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Pam should be grateful: so many Americans don't even wear masks, at least her grocery store people do.

"Or had she just gone completely crazy and was starting to hallucinate colleagues in the fruit aisle?" This is my favorite line, good use of language.

Overall my favorite chapter so far.

Author's Response:

YAY! Thanks!!

About the mask wearing, a friend of mine who lives in New Mexico says things are very strict over there. You just can't get inside the store without a mask. 

Down here, you can't even walk down the street without wearing one. 

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Oh, yes, I like that. We've had work from home in the US too, and this feels right. Especially Roy being an ass in the background. Good use of the setup to get that into Jim's awareness.

Author's Response:

Zoom meetings are the worst, but going out is even scarier. I'm a professor and we're going to keep stuff online at least until March 2021. Really crazy.

Of course, Roy's just being Roy. Although I've been visiting season 3 and he has his moments.  

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I really am loving this story! I hate that Pam is sick but hope Jim is able to come take care of her. I really have loved all their interactions, though, and the way things has progressed hasn’t felt rushed at all but completely natural! Can’t wait to read more!

Author's Response:

Thanks! 

TBH I'm still trying to make up my mind on how involved Jim is going to get. Next chapter is not cooperating :) 

That was an unexpected turn. I actually feel bad for Pam, lol, not a real character. Sorry this will extend their time apart. I hope this has a happy ending. Waiting for more.

Author's Response:

I like the fact of having them apart with no ways to avoid it. I know, I am a bit sadistic that way. 

I do love happy endings though. Thanks very much for reviewing!! 

Seems like there's always something with these two. Just when they're getting ready to really be together, this happens. Now I'll admit it's a nice way to add in tension so I'll give that one to you.

The other nice takeaway is they're really starting to open up more about their feelings for each other.

As always really looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Author's Response:

Well, it can't be this easy now, can it?

But you know me, I'm a sucker for happy endings. :)

Thanks so much for your suport! 

Oh, poor Pam... This whole chapter is amazing and painfully realistic; you could make so many plans, but then something unpredictable happened, and you could do nothing about it. That's so, so real.
And yet, I like the way things go between Pam and Jim. That they are sincerely talking about everything and that they admit feelings to each other, and their mutual care, and Jim's insecurities about being too pushy, all of that are so endearing.
I hope that things will get better! Thank you for this story!

Author's Response:

I love (in a kind of perverse way) the irony of she getting sick right when mandatory lockdown is about to be lifted. 

And, of course, she wouldn't like Jim to be too close because she doesn't want to give it to him.

Thanks very much for your review!! 

I read this chapter right after waking up, and it made me much happier than my usual morning cup of coffee.
I don't even know where to start — I LOVE everything about it. Their conversation in the car. The way Pam forgot about social distancing and hugged Jim. Red and black striped pajama pants. The dinner. Oh, the dinner and 'it's a date,' and the fact that he combed his hair made my heart melt. And the sadness of their college and art discussion. And 'I like you.' It was so sweet and adorable, and, perhaps, that's my favorite taste of JAM.
I'm so grateful to you that you're writing this story, and I'm looking forward to the next chapters so much. Thank you!

Author's Response:

Thanks very much for such wonderful review! I'm glad you liked it. I love when they banter/flirt, and doing it over the internet brings back some memories of many years ago. 

I was not sure about who should hug whom, but then I thought Pam is a little vulnerable right now, and feeling both decided about her decision and lonely because of the consequences.  

I hope you like what's coming next. 

Cheers! 

I can very easily see that Roy doesn't think she's serious. You've got his teenager in a man's body kind of attidute down really well here. I wonder if that's going to become more of a factor as we go on or if that's basically the end of seeing Roy in this fic.

Still some trepidation on living on her own on Pam's part. However it seems she's getting over her fears fairly well. Also having Jim there is helpful too. You're doing a great job of them building up a friendship and adding in a lot of fun banter as well.

The video-taco date was fun. Yes maybe a bit quick, but at the same time it's really sweet. Jim's already gone on Pam and its adorable. Pam's warming up to him too and considering she's free of Roy it's lovely to envision.

Author's Response:

Thanks for reviewing!

I am still considering if Roy should appear back or not. He's somebody I love to write but I don't want to bring him back just because...

Cheers! 

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I'm really enjoying this - thanks!

Author's Response: Thanks very much!

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I'm glad to see Pam found the determination she needed to get out of her rut. Roy not caring enough to fight for the relationship hurt, but I'm thinking he'll realise what he's missing once she's gone for sure. Let's just hope that Jim can give her some more reasons no to tread that path again!

I really like the tone you've set with this chapter, it's somber with a hint of hope near the end there, and I really look forward to seeing where things go from here.

Author's Response: Thanks very much! Roy hasn't really understood that Pam means business yet, so he kind of lets her go. But he'll catch up, soon enough.

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Go Pam!!!!

Ugh, you write so well. I love parts where Pam leaves Roy pn her own terms, just brings out so much of the strength and grit her character embodies.

And the second half- JUST ENDEARING!! Loved it to the core.

Author's Response: Thanks so very much!!

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Huge moment for Pam here! And it's probably a lot different than how it's usually portrayed how Pam leaves Roy. She's scared. Scared of letting the life she though she had go by, stepping out on her own with no real direction forward, just grabbing the bare minimums. All during a pandemic lockdown. I get the sense she's barely keeping her head above water, but yet at the same time she's swimming just a bit stronger and making headway to shore as well.

Roy here is unbelivable. I mean I know the guy can get kind of dense, but to just let her walk out like that without a fight? I've got a feeling he's in trouble since he doesn't really know how to take care of himself.

I liked Jim there at the end. His first concern is her. How she's doing, and to send some needed supplies. Great to see him being a stand up guy like that. Also loved him inviting himself along to the shopping trip. Now that Roy's out of the picture, in the important sense, I am 100% behind a more forward Jim. Can't wait to see what comes of this.

Author's Response:

Thanks very much, w4!

Pam is, indeed, very scared. But determined.

And Roy needs to catch up. He lets her go without a fight because he still doesn't think she means business. He thinks she has just a bad case of cabin fever, and that she just needs some fresh air. He'll see how it is soon enough.

Jim of course is jumping up and down with joy, but has the common sense not to let it show right away. And so he becomes the nice guy she needs right now.

:)