Notation

I arrived at the wine bistro a little after 7, so everyone had been partying for about an hour. I spotted my manager and patted him on the back, he greeted me with a false friendliness and let me know everyone was in the lounge area. I bought a beer and walked to the back where the rest of my coworkers were seated. Two women, perched the furthest from me, shared a look and immediately burst into laughter. I made small talk about weekend plans with my nearest peers, finished my beer, hugged the birthday girl, then left.