“Now, let’s discuss what many of you might be wondering about,” I say, ready to get this over with. “Mr. Barrington and I are dating. Our relationship didn’t start until after I received my promotion. And no, our dating has not and will not affect our professional conduct or decision-making.”
The room goes silent again, but thoughtful expressions replace the skeptical ones this time.
“Abby and I understand our relationship may raise concerns,” John adds. “That’s why we wanted to be transparent and open this dialogue. Headquarters knows we’re dating. That’s why Abby no longer reports to me. You have my word that we’re committed to maintaining a fair and professional work environment.”
I nod, grateful for his support. “Which brings us to our next exercise: open communication.”
We spend the next hour guiding the team through various communication exercises, encouraging them to express concerns and ideas openly. People slowly open up to each other, but when they do, we hear frustrations about the break room coffee machine and suggestions for improving interdepartmental collaboration.
As we wrap up, the room’s energy has shifted to a cautious optimism.
“Before we end,” John says, “I want to implement an anonymous suggestion box in the break room and hold monthly town hall meetings to openly address concerns and ideas.”
People nod, and tension unexpectedly releases from my shoulders. Only time will tell if what we’ve shared here today works, but it’s a start.
“Maybe they’re not so bad after all,” Melanie says, walking out of the conference room.
“I can’t believe I never knew about John’s family,” another voice chimes in. “Makes you wonder what else we don’t know about each other.”
I try not to grin, since they aren’t speaking directly to me, but the point we wanted to make has hit home. I catch John’s gaze, and we share small, triumphant smiles. I hope this is the first step toward progress, because I never want to choose between my job and being with him. Thinking about how I felt when I didn’t see another choice makes my stomach churn.
* * *
That afternoon, I sit at my desk, ensuring a new client’s account is set up correctly. A knock sounds at my door. “Come in.”
Sarah opens the door but doesn’t come in all the way. “Got a minute?”
I nod, gesturing for her to come in. “What’s up?”
She finally enters and sits, fidgeting with the hem of her blouse. “I-I want to apologize for what I said about you and John. It wasn’t fair, and I’m sorry.”
I’m taken aback by her sincerity. “Thank you. I appreciate it and accept your apology.”
She nods, still looking uncomfortable. “I guess I was jealous. It was easier to assume the worse than to admit maybe you just worked harder than me to get the promotion.”
Sarah moved from client services to accounting after I was promoted. The exercises we did today have given me more insight into why she did that, but I didn’t know the real reason until now.
I offer her a small smile. “Thanks for telling me why, but what matters is how we move forward from this.”
She hesitantly returns the smile. “So, um, maybe we could grab coffee sometime? Get to know each other better?”
A warmth spreads through my chest. I can’t wait to tell John our plan is working, and I hope he’s as happy as I am. “I’d like that. How about tomorrow morning?”
She nods, the lines on her face relaxing. “Sounds great. And, uh, for what it’s worth, you and John seem good together.”
I wiggle my toes. “Thank you.”
As Sarah leaves my office, a sense of accomplishment makes me sit taller. She’s only one person, but we’re headed in the right direction. I want it to continue.
* * *
The week flies by in a whirlwind of client meetings and more team-building exercises. A few people test my patience, but I understand we’re hitting them with a lot quickly.
By Friday afternoon, I can’t stop yawning, and even my feet hurt, which makes no sense since I sat most of the day. But I’ve been doing more than my usual responsibilities this week, so that might explain it. The tiredness and soreness are worth it. The office morale and atmosphere have improved. The best part? People are talking, not gossiping and cracking jokes about the now-defunct betting pool.
As I pack my things, John pokes his head into my office. “Got a minute?”
“For you, take as long as you need.” My pulse kicks up a notch. “What’s up?”
