10 AUGUST 2002, Page 55

Q. I am shortly to fly to Cuba on business.

A senior colleague who, I have reason to believe, is harbouring lustful feelings towards me, informs me that she, too, has business in the region, is travelling out there on the same flight and has consequently upgraded my seat to first class so that we can travel together and 'factor in a few hours of air-conferencing'. I have discovered that the airline, Air Jamaica, now has flat-bed seats in first class. I fear it will be just like being in a double bed together, and I do not want this level of intimacy because I suspect it will be used as a springboard for 'accidental' rollovers. Nor do I want to find myself in the position of having to alienate someone with whom I have to work by slapping her down. Please help me solve this difficult dilemma, Mary.

Name withheld, Manchester