Beach Party
Posted: Fri May 17, 2024 8:14 pm
Note: I once had the unpleasant experience of working for a boss who openly disliked me but the rest of this is pure fiction.
Part One
“Good news, everyone” announced Gordon at the end of our morning team get-together. This wasn't really a meeting as such, just a quick minute or two gathered round while the boss (and anyone else who needed to) announced anything we needed to know. This happened at nine on the dot so no-one in the office could get away with being late, Gordon would know.
“I've organised a beach themed party for next Friday evening and sold it to the higher-ups as a team building exercise so drinks and snacks will be free all evening. I've booked a room at the cricket club plus use of the changing rooms. The party lasts from six until eleven and just to break the ice we'll all be in beach wear, hence the changing rooms.” He looked at me with his usual sour expression. “And before you ask, Tony, it's not optional. Anyone who's not there had better have a really good reason they can prove. Submit your death certificate or be there. You can stand a bit of socialising.”
Wonderful! I was a junior loan officer, not a lifeguard, now I had to waste an evening on this. Ever since Gordon took over the office he had openly disliked me. I didn't know why but it was rapidly becoming mutual, I was sick of his put-downs. He was right about one thing though, I wouldn't go near his stupid party if I didn't have to, especially as I prefer to keep my clothes on. And I never go to the beach, or swimming either.
“I never go to beaches so I don't have a costume” I said, bluntly but honestly, I really didn't. “Can I buy one on expenses?” I thought it would be great to buy one of those Edwardian-style swimming costumes that cover everything except the lower arms and legs. Preferably an expensive one. And make him pay for it.
“No, sorry Tony” he replied in a tone that made it clear he was pleased not sorry. “They won't spend any more money, it was hard enough to get what I did.” Then he grinned. “I'll tell you what, lets make it a clothing optional beach so trunks or nothing is fine. Get yourself a cossie or give us all a laugh, it's up to you.” Of course he knew full well I'd never go naked, it was just an excuse to make me waste my money. A few people were smiling at the thought of 'Tight-fisted Tony' having this 'choice' to make.
Surprisingly, Matt came to my rescue. “I've got a spare costume he can borrow” he said. “I won't be needing it that night, I've got a new one to wear.” Matt was a bit of a joker and I'd got the impression he was more on Gordon's side than mine so I was instantly suspicious.
Helen voiced my suspicion, but as a joke. She winked at me and said “A nice tight speedo, I hope, so we can see what Tony's got to offer. Preferably one that goes see through when wet, in case someone gets careless with her drink.”
“No, sorry,” Matt replied, “I don't own any speedos, don't like them. I prefer board shorts myself, I've got a few different designs of those. And see through costumes are an urban myth that doesn't exist. Who would buy them? Who would make them and get sued by their customers? I thought you had more sense than that.”
“Well, a girl can dream, can't she?” pouted Helen.
I thought board shorts sounded okay, especially with a tee shirt. People wear tee shirts on beaches don't they? Some of them, anyway. Gordon probably won't like it but he doesn't like anything I do and I'm past caring about it. “Thanks, Matt. That's kind of you” I said.
“No problem” he replied. “I'll bring it along on Friday.” If he did, great. If he didn't, even better, I'd have a legitimate excuse to swerve Gordon's awful party. The mini-meeting ended and we all got to work.
Part One
“Good news, everyone” announced Gordon at the end of our morning team get-together. This wasn't really a meeting as such, just a quick minute or two gathered round while the boss (and anyone else who needed to) announced anything we needed to know. This happened at nine on the dot so no-one in the office could get away with being late, Gordon would know.
“I've organised a beach themed party for next Friday evening and sold it to the higher-ups as a team building exercise so drinks and snacks will be free all evening. I've booked a room at the cricket club plus use of the changing rooms. The party lasts from six until eleven and just to break the ice we'll all be in beach wear, hence the changing rooms.” He looked at me with his usual sour expression. “And before you ask, Tony, it's not optional. Anyone who's not there had better have a really good reason they can prove. Submit your death certificate or be there. You can stand a bit of socialising.”
Wonderful! I was a junior loan officer, not a lifeguard, now I had to waste an evening on this. Ever since Gordon took over the office he had openly disliked me. I didn't know why but it was rapidly becoming mutual, I was sick of his put-downs. He was right about one thing though, I wouldn't go near his stupid party if I didn't have to, especially as I prefer to keep my clothes on. And I never go to the beach, or swimming either.
“I never go to beaches so I don't have a costume” I said, bluntly but honestly, I really didn't. “Can I buy one on expenses?” I thought it would be great to buy one of those Edwardian-style swimming costumes that cover everything except the lower arms and legs. Preferably an expensive one. And make him pay for it.
“No, sorry Tony” he replied in a tone that made it clear he was pleased not sorry. “They won't spend any more money, it was hard enough to get what I did.” Then he grinned. “I'll tell you what, lets make it a clothing optional beach so trunks or nothing is fine. Get yourself a cossie or give us all a laugh, it's up to you.” Of course he knew full well I'd never go naked, it was just an excuse to make me waste my money. A few people were smiling at the thought of 'Tight-fisted Tony' having this 'choice' to make.
Surprisingly, Matt came to my rescue. “I've got a spare costume he can borrow” he said. “I won't be needing it that night, I've got a new one to wear.” Matt was a bit of a joker and I'd got the impression he was more on Gordon's side than mine so I was instantly suspicious.
Helen voiced my suspicion, but as a joke. She winked at me and said “A nice tight speedo, I hope, so we can see what Tony's got to offer. Preferably one that goes see through when wet, in case someone gets careless with her drink.”
“No, sorry,” Matt replied, “I don't own any speedos, don't like them. I prefer board shorts myself, I've got a few different designs of those. And see through costumes are an urban myth that doesn't exist. Who would buy them? Who would make them and get sued by their customers? I thought you had more sense than that.”
“Well, a girl can dream, can't she?” pouted Helen.
I thought board shorts sounded okay, especially with a tee shirt. People wear tee shirts on beaches don't they? Some of them, anyway. Gordon probably won't like it but he doesn't like anything I do and I'm past caring about it. “Thanks, Matt. That's kind of you” I said.
“No problem” he replied. “I'll bring it along on Friday.” If he did, great. If he didn't, even better, I'd have a legitimate excuse to swerve Gordon's awful party. The mini-meeting ended and we all got to work.