The Maid
Saturday came and went, Sunday along with it. I spent most of the time sitting in my new apartment and remembering the opera. I went out for a walk and looked for a music store. I found a recording of Carmen and bought it. I played it constantly for the entire remainder of the weekend. I loved the music, the story and of course the opera. I couldn't wait to see another.
The workweek came, and work still excited me because of its newness. I sensed that I would soon become bored with it, however. It was a bit tedious and repetitive. Mr. Barnett came by to see me on Wednesday and asked if I could receive him on Saturday for lunch? Of course, I told him I would be delighted, and we set the date.
I didn't know what to serve him, so I went to Clara for advice. She looked at me funny and said, "you are serving lunch?"
"That's what he said," I told her
"Usually I see him eating salad at lunch, nothing heavy," she said.
"Then salad it will be. Thank you for your help."
Then we talked about some spreadsheets she wanted to go over and I went back to my office and prepared them. She arrived about 30 minutes later and we reviewed the work. I made a few suggestions that she quickly rejected as amateurish. She left, and I went back to my current project. Planning lunch for Saturday.
Clara returned about a half hour later and said, "I have been thinking about what you suggested for an alteration to the cost saving analysis."
"Did you change your mind?" I replied.
"Maybe. I want you to do a full work up the way you showed the segment to me and then I will see if it fits with the other work. It's a good idea Rachael and we need to see if it can be integrated into the business analysis."
"Thank you and I will start on it right away."
She left, and I went back to my daydream about lunch while my fingers danced on the keyboard and re-assembled the spreadsheets.
Saturday morning, I was a wreck. I made a tossed green salad and grilled some chicken strips to put in the salad. I didn't like a lot of salad dressing, so I got some oil and vinegar out and set it on the table. The salad would be naked until served.
I dressed in a skirt and blouse, nothing fancy or too revealing. Pumps and panty hose completed the ensemble. I didn't know what he expected, and I didn't want to spoil his day by being dressed wrong.
Mr. Barnett arrived promptly at noon, dressed the same way he conducts business. He wore a very nice suit, silk tie, shined shoes and a big smile for me.
"Welcome," I said as I gave him a big hug and took his hand and led him into the living room.
"I like what you have done with the place."
He carried a garment bag and I said, "Do you want me to take that and hang it up?"
"I think I would rather just change first if that's okay with you?" he said.
"This way to the bedroom," I said as I pointed down the hallway.
He disappeared, and I went about opening a bottle of wine and pouring it into a decanter. The salad went on the table, the wine glasses and plates set so I guess I was as ready as I was going to get.
When he re-appeared I almost fainted.
"How do you like it?" he said as he turned around to show me the entire outfit.
"It's beautiful," I replied.
I did not know what to say. He appeared dressed in a maid's uniform, black short dress, apron, white cap, black stockings, high heels and a short blonde wig. Then I remembered what Madame said about him being a closet queen.
"I need some help with my makeup. I am not very good at applying it."
"I would be glad to help with that. Would you like to eat first?"
I wanted to start laughing because he looked so out of place, but I realized that this is why he wanted Madame, and now me, to entertain him. He wanted to dress in drag and be with someone. I wondered if he knew I changed my plumbing since Madame's.
"May I serve the salad," he said.
"Absolutely," I replied.
He pulled back a chair and indicated I should sit. Then he poured the wine and dished the salad onto the plates.
"Would Madame prefer to dine alone, or would you like me to join you?"
"I would be delighted if you would sit with me," I replied.
We both sat and ate our salads.
"What should I call you?"
"I like to be called Devona. Thank you for asking Ms. Rachael."
We finished lunch and he began to clear the table. I took my wine glass and moved to the couch in the living room while he did the dishes. I watched him through the doorway and wondered how to drive this meeting and get where he wanted to go. Not knowing where that was, seemed to make it a challenge.