"This is going to be a great night" said Michelle, shivering a little as she walked along the street. Her boots clicked on the footpath, almost unheard as traffic whizzed by. Her thin, bony hand clutched a bottle of Baileys, the alcohol she had volunteered to bring when the party was organised.
She looked over at Marie, her enthusiasm infectious as they got closer to the hotel.
"I'm getting shit-faced tonight" smiled Michelle.
Marie laughed, a silvery ripple of sound. "I think we all are, babe. Why shouldn't we?"
She had a point. They were staying at the hotel, along with everyone else. Originally a joke, it had soon become a real event, and it was shaping up to be the best idea Jake had ever had.
As the two girls turned into the lobby, they saw Patrick and Danielle, standing at the elevators.
"Hey, Patrick! " shouted Michelle. He turned, a self-effacing grin spreading over his features.
"Hey girls. Ready?"
The lift doors opened before they could answer, and the four of them stepped inside. Michelle was nervously chatting about nothing, much to the amusement of the others. The lift came to a grinding halt on the fourth floor, and the doors opened.
Standing outside the lift, dressed in flannelette pyjamas and a bathrobe, was Matthew. He smiled as he recognised them, thin face lighting up in a heart-melting grin.
"Well hello children. Welcome to the party and come inside!"
He turned, opening the door to the hotel room and ushering them inside.
Inside, the first thing they saw was that the furniture had been moved aside, and that mattresses had been set up in front of the television. The bar was lined with alcohol bottles, and upbeat music was playing.
Behind the bar stood Jake, casually pouring a round of shots. His hair stood straight up in spikes, and a cigar perched in the corner of his mouth.
As Matt shut the door, he turned, puffing out a thick stream of bluish smoke and butting out the cigar.
"The party crowd has arrived! Ladies, into the bedroom to get changed, Patrick, into the bathroom. I want you in your sleepwear in five minutes."
Michelle smiled "What if I sleep naked?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"In that case, either get changed right here where I can see you, or borrow something." laughed Jake.
"Can I wear your robe then? You've got pyjamas on under it."
Jake bent close to her ear, "Do I?"
Marie and Danielle burst into laughter, exchanging glances as Michelle blushed a deep red, secretly thrilled that beneath his robe, Jake was naked. From the bedroom came more laughter.
"Who else is here?" asked Patrick, rummaging around in his bag for his pyjamas.
"Gemma, Rachel and Kerry are all changing in there," said Matt, gesturing at the bedroom door, "so hop to it, gang."
As the girls headed into the bedroom, chattering and laughing, Jake turned an apologetic face to the other guys.
"I know, I know. Don't have sex with your workmates. But I can still tease 'em, can't I?"
"You're a shocker, J-boy." Matt chuckled as Patrick walked into the bathroom, clutching his pyjamas and laughing.
Passing over a Bacardi and Coke, Jake tipped his shot glass, then downed his shot in one quick swallow. "The night is young, big guy. Let's get this place going!"
When the girls reappeared, they paraded in front of the guys one by one, giggling. Karen wore long, red checkered pyjamas, and made her way over to the couch. Gemma and Rachel wore sensible girly sleepwear, pastel colours and long sleeves. Marie wore a long t-shirt nightie over tracksuit pants, and Danielle some PJ pants and a singlet top over her bra.
"Come on Mishcka,"called Jake, grinning, "if you're not ready, we'll understand." The girls laughed, drinking and dancing a little to the music.
Michelle opened the bedroom door, stepping into the light. She wore a v-neck camisole top in white satin, with a pair of matching short French knickers. Her hair was down around her shoulders, and she was smiling shyly.
