Author's note: Thanks to everyone who has replied! And Nina, when I posted the first chapter it was Tuesday, 12:38 AM to be exact. I'm assuming that and I do not run on the same clock because it was Tuesday (at least in my time zone) but the site published it on the 20th.
Anticipation filled the small Showcase theatre as Jim's friends and co-workers were scattered in the lobby and lounge. Some were in the arcade trying to pass the time by playing pinball and videogames. The alluring aroma of buttered popcorn and nacho cheese chips attracted a couple individuals to the concession stand. Others were in the lounge seated on velvet sofas and armchairs while deep in conversation.
Jim was in the latter. He sat with Oscar and Gil (Oscar's best friend), and Ryan. Their seating arrangement had a perfect view of the entrance where Jim would sneak looks to see if Pam had arrived. He was in mid laughter when he sensed her presence and turned his attention to the entrance. A moment passed before she emerged through the doors. His mouth fell open.
Layers of her brown yet highlighted blond locks framed her beautiful face. Her eyes searched the lobby for a familiar face. When she met his gaze, she smiled and began to make her way towards him.
Excusing himself, Jim left the group and strode over to her. When they came face to face he became breathless at her stunning beauty. Her lips glistened with a subtle shade of plum gloss and her hazel eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Hi," she greeted him.
"H-h-hey," he felt like a teenager stammering with his words. He cleared his throat. "Look at you."
"Oh…yeah," she laughed nervously. "I wanted to try something new so I straightened my hair."
"I like it. You look really great, Pam."
His bold compliment made her feel desired. She couldn't remember the last time she had ever felt that way. Eyeing his outfit, she said, "Thanks and so do you." His light green v-neck sweater brought out his hazel eyes while his khakis perfectly fitted around his long legs.
"And yet, GQ still hasn't called," he joked.
A light laugh left her mouth. "So, where are the cameras?" She stood next to him.
"The theatre and the movie studio won't allow them to film us. So, thankfully, they're taking the night off." He began walking and felt her arm brush against his as she joined him.
"That's good; I mean it's already enough that they film us at work. It'll be great to not have the cameras around."
"Tell me about it," he put his hand on the small of her back. "Everyone can be themselves without any worry. Unfortunately, that includes Dwight."
"Exactly," she giggled. Through her coat, she felt his hand on her back but did not push it away. Secretly, she smiled at the thought of her co-workers being less inhibited, including Jim.
"Pam!" Oscar said as he stood up and greeted her with a quick hug. "You look—I didn't even recognize you when you first walked in! Wow," he looked at her in disbelief. "Oh and this is my friend, Gil."
Holding out her hand, she said, "Nice to meet you-," Pam was taken aback when he kissed both sides of her face. She followed his lead.
"Oscar's right, you are absolutely gorgeous," Gil said.
Ryan added, "I have to agree with everyone else. You look amazing tonight, Pam," Ryan grinned.
Her smile was modest, "Thanks guys." She began to take off her coat.
"Let me help you with that," Jim said as he removed her coat and set it on the love seat behind them.
"Thank you," she kindly nodded.
Her blue v-neck sweater and dark denim jeans displayed her slim figure.
"No problem," Jim said giving her a slow once over.
Everyone sat back down while Jim and Pam shared the love seat.
"So," Gil clasped his hands together, "Pam, how long have you and Jim been together?"
An awkward silence filled the air.
Speechless, Jim froze for a moment and then looked at Pam. Ryan covered his mouth with his hand and Oscar shook his head.
"What?" Gil innocently asked.
Feeling Jim's eyes on her, she crossed her legs, "My fiancé, Roy, he couldn't make it tonight," she politely explained.
Jim mentally cheered when she explained Roy's absence.
Embarrassed, Gil said, "I'm so sorry! I saw you two at the entrance and I just thought-I'll stop now," he quietly said.
"It's ok," she patted his arm.
"So," Jim looked at his watch. "The movie is about to start in ten minutes and I'm heading to the concession stand. Want anything?" He asked everyone.
"I'm good, thanks though," Oscar said.
"Me too, thanks for asking," Gil added.
"I could go for some nacho cheese chips," Ryan said as he took out his wallet.
"It's cool, I got this," Jim waved him off.
"Are you sure? You've done enough already, man."
"It's not a big deal, you want a drink too?"
"Um..yeah, Sprite?"
"Ok, just don't tell anyone else. My rent's due tomorrow."
"Thanks, Jim," Ryan nodded as he put his wallet away.
"It's fine. Pam, since is Roy isn't here, do you want your own bucket or we can just share a large one?" He hoped that she would choose the latter.
"Um, I don't mind sharing with you," she answered.
"Ok," he held back his smile. "Twizzlers and Lipton Ice Tea, right?"
His memory never ceased to amaze her. "Yep," she nodded.
"I'll be back," he discreetly kept his eyes on her as he went over to the concession stand.
As Jim waited, he gazed at her. Under the theatre lights, her blonde highlights glistened. There was something different about her. Yes, she was still the same Pam Beesley but tonight, she was absolutely radiant. It wasn't solely because of her new hair style or change in wardrobe. After a few moments, he realized what it was—her personality. Her exuberance, humble confidence and cheerful spirit gave her a marvelous glow that he had never seen at work. And unlike her adorably drunken self during the Dundie awards, it was naturally induced. At the moment, he felt blessed just to be in her presence.
Carefully, he passed Ryan his chips and Sprite. Pam took her drink and Twizzlers and thanked him as he sat down. Moments later, Kevin joined them.
He seated his portly self in the armchair across from Pam. His partially bald head shined under the theatre lights. In his deep, slow and monotonous voice, he said, "Pam, you look HOT." Then he gave her his strange trademark smile.
"Thanks Kevin…" she sweetly said.
"You should wear your hair like that more often," he said munching on his popcorn.
Before she could reply, the theatre lights began blinking.
"I thought only opera houses did that?" Ryan asked as looked up.
"I guess that's our two minute warning," Jim stated as he threw his drink into a nearby trash can. "Let me," he held Pam's coat with one arm and the bucket of popcorn with the other.
"Thanks," she grinned.
"Do you think I have enough time to buy another soda?" They began walking towards the concession stand.
"You can grab another straw and we can just share mine?" She kindly offered.
"I don't know, I might get Beesley cooties," he teased.
"That's what the straw is for, genius," she sarcastically said.
"I know," he casually took a straw as they passed the concession stand.
Low murmurings of various conversations were heard as the crowd filled the theatre. Just as everyone took to their seats the house lights gradually dimmed into darkness. A gentle hush came over the audience when the movie began.
Pam whispered to Jim. "Thanks again. God, the last movie I saw was-…nevermind." She turned her attention to the screen.
Curious, he gently elbowed her arm for an answer. "Don't keep me in suspense."
Keeping her eyes on the screen she reluctantly said, "Spice World, ok? I brought my niece, she was a huge fan."
He stifled his laughter. "You're a good aunt." His mouth was close to her ear. "If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends."
Giggling, she slapped his arm.
From behind, Angela shushed them and then rolled her eyes when she looked at Dwight. He proudly nodded, looked around and then held her hand. She gave him a small but long grin.
The audience clapped as the closing credits appeared on screen. After a few seconds, they began filtering out of the theatre and then into the lobby. While everyone dressed themselves to brave the winter weather outside those walls, they thanked Jim for a wonderful evening. He accepted their gratitude and wished them well as they headed out.
"Hey," Pam appeared to his right. "That was great! My face still hurts from all the laughing I did."
"Me too, it was hilarious," he remembered how they had both laughed at the same parts. "It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves."
"I definitely did," she said feeling a bit guilty.
Jim loved hearing that. "So, is Roy picking you up?"
"Actually Angela is giving me a ride home, I asked her during the intermission," she looked around. "Have you seen her?"
"No, but she might be outside." From the corner of his eye, he saw his roommate leave. With the exception of the workers at the concession stand, they were alone.
Buttoning up her coat, she said, "You're probably right." She put her hands in her pockets. "I should find her."
"All right," he combined through his brown boyishly cut hair with his hand.
"Have a good night, Jim," she put her hand on his forearm and left it longer than she had intended.
His shoulders slightly dropped when she removed her hand. "I'll see ya tomorrow."
She waved at him before leaving.
A deep sigh escaped from his mouth. In his heart, he felt the familiar pangs of jealousy. Putting on his gloves, he imagined her going home to Roy and sleeping by his side. He put his hands on the door in front of him.
"It should be me," he whispered to himself before pushing through the entrance doors.