37 – The Revised Employment Paradigm
Penny and Sheldon woke up at 7:00am Friday morning. While Sheldon was in the shower, Penny ordered breakfast. It was oatmeal day so that's what she ordered. And juice and coffee. Lots of coffee.
Sheldon came out of the bedroom dressed for work.
"Penny, I'm aware why I'm up. Raj will be here shortly to drive me to the University. You are not scheduled to be at work for hours."
"I was speaking with my mom last night and realized that I haven't been writing since this whole thing started. I mean, I know why. But I figure that I should re-institute Penny Time and start up again. I may need to adjust the schedule because my work hours are very different now, but I really ought to make the time. And school is starting back up again soon. I can't let Paul Hernly screw up everything that was gong so well for me."
"Good for you, Penny. What's your plan?"
"Well, the script I was working on based on what happened with Hernly before doesn't really make sense to me now. And I obviously don't know how this all is going to end but I still think it'll make a good story no matter what. I mean, I don't want to tell this exact story but use elements of it. For now I'm just going to try to figure out what should be part of it and maybe try to get a sense of the flow. Sort of an outline and story beats. Then, when I know how it ends, I can organize and actually write it."
"That sounds like a wise plan. You will need to pick me up at Los Robles at four so that we may pick up your new car. The dealer said he can take care of returning the lease for us."
"Oh boy! I can't wait. Have a good day at work and don't strain yourself packing Leonard's stuff."
"I have engaged professionals to deal with that. I shall only be observing. However, I have leased a space in the storage facility also and will be putting some items of my furniture there."
"Why do you need to store anything?"
"Penny, we have adequate funds to furnish Apartment 4A to our liking creating a new living space. Let us do that without being constrained by choices I made when I had no concept of how happy cooperating with a loved one in making such decisions would make me. When we present our home to our friends I do not wish them to be able to look around saying, "That's Sheldon's and that's Penny's." I want them to not know."
"Well, they'll know the action figures and statues are yours and the Care Bears are mine."
"Yes, but the way they are displayed and what they are displayed upon, that will be ours."
"Okay."
"I will be off now. Please phone me when you leave work to pick me up."
"I will."
Sheldon went to Penny and gave her a kiss. And she kissed him back.
Penny got a decent amount done on her outline but kind of knew that real-life developments could still seriously impact her story. She didn't want to become too attached to the elements. By 9:30 she was ready to head to the studio for a reasonably short day's work.
When she got there, Ida called her into her office.
"Penny, most of what we do today will be planning next week. We'll need to prep the materials for two location shoots the following week and we have one full day of fittings for a new sitcom. We also need to look at the calendar to schedule a shopping trip. Every couple of months I go to New York to see what people are wearing and to wander around the used clothing stores to buy things that I think might come in handy over the next few months. It's a three or four day trip and you'll be coming with me. While we're there we'll also take in a couple of plays, Broadway if you like. Personally I prefer the smaller Off and Off Off Broadway offerings. Since it's all related to work the studio covers all of the expenses."
"Wow. Really? I've always wanted to see New York."
"I suspect you'll see quite a bit of it. You'll probably need to take a couple of trips on your own to deal with shoe concerns. I don't usually take in the Fashion Week brouhaha but if you like I can set you up for that. You should probably experience it once."
"But Ida, I'm only a temp."
"Yes, dear. We'll talk about that at lunch. You have materials on your desk concerning the upcoming studio schedule. Please have a plan ready for me before lunch, okay?"
"Absolutely."
Penny was a little worried since she hadn't really ever done anything like that before and she didn't want to let Ida down. But, once she looked at what was on her desk, based on what she had already done that week, she knew exactly how it needed to be organized and presented. She needed to check the computer database a few times to confirm some things she thought she already knew about some of the actresses coming in for their fittings, but she was able to get everything ready for Ida a little earlier than necessary."
"Penny, I must say I'm impressed. This is a kind of test I give everyone when they start up. Usually they come to me when it's due and beg for some more time and then turn in something that I need to tear apart top to bottom. However, you've given me exactly what I needed and you've given it to me early."
"What can I say? Margie is a really good teacher."
"Well, I agree with you there, but you two only worked together for one day. You did most of this based on your own knowledge and intuition. I really couldn't be happier. Let's go to lunch."
"Are we going to the commissary?"
"I don't think so. We have time for a nice, leisurely lunch so I've made reservations at a place nearby that I like. Don't worry about the prices. It's on me…well, the studio."
"Thanks. Let me get my bag."
They ended up at a little bistro about a mile from the studio. It was fairly busy but they recognized Ida and immediately led them to a table for two by the window.
"Penny, I'm just going to order a few appetizers for the two of us. If you see anything on the menu you'd like, order it. I'll also be having a glass of wine and you're welcome to have one also."
"Ida, Thank you but I don't drink. A diet coke is just fine for me. And, well, I've always wanted to try escargot."
"Good idea. They do theirs in a little puff pastry. It's quite delicious."
"Can't wait."
"Penny, the reason I invited you out is that I'd like to run something past you."
"Okay."
"I'm aware from what you've told me and from what some of the boys running the studio have told me that you don't expect your future to be in the costume shop. And that's not a bad thing. I like that you have ambition. And certain people with influence have told me they believe you are a talented writer."
"That's very nice to hear but really, I'm not there yet."
"I understand. I'm also aware that you hope for a career in front of the camera."
"If I ever get the opportunity."
"In no way do I wish to discourage you from having those dreams. In fact, if there is anything that I can ever do to help you achieve them you can count on me."
"Thank you, Ida."
"However, if you go back to waiting tables at The Cheesecake Factory I will be very disappointed in you."
"Ida, I may not have much of a choice. My job with you is only temporary and if nothing else comes up before it ends that's what I'll have to do."
"Well, consider this something else coming up. I have been making do without an assistant for two years now, partly for budgetary reasons and partly because I couldn't find the right person. Well, the budget situation has cleared up. When Margie comes back from her leave I'd like you to become my assistant. It will be more hours, though probably not any more than you'll already be doing, and you'll be on call when I'm not available. Of course it will also be more money. And the arrangement I made with you regarding school and auditions will continue. In fact, you will likely be in an even better position to hear about things on your own and I will absolutely not stand in your way."
"Wow. Um, yeah. Yes, I'd be honored."
"Penny, it's a job, not an award."
"Ida, I appreciate your faith in me and I won't let you down."
Meanwhile, several dishes of appetizers arrived along with a glass of wine and a diet coke. Ida and Penny picked from the plates as they continued talking.
"All right. Now, officially you'll still be running the shoe department for now but as of next week I'll be bumping up your salary and you'll unofficially be training to be my assistant. That really won't involve you doing much more than you've already been doing."
"Ida, I'm not jumping over someone already there am I? I don't want to create a situation."
"Penny, the only other person I'd even consider would be Margie and I spoke to her about you yesterday. She loves the job she has and with the twins has no desire to take on any more responsibility. She told me I'd be nuts to not give you a shot."
"Okay then. But, I need to tell you something first. About some stuff that's been going on and some things I've decided to do."
"Penny, I do my research. I'm well aware of the Paul Hernly situation. I've seen the plainclothes police by the gate. I know you and your friend have been forced to stay at a hotel. And I know about the DVD and the pictures. You know what? Through no fault of your own, you found yourself in a difficult situation. You haven't let it interfere with your work. You still have a good attitude. As far as I'm concerned, none of that other stuff matters. However, your safety and security is a concern for me. You will be safe at the studio. I guarantee it. And if for some reason you need to deal with that situation just let me know as quickly as you can. I understand that it's possible that you may not be able to give me much more notice than to tell me you have to leave. I understand. That's your life and your family. This is just a job. I appreciate that you have your priorities straight."
"Thank you, Ida. The other thing is that I've set up a bunch of appointments with therapists over the next couple of weeks. I may look like I've been keeping it together but I know it's taking a toll on me, on Sheldon and on our relationship. We've decided together we need professional help before something bad happens."
"Penny, that's admirable. Take whatever time you need to set that up. In fact, I'd like to recommend some people. They have kind of an odd setup but it works. It may appeal to you. The Andersons. There are three of them. Two women and one man and they have a combined practice. Jennifer Harding-Anderson is a psychologist. Bob Anderson is a psychiatrist. And Melanie Anderson is a psychologist/social worker. Melanie used to be married to Bob but is now married to Jennifer but the three of them are very close. In fact, I believe Bob is dating Jennifer's sister."
"Sounds confusing but a little familiar."
"They are quite good. They are definitely within our network. I strongly recommend them. Shall I call them to set up something for you and Sheldon?"
"Well, we have Monday evening open."
Ida took her phone out and punched in a number.
"Hello, Bonnie. It's Ida. Listen, I know a couple that could use the Andersons. Do you have anything available on Monday for an intake interview? 6? Will six do, Penny?"
"I think so."
"Please put down Penny Queen and Sheldon…"
"Dr. Sheldon Cooper."
"Penny Queen and Dr. Sheldon Cooper. Thank you, Bonnie. Penny, you're all set. I'll text you the information."
"Thanks, Ida."
"Penny, you are under no obligation whatsoever to continue with them after Monday. It doesn't matter to me either way. You and Sheldon should do what's right for you and choosing a therapist is a very personal thing. So, a doctor?"
"Sheldon is a theoretical physicist at CalTech."
"I'm impressed. Usually women who look like you do are eager to get their hooks into a famous actor or a director."
"That might have been me a few years ago but not anymore. Sheldon and I have been friends for a long time and now we're more. We love each other very much."
"I can see that in the way your eyes sparkle when you say his name."
"Yeah. He's spent his whole life looking for the secret of the universe and a couple of weeks ago he said it was me."
"Wow. Forgive my bluntness but I sure hope you fucked his brains out after he said that."
"Yeah. No, we aren't there yet. Sheldon is kind of a special case. He's worth waiting for."
"You really do have something special."
"Yeah. That's kind of why we want to do the therapy thing. Between the thing with Paul Hernly and some other stuff I'd rather not go into it's like the universe is throwing land mines into our lives and we need all the help we can get to not let the universe win."
"Well, you can count on me as being firmly in the Penny and Sheldon camp."
"Shenny."
"Pardon?"
"Some of our friends, since we got together, call us the Shenny, combining our names, kind of like Brangelina."
"To be honest, I find the name combining thing a bit juvenile but nonetheless, please consider me a member of Team Shenny. Are there commemorative T-shirts?"
"Not quite yet, but if you don't mind me designing one during my down time at work…"
"I wouldn't expect a lot of that but feel free. I prefer a women's small."
"I'll make a note."
"Dessert? They have a delicious cheesecake."
"Sorry, I'll pass for now. I think I might be done with cheesecake for a while."
"All right. Let me get the check and we'll get back to work and finish off and get an early start on the weekend."
"Great. Sheldon and I are going to pick up my new car."
"I was going to mention that the sedan you've been driving is really not you and this is LA after all. You are what you drive."
"Yeah, Sheldon leased it and his primary concern is always safety so he leased a tank. The car we're picking up is more me."
"That's sweet. Well, back to work."
"Thanks for lunch, Ida. And the job."
"Penny, I'm only giving you an opportunity. Whatever happens next is up to you."
They returned to the studio and Penny posted a copy of the schedule for the following week above her desk. When she was sure she had prepared all that she could for Monday morning she gave Sheldon a call to tell him that she was on her way over, waved goodbye to the staff and Ida and went down to the leased tank for the last time. She waved over the plainclothes cop on duty and told her where she was headed and the rest of her itinerary for the afternoon.