27

When Penny returned to work she wasn't sure her feet were even touching the ground. She walked into the office and went right to Sheldon and gave him a hug.

"Penny?"

"I'm sorry, Sheldon. I know that wasn't really appropriate for the office but I have some really amazing news."

"Would you like to share it?"

"They offered me the job. I'm going to be the co-host on Wil Wheaton's show when it comes back on SyFy."

"That's wonderful news, Penny. Congratulations."

"It's only a ten-week trial but the production schedule works so that I can still work for you too. They're still working on my contract but I'll probably sign next week."

"Penny, I realize that Wil Wheaton is a friend, but please allow me to review the contract before you sign it. I have a bit of experience with contracts as you know."

"Sure, sweetie. I trust that you have my best interests at heart. I need to call my agent."

"Penny, have you informed Leonard?"

"Um, not yet. I'm not really sure how he's going to take this. He thinks I've given up acting for good."

"Penny, if I understand what you are doing with Wil, I'm not certain it could actually be called acting. You will be yourself, Penny Queen, on the program, will you not?"

"You're right, Sheldon. I'm not really acting. I'm performing. As me. Maybe this is my big shot."

"I hope that is the case, Penny. Missy and I were considering having a small dinner celebration on Saturday. Perhaps we could celebrate your new situation then."

"Sheldon, who's going to be there?"

"Well, Missy and the baby, myself. You, hopefully. And Junior is expected to be here by then. And likely Alex and her friend Nora, who I quite like by the way. And I assume you will wish to bring Leonard. But, as I said, I wish to keep it small and we must be mindful of the baby."

"So, no Howard, Bernadette, Raj, Emily or Amy, huh."

"I have yet to see Howard or Raj since my return. Nor have they sought me out. And I have little desire to see Amy Farrah Fowler until she accepts the change in our relationship paradigm. According to Missy, Amy visited her once again and attempted to convince her to depart from our home and allow Amy to move in with me in exchange for temporary free rent in another apartment."

"Which hospital is Amy at?"

"Missy did not harm Amy but I suspect she may not survive another attempt to circumvent our will."

"Sheldon, do you mind if I hold off on announcing my thing with Wil until then. I think I'd like the support."

"I don't mind at all, Penny. I'm a bit concerned that you feel you won't get appropriate support from Leonard."

"Um, you know Leonard. He was so happy when I said I wouldn't be acting anymore."

"Penny, as you said yourself, this would not be acting."

"Okay. Sheldon, do you want to invite Wil?"

"I would, Penny, but I'm already aware through his incessant tweeting that Wil Wheaton will be out of town at a tabletop gaming convention this weekend. However, I did schedule a lunch with him for next week and I expect you to join us."

"And Leonard?"

"If necessary. You may feel otherwise after Saturday. Leonard may not be very happy about Wil hiring you."

"Well, technically Wil didn't hire me. I'll be working for the SyFy Channel. And if this works out they said they may have more stuff for me to do. Maybe even a couple of movies."

"Penny, you are aware that many of the movies the SyFy Channel produces are made in Eastern Europe and are on a par creatively with Serial Apist, are you not?"

"Yeah, I know. But it's still possible that I may actually have an acting career again someday. And it's thanks to you."

"Penny I had little or nothing to do with this."

"Sheldon, if not for you I wouldn't know Wil. I'm grateful for that. And I'm really, really happy."

"Penny, Missy called while you were out and said she had made some medical appointments for you later today. Should I be concerned?"

"No, not at all. Missy decided that with all the changes and stress in her life that seeing a therapist might be a good idea. She convinced me that it might make sense for me too so we're going out this afternoon to see if we can find the right ones."

"Though I believe psychotherapy is largely hokum, I cannot deny the value of having an impartial person to speak with about matters of concern. I believe that Missy made a good decision and I think it would possibly be helpful for you also. As things become more settled for me I may even consider it myself. If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Sheldon, you are a good boss and a good friend. Thank you."

"Thank you, Penny. Now please return to your desk. I wasn't sure whether you would have an opportunity to eat lunch while you were out so I picked something up for you. It's in the refrigerator. And Alex and I left some work on your desk that needs your attention as soon as possible."

"I'll get on it right away, boss. And thank you for getting me some lunch. I didn't even have a chance to think of eating."

"I expect Alex back shortly. The three of us should sit down together and review things before the end of the day. We should plan to do this regularly."

"I'll add it to the calendar."