Live in Las Vegas

Fiona Kelly

Maggie had been doing competitions for as long as she could remember, without a win. The phone call came out of the blue, she even wondered if this was a wind up. She had won a luxury holiday in Las Vegas.

Archie couldn't believe his ears, Maggie crying down the phone, he thought someone had died, not that they were going to Nevada. He danced about the workshop as he told his colleagues of their good fortune.

They had seen 'The Strip' many times on TV. Neither could believe the size and variety of the themed hotels they saw, as the coach drove by. They were dropped off at the Luxor. A glass Pyramid hotel. The foyer was huge. The marble floors, a huge sphinx and hieroglyphics gave the Egyptian feel.

Maggie pinched Archie just to make sure she was not dreaming.

They had an exhilarating, exhausting few days. The Grand Canyon, Little White Chapel, they had their photo taken with Elvis! Archie won $500 at blackjack and celebrated with a huge cigar.

It was on the last day Maggie noticed the karaoke booth. She thought it looked great fun. For a few dollars, you could make a music video. Maggie thought that would make a great souvenir to remind them of this wonderful trip. Archie had his reservations; he couldn't carry a tune in a bucket! Maggie looked so disappointed when he said ''no chance'' that he changed his mind. What harm would it do; no one would see it but themselves anyway. He would make Maggie promise not to show anyone.

They entered the booth and checked the songs available, Archie said that Maggie could choose, he didn't mind what they sang, he just wanted to get it over and done with!

Maggie chose 'Islands in the stream' and handed Archie the mic. She began swaying her hips to the lyrics that appeared on the overhead screen. Archie blushed, he suddenly felt shy. ''Come on Archie get into the swing of it'', slowly he started to join in and was soon swooning towards Maggie.

Archie was beginning to relax and feel like Kenny Rogers as the final chorus was sung. Laughing he playfully grabbed Maggie's boobs and gave her a kiss as they awaited instructions as to what to do next.

When instructed, they went towards the door to leave the booth. As Maggie stepped out, she heard the loud applause; she looked at Archie in disbelief. A crowd had gathered outside and unbeknown to them their performance had been shown on a large screen for all to see, yes all of it! A shocked Archie looked like he was about to collapse, as his face and ears burned bright red. Maggie unsure how to react, decided to hold Archie's hand and take a bow.

Later as they packed, Archie began to laugh, Wait till the boys at work hear that we preformed a live show in Vegas! That's the last thing they'd expect to hear.