It should've been a straightforward night. My second time working as a server for the Stephenson Catering Company.
I was 18 and this was my first time job. It wasn't what I wanted to do for the rest of my life but it was a start and to be earning my own money was a source of pride for me.
The first night we'd been at a 10 year anniversary party for an uptown law firm and it had been pretty uneventful.
I wandered around with trays of cocktails and horderves then helped the rest of the crew clean up at the end.
A week later my second day on the job would prove to be far more memorable.
Linda, my boss, told me to show up at an address in Shereton Drive at 6pm for what she described as a 'small gathering for some well to do ladies.'
As instructed, and wearing my uniform consisting of black pants and white button up shirt with a black tie, I arrived shortly before 6pm.
Linda was already there and I helped unload the van and set up for the night.
The house was large with high ceilings and some expensive looking artwork on the walls.
Strangely, given my lack of experience, I seemed to be the only server there but I brushed that off thinking Linda must have confidence in me and it was probably only a small party.
The event got underway about an hour after I got there and at first it was much like the first night.
I handed out drinks then took a few trays of food out to a large table that was apparently going to act as a kind of buffet bar for the night.
Hosting the party was the homeowner, Sheila Staples. Aged in her 50s, she had dark hair with a hint of grey and was dressed smartly in a white business style jacket and matching skirt.
Besides Mrs Staples there were 15 other guests. All were woman in their 50s or early 60s and had similar appearances to the hostess.
About 45 minutes into the party Linda called me through to the kitchen and to my surprise said she was leaving for a couple of hours.
'All the food's sorted and there's nothing more for me to do,' she said.
'Are you sure?' I asked nervously, 'It's only my second night remember?'
'You'll be fine,' Linda replied putting her hand on my arm reassuringly. And with that she was gone.
Slightly puzzled by this turn of events, I made my way back into the room where the party was now in full swing.
The ladies seemed to be enjoying themselves and they were certainly enjoying the booze!
I stood near the buffet table trying to look busy while I figured out what I should do when Mrs Staples approached me.
'Tim isn't it?' she asked.
'Yes Mrs Staples,' I replied.
'Please call me Sheila,' she said, 'We're very informal here.'
'Ok,' I said.
'Now Tim,' Mrs Staples said with a hint of grin, 'With that in mind I really do think you're a tad too formally dressed.'
Somewhat taken aback I didn't know what to say but before I could open my mouth Mrs Staples grabbed my tie and undid it.
Pulling the garment from my neck, she smiled. 'That's better,' she said, 'Less formal and I'm sure more comfortable for you Tim?'
Stunned I mumbled, 'Yes, yes I guess so.'
The next thing I knew, Mrs Staples had taken my hand and was leading me into the center of the room.
'Can I have everyone's attention please?' she said raising her voice to be heard above the murmur of the various conversations which were taking place.
'This is Tim our server and, if we're good girls, our entertainment,' she said.
The women were all staring at me and a ripple of applause broke out.
I had no idea what was going on and was beginning to grow very nervous.
'Entertainment?' I asked.
'Why yes Tim,' Mrs Staples replied, 'Linda always sends us the nicest young men to perk up our social gatherings.'
'She never said anything to me about entertainment,' I said, 'I'm just a server not a singer or comedian or anything like that.'
Mrs Staples chuckled. 'Oh Tim you are a sweet thing,' she said, 'It's more adult entertainment we're wanting.'
I gulped and felt a knot growing in my stomach as I began to realize I'd been set up by Linda.
'I think there's been some sort of mistake here Mrs Staples...I mean Sheila,' I said.
'Oh,' the hostess replied with a wry smile, 'What sort of mistake?'
'I'm just here to serve food and clean up,' I said.
'Now, now Tim,' Mrs Staples replied, 'That won't do.'
The women appeared to have come much closer to me by this point and were all checking me out as if I were a piece of prime meat.
Without saying another word, Mrs Staples pulled me towards her and started undoing my shirt buttons.
'Let me help you,' she said, 'I can see you're a little nervous.'