Yes, yes and yes. An enthusiastic yes to everything about this chapter. I very much loved that Larissa was back, & that she’s a bold & lovely version of Larissa. Although, I’m itching for Pam to have some of these conversations with Jim himself. I’m still dying for the “save the receptionist” line to be overheard in a little more context. It was nice to see Pam helping out her colleagues - sweet little twist there with Toby & Brenda. I’m sure her being absent would dull down the Michael factor every so slightly. As per usual, I can’t wait for the next installment.

Author's Response: Thank you thank you thank you! I assure you we will get more save the receptionist, and generally more JAM as things go forward!

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Wow! Comfect, I think this just might be my favorite story written by you!
The alternating days are so much fun and really gives the reader something different to look forward to.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a fic that gave me both of my favorite versions of Karen before either... hit by a truck Karen and friend to pam Karen. That was just brilliant!
I think the only thing I’m really kind of missing is the pam jim interactions, there’s just not a whole lot of it. I imagine at this point you’ve got things pretty much worked out but I was wondering if she invites jim on an adventure to spend some time with him? Or maybe call him up after she skips the cruise to chat with him a bit about their days. I figure at this point she’d want to get in a little extra time with him maybe.

Author's Response:

Aw, thanks so much! It's a story I've been planning to tell for a really long time, so I'm really glad it's getting this warm of a reception. Being able to fit in both the optimal Karens was just a plus ;)

 The thing with JAM interactions in this story is that I don't want to rush them; I promise they're coming, but I really want Pam to get there on her own, and that means avoiding using Jim too too much as a catalyst. That said, they do talk this next chapter...

Part of me kind of wishes we could have seen a bit more of Roy's reaction after Pam's speech to him and her giving back the ring. Like if he had any answer to when she said she wasn't even in the room. But then again Roy's also drunk right here, and you did imply it wasn't pretty so then again maybe not.

I also liked Kelly's line there. How Pam already has Roy AND Jim. Just goes to show that just about everyone knew she and Jim were meant for each other long before she did. Nice way to bring that out and give Pam another sign she's on the right track.

You're right it seems Pam's building up a lot of confidence here. Starting small with helping some others looks to be a good way for her to build her courage.

I am wondering if she's going to do another non-cruise night next, or head back to the boat on the next cycle. Also how she'll figure out to break up with Roy without causing the ruckus as you mention.

Author's Response:

I wanted to leave the detailed description of Roy's reaction for the next time she does it--it's the nature of repeated storytelling that it'll be a bit repetitive, so I try to focus on different details each time. 

 Thanks for the feedback; I'm glad this is working for you, and I promise to make some things clear in the next few chapters about the points you're making here ;)