A Middle Class Orgy

It is your first day in a new job. You are sitting at your desk trying to get the hang of the new company systems when the following pops up on your screen

From: Cole, Melissa
To: Doe, John
Subject: None
Message:
See me in my office, please.

Melissa Cole is the department head. Somewhat nervously you make your way to her door.

Peering through the glass partition you see her studying reports with a frown of concentration. She is attractive in a no-nonsense sort of way. She seems to be in her early forties, with hair cut short, but not severely so. She wears a minimal amount of make-up, but clearly takes care of her appearance. Her suit is brown, matching her hair; skirt rather than trousers.

Nervously, you knock on the door.

"Enter!" you hear Ms Cole call in a clear but sharp voice.

You go in.

Ms Cole looks up from her work.

"Aaah, John," she says, with a smile, "how are you settling in?"

With relief you say "fine" and try to make small talk about getting to grips with software packages and how helpful some colleagues were at getting you a password this morning. Ms Cole smiles indulgently, and listens to what you have to say - even though you are sure she is quite busy. She is clearly a good manager with great people skills.

"Good, good. Well look, John, if you have any problems at all, remember my door is always open."

Taking that as your cue to leave, you thank her and turn to leave.

"Just a minute, John."

You pause.

"I don't suppose... Well it is rather short notice..." she begins, "but we're having a bit of a get together at my house tonight. Just a few work colleagues - not all from our department - and spouses. And, well I thought it might be a good opportunity for you to meet people. Of course I perfectly understand if you have other plans."

"Erm no," you mumble in surprise, "I'd love to come."

"Oh, that's great," she replies - I'll message the details over to you.

"Its quite a mixed group: Myself - and my husband, Gordon, of course. Mark, whose with us on a student placement - have you met him yet?" you recall a red-faced nervous young man of about 19, "He's bringing his girlfriend, I believe.

"Then there's Marcia Woolley, from payroll, she used to work with us until she went on maternity leave - transferred to payroll when she came back. I expect her husband will be there too, if they can get a baby-sitter." you think you met her earlier - an attractive but slightly flustered blond woman in her mid 20s who helped you sort out your tax code.

"Is it all couples then?" you ask.

"No, not entirely. There's Martin from IT. He's just going through a divorce, so he's about as single as you can get. That's him over there."

You look through the glass partition to see a tall handsome 30-something black man flirting with the office girls. You admire his easygoing confidence as they giggle at everything he says.

"And then there's Melanie, our secretary," Melissa Cole continues, "she's not seeing anybody at present I believe."

You've met Melanie, a pretty 20 year old spectacle-wearing blonde with an engaging smile.

"So, there you are," your boss concludes, "if you want to bring somebody that's fine. But if that's not convenient, we'd still love you to come along."

"Thank you. I'll be there."

"Good. See you later, John."

"See you later, erm, Ms Cole."

"Melissa."

"Melissa."

You turn to leave again.

"Oh, John."

"Yes."

"Um... Some of our get togethers have been a bit wild. I hope you aren't too easily shocked."

"Erm, no, no, not at all." you mumble.

"See you later then."