Companion piece to "The Double Date Aftermath", what happened to Penny? Story continues on the return journey to Nebraska.
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By Wednesday evening Penny was on her way home to Nebraska. Her brother drove the rental moving van and her father drove Penny's car.
On the long drive Penny told her tale. She had really missed Leonard when he went to the Arctic, she was so happy when he returned. At first it was wonderful together as boyfriend and girlfriend but then Leonard started to take her for granted and treat her like an trophy girlfriend. Her acting career was going nowhere, she was sick of the Cheesecake Factory. Then after she hurt her shoulder and Leonard didn't pay too much attention to her it all became too much. She took the opportunity to leave Pasadena whilst Leonard and Sheldon were in Seattle at their conference.
Friday lunchtime they arrived at the family farm in Nebraska and a reunion with the rest of her family. She went to bed in her old room on the Friday night and spent most of the next week in bed. A chance to recuperate from the stresses in her California life and for her sore shoulder to properly recover.
Then her mother came up with some breakfast and a big envelope addressed from California. It was from the Cheesecake Factory!
The envelope contained a cheque for her final weekly salary and a letter from the manager.
"To whom it may concern.
Penny worked as a waitress at the Cheesecake Factory in Pasadena California for 5 years. She was a good worker and I recommend her for any future food service employment.
Carlos O'Reilly, manager."
There was also a hand written note.
"Dear Penny, we all miss you, please get back in contact with us when you are ready. Love from Bernadette."
Penny's mother asked "Some interesting mail?"
"Just my final pay cheque from Pasadena, and a letter of recommendation from the Cheesecake Factory manager."
"How are you feeling this morning?"
"Well enough to get out of bed, my shoulder feels a lot better. Time to get on with my life."
"Good news, there is a new coffee shop in town by the community college, they are hiring. Your father took your car in to be serviced and the check engine light isn't on any more."
"Oh it's good to be home."
