Back when I was a uni student I worked several jobs to pay my way. Many of them were one-off gigs, long before the 'gig economy' took off.
One winter I took a job in a catering firm that worked posh events. You know, the kind that are held by exclusive clubs and organisations at expensive hotels and stately homes. The job was essentially as a waiter. Walking around the party offering food and drink on trays.
One such party was a masked ball that reminded me of Eyes Wide Shut. Except there was no sex to be seen. Just a bunch of exceptionally wealthy people in fabulous clothes eating, drinking and enjoying the holiday season. It was New Years' Eve 2001 and I was a pretty fresh-faced young man.
As the night drew on the party moved to different halls in the grand building where different acts had been booked to entertain the guests. There were singers, a string quartet, dancers all the standard cliche stuff that you'd expect to see at such a do based on what you see on the TV.
Midnight came and went and the crowd began to thin out when I was called over by my boss.
"I've been watching you all night" she said "you seem to be quite popular with the guests. I know it's late and you've been working many hours already but how would you feel about staying on a bit longer"?
"Well, I don't have anywhere else to go but home and then bed" I replied "I take it there will be an overtime bonus"?
"Oh, I'll make it worth your while. You see there's an after-party, party and I've been let down by the agency so I'm a man down" she said looking me up and down.
"I'm here help" I said with enthusiasm.
"Good. Now tell me, you're an attractive young guy. Are you single"?
"It's complicated" I replied "I have a girlfriend but we have a deal with each other while we're both away at Uni".
My boss was an attractive lady about twice my age but I was getting some serious vibes. Did she want me to bone her? Was this a rouse to get me into bed? Was I up for it? Sure!
"Ok, so would you say that you're open to new experiences"? she asked.
"Definitely" I replied with a wry smile.
She smiled back, took my hand and led me into a room I hadn't been in before. It looked like a smoking lounge decked out with wooden panels and green leather sofas.
"Right, the guests will be here shortly. Your job is the same as before, serve them with a smile. This time, however, they might be a little, how shall I put this. Handsy".
Handsy? I thought. I guess that's what happens when rich people have a few too many sherries. I didn't mind, I'd been to a few gay clubs by this point and was pretty used to the touchy-feely vibe. I didn't realise just how "handsy" the night was to become... |
