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Good song choice-- it's my husband and my song. A few weeks after we started dating, he visited family in California and was so anxious to get back and see me that he drove all night (9 hours) to get back home. (If I'm honest though, I really hate the cover you linked to...to each their own.)

Author's Response:

Wow, a review on my first story... and what timing since today is the day I first posted it - even though this chapter came much later.

The song is amazing, in fact the original has since become my preferred after writing this and listening to it so often on my Jam playlist - how perfectly appropriate for you - love that connection you have to it. 

There were so many little elements I though worked for Jam too, the blankets on the beach, the doorway, blind before I met you - (a theme to be explored in the current one I'm writing), where I want to go and more (and then I added the lottery element into their story in this fic)

Thank you for giving my first fic a read, primitive as it was.  It still will always have a special place as it was my first and the thing that compelled me to write fan fic in the first place. I would call it my Roy but I hope it's a better story than he was a boyfriend/fiance. 

Thank you for sharing with me! 

I really liked the way you've structured this with the ping-ponging points of view - it's a fun experiment, and I think it worked well. In particular, I think it effectively painted them as both being on the same page at long last.

Some of Pam's lines in her first POV section in particular are really strong. The description of the ring as the glimmering noose and the exploration of the idea that she's spent a lot of time going over and over what she wishes she'd said on Casino Night without any sense that she'd get a chance to fix it both really struck me. As did Pam's feeling like a kid on Christmas morning, which just feels very apt.

I'm on Team "They Slept Together On Date #1" but if you're not going to have them go there, it does feel like the looming shadow of Jim having been with Karen literally that morning makes sense as the primary roadblock.

Honestly, it's just always a giddy feeling seeing them correct Casino Night, so thanks for that!

Author's Response:

Wow -I cannot believe you are team jump into the sack! I get it - I probably would be too if it wasn't for the simple fact that he was not the type of guy to sleep with 2 women in a 24 hour period especially when one of them, the one he wants to make sure doesn't feel any doubts, is Pam. Glad I could make you at least understand where I'm writing from.

I liked the ping-ponging too. When I started writing in the first person it felt right and most of the time I like being deep in one person's headspace but sometimes it prevents you from telling the other side of the story. This was my way to being in 2 heads at once. I'll be doing this again I'm sure.

Thanks for pointing out what you felt was strong. I really got swept away writing this and was getting all kinds of feels and I'm glad that came out. The literal jumping, well let's just say I write from experience. When you finally get what you've wanted for so long, you become buoyant. 

Glad you liked where this went - even if he didn't go inside. Thanks for being with me on this very very long first date. I think you'll be happy with what's coming up- (and that's not a TWSS reference, well maybe it is).

But really, I enjoy hearing from you with everything I write so a million thanks. If I could award jelly beans for reviews you'd get a ton.

I liked the dual POV's here. Having the formatting the way you did was a really good way to make sure we knew who's head we were in.

Magnificent introspection on both of their parts. They've come to terms with the past year. All the ups and downs have finally let them to this point. It's lovely to envision them together like this.

I get why Jim would say no to coming inside. After everything that's gone on between them, not just the date, their emotions are clearly still a bit on the frazzled side. Rather than a blind rush or desperate plea, Jim want to protect this thing they're starting to build up. Their connection is still strong, no worries about that, but their relationship is new and such thing often require delicate handling. At least that's how I read it.

Lovely way to end their first date. Can't wait for more.

Author's Response:

Before I even responded to you here I finally went back to finish Reset and Restart which I started a long time back but stopped reading as soon as I got to the note he wrote and this chapter was the reason why.  I had known this was where they were going from my beginning but had a lot to do before I got there.  I wanted to be uninfluenced and write what I envisioned.  But I couldn't wait to get back to see how you saw the first date too  

And I hope you see the similarity as I do, as a positive, we see things very alike but with enough differences in the story and style. I guess that's why I enjoy your stories so much, because they feel like my sensibilities only you write them better. 

 im happy you liked the dual PoV. I did too.  After I started this whole thing in one PoV I found that while there are some merits to that style and I enjoy being deep in my characters' heads, it backs you into corners sometimes. This was my way out.  You may see more of this going forward.  

yes, there was more meaning in the conversations and the actions that there would be in having the physical relationship happen this night.  Yes it was to protect what they were building but most of all the thing I always come back to is that that morning he woke up in Bed with Karen. For me there is no way to reconcile him being with Pam intimately within the same 24 hours as he was with Karen. To me that is not how to start the rest of your life together. The sex can wait but you only have the one chance to get off on the right start.   Well in their case, two.  

As always I love to get your reviews. Thanks again for always reaching out.   

Nice to have another POV and from Hank. I think this may be the first time I've ever read a Hank POV chapter. Lots of fun details you put in there. Him watching over all the goings on like a soap opera seems very on point. Same with all his observations about all the relationships. Especially the Roy/Pam/Jim events. Nice way to get some perspective.

Looking forward to getting back to Jim and Pam. You write them well and it'll be nice to see what they're up to.

Author's Response:

My first instinct when it came to this POV was to have someone from the doc crew but then I thought no - Hank is the perfect person to catch them -IMO he's like the fly on the wall through the whole series.

I'm blushing that you think I write Pam and Jim well, what a compliment. Thanks for saying that. It's especially encouraging when I have doubts and/or writer's block.

I do love writing Jam but I have a few other POV's up my sleeve. But they'll be back next chapter.

Thanks.

In fandom. 

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One thing The Office did for me was to broaden my taste in music. It's all pretty emo, but did you know Big Band music from the 40's had their own version of emo? At least I have a name for it rather than just cheesy.

Since we are all reading different things at the same time (boy, this library is big), every single one of us will have a different playlist. Here's the link to my MTT playlist on Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5RtmPxlxMD8xplizpEvU7m?si=MUbmGgXARDCajS9z8JecEg

During mid lockdown when my modem died and I had no Internet, during one of my many runs through all seasons of The Office, I did a spreadsheet with every song I could identify that was used in the show then cross referenced it to a list I found on Dunderpedia. Once I got internet back, I virtually ran to Spotify to create my Office playlist. I indulged my own flights of fancy and included songs that weren't in the show but certain episodes brought to mind. Here's the link to my Office playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1cxjtAjG8iT43o8MwnzxQf?si=FYlrYYoATy64CvM79ZnVHw

If you click on the name Tink Smith (another nic I use, but it's me, really), feel free to poke around my other playlists if you want. All I ask is that you don't mock my cheesy choices in music.

Author's Response:

Many thanks Once - 

Music is my Jam and my tastes are all over the map - from Broadway musicals, to Pop, dance,  Country, big Band, Emo, Rock,   - I'll try it all so  I look forward to checking out your lists. In my biz I sometimes create montages (photos set to music for special events) so it's become a second nature to really listen for lyrics and apply to stages of life and situations. Sounds like you do same when it comes to The Office. 

I'm sure I'll be expanding my list soon.

In fandom. 

Very cute little filler type chapter. Loved the banter between them. Likewise the observations about the resturant. My wife and I have a few places like that around town. Just regular favorite places that make it easy to enjoy each other's company. Delightful. Really looking forward to seeing what Jim has up his sleeve.

Author's Response:

Well, they can't all be earth-shattering chapters but I had to get them out of that restaurant already and I really wanted to work that song into the story - every time i hear it I'm amazed at how well it lines up with so much of their story (including the part I made up with the lottery tickets). 

While only a little bit of set-up for the story we are in. A lot of set up for the next story I'm working on.

Oh and I think you know where he's going. 

Thanks as always for the review. 

Ha, did not expect that! I liked this one a lot! Interesting to see JAM through the eyes of a completely uninvolved and uninformed third party (too bad, Beth, you're missing out on five points there), and frankly to know that they're not in fact driving her as up the wall as I thought they might be.

I appreciated this one, though fair warning I am VERY predisposed to enjoying a look at JAM through someone else's point of view.

Author's Response:

Hi Darjeeling,

So great to hear from you - I though we were going to have to send out a search party. Hope all is okay and you were just busy. I do so look forward to your comments so happy to see you back.

I'm glad you liked this one because Beth will be back - I've already started the spin-off, still JAM-centric but with a lot of Beth. With your encouragement I went the direction of series this will be one of the stories in it. 

I too like a little outside perspective and I like to tell stories so this was my way of mixing that both in.

And there will be other outside views here too. So it's good to know that they will have their appeal.

Thanks as always for reading and reviewing. 

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I really love this bit of restaurant background. Love Beth the Server; she seems unflappable yet really competitive.

Author's Response:

Thanks for reading and reviewing, Once. I love to hear from everyone.

You should have seen her at Chili's - not unflappable then. Funny how to me this character is as real and with as much back story as any of the Dundler Mifflinites - maybe more.

I never worked at a restaurant but I've worked in retail and other customer service oriented jobs where we've discussed our clientele so this seemed a fun way to show how the date looked to an outsider - but one that might be a bit more interested in it.

There will be more with Beth - in the works now. Thanks again for the review.

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You've written a striking take on Jim's relationship with Karen in this chapter. The ways in which Karen is an anti-Pam get more focus, but it is worth noting that Jim starts showing affection for Karen when she starts demonstrating that she's *game* - willing to tease him, willing to screw with Andy and blow off work to find chips, all things that Pam would've done.

I like the note about Pam fundamentally doubting Jim's sense that they were always going to end up here, and that it was just a matter of when things lined up right. It's an easy thing to say now that they're there, and definitely feels like the sort of thing Jim would believe at this moment in time, but for a Pam who literally that morning was reconciling herself to losing him that feels like a lot to swallow. The idea of just how fragile that relationship was seems right, but makes me feel even worse than usual for Ms. Filippelli.

The parallels you're drawing out here with Pam as Jim's friend when he was with Karen and Jim as Pam's friend when he was with Roy are definitely worth exploring, because I think that's a really important part of their S3 dynamic - that Pam is at times working against her own interest in a way that Jim never really had to.

I definitely appreciate Jim taking responsibility for the fact that he put something huge on her and expected her to make a gigantic change in her life and left when she couldn't do it immediately - certainly something Pam is owed an apology for.

Not going to lie, I do feel pretty bad for Beth.

I tend to say I'll have... and I do think I might notice if someone ordered and said I'll do.

Author's Response:

Like I said before, sometimes you make me see things I wasn't even sure I knew when I wrote them. Thanks for always providing your insights and commentary. 

Yes, I do feel like there would be a fragility for both of them right now, as happy as they are to finally be together they still have their fears given the history. And don't forget poor Karen hasn't even come back to Scranton, yet.

To me the the parallels were huge -and like I say in chapter it was in experiencing them for Jim that helped him realize how wrong it was for him to bolt. But he also needed the time to figure that out and to walk in her shoes. 

Glad you felt sorry for Beth but I'm sure she's had to deal with this before. 

NO wonder my husband calls me out on it. I guess I do order weird. 

Once again, glad to always see your reviews here.

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I really like that you've acknowledged the tension here between the idea that this is their first date and the reality that they're in many ways well along in their romantic relationship - and how that relates to the historic tension between them as two people who are a lot more connected than they should be when one of them is in a romantic relationship.

The bit about Pam wanting to start in the middle - and by that, specifically meaning the results of some of Jim's remote pranks - is both sweet and fun. It's a good way to illustrate these two are on the same wavelength, even after all this time, and I think really useful for them psychologically to allow them to re-establish their friendly banter before they dig into the heavier stuff.

I also liked Jim's take on Connecticut and the Stamford office - I think it's worth acknowledging that just like the problem with Roy wasn't just that she was in love with Jim, that the problem with Stamford wasn't just that he was broken-hearted. (And that's a fun explanation of the shot of Midori joke.)

Just in general, as you may have guessed I really enjoy when people try to bring in some humor along with the pathos, so I was tickled by the image of Michael bringing in Goldschlager.

I liked the choice to have them sort of back into the heavy stuff - the progress of their conversation feels very natural.

Excited to hear more from Pam in the next chapter! Also: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Author's Response:

Hey thanks for birthday wishes. It actually was 2 weeks ago - I write my chapters complete with the notes, then let them marinate before I go back in to make edits. After 2 rounds of this I'm usually ready to post. So figure I'm always about 2 weeks behind the times. You'll see I'll be posting something shortly that will illustrate this.

But enough about that, thanks again for the detailed review. 

In my head, I saw that first date as a jumble of so many emotions and experiences - they have a history but never had a "real" date. As of that morning he was still in a serious relationship with someone else. There is so much for them to talk about and yet if they tackle it all right away and all at once it would not be a very fun date at all.  I tried take all of that into account as I wrote. Plus, I wanted to show they would be sharing more of themselves than they ever had before - thus the story about her childhood and Ping Pong.

The Midori thing I struggled to come up with- I knew I wanted to bring the joke to light but it took me a long time to figure out how - but once I did the Goldschalger came to me too (I had a taste of that stuff in my 20's and I'll never forget it). Glad to hear the humor is appreciated as much as the romance and the angst - and that you do find it humorous. I, like Jim, am not there to if my jokes land. I appreciate the confirmation.

Heaps of thanks again and hope to hear from you again after Pam.

I like the idea of Pam’s mother only getting to see the good side of Roy for the most part. I could picture something like that happening. It seemed like it came to Roy in the show, Pam could be quite defensive of him - she could criticize him, but no one (Jim) else could. It fits that she would be a little bit the same way about her parents relationship with Roy.

I’m such a sucker for anytime Jim sincerely calls Pam pretty.
It’s very sweet (& fitting) that Jim remembers a place Pam has mentioned in passing and then uses it as the setting for their date.

Author's Response:

Thanks Jenna for your review. It's fun and helpful to get a sense what you like and what you see working. I picked up from the show that Roy was good at putting on a show for the parents and used some of Jenna Fischer's back story that they met through the parents so to me this made sense. But I also imagined there must have been some nice stuff he did for her at the start of their relationship even if he had to act macho in front of his jock friends and was different with her in public versus private. School was public so we see how that was. Years of defending that in her mind just transposed to everywhere and everyone else.

Me too, and I find it so Jim to use the word pretty. I've heard him call her beautiful but there is something about him saying pretty that seems so right. 

I also imagine he's got an arsenal of things he's learned about Pam over 4 years to bring out. Some from the show and some, like this a combo of my personal thoughts and the show.

There's a book I think I read as a child that I always think back to but I still haven't figured out what it is and I often think are the memories from somewhere else so I went with that to alter what was canon in the Boys and Girls episode. Of course I had to find a way to make Jim know about it so I added the bit with Phyllis.

I hope you are enjoying the read and I thank you for the feedback.  

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Great way to get into Pam's mindset with everything here. I love that while she wants advice on her outfit, Fancy New Beesly comes through on her own with a dress that makes Jim's heart skip a beat. Also that she's made certain that her place is in order for any post-dinner activities. I mean best to be prepared for any eventuality right?

I'll admit I was a little confused as to why Jim wanted to take Pam's car or why he insisted on driving. I'm sure Pam has griped to him that Roy never let her drive. When Jim explains himself it's not because of any macho power trip it's because he's already trying to guard their new relationship while still keeping the magic of the surprise alive. I must say that's also a good catch on your part that there would still be a camera in Jim's car. Had the doc crew had that footage I'm sure they would have used it. That there is no footage means something like this must have happened. I don't think I've ever seen that in a fic before so bravo. Excellent way to pin down that detail.

Pam's memories of Roy are just uugh. I can easily see that Roy would clean up his act for Pam's family. He did seem to do that when he picked Pam and her Mom up for dinner that one time. That Pam didn't really speak up about his foibles though also says something about her during that relationship. That she was more willing to let things get swept under the rug or let Roy get away with things, case in point what happened after the Dundies. However they way you right it seems that Pam, while not happy about those memories, has also learned from them. She's walked through the fire to burn away the weaknesses that would allow that behavior to continue and thus has bloomed into a wonderful partner for Jim.

The farmhouse restaurant seems just lovely. Even moreso since there are only two men in Pam's life who have ever brought her there. I may have to start up a tradition like that with my daughter. Just lovely. Can't wait to see how the rest of the date goes.

Great writing again. Also thank you for the compliments on my reviews. That's very kind of you. Hopefully I can continue to give you worthwhile feedback.

Author's Response: Once again, thank you for the insightful review and for appreciating the little things I try to sprinkle in. For me, the cameras and their awareness of them is a huge thing so it had to be part of my story. We know Jim is ever so conscious of them - but glad I can surprise readers with that angle. I will say it was my aha moment when I watched and re-watched and re-watched again in my research for this story. I had to go back and do some heavy edits to adjust for how I was going to reconcile the car camera.

Yes, I had a little back and forth with my beta readers (my husband and good friends) regarding the post Dundies element but I defended my choice not only because it seemed a very Roy thing but more so because I think it said a lot about who Pam was when she was with him and how he affected her own self-worth. More to come on this in future chapters. Jim is so much better to her and for her.

I would be honored to think I might have had a small part in a future tradition with your own daughter. As a father you have the first opportunity to instill that sense of self-worth and what she should look for in a partner and it's little things like this that I feel shape one's outcome and search for the right partner later in life. I was lucky enough to have a father who instilled that in me and chose an amazing husband as a result. It's too bad that while Pam's early role model seems to have been on the right track, she got sidetracked by Roy early on. Lucky for her Jim came into her life.

I truly do look forward to seeing what you think as I roll along with my story. I hope that you are enjoying the read.

Thanks again.

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I appreciate the attempt to put Jim leaving Karen in New York in further context. Honestly, I'm not sure there's a way around that scuffing his white suit of armor - he's just not a great boyfriend to women not named Pam Beesly. But I think having him acknowledge that he's made a hash of this and left them without good options is helpful.

I liked the touch about him sending the camera crew off on a fool's errand, and I thought the prank about making Dwight accidentally dial Kelly was darn funny - the sort of thing you could really imagine Jim doing on the show.

Adding his vision of the future at the Fairview rest stop was creative, and does at least explain why he makes Pam drive more than halfway to get proposed to. I mean... it is worth noting that the drive he's making in Weight Loss is the reverse of the drive he's making in The Job, and that there are fun things to do with that from a writing perspective.

Author's Response:

Yes, Jim's had a few bad break-ups where he has not come off smelling like roses. But who does in a break-up? Someone always gets hurt right. Coughlin's Law: All things end badly, or else they wouldn't end. (If this is new go watch Cocktail for further reference - and did I just give away my age?)

But yeah, I tried to justify the coldness of the breakups for him. Jim, being so hurt himself when it happened to him, must have had some regrets about his actions when he was the one doing the rejecting. But I also wondered how Karen got home. Amtrack, I suppose.  

In some of the fan fiction I've read there is not a lot of mention of the cameras but I think those cameras are such a big influence on all their actions and reactions I feel it's important to include it in my narrative. Can you imagine having your life recorded - It has it's payoffs but a lot of the time, it's gotten in the way. In many ways I think it's at fault for the false stops and starts and missed opportunities for JAM so just as in the show, it is a character in my story. You get it- I've read your stuff, you play to the idea of the cameras, too. And it's so good.

Thanks for pointing out what you like. There's nothing better than the pay-off when someone else takes note of something you loved to write in. And when I hear you could imagine it on the show, well that's music.

LOVE the idea about the Job and Weight Loss being a study of a tale that can be told from the reverse. Ok, here I go with another recco...if you haven't already seen it. The Last 5 Years (the play but the movie ok, too) story of a love affair told from 2 directions -her from the end to the beginning, him from the beginning to end and they meet in the middle. But you should put your idea up as a challenge or write on it yourself. I'd love your take on it.

I appreciate all your feedback - THANK YOU again for your continued reviews. I enjoy reading every bit.