Happy New Year!

She stood perfectly still under the harsh and unrelenting glare of a single spotlight. In the smoke-filled room, loosely gathered around her, sat a circle of men. All silent now, they watched her with looks of hungry expectation.

While she couldn't see their faces, she felt their eyes on her. And their need.

With a small smile she stepped forward. One slender arm, sheathed in a long silk glove the colour of midnight, reached out and took hold of the microphone in front of her, pulling it close to her lips.

She closed her eyes and began to sing...

That's how tonight should have been.

Maybe next time.

Happy New Year everyone.