Warming up to Alex

When lunch came, Alex saw how much friendlier Leonard was to her. She made sure to talk shop, so Leonard could see how smart she was and how much they had in common. She made sure to ask him about his latest work.

The rest of the day crept by, but eventually, Alex made it to Sheldon and Leonard's apartment. Penny shot daggers at her, and Alex saw her in the kitchen talking to Leonard, and they both looked at Alex. Leonard looked exasperated, and Penny looked annoyed.

When it came time to eat, Alex made sure to keep asking Leonard about his work, and this seemed to make Penny more annoyed. Alex knew Penny and Amy were the last two, she needed to entrance. As Alex continued to pepper Leonard with questions, Penny tried to change the topic. Everyone save Amy seemed to grow annoyed with Penny, and only Amy was interested in Penny's suggestions to talk about vacations, new restaurants, and upcoming movies.

Alex noticed all the comic book character paraphenalia around the room, and she asked Leonard to tell her more about his favorite comics. This was the last straw for Penny. She asked Alex to meet her in the hallway.

In the hall, Alex entranced Penny: "Penny, you know I'm a much better match for Leonard, and this intimidates you. You know you're just a pretty face. You love hanging out with these friends, and you'll do anything to stay in their good graces, and I mean anything. Understand?"

Penny nodded.

"Even if Leonard breaks up with you, you'll be **** to say friends with these people. Even if Leonard starts dating me, you'll remain **** to stay friends with them. Even if they treat you like a servant, you'll want to remain friends. If they every ask you to have sex, even three-ways, you'll agree because you know you need their friendship far more than they need yours. Understand?"

Penny nodded.

"Good, now when I wake you, you'll believe you took me out here to apologize for being rude to me and you find me absolutely delightful and charming, and you'll tell everyone your so impressed with how smart I am."

Alex woke Penny.

"So I apologize," said Penny.

"Apology accepted."

The two went back into the apartment. "Guys, I'm so impressed with how smart Alex is," said Penny.

Alex saw how puzzled Amy looked.

Six down, one to go, thought Alex as she smiled at Amy.