Let me see now, why do I hate the office Christmas party? Well, up until about 1999 I used to look forward to the office Christmas party. What better chance to catch up with colleagues and have a good chat and find out about any gossip you might have missed during the year.

As I say, that was up until the year 1999. This particular year I was working for a small business which was a physiotherapy and sports massage centre. I loved my job, and I enjoyed the camaraderie of the fellow staff. Everyone was very friendly and I can honestly say I actually looked forward to going to work.

This particular year the office Christmas party was to be held at the office manager's house an immaculate house with white carpet throughout, barbecue area out the back and a swimming pool. All the staff were eagerly anticipating the party. We girls decided we would all dress casual, no need for trying to outdo each other. It was to be a relaxed occasion.

The day of the party rolled around. My husband and I arrived and I did a quick introduction. I noted that the only person who hadn't arrived yet was my fellow receptionist, Karen (not her real name). Now let me explain, Karen was the only female staff member who was single. However, there were a few single men amongst the staff. The rest of us were all in relationships.

Now, being a typical Aussie get-together, the men all gathered around the barbie while the girls sat and happily giggled over a couple of drinks. Half an hour after our arrival Karen arrived. Now, as I explained earlier, we girls decided we would all dress casual. Well, apparently Karen wasn't privy to this conversation. Karen had arrived in a short red dress with a flip skirt. My fellow receptionist had decided that tonight she needed to be the centre of attention. The rest of us girls had no problems with this until we all realised Karen was to spend the entire afternoon twirling around and finding numerous reasons to bend at the waist and generally keep her g-string on permanent display.

The rest of us girls smiled at each other and put it down to the fact that obviously Karen had started drinking before she had arrived. Again, we had no problem with this. However, the problem started when Karen disappeared from where the rest of us girls were happily chatting. It wasn't till about an hour or so later when one of the other girls came rushing up to tell me gleefully, "You better go see what Karen is doing with your

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