The invitation

Jack mumbled his thanks and fled the changing rooms. His gorgeous girlfiend was waiting for him outside.

“Trouble with something?” she asked.

“Err, no I was just, you know, sorting myself out. Can we go now? Please can we get out of here?”

“Hmm. And get arrested you mean? Great idea. I wonder what they would make of you at the police station dressed like that. Come on, go and pay.”

“Can’t you pay Sweetie?” Jack asked.

“Better if you do, I think,” she replied with a twinkle in her eye.

So clutching the empty stockings packet, the three sales tags and the hangers carrying the black set, Jack joined the end of the queue for the tills. An attractive middle aged lady next to him eyed his purchases and smiled knowingly. Jack turned bright red. At that very moment Sally walked over and handed him a packet of black lace top stockings. “You almost forgot these, sweetheart.”

Although he didn’t think it possible, Jack’s colour deepened.

“Don’t worry,” said the woman. “You aren’t the first. I would love to see you in that set though!” she laughed.

“He’ll look lovely, won’t he?” Sally said. “If you like I can e-mail you some pictures.”

“Oh would you? That would be so kind.

Jack reached the head of the queue and walked up to the available till, while behind him he could hear Sally taking details of the stranger’s e-mail address. He put his purchases on the counter, and the sales assistant started to scan them. She scanned the black set, both stocking packets and the tags for the set he was now very conscious of wearing.

“Would you like a separate bag for your male underwear sir?” the girl asked him. She was an attractive brunette and couldn’t have been more than 17 years old.

“Sorry?” Jack said, rather thrown and still trying to listen to what Sally and the other woman were talking about.