Dr. Eruca?

Yes Liz.  Come right in. 

This doesn't look like a regular Dr's office.

I'm a psychiatrist, which is a psychologist with a medical degree.

I'm not crazy, just under a lot of stress.

That's what I'm going to help you sort out.  Would you be comfortable
in here?

This is very nice.

Where would you be most comfortable?

I'd better take this chair, or I'll probably fall asleep.

That's fine.  Now tell me about yourself. . . .

. . . a convention out here . . . and I'm a better salesperson than
they are . . . this club named ProperPH, so I said "sure" . . . sure I
can dance, I'm good at it, but I didn't want to be the one to bail
everyone out again . . .  there was no alternative . . . this outfit?
I can't be seen dancing in this. . . .  like a dream, here I was
dancing with the most beautiful woman, more graceful than any man I've
danced with  . . .  I kissed her, I kissed her with everything I had,
and I drove her off the stage. 

Go on. Why are you stopping there? 

That is all I remember on my own.  People who were there told the rest
to me.

So you think it was the alcohol which is blocking your memory of what
happened next.

I had a lot.  I passed out.

Yes I know.

Of course you do.

Have you ever drunk so much to cause you to go unconscious before?

Not that I recall.  I'm usually pretty much in control.

Usually?

Well all the time.  That is why I am good at whatever I do.

I see.  Well, what did people tell you happened right after the kiss.

My co-workers approached the stage and talked to me. 

What did they say?

I don't remember.

Here's a tissue.  What did you do then?

I started to, to . . .

It's okay, you can take your time with it.

I'm okay.  I started to remove the costume in a provocative fashion.

Have you ever danced like that before, for anyone?

I've seen it in clubs going out with sales prospects, but no not me.

It seems it would be helpful to know what your co-workers said to you
right before you changed the routine.

Yes Ma'am.

Have you ever had an assisted recall session using hypnosis?

No Ma'am.

Would you like to try to see if we can learn what they said, or not.

I'd like to try.

Okay, lets start by sitting as comfortably as you can in that chair.
Each time you shift, you will find a deeper more relaxing . . .  . . .
okay now the kiss.  Now tell exactly what happens as your co-workers
approach the stage.

They are laughing and hooting and commenting on my body. 

One of them says something, which causes you to dance in a provocative
manner, who was that and what did he say?

Larry.  He says that maybe the woman left the stage because I'm not
dancing sexy enough.  Maybe I should take something off for starters
and see if that brings her back.  Maybe I should dance the most
seductive dance I know how to see if that is good enough to bring her
back.  Maybe I should take everything off to bring her back.  The
shoes, put on the shoes.  She'll like you better in the shoes.  Come
here, give me some of that pussy.  Let's make her really jealous.  Get
closer.  I'm squatting, I'm squatting, this is all the closer I can
get.  Here rub it on my head for good luck.  Look for me, is she
coming back, is she coming . . .  This has to stop now, Maggie says.
I have to go with her now.  I'm sorry I wasn't good enough.

You were good enough and you are good enough.  I'm going to bring you
back to today, so we can talk about it . . . and you will remember
what happened to the extent that we can talk about it. . . . I'm going
to . . . two, one you can open your eyes.

Did I do it right?

You were a perfect subject.  I know half of the story, which will go a
long way to clearing things up for you.  If there is anyway you can
stay in town long enough to see me again, I think we can discover the
other half.

What's the part that you know?

The mind works in peculiar ways sometimes.  Your co-worker Larry
surfed a lucky ride, from his perspective, on a brain wave so to
speak.  The alcohol numbed your sense of inhibition, telling the mind
to stop being so protective, or you might not have been able to go out
on that stage at all.  The kiss was an uninhibited response to passion
you were feeling toward Crystal who represented something or someone
to you.  That's the half we don't know yet.  Your friend Larry . . .

He's not my friend.

Co-worker, I'm sorry, I misspoke.  Co-worker Larry approached the
stage with the others when you kissed a woman, to egg you on with her
some more.  He wanted her back on stage as much as you did, so he
pushed a button, one I think he pushes a lot, having to do with
competence.  He told you that you weren't being sexy enough to keep
her out on the stage out of his frustration that she had left.
Without your mind clear to tell you that it was Larry egging you on as
normal, you followed his suggestion to the letter.  When he discovered
he had that kind of control at that moment, he rode the wave until
Maggie rescued you from even further embarrassment.  Does that fit
your recollection of things last night? . . . Liz . . . Liz . . .

I'm sorry.  Yes, yes, I think that is exactly right.  I have to take
responsibility for putting myself in that situation, but I'll never
trust that Larry again.  What am I saying?  I'll never see that piece
of shit in this life again.  I'm sorry.  Forgive me for using that
kind of language.  You have been very helpful.

Aside from the language, I think we're on the right track.  So what
are your immediate plans as you leave my office?

I need to call my boss and give my immediate notice.  I'm living here
for awhile.  I need a break from Minnesota.

As long as it is a break, okay.  Chances are, the other half of the
story is back there.  So, do you have a place to stay?

I've got to get some things at a hotel.  Maybe if it is not too
expensive, I could book another couple of nights.

How are you going to get there?

Sylvia said, that if she wasn't back here when we finished that I
should call here on her portable phone.

And employment?

Let's just say I'm good, I'm available, and I'm motivated.  Now, what
employer can resist that combination, right?

Then leave now with my blessings.

Thank you Doctor.

Good luck with each of those things, and call me when you want to
explore the rest of the story.

I'm going to check out front now, thank you again. . . .  Hi everyone.

All done for the day?

Yes.  I'm very glad you arranged this.

Good, I'll just go in and thank the kind doctor and will be right back
out.

Doesn't this sun feel nice?

It is just the right kind of day for a new beginning.

Sounds like your session went well.

We think I am halfway there.  We took care of last night during the
session today, and if I can make it back, we'll dig up what was behind
it in the first place.

I keep hearing good things about Dr. Eruca.

I think she is good, really good.

Everybody ready? . . . Let's go.

Liz says that she and the doctor settled matters about last night and
will be working on the underlying reasons for it.

That means you probably learned what those associates of yours said to
set you off.

Well, yes.  It's all tied into what Crystal represented to me at that
point.  With the booze, and my focus on Crystal, my normal guard and
defenses were disabled, and the cads from the office stumbled into an
opportunity to have their way with my mind. . . . I can tell you
though, that will never, ever, happen again.

Sounds like you've got your mind back.

I feel that way.  Dr. Eruca feels it would be necessary to explore
issues around Crystal and what she represents to me, to understand the
whole story.

Makes sense. . . . So what are you going to do now?

If you would be kind enough to drop me by the hotel, I'll try to book
my room there for another couple of days while I look around for
employment in this town.  Oh, and of course, I'll face the music with
Mr. Griggs and see to it that any loose ends are tied up on that score
for you.  I really can't thank you enough for everything you've done
for me, and I'm saying that with a clear head and warm heart.

Sounds like I am listening to the real Liz.  I like your style woman.

Thank you.

Why don't you be our guest for those couple of days.  Maybe we can
even get you a leg up on that employment thing.

That is very generous, but I wouldn't want to put you out in anyway.
You already have done so much for me.

Nonsense, we won't have it any other way, right Maggie?

Right. . . .

Is this the place?

This is it.  You can walk to the convention center from here.  I'm
pretty sure you could park right over there, without any problems.

Do you want us to come up and help with anything?

No, I can manage, unless you want to check out what the rooms are
like.

Seen more hotel rooms in my day than I care to mention.  We'll hang
out around the lobby.

Okay, it won't take me long.

So Maggie, what do you think about that transformation?

Well, we really only met her at her worst.  This is definitely better.
 

Touché.

You know, sometimes you amaze me.  You operate your world with this
cool calculating style, but you're really just a softhearted pussycat
at the core.

Don't let any of that out, or we'll be taken advantage of from all
corners.

There are people who know the ways to skin a pussycat.

So what do you think about Liz for ProperPH?

She's got the looks, talent, and gumption, but I think it is best to
get the rest of the story.

Exactly. . . . Well, that wasn't long.

I just need to drop this off for rapid check out.  Care to walk with
me to the convention center?  I can get you in.

You can never have too many appliances for your home, I always say.

Yeah, right.

. . . and these are my guests. . . .  Here, you'll need to wear these
badges. 

I'm a sales representative.  All right!

Our booth is most of the way down this aisle on the right.  Maybe we
can walk down to within eyeshot of it and see if Mr. Griggs is there.
If he isn't, he might be in our meeting room.

No way!

No way, what?

There is no way the color avocado is making a comeback for kitchens
next year.  Don't buy any stock in that company.

There's the booth, but it's being packed up. . . . Excuse me, what has
happened to this booth?

The old man sent the union guys in to pack it up and send it home.

Did you overhear why?

He sounded a bit disappointed that he had nobody to man it today.

Have you seen him around lately?

Check the events office.  He'll have to pay his bill.

Thanks . . . I have a long shot at catching up with him.  Why don't
you two enjoy cruising for a bit and I'll meet you out front in half
an hour.  Would that be too much of an imposition?

Meet you there.  Good Luck.

Well, did you find him?

No,  I wrote a detailed note and had them clip the envelope to his
bill.  He'll get it one way or another.  Thank you for putting up with
all of this.

Don't mention it.  We saw some things that were kind of interesting
and a whole lot of misguided ideas that would save us all by going
straight to the landfill.  We're going to stop by the club on the way
home.  . . . Here we are.  I'm going to check in on the kitchen.  You
and Maggie can talk.

Hi Kim.  What have you got for me?

Hi Sylvia.  Janis called.  She won't be in tonight.

I figured I'd be hearing that one of these days.  Shit.  No
consideration.  You can't find a better paying, more enjoyable place
to work than at this club.  I'm sure I can guess the reason, but what
did she tell you?

She said she had something unexpected come up.

It's probably her temperature and a penis.  Don't look so shocked.
She was on the prowl for a sperm donor.  Chances are her eggs are ripe
today.  She was pretty perplexed about it all yesterday.  We'll just
have to make do without her.

Would you like me to work the front for her, or are you going to do
it.

That's a cooperative gesture Kim, and I like the idea from the
standpoint of the Foxes blending in more to the place, but after last
night, I need you even more vigilant for aftershocks.  We're not out
of the water yet on it.  I have someone who might be able to help if I
need it, but I think I'll cover it tonight, thank you though.  I'd
like you to be on the lookout for . . .

Oh here you are.  You gals having a good chat?

Sylvia, check this out.

I've been too wiped to read the paper.  Hit me with it.

The Brian Nichols' Ear To The Rail column . . .

What does that scumbag have to say?

That's not fair.  He's written good things about us all along.

That's because he has to, or his readers won't trust what he writes
when they see us for themselves.

Well, he says "ProperPH's basic fare turned acid last night, when one
of the performers turned the normally bland act into a racy lesbian,
head humping orgy.  They must be going for a new clientele.  No
advanced notice was given to this change in programming, and
owner/operator Sylvia Weston was not available for comment at time of
publication.  It would appear the ethereal bubble has burst for the
trendiest club around."  Then he goes on to other gossip.

He never tried to contact me.  Hell, I don't even remember seeing him
in the club last night at all.  How could he have gotten that
information in time for their deadline?

I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for causing this.

Don't worry about it Liz.  Something like this was bound to happen.
If not lewdness, they'd slam us with something else.  It goes with
being number one.

Please let me make it up to you.  I'll do anything you ask of me.
Just name it.

I appreciate that Liz.  The only thing I need any help with tonight is
at the front.  I was planning to do that myself tonight so I could be
on the front line of any problems that may walk in the door. 

I'd be happy to help with that to free you up to be any place you are
needed.  You wouldn't even have to pay me.

Oh, don't worry about that, I'll pay you.  We have to do these things
properly or we give those that want our hides too many targets.  Well,
if you really want to help, Maggie here could orient you to things.
It's about that time anyway.  Thank you for wanting to pitch in.

Com'on Liz let's go find a hostess outfit for you.  . . . In here.
You're going to be the first impression someone has of this place.
You'll be in the basic dress code, but you also set the tone for the
customer's experience.

What can I do to really make this up to you guys?

Well, from that article, we are going to have to climb the ladder from
ordinary to mystique again.  What Nichols was referring to was an
ambience we have created here that is difficult to label.  We present
an aura of irresistible sexuality, that is so close to you, you want
to taste it, but dangles tantalizingly out of your reach.  By
exercising a certain level of decorum, the vast majority of the
customers plays along appropriately with the concept, and is satisfied
with merely inhaling our vapors without drinking from our cups.

Well, how can I help there?

We can play on those exceptional legs.  If we choose pantyhose with a
decorative seam down the back and a net pattern like this one, we'll
have everyone staring at your legs as you lead them to a table. 

I'll do it.

On top, you have lots of choices.  It is the view they will have of
your sensuous body as they approach you standing behind the podium.
Sometimes the front person sets a trend for every other server in the
place.  Sylvia was always trying to encourage Janis to explore the
possibilities.  The servers that have been here any length of time
don't like being outdone by the front person.  Otherwise, the
customer's mind stays with the hostess, and it's not as good for their
tips.  So, if you want to help make this place return to an earlier
glory, you can go with that information to decide among these things
you feel comfortable in wearing.

Well, this is a brand new place for me to be.  Everybody is a stranger
to me.  Heck I could be topless and that would still be a lot more
conservative than last night.  It's just that . . .

What's that?

It's just that I would be conscious of it.

It all depends.  You could experience it as scary, embarrassing, or
exciting.  It is all in how you look at it.  Scary is worthless to the
cause; embarrassing would have it's own appeal, at least to some; but,
exciting, that works the best in all cases.

I'll go for exciting then.  How's this?

That's definitely exciting.

Ready to try this on?  Here you ya go.

There is no panel in these.  They will see my . . .

With this scarf sash, they will only think they see it.  But try as
they might, their eyes won't be able to actually turn the corner at
the edge of the sash.  As you walk past everyone, your own excitement
about teasing them mercilessly, will charge the air with intense
sexuality.  It is quite a natural high to experience this place when
all the parts are working properly.  Now I'm sounding like Sylvia. . .
.  I don't know whether to call this a first day or not.

What do you mean?

Oh the cooks have a first day hazing for new staff they have me set up
for them.  But I can deal with them.

No, I'll cooperate in every way.  What is it?

Well, they know from experience how excited you will grow as the
evening wears on, so everybody on their first day wears this, here it
is, this.

I think I should have kept quiet.

I'm sure I can deal with them for you.

No I want to go through with it, if everyone else here has, I'll feel
more a part of things.

Suit yourself.  I do think it will foster better relations with them,
even if for only one night. . . . It goes inside.

Can you do it for me?  You know better how it goes.

Okay, spread'em. . . . And here's a little good luck kiss to start you
off.  Mmmmunh.

Oooooo,  Maggie,  Thank you.  How exquisite.

That's all you get for now.

I'm not going to be able to hold out for the whole evening. 

Everybody's counting on that for the hazing part my dear. 

I'm starting off wet, and I'll be wet all night.

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart or keep walking and you
should stay as dry as you need.  That chiffon silk bra top with the
colorful trim should do the trick.  Would you like to wear a slave
band on your arm or two for the full effect?

I'll go with one.

How about this intricate necklace?  Or you could do this in your hair
for the gypsy look.

Do you like it on me?

Frankly, you could wear anything and you'd look great in it.

You're nice to say that.

Are you sure you are comfortable wearing the chiffon bra with your
nipples showing through the material like that?

Unless you think I shouldn't.  I owe it to you to help out in any way
I can.  I will brave it to help get this place back on track.
Besides, nobody is going to know me or ever see me again.

Hey Babe, we encourage it.  We just don't require it.

Being called a babe sounds a lot better when it comes from you.

Some people like you were just born babes.  It's a burden you'll have
to bear.  Now you can use whatever makeup you want. And I'll wait for
you outside.

Maggie.  Maggie. 

Over here.  Let me see.  Stunning.

Ravishing is more like it.

Thank you Ms. Weston.

Liz, call me Sylvia, please.

I'll walk her around to meet whoever is here now.  Then I'll show her
the seating procedure and all. 

I'll be up front too by the time the first customers start rolling in.

I'm ready Sylvia.  I'll be the best hostess you've ever had.

You're already the sexiest.  I've got to hand it to you.  You have
really sprung back from the humiliation of last night.  Instead of
crawling into a hole and letting life pass you by, you've taken it
head on and are making your best effort to make things right.  I
admire that.

Thank you.  I want to make it up to you.

That's fine, now here come some early birds, probably straight from
work.

Good evening Gentlemen.  Welcome to ProperPH.  Will there be just the
four of you?

Unless we can talk you into joining us, Pretty Thing.

Are we in time for the show?

The show doesn't start for a couple of hours, but really the show is
in addition to the fine food and spirits we serve here.

You guys want to hang around to check out the lesbian stuff for a
couple of hours or should we move on.

Let's go to Willy's.  They have dancers right now.

I'm sorry Sylvia.  I've already screwed up the first group.

Not at all Liz.  You did perfectly.  They are not our regular
clienteles.  They can't even appreciate how fine you look right now.
Do you really think they would appreciate our artistic show.  Besides,
they'd probably have coronaries when they saw our prices.  Don't
worry, I'll close this place before I let it turn into the kind of
place they came here for.

What if we get mostly this kind of customer?  After all, the gossip
columnist made it sound like you had changed the show. 

It may hurt for a while but only with the locals that read the column.
People like those guys won't get the place, so they won't become
addicted to what the place has to offer.  It just takes winning the
crowd back over time.  If that column is the worst of our problems,
we're lucky.

Good evening Folks.  Have you come for our fine dining and quality
spirits?

How about a table for six please, close to the floor show.

The show doesn't start for several hours, but if you'd like to follow
me, I'll set you up with a nice one close to it.

Lady, take the long route.  I'm already enjoying the view along the
way.

You Sir, know how to make a woman feel appreciated.

Hey man, didn't I tell you this place was cool?

Will this do?

Only if you stand right there until the show starts sweetie. 

I'm sorry, but I have to spread this around, but I'll be back to make
sure you have everything you need.

Boy Sylvia, this is odd work.  You either have to switch your thinking
about dealing with these cads on the job, or go nuts.

How do you mean?

When they make piggish remarks, you make the job exciting by
considering it flattery, but to do so, you have to suspend a sense of
self that houses your dignity.  But if you do, you can play the game
successfully and have a lot of fun with it, especially here.

And why is that?

Because you are not obligated, better yet, required not to follow
through with any fantasies you throw out there as part of the game.
If you treat them as non-persons, more like tokens in the game, just
the way they are treating you, you could end up having a blast with
it.

I think you've got it.  To be skilled at the game, though, you explore
to the edges in the beginning.  That is where you need to be careful.
Fox-5 can take care of things in here, but if you play the game with
the wrong personality, let's say an obsessive or stalker type, Fox-5
can't help you out there.  You need to learn to read the other players
in the game and temper your involvement to comfortable levels to get
the most benefit to you out of being in the game.

I could learn a lot about myself here.

With the heightened awareness in this place, we all end up evolving at
a remarkable pace.  That is why I have to pay such high wages to slow
down the revolving door.  The rapid changes going on inside people
here soon convince them that they should move on to the next exciting
challenge.  They go and find the world outside of here relatively
mundane by comparison and want to come back, only it is tougher to tap
into the magic of this place once you've gone and want to come back.

Excuse me Sylvia, behind you. . . . You folks, will there just be the
two of you this evening?

Right this way please.

I wish you'd look at me the way you are looking at her.

I do.  Why don't you ever wear anything like that?

I would, but why don't you buy anything like that for me, if you'd
like me to wear if for you . . .

Here you go Ma'am.

Kim to the front please.  . . . I'm sorry Sir, but you are going to
have to leave.

Okay I'll leave, but we left Liz here last night and we haven't seen
her since.  Now, I want to know where she is.

Kim to the front, please.

Liz. 

Larry?  Oh god!

You don't have to cover those perky breasts.  You showed them to me
already.  You showed everything to everyone last night, remember.  We
got it on.  Larry Nordvig got it on with Liz the Untouchable last
night everyone.

Get out of here you Asshole.

I see you have a job already, the woman with the unstoppable body.
Well, you got me fired you cunt.  Just like that, no job, no career,
and when I get home, probably no marriage either.  What do you . . .

Step over here with me Sir, please . . .

Don't worry Liz.  He'll be gone soon.  Kim is a professional.  Don't
be embarrassed to hug, I'm not.  You've been doing fine, you'll
continue to do just fine. 

Un-n-n-nh. 

Maggie come in.

Maggie here.

Tell the cooks to knock it off.  Bad timing . . . That's it, that
hazing thing should probably go.

Sylvia, I'm so sorry for this.

Com'on, dry your eyes.  It wouldn't do you greeting our guests like
this.  Look, Kim has the oaf outside, and it is all handled.  Ut-oh.

What is it?

That's Nichols with an entourage at the door.  Perk up and I'll deal
with him.  . . .  So Brian, what brings you to ProperPH tonight?

Sylvia, my dear, don't you read the paper any more?  I'm here to see
for myself if your show is anything to write about these days.

How did you end up writing about last night in today's paper, anyway?

Trade secrets, Love. 

We haven't changed our regular show like you wrote, but we'll be happy
to seat you at the VIP table, . . . Liz table 23 please.  I hope our
show isn't too Bland for you tonight.

Right this way please.

Hummm.  It might not be so bland Darling, if you had a part in it.

Thank you Mr. Nichols, that's nice of you to say.  Please enjoy your
meal.  This is Roz.  She will be your server tonight.  If you need
anything, feel free to ask me as well.

. . . Sylvia, can I speak to you a second? . . . This is my chance to
make this all up to you.

What do you mean?

I mean, there is this routine I used to work on, just for the fun of
it, that would be different than what Mr. Nichols is used to, but
would still be in the spirit of the PorperPH Review.  It's not
ballroom dancing and it doesn't really have a place in traditional
dance except in my imagination.  I haven't been able to use it in
competition and no one has seen it except for one friend.  I'd be
willing to do it for you as a special gift.

As long as you don't remove the hose, . . .

It's sexy, and I never would have thought of doing it in public, but
no, the hose would stay on.

Sexy is what we're all about, go get'em girl.

May I be relieved of front duty?

Be gone.  I'll inform Gweneth on the intercom.

Thank you.  I can't believe what I am about to do.

Kristin, how are things going tonight?

Very well Ms. Weston.  I'm enjoying this.  It is an exciting place to
work.

Remember that if you want to switch to the dance review, I'll
encourage it.

Yes Ms. Weston.

The new person Liz is going to audition an original number she
choreographed on our stage tonight for everyone.  You might want to
keep an eye on it . . . Would you watch the front for me?  I've got to
check on some things.

Be happy to.

Gweneth.

Yes, hi   .

Ms. Weston has given me permission to try a dance number I have worked
up in the past.  Would that be okay with you?

Sure, Sylvia said it was okay, so it's okay with me.  What are you
going to need?

I'll need six dancers each in body suits and fifteen to thirty minutes
to work with them in a room.

Okay then, I'll arrange it.

Thank you. . . . 

. . . Okay ladies, first I want you to stand like spots on dice, yes
like that, two rows of three.  Now, I am going to pay attention to one
of you at a time, and when I signal you, you'll twirl off the stage
with the scarf like this and exit through one of the aisles of the
audience.  What's going to happen, is that I'll take off your top, and
dance around you for a moment.  Then I'll release the special scarf
from your waist, and you'll dance away looking surprised.  I want
everyone to look the most surprised at the first one, then surprised
mixed with annoyed with the second one, then the third one retaliates
by taking off my top, as well.  We'll do the same with three and two,
and you Crystal will be last and the most annoyed.  You'll take off my
scarf before you leave the stage and I'll close out the dance.  Let's
try it once . . .