(This was never a real episode of The Office)
It was the first weekend in February at the office of Dunder-Mifflin in Scranton, and that could mean only one thing. It was time for the yearly trip to New York for the paper recycling seminar.
In the past, most of the staff attended as more of a free vacation. This year however, with office manager Michael Scott blowing most of the budget on a luxurious suite, that he planned on having for himself, there was only enough money in the budget to send two employees.
It was basically a free trip to the big city, with the company paying for hotel accommodations at the seminar. The entire office crew was looking forward to the free getaway, and somewhat disappointed that not everyone would be able to attend.
As office manager, Michael Scott had a difficult decision to make, deciding which two employees would get to make the trip. It should come as no surprise that he decided he would go, along with Holly, the new Human Resources Specialist. He booked the spacious suite at the ritzy hotel, figuring he could impress the lovely blonde with the lavish arrangements.
The higher-ups in corporate had other ideas. They suggested he send one sales rep and one person from accounting, to best represent the firm.
Michael's plan had backfired, and mow he had to explain his colossal mistake. Always one with a habit of going overboard dramatically, Michael gathered everyone to announce his choices of who would be attending. He had to make it look like the Honeymoon Suite was a special reward, even though he had booked it with plans of staying there himself, with the intention of impressing his latest potential girlfriend.
Normally there wouldn't be much interest in anything Michael had to say, but this was a little different. Everybody wanted to receive what amounted to a free 3-day trip to the Big Apple on behalf of the company.
After a bit of grandstanding, he announced that Dwight and Angela would represent their respective departments for the annual seminar. He figured that if he couldn't take advantage of the honeymoon suite, at least Dwight could use it to get lucky with Angela. Rumor had it they were having a secret romance, and he wanted to reward Dwight for all of his loyalty. His announcement was met with a smattering of groans, with the exception of Angela, the uptight blonde accountant who rarely got to leave Scranton. She let out a satisfying smile, knowing that this could be a chance for her and Dwight to have a long awaited romantic getaway, as well as picking up some business tidbits at the seminar.
Though everyone in the office had heard of their affair, Angela was still under the impression that it was still a big secret.
There was one problem. Dwight was the one person in the office that wanted nothing to do with the seminar.
"As Assistant Regional Manager, I can't possibly afford to leave this company for something as useless as a recycling seminar. What can they teach me that I don't already know?"
"No thank you! I'll pass!"
Michael was disappointed with the response, thinking they would be the only two that wouldn't mind sharing the luxurious suite that he had planned on for himself and Holly. Needless to say, Angela didn't like Dwight's response either. She gave her secret lover a nasty scowl, letting him know he was passing up on something special.
Dwight thought he was doing the noble thing, walking up to Michael, putting his arm around him, professing his loyalty to the firm.
"Don't worry Michael. I can't accept this. I know my value is to be here with you doing what I can for the company."
Michael rolled his eyes at Dwight, realizing he had no other choice but to tab someone else as the sales representative. Phyllis, Stanley, Andy and Ryan all jockeyed for position, hoping to be named as Dwight's replacement. Jim Halpert, meanwhile, sunk back into his chair, trying his best not to look too excited. He had no interest in attending any seminar, but wouldn't mind a brief getaway from the daily grind at the office.
Michael fidgeted a bit, weighing the pros and cons of each salesperson. He cleared his throat before reluctantly making his second choice.
"Well I guess we'll just have to send Jim."
"Congratulations, Mr. Halpert! I hope you and Miss Martin enjoy the luxurious suite that I booked."
"No hanky panky, you two!"
He tried, but failed, to joke about the awkward arrangement.
"Wait. We're sharing a room?"
Angela couldn't believe what she was hearing. It would have been okay if it was Dwight, but this was different. Jim was a newly married man. It was unacceptable.
"You can't do that!"
Pam voiced her displeasure as well, speaking on behalf of her husband.
"Michael! What were you thinking? You can't expect them to share a hotel room for three whole days!"
Michael knew he got caught being selfish, trying to book the luxurious suite for himself to impress his new girlfriend. He tried his best to diffuse the situation.
"Relax! Relax! The room is actually a suite with plenty of privacy for two people to share. Even though we all know no funny business will take place."
"I mean C'MON!! With Angela? Really?"
Once again, Michael Scott failed miserably trying to smooth things out, only making matters worse. He somehow managed to piss off several people at the same time.
"C'mon people! We all know Angela doesn't put out. Am I right, Andy?"
Even Andy Bernard was disappointed. He didn't appreciate being singled out for his empty past courtship with the cold blonde accountant. After hearing he not only missed out on the free trip, but also a chance to shack up with his former flame, he couldn't believe his bad luck.
"I'd be willing to go, if Jim doesn't want to. That is if Miss Martin has no issue. I promise I'll be a perfect gentleman."
Angela just rolled her eyes at Andy's theatrics. The last thing she wanted was to be paired with Andy Bernard for three days.
Jim, on the other hand, surprised everyone, agreeing to make the trip.
"I'll go."
"I'm sure Angela and I can make it work. We're both responsible adults. I mean you did say luxurious suite didn't you? There's probably plenty of room for two people."
Pam couldn't believe what she was hearing. Did her husband just agree to go on a business trip with another woman, sharing the same room. Possibly the same bed?
"Jim!! You can't be okay with this! You're a married man!"
With all the excitement building over the awkwardness of only having one hotel room for two people at the upcoming seminar, Angela suddenly seemed to accept the unusual arrangement. She liked the fact that it made Pam jealous.
"It's okay."
"Like Jim said, we're both responsible adults. It shouldn't be too hard to make it work."
"That's what she said!"
Michael laughed at his own joke, and walked back to his office, assuming things would work themselves out.
Angela apparently agreed with the arrangement also, leaving the group and returning to her desk.
Pam couldn't believe that the prissy blonde would just walk away, thinking everything was just fine. She yelled at Angela, who just ignored her as she walked away.
