Chad: oh, Chad, the resident artist. I have to go over his mock-ups with a fine-tooth comb because he’ll even spell his name wrong.

Then there are Kyle, Ben, and Shawn, all righteous idiot interns who I think are here for the free swag rather than the experience in business.

And that’s only to name a few.

“What are your plans this weekend?” Finky asks Chad as we wait for Ellison to show up.

“Taking Danielle out to Fire Island for a concert. She has the whole thing planned. What about you?”

“Wine tasting upstate,” Finky answers. “Lindsey told me this morning that she plans on getting drunk and not remembering a thing.”

“Who does?” Ellison says, coming into the conference room, looking stunning with her long blond hair tied back into a pony and her power suit tailored expertly for her frame.

Okay, it’s happening; everyone stay calm. She’s here.

If there’s anyone in this office that I want to impress, it’s her.

Finky moves aside and says, “My wife. Taking her up to the Finger Lakes this weekend for a wine tasting.”

“I was just there with Sanders,” she says as she takes a seat at the head of the table. God, look at her poise. Beauty and grace. Shoulders back, an air of confidence surrounding her, demanding respect. “Stayed at a really nice bed-and-breakfast. The cinnamon rolls were to die for.”

“Was it the place I recommended?” Brad S asks, hope in his eyes.

“It was,” Ellison says. “We did the lovers special like you said, and it was fantastic.”

Freaking lovers special.

What does that entail? Petting each other with a purple rabbit’s foot for luck while staring deeply into each other’s eyes?

“I was thinking about taking the hubby there,” Duncan chimes in, looking all kinds of squirrely, trying to get her attention. “Maybe I can take him there for his birthday.”

“When is his birthday?” Ellison asks as she leans back in her chair and brings her cup of coffee with her.

“Next month,” Duncan says.

“If he likes wine and cinnamon buns, then he’ll love it.” She then turns to Chad and asks, “How’s Danielle?”

Chad’s stupid face lights up. “She’s great. Still trying to get pregnant. Taking her to Fire Island this weekend to help her relax. I think she’s putting too much stress on herself.”

“I think that’s a very smart decision,” Ellison says. “If you’re looking for more assistance or outside-the-box thinking, I have a wonderful acupuncturist that can help.”

“I’ll send you an email.” Chad winks.

I’m annoyed.

The winks, the suggestions, the palling around…

Of course they’re all friendly with Ellison, because they’re all married.