Penny adjusted the strap of her bag nervously as she stood outside the sleek downtown office. She had imagined this moment dozens of times, but standing here in real life made her stomach do somersaults.
"Penny," Sheldon said beside her, hands clasped behind his back like a particularly tense bodyguard, "I am accompanying you because the social environment has high-stakes variables, and I calculate that my presence will maximize both your confidence and professional negotiation outcomes."
Penny blinked at him. "Thanks, Sheldon." She squeezed his arm.
Sheldon straightened. "You're welcome. Let's proceed."
The receptionist greeted them with a smile. "You must be Penny Teller?"
"Yes," Penny said, taking a deep breath. "And this is my friend, Sheldon Cooper."
The publisher, a sharply dressed woman with a clipboard and an aura of organized chaos, emerged from the back. "Ms. Teller! Wonderful to meet you. And Mr… Cooper, thank you for coming."
---
They were led into a conference room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Penny set the revised contract on the table, the one she'd already gone over in detail with Sheldon and Amy. Every clause, every distribution and creative-control detail, had been annotated and clarified.
"So," the publisher said brightly, scanning the document, "I see you've already done quite a bit of work here."
Penny nodded. "Yes. I… wanted to make sure everything aligned with what I've already established—my online audience and Stuart's shop—so expanding nationally wouldn't undermine the smaller-scale work I care about."
Sheldon leaned over, pointing to a highlighted section. "Clause 12, subsection b: intellectual property rights have been secured. Page 7: royalty percentages for print and digital distribution clarified. All risks mitigated. Exclusivity clauses have been revised to ensure derivative works and small-batch distribution are unaffected. Social and creative variables preserved."
The publisher raised an impressed eyebrow. "Very thorough. Most authors just… sign and hope. I like your approach."
Penny swallowed nervously. "Well… I like to be careful. I've worked hard to… you know, keep things meaningful. I didn't want this to change my world too fast."
The publisher smiled. "I understand. And that's exactly why we want you on board—we want the author, not just the product. We want your voice."
---
Minutes passed with the publisher explaining timelines and promotional plans. Sheldon asked precise, technical questions, and Penny felt a strange comfort in having him at her side. He was quietly protective without being overbearing, guiding her through each discussion point, allowing her to assert her preferences without flinching.
Penny's fingers hovered over the table. She could take the leap. She could expand Starfall Valkyrie beyond Stuart's shop and her online followers—but still retain control. She could grow without losing the small, intentional world she'd rebuilt.
"I… think I'd like to move forward," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly. "As long as the contract keeps the autonomy I've worked to preserve."
The publisher nodded. "Absolutely. You've already done the hard work to make sure it stays true to your vision. That's rare—and admirable."
Sheldon gave her a small approving nod. "Decision aligns with optimal personal growth metrics. Contingency planning has minimized risk."
Penny's chest warmed. Looking at Sheldon, she realized how quietly reassuring his presence was—the way he observed, calculated, and yet never overshadowed her.
By the end of the meeting, Penny felt a curious mix of relief and excitement. Starfall Valkyrie was about to reach more people than she'd ever imagined—but she was still in control. Still… her.
As they left the office, Sheldon leaned slightly closer. "Congratulations. You handled all social and contractual variables admirably."
Penny grinned. "Thanks, Sheldon. Couldn't have done it without you."
"And," he added, almost softly, "I believe… you did most of it on your own."
Penny's heart gave a little flutter. Maybe expanding her life and her work wasn't terrifying after all—especially with Sheldon quietly by her side.