I've been at the company for several years, and traveling is involved. I travel with my direct report(of the opposite sex, we'll call them DR)frequently, and it's frequently just the two of us.
I'm married, as is DR. Myself happily, DR not so much if I to make an assumption based on what I've picked up from conversation over the years.
Recently, I was called into DR's office. DR let me know that their spouse had accused them of cheating. DR asked if I would be willing to get on a phone call with their SO to deny it. I reluctantly agreed, and regret doing so. It was the most awkward conversation of my professional career, and it happened on speaker in DR's office.
I informed my spouse. They were furious saying that it was a wildly inappropriate request.
The next day, DR came into my office and started up a conversation about how they like traveling because it gives them a break from being around their SO. Again, super awkward considering the previous meeting.
I have travel scheduled in the comming months with this person, just the two of us, and I'm dreading being alone with them. I made an excuse to not attend a recent convention (that was very relevant to what I do), because I didn't want to spend several hours in a car with them alone.
I like what I do. I'm afraid of making waves, but not sure I can go on like this or how to move forward. Half venting because I dont feel like I can speak to anyone about this in office, and half looking for guidance. Thanks.
TLDR: Boss's spouse accused boss of cheating. Boss called me into office to have me speak to their spouse about it.