A/N Thanks as usual for the reviews. I always hope because I do this regularly that you realize how much they do mean to me. I so appreciate the effort you put into them. I still own nothing.

Leonard gave her a quick kiss and then sat down across from her, "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"No, problem, what was the meeting all about?"

"It seems that someone else is working on testing for Asymmetry."

"What does that mean?"

"It means someone could beat me to it." Seeing the look on her face, "Don't look like that. The important thing is that someone proves it."

Penny had a feeling he wasn't telling the whole story but couldn't wait any longer, "I have some news, too." She paused, "You know that part I was auditioning for. It was for a National Commercial and I got the part!"

"Leonard eye's widened and then he smiled broadly, "That's great. I am so proud of you. When do you start?"

"Next Monday, but I haven't told you the best part, it's possible they could do a series of them."

Leonard reached out and touched her hands, "Look at me, my fiancée is a star."

She squeezed his hands, "Let's not get carried away." She hesitated, "This is all because of you. You were the one that urged me to try again."

"But it is your talent."

She sat back, "I wonder why this happened now, after all the time I spent trying."

"Maybe the pressure was off. You could just relax."

"You may be right. I did not feel the desperation I remember feeling before."

"We need to get a glass of champagne to celebrate."

"That sounds great." She smiled, "But don't drink too much, I don't want you to miss the plans I have to properly thank you."

Wayne and Barb had spent two days in Vegas. It had actually been profitable for Barb who had come out two hundred dollars ahead after winning three hundred dollars on a slot machine.

They had actually done very little gambling. They spent most of the time just walking the strip, hand in hand, just enjoying being together. They had made love several times, with each of them seeming like the last. Although they had not discussed it, both of them seemed to know that their time was running out.

But they couldn't stay in Vegas forever. After making love that morning, they set out for Los Angeles. All the way, Barb clutched him tight as if she could stop him from going away.

As they rode, to keep her mind off what lay ahead, she thought of her brother and especially his wife Mona. If you only saw their pictures, you would see an average looking guy, maybe a little thin.

Mona's would show a woman that used to be called plain, perhaps even homely. She had a figure similar to Barb's but without the redeeming legs.

But if you spent time with them, you would remember an entirely different woman. Mona was the most guileless, modest, friendly woman you could imagine. You immediately knew she was deeply interested in you.

She had not told any details about Mona to Wayne because she was just talking in general about her family at the time.

Barb remembered two instances from when Steve and Mona had been married in Omaha. She had been talking to her at the reception when they overheard a woman say, "I don't know what Steve can possibly see in her, she is a scrawny, plain looking woman. And those shoes!"

Barb was so sorry for Mona and wanted to go over and give that woman a piece of her mind, but Mona just asked, "Do you know that woman?"

"That's Rachel Watson, she's a real bitch."

"She reminds me of a student I once had. She was a beautiful girl, too. She was also quite intelligent. The problem was she treasured her looks more than her mind and was an underachiever. I always hoped when she got older she would learn what was important."

Later on, Barb was surprised when she saw Mona talking to Rachel. When they parted, Rachel looked after her with a befuddled look on her face.

When Barb asked what she said, Mona answered, "I told her that her description of me was quite accurate, but that I preferred lanky to scrawny even though that is an attribute more used for men. I also told her that I wear these shoes because they are comfortable and she should look into it."

The other incident came when Steve and Mona were ready to head back to California and Barb's mother made Barb want to disappear when she bragged to Mona about Barb's Associate's Degree in Math. This was a woman who had a doctorate in Math and was recognized as one of the finest minds in the world. Mona immediately turned to her and said smiling, "How wonderful, we both have a degree in Math." The thing was, there was not a hint of sarcasm, she was sincerely happy for them having that in common.

Steve smiled as he watched Mona sneak another look out the window, "You are a mathematician, My Dear, you know that based on their location when Barb called us, they won't be here for at least another hour."

"I know, but I am so looking forward to seeing her." She smirked, "I also cannot wait to see this man she has traveled all this way with."

"I must admit I was shocked to hear she was traveling on a motorcycle. It doesn't sound like Barb."

Mona nodded, "Well, as you say it will be a little while before they arrive, let's go over those last test results again."

"Alright, but I don't think it will help. We are still missing something."

"We had better figure it out soon or Dr. Hofstadter is going to beat us to a solution. He does have the advantage of having access to the two Doctors that formulated the theory."

Seeing the inquisitive look from her husband, "I took the liberty of watching his Nobel presentation, Dr. Cooper and his wife attended and he mentioned that Dr. Cooper was his best friend."

Steve thought for a moment, "Well, at least we have him outnumbered."

Barb headed for the bike. They had stopped for gas and she had called ahead to let Steve and Mona know they would soon be arriving.

Wayne decided they needed to talk before they reached her brother's house. They went over to a rest area nearby and sat at a picnic table.

They sat quietly for a moment before Wayne spoke, "I don't know what to say. I want you to know that the time I have spent with you has been the happiest of my life." He paused, running his hand through his hair, "I don't want it to end, but at the same time, I know it must."

Before she could say anything he hurried on, "I am just not ready to settle down. I cannot ask you to just keep riding with me. You have a life, friends, a family. Hell, everything I own is on the bike." He reached out and took her hands, "You mean a lot to me and that is why I am leaving when we get to California. You need to move on."

Barb heard the words and knew he was making sense. She had said something similar to herself. But she also realized she didn't care. She didn't want him to leave. It might be difficult but she knew she was right for him.

She took a deep breath, "I understand what you are saying. But I am not just going to let you go. I don't want to be without you." Suddenly, she realized how she felt. She smiled to herself, she knew now she had felt that way for some time, but didn't want to face the ramifications of it. She squeezed his hands and looked into his eyes. "I love you, Wayne."

Wayne eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly. He started to say something but took his hands away and walked off. Barb started to go after him but then decided it was best to leave him alone. Well, she had said it. She was afraid of how he had reacted but was gratified she had said it.

Wayne walked down a small path and finally sat on a knoll. He looked to see if Barb was following him, but was relieved to see she wasn't. His mind was running a mile a minute, jumbled thoughts filling his mind.

He took a deep breath. Barb said she loved him. He didn't even know what he felt. He cursed himself, he should have never got involved. He should have never gone on a date with her. He should have never taken her with him. What was he going to do now?

A little voice found its way. Is this really so bad? She loves you. You love to be with her. She makes you happy. What do you think about her? Then it dared ask the question, Do you love her?

Barb wondered what she should do. Just as she decided she needed to go find him, she saw him coming back. She watched as he sat down across from her.

She was about to say that she meant what she said but would understand if he needed to leave after they got to California.

Wayne looked at her. He realized how close they had come to separating without ever facing what they felt. "Since we have been sightseeing everywhere, I think we should spend some time doing the same in California."

He took a deep breath, "Except for my mother, I have never really been close to anyone. I have always felt like an outsider, someone with a dirty secret. He looked into her eyes, "I don't know if I am capable of loving anyone but I do know I care deeply for you."

Barb felt herself tearing up, "You're right, we need to check out California." She got up and hugged him, "I know how much you have been hurt, how you don't believe you are the right one for me."

She stepped back and kissed him passionately. She then smiled, "But I am going to take what time we have left to show you how wrong you are."

She then stepped back, "We need to get going, Steve and Mona are expecting us."

Leonard and Penny had made it to the elevator before he crushed his lips against hers. She wrapped herself around him. When the elevator stopped, they quickly entered their apartment and both quickly stripped. They did make it to the bedroom.

A long time later, having finally temporarily satisfying themselves after celebrating twice, Leonard decided it was too late for him to return to work.

They had just gotten dressed and were seeing what they could make for supper when Sheldon knocked on the door.

Leonard wearily let him in. Sheldon entered with Amy at his side, "So this is where you are? I went by the lab to see how you were progressing and found you weren't there. I would think Dr. Siebert's information would have inspired you to a greater effort."

Penny smiled, "It's my fault, Sheldon, I had some great news for Leonard and we spent the afternoon celebrating."

Amy smirked, "That must have been quite a celebration. Did it last all afternoon?"

Penny laughed, "It was a two-part celebration."

Sheldon looked bewildered, "A two part?"

Amy smiled, "They mean they made love twice, Sheldon."

"Oh. Really Leonard, you must learn more scientific rigor. You can't just skip work to cavort like a bunny."

Amy broke in, "Oh, leave them alone, Sheldon. I think it is romantic."

She went on, "What was the great news?"

Penny got animated, "I found out I got a part in a National Commercial. I start next Monday."

Amy moved forward and hugged her, "That is wonderful. I am so happy for you."

She stepped back, "It's not another Hemorrhoid commercial, is it?"

Penny laughed, "No, it's for a car. The best part is, it could be the start of a series."

Amy smiled, "That is exciting." She turned to Sheldon, "Aren't you going to congratulate Penny?"

"Of course. Congratulations. It seems you may be more successful this time around."

Amy asked, "Have you told anyone else?"

"No, we need to have them come over. I need to call my folks too."

Wayne rode his bike into the driveway. They had just got down and their helmets off when Steve and Mona came out the door. Mona rushed over and gave Barb a hug, "Oh, it is so good to see you."

She stepped back, "You look wonderful." She smirked, "Riding a motorcycle must be good for you."

As Steve stepped forward and hugged his sister, Mona turned to Wayne, "I would surmise you are Wayne. It is good to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Eddings."

"It's Mona." She paused, "Thank you for getting Barb safely to us."

Steve spoke up, "Why don't we all go inside?"

When they entered, Wayne and Mona were surprised to see the living room filled with Whiteboards and papers lying around. Mona spoke up, "Sorry about the mess, we are involved in a difficult project. Let's go into the kitchen."

When they were seated around the table and fortified with a beverage, Barb spoke up, "I didn't realize you worked from home."

"We normally don't. But we need to spend every minute we can on this project. We are in competition with someone else working on the same project."

Barb smiled, "Well, knowing you guys, I am sure you will win."

Mona smiled ruefully, "I wish we were as sure. He is quite an accomplished scientist. His name is Dr. Leonard Hofstadter and he has won a Nobel."

Barb continued, "Well, I know you should have won one too."

"Thank you for that, my dear. Too bad the committee didn't agree with you."

Wayne sat there stunned, he had never been around anyone like these people in his life. He felt all his insecurities rising. He was wondering if agreeing to stay in California for a time was a good idea.

Steve interrupted his thoughts. "I am sure we are overwhelming Wayne with all this talk. Wayne, why don't you tell us a little about yourself?"

Before Wayne could answer, Barb broke in, "Wayne is on a long trip from his home in Florida all the way across the States. After he spends some time in California, he is off to Alaska."

Steve looked at Mona, "Well that sounds exciting. I always thought I would like to try something like that."

Mona smiled affectionately at him, "You know you would stay inside all the time if I would let you."

She turned to Wayne, "Where were you planning on staying?"

"I planned to get a motel room."

Mona couldn't help herself, "How about you, Barb?"

"I uh hadn't really thought about it."

"You can stay with us, if you wish."

Barb looked at Wayne, "Thank you, but since we will be sightseeing together and it seems you are busy, I uh think I will stay at the motel."

Steve spoke up, "I was wondering, what do Mom and Dad think about this trip?"

Getting a little angry, "I just told them I was going out to visit you."

Mona quickly jumped in, giving her husband a small glare, "Well, I think that's enough questions for now. Would you like to stay for supper? We were going to order in."

"That sounds great. Maybe tomorrow. We are tired from the ride. Think we should find a motel."

Mona smiled, "Very well." She hesitated, "Barb, it has been a long time since we have seen you. Do you think you could find time to sit down and talk?"

Wayne spoke up, "I am going to have to have some work done on the bike." He paused, "Maybe you could get together then."

Mona smiled, "How about tomorrow afternoon? We could use a break from the project. Say two o'clock?"

Barb stared at Wayne; he hadn't mentioned anything about the bike needing work. She managed to stammer out, "Sure, that would work."

Priya hung up the phone. She decided she needed a glass of wine. After pouring a glass she sat back in the chair. Leonard and Penny were engaged. She had been stunned when Raj told her, but did not say anything to Raj.

What was she feeling? Her first reaction was that it had happened very quickly. She wondered if it was a reaction to all that had happened. The more she thought about it, the more she was glad for them. She had meant it when she told Leonard she wanted him to be happy. She just hoped they weren't moving too fast.

Speaking of moving too fast, she was beginning to think that about her and Sanjay. He was getting more and more demanding of her time. She felt like she was getting pushed toward making a decision that she was not ready to face. Maybe she should back off a little.

The problem was, she did enjoy being with him and she would definitely miss the sex. She was also a little afraid of how this would look to the law firm. After all, it had not been that long since her divorce. She knew her family were all for her being with Sanjay but she had to do what was best for her.

Although she knew he would not be happy, she decided she needed to slow it down. But even as she made the decision, something seemed wrong about it.

Wyatt answered the phone, seeing it was from Penny, "Hey, Slugger, how's it going?"

"Great, Dad. I have some great news. Is Mom there?"

"She went over to Lisa's. They are working on something."

"Okay. I will be calling Lisa next so I'll catch her there."

She took a breath, "I got a part in a National Commercial!"

Wyatt was stunned, she had just told them she was thinking about getting back into acting, "That's fantastic." He paused, "It's not a Hemorrhoid commercial, is it?"

"No, Dad, it's not a hemorrhoid commercial. It's actually for a car."

"Well, congratulations. I have to admit I am surprised though, that it happened this quick."

"Leonard and I think it is because this time there is not as much pressure or a timetable."

"That sounds likely. How did Leonard take it?"

"He was thrilled."

"Well, congratulations again, I am proud of you." After a pause, "Is Leonard there, could I talk to him?"

"Sure, Dad. Dad wants to talk to you."

"Hi Wyatt."

"I just wanted to thank you for talking Penny into taking another chance. She really sounds excited."

"Thanks for that. It is great to see how happy she is."

"How about you? How is your work going?"

"It's fine. I am still working on that project but I think I am close to a solution."

"Glad to hear it. Well, I better get back to work. Tell Penny goodbye for me and I will talk to you guys later."

"Goodbye, Wyatt."