“Do you two know each other or something?” Nick asked, picking up on the tension that was surrounding them.

            “Um, yeah, we work together,” Pam explained. If you can call it that.

            “Yeah, buts it’s like a big office,” Jim said. But I spend 8 hours a day just a few feet from her.

            “Yeah, I mean, we don’t talk a lot really.” But, god, I wish we did. I miss that.

            Ouch. We talk… right? “I knew Pam was interested in art though… never thought I would run into her here though.” Okay, maybe on some level I hoped I would.

            “Yeah, I mean, I talked about it some. But Jim had never mentioned his interest before.” What type of art? I mean, never once in the four years I have known him.

            “I mean, I just got started… I didn’t really want to tell anyone about it yet, I mean, Pam is just a co-worker.” Ouch. She isn’t just a coworker. It’s Karen I didn’t want to tell. What have I gotten myself into?

            Just a co-worker? “Oh yeah, I can understand that. I mean, it took me a while to share anything when I was starting out.” Expect for with you. I could tell you anything. Could. Not can.

            Nick glanced back and forth between Pam and Jim. He wasn’t a part of the conversation anymore – he realized he never was. He didn’t know what had happened between the two of them, but he figured, there was more to the conversation than what was being said. He slipped out, and went to his class. He figured Jim would join in when he was ready. This conversation was more important than the class.

            “Yeah, some things should just remain private,” Jim explained Like the fact that I love you. Then we wouldn’t be in this hellhole we are in right now.

            “Exactly. I mean, co-workers are just that. It’s not like we’re family,” Pam replied. Even though I imagine living the rest of my life with you.

             “I know. Its just, combining personal stuff and work, it just doesn’t work.” But we could make it work. Screw it. She isn’t interested.

            “Yeah. I mean, think of how messy that would be.” It would be worth all the mess in the world if I could be with you.

            “It’s better this – “ Jim suddenly pauses. “Nick? Oh crap, I guess I am late… um, bye Pam.” Jim rushed off down the hall, his face flushed. What the hell did I just do?