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Dinner for Two in Portland |
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I had arranged to meet my friend Teri for dinner on my next trip up to Portland. I called a few days beforehand to check that she was still able to get away on a week-day evening. She was. She had also chosen a place for us to eat, an Irish Pub/Restaurant in honour of St. Paddy's Day. It promised to be a good night out.
Originally, we were just going to meet at the bar. So not knowing Portland that well, I had printed out directions from Yahoo maps, and was prrepared to use that to find my way there. However, before I left my hotel, Teri called and suggested we meet at her place and drive into the downtown area together, as she knew her way around.  That was fine, except that I had to get another set of directions, and it was clear that Teri's house was a little further out than I had expected. The only reason this was a problem was that I get very nervous driving en femme. My mind tends to focus on "what if..." What if I lock myself out of the car? What if I have a flat tyre? What if I break down? What, heaven forbid, if I should have an accident? However, the prospect of a wonderful night out has always managed to overcome the fear of the unplanned. None the less, I made sure I had a full set of male clothes and shoes in the boot, as well as some handi-wipes and make-up remover... just in case.
Needless to say, I made it to Teri's place with no difficulties, despite the heavy rain. Given that it was Portland, I had the foresight to pack my long raincoat, yet I somehow managed to forget to pack an umbrella, duh! Teri was ready when I arrived, and since I'd never been to her place before, she gave me a quick tour. Her place was just as I'd expected, bright, clean and very tastefully decorated. And best of all, she has the place to herself. So there was nothing to hide. She even had some TG related books on her coffee table! Then it ws time to leave. We set off for diner in Teri's car. I was glad she was driving as it meant we didn't get lost on the way. We even got a very convenient parking spot on the street when we arrived. It was interesting getting out of the car and making a dash for the restaurant while wearing heels. I tried to accomplish this in as lady-like a manner as possible. But I think my desire to stay dry got the better of me and had there been any onlookers, they may have suspected there was something amiss. Then, as we stood in the doorway, the familiar nerves gripped me, and suddenly I didn't feel hungry any longer. I'd been ravenous just moments before, but the prospect of going into a restaurant where there were likely to be people, killed my appetite. Fortunately Teri was much bolder than me, and she barely paused before entering. It was actually quite empty inside, probably on account of the weather, and for better or worse, we had the undivided attention of the three, especially pretty waitresses. (Now there's something to deal your fragile ego a stiff blow!) The waitresses couldn't have been more courteous and professional. I know they knew right away I was TG (Teri is much more passible) but they treated us as two ladies, saying "Madame" this and "Madame" that. It was a new experience for me, and one I greatly enjoyed. Teri was an inspiration for me. She acted very much at ease, and I just follwed her lead. It didn't take long for my appetite to return, especially as there were such delicious, choices on the menu. When the food arrived, I had another "learning experince", having to be aware of where my hair was. I love having my longer hair, but it can get in the way, and I seemed to be constantly trying to push it back behind my ears. On previous occasions, I've had shorter hair and didn't encounter the same problem. It was a wonderful meal, and Teri and I chatted the whole time. I'd asked her for comments on anything I was doing wrong and the one she called me on was one I would never have thought about. But the habit is so ingrained, I found it very difficult to catch myself. When we were talking inevitably the subject of spouses would come up. I kept saying "my Wife", and Teri would quickly point out that incase we could be overheard, I should use the non-gender specific term "my Spouse". Certainly it would be strange for a woman to be talking about her wife. A small point, to be sure, but a good example of the myrid details we need to be aware of. After dinner (both of us skipped desert to help maintain our girlish figures!) we went back to Teri's house where we continued our conversation. Teri made tea and we just sat and chatted about things, some TG related and others completely unrelated. I felt very comfortable being myself (Jenn) around Teri, and as we sat there, talking openly in her livingroom, I imagined this must truely be what it's like as a woman. This feeling struck a chord deep inside me, and I knew this was a core part of me that I would never be able to leave behind. |
