Working Relationship

Just then Mr Macintosh’s door opened and he put his head into the office. “Sarah!” he said, “I thought I heard your voice. Are you feeling better? Come in and have a seat. Christine, would you get us two coffees please.” He escorted her to an armchair in his office and then sat down on an office chair next to it. “I was so concerned when David phoned to say you had been taken ill. He thinks a lot of you, but you already know that. Probably what you don’t know is that he personally told me that he considers having you to support him is the main reason he has topped the firms performance charts for the last year.”

“He is a very nice man Mr Macintosh,” said Sarah, “He is very good at his job too, if a little disorganised sometimes, but then, that’s what I am there for. It’s part of my job to ensure he has everything he needs at his fingertips. I just try to make sure if he needs something, when he reaches for it, he finds it’s already there under his hand, waiting for him. I didn’t realise he had even noticed.”

“I assure you he has and he knows how lucky he is to have you,” said Mr Macintosh, “But please, it’s James, you are not at work now. Is there anything we can do to help with whatever caused that problem yesterday? I heard you tell Christine it was personal, so if you would rather not say I will understand.”

Christine was pouring the coffees at the coffee machine just outside the door and Sarah knew she was listening, hoping to pick up some information about what had happened. She pretended to have forgotten she was there and sat quietly as though considering if she should tell James.

“It goes back quite a long time James,” said Sarah, “My husband and I have been trying for a baby for almost seven years. At first we thought it was just bad luck, but after a year with nothing, we realised something must be wrong so we started to have tests. Our family doctor had some tests done, but they were inconclusive. From there we had more tests done at a private clinic that specialised in couples who were having difficulties like us. They were full of stories about the couples they had helped when everyone else had given up and made a lot of promises about what they were sure they could do for us. All of our savings were swallowed up with these tests and techniques, which were not cheap, but the results were always the same. My husband was fertile and quite capable of fathering a child, but I could not give him one. Three times, with the aid of their medical techniques I did conceive, but lost the baby after only a few weeks. Last year, when I lost my third baby at only eight weeks, we decided that enough was enough. It wasn’t the money; I just couldn’t face the pain of having my hopes raised again; only to have them dashed when I lost yet another baby. The joy when the test is positive which is then followed by the pain of losing your baby is indescribable. I have gone through that three times and I just knew that I couldn’t face going through it again, it was time to accept the inevitable. We would never have a family.”

“Have you considered adoption?” asked James.

“Oh yes,” replied Sarah, “We talked about that, but I wanted my own baby, not someone else’s. Anyway, John wouldn’t bring up another man’s child. He says if a man creates a child he should be man enough to raise it. He’s a bit old fashioned like that. Then a few nights ago we were ‘having words’, it was nothing serious just a husband and wife argument about something trivial, but he said something which cut a little too deep and it turned into a full scale row. He knew he had gone too far and immediately apologised, he didn’t really mean it, it was something said in the heat of the moment and immediately regretted, but it had been said and it hurt – a lot. Then yesterday morning, what he had said must have still been on my mind when I received a text message from that clinic suggesting we contact them for more tests.”

The emotion she was putting into this tale caused real tears to form in Sarah’s eyes and she grabbed a tissue from her bag and began to wipe her eyes. James immediately put his arm around her to comfort her and from the corner of her eye Sarah saw Christine’s face. She had heard everything and was visibly shocked. Sarah knew a titbit this juicy would be all round the firm long before finishing time. She pretended to pull herself together.

“They took all our savings and as soon as the money ran out, they told us they couldn’t help. Eighteen months later, I assume they thought we might have saved up some more money, they sent me a text asking me to come back in for yet more tests … They’re just heartless money grabbing bastards!”

James just held her, stroking her hair. “No wonder you were in a state,” he said, “That was a terrible thing to do, I am not surprised that it upset you so much. But are you sure you are ready to come back? If you need more time, I want you to take it. Don’t worry about your job, it is here waiting for you and you will remain on full pay while you are off.”

“Thank you James,” Sarah said, “You are very kind but I think I will be better off working, I need something to occupy me. If I am sitting at home I will have too much time to brood on this, I have to keep busy. I won’t be getting any more texts from them, I trashed that phone yesterday afternoon and I now have a new phone with a new number.”

Christine came and stood before her, handing her a cup of coffee. When she took it she was a little surprised to find Christine’s hands were shaking. She looked up to thank her for the drink and saw she was actually crying.

“Oh you poor thing,” said Christine, “No wonder you fainted.”

“It’s alright” Sarah replied, “I will be alright, but it just hit me very hard yesterday and I have to admit that I rather lost control for a while, but I will get over this, I have coped with worse. It was just, coming so soon after that row, when I wasn’t expecting it, it was too much. Everyone has been so nice and I have people I need to see and thank. That’s why I came in today, I wanted to thank you first James. Not many bosses would have done what you did, especially as you didn’t know what had caused it. David was wonderful too and as for Janet? She was just passing, dropped everything and came to help me, even though it made her late for an appointment with Mr Davies, which could have got her into trouble because we all know what a stickler for punctuality he is. David also sorted that out with him, explained why she was late and he even suggested he should interview her for the vacant position of his PA. I really hope she gets it, I think she deserves a chance of a step up, she can do so much more than just being one of the ladies in the typing pool. David said he was going to ask her to fill in for me so I have to get back before she steals my job. It’s alright, I know she won’t do that, she is too nice.”

James smiled at her. “I think your job is safe,” he said, “David has already fought off several attempts to steal you from him by other associates, so I don’t think he is looking to replace you. I know he borrowed Janet from the pool yesterday to cover for you until you come back, but I am sure he will be glad to know you will be back on Monday. Anyway; Peter phoned me this morning and asked if Janet could be transferred to his office, full time, with a promotion to Personal Assistant. I told him I would let him know today, so if you are going to see David you might like to tell Janet the news yourself, as she is still working in his office. If I wait until after lunch before I phone Peter back it will give you time to give her the good news. I was looking at her file when you came in and I agree with you, I think she could be a real asset to him and the firm.”

“Thank you” said Sarah, “She said she didn’t really do anything, but when I surfaced after I had passed out yesterday I was an absolute mess. She understood and she just held me until I calmed down and was myself again. She was like a sea of calm when my mind was in turmoil and I couldn’t think straight. That did more for me than anything, just having somebody there to hold me, a rock to cling on to while I got myself back under control. She really is a special person; I hope Peter appreciates what he is getting. If she needs any advice on things to keep an eye on, running his appointments and organising things for Peter I would be happy to help her in any way I can.” She looked at Christine, “You know what I mean Christine, there’s a lot more to being a PA than just doing a bit of typing and filing isn’t there?”

“There is indeed,” replied Christine with a smile, “Speaking of which, Mr Macintosh, you have an appointment at 11:30 with Mr Williams, the file is on your desk.”

“I have taken up far too much of your time,” said Sarah, “But can I suggest that before Janet joins Peter’s team, she sits in with me for a couple of days, just to bring her up to speed. I know from my experience that the step up from typist to P.A can be a bit daunting. I think she will make a really good PA, but there are pitfalls to watch out for and forewarned is forearmed. Then when she takes her new post she will have a head start and just has to get used to Mr Davies’s way of working. Thank you again James, for everything.”

“I am glad I have been able to help and if you don’t mind showing Janet the ropes, I am sure it will be a great help to her,” said James, “I know there is very little I can do, but if you do need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

In the outer office Christine seemed to want to chat. “When Janet was holding you,” she said, “Was she alright? Only I did hear something about her and I would be a bit careful about being too close to her, physically, if you know what I mean.”

Sarah just managed a smile. “I have heard those rumours as well,” she said coldly, “But it wasn’t like that at all. She did exactly what I needed someone to do at that moment and that was more help to me than calling for medical assistance would have been. There was nothing improper in her actions, she instinctively knew what I needed and was just concerned about me having fainted. When I was more myself, she suggested an ambulance but I refused it. She did more for me by just putting her arms around me and holding me at that moment; than any medical team could have done, she was kindness itself. Yes, I do know what they say about her, but I assure you; even if she really has the desires those rumours say she has, there was no hint of anything like that and I would be very upset if I you were to suggest there was.”

With that Sarah left the office, leaving Christine slightly embarrassed. Sarah knew that having treated the suggestion of sexual impropriety as she had would have got Christine’s back up. That would almost guarantee that the story she had given James would surface in the gossip and there would be a hint that there might be something more going on between her and Janet.

Arriving at her own office door she tapped lightly and opened the door. Janet was entering something on the computer and as soon as she saw Sarah she jumped up and came to her.

“Are you alright?” She asked “When David came back he immediately phoned the pool and asked if I was free to cover for you. He was so worried about you.” She looked at David’s door before leaning close to Sarah’s ear and whispering, “If I didn’t know better I would almost think he quite fancies you. Three times yesterday he seemed quite distracted and when I took him his coffee in at 3:00 he looked quite worried and said, ‘I hope Sarah is alright, do you think I should phone her?’ I told him I thought you would be having a lie down and he would be better not to disturb you. He seems better this morning, but he will be so pleased to see you.”

Sarah giggled, “Now don’t you go starting rumours, I have just been to see Mr Macintosh to explain to him what happened yesterday and I told him you had been such a help to me. After I came out of his office Christine was fishing and I had to stop her adding 2+2 and making 5. I think she heard most of what I told Mr Macintosh, so I expect that will soon hit the rumour factory. I tried to head her off, but don’t be surprised if you are mentioned. Whatever anyone says, I am grateful for everything you did for me yesterday. I did want the reasons to stay confidential but you know what she is like. I want to have a word with David, but first I want to ask you if you are doing anything for lunch?”

Janet looked surprised, “Nothing particular, I was going to see what is in the snack machine.”

“I have some sandwiches and we could either sit in the park or in the canteen with a coffee,” said Sarah.

“Either, that’s if you don’t mind being seen with me of course. I am aware of what the rumours about me say and if Christine is adding more to them, maybe you might prefer to keep your distance a little at work.”

Sarah cupped Janet’s face in her hands, gazing into her eyes. “I will be happy to be seen with you anywhere Janet” she said, “I have done a lot of thinking since yesterday.” She gently pressed her lips to Janet’s and kissed her, “While I don’t think I will be doing that while we are in public, maybe we could talk a little more about us in private sometime?”

Janet hugged her, “I would love to” she whispered. “Now I know David will be delighted to see you so why don’t you go in.

Sarah grinned at her, “I have some more news for you but I will tell you later, but don’t you think you should announce me? After all, you are Mr Branson’s P.A today, but don’t get too comfortable in that seat, I will be back on Monday.”

Janet laughed, tapped on David’s door and opened it. “There is a visitor for you Mr Branson” she said.

As soon as Sarah put her head round the door David jumped up from his desk and, crossing the office, put his arms around her.

“It’s so good to see you” he said, “Are you feeling a better? Come in and take a seat.”

Janet discreetly stepped out and closed the door behind her.

“I am alright now,” said Sarah, swivelling her eyes towards the now closed door, “But I want to thank you for all you did for me yesterday. Perhaps Janet could sit in on this, because she is due an explanation for what happened as well and it will save me going through it all again over lunch.”

“Of course,” said David, “But you don’t have to explain anything. I realised it was something personal which had caused it.”

David went to the door and opening it, asked Janet to join them. As soon as they were all seated, Sarah told them the story she had already told James and Christine. Janet was even more upset than Christine had been and even David, who knew the truth, was moved.

“Honestly, I am alright, but Christine was there when I told Mr Macintosh and as we both know,” she said, looking at Janet, “Christine does love to gossip. I wanted you to hear the truth from me because goodness knows what slant it will have by the time it has gone round the offices.”

She reached out and took Janet’s hand, “I also have some good news for you Janet” she said, “Mr Macintosh told me that Peter has formally asked for you to be offered the post of his Personal Assistant. It has been approved, He asked me to tell you before he officially informs Peter after lunch. He has also agreed that you can sit in with me, here, on Monday and Tuesday so that I can bring you up to speed on anything you need to know about your new duties, which, in spite of the rumours which are rife in the typing pool, do not include having to sleep with your new boss.”

David looked at her, shocked, “Do they really think …?”

Sarah laughed. “Oh yes, you would be amazed at some of the things which go round the ‘gossip mill’. The first time I accompanied you to a conference; it was in Brighton if you remember, some of the things I heard in the week after we got back would have made you blush. Apparently we were partying till dawn on both nights we were away, and sleeping together as well. Although how we managed to party till dawn and sleep together, as well as attend the conference and get through the amount of work we did, is beyond me, but that’s what was being said. Because of the amount of work we got through on that trip, I booked us into adjoining rooms for the next one, as I do for every trip now, but you wouldn’t believe the things that were being said when that piece of information got out. I assume that it was Christine was who dropped the ‘adjoining rooms’ into the system and the gossips went into overdrive again over that.”

She winked at Janet, “Before you ask, it’s to save me trekking through the hotel corridors back to my room when we have been working late. I am sure you have heard those rumours as well, and Brighton does have something of a reputation, but on that trip the hotel had put me on a different floor to David and on the way back to my room at about midnight, I bumped into one of the other secretaries coming out of her boss’s room, looking a little … shall I say, dishevelled, so it does go on. May I say here and now that David has always been a perfect gentleman and his conduct, even during the socialising, which obviously goes on at these conferences, has never even come close to overstepping the line. He has not even dropped hints.” She giggled, “I think; either I must be getting old, or I’m losing my touch.”

David looked shocked and even blushed “Sarah!” he exclaimed, “I would never …”

Sarah laughed. “I know David, I am only teasing. We work very well together, personal complications would ruin that.”

“You see Janet, it takes a little time, but you get to know the person you work with and to outsiders that relationship can be seen as something it isn’t. Because of the trust we have built up, I can say things to David which I wouldn’t say to anyone else. A couple of times I have seen or heard something which put a different slant on what he is about to do and my input, in private obviously, has prevented problems later. In public, at these conferences, he is ‘Mr Branson’ but in private we are David and Sarah. However much it may look to outsiders as if we are a couple, we have a strictly working relationship. We work as a team. He is the team leader, but he listens to any input I can provide and it is amazing the things you hear when people think you are only his, ‘not very bright’ piece of skirt. Sometimes it pays to play a part and appear to others to be a little ‘less than efficient’. Things might then be said in front of you which can give an insight into what others are really thinking. Unfortunately, playing that role does give some people the idea that you are accompanying him for a very different reason.”

“Also, he doesn’t usually hug me when we meet, in fact today was a first, but you told me yourself you could see how worried he was about me, as a friend as well as a colleague. He was just relieved to see I was alright, but when he did that you discreetly stepped back and closed the door. That illustrates perfectly how an innocent gesture like that could give the wrong impression if you don’t know the background to why he was so pleased to see me. Fed into the rumour mill, by the time it had done a couple of circuits of the office, we would have been almost tearing each other’s clothes off in here, but you know it was nothing like that. He had just been worried about me and that is a level of concern you are not used to, working in ‘the pool’. It will be different from now on because of the relationship which builds into almost a friendship between you. It’s like a partnership but sometimes, if it is allowed to, that partnership, like with the lady I met coming out of her boss’s room in Brighton, can become something more and very often that can lead to disaster. You need to guard against that.”

“I have never worked with Peter, but I hear he has something of a reputation as a ladies’ man so you will need to be aware of it. I am sure it won’t be a problem but at the same time you will need to be gentle and not bruise his ego. The trust David and I have built up doesn’t happen overnight, but if you can develop it, you become more than just someone he works with. That’s why I asked James if you could sit in with me for a couple of days before taking up your new post. There is more to being an efficient PA than just sitting in the outer office doing typing and filing.

Janet looked downcast. “I didn’t mean to suggest anything when I closed that door,” she said, “I just thought …”

She squeezed Janet’s hand, “I know that Janet, but it does show how the most innocent of gestures can be misinterpreted. There is always someone willing to think the worst.”

“Right! It’s almost lunchtime, David, Have you brought anything for your lunch?”

“Errr …No!” he replied, “I was going to work through lunch.”

Sarah looked at Janet, “You see what I mean, you need to be one step ahead at all times. Today I bought sandwiches for us before I came in. Usually I get them for him from the machine. He pays for his own, but he never has change so I always make sure that I have plenty.” She opened her bag and selected one of the packs of sandwiches, the pack that she knew David liked. “Janet and I are having lunch together; but I will bring you a coffee to have with those. While we are on the subject of food, what are you doing for dinner tonight?”

“Nothing special” he replied, “I was going to just throw something in the microwave for myself.”

Sarah rolled her eyes. “A typical bachelor. If you are free this evening, John and I would like you to come to dinner. He wants to thank you for looking after me yesterday. He was furious about that text, but he has calmed down now and he agrees with me that it won’t do any good making a fuss, but he does want to thank you personally. Will you come?”

“I would love to,” said David, “But there is no need for your husband to thank me, you were obviously not able to continue yesterday and I am sure Janet will agree you were far too upset to go home on the bus. As I told you, you are a valued member of the team. Even Mr Macintosh was concerned that you were alright and got home safely. That was why he told me to stay with you until I was sure you were ok.”

Sarah smiled, “Thank you and I am so glad you can come” she said, “I know you like lamb and I have a nice piece which I got this morning from the butchers. John is bringing some wine to go with it. One thing I can rely on him for is his choice of wine and there is a very good wine store very near to his work. Shall we say 6:00 for dinner at 6:30?”

“That would be very nice, but as the guest, shouldn’t I bring the wine?” asked David.

Sarah grinned at him, “If you insist, but I have something special that I think you will appreciate. John did have a regular supply until recently but recently he has taken to sampling other varieties. I think it’s quite a good vintage and I really would like your opinion on what John used to enjoy. 6:0’clock it is then, I will look forward to it. Now, I have taken up enough of your time, so we had better let you get on with your work. I will bring you a coffee to go with that sandwich before we go to lunch.”

As she stood up she took Janet’s hand and led her out of David’s office, closing the door behind them. Sitting in the outer office she held onto Janet’s hand for a few moments more.

“We can’t talk here,” she said quietly, “I sometimes think that even the walls have ears, but I really do need to talk to you and this is personal, not about work. I will go and get David’s coffee, by which time it will be lunchtime anyway. Then perhaps we could sit in my car and eat our sandwiches. It would be more private and we can talk there without being overheard.”

“Are you sure,” said Janet, looking concerned, “You know what the gossips say about me and spending lunchtime with me, sitting in your car would be bound to get us noticed, it would associate you with me on a personal level.”

Sarah looked down at the floor for a few seconds, as if she was thinking of what to say. Then she took a deep breath and without raising her head she almost whispered, “Yesterday, in this office I did something I have never in my life done before, Janet. I put my arms around another woman and kissed her. It wasn’t a polite greeting, a peck on the cheek, I really kissed her. I don’t know what made me do it, I know, I was confused and not fully in control at the time and I suppose I could pass it off as that, but deep inside both of us know that wouldn’t be true. You were holding me and I did need someone to do that, but suddenly it just felt right; it was the right thing for me to do. I know you felt it too because you kissed me back … No, let me finish, please. If I stop now I might not have the courage to say what I need to say. In that moment with you everything else paled into insignificance. Even that text no longer mattered. I was in your arms and nothing else mattered. That was why I kissed you again … Oh God! I am making such a mess of this. I have been trying all morning to work out what I was going to say and it’s coming out all wrong. I am a married woman, I am not … but… I can’t get you out of my mind … why did the touch of your lips on mine become all I could think about last night? If I am being stupid please say … if you tell me it meant nothing I will try to put it out of my mind … but … I have to know if you felt what I did when I kissed you … ”

Janet lifted Sarah’s head up so she was looking at her. Then she leaned forward and gently kissed her lips, “No, you are not being stupid” she whispered, “I wasn’t able to think of anything but that kiss last night either. Sarah, I can’t begin to tell you how long I have wanted you to notice me. A couple of times I almost plucked up the courage to speak to you, but you were busy or with someone else. Last night, for the first time, I dared to hope that there might be a chance for something to happen between us, so yes, I know what you felt because I felt it too.”

“But please, this is neither the time nor place for this discussion and in view of our shared need for this conversation to remain strictly between us, I think we should have this lunch together somewhere more public than your car, like the canteen. Our chat there should remain work and life related and should not stray into these more personal issues. I promise that we will talk, and soon, but not here, today. Now if you go and get David’s coffee, I will tidy up here and we can go to lunch.”

Sarah looked into her eyes and knew she had been right about Janet having a ‘thing’ about her. She had succeeded in what she had set out to do, convincing Janet that she wanted her too. She smiled at her and said “Top left hand drawer; you will find the vending card for the coffee machine.”

Janet took out the card and handed it to her. “Mine needs topping up” she said, “I used up the last of the credit on it this morning when I bought the drinks for me and David.”

“Ah!” said Sarah, “One of the little secrets that being a P.A instead of a typing pool girl will make you privy to. David doesn’t pay for his coffee and as his P.A, neither do I. This card puts the machine on ‘Free Vend’ so unlike the snack machine card, it never needs topping up. Whatever you do don’t let the other girls in ‘the pool’ find out about that though, it could cause unrest among the troops.”

Janet stared at her “You mean I bought coffees for both of us yesterday afternoon, first thing this morning and at the morning break, on my card, which I have to pay for, when there was this card sitting in your desk all the time?”

Sarah chuckled, “It certainly looks like it” she said, “Another of those things that make the difference when becoming a P.A, but don’t worry, two days with me and I can fill you in on most of the important things you need to know about.”

“Lesson one. Take charge of the coffee machine vend card. You will be the one bringing the coffees, so you should be the one with the card. Your ‘boss’ doesn’t need to hold onto it. Make sure he knows where it is, should he be working late without you, but that’s all he needs to know. I will tell David he owes you for 6 coffees when I take his in. He can afford it and he should have told you where the card was kept, but I expect he forgot. As I said, you have to keep one step ahead all the time and then they get to rely on you for almost everything.”

“Lesson two. If you keep in touch with what your boss is working on, one day he will walk in and before he even asks for a file, you pick it up from your desk and hand it to him because you knew he was going to want it. It looks even more impressive if when he rushes in, you are holding it up for him to take.” The grin on Sarah’s face widened, “My best one was when David was with a client and he had the client’s file in front of him. I had looked at the file myself so I knew what they were discussing. I got the file I guessed he would need out of the cabinet and took it into him, putting it down on his desk in front of him. The look on his face was priceless. The file he was about to ask me for arrived on his desk before he even knew he needed it. I think the client was impressed too, on his way out he gave me his card and offered me a job. I refused, but made sure David knew it had been offered. Loyalty to your boss scores high; it makes him feel he can trust you and when he trusts you, you become almost indispensible to him.”

Taking the card Sarah went to the canteen to get David’s coffee. She was stopped twice on her way there by people asking how she was coping and the two girls already in the canteen stopped talking as she entered the room. She smiled at them and going to the machine, selected the coffee David liked. As the door closed behind her the buzz of conversation started again and she knew she was the subject of their chat.

Back at the office she quietly said to Janet, “Get the Peterson file out will you and while I am giving David his coffee, come in and put it on the desk in front of him. I saw what he was working on and I know he is going to want that soon.”

She tapped on David’s door and entered. Putting his coffee down on the coaster on his desk, she said, “Now don’t go spilling that all down your shirt.”

He smiled at her and was about to speak when Janet came in and, without speaking, put the Peterson file on his desk.

“Now I know Sarah is back,” he said laughing, “You can’t kid me Janet, she told you to bring that file in, didn’t she? It was a good try but you haven’t been in this office long enough to have worked out from what is on my desk I was going to need that particular file soon.”

Sarah and Janet looked at each other and burst out laughing. “Just giving Janet a little pointer on how it’s done David,” said Sarah, “You see Janet, you have to stay aware of what your boss is working on. If you have been out of the office, even to just get the coffees, when you bring his drink in, a quick check round so you know what he is doing is always useful. It becomes second nature after a while. I saw the file he was working on just now, so I knew he would want the Peterson file soon, because when he has that file the other one always follows it out about 20 minutes later. That’s why I told you to bring it in. I got caught this time because David and I have worked together for so long he knows most of my little tricks so it’s difficult for me to sneak anything past him.”

“I really am grateful to you for putting a word in for me,” said Janet, “I didn’t think I would even be considered for that job, so I hadn’t applied. It was your recommendation that got it for me.”

David chuckled. “Peter hasn’t had what I would call ‘a proper PA’ for a while” he said, “Although he has had a couple of pretty girls who have worked for him, filing and typing things up, they didn’t last because that isn’t really what he needs. When I ‘marked his card’ for him yesterday, I was only telling him what has been being said further up the ladder for a while. Having a piece of ‘eye candy’ for the office is fine, but only if she can do the job. Take Christine for example. She is an awful gossip, but Mr Macintosh puts up with that because she is really good at doing the things he needs. She isn’t even all that pretty, nice enough but certainly not what I would call ‘a looker’ and she would spend all day gossiping if he let her, but he knows what she is like so he makes sure it doesn’t interfere with her work. Sometimes he even makes use of her tendency to gossip to let out little bits of information without formally announcing something. She is actually a very good P.A, and I assure you; only what James wants to get out, does. That keeps the office flowing nicely. She knows what is confidential and what she can gossip about and doesn’t confuse the two. As I said, she keeps her job because she is so good at it.”

Sarah looked at Janet and said, “That statement comes under the heading of ‘confidential’ so it doesn’t go out of this office. We have a level of trust which allows David to say things like that to me in here, knowing I understand that. That trust, as I said before, takes time to build and is another little difference between being an office assistant and a P.A. He would never have said that in front of someone from the typing pool, but as part of my work I see and hear, shall we say, ‘things said which are not for other ears’. As a P.A, you ‘Hear all, See all, but Say Nothing’. Letting something slip can lead to embarrassment, so while you need to be aware, others only get to know what they need to; or what you want them to know.”

Janet nodded her head. “All this is new to me,” she said, “I really never thought there were so many differences between what I did and what you did. I thought a P.A was really someone who did basically the same as me, but had her own office and got paid more. I am beginning to see there is a bit more to it than that.”

“Janet!” said David, “If I had any doubts about your ability to make a really good P.A, I wouldn’t have recommended you. Peter is not only a colleague he is a friend as well and he desperately needs someone capable; to get some order into his office. After what I saw you do yesterday when Sarah fainted, I was certain you would be good for him. You can think for yourself and you cope well in a crisis. You took over and did what was needed, without making a fuss or panicking. You have a reputation here for being efficient and reliable, someone who can be trusted. Why else do you think you are probably asked for by name more often than any of the other girls? I think you are just what Peter needs in that office and he is going to owe me, big time, for having suggested he interview you for that post. Once he looked at you as an applicant, not just as a typist, I think he saw what I saw, he just hadn’t looked at you from that viewpoint before. I didn’t give you that job, he did. All I did was ask him to look.”

Sarah took Janet’s hand. “Come on” she said, “It’s time for lunch. Oh by the way David, you owe Janet for six coffees. You didn’t tell her where the card was so she has been buying your coffee since yesterday. She shouldn’t have to subsidise you, you earn much more than she does.”

“It’s alright, it really doesn’t matter,” said Janet, a little embarrassed by the way Sarah had spoken to her boss.

David just laughed. “Now I know you are ready to come back to work” he said, “We’re back to normal, she is bossing me about worse than my mother does. Welcome back Sarah.” He took out his wallet and handed her a ten pound note, “That should cover it, with enough for you both to have a drink with your lunch on me. Now if you don’t mind, I have work to do. Don’t bring her back ‘giggly’ Sarah; she has things to do as well.”

Sarah took the note and pushed Janet towards the door. “Yes boss, anything you say boss” she said, “We’re not going to get too drunk on this are we?” she said with a grin waving the note at him, now if this had been a £20 . . . . . ”

David laughed, “Count yourself lucky I didn’t ask for the change,” he said, “Now, on your way so that I can get back to work.”

In the outer office Sarah said, “Get your coat, it’s Friday and we are going to have that drink David has so kindly provided. Let’s go to the Pub and let the gossips say whatever they like. They probably will anyway so stuff them.”

Sarah was aware of the eyes watching them as she led Janet to her car. It would be all round the office by finishing time that she and Janet were ‘friends’ and with Christine adding in how quickly she had leapt to Janet’s defence when she suggested that Janet was a lesbian, 2+2 was definitely going to equal 5. That was juicier gossip than her and David and would definitely divert any suspicion away from them. Actually, she was finding the idea of a relationship with Janet wasn’t such a bad idea. There had certainly been ‘something’ happening between them when she kissed her in the office. It would be nice to explore the different possibilities on offer and the thought of being with another woman certainly didn’t offend her.

Once they had parked in the pub car park, Sarah saw there was a picnic seat in the garden. Asking Janet what she wanted, she directed her to there and went to get the drinks.

As she turned away from the bar, another girl from the office spoke to her. “I would be careful with that one” she said, “I have heard she is a bit ‘the other way’ if you know what I mean.”

“Oh I know what you mean alright,” replied Sarah, “But I think Janet is a lovely person. You do seem to know a lot about her personal likes though; will I be treading on your toes if I am friends with her? I mean, I don’t want to come between you if you are in a relationship.”

“I’m not one of those, I like men,” the girl said, offended that Sarah should think otherwise. “I was just warning you about her that’s all.”

“Oh! I thought, seeing as you seem to be so much ‘in the know’ about my friend’s intimate personal life,” said Sarah, in a sarcastic tone, “You had perhaps some experience of those desires yourself and were trying to warn me off from talking to someone you had feelings for. I understand now, you just want to spread unfounded gossip about someone who has been offered a promotion that you wouldn’t have even been considered for, even if you had the gumption to apply. Excuse me, but my friend is waiting for me, but before you spread even more rumours about anyone, I notice you don’t seem to be wearing a wedding ring. In case you haven’t noticed, I am. I am a married woman, married to the same man for nearly 10 years, so there is a possibility that maybe I might like men as well? Don’t be late back at work my dear, it might just be noticed today, especially if we get back before you.”

As she walked towards the door, she heard the girl say to another girl who she was with, “That bitch just threatened me because I warned her about the ‘dyke’ she is with.”

Putting the drinks down on a table, Sarah turned and walked up to the girl who had spoken. “I heard what you said young lady,” she said. “I didn’t threaten you, I just reminded you that it might not be a good day to take an extended liquid lunch. I take offense at your assumption about my friend’s sexuality, which you have just admitted to me, you have no personal knowledge about, so you are just spreading unfounded rumours, based on other unfounded rumours you have heard during your working day. As you seem to follow office gossip quite a lot; I am sure that you have also heard about the debt of gratitude I owe to Janet following an unfortunate occurrence yesterday and as part of my repayment of that debt, if I ever hear anyone spreading those rumours about her again, I will make it my business to bring such slander to the attention of higher authority. If similar rumours are started about me, because she is my friend, you had better have proof that will stand up in court that they are true, because otherwise I will sue you for every penny you are ever likely to have. Is that understood?”

The girl was unable to look into Sarah’s face. “Yes” she said, “I understand.”

“Good!” said Sarah, loud enough so that everyone in the bar could hear, “If you ever call me a ‘bitch’ again, I will show you what a bitch I really can be. I don’t spread rumours behind people’s backs; I will tell you to your face what I think of you and I am telling you now, I don’t know you, but I am going to make it my business to know about you, and if I hear so much as one whisper I think has your name on it, I will do whatever I can to have you dismissed from whatever lowly position you hold. I can be a good friend but I can assure you I can also be a very bad enemy.”