glances in my direction and I knew he really liked what he saw. Frankly, I liked the gleam in his eye and unconsciously displayed a little more nylon than I should have.
About ten o'clock Larry suggested we all go for an ice cream soda. Mrs. Thomas declined and Carol pleaded a headache, but before I could decline she suggested Larry and I go out together. I looked at her with panic in my eyes and could have killed her then and there, but Larry thought it was a great idea, so I went back to the apartment to pick up my bag and topper, and with Larry holding my arm we walked down the street to a nearby ice cream store. I was actually on my first date! It kept going through my mind and I couldn't believe it was really me. But when we sat down and ordered I looked around the room to see if anyone, especially other girls noticed how handsome Larry was, and I was happy I had come. After the ice cream he suggested we take a walk and as we did he told me about his business and what he was doing in town. I acted as lady like as possible and made a very good listener. When we returned to the apartment building he took me to the door and while I was think- ing of ways to ward him off he took my hand and thank- ed me for a wonderful evening and asked if he could call me. I'm afraid I blushed just then and, stutter- ing somewhat, told him yes, and thanked him for a wonderful time. In the apartment I found Carol up waiting for me and told her of our date. She said I had done quite well and suggested I accept his next invitation if it came, as this type of training was good for me if I expected to continue living as Janet. The next afternoon Larry called and asked me out to dinner and theatre that night. I accepted and spent the after- noon in preparation. I wore one of Carol's best dress- es, a lovely cocktail dress in black, with an illusion top and short sleeves, tight black sequin bodice and bouffant skirt with yards and-yards of tulle. I wore my black patent pumps and Carol loaned me her pen- dant which had one large black pearl set in it, and her black pearl earrings. Her stole and evening bag completed the ensemble and I knew the trouble I had taken in preparation was worth it when I saw Larry's expression. His eyes opened wide and he just shook his head and said "Wow".
27.