"Here you are, sir." The lady behind the counter slid the roomkey across the counter. Her smile seemed unusually genuine, given the hundreds of people she sees on a daily basis. I reached out and grasped the key placing it in my pocket. "And," she continued, "we are happy you and your family were able to take advantage of our offer, especially people from within our proximity." I had listed *our* address as a town forty miles away, inorder to justify using a coupon cut from the local newspaper. When she asked where my family was, I explained I'd left them at the Natural History Museum so I could register in time to take advantage of their discount offer. She accepted the explanation with an acknowledging nod. I was feeling good, I was going on a date with a man. I was feeling girlish and only wished I had a girlfriend with whom I could confide and feel feminine. I could tell her about my thoughts, expectation, and concerns. After registering, I drove back home to get my clothes and makeup. Also, I reminded myself, can't forget the camera and tape recorder for practicing. It was almost 4:30. I told Alex to pick me up at 9:00 for a 9:30 movie. Alex. Geez, Alex, a name that only a week ago would have conjured vague memories of high school and our meeting at the market three years ago. I remember him on the basketball team. He wasn't very good, but one had to admire his fortitude. We met in U.S. History class as juniors. I can still remember how we took old Joe for many quarters. Alex and I had a system when flipping for odd-man wins where he would have heads once while I had tails and on the next flip he would reverse as would I. It didn't matter what Joe had, either Alex or I would win. To keep it "honest", we would flip whatever we wanted on the third flip so either one of us won, or Joe would win, or we would all have the same. Then the cycle started all over again. Joe never caught on. In the house I rushed to gather the clothes. I'd hung the miniskirt, newly ironed, in the closet and placed my white silk blouse next to it, the black-strapped heels below them. I pulled the Hanes out of the Mervyn's bag and put them in the suitcase. Then, thought of snags and runs reminded me I'd forgotten to shave my legs in the morning as planned. I jumped to the bathroom to run the shower. Hot water and lots of steam. I got into the shower while the tub was filling. I massaged my legs with soap and softened the five-day stubble with the hot, steamy water. After turning off the shower, I sat in the tub and gingerly shaved each leg from ankle to hipbone. I was finished and out of the tub by 5:30. Maybe time to get on Genderline, I thought. Why not. I had two messages; one from Jessica and one from Joan. They both suggested a knee-length dress instead of the mini. But, Rita, I thought, your legs look best in a miniskirt, especially with those heels. I conceded to their advice and decided on my two-piece navy blue dress. It goes down to two inches above the knee, but more acceptable. Gotta tell the girls, I thought. I quickly drafted two messages, got online and uploaded. It was 6:30. I arrived at the suite at 6:46. After unloading, I wrote 122, the room number, on a paper and placed it on the dash, visible to the outside. Since Alex expected to be in a staff meeting--he worked at the local cablevision--we decided I would inform him of the room number by this method. He couldn't miss my car anyway, it was such a distinctive gold with faded left fender. It was six years old and all mine. I locked the door and ran into the room to start the hot water in the bathroom sink. I softened my beard with continual applications of the wet, hot, steamy towels. The resulting shave was the closest I'd known in months. I was glad my legs were shaved. I applied my makeup and dressed with luscious care. While applying makeup I practiced my feminine voice and psyched myself by vocally stating "You're a woman, Rita. Feel like a woman, look like a woman, and act like a woman." In time I was beginning to feel like a woman, especially with the transformation in the mirror as makeup was being applied. I unwrapped the Hanes Silk Reflections. The girl at Mervyn's seemed to suspect they were for me. Of course, I may have given her reason. Although I can wear size B, I decided on comfort and went with the Queen size. I vocalized part of my thoughts on the size. She had nice legs herself though the flats didn't do them justice and her makeup was too extensive on the blush. Figured I may as well just pay for the nylons and keep shut. Too many thoughts anyway. So much to do. I gingerly rolled the hose in my hands and unrolled them onto each leg. The feel of my smooth, soft legs enticed my thoughts of the evening. I then stepped into my white-strapped 3 inch heels and looked in the mirror. I adjusted the bra slightly admiring my reflection as I turned. I love the white-strapped heels but mostly with suntan nylons. The Barely There shade looked good, nonetheless. After I slipped into the dress, I started the camera and practiced walking, still talking about my femininity and being a woman. After viewing myself by the television in the room--I used the videocam as a VCR--I adjusted my wig somewhat and strategically placed three bobbypins. Then, I viewed the tape again, thanking Joan and Jessica for their advice. I looked good in the dress that evening. Alex was always in my thoughts as I prepared for the date. What were his motives? What did he think might be my motives? We talked three times on the phone since Saturday night. The first time when he asked me out. The second time when I said yes and we decided on Wednesday instead of Thursday and that very morning when final plans were made. I knew Alex was a gentlemen, he demonstrated that on Saturday night. I knew he was a nice guy, very sensitive to the employees needs at work and quite loyal to MaryAnn, his ex-wife. Unfortunatly for their marraige, Maryann wasn't especially loyal to Alex. And I thought, What if he kissed me? When I was kissed by a man five years ago, it was a pleasant enough experience that lasted maybe five seconds. Then I thought, What if he didn't kiss me? Ah, Rita, would your ego take it? A knock on the door. It was Alex, at 8:55. "Hi," I said as I opened the door for him. He wore a crisp gray tweed sportcoat, gray pants, white open-collared shirt, and black smartly-shined boots. He looked super. He had on maybe a little too much cologne. "Hi. Ready?" Then he stopped and looked at me from head to toe. "Hey, you look better than Saturday night. You done outdid yourself, Rita." Outdid myself? Well, Shakespeare he's not, but genuine he seems. "Thanks, Al. You look quite handsome yourself, my friend. I love that coat." I then reached around for my clutch and placed the key inside. "Shall we go?" We didn't say a word as we walked to his car, a Thunderbird. It was probably jitters for both of us. My feminine sway seemed to become natural and I felt good. I listened to click of the heels on the pavement and feel of the nylons as my legs brushed with each step. Three ladies passed and smiled at both of us. It was dark which surprised me at first since it was quite light when I walked into the room. One preconception I established during the day was if Alex opened the door for me that illustrated that he viewed me as a woman and felt as such. As we approached the car, I briefly scolded myself for the preconception, because I might be disappointed. I wasn't. Alex opened the door. As I started to enter the car, I remembered an article I read in a woman's magazine which suggested that when a woman enters the car with the man holding the door, she must keep cognizant that when she swings her legs into the car, they aren't in thier best physical form so she must distract his look from her legs at that time. I tried to but Alex didn't seem be paying attention anyway. We pulled onto the street. I decided to ask what could be perceived as the question not to ask. "Alex, I'd just like to know why you asked me out." I looked at him and touched his arm to tell him I was quite interested in his answer. He thought for a moment and then smiled. "Well, Rita, there's really two parts for my reasons. The first part is I really liked talking to you last Saturday. In a way, I wanted to continue, but I knew how you were feeling sort of uncomfortable." He paused for a moment. "And the second part I'd like to tell you after the movie when we have more time. I think you'll be interested." I thought about his motive for putting off the second part and then really scolded myself. The hell with motives, Rita, I thought, just enjoy yourself. I reached out and squeezed his hand. "Okay, you've got me curious already." "But you gotta wait. Now my turn. Why did you accept?" "I knew you'd ask so I got a canned reply." "Canned?" His eyes widened. I laughed. "Yes, canned. In other words, I prepared a message. I've spent a lot of time going out by myself and always wanted someone to accompany me, preferrably a man. A man like you, dearest." I gave him an alluring look and smile. He laughed. "Actually, I was accompanied by a man once, but it wasn't like a date. And, really, Al, I dress to feel feminine and to go on a date enhances my feeling of femininity." "I'm glad," he said. "I'm really glad because that tells much about you." Whatever he meant by that. We talked about his meeting that afternoon and in such a short time we arrived at the parking lot. Alex opened the door. The lady at the window mechanically exchanged Alex's money for two tickets. We walked into the lobby and over to a corner by a movie poster. There were a few other people in the lobby; two couples, one man reading a paperback, and two girls engaged in a lively conversation. Though I felt comfortable, I also felt cautious and kept an eye out to see if I'd be read. Alex mentioned a review he'd read on SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, the movie we were to see. I mentioned some things I'd heard at work. A young couple entered the lobby. The girl was wearing a red leather miniskirt with red fishnet hose and red mid-heel pumps. She looked quite gorgeous. Most every eye turned to her, though briefly. Then I was glad I had followed advice and selected the two-piece. I could just imagine the attention I would have gotten with my black miniskirt. I was satisfied without the attention and satisfied with Al's company and our conversation. At this moment, I'm sure I was read. Alex reached behind me to get some literature and in the process nudged my wig pulling it back an inch or two. I panicked and quickly readjusted it while I turned to look at myself in the window by the poster. I smiled at Alex as he apologized. When I looked to the crowd to determine if anyone noticed, only the girl with the red skirt looked at me oddly and smiled. During the next few moments I caught her taking quick glances to inspect me. I told Alex. "You know what, Rita?" He said as he gently grasped my chin turning my face toward his eyes. "I thought about your mini- paranoia since Saturday night and I really don't think anybody really cares as long as you're not outward or overly done about it. They probably think it's funny at first, if they recognize you, then they'll think So What? and stop there. Hey, as long as you don't slap them in the face with it. Don't flaunt it by saying hey this is me in a dress, and you don't. This isn't twenty or even ten years ago. Know what I mean?" Yes, I did. I remember the advice on Genderline and when Alex said what he did it was reinforced. I felt justifiably scolded. I didn't say a word but just hugged him around the waist and pressed my cheek against his shoulder, careful not to smudge his coat with makeup--he looked so sexy in that coat. The ropes were dropped and we walked to surrender our tickets. I kept my arms around Alex's waist, feeling quite feminine. The man took our tickets without a second glance. Alex and I decided we would share popcorn and I would take a sip or two from his drink--to minimize trips to the restroom. I sat in the theatre while Alex got the popcorn. While I sat waiting for Al, the girl with the red mini passed in front of me, looked at me and said "He's cute." Her words seemed to tell me I was read but it was all right. I didn't tell Alex. The movie started by the time he arrived with the popcorn. Besides, I doubt if I would have told him otherwise. It was something between us girls. I quickly glanced down at her. She was quite gorgeous sitting with her legs crossed. The only thing I thought was where I could get some fishnet stockings. The movie was good. I actually never felt Jodie Foster was that great an actress but was impressed with her job in LAMBS. About halfway through the movie, Alex placed his hand above mine on top of my lap. Throughout the rest of the movie I gently stroked the top of his hand with my fingers. By 11:40 it was over and we exited the theatre. We talked about the movie as did everyone else. No one paid attention to us other than standard looks. We stopped at a bar on the way to the parking lot. There were only five people, three men at the bar and a couple in a booth. The men turned to look at us and the bartender said, "we close in fifteen minutes, folks." "Okay, thanks." Alex said. We turned and left the bar and while we walked back to the car we pondered where to go. Then I recalled there were two complimentary miniatures, bourbon and vodka, and suggested we go back to the suite. It was cheaper, more private, and "besides," I told him, "you have a second part of your reason you've yet to mention." With his arm around me, hand tucked my right shoulder, he gave me slight squeeze. We walked the half block to the parking lot without a word and holding hands. This time when Alex let me in the car he looked at my legs and I couldn't distract him. In a way, I didn't want to. As he walked around the car I unlocked his side. I felt good and contented. I looked as he opened the door. Alex, I thought, please kiss me, take me into your arms and kiss me, I'm feeling so feminine. Once he got into the car, he quickly started it and in a second we were on our way out of the lot. The ride back to the suite was uneventful with small talk. My first action upon entering the suite was to go to the bathroom. I sat down rather than stand up, it kept me psyched. While I was in the bathroom, Alex bought a coke and while I prepared two drinks splitting the bourbon, he used the bathroom. Then we sat on the couch. Alex sat on the end and I sat in the middle, slightly closer to Alex's side, and turned to my left with my legs folded. I extended my right leg and looked at a scuffmark on the heel. "Like my shoes?" I asked him. "They're five years old." "Five, no kidding?" We paused to sip our drinks. "You know, Alex, this evening has been so nice. So nice." "Yeah," he said with a slight glint in his eyes, "it's been like that with me too." "Okay, now what about that second reason." I was so curious and I didn't mean to seem overly anxious, but I needed to know. "Oh yeah. Well, let me see." He put his drink on the table and looked at me somewhat seriously. "First I want to say, Rita, I feel I'm taking advantage of you. I think I'm being selfish in a way by using you for this date." My widened eyes strongly suggested he needed to clarify his statement. "I mean I've always wondered about transvestites, or crossdressers like you've told me. And when I saw you Saturday it was almost like here was a chance to really learn about it. No, before you ask, I don't want to dress. I couldn't look as good as you anyway." His confession, if you will, took me by surprise. I didn't know how to respond to his feeling of selfishness. I decided the best response was no response. "You remember Maryann, my ex." I did. Like Alex, she attended school with me though she was a year behind. "And you remember her younger brother, Gerald?" Again, I did. He was two years younger. "Well, believe it or not, Gerald is like you, he wears women's clothes." "Gerald?" I was astounded. "But, he played football." I caught myself. What a dumb response, so what if he played football. I, myself, knew that you can't and shouldn't stereotype crossdressers. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. What a stupid remark." "Don't worry, I thought the same thing, at first." He continued telling me how Gerald, or Geri as he preferred, wore Maryann's clothes since Geri was seven. Maryann had caught him when he was ten years old and though she was mad at first she let him and even helped him and continued to do so even into Alex and Maryann's marraige. Alex found out when he arrived home from work. Geri and Maryann decided he should know and Geri was dressed and sitting in the living room with Maryann when Alex got home. When Alex realized who it was he got mad. "I didn't get mad from within, Rita," he said, "I got mad because I thought it was something macho I should do." He regretted it, he admitted. He told Geri to leave his house and though his attitude changed within a week, his relationship with Gerald changed and wasn't the same for almost five years. Alex remorsefully asked Gerald to his house as Geri but not until Maryann convinced Gerald was he able to accept Alex's offer. The relationship remained somewhat strained since. Within three months after Geri went to Alex's house, Maryann applied for divorce for reasons not related to the incident. "Rita, to tell you the truth, I was drawn a little to Geri. Probably because she looked a lot like Maryann and you know Maryann is a very pretty lady. But, anyway, I sort of regretted my not necessary response to Gerald. When I saw you from the library last Saturday, my first memory was of Geri and my curiosity made me follow you. After our talk at the bar, I thought about you most of the next two days and thought I would really like to talk to you and see a little more of you. So, like a guy on his first date, I was nervous when I first called you to ask you. Then was happy when you called back to say yes." Alex placed his left hand on my right thigh just above the knee. I'd already had my feet on top of coffee table and crossed at the ankles. I was still turned toward Alex and when he placed his hand on my leg, I gently massaged each of his fingers. While doing that I mentioned how I had started dressing. In about five minutes, out of pure impulse I looked up at him and asked, "Do you think I'm pretty?" "Yes, I do, Rita. In many, many ways." As he said that he placed his arms around me and gently pulled me toward him. Our lips touched, receded slightly and touched again as if we were playing a form of tag though our lips were but minor millimeters away. He grasped me firmly in his arms. Then our sightly parted lips met and he kissed me completely. His lips were soft and warm. My lips opened as his tongue entered my mouth. My arms reached around his back and I caressed his massive shoulders. He pulled me tighter and our kiss deepened. I was absorbed by the excitement of my senses, I was being kissed in a way I only dreamed of. I felt a high sense of femininity as I submitted to his caresses. Alex then began to kiss my cheek and neck. I was initially taken back by the sandpaper growth of his beard but quickly accepted it and returned my thoughts to his kisses and caresses. My hands explored his masculine shoulders and waist. As Alex kissed me on the mouth again, I unbuttoned his shirt opening it and putting my arms around him underneath the shirt. The hair on his chest extended a little to his shoulders and when his tongue began to explore my neck, I nibbled on his shoulders. His left hand was caressing my thigh, stroking my leg down to my ankle. In a second, he had my skirt off while I took off his shirt. When his attention returned to french- kissing me he pressed me slowly down till I was lying on the couch and he was on top of me with hands exploring my legs and caressing my breasts. "Tell me what to do, honey." He whispered as his lips touched my ear. "Hmm, you're doing well, darling, don't worry." And he was. I didn't care about events and incidents outside the suite door during those moments. My world was in that room and on that couch at that moment. I loosened his belt and unzipped his pants and when I put my hand in his shorts, I was slightly taken back with the touch of his erection. I had never touched anyone else's penis before and it seemed strange to touch one, especially one as hard as his was. It was also very wet. I stroked it slightly. "Oh, Rita, that feels good." I continued and when our kisses become more intense I suggested we go to the bed. As we walked there, I held his waist. He took off my top and bra and I stood beside the bed wearing only nylons and heels. Alex kissed me some more and then I sat him on the bed and pulled his boots and pants off. When he stood up he removed his socks and I took off his shorts exposing his quite rigid and very hard cock. He moaned as I touched his testicles and cock. He then laid me on the bed, took off my high heels and removed the nylons. As he removed the nylons he kissed each leg. I was in ecstasy as his soft lips and wet, warm tongue glided up and down each leg. I was glad I shaved them when I did because I knew they were smooth and soft. Then Alex climbed into the bed carefully laying on top of me and began to kiss me again, only with more intensity. He wasn't heavy but I could feel his erection against my thigh. Our kisses intensified as our tongues fervently searched each other's mouths and our hands continued to explore each other's bodies. I lifted my right leg and rubbed Alex's hip. His left hand then reached down between my legs and he deftly inserted his finger inside me. My body tightened in reflex but soon relaxed as Alex's finger began to pull in and out of me. Then he pulled his hand back and got on top of me swiveling his hips in a lovemaking motion. I spread my legs and responded with similar action. "Oh, my darling, I want you." I reached over to the table and pulled out a condom from the drawer and gave it to Alex. He smiled at me and put the condom on without an inquiring word. While he put the condom on I quickly put some lotion on my finger and reached around to lubricate myself. I placed a pillow under my hips and raised my open legs as an invitation to Alex to enter me. I extended my slightly shaking arms. My breath quivered as well from anxious anticipation as I knew I was to become a complete woman, complete in the way I wanted and with a man I cared for. I knew I had to pay for the completeness I so yearned for and I had to pay with pain from his penetration. He recognized my nervousness and pressed his hand against my cheek and prepared to enter. I closed my eyes as my arms encircled him around the chest. He lowered himself onto me and began to kiss me softly. As his tongue began to part my lips, his penetration started slowly. It was slightly painful at first and I immediately wanted him to stop as he entered me. But, instead, my mouth opened wider to accept his kiss and I wrapped my legs around his hips and firmly helped him along. I rocked my head slowly as we made love. I remember wishing at times for him to finish quickly so we could have it over with. But other times, between moans, I called out for more of him. I heard our bodies slap in rhythm and the bed respond with its own expression of our passion. Minutes were hours and hours were minutes for me during those moments. Then he stopped and his breathing grew faster and heavier and I knew my wish was granted and was almost disappointed, especially since I didn't experience an orgasm but felt contented still. I continued to hold him with my arms and kept my legs on his hips. I gave myself to him and was his. We remained in that position for what was probably the best part of five minutes. I caressed his back and soon his breath returned to normal. "Rita, are you okay?" "Yes, I'm okay." I cooed and kissed his ear. "Did you, uh, make it, honey?" "No, darling, but my orgasm started when you first kissed me." "What time is it?" I looked at the travel clock I had on the table. "2:21," I told him. "Let's change positions." When he got off of me I turned to my left side and he lay down behind me and placed his arm around me. I held his hand by my chest. We were asleep within three ticks of the clock. At least, I was. When I woke, the clock read 6:47. Almost four-and-a-half hours went by in an instant. Alex was still behind me with arm around me. I could feel his body beside me, especially his hips leaning against mine. We hadn't budged a millimeter. My feelings about the evening before began to unreel. The realization that I'd had sex with a man with me as a woman began to sink in. The memory of the session excited me and yet still created a slight pang of guilt. Guilt for what, Rita? I asked myself. You didn't cheat on anyone and certainly didn't prostitute yourself. You and Alex are two adults, adults who know what you want and are willing to take the bold steps to get it. Most important, both of you took precautions. Right? Right, I answered. I reminded myself that though not everyone experiences the type of sex I experienced, not everyone crossdresses either. I began to feel better with myself. I wondered about the girl in the red miniskirt and if she was at that very moment with her man and if she had a luscious time as a woman as I had. I thought about the movie, Gerald, and Alex. Ah, yes, Alex. I wondered if I was in love with him. No, I wasn't. Was that because I didn't want to feel like a homosexual. No, Rita, whether you are homosexual, bisexual, transsexual, or whatever is not really relevant. What matters is what you feel about Alex. I loved him but was not in love with him. I loved him like I loved my friends but because we made love, he was closer to me than most friends. Does that make sense? Then I asked myself if I was homosexual, bisexual, or what. I thought of whether I was physically attracted to Alex. I wasn't. For that matter, I really wasn't physically attracted to any man. Then why did I enjoy having a man's erect penis inside me and have him kiss me and prefer that he kiss me gently? It made me more complete as a woman. If I want to portray myself as a woman with yearning to pass as one rather than put on a miniskirt and heels and walk in front of people saying "Hey, look, I'm a man in drag", then that means I want to convey and feel my feminine side. I have the best of both worlds though women can wear heels one moment and boots the next without someone having a second thought. So, I loved Alex but was not in love with him. So, then, what do I do now. Continue to date Alex? Or, play by ear with each day? Play it by ear, Rita. I looked at the clock. Damn, 7:15. Work starts in 45 minutes but not for me. I took the day off. You're quite foresighted, Rita. I wondered about Alex. I wanted to reach around and touch him and caress his waist and groin. I kissed his hand instead. "You awake, Rita." "Yeah, for quite awhile. And you?" "About fifteen minutes. Just been thinking about last night." "Second thoughts? Regrets?" "Naw. Why, do you? I mean, it's a little different to be the recipient than the doer, if you know what I mean" "No regrets at all, darling. Matter of fact, I wanted to reach around and touch you." "Oooo, that would give me a real hard-on." "Real one? You mean, last night's was a fake one" We laughed and he kissed the back of my neck. "Besides, what's wrong with a hard on?" With that I reached around and touched his waist and reached down his groin until I touched his penis. He was right, it began to grow almost instantly. He began to kiss my neck, shoulders, and ear. I closed my eyes and savored his kisses while his cock grew in my hand. His breath quickened as did mine. I reached for a condom again and lubricated myself. I wondered what genuine rear entry would feel like and gasped as he entered me, he felt larger. I moved my hips to meet his penetration. I closed my eyes and kissed his hand and told him "Love me, Alex, love me good." I wanted him to be gentle but I also wanted him to be deliberate and decisive. He was. I kept my eyes closed, rocking my head slowly and he placed his cheek beside my ear. His hard breathing affected me and my moans became more audible. For the first time he whispered in my ear. "What do you feel, honey" "I feel you, darling. I feel you moving inside me." Then I verbally expressed the feeling of his manliness. "You feel tight, so tight. And warm, so warm," he told me. I reached down and grasped my erection and began to masterbate. Then decided to wait for Alex. "Tell me when you're close, darling so we can make it" After that he pumped faster and longer. I think I could have achieved orgasm at that moment without masterbating. It seemed more so when I raised my leg. But, I waited and when he told me he was close, I started to masterbate. He caressed my thigh and stopped with a final lunge. His breathing told me he was ejaculating. In a few seconds so was I. I'd heard having anal intercourse can cause the receiver to experience enormous ejaculation. That's true, so true. There was a knock on the door. I looked up at the clock as the maid opened the door. "Maid coming," she said. "Anyone here?" It was 10:22! "Uh, yes, someone's here." I yelled in a most unfeminine voice. "Alex, Alex, wake up, it's past ten!" I pushed at him as the maid apologized and closed the door. "What? Passed ten! I'm late." He jumped out of bed and was quickly putting on his boots and pants. He looked at me. "Aren't you going to get...Oh, wow." He was looking at my face. I knew the makeup was likely messed up but his voice indicated it was much worse than that. "What?" "Uh, your face. It's red on your right, no left, side." I jumped out and ran to the bathroom. He was right, the left side of my face was red. Only slightly though, not as bad as Alex made it seem. "I think it's from my beard. Sorry" "That's alright. I'm not going to work today anyway. But you are, I see." "I thought about taking the day off but couldn't. Too much to do and a couple of guys are at training." Alex got up and gave me quick kiss while he put on his coat. "Rita, I. . " I put my hand on his lips. We'd said enough in many ways and he knew what I meant. "Okay, talk to you later." He opened the door and walked out. "The lady will be out soon," I heard him tell the maid. No, Alex, I wanted to shower and dress in male clothing, going home as a man was preferable in daylight. I shrugged and in fifteen minutes I was dressed and had the car loaded with my camera and suitcase. As I closed the door, I saw two maids exit from the next suite. One I recognized as the maid with the wake-up call and the other one, to my astonishment, was a former apartment neighbor of mine from four years passed. They looked and seemed to giggle as I walked to my car. My car's paintjob was four years old so I felt assured she didn't recognize me. My makeup repair job was better than I thought. I got home without further incident. My thoughts since that evening have been mixed. Some guilt returns but I was prepared for anything that evening so the guilt is minimal. Actually, the thoughts of the date during that following day were quite acute but as each day passes the thoughts are pushed aside as I return to a normal routine with acceptance of my feelings. Alex hasn't called and neither have I called him. I think he probably feels a need for some time to himself to absorb feelings and emotions. I have. END