A faux pas that turned out ok

[sherri]

PART I:
I had to drive into the city for a late meeting yesterday. Afterwards, I decided to drop by the club. I had my Sherri bag with me, but where to change? Hmmm. The club is in a quiet part of town and has a small parking lot off to the side, so what the heck, I'll just park there and change in the car, right?

And so I did. Used the vanity mirror for my makeup, changed clothes while keeping a sharp lookout. Thursdays are slow nights there, so no traffic. Put on my jewelry, nails, wig. All this takes at least 20 minutes, maybe more. When I'm done, I step out of the car to check my reflection in the car window. Adjust my stockings, smooth my skirt, fluff my hair. Then I put my bag and street clothes in the trunk.

I get my purse and as I'm locking the car door, I hear someone approaching. It's David, the club owner, asking if everything is alright. I say yes and ask him why. He said he'd been watching me, couldn't figure out what was going on, thought he'd check. What do you mean "watching me", I ask, and he points to a surveillance camera mounted on the building, aimed right at me.

I could have died right then and there! But David just laughed; in fact, he mooned the camera himself! then escorted me into the club. As we walked in, David called out to the half-dozen people at the bar, "Gentlemen, I present ... Sherri!" Turns out they'd all been watching on the camera monitor mounted above the cash register. Much laughter all round as I blulshed right down to my toes. I gave them all a big curtsey, to more laughter.

I took a seat at the bar and ordered a drink. Shorty the bartender pointed out my car, center stage on the monitor, and demonstrated the camera zoom. I turned to the guys at the bar and said, "Well, if I'd known I had an audience, I would have at least tried to be a bit more theatrical." I thought they were going to fall off their barstools laughing.

[sherri]

PART II:
Eventually things quieted down and converstations resumed. I had taken a seat a little way apart from the others, as is my habit. Sometime later, David, who was sitting with the others, caught my eye, motioned to me and asked if I had a minute. I walked over and he introduced me to a couple of the guys. "I was just telling them," he said, "that you're alright. Pretty cool, in fact." I thanked him for his graciousness and the four of us exchanged pleasantries for a few moments.

I mentioned this forum to them, telling them how we discuss gay and gender issues, adding that it is important to us crossdressers to make friends in the gay community. I acknowledged that in the 18 months I'd been coming to the club, the staff and clientele had seen me effectively "learn" how to dress, had seen me make innumerable mistakes (tonight's parking lot episode being another one) and thanked David for his occasional suggestions. The guys made pleasant comments and David joked, "Honey, you're not crossdressing — you've crossed over!" and then he added,
"You know, we're all just people. We don't need a bunch of labels. Everyone is queer in one way or another. Some guys won't take you seriously unless you go for the drag queen look, but I understand where you're coming from. You're cool."

David left soon after that and it was apparent that he had been the glue that had held our little tete-a-tete together. In a few minutes my two new acquaintances left, but I had a long and pleasant conversation with Shorty. I left about 11:00, telling Shorty I'd see him again Saturday night.

[sherri]

PART III:
Bolstered by the "progress" of the evening, on a whim I went into the gay/lesbian bar across the street. Standing at the bar waiting for my beer, I felt someone put his hand on my back and turned to see that two gay guys I know from the club, Steve and Sal, were there. Steve gave me a big hug and over his shoulder I saw another guy sitting with them, whom I'd never met, motioning for me to join them. So I did. Still another guy from the club came in and joined us. We all talked and I began to relax. Sal is very gay and knows I'm not, but he was caressing my stockinged thigh as we all talked. I liked that, hussy that I am.

By midnight I was bushed and began to say my goodbyes. Guy #3, who was nice looking but a little drunk, asked if I would kiss him goodnight. So I did, affectionately but demurely. As I was going out the door, I glanced back and saw Sal and guy #3 making out big time.

C'est la vie say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell.

[Wendy me]

omg that was too mutch girlfreind you rock..................................

[Sweet Susan]

Sherri, I loved your story. It was so well told and enjoyable to read. I have a question. Your name is Sherribicd. Does that mean you are bi?

So many of us, myself included, claim to be hetero, and I'm sure we either are what we claim, we sincerely believe it. While I do claim to be hetero, I've had many homo experiences throughout my life; some of which were okay with me, others which were out of my direct control, which I guess could default me from actually being hetero.

Get to the point.

My point is that when we are in a situation such as what Sherri described, it is always possible that we might find ourselves willing or susceptible to fall into something that we might otherwise have thought not possible. We might even like it.

[Krissi]

Oooh sounds like someone had a good time. Isn't it funny how something embarrassing like that right off the bat can loosen you and and let you have a little more fun than normal. Keep an eye on that cute one ;)

[DonnaT]

Thanks Sherri, made my day.

It sounds like the guys from the first bar also were at the second bar, but acted different towards you in the second. Did I get that right? If I did, I wonder why they did?

[Fallen Angel]

thats great i was hopeing that something good would happen for you congrats!!! you finely made it!! youve been socialy accepted and what a way to do it thats flare! cudoos!! i know that youve had some bad experiances and you been hurt but now for you is all smooth road ahead my heart is full of joy for you. now when you step out the door its al smiles luv xx

[Tristen Cox]

Very well written, good story! Sounds to me like lots of fun, and wonderful that you held your ground and didn't get too embaressed :o Thanks for taking the time to share that with us.


*hugs*
Tristen

[Sharon]

Way to go Sherri! It sounds like you had a wonderful time.
Love,
Sharon

[Bonnie-OR]

Sherri, you are such a lucky girl. First, that the camara was being viewed by people that won't take advantage of it. Second, you are able to get out and about and fit in. You really seem to be having a great time, and making such giant strides. I'm so happy for you;) Now, what are the chances we can get a copy of the security tape????? Huggs, Bonnie

[ChristineRenee]

That was some story Sherri. I'd say you handled that clothes changing faux pas with a measure of class and aplomb. Thanks for sharing it with us.


Luv,
Christine Renee

[Holly]

Sherri, the only question now is what will you do for an encore?;)

[sherri]

Thank all of you for being sweet enough NOT to tell me how stupid I was not to notice the camera! You better believe I studied that monitor very closely so if I ever have to change in the parking lot again, I'll know where to park — and where not to!

What I wouldn't give to be able to have a night out with y'all ...

Wendy: back atcha girl!

Susan: I've been a practicing hetero all my life, but when I started dressing I also allowed myself to open up to the fact that I have some bi "urges", and I am willing to act on them when the right person comes along. (BTW, the difference between bi and gay would make an interesting thread.) One aspect of my bi-ness is the wish to be the girl in an interlude or relationship.

JJ: it is important to be able to laugh at ourselves!

Donna: no, Steve and Sal had not been at the club earlier. I've had drinks and conversations with them probably a half dozen times. Sometimes they fraternize with me, sometimes they don't.

Angel: you are one of the sweetest people I know. I am just crazy about you! One thing I've learned from you and Donna and others is that I have to do my part to make friends, and make myself be a little more outgoing. I've always been afraid of rejection, so it's hard.

And I think it's important not to make too much of last night. It's definitely a step in the right direction, but I'm not kidding myself that the sea has suddenly parted for me. But if I can just make a friend here and there, maybe things will work out. Love you.

Tristen: yeah, it was touch and go there for a minute, believe me! Deer in the headlights kind of thing.

Sharon: thank you sugar.

Bonnie: don't even think about it! :eek:

Christine: believe me, I felt more like Lucille Ball than Lana Turner!

Holly: well, I guess I could get up on the stage and take it all back off! :p DJ, a little bump and grind music, if you please ...

[Fallen Angel]

all i want for you is that the red velvet ropes part and champian falls from the sky you deserve it luv and xxx

[Sweet Susan]

Sherri, thanks for answering my question. I agree with your thoughts on bi, and I often wonder about that very thing.

[Bonnie-OR]

NOT STUPID, just pre-occipied. Sherri, like Fallen Angel, I wish only the best for you. You really are a sweet girl, and I know in time, you will get to where you want, and need to be. I did finally get time to read your journal, and left a short comment. Hope to see lots more from you here, Bonnie

[Julie]

Well, well Sherri has been on Candid Camera. :)

Excellent story Sherri and it has lifted my spirits reading it after such a heavy meeting, thank you.

JJ

[sherri]

Thank you so much for that sentiment, Bonnie. I hope you know how much that means to me, and that I care about you, too.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxo
Sherri

[wilma]

Sounds like you have found a wonderful place to be yourself and have fun. Your very lucky to have the friends you have. LOL Wilma

[racquel]

Great story Sherri glad you had a good time.Will you be going back to the second bar again?

[sherri]

You know Racquel, I just might! :o


Wilma, you're not very far away, ya know.


Julie, are you okay hon?

[Holly]

Sheri,


With that wicked sense of humor and that sweet, free spirit of yours, you will reach whatever goal you set for yourself. Gotta love her!