The invitation

Of course, madam,” said Emma, pulling a measuring tape from around her neck. Jack was subjected to much more measuring and comparing of sizes than he was comfortable with, but they selected what they thought were the right sizes after much comparing.

“Of course there is only one way to ensure that we do have the right size,” said Emma. She wanted him to try it on, and now his girlfriend had lost her senses and was directing him to the changing room.

"Don't be daft! I can't try on women's underwear in the changing rooms!"

"Don't worry, sir," said the sales assistant. "There are separate cubicles inside the changing room, so your secret will be safe with us!"

"I can't - I don't even know how to put this stuff on!" Jack said, confident that this development would get him well and truly off the hook.

"That's a good point. I hadn't thought of that. I will have to come with you," said Sally. "You had better come too to make sure we have the right size," she said to Emma.

"What? Are you out of your mind? You want me to try it on in front of a complete stranger?"

"She's not a stranger honey. Her name is Emma. Now come along and don't be silly."

Despite all of Jack's protests he was steered by the two women over to the corner of the store where a large green sign announced the changing rooms were. The attendant, a middle aged black woman with thick hair and a beaming smile, look at Jack and the handful of articles that he was carrying as unobtrusively as possible.

"Only three garments in the changing room at one time, sir," the lady said, indicating a sign on the wall carrying the same restriction. "May I see what you have there?"

Before Jack could react her hand shot out and she took the half dozen clothes hangers from his hand.

"I'm sorry, you will have to leave half of them here. I'll look after them for you," she said, her grin becoming wider than ever. "Will you be needing any assistance?"