Jim stood at the door for a moment after Pam left. What had he really expected her to confess her feelings for him on his doorstep while Karen was standing right next to him?

He exhaled sharply as the car engine started. That was his last hope, his last straw slipping slowly out of his hands.

“Karen, I’m sorry, it was just a long day at work and … can we start tonight over?”

 “Uh...’ Karen look somewhat defeated “Yeah” ,she said slowly as she grabbed Jim’s

  I-pod tossing it it on chair and leading him to the couch.