40

"Sweetie, you're a natural."

"Um, thanks," Penny responded as she stretched and loosened up between poses. She was still getting used to not wearing anything in front of a room full of strangers but was starting to be able to feel like they weren't even there.

"While we're on a break you should go around and check out what folks are doing."

"Okay."

Penny put on a robe and wandered around the room gazing approvingly and occasionally mystified at the work she saw on the easels spread around the loft. Remembering how good an artist Stuart was and their history, Penny was curious about his work. He showed her page after page of quick sketches.

"Wow, Stuart. I thought that sketch you did of me when we first met was good. These are amazing."

"Well, I've been working really hard at my art, especially while the store was being rebuilt, and you guys are just really good subjects. It's not that hard to come up with something that looks good."

"Well, I'm just really impressed. Stuart, this isn't weird for you is it?"

"Penny, um, why would it be weird?"

"Well, we dated a couple of times and we hang out socially sometimes and now you've seen me naked."

"Okay, first of all, we went out a long time ago and nothing really happened. You were in love with Leonard then even if you didn't know it. Now you guys are together like you're supposed to be. This, what you're doing here, this is just a job. I, um, don't want to insult you, but when I'm drawing you here I'm not really drawing Penny, I'm working with the shapes and the light and the balance. It's an exercise that really doesn't have a lot of personal stuff involved."

Penny tried to ignore what Stuart said about her and Leonard. It wasn't the time or place to discuss it.

"Okay. But like I said, I really like the sketches I've seen."

"Well, hopefully you guys come up with something really good for the half-hour pose. I do my best work when I can take my time."

"Well, I'm sure Nora and me will figure something out."

Penny and Nora wandered around the room looking at more sketches and charcoals and pastels and paintings until it was time to get back to work.

"So, Penny, this is a long pose so we need to be reasonably comfortable. I think I have an idea if you're okay with it."

"Try me."

"Well, so far we've been standing and sitting next to each other but there hasn't been a lot of interaction, not a lot of stuff that challenges the artists to present something more than just bodies. How about we hug each other? Sort of like lovers. Would you be comfortable with that?"

"Not sure that comfortable would be the right word, Nora. But, yeah, let's give it a shot."

Penny and Nora took off their robes and stepped back up to the little platform they'd been posing on. They both sat down facing each other and tentatively wrapped their arms and legs around each other. Penny felt a little weird because she'd never really been in that close to another woman like that but with Nora it felt really comfortable. They talked a little about where exactly their hands would be. Penny lowered her head to Nora's shoulder, but facing away from her neck towards the artists, and closed her eyes.

"Comfortable, sweetie?"

Penny did feel comfortable. And safe. She concentrated on herself and Nora and set herself.

"Wake me up if I start snoring."

Later, as Penny and Nora were getting dressed, Stuart came over.

"That last pose was perfect. Thank you. Nora, you were great as always. And Penny, if you ever want to do this again let me know. You are really good."

"Thank you, Stuart."

Stuart then game each woman a wad of cash.

"Sorry for all the singles. And Penny, here's one more thing."

Stuart handed Penny his sketchbook.

"Stuart. This is your work. I can't accept it."

"Penny, what I do here is process to help me get better at my art. The stuff in this book won't ever be more than that. But you like it. It's of you so you should have it."

"Stuart, the last time we did this I gave you my number."

"Penny, we're friends. The only thing I'm looking for out of this is maybe you coming back to do it again sometime."

"Okay. I'll think about it. I'm pretty busy these days and getting busier but I really will think about it. If you ever get stuck again go ahead and give me a call. I might say yes. Of course it'll help if Nora's here too."

"Sure."

As they left the loft and headed to Nora's car, Penny turned to Nora.

"You were right, you know."

"I usually am. What about?"

"Posing really helped me clear my head and get some perspective. I think I know what I need to do."

"And…"

"Right now I need to get some food. I never realized that standing around naked was such hard work."

"Let's head back home. Pretty sure there are some goodies in the fridge. And I don't know about you, but I could sure use a shower and a nap."

When Nora and Penny returned to Alex and Nora's apartment, Alex had not yet returned from the university. While Penny showered, Nora made sandwiches. After they finished eating, Penny went to take a nap and Nora took a shower.

Penny woke up close to dinner time. She checked her phone, deleted a bunch of messages and texts from Leonard, found a text from Sheldon and responded and then wandered out to the living room. She found Alex looking at Stuart's sketchbook.

"Penny these are really good. You should think about getting a couple of them framed. I can't believe Nora convinced you to pose."

"You know, I kinda can't believe it myself. But I really enjoyed it. And Nora said it would help me clear my head. And I think I did. Sort of like when you use your other muscles to sketch and get the science-y stuff out of your head."

"So do you know what you're going to do?"

"Not completely. I want to talk to my therapist again. I called her and I have an appointment tomorrow night. And I still need to speak with Leonard, of course. But not till after that. Probably not for a couple more days. Are you okay with me staying here for another couple of days? If it's a problem…"

"Penny, we like the company and you need the space. Stay as long as you like."

"If you want you can move in. You shouldn't be living with that creep," Nora called out from the bedroom as she was coming out to the living room not wearing a thing.

"Um, Nora…," said Alex.

"What, babe?"

"We have company."

"Penny's seen the show. You're looking at the proof in that sketchbook that she more than saw the show."

"Penny, I apologize for Nora. She likes to shock people by walking around with nothing on."

"Alex, it really doesn't bother me, and it is your house. You shouldn't have to change your behavior because of me being here."

Nora walked over to Alex, took the sketch pad out of her lap and sat in it herself, put her arms around Alex and started kissing her."

"Thanks, Penny."

"Nora," said a surprised Alex, "you'd better not be about to do what I think you're about to do."

Penny turned red with embarrassment. "Um, guys, do whatever you want. I'm going back to the bedroom. Just let me know when you're done. We're going out for dinner. My treat."