Paula was good company, and Damien was surprised to find himself telling her about his particular sexual tastes. "I'm sorry. I don't usually talk about such things with a woman that I've just met. I hope I didn't offend you."

She laughed. "I asked, so I can't complain about the answer." She leaned closer to him over the table and said softly, "So you really do like to torture women's genitals?"

He shrugged. "I'm afraid so. You don't seem very shocked."

"Marie mentioned your preferences, and besides, I'm very broad minded."

Damien suddenly realised that he might still have an opportunity to a happy ending to the day. "Were you looking for work at Marie's place?"

"I'm afraid so. I have a student loan to pay off, and no job."

"You said you were broad minded. Would you be interested in .... "

She stopped him. "Before you go on, I have to tell you something that might change your mind."

"You have AIDS?" he said jokingly. This didn't seem probable since she was trying to work for Marie.

She smiled wryly. "Worse than that, I'm afraid. I'm a transsexual."

For a moment, what she said didn't register in his mind. "A what?"

"Tranny, shemale, ladyboy," Paula said. She didn't mind using those names herself, since she was so used to hearing them, although it still hurt when someone she thought of as a friend used it disparagingly.

"Oh. But you look so .... " He shook his head and waved his hands, as if wiping something away. "I'm sorry. I was about to say something really stupid. I guess I was wasting your time. I apologise," he said, feeling deflated.

Paula shook her head. "Not at all. I'm flattered. I'm just sorry I'm not what you want."

Damien frowned. "Wait a minute. Are you saying that you would be .... "

She nodded. "I'd let you do what the other girls would."

"But ... um, just to be clear, you have a .... " He made a small vertical motion with the tip of one finger.

Looking amused, Paula said, "It's a little complicated. Yes I have a penis." She whispered the last word, looking around as if expecting screams of horror. "But I don't have the other. I've been castrated."

This surprised and intrigued Damien, who was beginning to feel less uncomfortable by the moment. "Really? I didn't know that people did that. Wouldn't that make you incapable of getting .... " His inability to finish his sentences was beginning to annoy him.

She smiled. "I understand this is all strange to you. Ask any questions you want. I promise I won't be offended. And to answer your question, no, it only affects some people that way. I'm still fully capable."

"And you're willing to let me ... hurt you down there?" he asked slowly. He felt slightly dizzy from trying to match Paula's totally feminine appearance with the possession of a penis - but sans testicles.