In the kitchenette, Howard found himself darting glances at the door. He felt like an ass. Trying to manipulate his wife into sex. That was low. What had he been thinking? And he should've known she would figure it out. Why had he been so stupid? Looking at the door again, he wondered what she was thinking.

Bernadette sighed in relaxation as she sank into the foamy, rose-scented water. Perfection. As she lay in the tub, her mind wandered to Howard. What had he been thinking by trying to get into her sympathies? Didn't he think she loved him enough? She hadn't been insensitive out of meanness, it was just she'd had the same stuff happen to her. Maybe he did have it worse though.

Why had he tried to do that? They were still having sex, and it wasn't like he was depraved of it. She reached for the tap with her toes to add more hot water. For some reason, she felt cold. She could hear clinking and smiled slightly. At least he was doing that for her. Sitting up, she reached for the soap and began lathering her arms with it.
She wasn't mad, not really, but it was disappointing that he used his childhood to score. He probably wouldn't have like it if she'd done something like that to him.
Finshed with soaping, she lay in the water, soaking her golden tresses before sitting up again and reaching for her strawberry- scented shampoo. Rubbing it into her roots, she decided once she'd gotten dressed, she'd discuss it with her husband.

"Thanks for doing that."

If she'd been a vengeful person, she would have been thrilled at the look of guilt/horror that swamped his features.

"I meant the dishes." she explained.

"Oh. That's OK." He was quiet and then tried again. "I'm sorry, Bernie.."

"What the hell? Why?" Maybe she was a little mad.

"I don't know! I wanted to see if it worked."

"It's terrible!"

"I know. It's..it's..awful."

"We are married. Our whole relationship is built on trust and love and respect."

"I know. I tried to take advantage of your kind, loving nature and it was really crappy of me. I'm sorry."

"Good." she reached up and cupped his face with her left hand, his hand coming up to hold onto hers. "Don't ever do that again."

"I won't."

She kissed his cheek and picked up their phone ans went into their bedroom.

"You're not calling your dad, are you?"

"Don't panic. I'm calling someone else."

So, I watched Raiders Minimisation and I've gotta say, pull your crap together guys! These women love you and you're trying to manipulate them into sex! Totally despicable. Anyway, we'll get Leonard and Penny next chapter. Hope you enjoyed it!

Love from Shania. xx