Pam leans in the open doorway, watching as I stand at my desk placing the last of my things in a banker's box.

"Elizabeth. Does Eric know you're leaving?" she asks. As always, she manages to sound supremely disinterested yet curious at the same time.

"Of course he does, Pam." I don't even look up. I have grown fond of her, though naturally I would never say this out loud.

"Hmmm. Well, where will you go? Did you find another job?"

This time I do look up before I speak.

"Bill Compton has offered me a position." I say, trying to sound professional and detached. "Apparently vampire accountants are few and far between, and it's just more practical to have a human handling the books. It's on a trial basis…if we work well together, it may turn into something permanent."

Her left eyebrow arches, a sign that for once something has truly surprised her.

"Bill Compton? And does Eric know about that?"

I struggle with the desire to say "And why would he care?" but I will not, I will NOT let anyone know how I feel. How devastating this is, losing this.

"Again, Pam, of course. Eric has been very good to me. I would never leave him without reason. This is a great opportunity for me and Eric understands that."

I realize that everything is packed, and stand there for a moment, looking around. I can feel Pam's eyes on me but can't bring myself to meet them.

Suddenly she is close, so close that I have no choice but to meet her gaze.

"Is this about Sookie? Because they're together now?"

I don't trust myself to speak.

Her eyes narrow.

"Are you in love with him? Is that it? Did you two…" she pauses and I hold my breath "…do it?"

My laugh surprises me.

"No, Pam, we did not 'do' it! He's been my boss for a long time, naturally I'm fond of him. But you can get your mind out of the gutter. Human lives are short, and things change. It's best for us both if I move on."

She's not done yet, though.

"You wanted to do it with him, though."

"Pam." I give a little sigh. "EVERYONE wants to do it with Eric Northman. It's just the way he was made."

I sling my work bag over my shoulder and hold my arms out to her. She looks uncomfortable, but I forge ahead.

"A hug, please? I know you find them silly, but I would really like one."

She bends stiffly at the waist, so much taller than me, and gives me an awkward pat on the back. I step away and smile.

"I'll be back to visit" I say, grabbing the box and heading towards the back door. In my head I say over and over I will not cry.

I let myself out and turn to make sure the door is closing. The last thing I hear before I start towards my car is the tiniest sniffle from Pam"…fucking Sookie".

I wait until I am well down the road to pull over and give in to my own tears.