Shiny tin
reflectors were on the walls behind and above the candles.  A large 
scented candle on the dresser was driving the musky unused smell from
the room.  An enormous picture window faced the bath and closet, with
matching draw drapes covering sheer white lace trimmed curtains.  The
window framed an attractively landscaped veranda with a large swimming
pool in the background.

I walked in the Texas sized closet, as Jenny began opening drawers in
the enormous double bureau.  The closet was roughly the size of the dorm
room Jim and I had shared.

I said, "Well, it looks like someone really did unpack for us.  I think
everything Jim bought for me was transported here.  I guess they put the
things from your room the left side."

"Yes, my things are the left side of the dresser too, and these must be
yours.  Kind of gives me the creeps having someone go through my things
though, I'm glad I didn't have anything embarrassing."

I nodded, thinking it was a good thing Jim hadn't packed any of my own
stuff.  "We have to be careful, I don't think much happens in this house
that Juanita doesn't know about eventually."

Jenny frowned, "You got that right!"  But then she smiled, "We are going
to have to go shopping, you don't have enough clothes."

"Well, Jim didn't buy much to fool his dad, this masquerade was only
supposed to last less than a week - a week when I was bedridden with
mono at that.  I certainly didn't plan on needing anything..."

"I know, but now you will."  Jenny said with certainty, and then changed
the subject, "I don't know about you, but I want to take a shower and
freshen up."

"Okay, I'll take mine after you're finished."

"My back needs scrubbing..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

That was the best shower of my life, and for the record, it was only
that - mostly.  After we dried each other, Jenny brushed my hair and
showed me how to use her curling iron.  A skill I needed.  NOT.  But I
liked it a lot when she brushed my hair, so I returned the favor, after
a while she was almost purring - Lynn used to do that too.  I even
finished up by curling her hair for her.  We were in bras and panties
and somehow went from fixing each other's hair, to embracing and
kissing.  She feels so very nice on my smooth hairless skin...

I don't know what might have happened next, but there was a knock on the
door.  We scrambled to put on robes, and let Steve and Jim in.  As soon
as the door was closed they promptly engaged in a serious lip lock and
grope session.

I looked at Jenny and said, "MEN!"

Jenny gave me a little kiss, but she was giggling and we both started to
laugh.

"What are you two laughing at?"  Jim asked indignantly.

"Oh, nothing," answered Jenny, "what do you guys want?  Privacy?"

"No, we just came to tell you dinner is almost ready.  While we are
here, how's about some lipstick marks to feed the old man's lewd
imagination?"  Jim asked.

Jenny took a lipstick from the dresser, looked at it, and tossed it to
me.  She took another and put it on looking in the dresser mirror.  I
put mine on looking in the closet door mirror, and walked over to Jim
kissing him briefly, but leaving him well marked on the lips and cheek.

Jenny did the same for Steve and said, "Best not have any more
kissie-kissie guys, or you'll mark each other with the wrong color
lipstick."

Jim looked at Steve saying, "Good thing chicks don't kiss each other..."

Five foot two, 110 pound Jenny pulled her arm back in a mock gesture to
punch him, and four hundred odd pounds of buff football players left in
a hurry.  We dressed after Jenny picked out a pleated skirt and bulky
angora sweater for me, and a nice shirtwaist dress for herself.  It was
kind of fun discussing what to wear, it made me feel very close to her.

She directed my makeup, and expressed surprise at how steady my hand was.

"You put that eyeliner on pretty well!"

"Yeah, it was kind of weird, the one time I did it before.  Lynn had a
hard time learning."

"Whose Lynn?"  Jenny asked suspiciously.

Purely to torment her, I said, "My first love and lasting love.  It's
true, she is a super girl and best friend - but don't worry, she's my
sister, a year older than I.  She goes to A&M at College Station,
studying business management with a minor in drama.  She has a partial
scholarship like me, but that is the reason money is so tight for me.
My parents are stretched real thin putting us both through college at
the same time."

"Did you practice dressing like this with her?"

I laughed, "No, I've only done it the past week or so as a favor to Jim
- and most of that time I was too sick to care how I was dressed.  I was
in a few high school plays - doing male parts in case you're curious -
and learned to do my own stage makeup.  I am fairly accomplished at
sketching and drafting too, so I have a sense of proportion and color."

"I'm in a lot of drama stuff - why didn't you try out for one of the
plays this year?"

"I'm taking twenty-one hours a semester," I said, and her eyes got wide.
"I'm hoping to graduate next June or August with the BS, and start on my
master's.  I've got to keep my grades up too, or lose my financial aid."
I shrugged.  "There wasn't any time."

"How can you afford to live in that apartment with Jim?  That is a
pretty cool place you guys have, but the rent must be high - even with
the two of you splitting it."

"I don't pay anything.  Jim and I were roommates in the dorms during our
freshman year, and he decided to move off campus on his own - to expand
his lifestyle.  He wanted me to stay with him for company, and because I
help him study.  Actually, I make sure he does his assignments and help
him over the rough spots; he is smart but not highly motivated to study.
He is really into sports and the gay lifestyle... although I think him
he and Steve are monogamous now.  He found Austin very liberating after
living here on the ranch all his life."

Jenny's face got unpleasant.  "Did Jim make you do this?"

"Do what?"  I asked.  "He never tried to get me to swing his way or
anything, if that's what you're asking."

She pointed at me.  "Make you dress as a girl, because of his dad or
something."

I laughed.  "Only if you consider keeping me awake long enough to
explain and ask me torture.  I felt I owed him something, to help with
his dad - you can see what his dad's like."  She nodded.  "Anyway, it's
been really rough for him, being gay and everything, and when I didn't
freak when he told me... I guess he felt really grateful.  And he's
helped me out a lot, like I said, so I felt I had to help him out when
he asked.  He's not an asshole like most jocks are; he's really decent."

"I guess I'm responsible for you being trapped here as a girl.  Sorry, I
really didn't think the whole thing through."

"Yeah, you are, but I understood what I was getting into and didn't
waste any time grabbing the opportunity.  I guess if you can learn to
love me dressed like this, there's real hope for a lifetime relationship
without the skirts.  I hope," I hinted.

"That would be great, I mean if it develops that way."  She was
blushing, I noted happily.

"Let's get to dinner, I really need to kiss you - and the sooner we get
back here, the sooner we can smear our lipstick."

Without a single breadcrumb to guide us, we found our way back to the
'club room.'  Four men we hadn't met were now sitting with Jim, Steve,
and his father.  "Well it's about time darlin's, I'd plum forgotten how
women always keep you waiting," Jim's dad complained, with a big smile
on his face.

Jim said, "Don't let dad kid you, you were well worth the wait.  Jenny,
Stephanie, I'd like you to meet Hank Parker, foreman of the ranch
operations."  A tall thin man on my right, whose face looked like tanned
leather, nodded, and tipped his Stetson.  "This is Esteban 'Steve' C de
Baca, who manages the agricultural operations."  A compact Hispanic man
said, "Pleased to make your acquaintance," in perfect cultured English.

Jim continued, "This shady character is Bill Porter, our resident
shyster and Chief Operating Officer."

Bill was a large man in his fifties, but still muscular, with a round
jovial face.  He smiled and said, "Welcome ladies, this old place
certainly needs brightening up.  And you look like just the medicine we
needed."

We smiled and Jenny said, "You're too kind, this is a charming home."

"And last but not least, this big dude is Mike Bowen, he is chief
engineer and field manager for the oil operations."  He lived up to his
billing by standing up and kissing our hands, a first for me.

Jim added,  "Like I said, you got to watch out for Mike, but no
shenanigans - remember that his wife packs a mean left hook."  Jim was
smiling as he said that and playfully punched Mike on the shoulder.

"Well darlin's, care for a drink before dinner?"

"No thank you, we had a coke in our room."

Jim's dad nodded, and led everyone down a short hall past a smaller
sitting room into a large dining room.  This room was furnished in oak,
and one of the two large trestle tables was set with sufficient calico
placemats, silverware, and glassware for our group.  Jim's dad sat at
the head of the table, and Jim sat to his right, me, Steve, and Jenny.
Facing Jim were Bill, followed by Mike, Steve, and Hank.  There was room
for at least two-dozen more people at the table.  I could picture the
room full of raucous cowhands in years gone by.

The dinner conversation quickly turned to business as Jim's dad caught
up to speed on operations.  Jim was brought into the conversation at
several points and displayed a good basic knowledge of the business
operations.  You could sense his dad's pride in his contributions.
Jenny, Steve, and I sat like bumps on a log, except, of course, when we
were stuffing our faces.

Dinner began with the main course, which was a large porterhouse steak,
home fries, greens, and homemade applesauce.  Jim explained later that
his dad loved applesauce and had it at every meal.  The dessert was -
you guessed it - apple pie.  Everyone opted for cold beer with the meal.
The food was excellent, but in keeping with my girlish image and the 
residual mono, I only ate as much as Jenny did.  By the end of the meal,
I was exhausted and my head was nodding.  Noticing, Jenny suggested to
Jim's dad that she and I call it a day. Jim and Steve excused themselves
and escorted us back to our suite.

I must have been weaving, because Jim got on one side of me, and Jenny
got on the other.  I really don't remember what was said back in our
sitting room, my next clear memory was sitting on the toilet removing my
makeup.  I wasn't drunk or anything - it was the mono again.

Once the bedspread was pulled down, our bed turned out to be two full
sized single beds on a single headboard.  Jenny insisted I wear one of
the baby doll nighties Jim has purchased. Surprisingly, the sheets were
pale blue satin, and felt sinfully good on my shaved legs.  I remember
Jenny giving me a good night kiss, and then snuggling into the other
bed.

About four, I woke from the crash of thunder and a bear hug from a
sleeping Jenny. Apparently, she had slipped into my bed during the
night.  I disengaged myself from her lovely form, and went into the
bathroom to take care of nature.

While I was sitting there (pissing), I decided that I really, really,
liked Jenny, and that I wouldn't take advantage of the situation. Unless
she wanted to, of course.  I figured I'd just follow her lead and we'd
see how it went.  If things worked out the way I was hoping and Jenny
was hinting, we'd have a long time to work it all out.  When I returned
to bed, Jenny snuggled over against me when she sensed my warmth, and
soon we were sleeping like two spoons.

I awoke to find Jenny snuggling back into bed with me.  "You awake
Brad?"

I made a production of pinching my arm and said, "Amazingly enough, yes.
How do you feel this morning?"

"Great.  When I finally decided to snuggle with you last night, I really
got a good restful sleep."

"I could certainly get used to you snuggling."

Now you don't have to know what happened next, but suffice to say we
were not very horny afterwards.  However, according to President
Clinton, we didn't have sex.

Lynn had described in exquisite detail how to please a lady that I
really cared for, and for the first time it seemed natural and right for
me to please Jenny like that.  I discovered Lynn knew what she was
talking about.  Jenny really, really liked that.

After we snuggled and napped for about an hour, a knock on our door
awakened us.  Jenny had more energy than I did, and let Steve in  after
donning a robe.

"Hi gorgeous!"  He exclaimed.

As he was shutting the door behind him, he loudly kissed the back of his
own hand.  He continued in a vigorous pantomime of madly loving his own
hand as he staggered through the sitting room into our bedroom.  He kept
it up until Jenny collapsed on the bed convulsed with laughter.  I
laughed until it hurt; I was lying down, which is the only reason I
didn't fall down.

"There my love, enough!  That should satisfy the ever vigilant Juanita."
He continued with a perfectly straight face, talking while one hand
pushed towards his face and he pushed it away with the other, like his
hand was madly in love with him.

"While you two are sleeping the day away, the rest of us have been awake
for simply hours. Jim will be working with his dad most of the day, and
my mission, which I may chose to accept, is to become an honorary girl
and shop with y'all."

"Where do you shop around here, from the air there didn't seem to be any
towns nearby." Jenny asked.

"I have directions to a town about thirty miles from here.  Besides, the
Hummer we have been assigned has a GPS tracking system, so we should be
able to find it."

"I hate to chase you out of here, but we have to get dressed - and times
a wastin'," I chirped.  Damn that mono, my voice was still screwed up.
On second thought, dressed as I was, it was a good thing.

"Just for appearances, I'll wait in the sitting room - but I'll close
the door.  Oh, and you better spray some perfume about, you two have
been naughty, but I'll never tell."

Sick as I still was, I managed to nail the back of his head with a
pillow before the door could close.

Jenny smiled as she remembered and kissed me lightly saying, "Naughty -
but very, very nice. See you in the shower."

As she dodged my restraining hand, I made a note to thank Lynn for her
expert advice.  I actually beat Jenny into the shower, since I had no
desire to examine my face in detail. Did you know that you can have a
lot of fun shaving each other in the shower?   It took us the better
part of an hour to rejoin Steve in the sitting room.  Yeah, there was a
little hanky panky, but it really took us that long - nails, hair,
makeup - the list is endless. Sigh.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"It's about time, I thought I'd have to send Juanita or one of her spies
in for you.  Did you remember to spray some perfume about?"

I was ready for that, and squirted a generous amount in his direction.
Jenny deadpanned, "Yup!  Sure did."

'Steve the buff,' led us through the labyrinth, all the while grumbling
about smelling like a damn girl.  Eventually we arrived at a small
breakfast room off the busy kitchen.  He introduced us to Julio, who
with his wife Maria did most of the cooking.  There were two men peeling
potatoes and another butchering a large piece of beef.  Julio whipped
Jenny and me up some scrambled eggs, toast, hash browns, and bacon in
nothing flat.

Conversation was very light, but we found out Julio had been born on the
ranch, and when he showed an aptitude for cooking Jim's dad sent him up
north to a four year chef's school.  It was there that he met his wife
Maria, and she was the co-chef cook at the ranch.  His principal gripe
was that Jim's dad liked steaks at every meal, and that was about all he
got to cook while Jim was away at school - that and food for about forty
ranch and farmhands. Their food was prepared here and taken to their
mess halls or line shacks.

In the Hummer on the way to town, the conversation got more interesting.

"So, how come Jim is out with his dad?"  I asked.

"I don't really know.  Before breakfast, Jim was planning what we all
would do today with me.  He was really looking forward to it, even
called a motel in Borger, and arranged for rooms."

When Jenny giggled, he put on an innocent face, which lasted about ten
seconds before he laughed, and then continued, "Unlike you girls, we
have two non adjoining rooms, and I think Juanita sleeps outside Jim's
door with a shotgun.  Anyhow, we had an early breakfast and nothing was
said, and then his dad took him into his office for ten minutes.  They
both came out looking a little serious.  Jim told me to entertain you
ladies for the day, because he had work to do with his dad."

"That's strange," I said, "he always told me his dad never discussed the
workings of the ranch with him.  Something about him not being ready for
responsibility, and I had the feeling that that was more than alright
with Jim."

"Yeah, he told me about the same thing.  Something's up though – I
thought you might know more about it."

"Not a clue, in fact I'm certain Jim just planned to drop his dad off at
the airport yesterday, and come right back to the apartment.  He was so
relieved you could feel it.  I don't think he had a clue that his dad
would bring him, much less me, here."

Jenny added, "He couldn't have planned to take me, because Professor
Roberts asked me to drop off Jim's report on the spur of thee moment -
he had no idea that I was going to stop by his office to pick up my term
papers.  There was no way Jim's dad could have known that I would
volunteer to protect Stephanie's chastity, much less that Jim would leap
at the opportunity to invite you along."

"Well, not only did he invite me, " Steve mentioned, "but his dad is
giving me a gift of more money then I would have made on my job this
summer.  That really surprised me, since Jim always said his dad had
more money than God, but that he was tight as a tick with it," Steve
mused.

"He was pretty generous with Jim - that condo we live in cost ninety
grand and I know the furnishings were another thirty.  Jim never seemed
to want for spending money either."

"Look at that Ranch though - all that we're talking about is a drop in
the bucket.  I suppose we will find out about it tonight," Steve
replied.  "AND, look at these," Steve held up two Platinum American
Express cards, "These are for us, I quote Jim's dad, 'Let them little
darlin's do some shopping, kind of make up for me stealing Jim away.'"

Jenny's eyes lit up and she looked positively predatory.  Then they got
wide as saucers, "Are those what I think they are?"

"They sure look like ostriches or emus behind that high fence, Christ
there's a bunch of them."  Steve exclaimed.

My head snapped around, and there they were, a herd - flock? - of big
stick-like birds wandering around in a pasture like they were cows or
something.

We talked on the way into town, which was named Spearman by the way.
Coincidence?  I think not.  Anyway, it turned out to be a mile square
town with shops spread about, many appeared to be parts of private
homes.  There was a small strip mall with a supermarket just outside the
town itself.  I didn't think we could do much damage to those cards
here.  I supposed neither did Jim's dad.

Before we split up, Steve gave us two hundred dollars each and one of
the cards.  He dropped us off in town because Jenny noticed several
shops and a small department store that she wanted to explore, as we
reconnoitered the streets in the Hummer.  He kept the Hummer, and we
agreed to meet at L&L Coffee Service at three.  We planned to walk; I
didn't feel much like driving, since I was still susceptible to double
vision from the mono, and Jenny had never driven a Hummer.  Steve did
not intend to go shopping with us - me, all I wanted to do was stay
close to Jenny.

As soon as Steve pulled away, it hit me.  Here I was, in a town that
defined rednecks, nothing but pickups in sight - in a skirt and two inch
heels.  Jenny saw the fear in my eyes and said, "Don't worry, you look
fine - just imagine you are an actor in a play, and nobody ever will
know."

That would have been fine, but the only play I could think at the time
was Joan of Arc - with me as Joan, about to be burned at the stake. That
image I pushed out of my head as fast as I could. Then Jenny took my
hands in both of hers and said very quietly, "It will be all right Brad, 
it really will."

I looked into her eyes and saw that she really meant it, and my fear
started to evaporate. "Just don't leave me alone here," I said,
swallowing.

She looked shocked, then smiled as she slowly shook her head.  "Never."
Her face screwed up in an impish expression, and she added, "You're so
cute one of the local boys'd take you home to show his momma if I let
go!"  And with that, she grabbed my hand.

I felt much better.

"Ok, what's first?"

"There's several nice shops here, let's just look in each for something."

The first shop we tried was Lady Fair, a shop specializing junior and
woman's wear.  We each picked up a dress after trying on a dozen; it was
almost fun after I got over my fear of changing behind a flimsy curtain
- in a public store.  I picked up two pair of jeans, and Jenny showed me
that it was much easier to put both legs in together and kind of wiggle
them on.  She remarked that it was a good for me that really tight jeans
were out of style.  You could have fooled me.

Accidentally I found out that my balls would hide up in my body, and
that if I tucked my cock between my legs the jeans looked okay.  To make
it look even better Jenny held things in place with a 'light days' pad
and a snug thong that she purchased.  She called it a butt flosser, and
I could sure see why after wearing it a few minutes.  But the
combination made me feel secure from discovery.  However, we changed
back to the clothes we wore in before bringing our purchases to be
checked out.

"How would you like to pay for this ladies?" was the cashier's innocent
question.

I handed her the card from my purse and she rang up the purchase,
everything was going fine until the conscientious lass compared
signatures.

"This isn't your card!" she exclaimed as if we had kidnapped it.

Gulp!

"Mr. Spearman gave it to us this morning to use."  I said.

Yeah sure, her eyes said.  But she was well trained and said, "Please
come this way to mom's office, I'm sure she can straighten this out."

That stake was piled with wood, and ready to ignite, just waiting for me
to be tied to it - it looked much closer with each step as we followed
the girl.  We went into a small office, and the lady sitting at a
cluttered desk motioned us to sit on two folding chairs, while her 
daughter whispered to her and handed her the card and sales receipt.
Just about then, I remembered that my driver's license was in my name -
Brandon Colson- hardly the Stephanie Colson that we had been using, and
that I had signed.  Gulp.

Jenny explained again, and the lady looked like she wanted to believe
us.  After all, we bought a pile of things, and were the only customers
in the store the entire time we shopped.  I suggested that she call the
ranch and verify that we indeed were authorized to use the card.  She
asked for the number.

"I always call Jim's dad at 555-5555."  Jenny looked at me curiously,
but luckily, Jim made me memorize the ranch's main number while Jim had
mono in case I had to call for Big Help. Like, if he died, which he had
been certain was imminent, more than once.

I usually talked to Mr. Welch who I assumed worked for Jim's dad.  The
manager called the number and handed me the phone - after verifying it
was indeed the Spearman Ranch.

"Hi, I'm Stephanie and I'm a guest of Jim and his dad.  Jim gave us a
American Express card to use while shopping, we need some sort of
verification of that fact."  My voice was all over the place, but mostly
higher than Jenny's.  The manager looked uncomfortable as Jenny 
explained that I was recovering from mono.

The voice on the other end of the line said, "I don't know anything
about that."

Gulp!

"But I'll get Mr. Porter for you."

I explained to the manager, "He is calling Mr. Porter, who is Mr.
Spearman's resident attorney."

The minutes ticked by.

"Hello Stephanie, what's the problem?"

"I forgot that our signatures don't match the one on the card.  An alert
clerk noticed.  Can you please help us?"  I felt like a real valley girl
airhead, even Jenny was smiling.

"That is no problem, I called American Express this morning and arranged
for them to accept your signature, Jenny's, and Steve's.  I explained it
all to him, where is he?"

"I don't know, we are in a ladies dress store, and I don't think Steve
wanted to come in here and shop with us."

"Can't blame him for that, anyway have the store people call American
Express - let me give you the number - okay it's 1-800-555-5555.  Your
authorization to use those cards is in their computer.  Have them check,
and I'll wait."

I explained it to the manager, and she left the office saying that she
would be right back. Jenny's hand felt moist and was quivering a little,
as she held my hand, but as there was a camera pod in the office, we
just sat stewing until the lady returned all smiles.

"No problem ladies, everything is straightened out.  In the future just
tell the clerk to call and verify that you are authorized to use the
card."

I spoke into the phone, "Okay Mr. Porter, everything is fine now."

"Great, don't worry about anything, any problems at all, just call."

"Thanks, you are a lifesaver."  I gushed.

Everything that we purchased filled two shopping bags, and the manager
agreed to put it aside for us until we could pick it up about three.

It was getting warm outside, my Secret antiperspirant had been severely
tested, and we were parched - so we walked until we found a drugstore
that advertised an 'Old Fashioned Soda Fountain.'  We ordered two root
beer floats with glasses of water.  After the old gent served us, we sat
at one of the small cluster of tables.

"Now that was intense!"  Jenny said quietly to me when no one else was
within earshot.

"You're telling me!  Do you realize that I have no identification as
Stephanie?"

"Christ!  Look, I'd better use the card from now on - at least I have my
picture driver's license and student ID.  You were really cool in there,
I was ready to shatter."

"You looked cool too, and don't kid yourself - I lost five years growth
sitting there."

"But it was kind of fun."  She grinned.

"Being with you is fun - truth be told, I even enjoyed the shopping.
Lynn will never believe me when I tell her about all this."

"You'll tell your sister about this?"

"Sure, we are very close.  Dad was in a bad car wreck and he was years
recuperating when we were in junior high.  We learned to live and work
closely together and to trust each other. Besides, we moved around a lot
because of dad's work, we never fought like most brothers and sisters,
it really was very nice growing up together."

"My brother is older than I am by five years, and we have a good
relationship now.  When we were younger, I was kind of a pain for him.
However, when he went to college, and we stopped fighting over the
bathroom, things have been much better."

"So that's why you want to take showers with me."

"Got it in one, no fighting.  And there's that other benefit with
you..."

After we left the soda fountain, we stopped in every store that promised
ladies' wear, cosmetics, and books.  I picked up several pair of shoes
that really fit, and we both picked up a pair of fancy cow-bimbo riding
boots.  Jim had told me they had an Olympic sized swimming pool, so we
purchased swimsuits.  The one I got was chosen to hide certain assets 
and shape, while Jenny's wasn't; her shape and assets were displayed
perfectly.

Jenny had fun with me in the lingerie sections, and we teased each other
into some silly purchases.  But I gave as good as I got, and had her
purchase merry widows too, as well as some other dreamy stuff.  We were
both blushing half the time we were in there.  It was a blast!  We were
having so much fun shopping together that we finally met Steve an hour
late.

"Where the hell have you been?" he fumed.

"Shopping!" we chorused.

"How the devil can you shop all that time, and have so little to show
for it?"  He was looking disgustedly at the single shopping bag we each
carried.  He shook his head at us, and said in a quiet voice, "Now you
know why I date guys; I don't have to put with this." Jenny hit him with
the bag in her hand before I could.

"We have to make a few stops on the way back to the ranch."  I answered.

"Well, we'd better get our asses in gear."

"What did you do all day?"  Jenny asked.

"Played video games mostly, and got some riding clothes.  This is really
a jerkwater town, they don't even have a bar."

By the time we had made the three stops to pick up the fruit of our
day's labor, Steve was really fuming.  After the last pickup, he sped
back to the ranch.  We passed a sheriffs patrol car while we were doing
at least a hundred, but he just gave a friendly wave, and kept going in
the opposite direction.  I napped on Jenny's shoulder on the way home so
I didn't hear most of Steve's grousing; Jenny told me later that she
just tuned him out - like she does with any complaining male.  I took
note.  Even with our late start, we arrived a half-hour before dinner.

They were all in the cattlemen's room.  Jim's dad raised an eyebrow when
I handed him the stack of charge slips.  However, after looking through
them, he simply commented the total was far less than Ruby had ever
spent on a day's shopping.

No explanation was given for Jim's sudden propensity for work, but
troubles drilling a proof wells in a new option dominated the dinner
conversation.  I was interested as Mike Bowen described the technical
problems, and asked a few questions, surprising Jim's dad.  I couldn't
tell if he was pissed at the interruption, or pissed that a girl
interrupted a business discussion, so I didn't ask any more questions.
Then again, he might not have been pissed at all.  I forgot to ask Jenny
what she thought.  Anyhow, after the hard day shopping, God what did I
just say?  Anyhow, the mono was making me sleepy, and I was falling 
asleep at the table when the apple pie was served.  Jim and Steve saw us
to our rooms, the floor was only slightly rolling.

"So what's with the sudden interest in the company business?"  Steve
asked as soon as we were all in the sitting room and the heavy was door
closed.

"Actually I've always been interested in it, but dad refused to involve
me before now.  I don't have the foggiest idea why he picked now,
especially when I have a house full of friends that he invited here, and
I am on vacation."

"Undoubtedly the fourth law of parental perversity.  Do you have to do
it again tomorrow?" Steve asked.

"I don't know, he didn't say.  He did say we are having a party next
Saturday and several more guys and all the wives are to be invited.  He
wants Stephanie and Jenny to plan the thing with Mr. Welch, Julio, and
Juanita."

I had sat in one of the chairs, and the conversation after that became
an annoying buzz.  I just wanted the guys to clear out so I could smooch
on Jenny.

The next thing I knew my wish was realized, and Jenny was kissing my
neck and ears telling me to wake up.  A shower woke me up and we did the
shaving bit for each other.  Why it took so long is none of your
business, but an hour later, we were luxuriating on satin sheets 
enjoying how nice we felt to each other.  The last thing Jenny said
before drifting off to sleep was a dreamy, "I really do need to thank
Lynn the first chance I get."  So did I, I loved it when Jenny purred.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

During the next two days, Jim went with his father to visit the other
operations making up the family business.  Somehow or other, he had
managed to talk his father into taking Steve along with them.  I saw the
arrangements Mr. Welch had made for their trip - they were using the
jet, but somehow Steve and Jim were booked into the same hotel room for
the evenings. When I pointed that out to Jenny, she smirked, saying, "I
hope Steve remembered the perfume."

The dinner party was only nine days away, and the first thing we did was
get together with Tom Welch to see the guest list.  A "few of the guys"
turned out to be half the population in the surrounding area and from as
far away as Oklahoma City to the north, and San Antonio to the south.
Once the list was printed, he took out a couple of boxes of stock
invitations and implied that we should get busy writing.  Now I might be
able to pass myself off as a girl recovering from a vile illness, but
there is nothing feminine about my handwriting - or legible, for that
matter.  Though I do print real fast.  But there was a better way...

"You have all these names and addresses in the computer don't you?"  I
asked.

"Sure, that's how I printed this list."

"Are they in a database?"

"Naw, I don't use those things, I used Excel."  Tom said.

"Please, show me."

All the names were in a column - last name then a comma-space and then
the first names followed by a column for address, RFD, town, and zip
code.  The last column was for comments, and lots of personal and
business information just lumped together.

"It will be a snap to reorganize this into a mailing list," Jenny said.

"And that HP Color printer over there can print all the invitations," I
completed her thought.

"You can't print invitations, it's too impersonal," Tom countered.

"We'll use a font that looks like handwriting.  Do you have a copy of
Mr. Spearman's signature?" Jenny asked.

"Yes, I have documents with his business signature- wait, I have a
United Way letter he signed - you can read that one.  What are you going
to do with them?" Tom asked.

"Just watch," I smirked at him.

Since Mike Bowen was traveling with Jim, Jenny got on his PC.  He had
all the latest hardware and a first class scanner.  Jenny couldn't find
a suitable font on any of the machines, so she downloaded a TrueType
font from Adobe that looked remarkably like a feminine script.

Meanwhile I worked on a copy of Tom's Excel spreadsheet and reformatted
it into columns that were more granular.  Then with Tom looking over my
shoulder we developed 'personal' names and two comments for each
recipient.

Meanwhile Jenny had composed the invitation, RSVP, return envelope, and
mailing envelope using Word's forms.

The stationery he had wasn't suitable for the printer, so he asked Maria
to drive us into town.  On the way, we discussed the menu, and got to
know one another.  She confided that Juanita felt I was taking over her
place as Jim's 'mother,' and was feeling bad about that. As Jim's
fiancee there wasn't much I could say, but Jenny gave me a kind of
helpless look. This was getting complicated.

Maria did some food shopping, mostly odds and ends, as a provision
company from Amarillo delivered most items to the ranch.  Then we tried
a few stores in Spearman, but ended up getting plain invitations and
envelopes from a small print shop damn near in Borger.  In all we racked
up almost two hundred miles round trip.

Once we got back to the ranch, Jenny had no problem doing the artwork to
make the invitations look right, since Tom had MS Office 2000 Premium.
It took us an hour to print everything.  Then we spent a half hour
stamping and stuffing eighty-three envelopes.  Tom commented, "You kids
will do anything to get out of work!"

To which we vigorously nodded our heads affirmatively, and then asked
him, "So we should erase the spread sheets and forms we created?"

"No, don't, I was only teasing you.  Will you show me how to do that
form letter thing, it will come in handy sending out letters to our
employees."

"Sure, anytime," we chorused.

Once we were out of his office we high-fived it and Jenny said, "You
know we have to get our hair done, and get something appropriate to wear
- we - you are going to be the hostess."

"I want to go back to Austin."

"You should have thought of that while we were in Spearman," she said,
not at all sympathetic.  Then she looked around in all directions, and
kissed the hell out of me.

"I can handle it," I announced when she got done.

"See?  Now go fix your makeup," she said, and laughed.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

After leaving Tom, we went for a swim.  It was a new experience for me
in a one-piece swimsuit with foam breast pads; it felt like I was going
swimming with my clothes on.  I most certainly don't recommend squishy
water saturated foam breast pads, to say they lack realism, is an
understatement.  My first dive almost resulted in peeling the suit off,
down to my waist anyhow.  Jenny knew just about what would happen and
was ready to pull up the top, and then darted around to retrieve my
'breasts.'  I don't think anyone from the house noticed.  Besides, the
outer fence around the pool was about six foot high, and I kept my back
to the house.  After that, I took it much easier.  It was a good work
out, as we completed 300 meters swimming a good pace, but not racing.
Truthfully, because of the damn mono, I was really working to complete
the last lap.

Back in our suite, we showered and Jenny put lotion on my back and sides
where the suit abraded it.  I put lotion on her too, because I liked to
see how nice rubbing it in made her feel.

At Maria's suggestion, we had dinner in a breakfast nook off the kitchen
with her, Julio, and Juanita.  At first, the conversation was mostly
about the coming dinner party, the menu, and decorations.  However,
toward the end Juanita began to speak whole sentences to us, especially
when the subject was about Jim growing up.  I kept telling her how much
Jim had missed her while he was in Austin, and Jenny said later that
Juanita was warming up to me.

After dinner, we hightailed it to our suite.  What can I say; any
thoughts of returning to Austin evaporated.  After we showered again and
Jenny shaved my face, we sprayed a bit of perfume about – before
retiring to exhausted arms.  As I lay in Jenny's arms, I couldn't 
believe that it was possible for me to stay on the brink of ecstasy for
so long.  I was planning to see how long I could keep Jenny that way
tomorrow, as sleep clouded my mind. 

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

In the morning, I was sore.  Before the mono, I could easily swim 5,000
meters, but my muscles had been dormant for three weeks and dissipated
by the disease - so I had barely made 300 meters yesterday.  I really
didn't want to get out of bed, so when Juanita knocked at our door,
Jenny answered it.  Juanita came to tell us we had a phone call on line
four, and that breakfast would be ready when we were.

Jenny took the brief call, and when she came back in the room she told
me to get it in gear, our appointment was at eleven.

Appointment?

Everything seemed to ache as I moved into the bathroom.  Jenny took pity
on me and gave me two pills and a glass of water.  I looked at the
bottle and it said Pamprin, I recognized it and seeing my questioning
look she said, "It's mostly aspirin, and it does help me when I feel
achy."

"Yeah, Lynn uses it too."

Jenny really shaved my face closely, once normally and once with baby
oil and a new razor. Then we took a shower and she shaved me again with
witch hazel.  "Don't argue, you have a light beard, but you are going to
have a facial and a makeover."

"Why?"

"You fooled people up to now because they made allowances for you being
sick.  BUT, next Friday you will be in a room half full of women, all
looking to see Jim's fiancee.  More specifically, what is so great about
her to catch him - he is the heir to the Spearman Ranch, and that's a
real big deal in these parts."

"But that's next Friday, not today."

"True, but you need time to find your look."

"Find my look?  Jeez, Jenny, this whole thing is getting out of hand."

"The way I see it, Jim's dad has this big party introducing you.  Then
we all go back to Austin and a few months later announce that the
betrothal just didn't work out - hey, it happens all the time."

"I hope so.  To tell the truth I really don't much care as long as we
are together," as I gave her a chaste kiss that quickly devolved into
something else.

We were both breathless when she replied, "Neither do I, besides this is
a lot more fun than working in the bookstore in Austin."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

After Maria fixed us eggs, hash browns, grits, and ham with redeye gravy
we headed to Amarillo.  This time we drove ourselves, taking a Jeep
Grand Cherokee SUV that Tom had rustled up for us.  I drove half way,
and then Jenny took over.  On the way Jenny explained, "I didn't want to
go into Spearman to a salon - I mean if someone realized that you
weren't a girl it would be all over town in nothing flat.  This way, you
can get fixed up to have a more feminine appearance, without worrying
that someone might suspect that you are a guy."

"Do you think I'll be discovered?"

"No; your body isn't very curvy, but then again lots of athletic girls
aren't.  If we have time I'd like to get you some better hip and butt
padding, and see if there is a better alternative for you than wearing a
bra all the time."

"I guess I'm not much of a hunk, am I?"

"You are a great looking guy!  After all, I was attracted to you long
before all of this happened - and I like to think that I have high
standards.  I never did like that stupid goaty," that's how she
pronounced it, as in 'relating to goats.'  "I think you're a lot better
looking without it.  But, I didn't know how to tell you without hurting
your feelings.  You see, when I told my brother how I felt about his
moustache, he didn't speak to me for a month."

"I'm glad you told me that, I only wore them because my face looks so
young.  If you like me without them, they are history."

"Good.  You are strong, but you're not very tall or have bulky muscles -
there is nothing wrong with that.  I'm five two and your five eight is
way tall enough for me - we fit together well.  Take Jim and Steve for
example.  They both certainly look better than Michelangelo's David.
Heck, half the girls on campus would give their eyeteeth to date either
of them, but we both know that would get them nowhere."

"Yeah, Jim used to try to throw me scraps, but it didn't work out.
Neither my heart, nor the girl's was in the effort.  Sort of 'second
best.'"

We discussed a lot of things, I felt completely at ease with Jenny, and
was able to be open with her about my feelings.  I guess being able to
talk openly about anything with Lynn, made it easier to talk openly with
Jenny - they were a lot alike.  I know she was very open with me too,
and when we reached Amarillo almost two hours later, I was not at all 
apprehensive about our 'complete salon makeover.'

Jenny was eagerly looking forward to it, as she had never been able to
afford one before.  I told her that Lynn really relished the experience,
which added to her anticipation.

The salon wasn't very big, but Jenny looked around and said that they
had all the necessities.  And that judging by the prices, they catered
to a wealthy clientele.  We were each wearing one of the new skirt and
blouse outfits that we picked up in Spearman, and full slips.  Since we
anticipated pedicures and waxing, we wore peds.

The first thing we did was to go into a room in the rear, take off our
outerwear and don nice clean short sleeveless smocks.  We hung up our
things, and put our purses in a locker, the key was attached to the pale
yellow belt intended for use with the beige smock.

Jenny was going to have her bikini line waxed as well as the rest of
her.  I said I didn't want my bikini line waxed as I was having my
period, and was too sensitive for that now. That was Jenny's idea; I
never would have thought of that.  So our makeup was removed, and a mask
applied - two cucumber slices covered our eyes.

Lynn had told me the waxing itself was unpleasant, but that the
conditioning afterwards and the resulting soft smooth skin more than
made up for it.

Unpleasant, isn't the word I would have chosen - I was uncomfortably as
hot wax was applied, allowed to cool, and then pulled off along with any
hair it captured.  It HURT!  The Darvon we took when first seated didn't
help that much either.

The lotions and massage afterwards were very nice.  While still cucumber
eyed, we were given manicures and pedicures - complete with a glorious
foot massage.  By the time the masks were removed more than an hour had
passed.

I was shocked to see that my fingernails were now a half-inch longer
than my fingers, and all the nails were coated with clear nail polish. I
later learned the process was called acrylics.  Next, the cosmetologist
waxed our eyebrows, tsk-tsking over their hairy condition as she worked
on me.  "You really should tweeze more often dear."

'Is NEVER, too often?'  I thought.

Antoine styled our hair - about all he could do for me was to lighten
it.  And then perm and style it into something that looked like a curly
DA with bangs - plus a few errant locks to frame my face.  Those were
destined to drive me crazy in the days to come.

Then Antoine fluttered around Jenny.  Her hair was cut a little shorter,
lightened, and given a perm so it fell in gentle golden waves to her
shoulders.  I couldn't wait to bury my face in it and nibble her neck.
This all took another hour.

Next, the cosmetologist Anne, who owned the shop with Antoine, gave us a
makeover.  In the process, she sold us each well over two hundred
dollars worth of 'waterproof' cosmetics. Finally, our nails were painted
to match our lipstick - which was in turn one of five lipstick and nail
polish combos coordinated 'perfectly' to our skin – the cosmetologist 
declared, after another hour.

I was frankly amazed.  I was still a bit horsy looking and not really a
beauty, but staring back at me was a well-dressed and appointed lady,
with nice clear complexion.  I knew I had quite a bit of makeup on, but
it didn't look it.

We were given Polaroid pictures of the process for each of our several
'new looks.'  My arms and hands looked decidedly feminine now.  The
longer nails seemed to minimize the bulk of my hands, and my arms were
now hairless.

I didn't know how Jenny was truly reacting to the new me now – I
suspected she was still absorbing how great she looked.  I really
couldn't read any deeper meaning into her joyful expression.

Back in our own clothes, with one last look in the mirror, we looked
like two chic pampered women.  It gave me a funny feeling, like someone
walked over my grave.

Jenny asked for and received the name of a shop specializing in mammary
reconstructive devices for her mother.  She paid the bill with the
platinum American Express; it had to be close to a thousand dollars.
However, after what I just went through I really didn't mind sticking it
to Jim's dad.  I wondered how long it would take everything to grow back
to normal, as we walked out of the shop.

We drove to this small shop that was located in a strip mall between a
Texas Big and Tall Men's shop and upscale bridal shop.  An elderly woman
greeted us.  The elderly proprietress fitted me in a closed room.  She
assured us that discretion was essential in her business, and didn't
change expression when it became obvious that I was a man.  Once Jenny
explained to her what I needed, without any fuss I was fitted with
'custom' molded silicon breasts, 'B' cup size, and they were glued on.

Gulp!

I was also fitted with two latex and silicon pads to fill out my hips
and butt, which were glued on too.

Gulp!  Gulp!

I made sure we got extra surgical glue, but most important, two large
bottles of the solvent to remove them.

I thought that I had gotten used to having breasts, albeit foam ones
held in place by a bra, but actually having the realistic weight
attached to my skin, gave them an entirely different feeling.  On the
other hand, the hip padding felt downright strange.  It was not very
thick, but just enough to transform my male hips and butt into a slender
woman's shape.

All the padding worked perfectly with the clothes I had worn.  Jenny
poked and prodded me, saying everything felt just like hers.  I wouldn't
go that far, but neither hips nor breasts felt like padding or phony
through my clothes, and they warmed to my body's temperature after a
short while.

We didn't ask, but she sold us several 'gaffs.'  These instruments of
torture are designed to hold your testicles up into your body, and your
cock between your legs.  Once in place, I had a totally feminine front -
in fact, it was scary how feminine I looked.  It was painfully obvious
that I didn't have to worry about excitement giving me away any more.  
Jenny suggested that I wear one on the way home to see if I could get
used to it.  I did, and I really didn't.

The elderly proprietress once again assured us that discretion was
essential in her business.  I guess a sale of over twelve hundred
dollars buys a lot of confidentiality, and the American Express receipt
was made out to a misleading M'Lady's Lingerie and Foundations, Inc.  As
we left she offered, "I have your molds and measurements.  Just call if
you need anything, and I'll have it ready or ship it to you.  Y'all
drive safely now."

After returning to the ranch, we dropped the keys and receipts off to
Tom, and then changed for a swim - wearing bathing caps covered with
rubber flowers, another first.  Today I felt stronger and easily
completed five hundred meters.  My swimsuit looked much, much better 
dripping wet - even though the breast forms were a bit smaller.
Frighteningly good, as a matter of fact.

When I stripped, we discovered the adhesive survived both the swim and
the outdoor shower. >From a distance of a couple of feet, everything
looked awfully real as I stood naked in front of the mirrors.  But up
close, the seam between the silicon and my skin could be seen. Jenny
experimented with the makeup/sealer sticks we were given, and made the
seams disappear.

Jenny looked at me with undisguised lust, "God you make me hot, I'm not
into girls, but the way you look drives me wild.  Do you mind?  I mean,
do you think I'm weird?"

"I guess not, considering I'm the guy with breasts."  Jenny unfastened
my gaff, we both gasped for different reasons - I was visibly showing
how hot Jenny was making me.

Jenny sighed, "Christ I'm horny.  But as long as you don't mind, I'm
just going to go with it..."

As soon as we started loving each other, we discovered a problem.  My
own nipples are very nicely sensitive, and they give me a lot of
pleasure when Jenny messes with them, but they were covered.  All I
could feel was some pressure and movement when my 'breasts' were 
touched.  However, her attentions elsewhere compensated...

We also had to be careful because of our longer nails, thankfully the
edges were nicely rounded and smooth, and didn't tend to tear tender
skin - we sacrificed a lipstick tube over my finger to hook into her 'G'
spot.  All in all, I kept Jenny 'on the screaming brink' for a nice long
time, and after she recovered some strength she retaliated.  Such sweet 
retaliation!  I don't know if she chewed through the satin pillowcase
trying to muffle our cries - or I did.

After another shower and a close shave, we took a half hour applying
makeup, doing hair, and stuff.  I was getting disturbingly good at it.
Jenny looked great before the makeover, but she was truly exquisite now.

We both wore new summer chiffon dresses sporting a muted floral print as
we strolled out to the cattlemen's room.  No one was there, so after a
few minutes we went into the kitchen.

"Have you heard from Mr. Spearman?"  I asked looking at Juanita and Maria.

"Si, Mr. S landed a few minutes ago.  They should be here in twenty
minutes or so."  Juanita answered, but she was frankly staring at me
when she added with a smile, "Que bonita mi hija."

Maria said, "You look so nice, like you are feeling much better."

"Yes, I guess it's your good food and the healthy air," I replied.

Juanita nodded.  In truth I was; I still had double vision at times, and
my voice was still screwed up, but overall I felt much better – even
made up to the nines in heels and a snug skirt.

"Besides there is nothing like a trip to the salon to perk up a girl."
Jenny added.

"I'd like to check my messages at school.  Think Tom would mind if I
used his phone?"  I asked.

"No, he left a little while ago - the key to the offices is hanging by
the pantry door, it has a red tag."

"Thanks, we won't be long."

Jenny and I went through the pantry, grinning at the huge number of
umbrellas in a stand near the door awaiting a rainy day.  We walked
forty yards on a raised boardwalk to the offices.  My heels seemed to
find every crack, but they were fashionably sturdy enough not to break.

Jenny let us in; she seemed to effortlessly avoid all the cracks.  I
guess it takes practice.  We laughed at the even greater number of
umbrellas waiting by that door.

Jenny had two messages on her machine from her mother, and a half dozen
from girls wanting to do various activities together.  I had a bunch of
like messages from friends, and three from Lynn asking how I was.  I
returned Lynn's call immediately, but got her answering machine.  I left
word to call my machine and let me know a good time to call her.  I told 
her that I wanted to talk to her about something important, very good
important.  I didn't want her to worry.

Jenny called her mother.  My heart went through the roof when she told
her that she had found THE guy.  She smiled at me and held my hand.  She
described me as I was, not as I am, and mentioned we had classes
together both this year and last.  I floated out of earshot to give
Jenny some privacy.

I cracked the password on his PC on the fourth try and then checked
Tom's calendar - in the process absorbing Jim's schedule for the past
few days.  According to the schedule, they were all together in the same
meetings, a total of fourteen in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
Checking against another list it was clear that they had visited all the
major Spearman Company facilities.  I was surprised at the employee list
on Tom's computer; there were over four hundred.  A quick calculation
while looking at the employee file revealed a gross annual payroll over
fifteen million dollars - not including the executives.

Jenny looked in and said she was finished.  Her eyes were bright when
she told me, "You know I love you, you don't mind my telling my mom.  Do
you?"

"Of course not.  I just don't think I ought to meet her dressed like
this."

"Why not, it's perfectly proper, and looks quite nice on you."  But she
couldn't keep a straight face, and we were giggling about what outfits I
would wear to meet her mother - all the way back to the house.

As we entered the kitchen, Marie said, "Sientese, sit, you might as well
wait here and have a cup of coffee with us.  Their habit is to drop
their work papers off at the office, and come in through the kitchen. If
you all weren't here, Mr. S and the others would grab something to eat,
and then go back out and write reports or something for a few hours.  I 
have dinner warming in the oven in case that's what they want to do this
evening."

"I thought something smelled great."  I said.

"Did Maggie do your hair?"  Juanita asked.

"I don't think so."  I replied.

"Wasn't your appointment at The Hair Connections?"

"No, we went to a salon in Amarillo, one of our friends from college
works there summers. She's been telling us how awesome it was all year,
but I never thought I'd get there.  I think they did a fantastic
makeover.  How do you like it?"  Jenny lied smoothly, and I followed her
lead, turning like a model - almost, in my case.

I was learning more about female strategies.  Jenny got the two women
talking about how we looked and salons in general, and Julio tuned out.
Before we knew it, Mr. S came in like a tornado.

"Damn.  It's good to be home.  I' got to wiz, sip a bourbon, and can eat
a steer.  See y'all at the table in a minute.  Juanita, you rustle up
those honeys, tell 'em they're keeping a hungry man waiting."  The last
being said as he disappeared into the house's interior.

Jim and Steve followed him without so much as a glance at us.  We helped
bring in plates of food for everybody and took our places at the table.

"They didn't even notice us," I said in amazement.

"What do you expect, they're men," Jenny replied perfectly straight-faced.

"If I ever do that to you, you have my permission in perpetuity to kick
me!"  I whispered.

Jenny whispered with a broad grin, "See, this IS great training to be MY
husband."

"I guess it is..."

Jim's dad came in and sat down, so I didn't complete my thought or, it
seemed, any other for the entire dinner.  I guess he considered Jenny
and I as family now, because he had Juanita, Marie, and Chef Julio join
the rest of us for dinner - as was his normal custom.  He was in a very
good mood holding court, and when he wasn't talking, one of his minions
was answering one of his many questions.  Jenny and I sat there and
looked pretty; smiling when someone looked or made a comment we should
take note of.  It was a long dinner.  I claimed to be tired after apple
pie, so Steve and Jim escorted us to our rooms.

As soon as we were out of earshot Jim asked, "Can we stay with you gals
for a while?  I don't think I can stand another night of bourbon and
dad."

"Say the magic words."  I said

Steve looked puzzled, but Jim answered without a pause, "You gals look
fantastic.  I couldn't get over how great you looked at dinner.  Lets
see, your hair has been styled and lightened - and it and your makeup
matches your complexion perfectly."  He stopped us and took one of our
hands in his, "I just love your nails, and Stephanie you are a natural
girl - I told Steve this would work out perfectly."  He paused and a
funny evil grin swept across his face, "Got it in one try.  Right?  Hey,
we NEED some peace and quiet!  Please???"

"One more sip of bourbon and I'll puke," Steve added.

"I doubt his sincerity, but he did answer correctly and they DO seem
desperate," I said looking at Jenny.

"Well okay if you say so, but one condition...  Well, I'll show y'all
later."

By this time we were at our suite and all piled in - as soon as the door
was closed Steve and Jim dissolved into each other on one of the small
couches.  Jenny opened a wooden cabinet door exposing a little
refrigerator and tossed me a diet coke.  "What would you like?  WHAT
WOULD YOU LIKE?"

"Uhhh, Oh, two beers.  Thank you."  Jim replied.  Jenny handed them each
one.  I thought it would have been much more fun to toss it and watch it
squirt.

"So why are you two so sex starved, you shared the same room."  I asked
tactlessly.

Jim looked disgusted, "That was the PLAN.  In fact, I stayed with my old
man in his room, and we had long father and son chats far into the night
- every night.  If he wasn't so dammed healthy and energetic, I'd swear
he was preparing me to take over the business. What's more, I think he
thinks I'm ready."

"What's changed?"  Steve asked.
 
"Damned if I know, maybe my getting engaged to a girl - I can't think of
anything else.  But no offense Steph, he hardly mentioned you.  He has
something up his sleeve though.  By the way, did you do anything about
the party next Saturday?"

"Yes, your obedient little Barbie dolls got all the invitations out the
same day as ordered, master."  Jenny did a great imitation of Jeannie,
complete with nose twitch.

"Don't be so touchy, I was only going to say we would help you get them
out tomorrow," Jim lied almost convincingly.

"I'll bet I know what you two would like," Jenny teased.

Steve replied, "I'll bite."

I knew Jim was going to actually bite Steve before he even bent over.
"Hey!"  Steve complained.

"In that case, you'll have to bite him all by yourself."  Jenny walked
over to a door I hadn't explored, assuming it was another closet.  But
lo and behold, it led into another bedroom and bath.  "Voilà!"

Jim hugged Steve and said, "Jenny, you are a lifesaver, I'd forgotten
that was there. Whatever you want, it's yours..."

After Jim and Steve disappeared into their room we undressed and Jenny
removed my gaff, she liked popping me free and watching my pole grow.  I
liked watching her.  Then we just took the goop- make that, removed the
makeup from our faces.  We used the solvent to remove my padding as
instructed.  Both sets had to be removed after one day, three days max,
for a few hours.  The underlying skin had to be cleaned and allowed to
breathe.  However, this time I just wanted to make sure they came off.

And then we moisturized our faces, for some reason following that with a
shower.  The moisturizer must do something different than the water in
the shower, but I was too tired to ask.  We also wore puffy shower caps,
even though I knew in the morning we would wash our hair.  However, it
did save us from sleeping on wet heads.

About two, I woke to a delightful sensation, Jenny was paying special
attention to my OWN breasts.  We alternated for a while and then turned
and kissed each other's breasts simultaneously.  That was fantastic.  I
never knew that this could feel so very nice to me. We moved lower, and
lower...

As soon as we were satisfied, we fell asleep nestled like two spoons.  I
NEVER want to sleep alone again!

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

I woke about seven totally aroused by Jenny's sweet musk and the feeling
of her body pressed to mine.  But first, I had to attend to nature.

"Having trouble?" said a grinning Jenny standing at the bathroom door
looking at my problem.

I turned red, "You have this effect on me."

"Most unfeminine, whatever would the boys say?"

"Those boys?"  I said pointing in their general direction.

Jenny turned red, "Ohhh.  But, please hurry.  I really have to go."

Fortunately for her, the blood flowing to make my face red must have
helped get things under control.  I took care of business quickly and
gave my seat to Jenny, barely in time.

"Wow, you really did have to pee, didn't you?"

I stepped right into the shower and Jenny quickly joined me.  Long nails
are really a pain - they make everything more difficult to do.  Frankly
I was surprised, I thought they would make things easier to pick up -
not so.  But they are truly wondrous instruments to titillate your
lover, especially over wet soapy skin.  It was stupendous for me, but
Jenny was simply purring - her skin must be much more sensitive than
mine.  After we dried off we...

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

What we didn't know was, about eight the next morning that morning,
Juanita came to wake us for breakfast.  But before she knocked on the
door to the sitting room, she opened it a crack using a passkey and
listened carefully.  She faintly heard Jim panting, "Don't stop, for
gods sake DON'T stop now."

And moments later Jenny screaming, "Yes, Yes, YES..."

Deciding that we would enjoy a late breakfast, she quietly closed the
door and walked to the main part of the house.  Juanita smiled as she
checked out the undisturbed beds in both Steve and Jim's room, before
reporting to Mr. S.  She really can't be faulted that her report was
slightly in error.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Oh my Jenny, I can't believe how great that was."  I was lying limply
in every context as Jenny snuggled close to me.  After a while I asked,
"When do you want to tie the knot?"

"My family can't afford much of a ceremony, and I know yours can't
either.  So I guess whenever we decide - I mean there isn't a lot of
planning to do."

"That's fine by me, I can't wait to tell Lynn.  I'd love to tell mom and
dad, but I think they are now in Spain for dad's business - to save some
money they rented their house for a year."

"Where do you live?"

"Our house is midway between Midland and Odessa, due to the oil fields,
it's pretty stinky place actually.  Given the chance, I was darn glad to
go to school in Austin.  Dad's a geologist and his business has its
headquarters in Odessa."

"Why don't we call them?"

"Mom calls Lynn a lot, so she will know how to contact them.  It would
be nice if they could come to our wedding..."

At some point in our discussion of our future plans we drifted off, only
to be rudely awakened by someone jerking my toe, "Jeez, aren't you guys
up yet, come on, it's almost ten."

"Nughhhh."

"None of that now, dress for tennis and meet us for breakfast in a few
minutes."

What with gluing on breasts, hair, makeup, and everything, it was
forty-five minutes before we joined them.  I thought we were speedy.

"Christ, it's about friggin time!"

"Some gratitude - THEY ate everything!"  I exclaimed.

"Calm down, Marie has more for us, we just took the edge off our
appetites.  Juanita knew that YOU wore us out last night, and we needed
fuel badly this morning."

Mr. S walked in just then, and looked at Jim proudly.

"Oh hi dad, great morning!  Did you sleep well?"

"Sure did, I never sleep well in hotels, nothing like my own bed."  Jim
told me that it had cost ten thousand dollars, so I sure hoped he slept
well on it.

"Have some breakfast with us?"

"Nope, I ate hours ago.  I'm going into town to get a haircut and stop
by the bank."  I knew from my snooping that he was chairman of the
bank's board and owned a controlling interest in it.

"Want me to drive you in?"

"No, you entertain your little darlin', Chester's takin' me.  Take good
care of Jim for me Stephanie, and don't you go wear him out at tennis
now."  He was laughing at some private joke as he left us.  A BIG
mystery that joke is - Not.  At least after Jim explained it.

Marie brought in a large plate of waffles, another of ham, bacon, and
sausage - plus a big bowl of scrambled eggs.  She smiled saying, "Eat
'em up, the chickens won't take it back!"

"I really, really missed you Marie!"  Jim said, and no one doubted his
sincerity one iota.

The table was quiet for several minutes, Jenny kicked me once to slow
down and take smaller bites.  I thought my nails were slowing me down
more than enough, but I started to take smaller mouthfuls – surprisingly
the nails were less of a problem then.  However, the snug panty girdle
required by my tennis short-shorts signaled enough - long before my
brain did.

"So where do we play tennis around here?"  Jenny asked.

"The courts are in back of the swimming pool..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Now I'm usually a good tennis player, I'm fast and have a controlled
deadly serve.  Normally when I play Jim, his power is offset by a lack
of control - especially if I can get a few serves by him and make him
mad.  Today I was his partner and downright embarrassed myself, until I
found a way to hold the racquet with these damn nails.  After the first
game Jenny took pity and showed me how she held it, but it didn't really
work because my hand was larger - what I really needed was a larger grip
so that my nails didn't wrap around into my palm.

After Jim's fifth, "What's the matter with you today, you're playing
like a damn girl!"  I swatted his rear, and was pleased to see the web
marks on his butt. 

"What did you do that for?"

"You try playing with these!"  I made a claw of my hand and moved toward
him threateningly.

He just walked to his side of the court muttering disgustedly, "GIRLS!"

I finally found a way to hold my racquet without eviscerating my palm,
and amazingly my serve came back, so the second match was much more
even.  Both Jenny and I were tiring, so we decided to take a swim.

Naturally, it took us the better part of an hour to change; the makeup
might have been waterproof, but it was not resistant to heavy sweat.  At
the price we were charged for it, even Jenny thought it was a rip off.
Not only did we clean off all the makeup, we showered and washed our
sweat soaked hair - okay, so we took our time in the shower - and then
had to style it.  Do makeup, make sure my equipment didn't show, and get
into our suits.  It's endless, but it's still fun to do with Jenny.

As we approached the pool, we were greeted by, "What took you so long?"

Where was that racquet when I needed it???

I tried a tame dive, and my suit stayed on.  I figured those glued on
breasts held it in place.  So, I tried a more aggressive dive, and the
damn halter came loose.  I thought Jim and Steve's eyes would fall out.
"You have TITS!" Jim gasped, with a horrified look on his face.

"What," Jenny said in an amazed voice, "you didn't notice them on your
very own FIANCEE before now?"

It was worth it, as I took my time about securing the halter.  Jenny had
moved over to help me, but seeing I had it under control, she looked at
them and said, "Better watch out, it must be something in the water."

Steve looked at Jim with panic in his eyes.  "Nah, she's pulling your
leg," Jim said.

Jenny and I just smiled knowingly at them.  When we got out of the pool
they looked real closely at my smooth crotch, and even Jim had a little
worry showing in his eyes as we walked back for a late lunch.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"So how come you are looking so much like a girl, it's down right
scary?"  Jim asked as we sat in our sitting room after a late lunch.

"You want to know the truth?"  I replied.

"Yeah, I guess so.  You didn't do anything permanent - did you?"  Steve
asked.

"I sure as hell hope not!  You told us that your dad wanted a party next
weekend to announce our engagement.  Right?"

"Yes."

"Well at least half the attendees will be sharp eyed women, looking to
tear your fiancee, ME, apart.  So, I have to at least pass as a girl to
be your fiancee.  I mean, don't I?"

"Yes, that's for sure - I didn't think of that."

"Dumbass," I asserted, and he didn't protest.  "So we went into Amarillo
and got some help, and after all I went through, AND am going through, I
didn't mind sticking your dad with the two grand this bod took."

"For HAIRCUTS AND TITS?  Two grand, like two thousand dollars?"  Jim sat
up straight.

"Yep, and worth every cent?"  He still looked shocked, so I said,
"That's a question, Jim."

Eventually he agreed,  "Yes.  I suppose so.  And no, you didn't have any
choice; you did the right thing.  Frankly, you look and act just like a
normal girl now, you aren't quite as graceful as Jenny, but you sure
don't act like a guy - or for that matter even like Jose and Marsha, the
two TVs that helped you initially."

Steve sniggered and added, "They would kill you if they could see how
pretty and natural you are - jealousy and envy does that to people."

"What do you want to do tonight?"  Jim changed the subject.

"What are the choices?"  Jenny asked.

"Well there is a movie house with two screens in town, but I don't know
what is playing.  In Borger there's usually is square dancing at the
'Gold Dust,' and the Cattlemen's Club nearer to Amarillo passes as the
local country club.  I usually avoid it, because everyone who is 
enamored with themselves will be there.  However, on the plus side, they
usually serve a decent meal, and have dancing to a live band after
dinner until midnight or so.  OR we can go to the dam and just make
out."

"Let's go to the country club.  Stephanie needs practice dancing with
you, and interacting in a room full of hostile eyes," Jenny answered.

"You sure I'm ready for this?  Even as a guy I'm not a great dancer," I
asked.

"You'll do fine, all you have to do is follow Jim's lead."

"He usually follows MY lead," Steve snickered, earning a bruised shin.

Sigh.  Somehow, I thought it would be a long, long night.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"How does this stay up?"

"That is what you have breasts for."

"Oh."

"Just kidding, the dress is boned - see.  They are called stays, and the
stays are supported by a girl's waist and hip flare.  Now in your case
you will need this strapless merry widow which when laced will give you
a waist."

"It has stays too," I pointed out - UNnecessary redundancy is not stupid
for an engineer - it's a job skill.

"Yes, and it will remind you to sit and stand up straight.  Your posture
is okay for a guy, but frankly, it is lousy for a girl.  Here, put it on
now and I'll lace it for you - then you can do mine..."

"Gasp, does it have to be so tight?"

"Yes.  Mom used to tell me to think of it as a lover's embrace - that
works for a while, but we will both be darned glad to be out of them
later...  I'll tighten it some more when you get used to it..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"My god Jenny, you look sexy!!!  I don't know if I can stand up straight."

"Oh - how's that."  The light days pad only marginally softened a sharp
smack by two fingers, but it worked.  "Sorry, we don't have enough time
to do that right."  She said as she lightly kissed my lips to atone...

"These dresses are almost identical; I mean the skirts are the same
length - they could pass as wide belts.  And the tops couldn't get any
lower.  Shouldn't I be wearing something different?  Like a dress with
sleeves and a skirt that comes to my knees?"

"Nonsense.  Don't be a prude, these dresses are perfectly modest and
really do look different - see, yours has little bows and mine has a row
of tiny faux buttons.  You have to learn to notice small differences and
comment on them.

"Wouldn't that require me to give a rat's ass?"  I pointed out, and she
kicked me in the shin.  It hurt, but somehow didn't run my hose.

She otherwise ignored my comment, and continued, "As for the skirt, you
just have to remember to smooth it down and keep your legs crossed
whenever you are seated.  It will try to ride up.  Look, you really have
great legs, they are relatively much longer than mine, and in heels and
hose, they will be unmatched.  You have a great slim figure; your bosom
is perfectly proportioned now, and is showcased nicely in that dress.
You really don't have to worry about your top; it will stay put unless
you dive into a pool."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

She giggled, and continued, "Say, did you do that on purpose today?  If
you did, it sure freaked out the guys."

"No, but I confess to taking advantage of the moment."

"Great, just stay cool like that tonight, and everything will be great."

"Let me touch up your makeup, check mine for me too..."

"Rats, our nail polish is the wrong shade.  Quick, you do mine and I'll
do yours..."

Jim barged in saying, "Are you two coming some time tonight, they stop
serving at nine, and it's more than an hour's drive."

"BUG OFF!!!"

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"There, all we need is some jewelry..."

"That's a nice ring Jim got you, is it real?"

"I hope so, it's yours if it is - when all this is over."

"Wow, do you think he'll mind?"

"After this?  Are you kidding?"

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

As we walked into the cattlemen's room, Jim was pacing and Steve
sprawled on a leather sofa, and Mr. S was asleep in a chair with a half
full drink in his hand.  I asked, "Well, was it worth it?"

Jim grabbed me and whispered in my ear, "If I swung that way, you would
be impaled on your back on the floor, right now!"

"Ummm..."  I thought it was almost worth the trouble as I snuggled
against his arm and winked at Jenny.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"How do I get in this car, I guess more to the point, how do I get out
of it?"

"Just back on to the seat and swing your legs together into the car,
hold your purse on your lap, let it hide the death grip you should have
on the skirt to keep it from riding up."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"God, it took an hour to get here at mach two, NOTHING is near to the
Spearman ranch."

"See why I bloomed in Austin?"

"Wait for someone to help you out of the car, Steff, I can't even get
out in this skirt by myself without flashing everyone.  But don't worry,
at worst, they won't really see anything more than your shorts or
bathing suit showed today.  It's the illusion and all the lace that 
keeps them looking..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Everybody is looking at me."

"Just smile, worry when they stop looking."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Jim, I'd like a petit filet, parsley potatoes and green beans."

"Steve, I'd like the same, but with broccoli please..."

"Oh, and the girls will have two t-bones with steak fries..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"I have to pee.  Bad."

"We have to powder our noses, guys.  Steff, come with me..."

"I can't go in THERE."

"Well you sure can't go in THERE.  Lets not dawdle; I have to go really
bad too.  It will be all right, just remember when you are done to stand
next to me and check your makeup.  AND there are fresh pads, don't
forget your purse..."

'Christ I have to get half undressed just to pee... Thank god, I didn't
puncture my pantyhose.  These nails make me even more clumsy!!  Damn 
that gaff... That old pad is yucky, I must be dripping pre cum by the
quart.  What do I do with it?  ... Why's that toilet paper stuck THERE?
... Where's my purse, new pad?  Thank you Jenny... Okay everything
straight, down, up... Oh God don't let me forget anything...'

"What took you so long, I can only apply lipstick so many times..."

"Bite-"

"Fix your makeup," she interrupted, and stood there making 'helpful'
hints while I did.

"Okay, you look great, let's go."

"Tell me again why we can't correct them in front of the waiter when
they screw up our orders?"  I asked as we left the bathroom.

"We have to give them the illusion of control."

"Why?"

"Think back to your last date..."

My last date had been with a militant vegan socialist, unbeknownst to me
when she asked me out.  "I'd rather not think about my last date..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Christ, we were about to send in a search and rescue team.  OUCH!"

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"The dinner was great Jim."

"Jenny, I have to pee again..."

"Don't worry, it's the widow, your bladder is compressed and can't hold
as much.  It's even worse for me because girls have less control over
peeing."

"Really?"

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Let's dance Steph..."

"Just follow me like before, you're supposed to put your head on my
chest during slow dances.  Oops.  Sorry."

"Please, these shoes are real thin and my toes are compressed already."

"Why do girls wear shoes like that?"

"Because shitheads like you tell us we look nice in them."

"I don't care."

"I know you don't care, but do you want someone calling your father to
ask, very nicely, what kind of girl you're engaged to?  I have to
conform like the rest of the herd.  No matter how much it hurts – and
trust me my feet hurt..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"That was sneaky Jim, did you have to kiss me that long?"  At least he
kept his tongue in his mouth.

"It's the last dance, it's expected.  Remember the herd?"

"Nughhh."

"Did you notice the genuine boner I managed for you?"

"How did you manage that, I thought girls turned you off."

"I tried to imagine I was dancing with Steve, and short stuff, when that
didn't work I imagined..."

"You are disgusting..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Jenny, I have to pee again."

"Guys, wait a minute, we'll be right back."

"Remember we're standing out here waiting.  Sometime tonight, please..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Nobody can see in, that's why I took the Caddy with the dark windows."

"It's more comfortable at home."

"It's more of a thrill here, and people will talk."

"Men!" we chorused...

"Jesus.  Is Jim really going down on Steve?"

"I think so, yes, hear that? ..."

"I am hearing NOTHING at ALL," I asserted.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Here lay in my arms like this, now kiss me... Boy, are you are wet.
Like this? ... I love you too, but we better wait for later.  I'll never
get back together here.  Thank god those guys cum fast..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Good thing I stayed together, he could have awakened when we walked
by," I said.

"You worry way too much Stephanie."  Jim said.

"Look dummy, being a girl is all in the details.  I got to worry.  I
don't want some creep snickering behind my back 'She's a he.'  Or for
that matter, shouting the same..."

"I suppose you have a headache now."

"No, because I'm going in that room with Jenny.  If I was going in THAT
room with you, you can be damn sure I would have a permanent headache."

"Now, now, girls.  Jimmy dearest, you are MY date.  I have something
growing just for you. Get in here before I have to get out my
handcuffs..."

"What handcuffs?"  Jenny asked as we closed the door to our room.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Sunday and Monday were a repeat of Saturday - except we went to a movie
and square dancing respectively.  I guess the only thing to note is that
square dancing in cowgirl boots and a merry widow with a powerful guy is
an exhausting combination.  That is between keeping your balance while
being flung about, and struggling to glean sufficient air - with your
chest compressed in a vise.  It was a lot of fun though, and Jenny was
there.  We even managed a dance or two together.  I was thinking 'tough
titty guys' as they sat out those dances; after all, it's acceptable for
girls to dance together - if they don't get 'icky' about it.

It took a lot of willpower not to get 'icky' but we managed, somehow.
But we decided we weren't going to torture ourselves like that any more.
Yeah right.

On Monday, Lynn left a message on my machine; I could reach her Monday
morning until eleven or Tuesday after five.  Since I checked Monday
before she left the message, and Monday afternoon after, I asked Jenny
to make sure that I remembered to call Lynn shortly after five on
Tuesday.

Tuesday morning the men - Christ, just listen to me - left on another
trip until Friday afternoon.  We were tasked to make sure all the
preparations for the party were both complete and appropriate.  On his
way out, Mr. S casually said, "Get yourselves some of them designer duds
and doo-dads.  You know, the ones that cost more 'n a gad dammed
Mercedes automobile.  I want you two darlin's to SPARKLE on Saturday.
BIG surprises in the waiting!"

Jenny's eyes lit up like photographers' flood lamps - after he left.

"Did you hear what he said?"

"Yes, we have to buy new dresses.  Do you know what kind he meant?"

"Boy, do I ever!  We might even have to go to Dallas to get them."

"Is he serious?  Can you find clothes that cost that much?"

Jenny laughed.  I didn't like the sound of that laugh.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Hi Lynn, how are you?"

"I'm fine, are you on a speaker phone?"

"Yes, can you hear me okay."

"Yes, but your voice sounds funny and there is a little echo, but I can
understand you okay."

"My voice is still screwed up from the mono.  Lynn, I want you to meet
Jenny, we have agreed to get married as soon as possible - but we
haven't set the date."

"MARRIED, YOU ARE GOING TO GET MARRIED!  WOW!"

"Surprised?"

"Yes!  You idiot, of COURSE!  Tell me about her!"

"She's right here Lynn, we can both hear you."

"Hi Jenny, how did you two guys meet?"

"We have had some of the same classes each semester for the past two
years, but it has only been a little over a week since we really
discovered our mutual attraction in a gigantic way.  I can't believe
that it's only been a week.  It seems like we have always been together,
I think it's our destiny.  You have a great brother, I just can't
believe how neat he is..."

Way more than an hour passed with excited conversation flying back and
forth.  After a while, I could tell Lynn was as enthusiastic about Jenny
as I was.  I was sure she would be, but if she hadn't been, well I
didn't want to think about that.  I really respected her opinion.
Finally, I decided I couldn't put it off any longer - I had to tell Lynn
why I was here and what else I was doing.

"Lynn, I have something else to tell you about too."

"Okay, but your getting married was enough for one conversation – how
can you top that?"

"Top it I can't, but this is over the top."

"Huh?"

"You know about me taking care of Jim when he came down with mono during
my finals a few weeks ago."

"Yes."

"And you know that I came down with mono about a week later."

"Yes, Jim called me and I called him several times while you were sick
to make sure you were okay and didn't need anything."

"You know Jim is gay.  Right?"

"Yes."

"Well, Jim's dad doesn't know he is gay.  In fact, Jim told his dad that
he had gotten engaged to a girl at school.  He named this imaginary girl
Stephanie.  Its kind of an inside joke, since Jim's boyfriend and true
love's name is Steve.  Anyway, back in March he told his dad he had
started living with Stephanie."  I paused to get my thoughts together,
"Well, the week I was sickest with mono Jim's dad decided to visit Jim
in Austin."

"You are at Jim's ranch, aren't you?  Where are you going with this?"

"Yes, I'm at the ranch.  Well I was real sick when Jim asked me to let
some of his friends - transvestite friends - make me up to look like a
girl."  I hastened to add, "This was all Jim's idea, so don't start
thinking I'm that way."

"What?"

"You heard me, his father was only supposed to stay a few days.  I
thought all I had to do was lay there in Jim's bed sick as a dog, only
in a bra, nighty, and hair fixed like a girl. His dad is a real nice
guy, but he is overbearing and macho, so Jim didn't feel he could just
'fess up.  Jim has been a very good friend to me, and I wanted to help
him out if I could.  Besides I felt like I was near death anyway, and it
hardly mattered how I was dressed."

"Why do I think something went wrong with the plan?  What went wrong?"

"His dad stayed over a week."

"And?"

"Well among other things I had to go out to dinner dressed like a girl,
I was so out of it from the mono that I hardly noticed how I was
dressed."

I could hear Lynn lose it; she cracked up with gales of laughter.

"You went out to a restaurant in a skirt?  With Jim and his father,
that's too much," she finally got out.

"A dress actually," I corrected.

Jenny really lost it then too, and it was a good minute before Lynn
could continue.

"Jenny, you have to understand.  Every Halloween since I can remember, I
tried to get Brad to go trick or treating with me - dressed as my
sister, and he never would.  We look a lot alike and I thought it would
be cool.  If only I was a fly on the wall for that dinner... Good GOD I
wish I could have seen that!  That is really, really..."  She laughed
for a while longer.  "So then what happened?  Did his dad realize
something was not quite right?"

"No."

"What do you mean 'no', you're at his ranch, right?  He must have
noticed the resemblance between Brad and Stephanie."

Jenny put in, "Lynn, what Brad's trying to tell you, is that Mr. S has
yet to meet Brad."

"You're pulling my leg, what's Brad doing, hiding under the bed and
behind the furniture?"

"No, I'm still dressed as Stephanie."

"For real?  You're putting me on.  Tell me the truth, Jenny."

"He really is."

"Is Mr. S blind or feebleminded?"

"No, believe it or not, with some padding and makeup Stephanie would
fool anybody.  Saturday we went to a country club dinner dance, and
Monday we went out square dancing.  Brad is a great actor, nobody had a
clue."

"I have to see this, are you anywhere near a Internet camera?"

"I have a better idea," I said, "Mr. S had Jenny and I set up a party to
celebrate Jim's engagement to me for Saturday - what are you doing
Saturday?"

"You want me to come there?  To your engagement party to Jim?"

"How often does a girl announce her engagement?  I think it's perfectly
reasonable to have my only sister at my engagement party."

"I can get some time off at work for this, but you know my budget is
pretty limited - I don't think I can swing the airfare."

"Jenny and I have to get something real fancy."

Jenny picked up, "We have been ordered to get designer gowns Lynn.  I
see where Brad is going with this.  I'm sure Mr. S won't mind if we pay
for your transportation."

I added, "Better than that, Jenny says we have to go to Dallas to get
the things we need - why don't you meet us there on Thursday and then
come back here with us?  Then you can go home on Sunday.  Say yes."

"You aren't putting me on Brad?"

"Nope, this is all on the level.  Let me call for airline reservations,
and call you back in a few minutes..."

I called Tom on his cell phone and found him relaxing at home.  He told
me that Mr. S told him to give us anything reasonable that we asked for.
Then he instructed me how to call American Express travel, and to let
them make all the arrangements, and that having my sister attend the
party was certainly reasonable.  There would be tickets waiting for us
at the airport.  He was right, five minutes with a very helpful American
Express travel agent, and all was arranged.

"...So, let me get this straight, you're arriving at Dallas' Love field
at nine-thirty, and I'm due in at ten, so you will meet me at my gate.
Who should I look for, Brad or Stephanie?"

"He can't very well select and try on a dress as Brad - well I guess he
could, but I sure wouldn't be with him.  We don't wear the same size so
I can't buy it for him either. Besides, Steff is a lot of fun to shop
with, we'll have a ball together.  Let's see, we will wear peasant
dresses, mine will be purple, and Steff's will be beige - tiny flower
prints and short sleeves, the dresses are adorable, you'll love them.
I'll wear a yellow beaded necklace, and Steff will wear her turquoise
set.  Don't worry Lynn, everything will work out fine..."

"I can't wait.  Brad, if you're putting me on, I'll put you in a dress
right at the gate. And that's a promise!"  She barely got it out, she
was laughing so hard.

"I love you Lynn, and I'm really, really looking forward to seeing you.
Let me give you the number here if anything happens, remember leave the
message for Stephanie..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

There was a lot for us to do.  The primary plan called for the party to
be held outdoors on the enormous veranda and pool area.  Since the party
started at six, hoses with nozzles creating a fine water mist and large
outdoor fans to circulate a large volume of air at low velocities would
cool the guests.  A band was hired from Oklahoma City, and their stage 
would be set up near the tennis courts.

Steaks and ribs would be cooked on the outdoor BBQ, a suckling pig would
be roasted over a pit, and other delicacies would be prepared in the
kitchen.  A wet bar would be set up out of sight behind the pump house,
and all glasses would look alike and be frosted - this was the Bible
belt, after all.  Juanita prepared half a dozen rooms in case any of the
guests were too sloshed to drive, and another nine for people who made
arrangements to spend the night.

If it rained, the party would move indoors to the dining room,
cattlemen's room, sunroom, and ladies parlor.  Tables and chairs were
rented from an outfit in Amarillo in either case. A caterer from
Oklahoma City was engaged to fill in with staff, tables, and place
settings. Jenny and I approved the menu and made a few suggestions, but
the food service was really Chef Julio's show.  He was in his element,
and took complete responsibility for the preparing the refreshments and
service.

Several of the farm and ranch hands and their relatives would be brought
in to act as parking attendants, and to ferry other guests who would
arrive in private planes from the Spearman airport.  The three
housemaids and the houseman, who normally worked for Juanita, would work
overtime - Juanita assured us that she would have all the extra help
needed and well in hand.

We started receiving RSVP cards on Monday, and by Wednesday, almost
everybody had accepted. Most invitations went to couples or families,
and just about every woman called wanting to know how formal to dress,
make any required special arrangements - AND to get the scoop on me.

After the first few calls with Jenny whispering answers in my ear, I got
the hang of taking the calls myself.  Jenny kept looking at me and
giggling at my air headed fiancée routine. BUT it was impossible to talk
any less than ten minutes.  A recorded message would have been more
efficient, but of course, it was out of the question.  Jenny told me
that I was supposed to be enjoying this.

With Jenny and me, Marie when she had time, Juanita for old time
Hispanic friends, and Tom taking messages while we were talking – we
spoke with almost all of the female attendees by Wednesday night at ten.
I was really looking forward unplugging the phone from my ear, and 
seeing Lynn in Dallas Thursday morning!

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Thursday started out with our alarm clamoring at four-thirty.  The sun
wasn't even up yet. I swear we were moving in our sleep, but we managed
to do the necessities and enter the shower together.  Jenny didn't cut
me as she shaved my face.  We wore short slips and the dresses Lynn was
expecting - and left our room by five.

Maria had cereal and sweet rolls on the table, and coffee was waiting in
the automatic Braun coffeemaker for us.  After a quick breakfast and
last minute pit stop, we were on the road to the Amarillo airport before
five-thirty.

Jenny drove first while I made up my face and hair, and then I drove
from Borger to the Amarillo Airport while Jenny did hers.  Neither of us
took any wrong turns or looked like clowns, but it was still almost a
two-hour drive.  We made our seven-fifty United Express direct flight to
Dallas' Love field.  Between the landing and gate delays, it was almost
ten when we entered the terminal.  Besides our rather substantial
purses, we only had a small empty carryon between us.  So, after we
found out where the gate for Lynn's Southwest flight was, we headed
directly there.

Just for fun, we separated at the gate to see if Lynn would recognize me
- and I took off my obvious turquoise necklace and Jenny removed her
yellow one.  I had described Lynn very carefully to Jenny, and I was
sure she would recognize her in case she got by me in the de-
embarkation rush.  It was funny; Lynn arrived in the boarding area about
ten-twenty.  She waited looking around for a good two or three minutes;
I even bumped into her once as we milled about.  Not a flicker of
recognition, even though she checked out my outfit. Finally, I took my
necklace out of my purse, and swung it around my finger and waited for 
her to catch the motion...

"Oh my God!  Brad!"  She said it softly, and I understood her from her
lips as much as from my ears.

Jenny and I converged on her, and we all hugged for a minute, Jenny
smiled and said, "Don't forget Stephanie's name, someone might catch on
to the deception if they look for a guy."

"Hi Jenny, Br- er, Stephanie didn't do your description justice, you are
beautiful.  Welcome to our family."

"Thanks Lynn, Stephanie has told me so much about you, I feel I know you
already.  I see what you mean about looking alike, you could be twins.
The resemblance would be really striking if you had the same hairdo and
makeup."

"See I told you, we should have done this Halloweens long ago- it would
have been fun!"

"Lynn, you have no idea what I've gone through to look like this."

"Oh yes I do..."

In the time between phone calls earlier in the week, Jenny called a
dozen fine women's and department stores in both Dallas and Fort Worth.
Three said they definitely had designer originals that we would just
adore in our sizes, and one of the Lord & Taylor stores was hosting
half-dozen first-rate designers for a special showing of their spring
lines.

We opted to try the designer showing at the Lord & Taylor in the
Northpark Center; they were having a special appearance by Donna Karan,
and Yves Saint Laurent, among others.  Not surprisingly, the named
designers weren't there in person, but had representatives of their 
companies on hand to show dozens and dozens of the creations from their
spring shows.  Most were available for sale, and several fitters and
seamstresses from the store were flitting about.

Jenny and Lynn dove right in, looking at the gowns on display.  Across
from most of the displays, there was a display by Christian Lacroix.  I
took one look at the prices, and while none was more than a Mercedes,
some of them would be in a loaded Chevy's ballpark.

I figured Jenny and Lynn needed some time to bond, so I decided to chat
up the Christian Lacroix representative, and maybe try one of his
creations on.  I had no idea why they were so expensive, besides the
fact a few looked very difficult to wear.

"Excuse me, can you help me?"

"Yes madam?"  He answered in a heavy French accent.

"My name is Stephanie.  What is yours?"  I answered in French, instantly
getting on his good side.

"Jon Robson, I represent the Christian Lacroix organization, we are
having a special showing of selected items from our spring collection.
How may I help you?" we continued in French.

"Daddy's having a party to announce my engagement this Saturday, and we
need to get something very special for the event."

"We?"

"Yes, myself of course - and my sister Lynn and my friend Jenny.  This
whole thing is very sudden, and we must purchase our outfits and return
home tonight."

"What type of a party is it?"

"It's..."

I didn't think that he believed me, but traffic before lunch was slow,
real slow.  AND I was speaking in French...

So, he measured me and gave me this creation to put on.  "It is youthful
enough for you. You will simply adore it."

Where were Jenny and Lynn when I needed them?

The undergarment, really a bodysuit, was like a flesh colored swimsuit,
it was highly elastic, but very soft and silky.  I left my gaff and
panties in place, but removed my bra as instructed.  Then I struggled
into the body suit.  As it warmed from my body, it magically seemed to
pull 'my' breasts together and lift them - even though it was completely 
strapless and not boned.  It pulled my waist in very firmly and seemed
to stay in place like a second skin.

The dress itself was several layers of very thin silky fine chiffon like
material.  It didn't feel stiff, but seemed to hold its shape.  The
color was black in dim light, but seemed to holographically project
hundreds of emerald green and gold flashes when illuminated.  From a
short distance, it looked like I was nude and surrounded by a sparkling 
mist to the floor.  It really was cool looking.  I badly wanted to see
Jenny in one - that would redefine sexy!

I joined Jon Robson and he secured a rather complex set of fasteners
that drew the waist in, and seemed to shape the top about me, not to me
- the skirt clung to my legs, and dragged the floor by an inch or so.

Jon said, "You must do at least three inch heels with this to define
your extraordinary legs.  If you want to look very sexy, I recommend
thigh high elastic stockings with seams as in the show.  Frankly most
American women find this creation is too daring, so it is a very good
buy for one so young and beautiful as you."

As he spoke, I pulled a pair of beige pumps from my oversized purse, and
put them on as he supported my arm.  He handed me a book with a series
of photographs showing five girls modeling this and similar dresses at a
fashion show.  You could see the elastic stocking tops through the
skirt.  Jon was right; it was very sexy.  I mentioned that the body suit 
was amazing, and Jon said it was very expensive to make.

I was fascinated by how light was reflected by the material as I moved
about - several women stopped to look - their mouths dropped open as I
moved in front of a mirror cluster.  It was almost hypnotic.  I think
Jon was getting impatient, but I had never seen anything like this, and
I wanted to see what the girls thought about it.  Finally, they wandered
away from the other exhibits and I caught Jenny's eye - by waving like a
fool.

"What do you think of this?"

"I don't know, it certainly is different, Lynn what do you think?"

"I like it, I doubt if there will be many like it in Spearman.  First,
you have to be slender to wear it, and it is unusually revealing.  I
kind of like it.  It would be a bitch to travel in, but for a few hours
at a party, it will be fine.  Is it comfortable Steff?"

"It's very comfortable, truthfully it's like wearing a mist.  Is it
modest enough?"  I asked.

"At first glance it looks like you're nude underneath, but you are fully
covered.  Do they have any more?"  Jenny asked with THAT glow in her
eyes.

"Ladies, are you serious about these?"  Jon asked in English.  Lynn
spoke French as well as I did - we had lived there for a year - but
Jenny's was limited to a two-year exposure in high school.

"Do you mean can we afford them?"  I asked.

"Well... yes."

Jenny whipped out Mr. S' card and I said, "My fiancee has made
arrangements for Jenny or I to use his card, you should verify that fact
with American Express.  In the meantime, can you provide garments for
Jenny and Lynn?"

"Most likely, but you must understand no two are really alike.  They are
quite different both in the drape of the material and how the material
reflects light - the colors reflected, that is.  I think the emerald
greens and gold is perfect for Mademoiselle Stephanie's coloring, I will
have to see if we have something here for your friends."

He turned away from us and started barking commands in some dialect of
French that I could barely understand, and the lackeys began to thrash.
Eventually the other two dresses appeared, and all three of us adjourned
to a fitting room.

Between the three of us, we managed Jenny and Lynn's fasteners - but it
was clear all three gowns needed minor adjustments.  Jenny's was way too
long.

"I adore the look, at first glance it is sooo risque, but it really is
perfectly modest.  I think the three of us in these look really cool,
and we certainly do sparkle as Mr. S requested."  Jenny said, as she
looked at all our reflections in the mirror.

"It's for sure that no one would think you are a boy in this creation.
What happened to your, er your equipment?"  Lynn blushed as she spoke
very softly to me.

I just smiled at her.

I went in with Lynn and Jenny to remove the gowns.  Lynn hesitated, but
looking at me she said, "Just one of the girls now?"

"Looks like it, doesn't it?"

"Okay, works for me.  Jenny, we used to take baths together until we
were ten or so, remind me some time to show you the pictures..."

When I removed the body suit Lynn did a double take, before I cracked
up.  She touched one. "Is that real?  It feels real."

"No, just imitation kid stuff."

Lynn took a close look at my gaff, "Does that hurt?"

"Only when I look at Jenny in that dress."  Jenny just smiled evilly.

Lynn just smirked, and then said, "Leave it to my new sister to walk in
the store and buy the first darn dress she tries on. It just isn't done
that way, sis," Lynn pouted.

"We aren't through shopping unless you are too tired."  I rejoined.

"Me, tired of shopping?  Get real, I just got here!"

"I thought so.  Jenny and I need a few things and we thought you might
too.  We have to wait in Dallas while the alterations are done.  Since
we've gotten the hard part taken care of, we can relax and shop.  We all
need additional new outfits since people will be staying over, and
matching heels that I understand have to be dyed to match our individual
dresses. So what do you say, shall we tell him he has a sale?"  I
hinted.

We told Jon we would take the gowns, and at his request, we changed back
into the gowns to be fitted.  After all the gowns were marked for
alteration, Jon made a point of his not charging for dying the white
fabric heels we purchased.

Gosh, what a bargain.

He used a special dye that would reflect colors holographically.  He
would have to give them two or more coatings with a liquid dye packed
with each gown for the effect to be very noticeable.  We were assured
everything would be ready by four-thirty.

Jon's associate Joyce, shopped for a few pairs of stockings and seamless
nude panties for each of us.  The tab was only twenty three thousand
dollars - including a discount for purchasing three gowns with matching
PLASTIC jewelry.  Gag.  Jon assured us that we were getting a real
bargain for an original; after all, there were only seven others in the 
United States - ten were at this display.  I had this horrible vision of
the other seven showing up in Spearman at a certain party.

As we completed the transaction with American Express' benediction, Jon
had been looking thoughtful.  Finally, he said, " Mademoiselles, you
truly look great together in our creations, and an engagement party is
so romantic," he made it sound like heaven, "would you mind if I had a
photographer attend your party and take candid photos of you?  If I can 
arrange it on such short notice I think we could use them in our
advertising."  I must have looked dubious because he added, "If we use
the shots in our advertising, you would each receive the same
compensation as our best models."

I thought he was throwing us the Texas sized bull, but I wrote down the
address of the ranch and the telephone number and gave it to him.  As we
walked away Lynn said, "We'll see his photographer at that party.  NOT."

Jenny nodded and said, "You got that right, but he sure knows how to
make a girl feel good."

And then we went for a salad.  I thought I deserved at least a
cheeseburger and fries for duty above and beyond, but I got a chef's
salad - hold the cheese and dressing.  And a lecture about how we have
to sacrifice in order to look great in those gowns on Saturday.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

About five-thirty, I let my fingers do the walking and found a taxi
service that offered a van, suitable for church groups and scout troop
outings."  Not hard to find one, especially in Dallas.  Just tell
dispatch.

After getting into the large van, we had the driver swing by the pick up
area of two stores. Jon had packed the dresses and accessories in the
individual cartons that they were shipped from France in, and arranged
for a stock boy to meet us at their dock.  We had also purchased three
outfits each at Nieman Marcus, and had them packed in several garment
bags. A stock boy was waiting at the outside south entrance with our
purchases, and our locked carryon with jewelry and other costly small
stuff.

We were each carrying two large shopping bag filled with shoes, blouses,
and various sundries.  I guess we got carried away, but Jenny and Lynn
were having so much fun shopping, I couldn't bring myself to insert some
sanity into the spree.  Each girl was on a very tight budget normally,
and I figured Mr. S owed me, and besides, it really was fun.

My very own sister teamed up with my wife to be, and talked me into
having my ears pierced. Yes, pierced thrice each, with a Teflon grommet
like thing, something new that wasn't supposed to get infected - so,
joy, I could wear hoops immediately.  Jon had given us - read, sold to
us for two grand - a plastic jewelry set for each gown that required
multiple pierced ears.  Each piece was special ebony plastic that
reflected light holographically in the same spectrum as the matching
gown's material.

We made it to Love Field with a half hour to spare, which was quickly
taken up with checking all our things for the flight.  American Express
came through again to pay the oversize baggage and netting fee.  When we
finally arrived at the gate, we boarded almost immediately.

I was relieved to see our baggage being loaded just after I took my
seat.  Jenny sat with Lynn, and I sat in the single seat across the
aisle from them.  As soon as we were airborne, I curled my legs under my
butt in approved girl style and fell asleep for the two-hour flight.
Shopping is fun, but it is tiring!

In Amarillo, we had to rent another car to accommodate our bounty, and
arranged to drop the rental off in Borger on Friday.  Since Lynn had no
idea where we were going, Jenny drove one car, and I drove the rental
with Lynn.

"So, what do you think of my fiancee?"

"I really like her.  You have a very nice girl there Brad, I think she
loves you very much."

"I hope so, I know that I love her.  I can't imagine life without her."

"Funny, she said the same thing to me on the plane.  When do you think
you'll get married?"

"I don't know, but soon.  Do you know when dad and mom will be in the
States next?"

"I'm not sure, but we can call them.  You want them to be there, don't
you?"

"Absolutely.  We won't have many people.  Jenny's mother - her real dad
is dead, and she doesn't care for her estranged step dad - something bad
happened between them, she hasn't told me yet exactly what.  I want to
let her tell me about it in her own time."

"That's probably best - she hinted to me that he was violent when drunk.
So, who else will attend?"

"She has a few friends from college, and her best friend from high
school.  I have Jim, Steve and Rob, Jeff, Pete, plus you guys.  I'd say
we will set the date around mom and dad - unless they won't be available
until next year."

"I have a number where I can reach them.  Let's call them tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan to me.  How about you, any chance of a double
wedding?"

"I wish.  I really love Peter, and I think that he loves me, but he
hasn't asked me yet. Besides, we both have another year of school and
neither of us has any money.  Are you still on track to graduate next
June?"

"Yes, thank God the mono hit after finals.  My cumulative GPA is still
above 3.75; I'm still eligible for my scholarships - maybe even an
increase, and a graduate assistantship is likely."

"That's terrific, amazing with the course load you are taking.  I'll
keep my financial aid too, but it was a squeaker this semester...  Yawn.
Mind if I get some shuteye?"  Lynn's eyes were closing.

"No, I got some sleep on the plane.  I love you sis, and I'm damn glad
you're here."

"Love you too - sis."  She said with a big smile and was asleep within a
minute.

As we approached Borger, I noticed Jenny weaving a little, so I pulled
into the McDonalds on Cedar, and Jenny almost didn't follow me.  As she
rolled down her window, I said, "Let's get some coffee, and stretch our
legs."

"Yawn.  Good idea, I was getting real sleepy."

Locking both cars, and leaving Lynn sleeping, we went inside.  Jenny
took a seat near the window where she could watch Lynn, and I got the
coffee.  By some miracle, I remembered my purse.  We drank two coffees,
nibbled on a salad, and split a hamburger.  I pointed out to Jenny that
there wasn't enough meat on it to count.  We went to the ladies room,
and were almost caught by a worker while in serious lip lock.  Jenny
thought fast and made like she was taking something out of my eye.  Her
look reminded me to freshen my makeup, and we walked back to the cars.

Lynn awakened when a tractor-trailer sounded his air horn right next to
us.  We were in Spearman, and the driver was expressing his displeasure
as some fool ran a stop sign. "Where are we?"

"About a half hour from the ranch.  This town is called Spearman."

"Coincidence about the name?"

"No, I think it was named for Jim's great-great-granddaddy.  The family
owned just about all the land hereabouts; but they had to sell a bunch
during the depression.  However, when they struck oil in the thirties on
the remaining land, the family became affluent again.  From what I can
see, they manage it well, and have a large business based on banking,
farming, livestock, and oil."

"So you are going to marry the heir to all that?"

"No, I'm not!  Did Jenny tell you how I ended up here?"

"Yes, and she feels bad about it too."

"Well, she opened the door, but to be fair I jumped at the opportunity
to come here with her - frankly I would have worn a tutu on campus if it
meant being with her.  I had been trying for a year to go out with her,
but she hardly gave me the time of day.  It turns out she had mono last
year, and was afraid of infecting anyone.  I think I fell in love with
her in the classroom; she has real nice way about her and is smart as a
whip.  I had to take a humanities elective last year, and Jenny was in
anthropology and English lit with me.  She really expressed opinions
well, and we agreed on most things.  We even did the term paper for that
class together, but I never got up enough nerve to ask her out on a
date. It's ironic; she said she couldn't figure out how to ask me..."

"...It's pretty dishonest of Jim though, you are really helping him with
a lie.  Christ we just spent almost twenty-eight thousand dollars on
clothes for a phony engagement party."

"I know, I said the same thing to Jim on Monday."

"What did he say?"

"He asked me to hang in there - his relations with his father have never
been better.  His dad is actively bringing him into the business and he
doesn't want to upset that.  It isn't because of the money; he has an
enormous irrevocable trust fund his dad set up for tax reasons, and next
year when he is twenty-one he'll begin to receive two million dollars a 
year after taxes for life.  He really wants to be close to his dad – he
loves him.  I told him he was basing an important relationship on
deceit, but he feels that once he has a more solid relationship with his
father he will be able to tell him the truth.  I mean that he really
loves Steve, and that they plan to be soul mates.  He plans to have us
'break up' by Thanksgiving or Christmas at the latest."

"Do you think he will?"

"I sure as hell can't marry him."

"Well you say he is a homosexual.  With his money he could find someone
to marry you. You're a guy, and presumably would turn him on."

"No way, forgetting for a moment about how I feel, Jim likes his guys
buff.  Look Lynn, we lived together for two years and nothing happened -
drunk or sober, NOTHING.  I can tell you that I have no sexual
attraction for him or any guy.  None.  I'm fully heterosexual and in 
love with Jenny.  I'm not even slightly bi, what Steve and Jim do
together completely turns me off."

"I've always thought that you were strictly heterosexual.  The only
reason I ask, is that you make a very convincing girl, I really thought
I was shopping with my sister today.  I really had fun, you truly make a
great sister."

"I'm playing a role Lynn, nothing more.  We acted in plays in high
school together and you always said I was an excellent actor, that is
all I'm doing."

"But you really act like you are enjoying it."

"Of course I'm enjoying it, I was doing fun things with the two people I
love the most in the world.  I'm not sure of all the other reasons I'm
enjoying this, but I do know that I don't like men sexually.  I guess
when I'm dressed like this I'm a card carrying lesbian. Speaking of
that, I'm really glad that you told me how to please a girl when we were 
younger.  Jenny was the first girl that I ever tried it on, but I think
I make her happy - until we get married and go all the way.  She is a
Clinton virgin you know."

Lynn giggled, "Jenny already thanked me.  She didn't tell me she was a
virgin, but she did tell me that she really wants to get married – I
mean like tomorrow.  That is really sweet... you're one too, aren't
you?"

"Don't spread it around, but yes."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Juanita had retired by the time we arrived at the ranch, but left a note
for us that she had made up the rooms across the hall from us for Lynn.
It took a few trips, but we brought everything to the rooms, including
the suitcase and hanger-bag Lynn checked through to Amarillo from
College Station.  Lynn's suite was laid out much like ours, and
decorated with similar pastels.  We were all tired and left her to
prepare for bed.

Jenny and I were in our bras and panties removing our makeup when Lynn
stuck her head in the bathroom and asked for cold cream.  She joined us
at the mirror when she saw we were decent, and then she gooped up too.
When it was wiped off, we chatted awhile and she left.  Jenny and I took
a welcome shower, put on our nighties, and went to bed.  I woke up about
four, and slipped out of bed to tend nature, as I returned I noticed
that Lynn was in the other bed next to Jenny.

I smiled thinking of all the nights we snuck into each other's beds.
Nothing sexual was ever involved, even when we were teens - we just
enjoyed the love and warmth that the other provided.  Mom and dad didn't
mind.  In fact, when we lived in a small apartment in San Diego for two
years, we shared a room and a double bed.

In many ways we were as close as compatible sisters or brothers, and not
at all antagonistic toward the other, as so many of our friends were
with their siblings.  I slid into bed next to Jenny without disturbing
her, and when I put my arm over her waist, Lynn clasped my hand briefly.
I was fast asleep within a few heartbeats.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

I swear I was thinking more like a girl each day.  I really made sure my
makeup was perfect. Jenny said that the new sundress we purchased at
Neiman Marcus was just the right touch, and made sure it was arranged
perfectly.  When both Jenny and Lynn thought I looked 'right,' I left to
take the receipts from yesterday's madness to Tom.

He started work at eight, so I had given him an hour to take care of
'first thing in the morning' business.  Promptly at nine, I walked into
his office and handed him a cup of Marie's coffee.  And a stack of
charge slips big enough to choke a horse.  I sat across from him as he
went over them, entering each into MS Money after I explained what they
purchased. He frowned slightly when he looked at THE Lord and Taylor
charge.  My stomach tightened.

"Mr. S called yesterday and told me you were going to get something
really expensive, this hardly qualifies."

Duh!  I was speechless for a long, long, time.

"Tom, that is a awful lot of money for three gowns," I finally managed.

"Three gowns?  I thought it was just for one.  Are they designer
originals?"

"Yes, we even have the photos and press releases from when they were
shown this spring. Christian Lacroix is a fabulous designer, and very
well thought of in the fashion community..." Even _I_ knew that much.

I concluded the 'pitch' I had rehearsed with the girls saying, "... I'm
sure Jim and Steve won't be able to take their eyes from us.  Have no
fear, we'll make a unique fashion statement."

"I just hope Mr. S isn't disappointed; he tends to set store by how much
something costs. Ruby spent over sixty thousand on her costume the last
party she was here."

It just came out.  "No shit?!"

"Nope.  Frankly, I thought it was excessive, but he didn't even bat an
eye at it.  I just hope Mr. S is not disappointed," he repeated.

"Well I hope not!  He simply doesn't realize it takes weeks to have a
dress custom made by a first class couturier, maybe a week for even an
appointment.  He didn't give us sufficient time for that.  Don't worry,"
I would be worrying enough for both of us, "I'm sure the unique fashion
statement will transcend price."

He took his glasses off and looked closely at me, "You look lovely
today.  Something new?"

"Yes, this is one of the things we got at Neiman's yesterday."  I stood
and twirled in it. His eyes seemed glued to my legs as the skirt
billowed up, I sat down after my impromptu modeling put an appreciative
smile back on his face.

I smiled and asked, "Do you mind if I use a phone in here?  All the
phones in the house have extensions, and my sister and I would like to
call my parents in Spain and speak privately - on a speakerphone if
possible."

"Sure, use Mr. S' office - the two green lines are private.  In any
event, you can inhibit eavesdropping from any phone in the house.  I'll
look up the code you must punch in while you make your call."

I went back in the house and got Jenny and Lynn.  As we walked to the
office Jenny asked, "Well, what did he say about it?"

"We didn't spend enough money, Mr. S told him we would get something
really expensive."

"You're putting me on," they chorused.
 
"No, and that was before he realized the receipt was for three gowns."

"Boy, do we have the wrong parents."  Lynn remarked and Jenny nodded her
head vigorously.

Mom answered on the first ring.  "Hello?"

"Hi mommy, this is Lynn.  We're on a speaker phone and Brad and Jenny
are here too."

"Hi mom, this is Brad.  How are you and dad?  Lynn said you were
fighting a cold last you talked."

"We're fine now.  How are you?  Lynn said you had a real bad case of
mono a few weeks ago. We were worried about you, especially when no one
has been answering your phone."

"I'm much better now, my voice is still strange, but I feel great.  Did
you leave a message? I check our machine daily."

"No, you know I hate machines.  How come you and Lynn are together?  I
thought she was in College Station and you were in Austin.  Is there
something wrong?"

"No, everything is fine.  Actually we are at a ranch outside Spearman,
Texas."

"Spearman, where is that?  I never heard of it."

"It's near the panhandle about a hundred miles north of Amarillo.  We
are attending a engagement party for a mutual friend."

"That's nice, your father just walked in.  Wait a minute..."

We brought dad up to speed and answered some normal questions about
school and such.  Lynn and I decided not to go into detail about exactly
who Jim was getting engaged to.  In the interest of time, you see.  When
they were both on extensions and questioned out, I continued.

"I have some great news, I've gotten engaged also.  Her name is Jenny,
and she is here with us too.  Say hi to mom and dad, Jenny..."

Twenty minutes later Dad asked, "So when are you planning to get
married?"

"Actually, that depends on you.  We want to do it before the end of the
year, and we want you there.  When will you be coming home next?"

"We had talked about the first week in December.  The company has a
weeklong annual review of our operation scheduled in Odessa.  I have to
attend, and I thought Mom could come with me.  I guess we can make that
definite now.  But won't getting married interfere with school?"

"We really can't afford much of a honeymoon in any event, so we were
just talking about a very small wedding on a Saturday, and we wouldn't
have to miss any classes.  I'm still on track to graduate in May, and
Jenny is scheduled for the following May when I'll get my master's..."

An hour later, we hung up.  Then we called Jenny's mom, who was shocked
to say the least. She was especially concerned with Jenny marrying me so
soon after we 'discovered' our mutual love.  Jenny thinks it was largely
because her mom's current marriage just ended in a messy divorce.
However, while Lynn didn't participate in the conversation, she thought
Jenny's mom seemed genuinely pleased with our prospects – by the time we
hung up.  She raised no objection to our marriage in December, but she
wanted to meet me, either in Austin or at her home in Lexington, before
then if possible.  We didn't mention how I was dressed at present. I
couldn't help but wonder how that might have influenced her opinion.  On
the other hand, I wasn't curious enough to actually, say, try mentioning
it.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

It was almost three when we returned to the house.  Marie and Juanita
were having a late lunch, and we joined them for a turkey sandwich.  The
talk was about the party tomorrow, and the consensus was that everything
was on track.  Most importantly, the weather forecast was for sun and
afternoon temperatures in the mid eighties.  Mr. S had called from the
air a little while before.  He reported they were late taking off from
San Antonio due to air traffic delays, but they expected to be home
about three-thirty.

We decided to take a swim, and changed into our suits.  Lynn looked me
over after we changed, and declared me her 'sister for real.'  Then she
challenged Jenny and me to a freestyle race.

We all started in a low racing dive, and I was relieved my top stayed in
place.  It really wasn't much of a race.  Lynn was in top shape, and the
mono was still with me.  Jenny swam nicely, but had never swum
competitively as Lynn and I had in high school.  She dropped out at 700
meters, and I barely lasted to a thousand - Lynn swam much faster as she
completed another hundred meters, showing that she could go on much
further.

"That's GREAT!  I never creamed Brad before; you can have mono any time
bro.  Between us, do the breasts slow you down?"

"Just wait, and yes, I think they do a little.  But with or without
them, there will come a time sis..."

"Did you guys compete a lot?"  Jenny asked as we sat on the lip of the
pool dangling our legs in the water.

"Not really, but we trained together all the time.  We had a lot of fun,
and it was always friendly."  Lynn answered.

"She was very good, and I really had to stretch sometimes.  It helped
the both of us stay in the top three swimmers on our respective teams,"
I added.

"So tell me Lynn; your brother Brad - did he go out with a lot of
girls?"

"How are you girls doing?"  Steve asked, as Jim and he walked up to us.
Lousy timing, I would have loved to hear Lynn's answer to that question.

I started to answer, "Great..."

As if choreographed, Jim picked me up like I was a baby, and Steve did
likewise to Jenny. Holding us in their arms, they kissed us with
apparent passion.  No tongue action, thank God.  Jim deliberately turned
me a little so I could see his father walking toward us.  He looked
pleased as punch, like the cat with the mouse's tail dangling from its
mouth.  I turned red with a burning blush, as I noted did Jenny when she
saw him.

"Did Jim tell you?" his dad asked looking at me.

"Huh.  What?  I mean no, he just this minute got here," I answered.  His
mouth was occupied too, I didn't add.

"Don't waste any time, eh son?  Chip off the old block darlin', if I do
say so myself.  I'd like for you to see Mike in his office darlin', he
has a question or two for you.  Jim said you might be able to help."

"When?"

"No time like the present.  Let's get a drop of bourbon, boys, and
change."

Jim brought me up for another kiss and I whispered, "What's this all
about?"

"I'm not sure, but I had a few too many last night and kind of mentioned
you were studying geology and were smart as a whip.  Maybe the old man
is trying to see if I was embellishing."

His dad's booming, "Come on boys, lets get that drink!" cut short my
questions and Lynn's introduction.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

I put on one of the new terry robes kept by the pool, and walked to the
office.  I don't know if Mike did it on purpose, but he kept me waiting
for five minutes.  The office was air-conditioned and I was feeling
chilled in my wet suit, and my teeth were chattering despite the robe. I
was just about to go change when Mike called me in.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, that was my wife."

I felt like saying "Soooo?" but I said, "What do you want?" perhaps a
bit testily.

"Jim tells us you are a pretty hot in geology, I was wondering if you
would look at some contours and echo soundings.  I'm not trying to trap
you or anything, I'm really interested in your opinion."

I thought, 'I wasn't born yesterday buster,' but I smiled like a good
girl and said, "Sure, let me see them, but I doubt I could help.  I'm
only a student you know."

As I looked at the plotters' drawings, I had no trouble reading them.
Dad is a geologist, and he taught me a lot before I even went to
college, even before high school for that matter.  That was one of the
reasons I was able to complete almost three years work in two years.
Mike looked so damned condescending standing there, just waiting for me
to make a fool of myself, that I decided to give him straight answers. I
disregarded the fact that I had led Jim's dad to think I was a
bubblehead sorority girl, when he took Jim and I out for dinner that
night a century ago.

"No doubt in my mind.  There are large pockets of oil and gas throughout
this tract, but there is a lot of iron and granite layers above it -
it'll be difficult to tap."

"You're right on the money.  Any suggestions?"

"It would be tricky, but you should be able to drill into thin layers of
the hard stuff and then angle into the pockets.  The pockets do look
like they are more than worth the trouble."

"We tried that, but we can't get around the hard stuff, we went through
bits like salted peanuts."

"Are these the actual maps you are using?"

"Yes."

"Do you have the raw data?"

He opened his briefcase saying, "I have a copy on these DVDs."

It got real technical from there on, but it boiled down to my suggesting
that I construct a software data filter that would clearly highlight the
hard stuff and the hard stuff below other hard stuff.

Actually I was cheating a little; I had solved a similar problem in the
master's level geology class I had just finished.  I had really lucked
out getting accepted in that class at all.  I sat down worked to create
the necessary formulas; with Mike looking over my shoulder, I
transformed the formulas into filter algorithms.  Using the add filter 
capability of the geology analysis program, I added it in and initiated
a calc/plot run.

"Look, I'm really chilled to the bone and have to bathe and change
clothes.  That filter is not optimized, and even on that machine, it
will take hours to run through all that raw data.  Let's come back after
dinner and check it."

I was really feeling cold now, and hot like the mono was coming back
too.  I kind of go into my own world when I'm solving problems, and
ignore food, cold, rest, etc.  Then I pay for it.

"Jeez, I'm sorry.  I'll take you to your room.  You do look a little
unsteady."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Jenny took one look at my eyes and held my ice-cold hands.  "Are you
CRAZY?  Get in here!" She pulled me into the room, while Lynn glared at
Mike.  As soon as I was clear of the door, she closed it in his face.
Both were in robes, and hustled me into the bathroom and stripped me.

"It's a good thing for you I decided to take a hot bubble bath, get in,"
Lynn snapped as she unfastened my gaff.

Jenny had been hugging me, and added, "I'll get in with you, in case you
feel queasy or sick."

I kind of surrendered to the feeling of many kinds of warmth.  My
chilled skin hurt a bit at first in the hot water, but then it felt
nice; Jenny's kisses and caresses felt nice, soon I felt nice all over.
I told Jenny what happened, and we wondered if I had blown my cover. We
concluded that if I did, so what!  It was Jim's boneheaded lies that got
us into this fix in the first place; so, it was fine by us if his newest
boneheaded statements embarrassed the hell out of him.  Besides, Jim
deserved more than some kind of gold digging bimbo for a fiancee, even
if it wasn't real.

We debated all of a nanosecond if I should dress as a girl for dinner,
and decided that I should - especially since I didn't have any boy's
clothes to wear.  Jim or Steve's clothes on me would be ridiculously
large on my small frame.  We thought it would probably be better to let
Jim's dad do the unmasking, and then fess up.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Lynn had called Marie shortly after I entered the bath, and told her we
would be an hour getting ready, and why.  Marie said she understood and
would time dinner accordingly.

We wore silk sleeveless dresses with long pencil skirts slit on the side
past the thigh. The color of the bright print was different on each
dress as was the print itself, but they carried a common theme.  Jenny
and Lynn were enjoying themselves immensely as we dressed in the fine
new clothes, and truth be told, I was too.  We looked very chic as we
walked into the cattlemen's room.

We finally introduced Lynn properly to Mr. S.

Jim and Steve behaved very affectionately to Jenny and me, to the point
where we blushed several times.  Lynn was highly amused.  I think she
began to doubt our assertions that the boys were a gay couple in love -
with each other.

There was a little additional discussion introducing Lynn to everyone.
Mr. S remarked on the strong resemblance between Lynn and me, the major
difference in his eyes was that I was a few inches taller.  He expressed
pleasure that she would help with the party by mingling with the guests.

Then, for a short while, the discussion centered around our activities
while they were away - mainly Mr. S assuring himself that the party was
on track and that we would "SPARKLE in them thar designer thangs."

Following that discussion, the men became engrossed in rehashing their
week, and action items for the coming week.  Mike said nothing about my
meeting with him.  It was a long dull dinner, especially as I ate a girl
portion again, enforced by my too tight widow.  It really did help with
my posture though.

Mike actually seemed excited when he motioned me to join him after
dinner.  I don't think he expected Jim, Steve, Jenny, and Lynn to tag
along, but he didn't try to stop them.  The status indicator on the
program showed ninety three percent completion, so we decided to wait.
The servos in the large Calcomp table plotter whined and groaned, the
smaller HP plotter whished away as paper moved under its pens.  I always
enjoyed watching those machines work, it sure beat manual drafting!
However, we really couldn't tell how well the modified program was
working yet.

Steve brought in some more chairs from other offices, and we settled in
to wait for the final critical seven percent.  Jim asked what we were
waiting for, and Mike gave a very good summary - showing that he fully
understood my approach.  He admitted to not understanding the math I
used, but he thought the theory was sound.

As soon as the run was completed, Mike entered the instructions to merge
well drill records, and generate many plots of the combined data.  Since
the computer had the results of the billions of calculations that the
run just completed had generated and burned on a DVD RAM drive, this
next set of plots would be done nearly as fast as the plotters could
print them. The calculation time would be negligible, but it would still
take days to plot them all.

The Calcomp plotter had printed out a low-resolution three-dimensional
map of the entire tract to a depth of four thousand feet.  It was a good
tool to visualize the underground topography, but not good for much
else.  The HP machine printed a north facing two- dimensional section of
the same area's midsection.  This and plots like it were the important
plots, as they allowed precise drilling plan to be laid out.  The HP
plot was laid on a light table, and a tracing to the same scale of
existing center field boreholes was laid over it.

My filtered drawing showed bands of tough stuff as every point drilling
was forced to halt. Exactly.  It also clearly showed paths with little
obstruction.  In fact, one test hole had missed a clear path by two
hundred feet at a depth of three thousand feet.  This outcome was worth
millions if proven, and I had just given it to Spearman Enterprises -
given as in a gift.

Mike lost no time.  He called the drill site and sent whoever answered
to roust the site manager.  While he was waiting for him to come on the
line, he looked up; I think he was surprised we were still there.  "Look
kids, this puts a whole new light on a lot of things. I really have a
lot of work to do.  Molly wanted me to take her to a new movie in town,
she said it was a good one.  Why don't you'll go and catch it?"

"I take it we aren't needed here any more," Jim said testily.

Disregarding Jim's tone, Mike said, "Right, I have to get people in
action now."

As we turned to leave, he asked, "Er, please don't tell Mr. S about
this.  If he knew he would be all over me like stink on sh...  Sorry
ladies, I mean he would be trying to expedite things, and in the process
make them take ten times as long.  Stephanie, don't worry - if this
works out like I think it will, I'll make sure you get full credit.  If
it doesn't you are a still one in a million - Jim, I mean one in a
million geologists."

"Thank you sir, I won't say anything.  I sure don't want to jinx a lucky
guess."  I replied in modest Stephanie mode.

"That was no lucky guess, honey, you sure do know your sh - ah,
specialty."

When we were on the walkway to the house I turned to Jim and said, "What
the hell were you thinking, I'm supposed to be some airhead sorority
chick that you are smitten with - not some hot shot geology student.
Amanda Rice is the only female honors geology student this year, what if
Mike calls and checks me out at the university?"

"I didn't think."

"Duh!"

"So you didn't have to show him how smart you were!"

"He pissed me off."

"Duh!"

"Okay, I was stupid too - but he kept me waiting and I was freezing."

"Look, Dad pissed me off too, he was putting you down after he had a
few.  I just came to your defense.  If you really were my fiancee, I
would have done the same thing.  Besides, I had a few drinks too; I
won't make that mistake with him again, that man has a wooden leg. I
didn't even think he would remember it - he seemed sloshed to me."

"Steff look!"  Jenny and Lynn were pointing in the direction of the
pool.

While we were in working with Mike, trucks had pulled up to the large
patio, veranda, and pool area.  Men were unloading dozens of chairs and
a bunch of redwood tables.  Chef Julio was directing their placement,
and Marie was setting one table with a red and blue checkered 
tablecloth, china, glass, and silverware - with someone I hadn't seen
before.

She called us over, "Donald, this is Stephanie, she is Jim's fiancée.
To her right is Lynn her sister and Jenny her roommate at school. Behind
Stephanie are 'little Jim' and his friend from school Steve.  Donald is
our caterer.  How does this table setting look?"

Jenny fussed a little, moving things, and I followed suit, we both stood
back after leaving things as they were.  "I think you had it arranged
perfectly, I certainly couldn't improve it," I offered truthfully.

"I like it too," Marie agreed, "Donald, please have your people set them
all like this. Then put the overnight covers on to keep the tables
clean."  The guys wandered off to see Chef Julio as Donald walked away.

"This is sure a lot of work for a party," Lynn said.

Marie remarked offhandedly, "Oh, we used to do this all the time when
Ruby was here.  She loved to give parties, Mr. S always complained, but
I really think he misses them.  After all, all he has to do is circulate
and meet people, most are his old friends, and business associates."

"Tell me about Ruby?"  I asked

"I'm not the one - I didn't know Ruby well, ask Juanita.  She can tell
you all about Ruby. You could ask Jim, she's his mother."

"She left when he was young, didn't she?"

"Yes, he was nine or ten."

"I don't think he really knows much about her.  We have talked about
her, but he remembers her as a young child sees a mother.  Not as a
complete person who has a husband, and who enjoys giving parties."

"Talk to Juanita, she can tell you.  I think she is warming up to you.
Ask her."

Maria was called away by Donald on some catering detail or other.  I was
getting chilled in the night air, so I found the others who had drifted
away, and we went inside.  Jim led the way to our suites with a rapid
stride, no doubt spurred on by sexual need.  As soon as the hall door
was closed, Jim dissolved in Steve's arms.

Lynn's mouth dropped open, as her eyes zeroed in on the lovebirds.

"Cokes anyone?"  Jenny asked casually.

Lynn and I nodded, Jenny handed them to us, and we went into the bedroom
closing the door behind us on the lovers.

"Those two are good actors, I thought they were really hitting on you
two at dinner..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Before this craziness, I had no concept as a guy what girls really go
through to prepare for a big party.  Sure, Lynn and I were close, but we
had never shopped together as we had yesterday.  I mean the social event
of shopping, and doing it as a shared enterprise, a fun enterprise.
Tonight was the same.  We spent an hour giving each other facials,
removing my breasts, another hour combing hair, laying out everything to
wear in the morning, and then to the party, AND non-stop chattering that
I was part of.

Then we went across the hall to Lynn's room to pick out her clothes and
accessories for the day, and waited with her as she drew her bath.  I
went back to our room and drew a bath for Jenny and me, while Jenny
scrubbed Lynn's back.  About the time our bath was ready, Jenny was
back.

We stayed in the bath oil saturated bubbly water until our skin was
puckering.  We carefully patted each other dry, and spent a lot of time
applying lotion.  Followed by... nothing anyone else needs to know
about.

A glorious hour later, we took a quick shower and after Jenny reapplied
my breasts.  "They make your nighty look right, besides there might be a
fire..."

"...You better wear your widow tonight, you want a nice waist tomorrow."

I didn't have the strength to argue.

I was just dozing off when Lynn snuggled into bed.  It seemed like
seconds later the alarm went off.  Sunlight was streaming in through the
curtains, and Lynn ran to the bathroom - first as usual.  Jenny and I
snuggled until Lynn left the bathroom, put on her robe, and went to her
room for a shower.

I woke the guys and reminded them to air out the room before they left.
I was rewarded with a yucky satin pillow in my face for the suggestion.
A half hour and shower later, we all entered the breakfast nook and had
a cup of coffee.

The kitchen smelled wonderful, the normal morning odors of frying bacon,
sausage, and ham mingled with the several turkeys and a bunch of
chickens that were roasting on turning rods. They were destined for
salads and sandwiches for those not taking beef, lamb, or pork. Marie
fixed some breakfast breads and a thermos for our trip to Borger.  Steve
and Jim headed back to their rooms to dress for tennis.  Yeah, right.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Me?  I was more than happy to go to the salon in Amarillo with my two
most favorite girls in the whole world.  Even if it meant I would be
prodded and poked, not to mention have my hair pulled out of its roots.

Lynn asked me, "So you had your legs waxed too?"

"Yes, but you didn't tell me how unpleasant it really is."

"It was probably because it was your first time, it won't be so bad this
time."

"Promise?"

"No, but it probably won't be.  Are you getting a fall too?"

"A what?"  I didn't think she meant tripping off the deck...

Lynn explained that a fall was sort of like a hair extension that you
could take out later.

"Am I, Jenny?"

"I think you should, you only have marginally long enough hair. Besides,
I had Antoine order you one..."

An hour and a half at mach 2 later, we were in the salon.

"Anne, this picture shows the gowns we will be wearing.  I think they
wanted to get the press to pay attention.  What do you think?  Pile our
hair up somehow?"  Jenny asked.

"You gals are going to wear that???"  Joyce exclaimed.

"At a party around here???"  Ellen echoed.

"They will look fabulous, and be the talk of the town," Antoine stated,
closing off any further negative comments from his staff.  I suspected
that he was motivated by the realization that the customer is always
right, rather than conviction that these gowns were appropriate.

Plus, I dunno about Lynn, but Jenny and I were both getting ready to
show these hick cowchicks exactly what 'high fashion' meant.

"We will wear the American version that has a body suits underneath,"
Jenny giggled, "But you have to be pretty close to see that."

"That is so cool, all three of you are wearing these?"  Anne the shop
co-owner asked.

"The dresses are similar, but all are unique and reflect light
differently.  That is why we will all need different toned makeup and
hair.  I have swatches of fabric here we can use," Lynn said.

I held out an eight by ten picture for them to look at.  "This picture
was taken at a fashion show in Paris last April where the gowns were
first shown.  But if you look at the makeup the five girls are wearing,
you can see how it is different and compliments the highlights reflected
by the gown's material."  Apparently, all that girl talk in our rooms 
had done me some good; I wouldn't have been able to spew that line of BS
a week ago.  But then again, why would I want to?

"I've never seen a material like this, but I see what you mean – all
these girls look quite different, yet like they belong together," Anne
said with a little wonder in her voice.

"Like we do," I said and Jenny and Lynn nodded and smiled.

I could see burning curiosity in Joyce's eyes, finally, she asked, "How
much did these cost?"

"In the ballpark of a new car.  I'm not sure exactly, but they are
imported from France, handmade Christian Lacroix originals, and each is
one of a kind," Jenny answered disingenuously.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Three hours later, we were on the road again.

"I feel fabulous!"  Jenny exclaimed, "I've never been so pampered with
such a great result. What do you think Steff?"

"I used to sit in class with you and glance when I thought you weren't
looking.  I thought you were gorgeous then, that you were the woman I
wanted to spend my life with.  Now you have movie star looks and
glamour, like you were going to receive an Oscar or something.  I love
both aspects of you."

"You look unbelievable yourself Steff, I can't believe Brad is somewhere
in there.  How do you feel?"  Lynn asked.

"I'm having fun, I don't know if I'll ever do anything like this again,
but I'm definitely glad I did it once."

"Would you like to do it again?"  Jenny asked, with a little too serious
look on her face.

"No, never again - unless I was with you, you didn't mind, and it was
for a damn good reason.  I'm going to tell Jim at the party that we have
to get back to Austin ASAP.  His dad ought to be satisfied that Jim's
love life is on track after today..."

"Anne told me that she had at least six women scheduled today that said
they were going to our party."  Lynn said.

"Do you suppose she will tell them about us?"

"Duh!"  Jenny and Lynn said in unison...

"Did it hurt as much?"

"On my thighs, but that Alice really gave a great massage when she
rubbed the moisturizer in after.  It's a good thing you had me wear the
light days pad.  She kept brushing against it."

"She really has her heart in it, I thought I was going to have to take
her in the back room," Lynn said with a dreamy look in her eye.

Jenny stage whispered, "Ellen told me Alice is a leather dyke and is
always looking..."

"LYNN!"

"Oh, don't get all prudish on ME, Br- Steph!"  Lynn shot back.  "YOU're
the one engaged to the local nobility!"

"And look what happened to me from just living in the same APARTMENT
with him!"  I reminded her.  "If you did anything with Alice you'd end
up like married to Sun Myung Moon or something!"

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Did she add on to these nails?"  I asked.

"Yes, this is a party.  But only a little."

"It will be harder for me Steff, my nails were just recovering from nail
biting during exams.  You have had a week to get used to yours - but I
love them.  I can't wait to get in a shower with Peter, I'll drive him
wild," Lynn said with a far away look in her eye.

Jenny said with a wicked grin, "You really should try that when both of
you have long smooth nails sometime..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Lynn looked dubious.  "A lipstick top?"

Jenny just nodded wisely.

"It worked," I mentioned.

"I had a better idea since then, though," Jenny grinned.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"How do you like snuggling with a guy with no body hair?"

"I love it, it's very sensuous.  I don't like hairy guys - Brad may not
know it yet, but..."

"I don't know what yet?"  As I tuned back in to the conversation, after
at least ten guys in a pickup passed us for the second time - while
shouting and gesturing like fools.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Jenny was time-sharing my hand with the steering wheel when she said,
"Steff those gold nails of yours are wild..."

"We're supposed to attract attention.  I know Brad is a nerd, but this
Stephanie is a party animal," Lynn teased.

Jenny said quietly, "A very nice nerd..."

Lynn joked, "Do you suppose there will be a bachelor millionaire there
for me?"

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"You guys look hot and sweaty, aren't you going to get ready?"  I asked.

"You just get back from Amarillo?  You should have seen it, I creamed
Steve."

"By one lousy set."

"That's all it takes."

Steve glanced at us, "You guys look great.  Let's go for a swim, there's
an hour before the party."

"Are you nuts?  That would COMPLETELY destroy our makeup and hair!"   I
said indignantly. The effect was spoiled by Lynn's giggling.

"What are you laughing for?"  I asked with a little pique.

"Remember my senior prom..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

After ten minutes, only ten minutes from the time we saw them enter the
house from the pool, only ten damn M*F minutes I fumed.  Those two were
knocking at our sitting room door; they looked like they had just
stepped out of the pages of GQ too!  Talk about sexual inequalities!

"Jesus Christ!"  Jim exclaimed.

"So you like it?"  I asked as I twirled.

"You're going to wear THAT to our engagement party!"

"Why not?  I think most red blooded boys would enjoy seeing their
girlfriend in this."

Jim started to say something back, but Steve stuck a finger I don't know
where down the back of Jim's pants.  Jim squealed like a little girl and
jumped about a foot in the air.

Steve commented, "I think it's perfect Steff.  All you guys look great,
for girls that is - I saw that very gown in Cosmo last month, it's a
Christian Lacroix original isn't it?" Steve asked, looking like a
choirboy.

"I didn't know you read Cosmo!"  Jim looked shocked.

"I don't dummy, but I read that black folder with all the press
clippings about those gowns, it was sitting on the coffee table all
night," Steve retorted

"Steve darling, please educate this barbarian for us.  You may use the
visual aids."  I handed him THE book with the pictures from the Paris
fashion show.

"While you're at it, do his dad too so he won't go ballistic when he
first sees us, and then come back for us," Jenny asked sweetly.

"Why would he-"

I interrupted, "The three of them ONLY cost about twenty five thousand
dollars."

"Each?"

I threw my hands in the air in exasperation.

"Come with me, Jim, we have a selling job to do."

"Christ, now THEY have you wrapped around their conniving little
fingers.  Why do I have to go?"

Steve did something similar to what Jenny did to me when she was talking
me into something, and just like I usually did afterwards, Jim shut up
and followed docilely out the door.

"So what if he sends us back to Austin, that would suit me just fine,"
Jenny said.

"After all that I went through today, I will not go back until I've worn
this damn dress to this damn party!!!"

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Jim had a dazed look on his face as he said, "Come on guys.  He loves
your gowns.  He said Juanita told him they were shipped directly from
Paris in France, and that she saw the boxes."

Steve added with a disgusted look on his face, "Good thing the pages
were in plastic sleeves, the drool was running in buckets."

"What's the surprise he keeps talking about?"  Jenny asked Jim.

"Glad you reminded me.  I don't know, but the old man says for everybody
to follow his lead and be cool when he invites us up to the bandstand.
He says we won't be sorry, but to be sure to follow his lead," Jim
responded.

"That's pretty open ended, didn't he give you a clue?"  I asked.

"No- wait a minute. Juanita is supposed to give or tell Steve and me
something privately just before the announcement.  He said that he
really wanted to surprise us..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Ready?"  Steve asked.

Jim followed him back in the bedroom again saying in an exasperated
voice, "You look great Jenny, stop fiddling with her hair Steff.  Let's
go already!  Dad wants us with him in kind of an informal reception line
NOW.  Guests will be arriving at any moment, and Lopez called to alert
us that the first Hummer has left the airport with guests aboard.  Lynn,
you're elected to be the old man's companion..."

"He's not that old Jim, he's actually kind of cute.  How would you like
a new mommy?"  Lynn asked playfully, with an eyebrow artfully raised,
and almost stifling a giggle.

"Gaggggg..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Mah you fillies are sure lookin' prime!"

Jim choked as his dad said, "Lynn, you're Stephanie's older sister?  I
could tell right off, you're so much more mature..."

Lynn said with an almost straight face, "You sure don't look old to me."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"My word, those things are daring, what person did them?"

"These are from Christian Lacroix's spring 2000 collection."

"I would never go to HIM."

I was going to say, "That's because he doesn't sell clothes for
rodent-armadillo crossbreeds," but Jenny beat me to the punch.

"I understand, he specializes in things for the youthful 
figure ..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"I'm Mindy Park, society editor for the Borger News-Herald.  Perhaps
after your guests all arrive you could spare me a few minutes..."

I fluttered my eyelashes at her and remarked coyly, "It depends on if
Jim has anything planned for me during the party.  Oh, excuse me..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"No, Horace dear, she isn't naked under all that fuzz as you call it.
Put your glasses on, she has a bathing suit on..."

"How y'all doing Candy, got your reporter hat on today?"

"Maybe later Mr. S, the Spearman weekly is put to bed for this week.
Reckon we will talk about y'all next week..."

"Nice to meet you Candy," I said.

"That's some get up you gals got on, my lord - it's news.  I told Horace
to bring the Kodak, darn men, they'd forget their pole if it weren't
attached.  Where you hiding the reeefreshments girl?"

"Yonder behind the pump house."

"Horace, stop that gawkin!  NOW!  Come along."  She leaned to me and
whispered, "Don't you fret none about him, his pole don't work no more."

That was DEFINITELY more than I needed to know.  She walked off, Horace
in tow, for which I was profoundly grateful.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Aren't you chilly in that dearie?"

"Not with Jim to keep me toasty..."

I thought a smirk was called for, so I put one on.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Wouldn't you know, Antoine just finished her hair when I came in for my
'do, and he told me those gowns cost as much as a new Caddy."

"Well he should know..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"My word!  My daughter Fawn wouldn't be found dead in a thing like
that!"

Having just met Fawn, my bet was she'd be found dead in a pickup truck
with a blood alcohol level of 30 proof.  She was already weaving when
she got here, and I just knew the bartenders weren't checking ID's.

The lady ahead of her turned and said, "She isn't engaged to the
Spearman family either Helen..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

As I was walking back to the bar - I was very, very glad they weren't
checking ID's - I overheard two women talking.

"Ellen, Maggie just told me very confidentially, that her hair dresser
does that Stephanie girl's hair.  And that each of those awful gowns
cost as much as a new Mercedes."

"Well, you wouldn't find me dead in one of those - waste of good money
if you ask me.  What do you think the reverend will say?"

I had to fight very, very hard not to start laughing my ass off at THAT
comment - he certainly looked closely enough as he passed through the
line.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"Hello Jon, good to see you.  Mr. S this is Jon Robson, he comes all the
way from Paris in France, and he represents Christian Lacroix, the
fabulous designer responsible for our gowns."

"Good to meet you son, y'all made my girls sparkle.  Y'all welcome at
mah little ranch at any old time."

"You are too kind Monsieur.  I have brought our photographer from Paris
to take a few candid photos.  If that meets with your approval?"

"Sure, have him snap away.  You come to see me when these folks get
settled..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"No reverend, we haven't looked in on your congregation yet..." And hell
will be a lot colder when we do, I thought.  But I kept smiling.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"I don't know Veronica, see what happens without a mature woman in the
house.  If Ruby was only here."

"Think Ruby would mind Cheryl?"

"Well, maybe not back then, but I'm sure now she would.  She'd have that
randy old goat on a short leash, let me tell you..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"What are you doing, guys?"  I asked the five or six year old boy and
girl who had been staring at us - for at least ten minutes, with their
mouths open.

"Jes lookin', never saw nothin' like y'all," he stammered.

"How do your stockings stay up?" the girl asked.

"Are you from the moon?" he asked.

"Are you?"  I snapped back.

"Does your mommy know you're wearing THOSE?" she asked.

Mr. S appeared, smiling, right then, and asked, "Who's your daddy,
chilin'?"  They squealed and hugged him.  It was a shame, really, since
I wanted to go find the well and dump them down it.

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

Juanita leaned close to Jenny, saying, "Senorita Jenny, Mr. S, he see
how much in love you and Senor Steve are - he wants to help.  Now you go
and join Senorita Stephanie on stage with Mr. S.  Go now, remember to
say yes with a big kiss..."

<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

"What's going on Steff?"

"I don't know, the band is playing the "Hawaiian Love Song""

"Mr. S looks damned pleased with himself."

"Juanita took my engagement ring before I got up here."

"She had me move the Lacroix ring to my other hand..."

"What's she saying to Steve?  He looks like someone just died..."

"Jim doesn't look so good either..."

"What's going on Jenny? ..."

It was a nightmare, but unlike a nightmare whose memory fades with
daylight, I remember every horrible moment of the ensuing farce.  It
started predictably enough.

Mr. S shouted into the mike, "Lynn honey, you come up here and stand
next to me."

With that, Renee the photographer started taking pictures.  Candid
pictures.  NOT.  It was clear that he was in charge of everyone and
everything, and Mr. S couldn't have looked more pleased.

Renee had three lighting assistants and a camera girl.  As soon as
something happened that he considered worthy of a picture, he directed
his lighting men's positions.  Then he would call for a camera from
among the dozen or so his overloaded camera girl was lugging, and then
he would snap a picture - or twenty.  Then he would repeat the procedure
at least once directing the pose, and sometimes five times for slightly
different poses.  He was an absolute tyrant!

After introducing Lynn to the crowd as my sister and chaperone, after
many halts for photos, Mr. S commanded, "Ok, Jim do yer thang."

Jim got down on one knee and handed me a single white rose.  I don't
know where the damn rose came from, but its thorns stuck my fingers.
"Stephanie darling," he said loudly, "I love you with all my heart and
believe you love me, will you wear this ring and become my fiancée?"

Okay, I hammed it up a little.  I put my index finger on my chin and
looked as if I was thinking real hard about it - while Jim held out the
ring.  Then I jumped up and down shouting yes, YES!  I offered him my
hand and he put the ring on me.  It wasn't the one he had given me in
Austin, this one was at least three carats.  And before I knew it, I was
in the air clasped in his arms in what looked like a serious lip lock.
Everybody cheered.  Of course, we had to re-enact it five more times for
Renee.  I felt like a baton in the hands of a mad cheerleader.  After
the last photos I moved unsteadily to leave the stage, Jim held me and
whispered in my ear, "We can't leave yet, the old man has really flipped
his cork."

Truer words were never spoken.  I looked down at my hand and it was all
bloody - good thing the gowns weren't white.

Steve came up on the stage and Mr. S introduced him as Jim's good friend
from UT, and Jenny as my roommate at UT.  Then Steve got down to one
knee and gave Jenny a single white rose, and asked her to be his
fiancée.  Jenny was cool about it; she told me later that she figured
two could break engagements as well as one.  She put on a better act
deciding than I - she made him beg.  Once Jenny said yes, he kissed and
twirled Jenny about as energetically as Jim did me.  Of course Renee did
his instant replays, and posed us all in a dozen different ways.

The crowd hung in there, though, although I noticed the caterer's people
running with frosted glasses from the onlookers to behind the pump house
and back.  The onlookers must have sensed that the worst was yet to
come.  These were the same Texans, I reminded myself, whose ancestors
made a picnic out of a hanging.

"Mah friends," Mr. S started, "Ah want you to know that I appreciate the
difficulties these young people face startin' out life together.  They
all have two years to go before they achieve the degrees they aspire to.
Reverend Sikes, I don't want them livin' in sin any more than you do, ah
heard your admonitions.  But I don't want them breaking up from 
frustration either.  So I have the perfect solution."

Jenny squeezed my bloody hand and whispered, "Oh shit, I have a real bad
feeling about this..."

She was about ten seconds behind me in figuring THAT out, but with her
grabbing my hand, I couldn't run...

Mr. S continued, "Mah friends, I invite y'all back here six weeks from
today on August fifth for the gol'dangest double wedding ever to hit
these parts!"

The crowd applauded and cheered, Jim twitched, Jenny made choking noises
like she was about to vomit, Steve and Lynn moaned at the same time, and
I slipped instantly into shock and waited casually to see if I was going
to pass out.  I didn't, which was a shame; it might have stopped things.

It got worse as he continued, "After they're hitched, my jet will fly
'em to Maui for a four week honeymoon on me."

Everybody applauded except us, we were paralyzed like deer caught in the
headlamps of an onrushing car, but he wasn't finished.  "Then mah jet
will fly them to Austin where they will all finish their studies.  I
will pick up all their expenses until they graduate, and then they WILL
come back to the ranch and take over from me and mah team.  I couldn't
find four finer kids anywhere!  Come give your old man a hug.  Call me
daddy from now on girls, y'all family now.  Steve you're like my second
son to me now, so you call me dad just like Jim.  Lynn honey, come over
here girl, give me a big old hug and share mah joy..."


Part IV, humm???