Penny Takes the Stage

Chapter 23: Independence Day

"So the guy has really good weed? And he's bringing some over?" Yoko was bouncing her small frame up and down, using her palms on the counter to give her some pretty good air.

"Uh huh, and we can maybe smoke some after we do our algebra homework, okay?" Penny teased as she poured her friend a glass of wine. "God, Yoko, you sound like a goofy teenager instead of the mature woman you are." She handed her the wine. "Here, drink this and try to act your age."

"Oh, come on, Pen, pot's a young person's drug, everyone knows that," Yoko retorted, hoisting her wine in a silent toast before tasting it. "Ooh, this is yummy, nice tannins," she added.

"Anyway," she went on, leaning on the counter and watching Penny as she sliced watermelon and peaches for a fruit salad, "I haven't smoked pot in a long time, what's wrong with looking forward to it?"

"Nothing." Penny looked at her tiny friend with affection. "Go ahead and look forward to it, I don't care. Just try not to embarrass me too much, okay? Simon is Cam's best friend, and you're mine, so I want you comport yourself in a manner that reflects well on me, you know?"

Yoko gave Penny a salute. "Yes, sir, I'll do my best." And she downed the rest of her wine in one go, holding her glass out for more.

Penny saw, but ignored her, so Yoko came around the counter and poured herself another glass, giving Penny a sour look as she did so.

The sliding glass doors to the terrace slide open, and Cameron entered, bring the smell of broiling meat wafting in with him.

"The steaks will be ready in a bit," he announced. "Simon here yet?"

"Not yet," Yoko responded, shaking her head. "I'm waiting, though, with breath that's bated."

Just then the buzzer rang, so Cam went to the door to let him up.

Moments later, Simon's voice could be heard at the door. "Yes, everyone, the party has arrived!"

Cam followed his friend into the room, chuckling. "The problem with you is that you just lack self-confidence, you know? Come on, come on, let me introduce you to Yoko."

He followed Simon into the kitchen. "Yoko, this quiet fellow here with all the red hair and good manners is my best friend, Simon James. Simon, may I present Penelope's best friend, Yoko Kitajima. Be nice, please," he admonished.

"Hello, Yoko Kitajima," Simon echoed as he set his things down on the counter. "I've seen you before," he continued, walking around her in a circle. "On TV? I want to say on a comedy special or something. Are you a comedian? Have I seen you at Carolines?"

"Yes!" Yoko was thrilled to the teeth. "I love being recognized!" She turned to Penny with a grin, then back to Simon. "You want my autograph?"

Simon blinked at her, nonplussed. "Not particularly, no."

"Oh. Well, that's okay, because I don't have my lucky Sharpie with me anyway." She took another drink of wine. "You want me to pour you some? We're already on our second glasses, so you're going to need to catch up." She looked curiously at his bag. "And did you bring something for later?"

"You're awfully direct," Simon remarked. "Are you referring to the reefer?"

Yoko grinned, at Simon, this time, nodding her head. "I am, I am."

"Then the answer is yes, some of the best stuff around, if you want to know."

"Woo-hoo," Yoko nearly howled, hoisting her glass high.

"Oh, dear god," Penny sighed as Cam slipped an arm around her.

"At least they like each other," Cam responded, pecking a kiss on her forehead.