George and Marge Lovelace seemed to be the average, everyday couple.  In their heyday they were known for their large and outrageous parties.  The year was 1972 and it was a mild fall day, when they entered the city.  They were on a mission and they must find the perfect vessel.

They walked, close together on the busy street, as patrons and business men in brown suits and fedora hats brushed past them.  George clenched the tip of his pipe in his teeth as he placed an arm protectively around his wife's shoulder.  The sputtering automobiles burping out the black, caustic fumes seem to overwhelm them as they continued down the busy causeway to find their prize.

They reached the small building.  A bell tingled above the door when the entered the tiny shoppe, a burst of air greeted them as if to blow off the stink of the fumes from their bodies.  George had to brush  a hand over his breeze swept bangs to put them back in order.  Marge, however, proved unmolested thanks to the hair spray she had used so liberally earlier that day.

They swept up and down the aisles, looking at all of the interesting gadgets, some of which they were uncertain of the purpose. Finally they came to the item they had been searching for. Such a selection!  So many different colors and sizes, they were uncertain how to decide.

George looked around for assistance, and saw a young and attractive woman standing at the counter.  Catching her eye he motioned for her to assist him.  When she arrived, Marge had to place the little lace hanky she had tucked under her watch strap to her nose and mouth to stifle the scent of patchouli that the young woman wore.   Marge raised an eyebrow to her husband, who was admiring the young woman's short hemline.

"We are uncertain on which of these we should choose," he explained to the woman, who's name tag announced her as Peggy Sue.

Peggy Sue batted her false-eyelashed lids that were heavily shadowed the sheik shade of blue as all the young women were wearing these days, "Well, what are you planning on using it for?"

Marge scoffed at the woman's question, "The usual things it is made for, of course!"

Peggy Sue pursed her lips together and nodded, "And would it be for just the two of you, or are you planning on using it with a larger group."

George chuckled at the woman and explained they aware planning on a large group of people to enjoy the use of the item and so they would need one that could be enjoyed by all.  Peggy Sue pointed to the largest item on the shelf and explained that would probably be the best bet, it was versatile enough that most people would enjoy it. Her next question was "Would you rather gel or oil?"

"Oh," Marge was shocked at this question, having not thought this far ahead, "Which would you  recommend, my dear?"

Peggy Sue tilted her head in thought for a moment, "Well, gel is not quite as messy, however it heats faster than the oil.  So, I would suppose it would be what you would want. Usually with gel it works faster and cleaner."

"Clean is good," Marge said nodding.

Peggy Sue took the items to the front counter and began to ring up and wrap the items.

"Will this be the first time using one of these?"  Peggy Sue asked as she wrapped the bottle of gel in tissue paper.

"One of our own," George said, "We used one at a friends home not to long ago, and my wife simply demanded we get one of our own, she enjoyed it so much."

"They are a lot of fun," Peggy Sue replied, "my girlfriend and I have one we use all the time, tho not this size," she then blushed, "as big as this is, I would be afraid it would be just too much for me!"

"I guess it is possible to have too much of a good thing," Marge agreed.

"Maybe you and your girlfriend would like to join us at our party," George offered, glancing at his wife.  He was happy to see she was pleased with his invitation.

"Oh," the young Peggy Sue smiled, "That would be a lot of fun,"  she ran her finger over the handle of the bag, glancing in with a sparkle in her eyes at the delights the contents would offer.

George pulled out a pen and paper and jotted down their address and number and handed it to Peggy Sue with the cash for the purchase.

Hand in hand, Marge and George exited the tiny store, happy with their purchase, and the delightful knowledge of the new company they would have for the party.

"Such a delightful young woman," Marge said, "I am sure she will be a pleasure to have."

Her husband nodded in agreement, tucking the package under his arm and heading for the car.

"I am so excited about the party," Marge commented, "our first fondue party!"