A/N Just wanted to say a very big THANK YOU! for all the reviews. It really does make my day to see you are enjoying my ramblings ;-)
Sheldon was surprised at how happy Gablehauser was that he had agreed to the lectures. On Monday at work he received another email, this time confirming hotel bookings for 4 rooms for 8 people near the university for 4 nights. Also return flight details for 8 people. Picking up the phone Sheldon called Gablehauser's secretary.
"Good morning. This is Dr Cooper. I received confirmation of the flights you have booked for me and my party but I need some alterations. Firstly I need the flights left open. We are probably going to stay on in Boston for a few days rather than come straight back. Also the rooms. You have just assumed it is 4 couples! Please ensure these rooms are at least twins."
"Of course Dr Cooper. I will pass your concerns on and get back to you. Good day."
Sheldon stared at the phone. Well he guessed she was to the point if nothing else! Returning to his notes Sheldon could feel himself relax. He knew he was confident in his subject. He knew the research was complete and accurate. He had checked and double checked and now all he needed to do was present it.
He had an idea which he was considering talking to Penny about. He had wondered if he could practise the speeches, maybe in front of a small audience, then the actual thing would hold less trauma.
Digging into his pocket for his phone Sheldon sent Penny a quick text.
"Penny, could you advise me on how to hire a small theatre hall? I also wondered if I could hire your acting skills without the knowledge of our friends so I may go over my speech. Dr Sheldon Cooper"
Penny grinned when she saw Sheldon's text. Sometimes his neurotic ways were so sweet!
"Hey Shelly, consider it done! Just tell me a convenient date and time and I will sort the place. P x"
"I think tonight or tomorrow would be the most convenient for me but I know this is short notice"
Penny did not reply for about an hour. Sheldon continued working on his notes, then had lunch in the canteen with Leonard.
"OK, I have arranged a small theatre space for tonight 8pm. It is only at the local high school but will do for now. If it works we can find bigger venues."
Sheldon was impressed with Pennys thought process and sending a confirmation text agreeing to meet her there, Sheldon spent a productive afternoon in his office.
73~73
"No, no, no! Sheldon listen to me. Imagine we are sat at home you are stood in the kitchen and talking to me, who is sat on the sofa. Ignore the lights, ignore the other seats. Now try again."
Sighing tiredly Sheldon turned and did as Penny asked.
"Yes! That's it Sheldon, much better!" Penny jumped onto the stage and hugged her friend. "How about we book again for tomorrow here after I finish work, then I will see if I can find a bigger space for the weekend. We will see if the others can join us and sit in the front row to give you a bit of an audience?"
"OK" Sheldon was tired. He could not believe how hard this was. But even he knew he had made progress tonight. "Thank you Penny. I do think it has helped."
Linking Sheldon's arm and steering him towards the door Penny grinned and said "So how goes the bases?"
"Really Penny, as if I would share such intimate things with you!"
"Come on Shelly! You know Amy will tell me if you don't!"
"Hhhhmmpph! Very well. The bases are fine, well first is fine. Second is progressing." Sheldon could feel the heat in his cheeks under Pennys gaze.
"Wooo! Go Shamy!" squealed Penny.
73~73
Tuesday evening started in normal fashion. Sheldon met Amy outside The Cheesecake Factory. Giving her a quick kiss and holding her hand, they walked to join their friends who were already seated. After a meal, eaten amongst lively conversation, with Howard and Raj teasing Sheldon about Boston.
"I can assure you I will not be dropping any item of clothing! And if this insane torment continues your tickets will be cancelled!"
Leonard sniggered but wisely said nothing.
"Sheldon, about the hotels, have you booked double rooms?" Raj asked nervously. "Its just Lucy may feel I am pressuring her..."
"Raj I have spoken to Gablehauser's secretary and said I was not happy at the double room booking she had arranged. I have asked they ensure twin beds would be made available. If you so require I will ask for you to have separate rooms?"
"Can I check with Lucy and get back to you?"
"Of course."
Sheldon became aware of Amy watching him. "Is everything OK?" he asked.
Amy nodded. Leaning over she said quietly "Will we be sharing a room?" Sheldon looked at her and nodded. "Yes, a twin room. Is that OK?"
"Hoo!" Amy blushed "Err... yes.. I am just surprised!"
Sheldon said "I can change it, I just thought as long as we had our own beds you would be OK with sharing."
"No I am, I really am!"
"Good." Sheldon smiled. "lLsten I have an appointment tonight so cant spend much time with you I'm afraid, can we maybe have a date night Thursday?"
"OK, is it work?"
"Yes sort of"
Suddenly Penny appeared beside them, "OK Shelly I'm all yours!"
Sheldon groaned. Taking Amy's hand he said, "Come with me"
He pointed at Penny and shook his head "Wait here" he commanded, pointing to his seat and led a confused looking Amy outside
"I am sorry Amy, I have arranged to spend the evening with Penny. She has booked some theatre space and is helping me deliver my speeches. I didn't want to deceive you. I am hoping, come the weekend, to invite you and the others to see the speech. Kind of a dress rehearsal."
"Well I think that is a great idea! How about a good night kiss away from prying eyes then I will let you go practise?"
Grinning Sheldon pulled Amy close and wrapping his arms around her waist pulled her close and kissed her. They stood locked together unaware of the cars pulling into the car park. Sheldon's hands found their was into Amy's hair and Amy's hands stroked Sheldon's back.
"Well would you look at that! Dr Dumb-ass making out in public! "
Sheldon pulled back suddenly. Groaning he buried his head in Amy's neck. "I'm sorry" he mumbled.
Luckily for Sheldon Penny arrived in the car park looking for him.
"Oh there you are. I thought you had been abducted!"
"Look Malibu Barbie too!"
Penny spun round. "oh look who has crawled out from under her stone!" Leslie could see Penny was not the easy target Sheldon was, so shaking her head and waving good bye she walked into the restaurant.
"OK you two, drama over. Put her down Sheldon you have work to do!"
73~73
Sheldon lay in his bed staring up at the ceiling. It had been a productive evening. The only glitch had been the uncomfortable encounter in the car park with Leslie Winkle. Rehearsals with Penny had gone much better than he expected. She really was good at teaching body language. She had even written him an introduction which sounded more natural than the one he had come up with. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. She had also managed to book a small out of town theatre space for Saturday afternoon. She even got the lighting and sound guys form her acting class to agree to go too, so Sheldon would get a more 'full on' experience. It was strange. As he went over his work he was also beginning to see new avenues to explore. Who knew Penny would prove so useful!
He had missed Amy tonight though. That one kiss in the car park would have been a major thing a few weeks ago and now Sheldon felt cheated! Picking up his phone from his bed side table Sheldon sent Amy a text
"I missed you tonight! I had a very productive evening and am almost looking forward to showing you the progress I have made, but whenever I let my mind wander I thought of you and our kissing in the car park. Now I sound like a hippie!"
Hitting send Sheldon lay back down. Tomorrow was comic book night. Should he invite Amy? Just as the thought ran through his head his phone lit up.
"I missed you too! Thursday seems a long way away! X"
Deciding he would risk the ridicule from Howard, Sheldon quickly sent back.
"Rather than wait til Thursday why don't you join us for comic book night. Maybe we can go for a pizza afterwards?"
"I have to work late :-( Can I just meet you for pizza?"
"That sounds good. I am looking forward to it! Sweet dreams Amy Farrah Fowler"
"Sweet dreams Dr Cooper! X"
Sheldon was smiling as he fell asleep.
73~73
Sheldon did make some progress the next day but even he admitted he was distracted by the thought of seeing Amy. He didn't even notice Leslie pointing at him and sniggering in the canteen.
He did find a limited addition batman comic book he had been looking for at the comic book store; but decided not to wait for the others and left before they had made their purchases, arriving outside the pizza restaurant early. Going inside he explained he was waiting for his date, and quickly surveying the seating plan chose a table far enough removed to afford some privacy but not so isolated they would be forgotten. Sending Amy a quick text to let her know he was inside Sheldon waited.
Amy arrived right on time and was shown to the table. Sheldon stood and kissed her hello but was surprised when Amy slid in next to him as opposed to opposite.
"I've missed you I want to snuggle" grinned Amy seeing Sheldon frowning at her. Shaking his head but half smiling Sheldon put his arms around her shoulder.
"I've missed you too!"
Amy reached up to kiss Sheldon. Soon they became focused on nothing other than each other. It was only the polite coughing of the waiter stood ready to take their order that broke them apart.
Red in the face Sheldon gave their order and turned to Amy
"What have you done to me!"
She laughed "I could ask you the same thing!"
Nodding Sheldon agreed. "I never used to understand Howard constantly chasing female contact; or Raj's misery at being alone. But now … "
"I now, I feel the same."
Sheldon and Amy spent an enjoyable evening talking about Sheldon lectures and Amy's latest research. As they sat in the restaurant Sheldon kept his arm around Amy's shoulder keeping her close. Once they had eaten and feeling brave Amy rested her hand on Sheldon's knee. When it became apparent they were the only ones left and the staff were waiting to close up the pair stood.
"I am really glad we did this "Sheldon said sincerely.
"Me too Sheldon. Are we still on for tomorrow?"
"Yes. What would you like to do?"
"I really don't mind. How about you just come to mine from work and we play it by ear. I can cook. Spaghetti? Chicken? Whatever you wish"
"Ooh! could we have that chicken again. I sent Meemaw the recipe. She loved it!"
"Its a date" grinned Amy, knowing if Meemaw was impressed she had done good! "Come on I'll take you home."
They walked to the car holding hands and spent the journey playing a quick game of counter-factuals. Laughing at themselves as Amy parked Sheldon raised his hand and trailed his finger down her nose. "Thank you Amy. I have had a most pleasant evening"
Amy moved first, releasing her seat belt and leaning over to kiss Sheldon. Still trapped by his belt he wrapped his arms around Amy and closing his eyes to the street lights and cars, let his mind focus on Amy. Just Amy.
As he pulled her further onto his lap Amy stroked his chest. As he stroked her tongue with his Amy dragged her nails again over his nipples. She became aware of his arousal against her leg. This time however she shifted slightly and let her hand trail down Sheldon's stomach. Sheldon realised what she was about to do and grabbed her hand.
"Amy we cant! People can see"
He buried his face into her neck and breathed in the smell of her hair. Lifting his head and looking straight into her eyes Sheldon whispered
"I think I love you Amy Farrah Fowler!"
"I love you too Sheldon."
Nodding in acceptance of something they had both been fighting Sheldon gently lifted Amy back into her seat. "Thank you for the ride home."
"Good night Sheldon"
73~73