It was dark as they slipped out of the car and walked up the path towards the back of the house, guided by the tealights twinkling on either side. He passed his hand around her waist and drew her in tight. Reassurance. And barely suppressed excitement. It was their first time.
Through the door and into the lobby where they were greeted by a witch and wizard. Through into the hall to accept the proffered glasses of prosecco. Then onwards down the passageway to where it was all about to start.
It was crowded as they entered the room from the back, and slipped their way between the couples, towards but not quite to the front. Almost at once the lights dimmed further and the haunting music started, and onto the makeshift stage in front of them stepped five young men, their black gowns loose to reveal toned and waxed chests, and behind them, maintaining the choreography in step, five young women, also robed, with black satin belts, their hair shimmering with stars. They stopped in a row in front of the throne and bowed to the Queen of the Night.
Pete's attention was wandering. In front of him, eyes glued to the stage, were a young couple. She was wearing a short skirt, and her companion's hand had been gradually working its way up her leg and thigh. Now as it continued up it lifted her skirt and his palm came to rest on her completely bare backside. Pete's heart missed a beat.
Back on the stage the Queen of the Night had risen and was performing a beautiful burlesque. She danced round the silent couples brushing her hands across their shoulders and letting her gloved fingers trace down the torsos of the young men. Then on a signal the satin belts were loosed and five young bodies radiated in the most beautiful black lingerie, and they gently twirled and twisted round their companions, teasing as their long fingers lifted their chins and their lips glanced near but not touching their prey. Then the Queen of the Night was floating back to her throne and the music was quietening and the attention shifted into the audience itself.