Ned's been working from the office in the muffin shop, though without a lot of success. His old employer for stealing an account in the last episode is also suing him, a lot. Stacey's found a rent-controlled studio and is moving out.

In order to get a promotion at the advertising agency he works for, Ned Dorsey agrees to enter into a marriage of convenience with journalist Stacey Colbert, who is desperate to move out of her parents house.

To give the impression of a real marriage at a party for his work colleagues, Ned constructs a fictitious history of his relationship with Stacey.

When Amanda stumbles with Sam, a friend of her, she introduces him to Ned and Stacey. After knowing about their arrangement, both Ned and Stacey find themselves fighting for Sam's attention as a "buddy" and as a "boyfriend".

Stacey skips Ned's New Year's Eve party to have a date with a friend, which eventually bothers Ned.

Ned and Stacey agree to find a date for each other. Although Stacey's choice ends up being disastrous for Ned, she falls in love with Alex, a friend of Ned. However, her new romance ends up jeopardising Ned's career and their marriage arrangement.

After Ned throws her out of the house, Stacey decides to stay at Alex's house. The next day, Kirkland threatens to fire Ned and tells him to straighten out his life. Meanwhile, Eric takes Ned to a family gathering so Ned can tell Stacey his true feelings.