A Man Comes Calling

Days in the life of another girl

By Anne Marie

Ever wonder what it would be like if a man asked you out for a date, and you haven't even begun transition?

I'd just day-dreamed the notion of a man wanting to see me on a personal, social level, and not knowing if that it would ever come about. Well during my recent trip to Atlanta for the Southern Comfort Convention I met a man who also happens to be familiar with the transgender community, and some of it's members, more specifically transsexual women like myself, though most of these ladies have already transitioned and are post-operative and living the life that they should be living. This gentleman asked me for my address and phone number so that sometime in the future he could contact me and possibly visit; he's really interested in some of the aspects of transitioning, so I gave him my number and said he could call. At the time I really didn't think to much of it, and not really thinking that he'd call on me, but deep inside I looked forward to it.

As things happen he did call and said that he'd be in my area, Washington D.C. in a couple of weeks and wanted to take me to dinner. I was flattered and accepted. I'm not the most attractive of girls, but I can turn a head...Anyway, he found me attractive and interesting enough to ask.

At this point in my life it's become very important that I'm out as much as possible, and to be seen in public, day or evening, with a man is so much the better. If the question of "passing" crossed my mind, I really didn't give it two shakes. If a guy is asking you out, then you obviously have what it takes. It's more than just the look. You need to have the mannerisms and deportment that goes with the territory; along with the voice which I work on frequently. Needless to say. I was looking forward to a dinner date.

We'd agreed on a date and time; it was Halloween evening no less, and a starry night at that. I love the twinkling of those far away worlds especially in autumn when it is cooler, and more romantic to the soul and body. Now the age old problem for a woman began. What to wear? I know that it'll be a fine restaurant, and I need to look my best ever. There goes that little voice in the back of my head, can you do this? You go out shopping and there's never a problem, this is different girl. And what about after dinner when he takes you home? He seems the gentleman, but you know men, having lived that way for ages. Now you're starting to live as and function in society as a woman.

But he's come all this way to see me so everything will be fine. Yes I had a case of the nerves for a week before my first date. I normally only take martini's on Wednesday before my electrolysis appt, but I brought the fixings home on Monday and had three. We spoke the night before, and set the time for Thursday evening. He'd arrive around 7:30.

My Hair.. I've got several wigs that I really love, but the one that I wanted to wear needed some repair first.I called a wig salon that's located across the street from where my electrologist is, so Wednesday I left work a little earlier; brought my wig to work in a plastic bag. The shops is called Amy's of Denmark and when I called about dropping the wig off I was told it would take an hour for a shampoo and set. Mind you I still need to present myself at work as a man, though some things are slowly changing. My hair is getting longer, both of my ears are pierced, with tiny, but very feminine diamond studs. Yes diamonds. We all love diamonds that's for sure, and I wear woman's style sneakers without socks. I wear either thigh highs or pantyhose. I'm only cross-dressing by having to wear "mens clothes" to conform in the work place. BIG YUCK.. This too will end one day soon.

Anyway, back to the wig. I walked into the shop with a lot of time to spare before the "E" session, and I was met at the counter by an attractive older lady and asked what I needed. Said that I was dropping off a wig for a shampoo and set, that I'd called earlier. She said she remembered as I pulled the wig out. It is a dark brown shoulder length with waves, soft curls, and easy to brush bangs. I love the look it gives me. Soft, sophisticated, and very feminine. That done I went to my favorite watering hole for my weekly Martinis. Bombay up; shaken not stirred with olives. Three was sufficient. With the hour gone and "E" time approaching I returned to the wig salon, picked it up, and it looked fabulous, Couldn't wait to put it on. I think that's very close to the style I'll wear once my hair is long enough; another six months. BIG SIGH. Thanked the lady stylist, paid, and left with a smile like to Cheshire Cat spreading across my face. Across the street for my weekly hour of facial "E"; 60 hrs and counting, then home for a hot bubble bath.

Tomorrow night's the night. I'd almost decided to take the day off, but luckily I was able to leave earlier and arrived home with hours to spare, thankfully. That morning I'd picked out the dress, but now I wasn't so sure. I threw open the closet doors, and stood there in my underwear trying to decide. I settled on a two piece dark maroon floral, calf length with long sleeves, and a princess neck line, off-black stockings, gartered of course, and black patent leather 2" pumps. Jewelry was simple. Single strand of pearls just above the neck line of the top, and matching single pearl earrings. Dressed, did my face; nails done earlier, and put my wig on. The final touch was Chanel #5 in just the right places. We girls all know where. Once in front of the mirror I knew I looked terrific, and he'd be very surprised indeed.

Down stairs I heard knocking on the door. Looking at the clock I knew it was still early. It's the kids. This is Halloween. Walked down stairs, open the door, and handed the little ones f a couple of candy Butterfinger candy bars, and told them all to be careful.

They said thank you, and one of the little girls said to me that I looked gorgeous. That made my day, I told her as she blushed, and I guess I did too. Since it was only 6:30 I made a Martini and put another coat of hardener on my nails.

There was a clap from the brass knocker on my door that just about made me jump out of my skin. Calm down lady.. Went to the door and looked through the peep hole and there he was. I opened the door and said simple Hello there.. I knew by the look on his face and the smile that broaden that he was truly taken in by the way I looked. I think his tongue was tied for a moment as he stepped in and I closed the door. He finally said hello. He told me I looked marvelous.

This gentleman's name will remain anon, Mr. R.. He's in his mid-fifties, with a graying beard ( I really hate those things ) about 5'11, and blue eyes and a kindly expression to his face. His eyes seem to twinkle when he talks to you. A very engaging type of man, kindly, polite and worldly I'd imagine.

We talked about the convention and people that I'd met that he knew, and other things such as my plan for transitioning. I told him my therapist is very, very supportive of me, and that we'd begun speaking in earnest about the future, and the subject of hormones was already on the table. (Two weeks later I received my diagnosis and the recommendation to the endocrinologist along with a phone call to the endo from the therapist.) Then he suggested a restaurant in town that he knew well, and that he was sure I'd loved.

Off we went. And it was to the Mayflower Hotel's French Provincial Cafe and Grill in one of Washington's more elegant and well-known hotels. It's a lovely and posh place with all the trappings and decor found in the best European homes and hotels. I just love the place, and the cuisine is excellent. It's great to be on the arm of a man walking into a restaurant knowing that he thinks you look great and you feel and look great too. Really makes you feel special. I guess if passing is the issue, or the litmus test so to speak, then out with a man who sees you as a woman makes all those fears disappear. Cross-living can be difficult if you let be so. The idea is to be confident and take the time to make sure you really do look and seem to be the woman that's within, now breaking out.

We had a delicious dinner with a vintage wine . Near the end of dinner I had to excuse myself and went off in search of the powder room. Found said room, and went about my business. Several other ladies were there, but no problems, even when I stepped up to the mirror to touch up my lips.

After dinner he suggested that we take a stroll a see what's going on. Any one out down here? Yes, there certainly were a few. Out in front of a coupe of clubs were all the costumes you could imagine. Wild, and mysterious. Almost terrifying..

It was starting to get a little colder so we went back to the hotel and had the car brought around. Back to my house and night cap. From time to time he would lean over just a smidgen and touch my leg in conversation. I knew he was just expressing himself in the usual male way. I didn't mind as long as there wasn't any stroking. On my first date, not a chance. I'm not a prude, but it's still a early for anything more. Anyway we arrived back at my house and went in. I poured us both a small cognac and we set on the couch reliving the evening and just talking.

He was staying in a hotel not to far away, so around 11 o'clock he said he'd better be going. I was tired too, but pleased nevertheless. At the door he said that he'd like to see me again sometime in the near future if his scheduled permitted. Of course I said yes. At that moment he gently put his hands on my waist, pulled me towards him and kissed me. Yes, I responded. And I liked it too. He said good night and I waved him goodbye and good night as he walked to his car and then drove off.

That was one of the best simple times in my life. And his kiss was warm and tender. That's how I like it.

Good night and sweet dreams.

Anne Marie


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