"We're Doing It Naked !"

"I can't believe we've agreed to come in on a holiday Monday just to rehearse this bloody stunt" Debbi complained to Carol. At Jeff's insistence, they had agreed to come in for a couple of hours so that Diane could go through her script for 'The I.T. Manager's New Clothes' and so they would know their cues for when to come out on stage. Debbi hadn't noticed how quiet her assistant was. "But we're still agreed right ? We're going to make a stand ? We're only stripping down to our underwear ?" Carol looked sheepish. "Sorry Deb, but I'm going to do it naked and I really think that you should do too."

"What ?" exclaimed Debbi. "We agreed." "Yes I know" said Carol. "But Derek's been on at me. Remember we've just taken on that remortgage to pay for the extension and he's relying on my money coming in. He thinks I should do it, it'll only be a quick flash."

"It might only be a quick flash for you, you only have to come out once according to this script. But I'm constantly parading up and down, seven times in all !" Debbi cried. "Yeah, but you've got the body for it, not like me" Carol countered. "Oh, come on. OK, you've got ten years on me and have had a kid and a couple of bits might be sagging a bit but you're still fit enough" said Debbi, by way of a backhanded compliment. "Thanks, I think" said Carol. "Look, they can't sack us for refusing to get naked for some stupid stunt" Debbi continued to argue. "No but they can make it awkward and give a measly pay rise or none at all. Sorry, it's not worth the risk. We're doing it naked."

Debbi was slightly surprised that Jeff was there when they arrived in reception for the run through. "Now about this only stripping down to your underwear nonsense" he began. "Don't bother bringing out any threats or counter arguments Jeff, we're doing it naked" Debbi interrupted him. Diane smirked triumphantly. "Oh, well, wonderful. I'm glad you've seen sense" Jeff blustered. "We're not stripping off this afternoon though" Debbi asserted. "No, no, that won't be necessary" Jeff agreed.

The rehearsal was simple enough and wasn't really necessary but it did serve to show Debbi that she was going to be exposed to the crowd for some considerable time due to the multiple 'costume' changes that Diane had included. "Of course, we don't have to worry about timing any actual costume changes because you're never going to be wearing anything anyway !" Diane had gloated. "You've practiced your model walk I hope and know how to pose and turn at the end of the catwalk ?" she asked. Debbi nodded. "Better show us now anyway" Diane persisted. "Do I have to !" groaned Debbi. But she nevertheless did, albeit fully clothed on this occasion. "That'll do I suppose" conceded Diane. "The only thing we can't rehearse today is when we bring on Titiana Bareskinski at the end to take her bow with the models" she finished. "Sorry ?" asked a confused Debbi. "Eamon's flying over from Dublin and he's going to dress up in drag as Titiana." Jeff explained. Diane did not mind that Eamon was enamored of 'little Debbi' as his favorite I.T. manager. The flamboyant Irishman might have been the founder of the company and still be a major shareholder but he no longer had any real power within the company.

"Oh and don't forget tomorrow Debbi, you're also in charge of presenting the company's offer to next year's prospective graduate intake. We want to ensure we recruit the best crop" Jeff reminded her as a passing shot when they left.