The program proper of the party came to an end. The socialization started with live band performing. The banquet has been opened. Wine, booze and cocktails are overflowing. The band was performing lively music to keep everyone upbeat. At this point Pam, returned to her team for socialization, she has been with executive circles since the start.
"I am going to my team," she casually told Tim.
"Hmmm"
"Hey, are you guys not getting something for dinner? Alcohol right away?" Pam was in a light mood. She chose to ignore Vince's long face and smiled at Jim and Ronna.
Ronna and Jim gave each other a meaningful look. Ronna stood, "come on Pam let's get something to eat." She pulled Pam towards the buffet set up with intention to interrogate her.
"Tell me Pam, is the person you are married to Tim?" Ronna said this in a clear low voice as if keeping a secret from everyone.
"Yes."
Ronna was astounded with direct response from Pam. There were no qualms, straight to the point. She was thinking Pam will be rattled or hide.
"OMG, how did this happen? So, it's true that he is the boyfriend from 7 years ago?" Ronna was still shocked at the confirmation straight from Pam's mouth. "I can't believe you were in a relationship with the Ice King."
They started to pick food to fill their plate. Ronna bombarding Pam with questions on the side. "What about Lissy? Aren't they supposed to be engaged? "
"Long story Ronna. I don't think we can finish before getting back to our seats. Their engagement was off." Pam still answered in short and direct to what is the truth."
Ronna could not contain the excitement and shock at the same time. Tim after all is someone that girls would love to have as their husband. Tall, handsome, financially capable and smart who can ask for more. "To be honest we saw you at the parking going out of the car. I thought it was odd and you walked holding each other hands!"
"Oh! So, this is why you sent the message of congratulations. You connected the dots…"
"Of course, nothing escapes me." Ronna was proud but Jim suppressed her from talking about it earlier. However, this is for the good as Vince is devastated with the news. "No wonder, someone's world has just crumbled. He doesn't even know it's Tim."
"I am happy for you Pam! BUT…I feel sad that I only get to know this now. Am I not your friend?"
"Ronna, you wouldn't believe how everything happened so fast. Tim and I had complicated past. It's not something I can say easily but we end up together now. I hope you don't take it against me."
By the time they reached the table, Ronna was all smiles already. Feeling proud of the confirmation she got from Pam.
"Looks like someone won the lottery, are the food that good to make you smile that much? " Jim quickly entered his sarcastic mode.
Ronna was supposed to share later what she learned but with his remarks, she just rolled her eyes. "Don't ask me anything later."
"Alright then don't ask me to drive you home later."
"How gentleman!"
"Of course, don't you recall?"
"Recall what?" Pam had the chance to turn the tables.
Ronna turned red. Pam grabbed the opportunity to make a follow up, "did something happened? Why are you so red?"
Rattled of the situation, she took a stab at engaging Vince. "Vince what can you say about this sudden marriage announcement from Pam."
Jim glared at Ronna, just to be able to save herself, she even dragged Vince to the conversation who already is looking so down. "You are really something Ronna. Nothing silences you mouth."
"Pam congratulations on getting married. It was so sudden I didn't have the chance to say it earlier."
"Thank you, Vince." Pam does not know what to say. She knows Vince harbors some feelings towards her, but she has always been clear about how she feels towards him. They are just good friends. She intends to keep him as a friend.
Vince smiled to remove the awkwardness he asked Jim to get food from the buffet table. However, in reality he just wanted to drink his sorrows. He wants to be happy for Pam, but it hurts. At least prior to this marriage thing, he kept to himself 10% hope to win her heart. Maybe, just maybe by staying by her side as good friend she could one day look at him differently and give him a chance.
The night went on with mix of wine and cocktails. Everybody had a good time reminiscing the days and nights spent working on the project, the fun while going through some tough and challenging times. Jim has tempered his alcohol intake as he is driving Ronna. The 3 had good share of drinks and laughs. Vince drank his sorrows away.
"I am really happy for you Pam. I can't' wait to see your product with Tim. They will be adorable kids I am sure." They are unaware of the reproductive issues that Pam has. It was incentive to say this, but Pam could only smile and take it normally. It made her think if she will be able to conceive. Not to mention she will be apart from Tim starting tomorrow. Sadness enveloped her spirit.
While spacing out form what Ronna has said, no one noticed how Vince stood and walk to the side of Pam. To everyone's surprise, he hugged Pam from behind she was sitting. "I thought you will not marry. I was preparing to be the closest guy beside you even as friends."
There was sorrow on his voice, Vince had a lot of alcohol already and was not able to control his emotions. He was fine being just her friend as long as she is single but now Pam is married. There will be no more days of surprising her, joking and occasional touching.
"Vince, you are drunk…" Pam patted his arms embracing him from behind. She wants him to let go of the embrace at his own will.
"OMG Vince!" At the sight of Tim walking towards then, Ronna has become a little sober. "Don't do this embarrassing thing here."
"I will always be your friend, now go to your seat." Pam was trying to remove now his arms around her, but Vince was not ready to go. He was almost sniffing her neck, and this made Pam's ears turn red.
A voice resounded, "would you mind taking your hands of my wife?"