Penny looked befuddled, and Leonard explained, "that's just Sheldon's supposed sense of humor; making fun of my height. June 21st is the first day of Summer...the shortest night of the year."
Sheldon snorted; his version of a laugh; and Penny just hugged Leonard's neck even tighter, "don't you dare make fun of my little Ewok."
"Ewoks are short in stature, you know," Sheldon asserted, wanting to make sure she knew she was proving his point.
"No, they're cute and cuddly," Penny cooed as she nuzzled Leonard's neck.
Wednesday evening after an extra day shift at the Cheesecake Factory, Penny unlocked the door to 4B and flopped down on the sofa, kicked her shoes off and let out a big, sigh. She was beat. The past two days had been double shifts and she just needed to crash, but with her audition the next day, she also needed a shower. Involuntarily grunting as she stood up, she peeled off her waitress uniform as she trudged toward the bathroom; leaving a trail of dirty clothes as she went. Deciding on a relaxing bath instead of a shower, mainly because she wanted to lie down and get off her tired feet instead of stand, she turned on the faucets and finished undressing.
Adding some strawberry scented bath oil to the steaming water and placing a folded towel at the end of the tub for a pillow, she eased her magnificent naked body into the toasty water. "Ohhhhh," she groaned as her body seemed to melt in the soothing bath, and all her muscles relaxed. Grasping her loofah and a bottle of body wash, she gently, but thoroughly, scrubbed every inch of her body. Using the body wash for lubrication, she meticulously shaved her underarms and pubic mound until they were as smooth as her perfectly round butt cheeks. When she was satisfied that she was perfectly presentable for her interview, she lay her head against the towel. Looking down, Penny had to laugh when she saw that the only parts of her body that broke the surface of the soothing water were her gumdrop sized nipples. "I wonder how Leonard would like this view," she smiled as she shut her eyes.
Some time later, her body shivered her awake and she was suddenly panicked, not knowing how long she was asleep. Judging by the fact that the water was still tepid, she reasoned that it hadn't been that long, so she pulled the plug, stood and turned on the shower head to rinse off and wash her luxurious blond hair. Stepping out of the tub, Penny used a fluffy towel to pat herself dry, then smoothed moisturizer over every inch of her magnificent body; all the while wishing that Leonard was doing the honors. Wrapping a towel-turban around her hair and throwing on her favorite pink shorts and Hello Kitty tank top, she intended to grab a bottle of water and throw herself onto the couch.
Suddenly she realized she hadn't exchanged keys with Leonard and headed across the hall. Deliberately knocking twice and opening the door, Penny saw Sheldon sitting in "his spot" on the couch and before he could open his mouth, she greeted him, "hi Sheldon, don't mind me...just exchanging keys with Leonard." She hadn't given a second thought to the time of day, immediately seeing that it was dinner time in 4A and that all four nerds were present.
She instantly regretted not wrapping a robe around her when she heard the smarmy Howard Wolowitz greet her, "hubba, hubba...I'll be happy to give you a ride...if you know what I mean." Her nipples were noticeably poking against her skimpy, damp shirt and had the attention of every male in the room...with the exception of Sheldon.
Raj was smiling widely when she replied, "not in a million years Howard...hi Raj."
"Howard, knock it off," Leonard defended her as he sprang to his feet and bounded to the door to meet her. He fished his keys out of the bowl and handed them to her as she dropped hers into it. "Good luck tomorrow," he grinned as he boldly kissed her cheek, and added, "jeez you smell good."
"Thanks sweetie," Penny answered, and put her arms around his neck while planting her lips on his. She could almost feel his chest swell at this intimate display of affection in front of his friends.
"I suppose you'll be joining us for dinner," Sheldon commented dryly.
Separating from Leonard, Penny sarcastically replied, "sorry to disappoint you, but I'm exhausted and I have a big day tomorrow. Thanks for the invitation though...maybe tomorrow."
As she left the apartment, smiling she could hear Sheldon protesting, "wait...what invitation...why would I be disappointed."
Thursday morning Penny selected one of her favorite pale blue print dresses to wear to the interview, along with her "lucky" purple thong. Wanting to make an impression, she decided against wearing a bra so that the "twins" could swing freely and exude sex appeal. Her five inch light blue heels made her incredible legs seem taut and endlessly long. Always keeping her makeup to a minimum, she confidently left her apartment with plenty of time to spare. Getting into Leonard's car she saw a small baggie with a short note attached. It read, "To Hollywood's newest star; just a little something to keep your energy high," and it was signed "Leonard."
The Ziploc was filled with green grapes...washed and stripped from the stems...small, but loving details she noticed this time. "I love you, you sweet man," she whispered aloud as she slid the key into the ignition, and smiled during the entire forty minute ride to Compton.
Leonard's GPS directed her right to the front door of an impressive, shiny multistory office building and she quickly located the casting director's office on the list in the lobby. Penny was happy that it was not the same casting director as Jason Statham's last film...he had been a complete pig. His name was Franz and he and the sleazy Producer had demanded blow-jobs in return for the part. This time the casting director was a woman, and Penny practically floated to her office.
There was no one else in the waiting room and she was ushered into the inner office almost immediately. The name on the door had been Alisha Braun and the woman greeting her reminded Penny of a stern librarian. She wore a trim gray skirt-suit and sensible heels, with her brunette hair drawn back into a tight bun. Penny was already intimidated when the woman reached her arm out, shook her hand and suggested she sit in the nice leather chair in front of the desk. "I'm sure you noticed my name on the door," she began, "please call me Alisha. I am the casting director for the production company backing Mr. Statham's latest film."
"Let me explain why you are here instead of taking part in the normal auditions. Mr. Statham's last film was a rather low budget affair that ended up making triple the profits that were expected. He seems to think that the unscripted fight scene that you were inadvertently a part of was a big reason for the popularity, and as such he feels like you are some sort of muse." Penny had no idea what that was but figured she could Google it later...it had to be a good thing or she wouldn't be there. "Consequently, he has requested that you be included in his new venture. He has specified that it be a speaking part so that you will be making the top wage scale. You will have several simple lines that I'm sure even an inexperienced actress can handle."
Penny was forming a strong dislike for Alisha because of her condescending attitude, but held her tongue as Alisha handed her a few pages of the script with her lines highlighted. Her part was that of a hotel front-desk clerk, who greeted Statham's character with the lines, " welcome back Mr. Steele," and while handing him the key-card, "your usual suite...we hope you enjoy your stay," and then suggestively, "if there is anything you desire to make your stay more enjoyable, I will see to it personally." Later in the film she hands him a set of car keys while saying, " your car is parked out front Mr. Steele." Immediately after handing him the keys, a gun battle breaks out in the hotel lobby.
"You will be dressed similarly to my attire," Alisha continued, "very business-like and austere. The wardrobe department will need your measurements. When you leave, the receptionist will have all your paperwork prepared: your contract, W-4 form, shooting schedule and anything else you may need. The sound-stage is about a half mile from here. I can't imagine that you will be needed on set for more than a couple days, at most. Do you have any questions?"
Wanting to jump up and pump her fist in the air with excitement, Penny tried to maintain her composure and answered, "no I believe you have covered everything." She couldn't believe it was really happening: she was getting a part on a major movie with one of the fastest rising stars in the business...and all without an audition...and no nudity...and no casting-couch hanky-panky!"
Feeling she was being dismissed, Penny rose to leave when she felt Alisha's hand on her arm. "There is just one more thing," Alisha stated as she directed Penny to be seated again. The casting director leaned back against the front of the desk and quite deliberately began to pull the hem of her skirt up her lengthy legs. She was wearing thigh-high stockings instead of pantyhose and soon revealed that she was panty-less as well. Penny's mouth opened involuntarily and she was temporarily speechless as she stared at the untamed brunette jungle between Alisha's thighs, only inches from her face.
