THE PARTY

Michael entered the room, surveying who was already @the party. In one hand was a glass of wine, in the other a mild tar cigarette. He stood near the door, one leg in front of the other, waiting to see someone he knew. He hated coming to events like this on his own, but it was organized by his manager and it would go down well turning up.

He procrastinated over what to wear, but eventually decided on a black suit and purple shirt. He shone his shoes and wore his classiest cufflinks.

He then saw Christine from accounts, Matthew from the clerical department and Rob, oh my god, it was Rob Collins from his previous job talking to his manager, Mr Spencer. What was he doing here?

And now his manager was looking around the room, bound to see him soon. He did and moved slinkingly through the party throng. Please leave Rob where he is; Michael prayed. Unfortunately Rob followed. ‘How good of you it is to turn up’ Mr Spencer, his boss said,

‘This is Rob Collins, I thought you 2 would like to be introduced; he is in the same line of business as us and might offer us some tips.’

‘Do I recognise you?’

This was a nightmare.’Um, I don’t know…. I’ve got one of those faces.’

Rob then said ‘This is my wife, Teresa.’

She winked @ Michael with a familiarity that belied the fact they had just been introduced.

‘And have you met my wife Melanie before, Michael?’ His manager Mr Spencer said.

Shed smile at Michael lingeringly then discretely grabbed his buttock, without anyone else noticing.

‘Beautiful wife, Mr Spencer’, Michael said.

‘Oh call me David, we’re not @ work now.’

‘Well David, I’ve just got to go to the toilet’

As he did, Melanie followed him. …Closely followed by Teresa. They both entered the men’s roon, Teresa spoke to Melanie…’What are you doing in here?’

‘Well, I’m suprising m boyfriend, I’ve decided to leave my husband for him.’

‘What a coincidence,I’m leaving my husband too.’

Michael came out of the toilet.

’SURPRISE!’

Both women chimed, then looked @ eachother in shock.

2/00 WG