It was the day before New Year's Eve and Ann was trying to decide what to where to the company's New Year's Eve party. They have a small Christmas Party every year, but New Year's Eve was the holiday they all celebrated together. It was a family owned business and the owner's took exceptional care of their employees. There was only a dozen of them and all of the hard workers and this was their way of giving of themselves to start each new year. This year they were hosting the party at a bed and breakfast so no one had to drive home after having some drinks. They went all out; renting the rooms for the employees, each received a special gift and they were awarded their yearly bonus and raise. It was an exceptionally good year so everyone was going to be pleasantly surprised when they see their bonus and their raise. The spouses of the employees or significant other was also invited to the party and also put up in the hotel.
Ann went shopping since the day after Halloween trying to find just the right outfit to wear and was tossed between two so she bought both. She was getting them all packed up and ready to bring with her to work along with her night gown and all she needed for an over night. She wasn't seeing anyone right now so she would be going along. Everyone except for her and Samuel would have a partner. She and Samuel are close as they work together and go out for drinks and dinner on occasion but have never dated. She packed up her bags and was ready to leave for work. Her car wouldn't start so Samuel always took her to work if the weather was bad or she needed a ride so she gave him a call. He was just about to leave his house so he said he would swing by and pick her up.
After Samuel arrive, Ann convinced him to stop for coffee and breakfast, on her for picking her up and taking her to work and also the the party later on that day. He stopped at a local deli where they got coffee and bagels with sausage, egg and cheese which happened to be both of their favorite breakfast treats. They left all the suitcases in the his truck of course and went into work. They started at 8 and were stopping at 1 and then would be heading to the hotel. The would have time to shower, nap and meet for cocktails by 8. Samuel has been with the company 15 years now and Ann only 12. He ran the show when the boss wasn't around and he well liked by everyone. Samuel was black as night and Ann was as white as snow. Everyone was getting ready to leave when a last minute customer came in and Samuel agreed to help out and close up after the customer left. Ann was getting a ride so she stayed behind and got everything in order and assisted Samuel with the customer.