Saturday morning arrived and Amy was more than a little excited to go meet her friends. She had woken early and was showered and dressed long before Sheldon had stirred.
"Why are you up so early" he grumbled on finding her in the kitchen.
"Because I couldn't sleep. You were doing a very good impression of a star fish so I decided to get up and make some tea."
"I will have you know I am a neat sleeper." Sheldon said indignantly.
"Yeah well not last night! Now come on hurry up, go get ready I want to make sure we are there in plenty of time in case the flight arrives early."
"Why don't you just check its ETA online" Sheldon muttered as he made his way back down the hall to his room. By the time he had reappeared dressed and ready Amy was on the phone.
"No Penny they don't need a welcoming party! Listen why don't we meet up tonight, we can have everyone back here to Sheldon's and you can meet them then?"
Grinning she finished her call and said "Ready?" before heading to the door.
James was easy to spot, he was head and shoulders taller than most of the other passengers who came through, he was also dressed smartly unlike the plane load of quite obvious British tourist, Simon included. Amy grinned when she saw them and waving pulled Sheldon along after her.
"What is Simon dressed as?" she whispered into James ear as she hugged him.
"Don't! I have had to sit next to him like that for the entire flight. Lets just say he is excited!"
Simon was busy shaking Sheldon's hand and excitedly asking about weather predictions for the coming month. He had on what could only be described as Bermuda shorts with a union jack t shirt sunglasses and carrying a beach bag!
"He is the reason us Brits get a bad rep!" James muttered and happily linked Amy's arm leaving Simon and Sheldon trailing behind.
"So are we all set at the hospital? Linda was in such a bad mood yesterday I think she is jealous!"James grinned "I reckon we speed through the tests then party for the last week!"
"Sheldon and I had the same thought! How do you fancy a week at Disney? Sheldon is going to invite his family, you will love them! Although how his highly religious mother will cope with 2 gay men remains to be seen" Amy grinned "it'll take the heat off Sheldon and I sharing a room though!"
Loading up the car they dropped Simon and James at their hotel promising to return later to bring them to Sheldon's to meet everyone.
"So what were you and James plotting?" Sheldon asked curiously as Amy drove home
"We weren't plotting we were talking about Disney. I was explaining how your mother would be so busy focusing on 2 gay men it would take the heat off of us sharing a room!"
"We wouldn't be sharing a room though, I thought all the guys could pair up, therefore diverting mothers attention from James and Simon; and you girls could do the same."
"So you mean lie?"
"Not lie, just divert her attention."
"So when exactly are you going to tell her we are having sex?"
"On our wedding day!"
73~73
Penny hadn't said much, she just gazed at James with a stunned expression on her face.
"...and the one over there doing an impression of a goldfish is Penny" Sheldon finished the introductions. Glaring at Sheldon Penny stood and held out her hand.
"I am very pleased to meet you." she said.
Laughing James said "I believe you thought I would lead young Amy here astray?"
Penny blushed and tried to ignore Howard and Leonard sniggering "Well... I … err" she stammered.
"I can assure you Amy was perfectly safe with me, your boyfriend over there though, he may not be..." with a wink James glanced at Leonard and Howard who had stopped laughing instantly.
"James stop it! Amy grinned "you have only just got here leave them alone at least for tonight!"
Sheldon was settled in his spot telling Simon all about Stuarts comic book store.
"We could go tomorrow, he is open everyday!"
Simon nodded, "James might not be keen but I would love to go." Turning to Raj he said "Thank you so much for letting me come see your work. I have brought some papers with me on the work we are doing, as I thought you might be interested, but really just to see your set up here will be great."
"Did Amy tell you I went to space?" Howard interrupted, leaning over Raj to tell simon.
"She did indeed, most impressive!"
Howard grinned and turned to smile smugly at Raj. Rolling his eyes Sheldon said "So are you coming into work straight away or will you take a few days to acclimatise?"
"Oh I am happy to come in Monday, James will be out so I may as well do the same." nodding Sheldon said "Give Raj the address of your hotel and he can collect you next week then when you stay here you can travel in with Leonard." Sheldon happily planned.
"Amy and I will move some stuff to hers next week and you can move over when ever you like. It seems a waste to stay at the hotel if you don't need to."
"Well it seems a nice hotel so don't rush on our account. Amy mentioned a trip to Disney! Now that I am looking forward too. She said your family might come too?"
"Hey! When was this decided?" Howard asked.
"Amy and I spoke of it yesterday, and of course we had thought of everyone going." He glared at Howard "You have to behave though; my mother and Meemaw will be there!"
The evening passed quickly with Simon and James fitting in well. Driving them back to their hotel Amy asked "Do you think it'll be OK working with Raj?"
"Yes he seems lovely, it is a shame Lucy was not here, she sounds nice."
"Yes she is very shy though, big crowds worry her. Now what do you want to do tomorrow?"
"Well Sheldon said he would take me to a comic book store." Simon smiled
Groaning James turned to Amy, "Lets have a girly day, invite Penny and Bernadette, you can take me to lunch." With a wink he held Simon hand. "Thanks for the ride, text me before you come over to check we are up."
73~73
The first week passed in a blur. James and Amy spent most of their time at the hospital. James was impressed with how much Amy had got organised which meant from day 1 he could start the tests and start sending data back to London. Sheldon had moved into Amy's on Tuesday evening after the cheesecake factory. He hadn't seen much of her though as she was working late; so most evenings he went back to Los Robles with Simon and carried on his old routine then when Amy dropped James back he would return to hers. It was Saturday morning when Amy was crashing about in the bathroom that Sheldon asked "What are you doing? Do you know what time it is, even Dr Who hasn't started yet!"
"I have to go to work, I told you that last night."
"I think I may as well move in with Simon and let James stay here!" Sheldon muttered pulling the covers over his head in a sulk.
Amy slammed the door behind her and muttered all the way to her car. By the time she reached James who was waiting for her on the pavement she was full blown angry.
"What's wrong babe? James asked seeing her gritted teeth.
"Sheldon! He is being an ass!"
"Men! "James grinned, "I thought he was out today, Simon said they were going paint-balling. Now I would pay good money to see Simon paint-balling!" he laughed at the image in he head. "I hope someone takes pictures."
"I hope Sheldon gets shot early" Amy growled.
"Wow, I take it you haven't been getting any lately." James laughed
Glaring at James Amy said "Don't, I am not in the mood."
Shaking his head James pulled out his phone and began texting Simon. By the time they had arrived at the lab Amy had calmed a little. "Do you want to meet Ricky? He used to live with me."
"Sheldon's predecessor?"
"Yeah!" Amy laughed.
She laughed again at the shock on James face when he saw the monkey. "Wow, he lived with you? That's cool! Simon would freak if I brought a monkey home!"
Leading James back to the lab they were soon both engrossed in inputting the data they had accumulated through the week.
"I cant believe some of these results" James said staring at the screen. Linda will be impressed!"
"So she should be!" Amy grimaced. "It has taken us hours to get all this. We will need that week off by the time it arrives."
"Simon is so excited, like a big kid!"
"Sheldon is the same, and the fact his Meemaw will be there is just the icing on the cake. Last night he had the park map out marking the rides he wanted to take her on!"
James laughed. "Its nice they are so close though."
"Yes and she is lovely, they all are."
"Have you seen your mum since you got back from Texas?" James asked gently knowing how upset Amy had been after her last visit.
"No. I did try calling but she wasn't in. I suppose I should try again." Amy frowned at the thought. "How would you feel about calling in on the way home, if I have someone there for support it might stop me backing out."
"Sure" James grinned "count me in."
So now Amy found herself once again walking up to her mothers front door.
"Amy! I wasn't expecting you." Mrs Fowler looked at Amy in surprise. "Come in."
"Mother." Amy nodded "This is James, a friend and work colleague over from England. We were just on our way home and I thought I'd see if you were home."
"Why?" Mrs fowler looked suspicious.
"Just to say hello! Really mother you complain you never see me so here I am!"
"Where is Sheldon? Have you replaced him with this one?"
"Whoa! Mrs Fowler, I can assure you your daughter has not replaced Sheldon with me, I am a friend nothing more. We stopped by as I asked to meet the mother of a dear friend. Sheldon and Amy have very kindly opened there home to us and as we are meeting Sheldon's family I thought it would be fun to meet you too. You have an amazing daughter as I am sure you know."
Mrs Fowler looked at James frowning. "Why are you in the States?" she asked abruptly.
"I am here to continue the work Amy and I started in London. You would be so impressed with what we have achieved." James went on to explain in minute detail the work they were doing and the impression Amy had made on the university in London, gradually Mrs Fowler relaxed and began asking questions to both James and Amy.
Seeing Amy glance at her watch Mrs Fowler said "Amy why don't you and Sheldon bring James and his partner to dinner one evening?" stunned Amy just nodded.
"Good. Well ring me with the date that suits you best." Mrs Fowler smiled as she showed them to the door. "Well done Amy "she whispered as she hugged her still stunned daughter.
"It was lovely to meet you James."
"What did you do to my mother?" Amy asked, sat in the car but making no move to drive away.
"British charm my dear!" James grinned "Amy she just needed an outsider to point out your accomplishments. See you from someone else's point of view. Come on lets go home I need to eat."
73~73
On arriving back at Los Robles Amy was disappointed Sheldon wasn't there.
"Hello" Simon grinned "you just missed Sheldon, he was not happy, he lost! He said he wanted some space so was gone home"
"Oh god." Amy muttered.
Leonard laughed "Yeah it wasn't pretty Amy! You might be safer staying here tonight!"
With a wave Amy said goodbye and made her way home.
There was no sign of Sheldon in her apartment so jumping in the shower Amy washed, changed into a cooler dress then sent Penny a text.
"Hey no sign of Sheldon here, do you want to meet up?"
Grinning when Penny immediately replied "On my way!"
Gathering her purse Amy left a quick note telling Sheldon she was out with Penny then went to meet her friend.
"So where is Dr Whackadoodle? Leonard told me he was in a foul mood today?"
"He is sulking as I had to go to work, it then appears he lost at paint ball! I had hoped to spend time with him tonight but he is out and I need some fun!"
"Lets go get Bernie and Lucy and hit some bars" Penny grinned.
Soon the four girls were laughing and dancing and having fun. Penny was trying to explain to Lucy just how good looking James was but Lucy was not impressed. "Oh you have to see him. And he is sooo charming!"
"He is, that's true. "Amy agreed "he certainly charmed my mother!"
"What do you mean?" Penny said shocked.
"I have been calling her and not getting a reply so we called in our way home. James began singing my praises telling her how I had wowed London and before my eyes she changed. She even invited Sheldon and I to dinner with James and Simon."
"That is great Ames!"
"Yes it is, maybe with James acting as intermediary we can build some bridges who knows."
It was late by the time Amy got home. She was a little unsteady on her feet and banged into the table as she came through the door. Once inside she stopped still."uh oh!"
"So you decided to come home?" Sheldon stood up from the sofa. Before Amy she saw a table laid with candles and flowers and on it the remains of one meal, the other cold and congealed.
"Sheldon I didn't know. I told you I was going to see Penny. You should have told me you were doing this!"
"It was meant to be a surprise. You have been working so hard I thought... oh it doesn't matter I'm going to bed." Turning on his heel Sheldon went into the bedroom and slammed the door.
Amy slumped onto the sofa. She had had such fun with the girls and now she felt guilty. How was she to know Sheldon would plan this. Standing she moved to the table. He had obviously gone to a lot of effort too. Shaking her head Amy began to clear up. Maybe they could do something tomorrow.
73~73
Amy woke the next morning to see Sheldon still curled in a tight ball on his side facing away from her, just as he had been last night.
"Sheldon?" she whispered rubbing her hand down his back.
He shrugged her off.
Sighing Amy got out of bed and went to make some coffee. Her head hurt and she couldn't face Sheldon in a mood. She still felt bad for not being home last night but before she faced that she needed coffee.
"I am in the dog house. Sheldon had planned romantic meal!" she sent the text and lay her head on the kitchen counter praying the painkillers worked soon.
"uh oh! Just make it up to him in the bedroom!;-)" Amy smiled at Pennys response.
Hearing movement in the bedroom Amy set about making tea and toast. Sheldon appeared already dressed carrying his bag and jacket.
"You gong out?" she asked
"I am taking Simon to the train store." Sheldon was gone before she could question him further.
"No chance to try your suggestion he has gone to play with trains!" as Amy sent the text her phone began to ring.
"Hello Amy, as your man has taken my man away, do you want to meet up?" James enquired happily
"Sure, did you see Sheldon?"
"No why?"
"Oh I went out last night and he had prepared a meal. He was not impressed!"
"Oh... shall we give it a miss then?"
"No he isn't here so lets go. Do you want to go shopping or to the beach or what?"
"Surprise me!"
Grinning Amy went back to get ready; then collecting James took him first to the beach then to lunch.
"The weather here is amazing." James grinned. "Take a picture of me." he handed Amy his phone then posed, sunglasses on shorts showing of his already browning legs and a broad grin. Grabbing the phone back he punched a few buttons and laughed.
"Who did you send that too?"
"Linda!" he laughed.
"It's a wonder you keep your job!"
"Oh she loves me really "James laughed, "now come on lets get you home and make you pretty so you can make it up to that man of yours!"
73~73
Sheldon enjoyed Simon's company. He was interested in similar things, had a working knowledge of science so conversation flowed, and was happy to talk about Dr Who as much as Sheldon was!
Now they sat in The Cheesecake Factory eating burgers. Sheldon knew Penny would not be working so was safe from any inquisition.
"So Penny works here?" Simon asked looking round curiously.
"Yes, most nights and some weekends. We usually eat here Tuesday." Sheldon informed him.
"So how come Amy didn't join us today? Is she not a train fan?"
"No, and we are not talking. She came home drunk last night. I had dinner cooked but she didn't appear until gone midnight!" Sheldon frowned at the memory. "I have hardly seen her lately, you would think on her day off she would want to spend time together."
Simon nodded "Well it'll be nice when we go to dinner with her mum. I am looking forward to it."
"Pardon?" Sheldon stared at Simon.
"err... James said he had visited Amy's mum with her yesterday, and we were all invited to dinner." Simon was a little hesitant seeing the confusion on Sheldon's face.
"Hhmmmpphh you obviously are more informed than me!"
"Sheldon I'm sorry. James mentioned it last night. He seemed to think it was a big deal."
"It is, he has obviously impressed Mrs Fowler where I failed."
"Oh I am sure it is not like that." Simon began to feel uncomfortable now. "You and Amy seemed so happy in London. Are things not OK?"
"I had thought they were. We had fun in Texas, she said she wanted me to move to hers for the duration of your stay so we had time and privacy; but I have seen nothing of her. In fact if it was not for the fact we shared rides to and from Los Robles I wouldn't see her at all. When we get home she is tired or busy or out!"
"Maybe you need to make a gesture, something romantic."
"I tried that! She missed it!"
Simon tried to hide his grin at Sheldon sulking. "Come on lets go see if they are back."
Entering Amy's apartment Simon grinned when he saw James things littered all over the room "Well they are here, only James could make this much mess!"
"He would get on well with Penny!" Sheldon grinned.
"Amy? Where are you?"
"In here Sheldon" Amy called from the direction of the bedroom.
James came out grinning "Hello! Have fun? Come on you." and he grabbed Simon's arm and left.
Sheldon walked towards the bedroom where he found Amy sat on the bed smiling. "hi" she grinned
"Wow!" Sheldon said open mouthed.
"I'm sorry" she whispered holding out her hand. Walking towards her Sheldon was more than happy to accept her apology!
73~73