Chapter 77: The Leonard Encouragement
Three weeks post-breakup. Late February.
Leonard shows up at the Pasadena shop after closing.
"We need to talk."
"That sounds ominous."
"It's not. Just—" He sits. "—I need advice."
"About?"
"Penny's coming back. For a weekend. Four weeks from now. Sheldon's visitation schedule."
"Okay."
"And I'm thinking—" He's picking at a loose thread on his jacket. "—maybe I should. You know. Finally. Actually."
"Ask her out?"
"Yeah."
He's waiting for my reaction. Watching my face.
"Leonard. Ask her out."
"You're—you're okay with that?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"Because you just dated her. Seven months. You loved her."
"Still love her. Just differently now."
"That doesn't bother you? Me pursuing your ex?"
I close the register. Lock it. Turn to face him fully.
"Leonard. You've been in love with Penny for years. She's always been your person. I was—" I search for the right word. "—an intermission. Good intermission. But still."
"That's not—"
"Let me finish. Penny's amazing. You're amazing. Your timing was always off. Maybe now it's not. Maybe you finally get your shot."
"But what about—"
"What about nothing. I want you happy. I want her happy. If that's together, great."
He's quiet. Processing.
"You really mean that."
"I really mean that."
"Because if you're just—I don't know—being noble or whatever—"
"Leonard." I lean against the counter. "My relationship with Penny ended because of timing. That doesn't mean hers with you can't start for the same reason. Timing changes. People change. Circumstances change."
"You've thought about this."
"I've had three weeks to think about everything."
"And you're really okay?"
"I'm really okay."
He's still hesitant. "What if it's weird? With the group?"
"It'll be weird for about a week. Then it'll be normal. That's how these things work."
"You sound very certain."
"I am certain. About this, at least."
He stands. Extends his hand. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For not being a dick about this."
"That's a low bar."
"You'd be surprised."
We shake. Then he pulls me into a hug.
"You're a good friend, Stuart."
"You too."
He pulls back. "So I should ask her? When she visits?"
"You should ask her."
"Coffee? Dinner? What's the move?"
"Direct. Honest. Tell her you've always felt something. Ask if she's open to exploring it."
"That's very—straightforward."
"Penny appreciates straightforward."
"Okay." He's nodding. Psyching himself up. "Okay. I'm doing this."
"Good."
"What if she says no?"
"Then you have your answer. And you move on. But at least you asked."
"Right. At least I asked."
He heads for the door. Stops.
"Stuart?"
"Yeah?"
"You'll find someone. Someone whose timing lines up."
"I know."
"I mean it. Someone perfect for you. At the right time."
"Leonard. I appreciate the sentiment. But I'm okay being alone for now. I've got the shops. The consulting. The gang. That's enough."
"For now."
"For now."
He leaves.
I finish locking up. Head home.
And I mean what I said.
I'm okay alone.
Better than okay.
Because being alone after a good relationship is different from being alone and lonely.
I had Penny. For seven months. That was real.
Now I have space. To grow. Build. Figure out what comes next.
And eventually—when timing's right—someone else will come along.
Someone whose life aligns with mine.
Someone I don't have to leave or watch leave.
That person's out there.
But for now?
I've got businesses to run. Friends to support. A life to build.
That's enough.
More than enough.
That night, texting with Penny.
Penny: Leonard asked me to coffee. When I visit.
Me: Good.
Penny: You told him to?
Me: I suggested he might want to.
Penny: You're okay with this?
Me: I want you happy. If that's with Leonard, great.
Penny: You're very evolved.
Me: Everyone keeps saying that.
Penny: Because it's true.
Me: Just want my friends happy. Both of you.
Penny: Thank you. For being you.
Me: Thank you for seven good months.
Penny: They were really good.
Me: Yeah. They were.
She sends a heart emoji.
I send one back.
And mean it.
Because loving someone doesn't mean possessing them.
It means wanting their happiness.
Even if that happiness is with someone else.
Even if that someone else is your friend.
That's evolved thinking.
And I'm proud of that.
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