Page 30 of Behind Frenemy Lines

Though it was also a little worrying, how firm she was about it. As if there was no chance she’d consider it.

Partner, reasonably: “I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with it. I’m glad you’ve met someone, after…” Cleared his throat. “But we need to think about the implications for your work. The two of you sharing an office—it’s likely to be detrimental, both personally and professionally. If you’d told me about the nature of your relationship earlier, I would have made sure you weren’t assigned to the same office.”

Kriya: “Look, there’s been a misunderstanding—”

Partner: “I’ve spoken to Farah. As I thought, there isn’t another office available. But we discussed it and—”

Kriya: “You discussed it? Arthur, did you tell Farah Charles and I are seeing each other?”

(Arthur! Knew it was something like that.)

Arthur: “No, no. Like I said, it’s for you to make Farah aware of it, when you see fit. But I told her you’ve asked to change offices, since you raised it with me.” (She did?)

Arthur went on: “Since there isn’t another office you could use, Farah suggested you do as the other fee earners do. Booka desk in the open plan space on the days you come into the office. The pod outside my office usually has free desks, Victoria works there—”

Kriya: “Are you telling me that I’m being reassigned from this office?”

Her voice was low, but it was somehow more ominous than if she’d raised it.

Arthur: “It’s not about forcing you, or anything like that. I’m thinking about what’s best for everyone concerned. Working in such close quarters with your partner—it can put a lot of pressure on a relationship. We don’t want that to impact your work.”

Kriya, exasperated: “Oh, this is—Charles and I don’t even work together! We have different clients, different specialisms. Neither of us manages the other, so there’s no supervisory relationship. Even if we were dating, why would that be a concern?”

Arthur: “I’m not saying it’s a concern. But our line of work is stressful. It’s important to be able to maintain a division between the personal and the professional.”

Kriya: “I agree.”

She said it like she was sliding a knife between his ribs. Arthur flushed.

Dawned on me, all of a sudden, why Kriya had seemed off since getting back. Something must have happened in Hong Kong. From the emphasis she’d placed onsupervisory relationship,it was becoming clear what that must have been.

Had to suppress a sudden impulse to pick Arthur up by the collar and chuck him out of the room. Been training regularly this year. Reasonably confident I could do it. Lucky for him that the windows don’t open.

Kriya: “Given I amnot datingCharles, I don’t see a problem here. I’d prefer to have an office, I don’t work as effectively in open plan. Since there isn’t another office I could use, I’d rather stay here.”

Arthur looked, disconcerted, but after a moment, he rallied: “All the other fee earners are in the open plan area. That’s standard practice. The arrangement Charles has, where he has his own office, is by exception. And it’s not set in stone. If it’s known what the position is, with your relationship, things may well change.”

Kriya: “There is no relationship! Right, Charles?”

CG: “Yes. I mean, no. I mean—did Farah say they’re going to take away my office?”

Arthur: “No, but—”

Kriya: “I accepted the offer to join Swithin Watkins on the basis that I would have an office. That was highlighted to me as a benefit. Can I clarify—are you saying it’s been decided that I can no longer use this office? In other words, the firm has gone back on our original agreement?”

Arthur: “No, that’s not what I’m saying. It’s your decision. But this is about making sure the situation works for everyone. We’re all grown-ups here. We know emotions can affect our objectivity—”

Kriya: “So it’s up to me?”

Arthur: “Well—yes. But I’m asking you to think about the implications. For Charles, as well.”

He looked over at me, as though he thought I might help him out. Couldn’t deny the idea of having my office back to myself was appealing, but Kriya looked at me, too, and it wasn’t difficult to decide whose side I was on.

CG: “I don’t find sharing an office with Kriya affects my work.”

Kriya: “Great! So we’re agreed. Thanks for raising your concerns, Arthur. I appreciate the chance to discuss the options, but I’m happy with the current arrangement. I can assure you, you won’t see any impact on performance.”

She smiled at Arthur, steely, until he stood up.

---