An Open Secret at Work

I've been working as a barista for the past two years now. I started because it was convenient and offered some flexibility while I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. Over time, it became more than just a job; it's become a place where I feel seen and appreciated, even if only in small ways. My colleagues are like family to me, but there’s this one person, let's call her Jane, who makes everything complicated. Jane is not just any coworker, she’s my girlfriend’s best friend from university days. We’ve been open about our relationship since the beginning, and it was no secret when I started here that Jane had a crush on me. My partner has always felt comfortable with this dynamic and even encouraged us to explore it together in consensual kink scenes, which we do occasionally. The tension really escalated recently when Jane took the initiative one night shift. It started innocently enough; she was helping a customer who complained about their order, and I stepped in. That’s when her eyes met mine, full of something more than just appreciation for my service. She asked me to stay after hours to talk. I did, and we ended up in the back room where our playful teasing turned into something else. The lines between friend and lover blurred as we explored feelings neither of us had acted on before but couldn't ignore anymore. It was consensual, I know that much, but it felt like betraying my partner somehow, even if she knew about this possibility. Now, everyone at work knows or suspects something is going on. The atmosphere feels different, charged with secrets and unspoken tensions. It’s left me feeling adrift, unsure how to navigate these waters while maintaining the open relationship I value so much. This isn't a secret anymore, but it's not fully acknowledged either. I don’t know if I’m the asshole here, or if we’re all just navigating complicated feelings in an already messy world.