56
At the Humanities Cafeteria
"Penny, are you certain you wish to review your finances with Alex and Nora present?"
"Alex and Nora are my friends. We've talked about a lot of it over the past few days. I'm perfectly comfortable with them knowing exactly how big an idiot I've been."
"Penny, you have not been an idiot. You are in exactly the position that Leonard desired you to be in. You are indebt to him and he believed that would ensure your bond. He was mistaken."
"Yeah, I was stupid. He was mistaken. Can we get on with this?"
"Alright. To what extent has Leonard been paying your bills?"
"Okay. He started helping with the rent after I quit working at The Cheesecake Factory. At first it was only a little because I was getting some unemployment and I got paid, but not a lot, for the gorilla movie but by the time you left he was paying for pretty much everything. But he moved in with me in August so for August and September I only owe half.
"My best estimate would be that the rent you owe him for that period comes to approximately $4500-5000. Does that sound about right?
"Let's say $4750."
"Alright. What about utilities?
"I was pretty much able to cover that except for the last couple of months."
"Since you were cohabitating during that period let's say, $250."
"Okay. Now the car. He wouldn't tell me how much he paid for it but he implied it was a lot so probably $2,000."
"I happen to know he purchased that car from a student for $550."
"You're shitting me. You would not believe how many times he brought buying that car up in bed and what he got from me for it."
"I'd prefer not hearing those details, Penny, but I am not at all surprised. That car was hardly worth a handshake. And though your former automotive transport constantly tasked me with it's 'Check Engine" light it had a great deal of personality and it said Penny to me. The car Leonard gave you only said 'Purchased by Leonard.' You are better off rid of it."
"Are there any other expenses Leonard covered?"
"I guess food."
"Penny, I long ago accepted the reality that paying for your food is the cost of knowing you. There should be no reimbursement."
"Thank you, I think."
"Alex, Nora, have you anything to contribute to this discussion."
"Yeah, Penny, I still think you're an idiot to do this."
"Nora, we talked about this. If Leonard is going to act like he's been acting, like a douche, then I want to make sure he no longer has anything he can hold over me."
"Sweetie, the money doesn't matter. He's an ass. He's gonna act like one. Lucky for you pretty soon he'll be doing it from 3,000 miles away."
"Yeah, any idea when he's actually leaving. 'Cause I think he's gonna keep pulling crap like he did with the apartment until he leaves."
"Well, supposedly he has to be in Jersey by Sunday because Beverly's leaving for a lecture tour on Monday and she wants him there before she leaves. So I'm guessing he'll leave as late as he can, probably Sunday morning."
"So that means three more days of his shenanigans."
"Yup."
"I will endeavor to find a way to encourage him to leave as soon as possible. In the meantime, the total we have reached is $5,550, which matches what I previously estimated it would be. Here."
Sheldon handed Penny a check for $5,550.
"Sheldon, what is this?"
"I am loaning you the funds so that you can end this business with Leonard as quickly as possible. I prefer that he not have a reason for further contact with you. I know you will pay me back when you can."
"Wow. Thank you Sheldon. I don't know if I can let you do this. And I already owe you money for the other day. Boy, was Victoria's Secret bad idea. And I still have to buy a new bed."
"Penny, you can and you will accept the loan. If you leave the door open in any way Leonard will attempt to come through. I can't permit that. You deserve an opportunity to live the life you want. I am able to help you financially. In any case, Leonard will not have the money very long."
"Excuse me?"
"Our landlord is now aware that Leonard was responsible for the destruction of the elevator at 2311 North Los Robles. I suspect the corporation will attempt to collect compensation for that. I provided them with Beverly's address."
"Sheldon, that wasn't very nice."
"I wasn't aware that I was to be kind to Leonard. And I don't intend to be. We have covered up this particular misdeed of his for almost ten years. I believe it's time he paid a price."
"So, Penny, since you don't have a bed yet I guess you'll be camping out with us a bit longer."
"Yeah, I guess I should have asked."
"We invited you, sweetie. You can stay as long as you like. You just need to remember the clothing optional rules."
"Nora!"
"Excuse me!"
"Sheldon, you don't need to know what happens at Alex and Nora's place."
Next: Sheldon receives an unexpected visit. A secret is revealed. A favor is requested.