The Christmas Bonus

The Christmas BonusAs the year winds down and deadlines get closer I spend many evenings working late and more times than not the last person in the office and find I am very productive in those quiet hours.It was Thanksgiving weekend and we always have the company Christmas party on the Tuesday before and give our employees some extra time to travel and enjoy the holiday. The party as always was a good time and all seem to enjoy an evening of elegance; everyone dresses in black tie and evening dresses which makes the night a classy affair.I needed to finish off a few items back at the office so they could be to clients before the holiday started, so I finished off my last drink and caught a taxi back to the business district and walked a few blocks to the tower. I had quite a buzz on and needed to sober up so I could have a clear train of thought on the work at hand.After a couple of hours I was basically finished up and decided to have a drink and enjoy the silence of the empty office. Unexpectedly I heard the main door open and close, the carpet doesn?t allow footsteps to be heard so I wondered out to see if it was the cleaning staff.To my surprise it was Marie who greeted me with an ?I thought I would find you here?? She walked past me taking my drink and entered my office. She was still dressed in her party dress and looked half her age, it could have been the alcohol but I have always seen Marie as an attractive lady.?Where?s Jim?? I asked.?He?s in the limo, on his way home? Marie replied.As I followed her into my office I asked her if she would like something to drink, I know her favourite is a rum