"Should we extend written invitations to our friends?' Sheldon looked at Amy questioningly.
"Really Sheldon, it's not a formal affair. It's just people with common interests and similar backgrounds meeting to socialize."
"Not all of them have common interests or similar backgrounds. Howard only has a Master's Degree – and no real intention of getting a doctorate. And Penny barely finished a year of community college. I really don't see how they're going to fit in."
"Howard is a problem – and not because of lack of education. Penny could surprise you – she is very comfortable in social situations. I'm sure that, when confronted with something she doesn't understand, she'll cope admirably." Amy dismissed Sheldon's objections. "The question is not who, the question is when and where. That is, if you're sure you want to do this."
"Of course, I do. First of all, it's in the agreement and second, I am required by social convention to reciprocate the hospitality of your friend, Dr. Webb. There's no question about doing it. Now, what should the theme be?"
"Why does there need to be a theme?"
Sheldon was dismayed. "Why does there need to be a theme?! How will people know what to do? What would keep the party together? There needs to be a central organizational factor."
"Sheldon, keep in mind that Alice's party had no theme and it went quite successfully. Even without a theme, you found a person with whom you had common interests and had an enjoyable time."
"Pure chance: we can't assume that it will happen again."
"Are you planning on inviting Dr. Li?"
"Yes, she's a very interesting person – even if her views on Loop Quantum Gravity are wrong."
"Then I predict you'll have no problems. Just remember that, as the host, you will have to, periodically, interact with all the people attending. Now, shall we decide when and where? I would like to contact my friends and extend timely invitations, just as, I'm sure, you would like to inform your friends."
Sheldon grumbled, but complied.
Having the party on the roof of the apartment building went against Sheldon's conception of what constituted a proper party venue. It was outdoors – every outdoor party he'd attended had been a misery of dirt, insects, toxic flora, dangerous fauna, and feral children. He supposed that, since it was on the roof, hence free of the toxic flora, he could work to mitigate the worst of the dirt, and the larger dangerous fauna, like dogs and children, would find it inaccessible, but it was still outside. He voiced his objections then went silent on the subject – it was the only place with enough space for all the people who would be coming. He laid in a supply of insect repellent candles.
When Raj and Penny were invited to the party, they not only gladly accepted, they, unbidden, began to 'help'.
Penny pulled a Weber barbecue out of storage and put herself in charge of grilling. A barbecue would be the perfect summer party, she declared, and went off to purchase hamburger, hot dogs, bratwursts, sliced cheese, buns, beer, and condiments (with Sheldon's money, of course, he was the host). Raj, not to be outdone, brought in tables, chairs, side dishes, and soft drinks. The two of them strung lights where they could and set Sheldon's citronella candles out in an aesthetically pleasing pattern.
Bernadette brought three cheesecakes from the Cheesecake factory, Howard's mother insisted on making a brisket for the occasion. Leonard tried to help but only succeeded in getting in the way.
Sheldon did his best to supervise, or, more precisely, micromanage, but was largely ignored. He did succeed in keeping Leonard from trying to help, for which the others expressed their gratitude.
By the time the guests started to arrive, Sheldon was worn out and contemplating flight. He and Amy greeted guests in what he termed a "criminally lax and informal" fashion, then he retreated to a chair in a corner with a soft drink and a hamburger while Amy, who was realizing that she loved parties, circulated. She rescued Dr. Li and Dr. Webb from Howard and sent Dr. Li in Sheldon's direction. Raj, who had imbibed one beer, joined Sheldon and Dr. Li in their discussion, much to Sheldon's dismay and amazement. Penny was holding court at the grill, surrounded by every unattached male in attendance, much to Leonard's chagrin. Bernadette was engaged in an animated discussion with Dr. Jones-Talbot. The dynamics changed periodically, and the party was not just a success, but a roaring success.
The party wound down shortly after 1:00 a.m. as the guests slowly began to drift out.
Sheldon was exhausted. "It is well past my bedtime. I don't know how I'm supposed to get back on schedule."
Penny was delighted. "Who knew scientists could be so much fun."
Leonard was not delighted. "You don't think I'm fun?"
Howard was ecstatic. "Dr. Li is so into me."
Penny shook her head at him. "Howard, just because a woman talks to you without threatening to call the police or get a restraining order, it doesn't mean she's into you."
Amy looked around with a mixture of elation and dismay. The party had been enjoyable; cleanup was going to be less than enjoyable. She was wondering if she and Sheldon could get away with leaving it until after they'd had some sleep when Penny grabbed her arm. "Amy, you look tired, and I know you've had more to drink than you're used to. You're not in any condition to drive home or stay up cleaning. You're staying at my place. We can come up here and clean tomorrow." She included Sheldon and Leonard in her statement. "I'll just police the coals, then we can head downstairs.
Penny's apartment was the smaller, one-bedroom place across from Sheldon and Leonard's. Penny, Amy noted tiredly, was a less than perfect housekeeper, but, as tired as she was, she didn't care. She wondered if she should get the emergency kit, with toothbrush, pajamas, and a change of underwear, from her car, but she just couldn't deal with the prospect of walking down four flights of stairs and then back up again.
She was startled and dismayed when she realized that she was expected to share the double bed with Penny.
"Don't worry, Amy. The sheets are clean and I have no designs on anyone. You're just not good to drive and, besides, I'm in no mood to fight off Leonard tonight." She muttered something under her breath, then continued. "As boyfriends go, he's ok, and I really do like him a lot better than the others I've dated, but he is just so needy sometimes; and I really need a rest."
"Ok, but I was expecting to sleep on the couch. I have night terrors sometimes, especially when I'm sleeping away from home and I don't want to put you out."
"The couch is massively uncomfortable. And, as for night terrors, I've probably dealt with worse. So, I have a spare nightgown you can use and I always have new toothbrushes on hand." She produced a sleeveless, flimsy-looking nightgown in nearly transparent black that didn't even come to mid-thigh on Amy. "Girl, you've got a cute little figure. You really need to dress it up. We'll talk tomorrow." Amy turned bright red, took the gown and a toothbrush, and got ready for bed.