In the bar, Jim smiled serenely at Pam as they saw her little art at the end of the ad that did not make it onto tv.
Everyone clamored around her, congratulating her and telling her how amazing it was.
"I can't believe everyone thought it was so good." Pam remarked as she played with a strand of hair.
"I can." She looked at Jim from under her eyelashes.
"You have to say that. You're my boyfriend." She chuckled.
"Believe it or not, Beesly. I am not here to cater to your feelings." He joked, a smirk belaying his semi-harsh words.
"Yeah, okay." She laughed.
"Pam." He said seriously. She looked at him. "I think you should seriously consider art school."
"It's so expensive, Jim." She whispered.
"We can get other jobs." Jim reached over and grabbed her hand, while keeping an eye on the road.
"Jim..." She tried not to think about it. She wanted to be more than a receptionist but she didn't think she could.
"Pam. I would go anywhere with you. I can be a salesman anywhere." She looked at him.
"Jim, you're so much better than a salesman. Dunder Mifflin is stifling you. I know you're only staying for me." She looked down, guiltily.
"I'm staying because I think we can have a great life together. And we're only getting started, Pam." Tears rose to her eyes and spilled over her cheeks as she let herself give into the emotions of possibilities, of the love she felt for this man. She felt the car stop as he pulled into their driveway. He wiped the tears from her eyes and pecked her forehead.
"Sorry." She muttered, hating that she was a blubbering mess.
"C'mon, Pam. Let's talk about it." He implored her as she nodded and they went into the house.