Page 1 of Office Mistakes

Chapter 1

Dayton, Ohio

Audra Davis lounged in a corner,her dark eyes taking in the halfhearted holiday cheer. The party had started out lame and was rapidly going downhill.

What else could you expect?

The partners had tacked a Christmas party onto the end of a long meeting before a holiday weekend. Most people had checked out days ago and were just going through the motions.

Audra noticed the strained smile Mr. Daws aimed in her direction. He seemed to be silently begging her to fix it.

With a sigh, Audra took matters into her own hands. She pushed away from the wall, skirted the edge of the room, and stepped into the hallway. Sneaking into her boss’s office, she grabbed the bottle of Beluga Gold Line he kept hidden in the bottom drawer of his desk.

She slipped back into the (dying) party room, the bottle tucked tightly against her side.

After William Trundle, one of the law firm partners, talked about enjoying this time together, Audra splashed some vodka into the punch.

When Paul Kent gave his little speech about how one of the best Christmas gifts was the hardworking people in the room, she added a little more to the bowl.

Finally, Anthony Daws cracked a feeble joke. The light laughter was tinged with boredom and disinterest. Audra gave up and poured in every last drop.

She stepped a little to the right as Charlie walked up beside her. Returning his smile, she watched as he served himself a glass of the red punch.

His lake-blue eyes widened in appreciation. “That’s good punch. Much better than usual.”

After draining the glass and filling it again, he gestured at her. “You want a glass?”

“No, thanks,” Audra replied, watching in fascination as he downed two more glasses.

He looked at her again. “The party seems a bit dull, doesn’t it?”

Audra murmured her assent as Charlie finished yet another cup.

“I know,” he announced, a sudden gleam in his eyes. “Let’s sing a Christmas carol.”

He began walking toward the center of the room, pulling Audra along behind him.

“What? Wait.” Audra tried to break free, but Charlie had an iron grip. She gave up and followed, half-amused at the determination on his face.

Charlie Bennett was definitelyin the Christmas spirit.

And definitely on his way to being completely plowed.

Audra shared an amused look with Beryl as Charlie led his coworkers in a rollicking rendition of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”.

“Where did he find the reindeer headband?” Audra asked.

“Someone unearthed some Christmas accessories from God knows where.” Beryl pointed to a large cardboard box. “Come on; let’s join the festivities.”

Audra took the Santa hat Beryl handed her, putting it over her dark hair. She dug out a length of red and green tinsel, winding it around her neck like a scarf.

Beryl grinned, mirroring her best friend’s actions with her own tinsel, then attached a blinking red nose to hers.

They joined in, singing the chorus of “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”.

The party rocked on for another hour, and Audra enjoyed watching Charlie encourage everyone into joining in.

Daws, Trundle, and Kent Law Firm’s annual office Christmas party had never been this fun.

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