Chapter 8
Amy waited anxiously outside the restaurant doors, turning around when she heard approaching footsteps. "Amy!" Penny and Bernadette squealed in unison as they ran up and hugged Amy. "Penny, Bernadette, so glad to see you" Amy said excitedly returning their hugs. "Welcome back Amy" Leonard added. "Amy, couldn't resist being away from me I see," teased Howard. Raj simply smiled big and patted Amy on the back. Amy's heart fluttered knowing that Sheldon was near by. She peered over Raj's shoulder and locked onto those familiar deep blue eyes. Amy could barely contain her excitement smiling from ear to ear she headed over to Sheldon. Feeling his heart rate increase, Sheldon took in the sight of Amy, she was wearing that all too familiar blue dress. Sheldon smiled as Amy headed over to him. Whatever excitement Sheldon felt quickly diminished as she saw the smile fade off Amy's face.
Amy felt flustered at the sight of the woman who was standing next to Sheldon. Amy couldn't help feeling somewhat lousy in comparison to the goddess that stood before her. As much as she hated to admit it, the red headed woman was gorgeous.
"Welcome home Amy", following the sound of that all to familiar voice Amy looked up at Sheldon. "Sheldon, its good to see you again." Amy said, letting out a smile. Sheldon held out his hand to give her a handshake but Amy ignored it and threw her arms around Sheldon. Rachel, cutting the moment short stepped forward and held out her hand, "I'm Dr. Rachel Meyers," Sheldon has told me a lot about you. Letting go of her embrace with Sheldon Amy held out her hand for a quick handshake. "Hi," was all Amy could manage to say.
Heading to their table to sit down Penny was pointing behind Sheldon's back directing everyone where to sit, "Raj over on the end, Leonard over here next to me, Howard/Bernadette over there…" Penny continued as she strategically left one space open to the right side of Sheldon. Rachel and Amy were the last to approach the table, Amy started walking towards the space next to Sheldon but Rachel quickened her pace beating Amy to it. Penny threw up her hands in silent frustration. Howard recognizing the seating situation got up, "Amy, you can sit here." Confused Amy asked, "Don't you want to sit next to Bernadette?" Howard struggling to find something to say, "No, I'm going to sit next to Raj, I need my space." Amy took the seat next to Bernadette, which was across from Sheldon.
Having ordered their food, Amy looked up often at Sheldon. To her disappointment the red head was monopolizing his attention. Bernadette turned towards Amy, "What is Sweden like." Relieved to have something else to focus on Amy answered, "Sweden's beautiful, my flat is located in a small town. Full of small mom and pop shops and restaurants." Sheldon focused on Amy and asked, "Did you have a chance to visit that museum in Stockholm?" Smiling back at Sheldon Amy responded, "No. Sadly enough, the only sight seeing I experienced was from inside the lab. Needless to say, we didn't get out much." Penny smiled as she watched Sheldon and Amy continuing to converse throughout dinner.
As deserts were being handed out Rachel looked towards Amy and asked, "So now that your research is over what's next?" Amy answering vaguely, "I'm not sure, I still trying to figure some things out." Rachel continued to talk, "Sheldon and I are planning to collaborate our research. I might as well just move into his office were going to be working so closely together" Rachel teased. Sheldon opened his mouth to speak but before any words could make there way out Amy spoke. "Well actually, the Board of Directors in Sweden has offered me a 5 year contract on a new project." Amy tried to sound confident in attempt at not feeling inferior to Rachel. Sheldon sat there expressionless as he stared down at his untouched desert.
After dinner Penny came over to Amy, "did you want to come over and hang out a little bit?" Amy looked over at Sheldon who was staring off into the distance. "No, I think I'm going to call it a night." Penny insisted, "Come on Ames, bring your stuff over to my place, me you and Bernadette can have a sleepover for old times sake." Amy reluctantly agreed and told Penny and Bernadette she would meet them after she gathered her things from the hotel.
Back at the apartment Leonard, Howard and Raj sat around the coffee table watching curiously as Rachel flirted hopelessly with Sheldon. Oblivious towards Rachel's advances Sheldon continued to stare at the TV. Finally admitting defeat Rachel stood up, "Sheldon, come walk me out." Being raised a Texas gentleman Sheldon got up to walk her to the door. Rachel pulled Sheldon into the hall. "Goodnight," Sheldon said as he turned to go back into the apartment. "Sheldon wait," Rachel said as she stepped closer to him. "Do you know why I'm here?" Rachel asked. Pausing at what he found to be an odd question Sheldon answered, "You're here because you want to convince me on collaborating our works on string theory?" Rachel shook her head, "Nope. Let me put this in terms you'll understand." Rachel pushed Sheldon against the wall and planted her lips against his.
Halfway up the third set of stairs Amy froze at the sight before her. Rachel was pushed up against Sheldon with her tongue practically down his throat. Unable to control the flood of emotions, Amy tore back down the stairs and headed for her rental car. After sending an urgent text to Penny and Bernadette to meet her in the parking lot, Amy put her head in her hands and cried.
Back in the hallway, Sheldon pushed Rachel off of him, "What are you doing!" he said as he wiped his mouth with his arm. Rachel persisted, "come on Sheldon I like you and want to be with you," Flustered Sheldon stuttered, "I cant I have….. Amy shes…" Rachel pushing her body up against Sheldon's again, "Amy? Please, she lives in Sweden now." Sheldon, flustered and unable to form a complete sentence, pushed Rachel away and stormed back into the apartment. Leonard jumped as Sheldon rushed past them. Getting up to investigate Leonard opened the front door to the hall. Just then Bernadette and Penny emerged out of the apartment across the hall. Heading towards the stairs Penny said nothing but instead gave Leonard a dirty look. Leonard threw his hands up in confusion asking, "What did I do?"