Naked Hero - The Journey Away

that you managed to make it. Jon was convinced you’d cry off, but I said no, sweetie, he’s a trooper! Why bother about a little tittle-tattle, eh? Oh, I’m Sebastian Collins by the way, committee secretary, and one of Sydney’s biggest SLAGSS.”
    “Come again?” prompted Lewis with a deepening frown.
    “SLAGSS!” repeated Sebastian, much to Lewis’s horror. “Sydney Lesbian And Gay Sports Society. If the G-string fits then wear it, that’s what I say, sweetie. Most of us here tonight are SLAGSS, one way or another. Is there one in particular you would like to meet?”
    Lewis stared at him aghast, cursing his stupidity that seemed to know no bounds. The name had been mentioned when he had received the invite, but he hadn’t made a connection with the initials. The tabloids would though, and no doubt have a field day over it, using it as an excuse to rehash old news. In despair he cast his eyes again around the room, not looking for a slag, but for a friendly face. Thankfully he managed to spot more than one.
    “Erm... Not at present. I’m going to have a chat with Chantal and Marie for a few minutes, then I’ll do the rounds and say hello to some people. I assume that’s okay,” said Lewis as he got off the stool and withdrew slightly. He felt discomfited by Sebastian’s over-familiar proximity and heavy-handed use of a poor choice of aftershave.
    “Of course, sweetie, you do that. Naturally I’m going to say a few words later. Have you prepared anything yourself, or do you want to give it a miss? People will understand, but will be hugely disappointed. Everyone is thrilled that you’ve come along, and want to gobble you up.”
    Lewis winced. “Something around the importance of gay participation in sport - that’s what you asked for, wasn’t it? I’ll do my best, but don’t expect too much.”
    “Thanks, sweetie,” cooed Sebastian. “Just stand there and smile at them - that will make their night. And that Scottish accent will have them swooning in the aisles! I do hope we have some medics on hand!” Sebastian theatrically tossed his head to look round the room, hamming it up like a bad Shakespearean actor, before returning his beaming face to Lewis. “Now I’ll leave you to the lovely Chantal and her gorgeous girlfriend. We’ll be on in about half an hour. Is that okay?”
    “No worries.”
    No worries indeed. The very idea of public speaking was a trauma for Lewis, but he was starting to get used to it. This was self inflicted, though. It really was a bad idea to have made an appearance, what with ‘SLAGSS’ and a speech added to the mix. Another drink, Lewis decided, and some familiar company, would hopefully calm him down before the ordeal.
    He took in the full splendour of the two women as he approached them. Not classical beauties, but each had a presence which drew the eye and demanded its admiration. Chantal Duboir was the taller of the two by at least five inches, Amazonian in appearance, dusky skinned and athletically built. Her broad shoulders were proudly displayed by a strapless red dress she was wearing – a daring little number which clung to her body as far as her knees, showing off her figure to devastating effect. She wore no jewels and very little make up. The only adornment was her thick mane of auburn hair which fell luxuriously halfway down her bare back. The striking effect she created drew the attention away from her companion, Marie Clement, a chameleon in black and white: black bobbed hair, and ivory white skin. A black tailored suit which only suggested, but somehow demanded more in the end.
    “Chantal, you look gorgeous! You too, Marie! How are you both?” asked Lewis, as he kissed the cheeks of both his friends.
    “Better than you no doubt!” was Marie’s immediate reply. “I’m surprised you came. Even we were having second thoughts. I personally was against, but Chantal felt we should support them.” This wasn’t exactly a true reflection. It was Marie who in reality was the one who had forced the issue by cajoling her reluctant girlfriend to attend. It was inconceivable to Marie that she could possibly miss out on the exquisite drama of Lewis Macleod showing his face here tonight.
    Unsuspecting, Lewis shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I’ve got time on my hands after that fiasco earlier this week, so why not? ...Chantal, did you know that we’re in a room full of SLAGSS? I’m sure a scandal will be made of it.”
    “Oui, très