Chapter Three- Burst of Courage

Pam lay in bed that night going over every detail of her evening with Jim. It started out pretty normal. They discussed how awesome the prank on Dwight was on the way there. Once there they were seated, their orders were taken and the breadsticks arrived. But that's when things started getting interesting.

Earlier that Night

"You know," said Jim, "I really am glad that I met a friend today at work. I was so worried about this job. Especially after meeting Michael!"

"A friend huh? ", Pam questioned.

"Oh well umm...", Jim seemed to be searching for a way to explain himself.

Pam smiled and said, "Don't worry Jim, I consider you a friend. I don't think I've ever had a friend at work before. I mean I've gone out with a few of the girls but honestly, I can only handle so much of Angela's judgmental stares!"

Jim perked up, "Yeah what's up with her anyway. She seems kind of, I don't know..."

"Snooty?" , Pam answered for him.

"Yes! Snooty. I mean I can understand her getting annoyed with Michael but when you introduced us she barely could be bothered to say hi."

Pam shook her head and said, "Yeah well that's just Angela. She thinks she is holier than thou and isn't afraid to speak her mind. It's no wonder she's stayed single for so long."

Pam looked up at Jim and could see his face grow serious. Uh oh what was he about to say? Pam liked their playful banter. It kept things light. Jim was fun and she didn't want to have to be serious. He was a good distraction at work and a good distraction from her boring life.

"So umm..", Jim started.

"Yes?", replied Pam.

"Are...are you uh are you single?"

"Guilty. I've been single for awhile now. What about you? Got a special girl at home waiting for you?"

"If I did I wouldn't be here with you. Nope I'm single too."

At that moment Pam got a burst of courage which was rare for her.

"You know when you asked me to dinner at first I thought you meant a date. But then you said to discuss work. I'll be honest, I was kind of hoping it was like a date."

Pam held her breath in anticipation for his reply. Did she really just confess that she wanted to date him? Where did this new found courage come from? Finally Jim spoke up.

"Well umm actually it was supposed to be a date. But you were quiet for a moment and I didn't know if I weirded you out so I just made up the excuse to discuss work. Honestly I don't like discussing work outside of the office. So yeah I guess if we both agree, this is a date."

Pam was elated and she didn't even try hiding it. Her smile grew wide and then Jim started smiling too. Wow did he have a great smile. It made her feel like she could melt away and drift off somewhere. Dinner continued nicely. They discussed their likes and dislikes. Pam told some stories about Michael and Dwight. She talked about her passion for art and her love of mixed berry yogurt. Jim told Pam of his love of sports and how he played basketball in high school. He told her of his love of ham and cheese sandwiches at which Pam started laughing uncontrollably. The night just flowed so naturally that before they knew it, it was already 8:30.

"Oh wow! We've been here for over 3 hours!", Pam exclaimed after looking down at her watch. "I guess we should probably leave."

"Haha yeah I guess you're right."

Jim and Pam both stood up and headed out the door of the restaurant. They got in Jim's car and headed back toward the office to get Pam's car.

"So this is where we end the night huh?", said Jim.

"I guess so. I really enjoyed tonight. We should definitely do it again!"

"Yes I agree. To both things!"

Pam giggled and looked up at Jim. My goodness were his eyes beautiful. Pam could get lost in them. And his lips. Oh his lips, she just wanted to kiss them. But she was not going to be the one to make the first move. As Pam was in the middle of her thoughts Jim leaned down and kissed her cheek.

"Good night Pam. See you tomorrow."

"Good night."