Date: April 10, 2021 10:02 am Title: Chapter 6
Awww. I like this inside. Also, I like the acknowledgment that Jim lacks courage — I don't read a lot about that (I don't exclude the possibility that I'm just a terrible reader, though).
Thank you, I'm watching their dance with great interest!
Author's Response: I think it's known but rarely pointed out? I see it more in early-season fics, for obvious reasons. Thanks for reading!
Date: April 10, 2021 04:36 am Title: Chapter 6
Michael and Jim's dad are BFF? Where did that come from?
Dwight Kurt Schrute is his own barrel of them- great line.
This story is a joy to read. Keep em coming.
Author's Response: Thank you! That's just my own weird explanation for what would make Jim take this job--and what would give him the relationship with Michael that I wanted.
Date: April 10, 2021 03:29 am Title: Chapter 6
I loved the glimpse into Jim's backstory here, and the idea of his dad being friends with Michael is genuinely amazing. And then Jim's reflections on Pam are so lovely: I really like the part about how she makes him laugh, I think it's one of my favourite things about their interactions in general. (Also LOL at the Cleveland Steamer and Jim having to stop Michael three times, I did wonder why she didn't have a drink on the board yet...) I feel like this is a good kind of angst/them dancing round each other though, especially when they're actually on the same page with the hoping and not presuming! Again, it's very relatable and very them. I think I'm now out of jellybeans :(
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm flattered you've used your jellybeans already! I don't anticipate using Jim's POV a lot (famous last words) but it seemed time to give a little sense of why he's here and what he's up to...
1 [Report This]Date: April 08, 2021 04:22 pm Title: Chapter 6
poor Jim, this is definitely his major character flaw :(
Author's Response: Yeah...but at least this time when he does make a move, no Roy ;)
1 [Report This]Date: April 08, 2021 02:03 pm Title: Chapter 6
This was great. But: STOP BEING A COWARD, JIM! Grrrrr.
Author's Response: I mean, it's Jim, early season Jim. Don't worry, there will, eventually, be movement.
Date: April 08, 2021 12:42 pm Title: Chapter 6
I liked getting some of the backstory for Barista Jim here. Kind of fun to think he'd be kind of pushed into this job for all the reasons shown here.
Really like how he's just besotted by Pam right from the off. How he's going out of his way to be near her when she's around. Feels like taking jellybeans out of the tray, but you know, mopping the floors here. I really like the insight that it's Pam who really bring out his genuine sense of humor. How he wants to laugh with her and because of what she says. Also that he picks up on her just simple and quiet beauty. Lots of good stuff there.
So what will it take to get these two together? Looking forward to finding out.
Author's Response: Thank you! I think Jim and Pam really complement each other, and the sense of humor thing is just part of it. I'm glad you're enjoying it!
1 [Report This]Date: April 05, 2021 05:31 am Title: Chapter 5
I love this so much. I really like the way you’ve written Pam’s fondness for Michael, and how Jim brings her so much light, and her thought that Jim might be someone she could have those kind of conversations with. And Pam not presuming anything is just very Pam. And I do love some angst, but Jim through Pam’s eyes here is just so sweet that I’m really looking forward to it resolving!
Author's Response: Thank you! It will resolve, but we do have to see Jim's angst first...
1 [Report This]Date: April 05, 2021 04:40 am Title: Chapter 4
Hehe, Michael is fantastic in this - I love his genuine enthusiasm once he gets into his spiel, and the image of Jim literally slapping a hand over his mouth is great, as is him knowing without needing to look that Pam does not appreciate Michael’s compliment. And Pam’s butterflies at the end 😍
Author's Response: Thank you! I enjoy having Michael in in bits and drabs; so you'll see more of him for sure. It's his shop after all...
1 [Report This]Date: April 03, 2021 11:57 am Title: Chapter 5
Well, I like this sort of angst - and I like that even with her new independence and bravery (I guess it took a lot of it to end things with Roy for good), she's still the Pam we (or is it me?) love, tentative and full of doubts.
Also, Michael's comparison to a hedgehog is hilarious!
Thank you!
Author's Response: Thank you! It did take some bravery from her--we'll hear more about that later, at least I currently plan that we will.
1 [Report This]Date: April 02, 2021 05:22 pm Title: Chapter 5
I love the way Pam is still able to identify the humanity and sadness in Michael, no matter what the universe, and the way she finds a little room for him in her heart.
Ha. Another dose of philosophy snuck into this story! I like this take on Pam's fundamental fear... that's a really central part of her in canon, and I'm interested in seeing what you're going to do with it here.
Author's Response: Yeah, I'm a sucker for philosophy as a hobby, so...guess what, now Pam is too ;)
1 [Report This]Date: April 02, 2021 04:04 pm Title: Chapter 5
Poor Pam! I hope we see more of what Jim is thinking next time, thank you for the update!
Author's Response: We are indeed seeing Jim's POV next time! Good guess! Thanks for reading.
Date: April 02, 2021 01:37 pm Title: Chapter 5
Nothing wrong with her getting somewhat settled. It feels like she's still trying to get a sense of herself as her own person here. She was in this relationship with Roy so I'm sure for a while her sense of self was "Pam and Roy." Which is now gone. She's also back at home which you've expounded on in previous chapters. So here it feels like she's starting to get some traction in who she is.
The whole "customer service smile isn't a real smile" does ring. Especially if she has waitressing experience. Makes sense that she'd be cautious of the same from Jim.
I am kind of wondering what will happen when her favorite tea does show up. Could be fun.
Author's Response: Her favorite tea will show up soon! And yes, it will be fun (at least for me to write). Thanks as always for your feedback.
1 [Report This]Date: March 31, 2021 09:33 pm Title: Chapter 4
"He is smiling, but it’s the kind of manic smile that she suspects strongly might conceal a great deal of tension." Good way to describe Michael from a sympathetic outsider's perspective.
"Michael looks like a toddler who just grabbed a coffee cup off the counter and is very proud while everyone else is just waiting for the splash and smash." ALSO a spot-on description of Michael - and the toddler thing works, because it's that sort of fond exasperation. You can't really blame him, because, you know, he's a toddler.
Very entertaining chapter.
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you liked those: I was pretty proud of them :)
Date: March 29, 2021 08:08 pm Title: Chapter 4
Just going back there because it's convenient, right Pam, just keep telling yourself that. Ah the appearance of Micheal in all his Micheal glory. Though I do wonder, it was his dream to open a coffee shop but he doesn't know how to make coffee. Hmmm, then again, considering the name of the joint, coffee could just be an excuse to allow him to create a place where he can to stand-up. Heaven help us all if it comes to that.
Lovely to see Pam's reactions to Jim. How she's looking for him and responding to when he is and isn't there. Still all sorts of adorable and I can't wait for more.
Author's Response: Thank you! There's a little more angst coming up, but also an explanation for some elements of Michael...
1 [Report This]Date: March 28, 2021 01:25 pm Title: Chapter 4
Oh, I adore the font joke! I don't even try to guess what font Pam is so firmly repulsed by (but in my head, Jim's nametag looked much like a ransom note with letters cut from different magazines).
And I hope that butterflies will survive the steaming milk shover :)
Author's Response: Thank you! There are fonts like that, though I was thinking more of a handwriting-style one. Thanks for reading :)
Date: March 28, 2021 04:13 am Title: Chapter 4
Gotta know what font that is since you already mentioned comic sans. Park avenue? Myriad. zapt chancery?
Meeting Michael was fun and you got his energy (especially when high on own supply) and vibe down.
Lotta fun.
Author's Response: I didn't have a specific font in mind, more a class: those spidery handwriting-like fonts that are impossible to read on small screens. Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
1 [Report This]Date: March 26, 2021 11:34 pm Title: Chapter 3
Ha! Dwight binding them together in every universe. This feels like a very fun early-JAM version of Money in the offing. And the Zillow description is very, VERY Dwight.
Author's Response: Thank you! I just love making Dwight look silly in the ways that Dwight makes himself look silly ;)
1 [Report This]Date: March 25, 2021 01:31 pm Title: Chapter 3
I was pretty much laughing through all of Pam's musings/increasing horror about Dwight, but this bit in particular really got me:
'It’s a case of someone who is deeply, deeply wrong about what Zillow is.
Like, fundamentally, deeply misunderstanding.
Because Dwight Kurt Schrute (she wonders which of the two men occasionally visible in the photos on the site he is, and decides it really does not matter because they’re equally distressing as options) is not trying to rent out his beet farm on Zillow to anyone who wants to live there.
He’s trying to use Zillow to find hotel guests.'
This feels very Dwight. Also, the homemade milk.
But, it did result in Jim coming out from behind the counter! I'm really enjoying how you've written flustered Pam, it's both very her and very relatable. I'm loving all of this, basically!
Author's Response: Thank you very much! I hope you continue to like it as we keep visiting the shop! This chapter came really easily; here's hoping the rest does too...
1 [Report This]Date: March 25, 2021 01:06 pm Title: Chapter 3
Before reading this chapter, I have no idea what Zillow is. Now I know more!
(okay, technically speaking, it was mentioned before too, but I didn't pay attention then).
And oh, I love this version of 'your desk mate Dwight'! As well as I love Pam's reaction and thoughts (and 'even if she hasn't known him very long, she can read that loud and clear' - just awwwww!).
I'm curious, are you planning to include Jim's POWs too? I wonder what his thoughts were about their lovely visitor...
Author's Response: Ah! I always wonder how widely known my references will be, but since this is easily googled I figured it was fair play ;). Thank you! I will probably be bringing Jim POV in at some point, but we'll get a lot of Pam to set it up first.
1 [Report This]Date: March 24, 2021 08:54 pm Title: Chapter 3
This chapter had me grinning from ear to ear from start to finish. Pam's wonder/amazement/incredulousness was on fine display. That Dwight put the farm on Zillow seems like such a Dwight move. Try something unexpected that works in his mind. However it just reads as slightly crazy to any other rational person.
Oh Pam, look at you go starting to fall for Jim. That's all just so adorable. Seems like Jim needs zero excuses to get closer to her either. Delightful.
You're going to make me run out of jellybeans early again aren't you?
Author's Response: Thank you! I mean, I always try to run you out of jellybeans as fast as you run me out when I review yours ;). I'm glad you liked this chapter! This was one that just came easily.
1 [Report This]Date: March 23, 2021 10:52 am Title: Chapter 2
Hehe, SeinfieldShouldNeverHaveBeenCancelled - amazing. I really enjoyed the Pam getting continually distracted by Jim throughout this, and the little note of her now being able to enjoy her tea without Roy. (Although, feels like a teapot might also help with that). I’m greatly looking forward to seeing how long her resolve on the not jumping into anything will last with Jim around. And am also very intrigued by the beet farm...
Author's Response: Thank you! I do think a teapot might be in her future...
1 [Report This]Date: March 23, 2021 02:14 am Title: Chapter 2
I really like that Pam wanted to have some solid ground under her feet before allowing herself to think about new relationships (and I think I have a thing for Rational Pam in general).
And her finding the beet farm (for rent?)... I'm not sure I'm more thrilled or terrified by this idea. Maybe, the former, because it has to be hilarious!
Author's Response: Thank you! I also have a thing for rational Pam, so I'm glad we agree on that (for all that this might challenge her willingness to stay rational).
Date: March 22, 2021 07:38 pm Title: Chapter 2
Ok so are you a designer too cause you seem to have the annoying client thing down. I think I'm going to relate a lot to Pam in this story. Right down to getting distracted by random searches on the internet. I do like the reference to the house with a terrace from boys and girls.
More fun stuff with the wifi password and I like the reasoning behind not wanting to get back out there yet.
Finding the beet farm. Well this will be interesting.
Author's Response: My mom has been a graphic designer (and associated jobs) since I was six, so that's where that's coming from ;) Thank you for reading!
Date: March 22, 2021 06:24 pm Title: Chapter 2
Lovely introspection as always. Great to see how she's trying to get her life in order. Even more fun that her thoughts are constantly being broken up by Jim. I really like that she's really tying to get herself set up before she thinks about opening herself up to someone new. Though I do have a feeling that a certian someone is going to put that resolve to the test.
So Pam finds the beet farm. Really curious to see how this is going to play out. Great fun as always.
Author's Response: Thank you! I find that 99% of what I want to write is introspection and the rest of it just exists to allow for that ;)
1 [Report This]Date: March 22, 2021 05:47 pm Title: Chapter 1
This is fantastic! I literally laughed out loud at the free wifi sign, the coffee names are all brilliant, and the idea of Dwight being their one regular customer who brings in his own beet juice supply is hilarious. I also loved the Michael cough from the back room. And the chemistry between Jim and Pam is so good - I really liked the line about Pam wanting to hold onto the conversation with both hands. And Pam comparing him to a pine tree with a messy hair cut, lol. I can't wait to read more!
Author's Response: Thank you! There may be more silliness like the sign and the coffee names, because if I can't experiment with that in a coffeeshop AU where can I? So I'm glad you liked that!