Swingers

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Swingers

by

Abyrne Mostyn

Colb knew it was a swinger’s party before he walked in the door. They had been here before. Second Saturday of every third month; same bat time, same bat channel...you could set your watch by it. This party was the highlight of the scene. Invitations were worth attendee’s weight in gold. VIP only. No one gave up their spot to this one; it was too hard to get invited again once you left the circle; so you didn’t. Tangyr on his arm to and from the door, but not in between. Per party rules, once inside, they would part company and not rejoin until daybreak.

Normally, first upon arriving and inside they would take turns drawing an adventure card for the night, stopping only to show the hostess that they were not going together before a quick peck on the cheek and a ‘See you in the morning.’ This time, things were different. The usual hostess of this party was not here tonight. In her stead was a formal looking man, one not unfamiliar, but also not one Colb knew well. His twin air kisses to Tangyr and wink demonstrating he knew her, but that was the extent of the greeting.

The lull in the post-holiday and Valentines social calendar made March a party usually raucous and lively. The time to get back to self and let go the rush and fuss over others weighing heavily on all. Too cold to be outdoors until possibly the June event, everyone was dressed well, if not slightly under the weather conditions once their wraps and coats were stowed.

Also new this time was that after formal greetings and putting up coats and such, the host handed them each a pillow case looking bag with a long zipper that locked at one corner similar to how a bank bag would. The key, conveniently in the lock and on a small band of elastic, they had thought of everything. His question of “Do you know how to work this?” out and acknowledged with little thought, as both of them unzipped and peered inside.

Looking up at Tangyr, their expressions nearly identical as they both seemed the cat that had swallowed the canary. The host clearing his throat drawing his attention back to him for directions, they wiped the smirks off their faces and paid attention.

“You are the fourteenth couple to arrive, even number males to the west room and females to the east room. No mingling across the center hallway please or your invitation will be revoked for future events. After you leave the hallway you will find the changing area. Your accoutrements for the evening are inside your case as you have seen. You may store your clothing in the bags and lock them. They will remain in the changing area until the end of the night. Keep your key with you. No personal identification of any kind beyond the first area. There are six more couples to arrive, but you may begin once changed and inside the main room. Upstairs also, no mingling across the center hall please. Each group has a designated stairwell and wing. Enjoy your evening.” With that he handed each of them a Mardi-gras style mask, one that hid all of their face but the mouth and escorted them to where they would part company. Colb then went to the west, Tangyr to the east. The last glimpse of one another their silhouette as the doors closed to the main hall.