They were undeniable adorable, the two sales people sitting in the break room, laughing over lunch. Erin couldn't help but smile as she stared through the glass at them from her desk. They were sitting not across from each other, but side by side. Pam's expression suggested that Jim had just made a joke, and he put his arm gently around her shoulders as she began to giggle. Pam leaned into the embrace.
Erin, watching from a distance, felt a pang in her gut.
The reason that she felt so terribly jealous of Pam wasn't that she was interested in Jim, she wasn't. She considered Jim a friend. He was nice enough but a bit too much of an average guy to be a romantic interest for Erin. Besides, he was taken. She was happy for the pair, soon to be married and expecting a baby.
The jealousy came from the longing she felt every time Jim and Pam hugged or held hands, each time they left the office together with Jim's hand on the small of Pam's back. Erin positively ached for the male companionship she hadn't had for nearly two years now. She had almost forgotten how it felt to be held, to be kissed, to look forward to seeing one specific person more than she looked forward to any other part of her day. She yearned for those feelings so intensely it almost hurt.
Erin wrapped her arms around her midriff and leaned forward slightly, closing her eyes. It was rare that she allowed herself to sink into any state of unhappiness, for it simply wasn't in her nature to wallow. She allowed herself a few moments of wishing and longing, but quickly reminded herself that she loved her job, her friends, and her life. She was smiling again within a minute. When she opened her eyes to return to work, Andy was standing at the desk.
"Hi, Andy!" Erin chirped.
"Hi," he replied.
