Caught between a rock and a high heel 14

The next day at work was thankfully devoid of much excitement, allowing Kieron to go about his tasks relatively stress-free. Dressed in a fashionable skirt suit gifted to him by Ruth Lamont, he blended in effortlessly without attracting undue attention. However, just as he was about to leave for the day, he received an email inviting him to a meeting with Tom Watkins.

Arriving promptly at the designated time, Kieron entered Mr Watkins' outer office, anticipating a casual conversation with Gina. But, to his surprise, he instead found Tom Watkins leaning against her desk, typing away on his phone.

"Kiera!" Tom exclaimed with a grin, his voice echoing with authority as he gazed upwards. "It's delightful to see you! You'll have to forgive me for cancelling our appointment yesterday, for I was besieged by a pressing matter that could not be ignored!"

"Oh," Kieron replied, taken aback by the unexpected display of excitement. “It’s no problem, Sir.”

"It's Tom, just to remind you," Tom interjected, deftly slipping his phone into his pocket. "In any case, I wished to have a word with you before you head home for the evening. Shall we take a stroll while we chat?"

"Oh!" Kieron exclaimed, casting a glance at his towering wedge heels. The prospect of a late evening walk along the dreary winter streets outside was far from appealing. "Walking and talking sounds great," the young Irish man added, forcing a smile.

"Marvellous," Tom cried, taking long strides across the room. He linked arms with Kieron, quickly guiding him out of the building. "We shall simply take a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood," he informed Kieron, noticing his apprehensive expression, and chuckling softly, seeing the skirted man struggling to keep pace with his confident gait.

Upon exiting the building, the crisp winter air instantly assaulted Kieron's nylon-covered legs, causing a chill to run down his spine. Unfazed by Kieron's discomfort, Tom made an observation about how much he relished this time of the year before setting forth up the road.

"I have recently perused your article on the salon visit," Tom stated as he walked alongside Kieron. "Your unique perspective is truly remarkable and not one that many people would consider. I was particularly fond of the manner in which you depicted the anticipation of the unknown and the gradual yet intriguing process of observing the transformation unfold before you."

"Oh my gosh, thank you so much," Kieron gushed, still playing up to his ditzy persona as he tottered along on his aching feet, feeling discomfort with every step. "I was, like, totally unsure about what to write, so I just told the truth and, like, shared my feelings, you know?"

"Well, you have accomplished a remarkable feat, my dear," Tom exclaimed with eagerness in his voice. "Your review has been up for barely 24 hours, and it is already one of our most popular pieces this month. Furthermore, I can only imagine how liberating it must feel to no longer have to don that wig each morning. I am certain having to wear it each day was a cumbersome experience, and you look infinitely more beautiful without it."

“You… you knew?” Kieron stammered as he brought his heavy feet to a halt, astounded by what tom had just said.

(See image 27)

"It was quite convincing, I must admit," Tom explained, glancing back at the bewildered Kieron. "However, I clocked it during our first meeting when you tilted your head and slipped forward. But fret not, my dear, there is no need for embarrassment. It is of little concern to me."

In a state of shock, and with his mind racing with the thought of what other secrets Tom may be privy to, Kieron stood frozen to the spot, trembling. Noticing this, Tom approached him and gently spoke, "Are you cold, darling? I do apologize for not anticipating the chill in the air this evening. Let us return inside, but before we do, I have a proposal for you. I have an extra ticket to a theatre performance tonight, and I would be honoured if you would accompany me. I suggest we meet at seven-thirty. I shall have a car sent over to collect you. You should have ample time to return home and slip into one of those gorgeous dresses Ruth has so generously gifted you."

"The theatre?" Kieron cried out, taken aback. "As in, a date?"

"Think of it as a work outing," Tom quickly interjected, trying to dispel any apprehension. "Kiera, I implore you," Tom added, his eyes alight with anticipation. "Join me for what promises to be a delightful evening. It will be a purely professional affair, I assure you."

Before Kieron could protest or think of a plausible excuse as to why he couldn't attend, Tom leaned over and linked arms with the shell-shocked young man to guide him back towards the office. "And, of course, I look forward to reading about your sartorial choices in a report tomorrow evening. Your thoughts and experiences, dressed to the nines for a night on the town, will make for a truly captivating piece."

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As he stepped out of the luxurious car Tom Watkins had arranged to escort him to the theatre, Kieron gingerly placed one high-heeled foot on the curb, the familiar clack of his shoes echoing in the still night air. Struggling with the billowing skirt of his dress, selected with the help of Becca, Kieron awkwardly made his way out of the back seat, conscious of the chauffeur's amused gaze as he held open the door.

With his flowing skirt rustling and rubbing about his pantyhosed-clad thighs, Kieron poised himself on the curb and thanked the driver before mincing towards the entrance. The latest pair of high heels caused an uncomfortable pinch in his toes, but Kieron soldiered on, keeping his coat wrapped tightly around the silky bodice of his dress to protect himself not only from the cold but from the gawking eyes of onlookers who had turned to see the arrival of the sophisticated vehicle.

Upon entering the building, a daunting staircase blocked his path as a wave of doubt washed over the tired young man. He was tempted to turn back, but with Becca's voice ringing in his ears, telling him that he had no choice but to do this, the skirted man conjured up all his courage, placed one high-heeled foot in front of the other and began to ascend the intimidating staircase.

With his coat checked into a cloakroom, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable, Kieron scanned the room for Tom Watkins. And It didn't take long for him to spot the sharp-suited man on the other side of the foyer, holding a single red rose. Suddenly, Tom's head began to turn in Kieron's direction, sending alarm bells ringing throughout the young man's brain. Instinct took over, and in a blur, quicker than he thought possible in his towering heels, Kieron was already halfway down the stairs, dialling Becca.

(See image 28)

"I can't do this!" Kieron cried into the phone as Becca answered. "I don't care about the consequences. I'm coming home! He has a rose, for Christ's sake!" He cried, clomping down the steps in his noisy footwear, the racket echoing throughout the room.

Becca was livid, and the situation was about to worsen as the flustered, crossdressed man tottered outside into the chilly night air, only to realise that he had left his coat in the cloakroom! The ten-minute wait for a taxi, standing by the curb, shivering in his fancy attire, would not be fun. Although the distress it would cause would pale in comparison to the scolding he would receive from Becca as he teetered in through the apartment door, freezing, starved, and drained of energy!