A/N Sorry for the week wait. Life got in the way (mostly having to do with renovations and getting cast in a play) and I didn't get a new chapter written this week. So I wasn't able to publish two chapters, but am far enough ahead, that I could publish another chapters, even if I didn't get a new one written. There is another A/N at the end, as there would be minor spoilers.

Chapter 15

Ritz-Carlton Central Park, NY, 6 PM, Sunday May 13, 2012

Leonard and Penny were relaxing in the living area of their deluxe suite on the 19th Floor. While they had been able to get a decent nap, on the flight, in first class, they were still a bit tired from the traveling.

As a result, they decided to just order room service and relax in their room. It didn't hurt that their room was across the street from the South end of Central Park, so they had a fabulous view. After they had finished eating, Leonard rolled the cart into the hallway.

Just as he sat down the phone rang. As Penny was nearer, and it was probably for her anyway, she picked it up and said, "Hello… this is she…Oh, hi Tina, what's up? Uh huh, hold on a second and let me get some paper and a pen." Penny reached over and grabbed the pad of paper and a pen, then said, "OK, go on. Tomorrow, CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th… what time? OK, got it. We'll get our schedule for the rest of the week? They'll have breakfast…Oh, sorry. How long…about fifteen minutes…Ok, we'll see you tomorrow. Thanks, bye."

"What was that?"

"You remember Tina, she let you sit on the stage floor at the taping?"

"Yeah, I remember her." "She is Jim and Kelli's production assistant, and she called to tell me we have a meeting tomorrow," said Penny. "We have to be at the CBS Broadcast Center at 10 AM, to meet with Jim and Kelli, and they'll give us our schedules for the rest of the week. We won't have to eat here, there will be a continental breakfast there. We just have to be there between 9:30 and 10:00 and it takes about fifteen minutes to get there, from here, so we'll have to time it."

"We can to that," said Leonard. "Although I may want to eat something here before we go."

"Yeah, me too," said Penny.

"Ok, we can eat in the restaurant here," said Leonard. "You want to go out and look around tonight?"

"No," said Penny, "I think were better off just staying in and trying to get some rest. Jeanie said it can be overwhelming, if you're not ready for it, because everything moves so fast. So, if we just relax, we may be better off the rest of the week."

"So, miss 'I like to party', want's to stay in?" chuckled Leonard. "You must be taking this seriously."

"What do you think, Leonard?" said Penny. "A network, that approved me to be in one of their series, flew me here to help sell their ad time. I've got to take it seriously."

"Of course," said Leonard. "I was just goofing with you."

"Sorry," said Penny, "I'm kind of nervous about this."

"I know how to take care of that," said Leonard grinning, "This is your first time in New York, right?"

"Yep, it is," said Penny smirked, "I believe this is your first time also, true?"

Leonard chuckled, "so I guess it's safe to say neither of us have had sex in New York."

"Well, I haven't," said Penny.

"I haven't either,"

At that, Penny rose out of the chair, grabbed Leonard's wrist and pulled him toward the bedroom, Leonard wasn't fighting it.

CBS Broadcast Center, W 57th, NY, 9:25 AM, Monday May 14, 2012

Penny and Leonard were waiting in an empty Studio. There were some stands where an audience would sit, and on the stage floor, was a table with some chairs around it. Also, against the wall, near the table was another table with pastries, fruit, juices, water and several pots of coffee.

Penny was glad they decided to get there early, as they had had some trouble getting into the facility. The receptionist wasn't going to let Penny in, as her identification didn't say she was Penelope Jensen, which was what was on the ID the receptionist had Of course, without Penny getting in, Leonard couldn't get in, either.

The receptionist called a guard over and after hearing Penny explain, the guard was still dubious about her claim. Finally, Tina arrived, and she informed the guard that yes, this was Penelope Jensen and her boyfriend. The guard finally, and grudgingly, gave them visitor passes that they wore around their neck.

Tina led Penny and Leonard to the empty studio, and told them to make themselves comfortable, and she'd be back. They both got up to get some coffee, and waited for several minutes at the table when Jeanie came in. She said hi and gave Penny a hug, patted Leonard on his arm, then she went to get some coffee. Dave was next, along with his wife Pam. They both said hi, and walked over to the table for some coffee also.

Jeanie was talking with Leonard and Penny when Tina came back in, along with Brent. Tina brought Brent over and Penny was finally introduced to her co-star. He was looking her over, then he nodded and grunted. It made Penny feel uncomfortable, and reminded her of Howard, when they first met, or her former boyfriend, Kurt. Penny quickly pulled Leonard in and introduced him as her boyfriend. At that, Brent looked as if he lost interest and turned away and walked back out of the studio.

Tina had been talking to Jeanie and she turned to say something to Brent. She didn't see him and said, "Now where did Brent go?"

Penny spoke up, "I saw him leave, that door over there," as Penny pointed.

"Dammit," Tina cursed under her breath and headed for the door. Jeanie came walking up, "Be careful with Brent."

"What do you mean?" asked Penny.

"I saw him looking you over," said Jeanie. "I hear he likes to think he's a player, and being a handsome actor helps him think that."

"I'm not interested," said Penny. "I've got Leonard and Brent was creepy enough to keep me away from him."

"Good," said Jeanie, "that's probably for the best."

Just then, Brent walked back in, from a different door, and with him, was the receptionist. She had a big smile on her face, while Brent had his arm around her waist. Before anyone could say anything, Jim, Kelli and Tina came through the door Tina had left from. Both Jim and Kelli had folders in their hands, while Tina had four folders in arms.

Jim spoke up, "Ok, can all of you come here and sit down. Er…Brent, this is for actors and their plus ones. And those were set up a month ago, you didn't indicate you were bringing anyone, so would you please have your friend leave?"

Brent removed his arm from around her waist, shrugged his shoulders, and pointed her toward the door. Her smile turned into a frown, she stomped her foot, looking at Brent. But, he didn't say anything and she finally turned and walked out. The rest of them took seats, Penny making sure she sat between Jeanie and Leonard.

Jim started talking, "OK, the folders that Tina is passing out are our schedules for the week. It's all in there, but let me go over it once, and we'll go from there. First off, the guys have already been to the UTA agency party last night. I hope you two spoke with your agents, and some of the higher ups at your agencies and they are happy that you'll be working on this show."

"Tomorrow is the CBS press reception. That starts at 10 AM and is mostly you mixing with the press, and if they want to talk, you talk to them. Since we're a new series, I don't expect to get many questions. Dave, Jeanie, Brent, most of them know you three, so you may get some questions. However, I don't expect very many for Penny tomorrow. Penny, it's a case of them not knowing who you are. Everyone has to be here until six, in case CBS wants to parade you around for any of their sponsors. After, everyone is free for dinner."

"At 9 PM, William Morris is having their party. Kelli and I will be attending, as will Jeanie." He turned to Jeanie, "There will be a limo at the hotel at 8:30 to take us to the party."

Jeanie nodded, and he turned toward Kelli and whispered to her, she whispered back and then Jim turned to Penny, "Penny…"

"Yes?"

"If you wish," said Jim, "you and Leonard can come with Kelli and I as our guests. I know you have your own agent, but I don't think they are hooked into any national agency network. But, we can introduce you to some people. I know the agency your agent works for, and they don't have any representation here in New York. So you may want to meet some people that might be able to help you there."

Penny nodded and Jim continued.

"Also, Penny, were going to start calling you Penelope or Penelope Jensen for now. I don't think anyone will tie Penny to Penelope Jensen, and we want people to be talking about Penelope. So, do us a favor and just go by Penelope or Penelope Jensen here and in public generally."

Again, Penny nodded.

Jim paused for a few seconds. "This next event is the big one, so try not to stay at the party too late on Tuesday. On Wednesday, at 4 PM, there will be the CBS presentation, at Carnegie Hall. We need all of you here by 2 PM, so we can get you all in clothes and makeup, then take you over there. Immediately after the presentation, everyone will move to Lincoln Center for a CBS reception."

"There will be reporters for major newspapers, trade papers, TV and radio, just a lot of people looking to talk to you. This is where we expect a lot of questions for Penelope. You are unknown to most of them, and after seeing you during the presentation, they will want to ask you questions, trying to learn about you or find a new angle."

"Let's see," said Jim as he looked through his folder, "On Thursday, there will be a press reception at the Warner Brothers center, since our production is through Warner Brothers, we need to be there. That will be at 4 PM also, it should run to around six or seven, and after everyone is free for the night.

"That's it for the business end of the week. Kelli has a few other things."

Kelli stood and said, "For today, you all have the rest of the day off. Tonight, Jim and I have made reservations at a restaurant called La Bernardin, one of our favorites. It's a French Seafood restaurant, it's our way of showing you all that we appreciate all your work, and as a way of welcoming you to our production family. It's not a requirement, but we hope you will join us."

"On Friday, we have another surprise for you. We have reservations at The Modern, it's an American restaurant located in the Museum of Modern art. Those reservations are at 5:30, and at 8 PM we have tickets for "The Book of Mormon." There is an actor in that show that we've worked with, his name is Josh Gad. He's only got a few weeks left in this show, but he's gotten us tickets."

"For now, you are all free. Remember, 5:30 in the lobby. We'll see you then. Penny, can you hold back for a minute?" Penny wondered what was up and after everyone else left, Kelli said, "Penny, excuse me," she smiled, "Penelope, we need to get you a CBS ID card. That way you won't have a problem getting into the building, or anywhere else this week. Follow me." It only took about 30 minutes before she had her card. She thanked Kelli and Jim and her and Leonard left.

They hailed a taxi, going back to their hotel room. Penny dropped off her folder and put on sneakers and then they hailed another taxi and were soon exiting at the first place they had decided to visit, the Empire State Building. As they were getting out of the taxi, they spotted a Chinese restaurant and decided to have lunch first.

After lunch, they went to the building and bought tickets for the observation area, and after a short wait, they were on the 86th floor looking out over the city. Neither of them had ever been this high above ground, in a building before, and even with a barrier, both of them felt nervous near the edge.

After about a half an hour, of looking around and taking pictures, they took the elevator down, and spent another half hour looking through the exhibits, both purchasing a small magnet as a souvenir. After leaving, they hailed a taxi, and returned to their room. Penny looked at Leonard smiling, and asked, "Do you want to make some more memories?"

Leonard laughed, "What do you think?" They both headed off to the bedroom.

Ritz-Carlton Central Park Lobby, 5:15 PM, Monday May 14, 2012

Penny and Leonard were waiting in the lobby for the rest of the show people. After their lovemaking, they took a short nap, and started getting ready around four PM. They were finished early, which was why they were waiting for everyone. Finally Jim and Kelli arrived. They were saying their hellos, when Jeanie, Dave, and his wife Pam came walking up.

They were all standing around and waiting for Brent. When 5:30 came, they waited for five more minutes. Jim made a short call and five minutes later, Tina came down, and said there was no answer when she knocked on Brent's door, so they left without him, for the short drive to the restaurant. At the restaurant, Penny noticed Jim and Kelli were familiar with the host, as he greeted them warmly. They were seated, the menu's were passed out, and drinks were ordered.

Penny was looking at the menu, and was shocked. She leaned over and whispered to Leonard, "Look at these prices, I don't know what kind of food prix fixe is, but $350 with wine is more than I pay for food in a month."

Leonard nodded and whispered back, "I know, it's more than we pay for eating out in a month."

Jeanie, sitting next to Penny, must have overheard them, as she poked Penny, leaned behind her and also whispered, "Don't worry about the prices, they are trying to thank us. As for the tab, they are going to take this off their company's taxes as an entertainment expense. The thing called Price Fixe, is just a set meal, that can vary each day. It's for people who want to try a variety of the food here, and get it with the wine option, you can get it without the wine, for $275."

"What's so special about the wine?" Penny asked.

"There's a special person who knows wine, and how it interact with particular food" said Jeanie. "He's called a sommelier. They pick specific wines that will bring out the flavor of the meal."

This was all new to Leonard and Penny, so they thanked Jeanie, and ordered the prix fixe item with the wine option. While waiting for their food, Penny looked at her place setting, leaned over and said softly to Jeanie, "How do you know what fork or spoon to use?"

Jeanie smiled, remembering her first time at a fancy dinner, "If they don't bring one with the course, just use the utensils from the outside in. If you're not sure, just watch what the others do, they've done this before." Penny then told Leonard how to handle the forks and such.

The meal went well. Penny felt relaxed throughout the meal and the conversation was very informative. All the others passed along information for Penny on how to answer the press the next day. Kelli and Jim also gave Penny some tips on what to do the next night at the William Morris party.

During desert, both Leonard and Penny thanked Kelli and Jim for the meal, telling them they both felt it was one of the best meals they ever had. Penny was really happy with the different wines that were served with different courses during the meal. Prior to this, wine was something with alcohol, that tasted good enough for her to drink enough to get drunk. She did mention she was surprised at how the wine could make the food seem to taste better, and the food could make the wine taste better.

It was almost nine PM when they finished their dinner, and got up to leave. Their limo took them back to the hotel. After arriving at the hotel, Penny thanked all of them profusely for their tip and hints, explaining she was so new and was happy she had some idea of what to do. Before getting to the elevator, Jim and Kelli reminded them they had to be at the Broadcast Center at 9:30, to be prepared for the 10:00 Press conference.

Tina told them the limo would leave at eight AM and nine AM. Jim, Kelli, and herself would be going early, but the actors could get the nine AM limo. She also mentioned that there would be breakfast at the broadcast center. At that, they walked to the elevators and headed to their rooms.

A/N If anyone cares, the events, locations and times for the CBS Upfronts, and the agency parties in 2012, are real. The restaurants La Bernardin and The Modern are real restaurants. In addition Josh Gad was actually within weeks of ending his run in "The Book of Mormon", and had been nominated for a Tony. I thought it would be fun to add him in, as Kaley actually worked with him in "The Wedding Ringer" and on "Lip Synch Battle".