Improving work relations

The failure of his little plan had put Sean off from scheming for a while. Chloe and Kathy seemed to be best buddies now. It was a little frustrating but he was getting a little used to Kathy now. She did start talking to him more at work but he felt like he was building a tolerance to her.

Things at work were going rather well. He wasn’t sure if it was Kathy’s doing or if it was just down to the fact that he had been out for drinks more but relations in the office were going a little smoother.

He made the decision that the fortnightly Friday drinks were probably a good thing for his career so he made the effort to go every time. Chloe didn’t join him for the next couple of times but it didn’t seem to matter and he found himself almost enjoying the company of his colleagues.

It came to a head on the third drinks night after Chloe had accompanied him. Garry pulled him to one side and said “Sean, I owe you an apology.”

Sean was confused and shocked. He agreed that he was owed an apology but he said “What do you mean?”

“Look, I have to be frank, some of it was your own fault but I think I judged you wrong and maybe wasn’t as far as I could have been in how I treated you. Now, you have to admit that you didn’t help yourself but once you started coming out and relaxing a bit I’ve seen a better side of you.”

“Oh, er, that’s great, thanks,” Sean said, still a bit confused.

“When you got here I thought you were an absolute dweeb. I thought, there’s a guy who’s going to run off and complain to management over every little thing. I mean, we might mess around sometimes but we get the work done. Look, I was wrong. Maybe you were just a bit shy. Anyway, since you relaxed a bit I’ve noticed an improvement in your work and I have to say, buddy, I’m impressed.”

He still sounded a bit like an arsehole but Sean appreciated the effort. “Wow, thanks, Garry. I’ve felt better in the office too.”

“I can tell and between you and me,” Garry said conspiratorially. “It’s been noticed. We have some exciting projects coming up Sean and I think you would be a good fit to lead one of them. I know it’s a bit outside your work as an accountant but it could be a great step towards a management position. Would you be interested?”

“Really?” said Sean. “Yes, yes of course.”

“Great, great,” said Garry jovially, patting him hard on the back. “Don’t say anything. Nothing is confirmed yet but I’ll get back to you. Catch you later Sean.” Garry went off to talk to someone else and left a shocked Sean standing on his own.

Chloe was delighted for him. “That’s great baby. I hope it comes off for you,” she said giving him a big hug. “Does this mean Garry is less of an arsehole?”

Sean laughed. “He’s still quite a bit of an arsehole but not quite as much of one as I thought he was,”

“Well, that’s something,” she said smiling. “You should probably try to keep on his good side. He could be good for your career.”

“As much as I hate to admit it, you are right. Looks like drinks night is going to be a regular thing,” he said despondently.

“You are such a homebody,” chuckled Chloe