Julian Falls in Love Ch. 03

After Lucy had put on her make-up, we both stepped out with our clutch handbags to make the short journey to the pub. We sat down at a spare table, having ordered drinks. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere made me feel better and began to chat freely with Lucy. Very quickly we were joined by a girl who obviously knew Lucy. "This is Cassie," said Lucy by way of introduction. "Cassie, this is my friend Emma."

"Pleased to meet you, Emma," said Cassie. She was a good-looking girl about my age with her black hair tied in a pretty ponytail. It turned out she was a student of interior design at university. As the three of us talked, there wasn't the slightest hint that Cassie was aware of my true identity. We got on like a house on fire. We talked about the things girls generally talk about together, which men like to write off as pointless trivia. I joined in easily and realised I was really beginning to think like a girl, which I found very pleasing.

Without the slightest hesitation, I even accompanied Cassie to the ladies', where I continued my conversation with her seated on the toilet, while she was in the next stall.

We had such a nice evening I didn't notice the passing of time and realised I had missed the last bus home. Lucy said I could spend the night at her place, sleeping on the sofa. "Don't get any funny ideas about visiting my bedroom during the night," she joked. "I have a terrific right hook."

I spent the whole weekend getting more coaching from Lucy and going to the Rendezvous. We became firm friends. As I left her on Sunday evening, I hugged her and thanked her for everything. I now felt much more secure as a girl. "That's all right, darling," she said. "Have a lovely time in Scotland with Lawrence."

I couldn't wait.