50

Penny drove to 2311 North Los Robles feeling good. Her wardrobe meeting at The SyFy Channel had gone well. The various clothing suggestions they made would make her look professional but hip. The paperwork she picked up included her contract, which had also been sent to her agent and a couple of scripts for films that SyFy would be produced the following summer that had roles she was being asked to consider. All in all, a pretty good day. Now came the tough part, the part she dreaded, dealing with Leonard.

Penny walked into the lobby and found Sheldon waiting for her.

"Hello, Penny."

"Sheldon, you're home from work pretty early."

"I've been calling you on your cell but you never picked up."

"Darn! I'm sorry, sweetie. I turned off my phone when I got to the SyFy offices. I didn't want to get interrupted. And Leonard's been calling and texting me for days. I forgot to turn it back on."

"I was hoping that I'd catch you before you went up to speak with Leonard."

"Why?"

"Leonard resigned his position at the university this afternoon."

"Shit. Have you spoken with him?"

"No. I don't believe anybody has. I wanted to make sure you knew what you were walking into and that you knew we were all across the hall for you if you need us."

"All?"

"Myself, Missy, Alex and Nora, Raj and Howard. Bernadette will be over after work."

"Wow. Thank you. Um, I don't know what to say."

"We understand that you need to speak with Leonard alone and that must be private. And I understand that you still intend to eventually marry him. Just remember that Leonard is not above using his situation to manipulate you into sympathizing with him, supporting him and agreeing to all his wishes whatever they may be. What happened at the university he did to himself. No matter how many others he blames for the events that led to his resignation he is ultimately responsible and it is not your responsibility to fix anything or make him feel better about his actions."

"I understand what you're saying, Sheldon. It's a lot to think about but I've been thinking about this for a while now. I don't think his resignation is going to change my mind about us taking our time and not living together."

"I'm glad."

"Listen, while I have you here, I picked up the contract for Wil's show. Please look at it while you have a chance."

"Of course. I'll peruse it and have my notes for you tomorrow."

"No big hurry. End of the week is fine."

"As I said, I'll have my notes for you tomorrow. We can review them over lunch."

"Okay, well, here goes."

And Penny headed upstairs alone, leaving Sheldon in the lobby.

Next: Leonard and Penny

A/N: I know I've kept you on the edge of your seats for a few days now. Here's the deal. If y'all are real good and I get some work done on Chapters 53 and 54 and my internet connection holds up you'll see the next chapter later today. If not, then tomorrow. It's written and I'm pretty satisfied with it. I think you'll like it too.