A party in the penthouse

I didn't know that this apartment complex even had a penthouse.  The building I live in has 14 floors but I discovered this evening that the East building has a 15th floor and it only houses the penthouse.  Only one elevator goes all the way to the penthouse. Early in December signs were posted on each floor inviting everyone to a Christmas cocktail party this evening in the penthouse. Free but everyone was asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank. I went with some trepidation, realizing that I wouldn't know anyone there. I figured I could go, get a snack, stay a little while and then leave.  Happily, within the first fifteen minutes I had struck up a conversation with an artist named Santa (her mother was Italian) who then introduced me to an insurance salesman named Jeff who kept refilling my glass of white wine (such a nice young man). He introduced me to a CPA named Ted and before I knew it two and a half hours had passed in very pleasant conversation. And, oh yes, the shrimp cocktail, stuffed mushrooms, puff pastries, etc. were all very tasty. I think they have about four big parties a year.  I will be attending the next one.