The end of the year was approaching and as usual the company was planning its yearly holiday party. The company is a fairly small printing company which employs just over 30 people. Carl started with the company 7 years ago, at the age of 29, when there were only 6 employees, and his management style had an immediate impact. Dave, the owner & President, was able to focus his energy on growing the business while Carl managed everything. At this point he is essentially #2 in the company only behind Dave.
Normally Carl was in charge of approving the plans for the party but this year Dave decided he wanted the party at the same hotel as last year. The hotel was a great place because it had a large room they could rent for the party; they catered everything and had a bar. Another perk was everyone could get drunk and not have to worry about driving home.
Carl knew exactly why Dave wanted the party at the same place. Last year Dave & his wife had a room so they could stay late and not have to worry about making it home. That room also came in handy when Dave decided to take Kate upstairs and fool around for a while. Unfortunately Kate is not his wife; she was Carl's girlfriend at the time.
Carl found out about this seeing Kate and Dave on a security video at the front desk. After the party he used it to his advantage in getting a raise and a hefty bonus. The only stipulation was that he could not tell Tina, Dave's wife, what happened at the party. In return for keeping her in the dark, Carl was to become a partner on his tenth anniversary with the company.
Obviously based on the events of last year, Carl has no desire to attend the party this year. Unfortunately as a Vice President he pretty much needs to be there. So, he has agreed to all the plans, but has decided that he will be showing up alone instead of with a date.
When the day of the party arrived, Carl spent the early portion of the day just like a normal Saturday. He went to the gym first thing in the morning, followed by running errands around town. After a full day out and about, he returned home and started to get ready for the party. He chose to attend this year's party somewhat casual. He donned a pair of khaki pants and a black button down shirt.
Carl arrived at the party after most of the other employees, and the party seemed to be in full swing already. He walked in and noticed a lot of guys dressed in suits and ladies in dresses. However he didn't feel too underdressed once he saw Dave & Tina. Dave was wearing jeans and a tan golf shirt. Tina was dressed up a little bit more with a long white skirt and a blue button down blouse. She had her hair up in a ponytail instead of hanging down to her shoulders like normal. Not that it mattered he thought, but at least he was dressed nicer than the owner and his wife.
Carl's intention was to show face and stay for a short time before leaving. He headed to the buffet table and grabbed himself some food, then headed over to the bar to get a beer. He noticed some tables around the outside of the room so he headed over to grab a seat and try to eat in peace.
Shortly after sitting down, Dave saw Carl and decided to come on over to chat. Carl let him know that he only planned on staying for a short time. He gave some lame excuse about family coming into town late that night. While it was lame, Dave was already a bit drunk so he was believing just about everything that he was being told.
Dave & Carl talked for about 20 minutes while Carl ate his dinner. They eventually both got up and Carl made his way around the room talking to most of the employees. Eventually he made his way over to Dave and Tina.
"Hi Tina, it is good to see you tonight. Dave, I am going to head on out. I need to be getting back since my parents will be at the house anytime now," Carl mentioned.
"That's cool man. I will just see you at the office on Monday," Dave said.
"You're leaving already Carl? The party is still young," Tina chimed in.
"Unfortunately I have family obligations, you know how it is. It was good to see you both." Carl made his goodnights.
Before leaving, Carl headed to the men's room. Just before entering, he heard a commotion from back in the party and he turned to take a look. He saw Tina giving Dave grief about something, but he had no idea what it was about. He couldn't help but think how deserved it probably was, but went on his way.
When Carl left the men's room he was suddenly stopped by Tina, which surprised him. He didn't know what had happened inside the party, but it looked like something was spilled on her.
"What happened," Carl asked.
"Dave is so drunk, he spilled a full glass of red wine all over my new clothes," Tina said.
She mentioned to Carl that she and Dave were staying in the hotel that night, and she had a suitcase in the car. She also asked if he could get it for her, and bring it up to the room before he left. She was embarrassed and just wanted to get out of sight.