© 1997 Derrick, M. Water Hole Custom Leather Inc. This manuscript cannot be published in any form or by any medium with out written consent from the author(s).
Michael arose early and immediately opened the box. WHAT?? Here he was thinking it was going to be some sort of tool belt, but it was much more elaborate. It was some sort of chest harness -- fine black leather that had two straps down his back. These straps came up over his shoulders and criss-crossed about his chest, clipping onto two hooks that were situated on the back of the waist harness from which the two black straps initiated. It was decorated with fine silver studs -- much like you would see on a saddle.
He was very taken aback, and yet really excited to try it on. Funny -- it fit like a glove. How curious -- how did they know? It felt so strong and tight across his chest. It looked so sleek. It smelled so wonderful. And all about the front were small places to hang various tools. All around the waist harness were even more such places, a long black leather pouch, a coiled rope, and several fasteners. He had no idea what these fasteners would be used for. What would be placed on these fasteners or what would he fasten them to? Oh, perhaps these were to connect to some sort of chain or pole when he was doing work above the ground.
Now to figure out something that matches -- shit -- what could possibly match such a thing? He had noted other men had similar belts at the ranch -- but he did not think they carried tools on their belts -- he would have to look more closely today. He did notice however, that what these men wore to match the belt were leather pants -- some more open than others -- or leather chaps. He had neither. He decided to wear his black jeans, even though he knew these were not work pants. He looked in the mirror and felt a little awkward, but also felt he looked good. He liked the feel of this very much.
He arrived promptly at 6:00 am and picked up his task list. He was to do some work in the lady's house today -- SHIT -- that made him nervous. Some tile work and window work, it seemed.
God he was nervous -- would she be there? Would she be the inspector on this day?
He parked and walked to her house. When he got there she was sipping tea on her porch with a male and one of her female assistants -- Susan was not there. The Lady regarded him.
"Good Morning Michael, and how are you on this fine day"
She was not yet dressed for work. She had on a sleek black night gown with a plunging neckline and a deep open back. It feel softly down to the floor. Over it was a sheer black robe, also softly flowing to the floor. Her hair was down and long, unlike the rather severe way she usually wore it -- back in a bun. She also seemed to have what looked like a collar - a black leather collar on her neck -- how strange. How beautiful.
The other woman, introduced as Ashley, was clad as she had been yesterday.
The man he had not seen before. He too had on a chest harness, but it was so much more elegant than Michael's. It was black and red and the leather was much thicker and sturdier. He too had a collar. It seemed to match the lady's except that it had rings on it in several places. He was quite handsome and well built. He had long slick shiny black hair. He was impeccably groomed. And he had black leather chaps on, with tight red pants underneath. One of his nipples was pierced -- and it stood hard and erect. He also has a lead attached to his collar -- how strange, Michael thought. And when he looked closer -- this beautiful red lead was in the Lady's hand.
Michael felt a strange urge to change places with this man, but before he could think any further about it, the Lady spoke again.
"Michael stop staring at ranger -- that is impolite -- apologize please"
"I am sorry ma'am -- I am sorry ranger" ranger? What a strange name he thought.
Ranger just bowed his head and smiled.
"I did ask how you are Michael. Did you hear me -- I am really interested"
"Quite fine" you managed.
"And ready to begin today's work?"
"Yes" you stated -- more confidently now.
"Good - I am glad -- but first things first. Ranger is here this morning for a reason." With this, the Lady pulled on the lead, and ranger stood and faced Michael.
"We all assumed you might need a few lessons in how to groom yourself and dress yourself to match your new ----ummm---- tool belt. And apparently we were right" She smiled gently.
"What do you notice, Michael"
"Well, he definitely wears pants and chaps that are of fine quality - something I never could afford. And a collar of some sort. "
"Anything else you notice"
And he looked carefully -- "Oh yes, he is pierced"
"And"
And he looked carefully again -- what was he missing?
"Do you mean the tattoo, ma'am?"
"No -- no -- not yet -- I mean -- no -- the tattoo is not what I am referring to -- look harder, Michael."
And you did -- finally saying -- "He appears freshly shaven -- his face and his chest appear freshly shaven."
Yes, yes -- indeed. And thus the reason for Ashley. It is essential in this tool belt that your chest and back are freshly shaven each day -- or you will sweat and your hair will pinch. Note too that he is slightly oiled. This is to protect him from the sun. Ashley will help you with this each morning. So you will need to arrange your schedule with her so she is available for this procedure. In terms of the chaps and the pants, you need not worry about purchasing such things until we become more clear about you status here. And the collar, piercing, and tattoo are really nothing for you to be curious about ... at this point. In any event, why don't you follow Ashley now, and she will take you to a place to prepare your body for the tool belt."
With this, the Lady pulled on the lead, and ranger sat back down. Both his hands were in his lap, and yet he had a plate of food in front of him. How strange, Michael thought.
But off he went with Ashley -- who directed him to two poles outside one of the barns. Near the poles was a bucket with steaming water coming from it, and grooming instruments. Also a hose.
"OK, Michael I will shave you now. In order not to get your tool belt or pants or shoes wet, I would suggest that it would be best for you to make yourself naked."
Michael was shocked and looked around.
"Oh, do not worry Michael -- this is one of my jobs here - I have seen hundreds of you -- and no one will come around that will pay you any attention. This is a regular part of the day here. Now please strip and stand between the two poles so we can get on with this"
Michael remained startled, but did what he was told. As he stood between the two poles, Ashley said...
"I might be poking and prodding a bit, so I would suggest you use these poles for balance. See the leather loops on the top? Why don't you just stretch up and reach those and hold on so I can shave you."
Michael did as he was told, but he was shivering and nervous.
Ashley giggled -- "Michael -- it is 90 degrees out here -- there is no need to shiver - really. And don't be nervous. Most all of our p.... employees really like this part of the day -- it is really quite refreshing. Just relax and enjoy it -- consider it one of the perks of the position."
With this, Ashley came toward him with a large sponge that she had dipped into the steaming soapy water. She lathered up his chest, his back, under his arms, and then she went below his waist.
"By the way, Michael, most choose to shave their crotch area as well. Would you like me to do this for you?"
Michael jumped -- he was grateful for the loops now! And he was embarrassed because he was aroused. His nipples were hard, as was his cock.
"NO...NO.. I would just as well not, thank you"
"Too bad" said Ashley "It really is the best part of the whole grooming process. Oh well. Perhaps some other day."
"Yeah, right". Michael was embarrassed beyond belief.
But Ashley just hummed and went about her work -- lathering Michael up -- making pleasant, insignificant conversation about the weather. And then she began to sharpen the straight-edged razor on a leather strap that was fastened to the pole. Her face changed to heavy and focused concentration. Her humming and conversation ceased. She began to look at Michael differently -- intensely.
"Now Michael, I would suggest you not move much -- OK?"
And with this she began to shave every inch of his chest and back. His shoulders. Under his arms. The back of his neck. His face. Everywhere. And through it all, Michael was so aroused, he could hardly stand it. When the razor, or her hand, or her breath was near his neck he would shiver big time. God this felt good. God this was exquisite. Damn, this was embarrassing.
And as she finished, she hosed him down with hot water, and dried him well. No part of this was uneventful. No part of this did not arouse and invigorate him. God, this was better than a morning swim. I am going to like this, Michael thought.
All of a sudden, Ashley was her old self again. Smiling and humming. She slapped Michael on the behind playfully and said -- "hoped you liked it. You can put your arms down now -- get dressed and start work on those windows. Every window in the house needs caulking and painting -- enjoy."
She turned and he shivered again -- and saw how aroused he was -- and she turned back toward him -- SHIT -- again he is caught! What is it with these women and there quick pivots! Damn.
"By the way, Michael, what time tomorrow for your eight hours."
"700?"
"Nope - already booked -- how about 600?"
"Umm - OK"
"And you can let me know if you want that crotch area done -- trust me -- you will love it. "
And then she was gone.
Michael came back to reality now and dressed quickly. He had a lot to do before that lunch meeting.
He went to the house and began caulking the windows. This was quite uneventful until he noticed that, out in the gardens, the Lady was there with ranger. She was pulling him by the lead with a dressage whip in her hand. He was making some pretty fancy maneuvers, as if in response to the way the whip touched him, or to commands spoken by the Lady. And every so often he was petted -- or given a piece of apple.
Michael was not wondering what the hell was going on at this point. He just fantasized being ranger -- and he found himself taking quite a long time on the windows that looked out into the garden.
Finally, ranger went to his knees on a blanket. Half naked women came out with bells on their ankles and around their bare bellies. They put down food as if creating a picnic. Ranger knelt and put his hands behind his back. God he wanted to be there, even though he could not comprehend what was happening. Then it hit him -- LUNCH -- damn it -- I am late again.
He dashed off to the restaurant -- totally out of breath when he arrived -- 15 minutes late! The same man greeted him. "Hello Michael -- late again I see -- I hope you will not make this a habit. Susan is in the back"
When he got there, Susan had taken the liberty of ordering for him.
"Must have gotten side tracked at the house, eh, Michael? Probably nosing around where you do not belong."
Michael blushed.
"And I notice you have had your first grooming -- ir -- uh -- shave that is. You look nice"
Michael blushed again.
Well, I ordered some fruit plates -- hope that is OK.
Michael nodded.
"OK then - let us get down to your evaluation, as now we have to get this done in 45 minutes -- so we must be quick, so you can get back to work. The evaluation is categorized into five areas. 1. Appearance 2. Attitude 3. Eagerness 4. Level and degree of responsibility 5. Self confidence 6. Self awareness. In all areas you had both strengths and weaknesses. After I describe them to you, I want you to tell me how you feel. I will take this information back to the group and we will develop and action plan -- and then we will determine if you are worth putting that action plan into affect. How does that sound to you, Michael?
Michael was so nervous, he just nodded. His hands were sweating. His legs were shaking under the table.
"Do not be so nervous, Michael. Come on now boy, buck up. This is not a life and death matter. Try to enjoy it. Let us just see how accurate this team has been." She leaned across the table and touched him. He visibly relaxed. "Just think of it as fun for a moment, and come along on this journey with me."
"Remember now, Michael - this does not have anything yet to do with the kind of work you do -- that conversation will be part of your next evaluation."
OK - Let us begin. Let us start with the first category:
**********
Appearance
**********
In terms of your appearance, we saw your strengths to be that you were the right size -- not too small or short and not too large or heavy. Additionally, you seemed to take care of your self.
And we saw your weakness to be that you need to make better use of what you have. You consider your self average and just one of the guys so to speak. You must learn to know your potential and to promote it.
And now that you have heard this, tell me, are we accurate? How do you feel about it?
"Yes Susan (Michael lowers his head.) I do not like to be that way ... I am just too afraid of what others think if I stand out too much."
Susan reaches over and lifts his chin to raise his head and
looks straight at him and tells him "Michael you must learn
to keep your head up and be proud. Try this with me while we go
through the rest of these categories."
**************************
Now let us move on to Attitude
**************************
In terms of your attitude, we saw your strengths to be that you had a very positive attitude, you seem to know what you want, and you have confidence in doing physical things.
And we saw your weaknesses to be in thinking things out and
time scheduling.
And now that you have heard this, tell me, are we accurate? How
do you feel about it?
"Yes Susan, I tell myself this over and over but still it
happens. I wish I had more control over it, but when I want or
like things I try very hard to get or do them."
****************************
Now let us move on to Eagerness
****************************
In terms of your eagerness to please, we saw your strength to be that you are very eager to learn new things.
And we saw your weaknesses to be that maybe you are a bit too eager at times and you tend to over do things. Instead of following direct orders, you seem to try and do more.
And now that you have heard this, tell me, are we accurate?
How do you feel about it?
"Yes, Susan .. like me working over time that night. I wanted
to impress the Lady so that I am certain to get this job. I am
seeing more and more that I should do as I am told and nothing
else. But then here I was late for this meeting as well. I get
sort of mixed feelings at times like this. Like why do I get in
trouble for doing more or trying harder. Then get praise for just
doing OK... yes I feel very mixed up a lot around here."
***********************************************
Now let us move on to Level and degree of responsibility
***********************************************
In terms of this item, we saw your strengths to be that you are very responsible in your work, you make sure it is safe and sound before you say it is finished, and you always are here on time for work.
And we saw your weakness to be that you get too involved with work. It becomes the most important thing in your life it seems, and thus distracts you from other things around you. Like being late for this meeting and therefore missing lunch. It was clear then to Michael that the fruit plate would not arrive on time, and he would not have a substantial lunch.
And now that you have heard this, tell me, are we accurate?
How do you feel about it?
"Now I am really confused" Michael told Susan. "
I thought I was hired to work and work is what I do best at and
where I am the most comfortable. I never heard of working too
hard.
*********************************************
Now let us move on to level and degree of playfulness
*********************************************
In terms of this item, we saw your strength -- well -- we did not see many. We can see that you want to let go and joke and play, but that is it.
And we saw your weakness to be that you do not listen to what your own mind tells you, which is to have fun once in a while. All work and no play makes one a very dull p.... ahhh boy.
And now that you have heard this, tell me, are we accurate?
How do you feel about it?
Michael takes a deep breath and sighs. "Yes, Susan this is
accurate. I want to just say things at times but the words just
do not come up. I want to just do certain things or try things,
but it is as if my hands are tied when these thoughts come up
in my head."
********************************
Finally, let us finish with Self awareness.
********************************
In terms of your own self awareness -- how well you understand
yourself -- your own motivations and desires -- how you tick ,
we saw your strength to be that you are very confident in what
you can do in terms of working.
And we saw your weakness to be that you have no idea of what makes you work and do things the way you do them. A sort of guidance is needed to help you along with a mixture of play and work, to round out a nice self-image.
And now that you have heard this, tell me, are we accurate?
How do you feel about it?
Michael mumbled " it seems correct"
Susan asked " what did you say Michael?"
He said again that it seemed correct, and that he was not sure
about his feelings on this. Michael's head was spinning now, as
he tried to figure out all that had been said.
Then Susan said -- "See b... Michael. Not so bad at all!!!
What did you think of this process?"
And Michael said, "The process is different, Susan. Yes
I had figured this would be a lot worse than any other evaluations
I have been through. At other jobs, when they called you in, it
was to point out every thing that I did wrong and nothing else.
This was usually followed with a pink slip. This evaluation was
better because I was able to hear both strengths and weaknesses.
But where does this leave me now?"
Susan said, "Well it leaves you late for getting back to
finishing the windows."
Michael had a look of panic over his face. Susan said " just
remember the time you were late and add that to the end of the
day and every thing will be fine."
She also stated that she would help guide Michael with suggestions,
but that she would have to, of course stay within the house rules,
and therefore could not answer questions.
Michael thanked her for making him feel more comfortable and calming
his nervousness. As he got up, Susan mentioned that he should
take up his groomer's suggestions the next morning ... in fact,
he should follow the leads given to him by any and all of his
trainers, as each one will only be trying to help and no one would
ever want to set him up.
Michael thanked her again and left to go back to work. The Lady
was sitting on the porch again and asked what he thought of the
meeting and results. Michael explained he felt confused but happy
that he is still being thought of for this position and that he
still had a chance. She then came over to him and touched his
new "tool belt" and stated how nice it looked with no
hair around it. She made some adjustments on the straps. Michael
noticed how she took the wide waist belt in a bit -- making it
much tighter. "There" she said. Now it fits real good.
You best get back to the windows." She patted him on the
butt as he walked into the house.
This some how excited Michael and he was in a bit of a daze as
he went back to work. He did manage to finish all the windows
that day, only running over about three minutes -- and most of
that was to make sure all the mess was cleaned up. He did not
see the Lady or Susan as he walked to his truck. He packed his
things and drove to the guard station. As he signed out, the guard
handed him another small envelope and a key. Michael drive home
and showered. Today he did not have to work at the store so he
planned on catching up on some sleep. But first he sat on the
bed and opened up the letter. It said:
Hello Michael,
I hope this day went well for you. You have passed a great
deal of tests. Even some you do not yet know about -- tests that
have been happening every moment you are on my property.
You have passed to the next stage, and this is to wear a full
uniform. This along with the harness you wore today will be kept
in a locker. The key to your locker should be in this envelop.
One other thing. You may have noticed that many men and women
on the property wear collars with keys hanging from a ring in
the front. This is how they all keep the keys to their locker.
Ashley, I hear is meeting you at 6:00 for your shave. Trust her
with what she mentions to you. Also, she will put your uniform
on. At this point in your progression, no one except groomers
are allowed to dress the help. Not even the help themselves. So
please, do as she asks and be very cooperative. This is the first
step up the ladder so to speak ... in your case ... closer to
a full-time position. Just think of it as a fun part of the position.
Ashley will meet you at your parking spot and will blindfold you
at the locker area . You will hand her the key and she will take
care of every thing. The blindfold this time, Michael, is to help
you let go and to let her do things for you. You must learn to
let others do things for you as well as completing the tasks given
to you.
I will see you right after Ashley is finished with you and I will
give you your task list for the day.
Warmly,
Lady Equine"
Hmmmmm -- so that is her name -- unusual, mysterious, definitely
horse related.
Michael laid down and reminisced about the day -- how it seemed
to just fly by -- how so many new and different things seemed
to happen. How excited he was. And then, he was fast asleep.