I was in my mid 20's, a recent college grad just starting out at my first professional job, when I was invited to the event we all dread...the office holiday party.
I had only been at my job for a few months, I was friendly with my co-workers, but didn't know any of them too well. As a result I found myself reluctant to attend as I felt somewhat out of place.
My company was not large, we have maybe a few hundred employees. We manufactured technical equipment used in a variety of industries, the manufacturing team, customer service, and finance teams all worked at our campus. We also had sales people who were based out of their home and worked in small regions of the country.
I worked in customer service, so I knew most of those folks, as well as those in finance. The manufacturing and sales groups I only knew of by name or a brief phone conversation, none had I met in person.
The company had set a record for profits this year, so they were going all out for their holiday celebration with big ticket raffle items and a catered dinner. The event was being held at a upscale hotel downtown on a Thursday after work. This gave the sales people an opportunity to fly in so they could attend, and fly out the next business day.
Sales had booked rooms at the hotel for each of their representatives. They had a reputation as heavy drinkers, something I've learned is common among salesmen.
I ultimately chose to attend. I figured it would be a good opportunity to network, and maybe I could win a raffle. The rumors were that there would be several cash prizes of $1k or more, and even some 75" tv's. I confirmed the tv portion was accurate when I saw the boxes in the party coordinators office, so I had to assume the remainder of the prizes was also accurate.
The day of the party finally arrived, everyone was dismissed early so they could go home and prepare for the evening. As it was a upscale event, I went home, showered and put on a grey suit.
I took a look in the mirror, I wore a light blue shirt, pressed and crisp. The suit fit moderately well, it was off the rack so it was not a perfect fit, but luckily it looked good. I am 5' 8", and hit the gym most days, so I was lean and muscular, which helped fill out the suit.
When I arrived at the party most of my fears were realized. People were split off into little cliques, with each group choosing tables with their respective groups. I found a table somewhat near the back with a few co-workers I was friendly with and sat down for the meal.
Both prior to and during the meal there was an open bar, so alcohol was flowing pretty freely and you could tell some people had already gone overboard. Following the meal the raffle began.
All employees had their name in a bowl that was drawn at random, and the first prize went to a customer service representative who won a Fit-Bit. When you won you went to the front of the hall to receive your prize. The prizes were handed out by one of the VP's of sales, who was dressed as Santa Claus.
Apparently there were some gag gifts as well, because the second raffle winner was from sales, and the prize was a werewolf mask. Bowing to peer pressure he put on the werewolf mask to howls from the crowd.
Several more raffles occurred, jumping from real gifts (TV's etc.) to gag gifts, which appeared to be random seasonal items the got on sale. There were Halloween masks, decorative pool floats, and little decorative items.
I had decided that I had enough and stood to make an early leave, as I rose I heard my name being called from the front of the room. As I was already standing all eyes turned to me, and I had no choice but to make my way forward to collect my prize.
As I approached the front I got my first real look at Santa. Bill was one of three Vice Presidents of sales presiding over one of our product lines. I had spoken to him once by phone, but this was the first time meeting him in person. Rumor had it that this would be Bill's last year with the company, he was taking an early retirement to spend more time with family.
Bill was an imposing man, standing at 6'3" he towered over me. He was it his late 50's or early 60's, I could not tell for sure. A handsome man, he had salt and pepper hair and beard, leaning more to the white side. He was a heavier man, I would say he was at least 300 lbs easily. He handed me my prize and shook my hand, I could detect a strong whiff of whiskey.
Unfortunately I had received a gag gift. It was a costume wig, in rainbow colors, and of course the crowd was yelling to put it on. Things could not have been worse, as an introvert I disliked being the center of attention in these types of settings, it was ten times worse because of the embarrassing nature of the prize.
I always presented as straight, I have tattoos, and dress primarily in jeans and tee's, most people are shocked when they find out I am gay. It's not something I openly discuss, and no one at work knew any differently. Bowing to peer pressure I put it on to whistling and catcalls, mainly from the sales group. Embarrassed I slunk back to my seat.
The remainder of the raffle was uneventful, a dessert buffet was opened, and everyone began to roam the banquet room, socializing and eating desserts. I found myself near the dessert table, when I felt a presence behind me. Towering behind me was Santa Claus. I turned and Bill was very close to me, clearly a bit drunk.
"I wanted to apologize for my team" he told me, placing his hand on my shoulder. "I never meant to cause any embarrassment" he said. "Let's see what we have here" he said as he stepped towards the cakes, his hand remaining on my shoulder. I turned so we were both facing the table, his arm around me dropped and brushed against my ass.
I let out a little gasp, Bill must have noticed and turned to me and smiled. I smiled back, slightly embarrassed as I realized I was getting excited as my cock swelled. I tried to move so my waist was facing away from Bill, but my awkward motion betrayed me causing Bill to look down and see my growing erection in my pants.
Bill did not respond, he took a piece of cake, and said "let's go sit down". I sat at a nearby table with Bill, he formally introduced himself, and made some small talk about his role in the company and asked how I was enjoying it so far. The light conversation put me at easy and I began to think Bill was too drunk to notice my excitement earlier.