I was feeling a lot better about my immediate future as I found the blouse and skirt that Zach had suggested I wear to work. Once dressed I went down to the kitchen where 'Mum' was already eating her breakfast. I had heard my temporary 'Dad' singing in the shower as I walked past what must be the Master bedroom. Zach said his usual breakfast was a bowl of Muesli and a glass of fruit juice. I had scouted the kitchen last night while helping clean up after dinner so knew where to find what I needed.
'Mum' greeted me with a "Good morning Sarah"
"Morning Mum" I replied. 'Mum' was a part time librarian at the council library and from her attire it appeared she must be working today.
"Are you home for dinner tonight?" She asked as I prepared my cereal.
"I'm visiting Rod after work I replied. I'll plan to have dinner with him"
"Try to get home at a decent time. You are looking tired and I am worried about you. You did not seem your normal happy self last night. Is there something I should know?"
No doubt I looked embarrassed. But what could I say. For I was not actually her daughter, I was a male friend wearing her body.
I quickly changed the subject, saying I had to be at work early, gulped down my breakfast and hurried back to my room.
I found myself crying as I sat on the bed. I was not used to deceiving people and I'm sure these damn female hormones were not helping either.
Eventually the tears stopped. I went to the bathroom, brushed my hair and applied make-up as Zach and demonstrated yesterday. Again I was amazed that I actually did a pretty good job. The girl who looked back at me from the mirror looked very business like.
I grabbed Sarah's handbag, checked keys, purse and other necessities were in there. I called out "Bye Mum" as I left and heaved a sigh of relief once I was in the car.
..............
As I drove to Sarah's workplace I recalled what Zach had told me yesterday. Evidently everyone at the dealership wore name tags so my anxiety about not knowing my workmates was reduced. Zach had suggested I quickly locate a blond woman named Marlene who would be my boss. My duties would be answering the phone and doing odd jobs that Marlene would assign. Zach said a likeable girl called Karen was also on Marlene's team but to watch out for a salesman called Mitch who was sleazy.
I found a spot at the back of the dealership carpark and summoned the courage to face this next challenge. I was 10 minutes earlier than Zach had suggested I arrive but there were other people already inside the showroom, so I thought 'no time like the present' and went in.
Inside were a couple of middle aged men looking at one of the display cars. They greeted me with "Good morning Sarah"
I replied with a generic "Good Morning" to them.
I tried to recall the building layout. I had been here as a customer several years ago and could recall there was a customer lounge to the left where you could make a coffee. I thought I could wait there until I found Marlene. As I was looking around I noticed a toilet sign and thought that might be a good idea, my bladder was feeling full. I entered, found a stall, did my business and took the opportunity to change pads. As I was washing my hands I heard the door open and close behind me.
I turned around and there was one of the men who had greeted me earlier. I looked at his name tag he was "Mitch".
"Fancy seeing you in here Sarah. You do realize this is the males customers toilet. I will have to report you"
"Umm.. Sorry, my mistake, I was in a hurry" I tried to walk past him but he blocked my way. He was probably only 6ft but solid. He seemed huge compared to my new body.
"I might be able to overlook this indiscretion, but see you don't do it again" He stepped aside and I made for the door. Suddenly he grabbed my waist firmly and turned me around to face him. "I think I deserve a thank-you kiss. don't you?" I could see no way out. He lifted me up and kissed me on the mouth. He was obviously a smoker and it felt disgusting. He put me down, gave a chuckle and let me go. I walked out as quickly as I could, thinking this was not the start to the day that I wanted.
After that episode the rest of the day was easy. Marlene was entering the building as I returned to the display room. She greeted me with a friendly smile that soothed my nerves. My task for the morning was a stock-take of leaflets for all the different cars. Karen my colleague manned the front desk and answered incoming phone calls. I was to take over the desk after lunch.
Karen invited me to lunch with her and I took up the offer. We walked a short distance to a café and had a light meal. She was full of questions about my weekend and how the family dinner had gone.
I had a couple more encounters with Mitch but had learned my lesson and made sure we were never alone. In the company of others he was very polite and businesslike. I learned he was the companies top salesman.
At 5 O'clock Marlene said I could go. So I quickly grabbed my stuff and hurried out to the car before I could be trapped by Mitch again.
I drove straight around to Rod's