Chapter 20

Penny watched as the two older women walked up, and could hardly stop from bolting for the door. She had not felt this nervous since she had started this endeavor. Sheldon's Meemaw stride was fluid and her gaze was piercing against Penny. Penny felt as if she could see all the good and bad things she had ever done, and was now weighing Penny's worthiness.

A woman that worked up at the front desk gave them a real smile and ushered them to the pedicure chairs. They were in sets of two. Before Penny could say that she would sit with Missy, Meemaw beat her to the punch.

"Mary, how about you and Missy sit together? That way Penny and I can get to know one another. I have to get to know the girl that has become such an important part in my Moonpie's life." Mary and Missy nodded before sauntering over to the two sets of chairs on the opposite side of the room. 'Traitor' is all Penny could think as Missy sent a shrug and empathetic look her way.

"Penny. We best be going. We don't have all day to be getting our nails done." Meemaw sat done in the salon chair before looking expectantly at Penny. Steadying her nerves, Penny made her way over to the chair next to Meemaw's.

It was the most awkward ten minutes of benign small talk that Penny ever had to endure. Weather, clothes, work, and California were safe topics that Penny was asked about. Penny was starting to feel as if the entire 3rd degree issue was in her head. That she was making a big issue out of nothing. Meemaw was a sweet old lady that…

"So have you and Sheldon had sex?" Meemaw asked as sweetly as any old lady can. This change in topic made Penny's thoughts end full stop. Penny's mouth dropped as she turned to fully face Meemaw. She was looking as sweet and pleasant as always but there was a gleam in her eye. A gleam that promised imminent devastation to Penny's wellbeing, but only if the answer was not what Meemaw was looking for.

"No. I want to approach a relationship with Sheldon once his…special circumstances have been dealt with."

"Sweetie, you may be waitin a long time. We have been working one helping Sheldon for years. Why do you think you can fix him?" Meemaw's gaze felt as if she could see down into Penny's soul and was gauging her worthiness.

"I…don't know. I do know that he has been slowly changing and I would like to think that I have had a part in it. That I have been a positive influence."

Meemaw looked Penny over once more, before gracing her with a smile. "I think so too. Now, this party you and Missy are planning. Is it going to be one of those fiascos we have tried before or do you have a plan?"

Penny let out a sigh of relief, before divulging Meemaw into all the details that would go into the party process. She didn't leave anything out.

"I think Penny, that you are a force to be reckoned with. My Moonpie is very lucky that you decided to move in next door to him. Who knows what kind of shenanigans he would get up to without a sensible woman there to guide him."

Penny smiled almost sheepishly at this, but utilized her acting skills to the fullest. Meemaw did not need to know about the mini war they had, the paintball incident, getting him drunk, or getting Leonard's mom drunk enough to kiss him. Those things probably were not something that Meemaw would want nor need to know. At least, not just yet. Penny wanted her to like her first.

Once the plan was laid out, and their nails were finished, the girls headed back to the house. The drive back was nice and uneventful, a moment to truly kick back and relax.

They got back to the house to catch the two brothers playing Halo in the living room. Both were too wrapped up in the game to notice that they women were back yet. While Sheldon's female family members just walked by, Penny stayed to listen for a bit.

"So, Moonpie, it's good to know that you don't suck at this game. I would really hate to make you cry like a girl." The tone in his brother's voice was purely teasing and Sheldon rolled his eyes at them in effect.

"Yes, Trevor, I am quite skilled at this game. However, if you would truly want a challenge, Penny is a excellent player as well."

Trevor looked over incredulously at him. "Excellent? Those are some pretty high praises coming from you. Anything you wanna tell me about the little Mamacita?" Sheldon looked thoughtful before opening his mouth to respond.

Penny ducked out of the room before she could hear. She wanted to hear what Sheldon thought of her directly from him. Not in a hallway, slinking around like some creeper. Smiling to herself, she made herself announced to the men so they could stop talking if need be. Plopping down next to Sheldon, she grabbed the controller out of his hands before turning to Trey.

"Ready to cry like a girl?"

**I'm sorry for the late update. My entire semester was dedicated to passing Spanish. I did and now I am on break. I will write as much as possible but inspiration is like buying presents. You can't force it but rather wait for the perfect one to pop out at you. Let me know what you think and I will post again soon. Much Love!***