During

I’d booked a limo to keep transport arrangements simple, but was the only one to cough up his share. It cost a fortune, since some idiot got the address wrong on the invite. I arrived late because I didn't want to be first there. Even so, the cook, the waiter, the barman and the DJ were the only people present. For hired help, they seemed to be having a pretty good time.

I took my shoes off so as not to dirty the carpet. The smoke, strobe lights and floating balloons made for a pretty disorienting environment. I put up with it, remembering that I too had been young once. I’d authorised a taxi voucher, so I figured it was safe to have a tipple. The barman gave me a drink with a funny name. It didn’t taste like beer, wine or soft drink.

The theme was ‘Fun with Fur’. I was disappointed when I saw another koala in the bathroom. Whoever it was must have also been upset, since they stayed there all night and wouldn’t speak to me.

The DJ refused to play my request, so I went into the back yard to join the party games. I might be the boss, but I’m not aloof. The limbo competition was a dead loss and blind man's buff took forever, but I won every other event except the three legged race (there were odd numbers).

The dinner was fine, though the Christmas crackers were impossible and some prankster had rearranged the name tags. I ordered chicken but got beef and no one was prepared to swap. That’s gratitude. As CEO, I naturally had to make a speech. I thanked everyone for coming. Despite having the best sales figures, I didn’t get a bonus. I should’ve guessed; I'm such a tight arse.

To be continued...