A/N I still own nothing. Thanks again for the reviews. They are the wind in my sails, the wings under my feet… Well, you get the idea.

The next day, Leonard stopped by in the morning to see Marie before he headed off to work. The girls all ate breakfast and then while Penny went off to the first interview, Shari took Marie and Carla shopping for bedroom furniture.

When they met Penny for lunch, she said she thought the interview had gone well and was looking forward to her second one. Shari told her they thought they had found what they needed but wanted Penny to look at it before they bought it. They agreed she would go with them the next day.

Leonard joined them for supper and assured them he would go along with whatever they decided on. Shari said she would charge it all and they could settle up afterwards. Leonard was happy that Penny felt she had done a good job at her interviews and everyone assured her she would get one of the jobs.

That night, when they were sitting fully dressed around the pool, Penny was surprised when Carla and Marie said they wanted to talk to her. Leonard and Shari assured them they would be fine and Penny joined them in the living room.

Penny asked, "What's this all about?"

Marie looked at Carla, "We wanted to talk to you about Shari and Dad."

"What about them?"

"Have you noticed how well they get along?"

"I guess. I hadn't really thought about it. We're all pretty good friends."

Carla broke in, "We were kind of thinking they could be more than friends."

Penny's eyes widened a little, "You think they are involved?"

Marie quickly said, "No, but we were thinking they could be. We wanted to talk to you to see what you thought."

Penny, caught off guard, said, "I admit I never considered it." She hesitated, "Are you asking what I would think about it?"

Marie smiled, "Well, actually, I kind of remembered when you used to like to try to get people together."

Penny realized now that Marie really had no thoughts of her and Leonard being a couple again. This talk was not to see how Penny would feel about it, but just to see if she thought they would be good together and be a matchmaker. For a moment it bothered her that Marie felt that way, but then knew it was for the best. In fact, the more she thought about it, she saw how great it would be if they did turn out to like each other. They both deserved to find someone who they could love and who loved them. She was relieved and gratified to realize she would be happy for them.

"I think it's a great idea. I tell you what, I'll talk to Shari and kind of feel her out."

Marie and Carla smiled broadly, as Marie said, "That would be great. Thanks Mom."

They returned to the Pool and found Shari and Leonard exchanged in conversation and didn't seem to care they had been gone. Penny and the others exchanged knowing glances.

Later, after Leonard had left, the girls had gone up to their room, giving Penny a thumbs up as they did. Pouring themselves a glass of wine, Penny and Shari got comfortable in the living room.

Shari took a sip, "Do you want to tell me what that deal with Marie and Carla was all about?"

"Maybe it's none of your business. Just some girl talk."

"If it was about something like a surprise party, you can forget it. Being thirty-eight is not a reason to celebrate."

"It wasn't anything like that. When is your birthday anyway?"

"That is none of your business."

After a few more sips, Penny decided to start, "You and Leonard didn't seem to miss us much. What were you talking about anyway?"

Shari gave Penny a funny look. "I was just talking about when Edward and I first met. I was kind of surprised how easy it was to tell him about it. He is really easy to talk to."

Penny smiled to herself, "Yeah, he always was a great listener." In spite of herself, she found herself thinking back to when they had been together, as friends and lovers. She hoped they could find a way to be friends again.

After taking a few more sips, Penny continued, "You asked what the girls and I were talking about. Frankly, we were wondering how you felt about Leonard."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, are you friends? Do you like him?"

Again Shari looked inquisitively at her, "What brings this up? Did he say anything?"

"No, it's just that Marie and Carla noticed you seemed to be getting closer."

"Are you asking if I am interested in Leonard?"

"Are you?"

Shari finished off her glass and poured herself another. Taking a sip, "Let me ask you a question. What would you think if I were?"

"Honestly, I would be thrilled. I think a lot of both of you and want you both to be happy."

"I do like Leonard. I like to be around him. I think he is a great guy and I love how he is with Marie. But…"

"But?"

"I don't think I am ready to be in a relationship right now. I would rather have him as a friend."

Penny was disappointed but felt she understood, "I understand." But then she couldn't resist, "But maybe someday…"

Shari smiled, "Maybe." But then she said, "How about Leonard? Maybe he wouldn't be interested."

Penny smirked, "How could he not? Don't worry, if you decide you would like to take a chance, I'll work on him."

Shari smiled and they talked for a time about other matters, before they said their Goodnights.

When Penny reported to the girls, they were disappointed but consoled themselves with the thought that Shari hadn't completely ruled it out.

The next day turned out to be eventful as Penny was notified she had gotten on of the jobs and would start the next Monday. While Leonard had to work, the others went out to a brunch to celebrate. They then made a large dent in Shari's credit cards by ordering all that they needed for the two bedrooms and other items Marie needed to move in. It was arranged to have it all delivered the next Friday.

That night, Shari decided she wanted to go out. It had been a long time since she had been out dancing. She overcame Penny's protests and dragged her along, telling her she was separated and besides they weren't going to do anything.

It turned out they had a wonderful time. It felt good to do some old-fashioned flirting.

Shari had to inwardly curse at Penny though because she found herself wishing Leonard had come along. She had meant what she said to Penny, but Penny had also made her realize that she did feel close to Leonard. She admitted she loved the time she spent with him.

She found herself wondering what it would be like, that maybe she should take a chance. No, she just wasn't ready. Too much was going on. She needed to let some time pass, to come to terms with all that had happened.

Penny felt a little guilty about going out while still married to Sheldon. She also realized she was going to have to make a decision sometime about that situation. She was a little upset with herself that in spite of what he had done, she still felt she had abandoned him. After all, she had been just as involved in hurting Leonard and Marie, but he was the one paying the price. But did she still have any feelings for him?

She still knew though that if he made her choose between him and Marie, they were done. But at some point she was going to have to confront him. She finally decided she would see how the job went before she approached him. One thing was sure, it would not be like it was before.

Left alone with Leonard, Marie and Carla decided that no matter what Shari had said, they knew the two of them were meant for each other. After all, Shari had not really ruled out her being interested in Leonard. They decided they would do their own matchmaking.

They were in the living room, watching TV, when Marie started, "Say, Dad, could we talk to you about something."

Leonard turned from the TV, "Sure, what is it?"

"What do you think of Shari?"

Leonard looked inquisitively at them, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, do you like her?"

Leonard wondered what was going on. What had brought this on? It couldn't be they were thinking…?

"Why are you asking?"

Marie stammered a little and Carla decided to help out, "No reason. Just that you seem to be friends."

"I like to think we are."

Marie continued, nervously, "Do you think she's pretty?"

Now Leonard was pretty sure he knew what was going on. He knew he should stop this but had to admit he enjoyed watching the two of them. He decided to play along and figure out what had brought this on.

"I guess."

Marie stared, "You guess?"

"I mean, yes she's very attractive."

Carla stunned them both by saying, "Would you like to go out on a date with her?"

Marie cringed inside, 'Real subtle, Carla.'

Now Leonard was caught off guard. He should have stopped this earlier. "I really never thought about it. I mean we are friends. Did she say something?"

Now starting to panic, Marie went on, "No, we just, uh, thought you maybe, uh, might like to."

"What made you two bring this up?"

Carla stared at Marie who was no help, "We just, uh, noticed you, uh, seemed to be getting closer."

"I like Shari. We have a good time together. But that is all. Okay?"

Glad to have an out, they both got up. Marie got out, "Okay."

"Goodnight, Dad."

"Goodnight, Leonard."

"Goodnight, girls." Leonard had to smirk as he watched them rush up the stairs.

After they were gone, he got more serious. He wondered if he could take them at their word. Had Shari said something? He did like to be with her and he certainly thought she was a very attractive woman. He had never really considered anything because she was a married woman. Would he be interested in getting into a relationship? Would she? Marie and Carla were apparently on board. What would Penny think? He knew he shouldn't care but he didn't want to change the current situation, at least not until everyone knew where they were headed. No, for now, he needed to leave things the way they were. Maybe someday…