Chapter 3

“Good evening, fellow faculty members and their guests. It’s that time again to close out the calendar year with our annual Christmas party. Thanks to those who have organized another great gathering.”

“Again, Quinte University is seen as one of the top ten academic institutions in Canada. It is your hard work and dedication to our students that continues to make us successful.” There was appreciative applause.

“Now, for tonight’s ground rules. We’re all adults here, or at least we’re supposed to be. I know at these kinds of parties, we tend to let our hair down, for those gentlemen who still have hair,” he joked, getting a laugh, and several bald heads were patted.

“There are taxi chits for a paid ride home, so there is no reason to attempt to drive home and be caught for impairment. We have the usual two rooms booked for those who want a quieter atmosphere for a while. Rooms, 210, and 212. Please try to keep the rooms in decent condition and the sheets clean from extra curricular activities.”

“Yes, like that will ever happen!” One yelled, causing laughter.

“Remember, ladies and gentlemen, we do work together and don’t want to see an office romance go the wrong way. On behalf of my wife, and board of directors, have a safe and Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! The self serve food line will start shortly, followed by a DJ. The bar will close at one, and we ask that you leave by two.”

Once the department heads had formed a line and were filling their plates, the others joined them. Dan enjoyed the height difference because it allowed him to view Rita’s deep cleavage. Trayvon did the same, viewing Tracy’s mostly exposed breasts from behind.

“I can see that Trayvon is interested in you. You should start the night off by sitting next to him so he has a better view of your wonderful breasts,” Dan suggested.

“Honey, you should sit next to Rita. I’m sure you can work your manly charms on her,” Tracy hinted.

As the staff and guests were in the food line, convention staff were placing several bottles of wine at each table.

Martin and Anna followed the others from the bun, roll, and dessert tables back to their table. Rita sat and was pleased that Trayvon sat on her left and Martin on her right. Dan sat to the right of Tracy and Anna.

“I guess we wanted to switch partners, at least during our meals,” Tracy remarked.

“Or longer,” Trayvon said, leaning toward Rita. She smiled but said nothing.

Wine bottles opened and glasses filled, they toasted to the season and tonight’s friendship.

Conversations took place with Tracy and Anna, who were stunned when Rita told the group that Dan has four wives. He gave a brief description of each one and how they came into his life.

“I suppose you’ve been told many times that you look so much like the actor, Tom Hanks,” Anna mentioned.

“Yes, I have, thank you. I’m a few years older than Tom, so he looks like me,” he joked.

“I’ve never danced with a movie star before,” Tracy said, eyeing him.

“I’m not a movie star, just an ordinary guy.”

“What ordinary guy has four wives?” Martin joked.