It was Christmas at Bistro Huddy's. The doors were closed to the public, the annual staff holiday party in full swing. Twinkling lights crisscrossed the dining room, bathing everything in ared and green glow, wreaths adorned every door. The staff had fully embraced the holiday spirit, donning Santa Claus hats and competing in their traditional "ugliest sweater" contest.

Though the party was supposed to have rules—a strict two-drink limit enforced via drink tickets—it quickly became clear those regulations were more of a suggestion than a mandate. The bar was a spectacle, lined with every bottle imaginable: tequila, vodka, wine, rum, and an assortment of mixers.

In the kitchen, Clint and Terry had taken it upon themselves to whip up grilled cheese sandwiches for the crew. Occasionally, Terry would crack a joke over his shoulder, one eye always on the chaos ensuing in the party, causing Clint to chuckle and flip a sandwich a little too late.

Out in the dining area, smaller scenes unfolded like a traditional holiday movie. By the bar, Nicole, Aaron, Trick, and Bridgette formed a lively huddle. Their laughter rang out as they downed shot after shot, daring one another to push the limit of good judgment.

In a quieter corner, Chef Joey and Amber leaned close to each other, their flirtation as warm and unmistakable as the holiday lights. The two had been skirting the line between colleagues and something more for months, though whether it was exclusive remained a mystery.

Meanwhile, Brad, the typical charmer, was up to his usual antics. Armed with a sprig of mistletoe, he roamed the restaurant with a mischievous grin, hanging it above doorways and coaxing unsuspecting staff toward a kiss. His efforts earned him a mix of amused eye-rolls and playful participation, but Brad was undeterred. To him, the mistletoe was an opportunity, not a mere decoration.