All language subtitles for Return to Office 2025 1080p WEB-DL HEVC x265 5.1 BONE

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...for [CC] Hi (SDH)

[***]

Mm.

Hey, Winston?

Play "Brandenburg Concerto
No. 3."

[classical music begins to play]

Ahh.
[chuckles]

[***]

[Bach concerto
continues playing]

[watch chimes]

-[exhales deeply]
-[sets mug down]

[***]

[clicks ring light on]

[***]

[phone buzzing]

Hi, Colette.
I can't talk too long.

I have a video conference
in ten.

Just making sure

that we are still on
for happy hour later tonight?

I would not miss it.

Mm-hmm. No chance

of a last-minute request
from the big boss

who likes to keep you
working till midnight?

No chance. I promise.

Okay, good.

Hubby's on call,

and I have just confirmed
with the sitter.

Here you go, sweetie.
Do you want to say hi to Liv?

-Hi, Liv!
-Hi, Libby!

Okay, look,
I know you gotta go,

but good luck today.

Isn't this the week

you're supposed to hear about
that big VP promotion?

Yes, it was supposed to be,

but we just pulled
a last-minute acquisition

of a boutique
social media start-up,

so now Walter
is deep in "The Walter Way,"

obsessing over
every little thing about

this new company.

Meanwhile,
all the real work falls to me,

while he peacocks around.

Why does he always do this?

It's fine.

It'll be worth it when
the promotion comes through.

This is
that visual art start-up

that you were telling me about?

Yeah, ArtistAxis.

Well, you were so excited
about that one!

Well, it's gonna be...

interesting.

We have yet to see how they will
work within our system.

Ah, yes, the, uh...
corporate Odd Couple.

Definitely
their Head Designer, anyway.

I've only met him
a couple times--

online,
via video conference.

I'll be shocked if he's even
on time for this meeting.

[***]

[moans]

[***]

Hmm.

Oh, no!

[Chad] I'm Chad Ricketts,
Head of HR.

Now, I know
you folks at ArtistAxis

have a lot of questions
as you settle in.

Don't worry about it.

Feel free
to contact me any time.

Thank you, Chad,

and seriously,
same goes for me.

We want this transition
to be as smooth as possible,

so, reach out--

I'm usually hardwired
to my email 24/7.

Uh, I know that we are still
waiting for Tom Cole.

Uh, Tom might be
having connectivity issues.

Just checking in with him.

[groans]

[***]

Does he know he has to
click the link for it to work?

Sorry I'm late! Sorry.

I, uh, I lost track of time

in the land
of charcoal and paper.

-Oh.
-Hi, Liv.

Hi. Hi. We were just about
to get down to brass tacks.

That sounds... fun.

Well, hopefully, I can, uh,
I can liven the mood a bit.

I know us creative types like
a little bit of positive energy,

and hopefully, Walter doesn't
go too corporate on us

on day one.

Did somebody say "Walter"?

Yes, sir!
That was me. I did.

I was-- I was just saying
that I think that, um--

Uh, Tom was just saying

how excited
the ArtistAxis employees are

to be a part of our empire.

Oh... well,
I am glad to hear it, Tom.

You know,
when I first started

Omega Technologies,

I was just

an eager tech developer
who wanted to explore

all the corners
of the tech universe,

and now, well...
[chuckles]

...it's one of the largest
tech conglomerates

in the world.

I know, in my gut,

that with the groundwork
you've done,

this may just be
a perfect fit...

and, in order
to maintain continuity,

I want to announce

that Tom Cole
will remain Head Designer,

moving forward.

[applauding]

Anything you'd like to say?

Yeah, thanks, Walter.

Um, ahem, ever since
I joined ArtistAxis,

in the very beginning,
as Head Designer, um, it--

[sighs] ...I fell in love
with the whole concept.

And now,
with Omega Technologies,

we get to do what we do so well,
on a whole new level,

and create jobs
all across the world,

so... cheers!

[Walter, chuckling]
Well, we are very excited

to have you join our empire.

Yes, we are so excited.

Truly--

Uh, Liv, can you do me a favor

and mute yourself
while I'm talking?

Yup. So sorry.
Sorry. Muting now.

No worries. For those of you
who don't know Liv Smith,

she is our Director
of Corporate Strategy.

Uh... well, we--
we-we can't hear you now, Liv.

[clack]

Sorry, again.

I was just saying
I am so happy to be here

to implement Mr. Cook's
vision of the company,

moving forward--

whatever that may be.

Well, the first step
in my vision

is to enact
a return-to-office policy.

Effective this Monday,

all employees will return
to the office, in person.

Look, it's-it's the right move,

if we want this partnership
to be a reality.

I mean, let's all-- let's all
get to know each other

in real life, huh?

So, buckle up, rodeo riders!

'Cause it's time to go
back to the bullpen.

Uh, excuse me,

sir, if I may--

we don't currently have
the desk space

to accommodate the entire team.

Well, uh, Liv,
I've come up with a plan.

Half of the employees

will come in
on Mondays and Wednesdays

and the other half

will report on Tuesdays
and Thursdays.

Friday,
we'll all work from home--

except Chad and Jackie,

who will be here every day
to assist you all.

Well, I--
I, for one, am pumped.

I mean, in person,
with real people?

Oh, let's go.
How exciting.

[Walter] See?
That's the attitude, Tom.

I can't wait
to see you all in the building.

Ciao.

-Okay, great. Bye, everybody!
-[click]

You gotta be kidding me.

I don't--I don't really see
what the big deal is, though.

It's just
I've developed a routine,

and you know how much
I love my routines.

Right.

You have your classical music.

-Yeah.
-Matcha, yoga... oatmeal.

Yes! And I've perfected
my home office

to maximum efficiency--

it's quiet,
with no distractions.

Ah, yes, your-your sound thing,

but, I mean, isn't your office
at Omega Tech quiet?

Well, yeah, it was,

but now Walter is wanting
to put me amongst the new folk.

"Get the pulse of things."

So, with my luck, I'll be
fighting with Chad from HR

to not be stuck
at a desk by the bathroom.

Ugh.

Yeah.

So, which one
are you gonna choose?

Monday/Wednesday,
or Tuesday/Thursday?

Monday/Wednesday,

as, that way, I make it
to my quilting class

earlier on Thursdays.

See? It's all
going to work out.

As long as you don't start
fighting with Chad from HR.

Well, I'll try to hold back.

We'll see!

[***]

Hey.
Hi!

Welcome back.

Hey, Chad!

Are there no more desks
by the window?

You should've
gotten here early.

Well, I would have,
but I got stuck in traffic.

Boop!

[chuckles]

Well, I'd hurry
and grab whatever's left.

Once you're settled,

that'll be
your desk for the year.

Great!

Oh, but, but...

don't get too comfy

because that'll be
your deskmate's desk

on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

[chuckles]

[gasps] Oh!

-[thump]
-Sorry.

That's fine.

I think
there's one by the kitchen.

You know I don't do smells.

I thought
you don't do sounds?

Both, Kevin!
It's both.

Mm.

[***]

Mm. Ahem.

[blender roars]

And we're back.

[***]

[blender roars]

[shouts] How many times

does somebody have to run
that blender?

What's that, Liv?

-Hey, sir!
-Hey.

I said, uh...

how much spinach do you need,

to get the right amount
of greens?

[chuckles] Ah, well,
you know, I'm not shy.

Sometimes, I'll put
a whole clamshell in there.

You wanna try?

Yes, I do!

Okay.

Here ya go.

Mm.

Mm... mm?

[chuckles]

Good, right?

That tastes healthy.

You know, the kitchen
is the most inspiring space,

'cause every spice, every herb,
every ingredient is an idea,

and when you cook,

it just-- brr-rr-rr--

activates
the creative part of the brain.

Yes. I never
thought of it like that.

Well, I really appreciate
you being a team player,

because we're gonna need
your leadership

when it comes to onboarding
the newbies.

You know, they're gonna
have to learn the Walter Way,

especially Tom.

He's used to working
without management.

Yes, sir, and actually,
we should talk about that,

because now that
we're taking them international,

they could use
a little bit of a facelift.

Great!
Put a deck together,

and if this goes well,
who knows--

this could be
your ticket to VP.

If you get stuck,
my door is always open.

Thank you, sir.
Thank you.

And, um, if you--
if you need me...

my wall is always open.

[***]

"Dear deskmate...

I know we're supposed

to stow our personal items,

but I hope
you don't mind me

leaving out the succulent.

It needs constant light,

and I think
it spruces up the place."

You do, don't you?

"Thank you in advance
for your understanding.

Sincerely...

Ms. Monday."

[***]

Alley-oop!

Boom!

Boom... shak-a-laka!

Great pass, intern.

All right, I'll see you later.

I've gotta go
suss out the new digs.

Mm-hmm.

-Hey.
-Hey!

Devon.
My favorite twin.

-There he is.
-Boom. We got it.

Did you get a haircut?
It looks fantastic.

[***]

Hi!

[Walter] Well, there he is.

Walter, hey!
So good to meet you in person.

Are you a knuckles guy?

Or, like, a Roman
forearm-clasp kinda guy?

Well, this is not
an authentic Roman greeting.

It's just Hollywood codswallop.

"Codswallop"? Wow.
You don't hear that every day.

-Tell me, Tom.
-Yeah?

What's your post-acquisition
vision for ArtistAxis?

I mean, how do you
want to be viewed,

now that you have the power
of Omega Tech behind you?

Uh... ha, yeah.
Okay, wow!

We're diving right into it,
aren't we?

-Mm-hmm.
-Um...

I actually-- I have tons
of ideas I'd love to talk about,

but I just don't, uh,
have them all, like--

like, fleshed out right now,
you know?

Um, can I get
back to you on this?

[deep breath]

Sure. Sure.

That didn't go
very well, did it?

-Airball.
-"Airball."

Mm-hmm.

Keep it up, ladies.

This... [blows air]

-[thumps desk]
-This will do.

[grunts]

Tom!

Hey!

-Good to see ya.
-You too.

You sure this desk
is gonna work out all right?

Yeah, no, this'll be great--
I'm right next

to where all the action is.

It'll get
my creative juices flowing.

-Okay.
-Okay.

-Glad to have you here.
-Yeah, good to be here.

[Chad chuckles]

Love that energy.

All right.

[***]

Cool. All right.

"Dear... Ms. Monday,

I like the succulent.

In fact,

I've brought some things--"

-[rubber ducky squeaking]
-"...of my own."

"I hope you like them.

Sincerely..."

"...Mr. Tuesday."

[exhales]

[***]

[crumpling]

[***]

What the...?

What is this mess?

Are you kidding me?

No.

So much trash.

You have lost
your trashcan privileges.

There's so much stuff.

Why?

That's not bad, actually.

These are so random.

What's with the duck?

Why? Why the duck? I--

"Dear Mr. Tuesday...

Nice to meet you--

and your stuff.

I've been thinking--

let's just
stick to the rules.

Put our stuff away
at the end of the day."

"I'll use the bottom drawer,

and I've placed
your effects in the top."

What?

[opens drawer]

Unbelievable.

All right.

"Dear Ms. Monday--

Sure, I can't force you
to have good taste in decor.

Although, if
we're going to be consistent,

the cactus should
be put away as well.

Mr. Tuesday."

[***]

Where is my succulent?

[gasping indignantly]

Oh, how could you?

"Mr. Tuesday--

The succulent needs
constant light,

or else it will die."

[sniffing]

What is that smell?

[sniffs]

No.

[whump]

"...As we share this desk,

there is one more thing--"

Now what?

[Liv]
"Please throw away your food.

"A ham sandwich
left in a desk drawer

with the heat on all weekend

creates some very...

original smells."

Tom, come on, man!
Be better.

"Ms. Monday--

I'm so sorry.

The trash can
got moved somewhere else.

I set it in the drawer
for a minute,

and I...

completely forgot."

"As a token of my apology,

please accept
this pain au chocolat.

It is my favorite
in the entire city."

What pain au chocolat?

This says, "For the desk
closest to the kitchen."

Thanks.

[chuckles]

Oh, this pain au chocolat...

Ooh, looks good.

[chuckles]

[Tom] "Sorry again.

P.S. I'm down to keep
the cactus out at all times.

Mr. Tuesday."

[exhales in awe]

[pastry crunching]

Mm!

You are totally forgiven.

We meet again.

[ducky squeaks]

[***]

[Liv] "Dear Mr. Tuesday--

Thank you
for the croissant.

I agree,
it's the best I've had--

possibly in my life--
and I've been to Paris."

Mm!

"Maybe it's the euphoria
of the chocolate talking,

but now I'm thinking

our desk could use
a little more sprucing up.

I like this blue color.

It almost hurts my eyes
to look at it.

What is it?

Your 'choco-ganger,'

Ms. Monday."

"Choco-ganger." [chuckles]

-[bang]
-Whoa!

Sorry!

Come on, Ms. Monday,

learn how
to work a desk chair.

[***]

[Tom] "Dear Ms. Monday--

It's called 'YInMn Blue,'

the first new blue pigment

since the invention of cobalt,
200 years ago.

It gets its name
from a combination

of Yttrium,
Indium, and Manganese oxides.

Yeah, nerd alert. Ha.

Okay, I'll try
something more broad.

Look in the drawer."

What is he up to?

Oh! We are chatty today,
Mr. Tuesday.

"How are you adjusting to life
back at the office?

I think we got
the best seat in the house,

even when you boobytrap it

by forgetting to tighten
the adjustment knob."

[gasps]
I did do that. I'm sorry.

"Last time I sat down,

I was reminded
of my childhood

and that time

I got violently ill
on a rollercoaster."

[Liv] "That's funny,

because
I feel like I'm lowriding,

after you've adjusted the chair
to your preferred height."

[chuckling]

[clicks pen]

[Tom] "I like that visual.

You should play
the 'Lowrider' song

next time you sit down."

[laughs] "Lowrider."
That's a good idea.

"I think a Bach concerto

would be a better soundtrack
to the seat falling.

Much more conducive
to the workplace."

[Tom] "How refined of you!

Have you always had
such classy taste in music?"

[Liv] "I just feel like

if you're gonna do
something stressful,

you might as well be listening
to something relaxing."

"I like the way
you think!"

"Likewise.

We should be
in business together."

Wink-face.

[Tom] "Speaking of--

I'm assuming
Ms. Monday will be

at the all-hands meeting
this Monday?"

[Liv] "Wouldn't miss it!

Plus, it's mandatory,
so we literally can't."

"Should I bring
a single red rose

to reveal my identity?"

"Sincerely...
Ms. Monday."

[Tom] "You know,
I've been thinking about this.

Maybe we keep
our identities secret for now,

just to keep it simple--
and who knows?

You could end up
being my boss,

for all we know.

I'd hate to ruin
what we have here

with boring office politics.

Thoughts?

Mr. Tuesday."

[Liv] "After
thoughtful consideration,

I concur.

I'm happy to keep

our uncomplicated, sweet,
refreshing relationship

literally literal.

Sincerely,
Ms. Monday."

[***]

[***]

Is this spot reserved?

No, no, no. We are
all equals at Omega Tech.

Liv, right?

Yeah.

Tom... Cole!

You got it. Great to meet you
in person, finally.

Yeah. Yeah, you, too.
It's so funny, you look--

I mean,
you look different in person.

You know, I get that a lot.

I must not
have a face for video.

Maybe I should get one of those
ring lights everyone uses.

Well, you do work
in social media,

so you probably should.

Fair point.

So, what's with this, uh,
end-of-the-day meeting, huh?

Well, Walter gets
what Walter wants,

and he likes
to end the day on a high.

Oh, yeah?
Is this gonna be a high?

He will think so.

[laughing]

Sorry, I should
probably get back to this,

because Walter
has me presenting, and--

Oh! Oh, hey, no, please.
By all means.

Go knock 'em dead.

Thank you.

[over speakers]
Welcome to Omega Tech!

How's everybody doing?

[team applauding]

Ah, the energy in this room
is amazing.

My goal, as Chairman,

is to integrate ArtistAxis
into our portfolio of platforms

that will enable us
to scale up its offerings

to an international level,

and when
we're finished updating,

a designer in Topeka

will be able to team up
with a firm in Tokyo,

and here to propose to us
how we're gonna do that

is my Director
of Corporate Strategy,

Liv Smith.

Let's hear it for her.

[applauding]

Thank you, Walter.

Now, I promise
to keep this short and sweet.

To launch this new era,

I propose that we start
by refreshing

the ArtistAxis brand,

starting with the logo.

In order to appeal

to Omega Tech's
existing international audience,

we need to elevate
how ArtistAxis is seen

around the world.

Keeping to the heart of it,
of course,

but just a little sprucing up.

Hoo-hoo-hoo!
You're in my head!

I mean, I had-- I had a dream
that we did exactly same thing.

Good, because I had a nightmare

that he fired me
for having this idea.

[laughter]

So, if you will indulge
my presentation,

I have a four-point process

on how we can collaboratively
come to a consensus that--

No, no, no. No need. No need.

It-It's beautiful!

Everything else remains on hold
until we unveil the new logo.

And Liv--

um, you're gonna have
to figure out who on Tom's team

is the correct person
to take the design.

From now on,

their design team
reports to you.

Well done!

Let's hear it for her! Yes!

[applauding]

-Hey, Walter?
-Yeah?

Um, so, typically,

the lead designer
usually takes point

on the whole brand-design
decisions, you know?

-Yeah, um, Tom--
-Yeah?

Remember when
I asked you about vision?

Yeah.

Well, Liv has it.

I think you're gonna learn a lot
from working with her.

Yeah.

Hey, everybody!

Let's hear it for the future!
Hello.

Well... huh.

Uh, looks like
we're not equals after all.

[***]

Couldn't this
have been a call?

Yes, it could have been,

but I wanted
to meet face-to-face

and buy you coffee.

You mean matching matchas?

Well, it's
my favorite drink and...

look, I just wanted
to extend an olive branch,

while we address
the elephant in the room.

You mean your absorbing
of my entire division?

Well, Walter's decision,
not mine.

I know, but come on--
I was blindsided.

So was I!
I had a whole plan,

and Walter wouldn't even
let me present it.

Then why didn't
you say something?

I tried to and--

okay.

Transparently,

I have been up
for this promotion

for months now,

and every time
I think it's about to happen,

Walter puts something else
in front of me,

and I have to deal with it,

so if we could just
get this done quickly,

that would be great.

[chuckle-scoffs]

How do you do it?

What, exactly?

Well, clearly,
you're a smart, strong woman.

Why do you bend
to whatever he wants?

Walter has ideas
and I execute them--

that's how this works.

I'm not mad at you,

I am mad at the situation.

I know.

I know
that the situation is awkward,

but I do believe
the rebrand is important.

Yeah, I agree.

Great.

In fact, I-I do have
a designer in mind

to take, uh, the lead
on the logo redesign.

Oh, okay.

Me. [chuckles]

If you'll allow it?

Really?

Yeah, why not?

I mean, I got my start

doing the whole design concept
for ArtistAxis,

ever since it was
an itty-bitty, little baby.

Now, I know
it has to grow up,

but please, let me be the one
to send it off to college.

Are you sure
you're not too close to it?

I'm absolutely too close to it,

but I think that's why
we've succeeded.

I-- look, I can design something
that will work for both of us.

Okay, I guess so.

Oh, by the way,

tell your department heads
to RSVP

for the team-building event
next week.

Literally nobody from your side
has responded.

What, you mean
people aren't excited

to do trust falls
with the accounting department?

That's strange.

I will rally the troops.

Thank you.

[***]

-Mom...
-Mm-hmm?

You gotta sit still,

or else you're gonna have
a crooked nose over here.

Sorry, I'm just a bit nervous
about moving here.

I don't like being
the new kid on the block.

Okay, well, it's not a block,
it's a village,

and it's named after
my favorite Rush song,

so it's gotta be great.

I thought "Xanadu" was
an Olivia Newton John movie?

Also a Coleridge poem.

Either way,
you're in good company.

You're all the company
I need, Thomas.

Hey! I know you want
to meet some new friends.

You just gotta get out there.

There's so many activities here.

You just gotta pick one and...

[snaps]
...see what happens.

Well, I did see there's
a quilting class on Thursdays.

Perfect. Great!

I want a full report
on your first class.

Fine!

Are you done yet?

Whoa, whoa. You are not
supposed to rush a masterpiece,

but yes, I'm done.

[gasps] Oh...

you really are a talent.

Oh, you are obligated
to say that.

Hey...

I know leaving the house

has been a hard transition
for you,

and I want you to know,

I am so proud
of how brave you've been.

Well, enough about me.

Tell me
what's happening at work.

Oh, work? Pfft!

You know, ups and downs,
lefts and rights--

that sort of thing.

I also sort of met someone.

-[gasps]
-Well--

-Interesting.
-Okay--

actually, I haven't
officially "met" her.

[chuckles awkwardly]

We just share a desk
and write notes to each other.

I actually don't even
know who she is.

Dating
is so different these days.

I wouldn't even call what
we're doing "dating," per se.

It's really more like, uh,
we're pen pals.

You know? It's nice.

Oh, come on!
Don't give me that look.

Look, it-it could
end in disaster.

I think maybe you need
to take some of your own advice

and put yourself
out there a bit.

Off the page,
and into the real world?

Ohh...

You're good.
You're good, you.

[laughs]

Maybe.

[***]

Oh, Mr. Tuesday!

[Tom] "I hope these help
with your noise situation.

Also, loving the sticky notes,

but I think we have graduated
to the Omega Tech app.

I set up a secondary account
for 'Mr. Tuesday.'

See you there?"

[blender starts roaring]

[silence falls]

Oh, wow!

Ohh.

[***]

[grunts]

[ball hits floor]

[notification chimes]

[Liv] "These headphones
work wonders.

Thank you so much.

I feel seen... and heard."

[chime]

[Tom] "You are!

Aside from the fact

that we've never
seen each other

or heard each other's voices."

"That's on you, Tuesday.

You're the one that wanted
to stay anonymous."

"True, but you also agreed,

and to be clear--
I didn't mean forever.

Just until we decide
to tell each other,

or until
one of us figures it out."

Mm.

"Deal!"

Ah... deal.

[***]

Yes! Hah!

Nice shot!

Well, I had
a lot of time to practice.

Do we need to buy you
a watch?

Touché.

Sorry, it's just weird
coming in on a Friday.

I know, I'm sorry about that.

It's the only day
I could do--

but I did bring something

that I think
is gonna make up for it.

-Is this from Ooh La La?
-Yes!

-Ohh...
-The day I tried one,

my life was altered forever.

Yeah, they tend to do that.

Yeah. All right. So, uh,
shall we talk about the logo?

No.

Okay.

Well, that's kinda
the whole point of this meeting.

I don't wanna talk about
what the logo's going to be.

I want to understand
the "why" behind the change.

Oh, the "why"
is because Walter said so.

No, no, no. Don't do that.
Don't blame this on Walter.

This was your idea,
to rebrand,

so... what's the "why"?

All right, well,
I'm about to give you

all the "why" you can handle--
take a seat.

Ooh, is it too late
to retract my question?

Yup!

So, I conducted some surveys
on your old logo.

-Yeah?
-And...

in North America,
the results were positive,

but I was shocked
at the results

of the other five continents
that I polled.

As you can see,

favorability plummets
quite drastically.

If we want
to appeal worldwide, together,

something's gotta change.

Okay, boss,
what do we change?

Well, that's what
I wanna figure out.

Together.

See, that's what I'm worried
isn't gonna be possible,

'cause, clearly, you and I
are coming at this

from two very different angles.

Okay, well,
even in that case,

I mean,
we gotta intersect somewhere.

Yeah, I'm just worried

that that's gonna be
a head-on collision.

[sighs]

[***]

Here we go.
That's for you.

Thank you.

[***]

Hi! Welcome.

Don't be shy.
We love first-timers.

Oh, thanks for having me.
Uh, I'm Judie.

I'm Liv.

I volunteer here
every other week.

All right, Judie, so what is
your level of experience?

Are you a beginner,

or should I have you
teach the class?

Somewhere in between.

Well, do you want
to help me set up?

-I'd love to.
-Great!

So we can just lay out some of
the fabrics. Thank you.

Oh... these are beautiful.

Picked them out myself.

-Nicely done!
-Thank you.

So, if you're a volunteer,
what do you do for work?

Corporate strategy
at a tech firm.

My son
works at a tech company!

Oh.

I should introduce you.

She doesn't do setups.

Lois, Judie.
Judie, Lois.

I've been trying to set her up
with my Stephen for years,

but she refuses!

Well, if I say yes to one,

then I have to say yes
to them all.

Understood.

But it's your own fault

for being charming
and beautiful.

Oh, ladies!

That's what
I'm always saying!

[giggles]
Can I help you with this?

Oh, yes.

[brassy fanfare plays]

[***]

[grandly] Behold!
The Omega Tech Games!

[applauding]

The games

will consist of several
team-building activities.

You will compete
in teams of two,

selected by me,
randomly.

Here are
the first five teams--

[whoosh]

-We're on the same team!
-Yeah!

-Great.
-Of course.

[twins] Double trouble!

[together] Jinx!

First up,
our obstacle course!

[cheering]

Simple, right?

Wrong!

As you can see--

or... can't see--

-Oh.
-[Chad chuckles]

One half of your pair
is blindfolded

while the other will be
calling out instructions.

First team to the end
of the obstacle course

will be declared
the victor.

[cheering]

[applauding]

All right. Well,
this should be interesting.

-I'm on this side.
-Oh, hey.

What, do you think
I'm gonna give you

bad directions
or something?

No, I just think
that you and I have, uh,

very different
communication styles.

Oh, okay. Well,
let's hope not too different.

On your mark--

get set...

Jackie?

[tweeting]

Okay! Um, come this way.
Come this way.

Coming this way.
Okay, all right.

Then you're gonna go out,
and you're gonna go in.

Out and in!

-Okay, yeah, yeah, yeah!
-Perfect.

This is it, this is it!

You're doing great.
Okay, okay...

Amazing!
Keep going!

-Yes!
-Yeah.

[***]

You're doing so good!

And stop!

Okay, there's an object
on the ground in front of you.

-Yeah?
-You're gonna reach down

and you're gonna pick it up!

-Okay.
-Right, there it is.

-Do you know what it is?
-Oh, yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah.

Okay, uh, five. Two, three.

Oh, no-- yup!
One, two, three, four, five.

Yes, perfect. Perfect.
You did it. You did it.

So, um, step over.

Big step up.
Yeah, but a little bit toward--

-[tweeting]
-Yes, you did it!

Yay!

-We did it!
-Yes!

All right, can I get down?

You can get down,
you can get down.

-Whoa.
-Good job.

Honestly, you nailed that.

Hey. Well, I think it's because
I had good direction--

from, uh, a great director--

you, you were the director.

-No, I know!
-Oh, you know that?

-See my "director" pose?
-Oh, you were doing the--

Nice. Okay.

-Okay, so here's the thing.
-Yeah?

-We were great--
-Mm-hmm?

...However, the twins beat us
by, like, that much--

so we cannot rest
on our laurels.

All right,
don't worry about them.

We are gonna
own this next event.

You know it.

[both] Pew!

-What?
-Hey!

That's my thing.

All righty, friends!

It is time
for our second challenge.

Bum-ba-dum-da-da-dah!

This challenge will test

how well you and your partner
know our office.

Our first question--

what distinguishes ArtistAxis
from its competitors?

[buzz]

Tom?

We were the first
social media platform

made specifically
for artists to get work.

Ding-ding-ding-ding-
ding-ding-ding!

That is correct!

[cheering and applauding]

You nailed it!

Our final question

comes from our founder,
Walter Cook--

what space in our office
should inspire us the most?

[buzz]

Devon?

That's easy--
our desks.

Ehh!

-I'm sorry.
-I know this!

That is not the answer
we're looking for.

[buzzer blares]

Liv?

The kitchen--

where every ingredient
is an inspiration.

That is correct!

-[cheering]
-Congrats, Tom and Liv!

You have won
the second challenge,

which means you are tied--

-Oh, yes!
-...With Kevin and Devon.

We did it.

Yes, we did.

-That was great. Let's--
-That's what we did.

Let's... do it!

Yup, let's go.
Let's, uh... this way. This way.

Okay, remember--

if the balloons
touch the ground,

you will be disqualified.

All right.
On your marks, please?

-Get as close as we can.
-Okay. We good?

Three, two...

-Jackie!
-[tweeting]

[***]

Tom and Liv!

[cheering]

-Yes!
-Oh!

We did it!

Oh!

Congratu--

Ohh-- whoo!

Congratulations.

Thank you.

-Liv, here is your basket.
-Thank you!

We, uh, we make
a pretty good team.

We do, don't we?

Uh, do you wanna go look
and see what's in here?

Yeah, let's see what we go.

Ooh, this is so exciting.

Looks like there's
some pretty good stuff in here.

Let's see!

Oh, wait. Is this... [gasps]

...a gift voucher
to Enclave?

That's fancy!

Oh, I've always
wanted to go there.

-Me too.
-Ooh, this is cool!

"A private cooking lesson
with a celebrity chef."

[exhales]

Romantic.

I know!

Who would--
Who would you take to that?

I don't--
I don't know.

Are you-- Are you, uh,
are you seeing anyone?

No, not technically.

Um, but I-- I mean,
I have someone in mind.

Same.

Cool.

[chuckles]

You are so good at coloring,
Lizzie.

She loves these crayons, Liv.
What a great gift, right?

It looks beautiful.
You are quite the artiste.

Can I see?

-Mm-hmm!
-Yeah? Okay.

-[smack]
-[gasps]

When I'm finished.

Oh, yes. Right.
Of course. I'm so sorry.

How dare you disturb
the Master?

[giggling]

Oh, Lizzie,
have you seen "Bluetiful"?

-It's my favorite.
-Ooh, I love that color!

Yeah! And it was
inspired by YInMn Blue.

Gin-min?

The first new shade of blue
to be discovered

since the invention of cobalt
200 years ago.

Mm-hmm.

I don't think
she found that interesting.

Sounds like someone's
been binge-watching Jeopardy.

No, I just learned it
from a friend at work.

Is it a guy?

[words catch]

Okay! No, no, no.
Out with it!

It's not a big deal.

It's just a friend
that I exchange messages with,

and a lot of DMs--

but it's just... casual.

Mm-hmm, yeah--
"casual,"

except from the way
that you are turning red,

I can tell
that you wish it was serious.

No, it's-- it's not!

I mean, I-- I like him--

Mm-hmm?

...But I haven't met him yet.

What?

I know, but it's just--

we're just getting
to know each other.

You know?

In an organic way,
with no pressure,

but the longer it goes on,

the more
I wanna meet him.

Well, then, yeah,
I say go for it.

Yeah, go for it!

[laughs] You think so?

Well, yeah.

I mean, worst case,
we could just be friends.

Or, you know, you could
have an office romance

that fails miserably,

and ultimately
leads to termination

without severance, so...

-Mom!
-What?

Thank you, Lizzie!

At least someone's on my side.

I am on your side.

That looks so pretty, Lizzie.

[Lizzie] Thanks.

I can hardly wait.

Well...

wait no longer.

It's perfect!

-I told you he was a genius.
-Well--

Thank you so much.

-My pleasure.
-I can hardly wait

to show everyone!

[Lois laughs]

Ahh...

Thank you for doing that.

Well, yeah.

When she saw
the one you did of me,

she couldn't
stop talking about it,

so I-- I volunteered
your services.

Hey, how was
your quilting class, by the way?

Oh, it was wonderful.

I-I made lots of friends,

and the gal that teaches it
is just lovely.

Oh.

Wish I could introduce you,

but she has
a strict "no setups" policy.

You guys really get into it
over at the Quilting Frame,

don't you?

We have no secrets
in the Square of Trust.

[laughs]

By the by, uh...

don't you, uh, have a crush
on your, uh, pen-pal?

Ah, yes, I do, and thank you
for never forgetting

any embarrassing detail
about my life.

It's not embarrassing,
it's adorable!

It's been really fun.

It's been...

I don't know, I feel like
we can just message for hours,

you know, and the longer
I keep this going,

the more I want to...
meet her in person, you know?

And the problem is?

Well, it's not a problem,
it's just--

well, I want it
to be special, you know?

I-I don't want it to be, like,
that normal thing

of, "Hey, let's grab a coffee
or drinks,"

or "let's go for a hike."

You know, I want it
to be... elevated.

I want it to be creative.

Speaking of creative,
I gotta--

I gotta really nail down
this logo redesign.

Once I square that away,
then I can focus on Ms. Monday.

But don't wait too long,

or you might miss
Ms. Monday all together.

Don't you have a bingo game
to get to, or something?

I do! Ooh...
[blows kiss]

Okay.

[boff]

[thumps desk]

[groans]

Pfft!

[groaning]

[***]

No, no, no!

[fumes]

Um...

[notification chimes]

[Tom] "What was the music
you listen to

that helps you with work?

I have no idea
how to tackle a big assignment,

and it's stressing me out."

[Liv]
"Sorry to hear that.

-I listen to Baroque music."
-Baroque music!

"It's mathematical,
calming...

I love this performance
of Bach's 'Air.'

It instantly relaxes me.

For maximum effectiveness,

try listening to it

while doing yoga...
with candles."

[chuckles]
And she sent a link.

[orchestral track begins]

"The lesson being--

life is short,
but art lasts forever."

[***]

[crescendo builds]

[***]

[notification chimes]

[Tom] "Thank you so much
for the musical advice.

And adding candlelit yoga?

What a life hack!

Who knew my deskmate
was so inspiring?"

"Glad you took me up on that.

It's a real trifecta.

Candlelight
is a non-negotiable.

Ambiance is my love language.

You have to set the scene,
put some magic in the air."

You have to set
the scene.

[laughs]

"Okay. This is too much!

I know
I said we shouldn't meet,

but you are too incredible--

I have to meet you."

[laughs and squeals]
I have to meet you, too!

[exhales]

"That's a lot of pressure.

What if
we don't hit it off?"

"We have to try.

I'll make it easy.

Dinner for two.

This Sunday,
say, 6:30 p.m.?"

"Let's do it.

Just tell me where,
and I'm there."

Um...

Um...

"How about Enclave?

Best view in the city."

Enclave?
He is not messing around.

"Oh, wow, high-end
for a first date.

Are you sure?"

A hundred percent!

"Then, I'm in!"

[deep breath]

[contented sigh]

"I... guess

I will see Ms. Monday...

this Sunday."

Ee!

[lively pop intro plays]

[***]

[humming to song]

* Mm, hmm, hmm, mm... *

Someone's in a good mood.

Yeah... Liv.

You look like Lois when she hit
back-to-back bingos last Sunday.

What's going on?

Okay, am I being
that obvious?

You're tying knots
at warp speed.

Something's up!

I don't know.
I'm embarrassed!

"Square of Trust."

What is it?

Okay.

You remember that work-crush
I told you both about?

[both] Mm-hmm.

He finally asked me out!

About time!

That's wonderful!

I know, I'm excited.

This one
just feels different.

There must be
something in the air,

because my son just asked out

his colleague on a date,
as well.

Good for him!

Mm-hmm! He's taking her
to Enclave this Sunday.

[Lois] How romantic!

Oh, my son

could learn a thing
from your Tom,

if you ask me.

"Tom"? Tom.

Your son's name is Tom?

Well, I call him "Thomas,"
but yes.

[awkward chuckle]

Huh! Ohh...

Uh, uh, w-where does he work?

Have you ever heard

of a company
called "ArtistAxis"?

Yeah, I have.

He's one of
the original employees there.

You don't say?

Mm. He really likes this woman.

I told him to keep
his head out of the clouds

until he's had
a few dates with her,

but he's really smitten!

He calls her "Ms. Monday."

[Lois giggles]

[chuckling reluctantly]

[***]

[squeaking]

Well, hello there.

Well... hey.

Hi!

You look nice.

I just wanted to feel sharp
for the pitch.

Mission accomplished.

Thank you.

So, this is, uh,
this is where you sit?

This is where I sit.

I like the space.

Love the succulent.

Oh, yeah. Me too!

You know, actually,
this...

was a compromise
between me and my deskmate.

So you talk to them?

Oh, yeah.

We, like, uh, exchange notes,
and text on the Omega Tech app.

I call her Ms. Monday,
she calls me Mr. Tuesday.

Okay, well, that is cute.

It's pretty cute.

So it sounds like you guys
are becoming good friends?

Well...

-between you and me...
-Yeah?

...I think we might be becoming
a bit more than friends.

Interesting.

I asked her out.

We're finally gonna
meet in person.

Oh, okay.

Well, I mean, hey,

are you worried
that you might not hit it off?

No. No,
I can tell with this one.

Mm, okay.

Can I ask you
a personal question?

Sure. I won't tell HR.

Mm, that's funny.

What is it
that you like about her?

I don't know.

She's-- She's special.

Like, in what way?

Well, just, like,
the creativity

of the passing notes,
you know?

Um, the playful mystique
of it all.

She's not afraid
to speak her mind,

but also can be vulnerable,

which I'm just not used to,
at all.

Well, maybe the reason
she feels comfortable

is because of the anonymity?

Maybe.

But that's why I asked her out.

You know, you can only
get to know someone so much

through texts and notes
and stuff.

Mm-hmm.

I don't know,
but so far she's been...

amazing.

[chuckles]

And you're about to see
another reason why!

Oh? Okay. What do you mean?

Let's just say,

I was pretty stumped
about that logo redesign.

-Yeah?
-Then Ms. Monday

gave me a little advice

that led to a brilliant
stroke of inspiration--

and after I listened
to classical Baroque music

all weekend-- [snaps]
...I finally figured it out.

You know, I, also, love...

classical Baroque music--

especially Bach.

Really?

Yeah.

Am I the last person
to the Bach party?

-Anyway--
-Yeah.

...She just knew exactly what
I needed in that moment, right?

I just felt so supported.

I don't know, she's--
she's one of a kind.

Well, don't worry,
because I will not tell HR.

Tell HR what?

[forced cheer]
Oh! There he is.

-Hey... Chad.
-Just jokin' around.

Go back to your cubicle!
[uneasy giggle]

Came out of nowhere, you...

[mouths words]

Wow.

Yes! [laughs]

Uh, we should probably
get down to business?

-Yes! Yes, we-- yeah, we should.
-Yes. Okay, here. Come here.

Okay.

So, you said
that the old logo

didn't test well
internationally.

Drumroll, please?

Oh! Um...
[mocks drumrolling]

-Very nice.
-Thank you.

[flop]

The world...

connected by a brushstroke.

Well, this is...

-...really good.
-Yeah?

Yes.
It's really, really good.

I mean, we still
have to run market tests--

Of course. No, no, no.

...But my first instinct
is very positive.

Good job.

Thank you.

I really think that Walter
is going to love this.

I sorta...

...hate it?

Mm, actually...

I really hate it.

Uh, what do you hate, sir?

It's a little...
simple, bland.

It doesn't break any ground.

Well, okay, but the simplicity
is its beauty, in my opinion.

Yeah, it doesn't work for me.

Uh, if I may, sir?

-Maybe we test it first and--
-Yeah.

...Hold off on
a final decision,

until we have our data?

Yeah, yeah. Nope. Scrap it.

Just-- Just bring me
something different.

Okay, with all due respect,
sir--

Um, you know what?

We understand.
You're right, Walter.

Um, we will go back
to the drawing board

and bring you something fresh.

You know what?

I should-- I should
design the logo myself.

Pardon?

Well, it's my vision,

so I should be the one
to design it, right?

[scoffs]

Well, then... um...

I will let you get to that.

Animal, vegetable, mineral--

it's like all over the place.

The brain can't shut off--
poof!

It's all coming into the brain--

animal brand--

or can we go with the sky,

maybe a cloud, maybe, with a--
you gettin' all this, Liv?

[***]

16 minutes late.

Okay. No big deal.

No big deal.

[background music playing]

[***]

Ah, just chill, Tom.

She will make it.
She will make it.

Just chill.

[***]

Liv?

Hey.

What are you doing here?

I'm... meeting someone.

You?

Yeah. Yeah. Uh, "Ms. Monday."

[chuckles] Oh.

What are the odds that we'd be
meeting at the same place?

Well, pretty high, I guess--
we both just won

a gift certificate
to this place, remember?

-Right.
-Right.

-Right.
-[chuckles]

The rose is a nice touch.

Oh, thank you.

So what time is your date?

6:30. Yeah.
She's a little late.

Mm, well, at least you'll both
have tardiness in common.

Ha! Yeah. Let me guess--
you're a full hour

early for your date?

No!

A half an hour.

-Mm.
-I just-- I wanted to get here

early and get a table
by the fireplace.

You know...
ambiance--

it's so important
on a first date.

I would say
that it's my love language.

[host] Hi!

Would you and your date
like a seat in our lounge area

while your table's being set?

Oh, uh, she's not my date.

I'm sorry.

Uh, you two looked
so cute together,

I just figured she was
the one you were waiting for.

No, we're-- we're colleagues,
but we're not dating.

Okay.

Well, would you still
like that seat?

Oh, yes. That'd be great.

Great. Just this way.

Okay.

Would--
Would you want to join me

while you're waiting
for your date?

Sure. Yeah, I'll, um...
I'll meet you there.

I'm just gonna go
wash my hands real quick.

-Okay.
-Okay.

Great.

Sorry. Okay.

[notification chimes]

[Liv] "So sorry to do this
so last-minute--

I had some things come up

and I won't be able
to make it tonight.

Raincheck?"

Okay.

You can do this.

Just tell him.

Mm.

[***]

[soft background music plays]

I'm sorry about your date.

Oh, no. It's fine.

She was probably
too good to be true anyway.

I don't know
what I was thinking--

given my dating luck.

[chuckles]

Um... ahem.

I, uh, I want
to tell you something,

but I'm not sure
how you're gonna take it.

Oh, please don't kick me
while I'm down.

You've already done enough
with that Walter meeting.

Wait, are you being serious?

Yeah. Well, you were there.
You saw what happened.

Yeah, I... I was there.

That's why I'm confused.

I mean, what do you think
that I did, exactly?

Well, it's what
you didn't do.

I mean, you let
Walter trash all my ideas.

I kinda needed you
to have my back in there.

No, I did have your back.

I told him
that I loved your design.

Yeah, but then you caved,
and then he pushed back.

Because I know him!
He made up his mind.

What else
was I supposed to do?

Say "no"?

You know
that I can't say no to Walter.

Why not?
He pays you for your advice,

not to just agree
with everything he says.

That's unfair.

Okay, maybe you're right.

I-I don't know all
your interactions with Walter,

but I-I have seen

that your desire to...

follow all the rules

and do everything right
has sort of...

lead you to be a "yes woman."

It's not a--
It's not a bad thing.

I mean, look how far
you've gotten.

You-You've got
a lot of amazing qualities.

Liv, you do.

I mean, you're smart,
you're charming...

[stammers]
You're obviously beautiful.

[chuckles awkwardly]

I just think
that you could stand

to stick to your gut
a little bit more.

You know?

It's just my two cents.

I mean, I don't know, I-I--

Maybe I'm talking crazy.
Look, don't listen to me.

Look, I'm, um...

I'm gonna get out of here.

Your date will be here
any minute.

I really hope
it goes better than mine.

Hey, Tom?

Um...

I'm sure that Ms. Monday
will make it up to you.

[chuckles skeptically]

Yeah, I hope so.

[***]

[***]

[Lois] Hey, there!

[click]

Oh, hi!

What are you doing here?

I just--
I forgot some of my things.

What are you two doing up?

We're adults.

Curfews don't apply to us.

Fair enough.

Plus, we heard
the click-clack of heels

that definitely didn't belong
to any of us.

We had to investigate.

[laughs]

So?

So... what?

How was the big date,
"Ms. Monday"?

Wait, how-how--
how did you know?

Oh, honey, please!

We may be old,
but we're not blind.

The second
I mentioned Tom's name,

you lit up
like Aurora Borealis.

Wait. Does he know?

You didn't tell him tonight?

No. I-I was going to,

but things didn't quite
go as planned.

We guessed that.

Why?

If it went well, you wouldn't
be at an old folks' home,

grabbing quilting supplies.

That's a good point.

I need to fix this.

I realized tonight
how much I like your son, Judie.

Unfortunately,
I don't think

that he likes me very much
right now,

but I need to try
to make it up to him

before he figures it out.

Just promise me
that you won't tell him

until I've had
a chance to tell him myself?

I swear on The Square.

[***]

[chuckling]

[***]

Thanks so much for doing this.

When they saw the one
you did for Lois,

everybody wanted one.

I know!

I can feel it
in my carpal tunnel.

-Ohh--
-I'm just kidding.

It was all worth it.

[conspicuously]
Oof, too close for these eyes.

I need some perspective.

It's pretty good.

Ahh.

Oh, it's much better
from back here!

Oh, yeah?

So can I ask about
Ms. Monday?

She just reached out to me

to see if I wanted
a do-over on our date.

That's great news!

I've got this gift certificate

for an Italian
private cooking class

that I want to take her to,

but she can't go
for, like, a month.

Well... c-can't you think of
anyone else you might, uh...

w-want to make pasta with?

Why, you wanna go with me?

You know I don't do Italian.

-It gives me reflux.
-Reflux, right.

I'm just saying
maybe you don't want

to put all your eggs
in Monday's basket?

Well, who else
am I supposed to take?

Oh... I don't know! Uh...

I'm sure there's, uh, someone
you could think of taking.

Oh!

Oh...
[chuckles awkwardly]

Is that... Liv Smith?

Oh... yes!

That's the-- my, uh,

talented and beautiful
quilting instructor

I told you about.

Uh, you know her?

Yeah, I know her!
I-I work with her.

I didn't know
she volunteered here.

What a wild coincidence!

I'll get a photo of this.

[***]

[stunned] W--

So I-I know you're very busy,
so I'll let you go.

All right,
I'll talk to you later, Mom.

Let me know how it all unfolds.

All right. Will do.

[***]

I thought we agreed
we wouldn't meddle.

Oh, that wasn't meddling.

That was... giving my son
a motherly nudge.

[Lois chuckles]

I didn't give anything away!

"I swear on The Square."

[Lois giggles]

[meditative
instrumental music plays]

[***]

-"Om..."
-[gasping]

[laughs] Hi.

Youhave got
some explaining to do.

What?

[***]

Um, I'm really sorry
that I didn't tell you myself.

Please don't be mad at me?
I--

Mad at you?

[laughs]
Because I found out

you volunteer
at a retirement community?

What do you think I am,
a monster?

-Here.
-Thank you.

-Yeah.
-Um... no.

No, I just--
I don't tell people.

How'd you find out?

I was visiting my mom,

I look up on the wall,
and I see a picture of you.

You know my mom, Judie?

I think
she's in your quilting class.

Looks like me--
tall, long hair, great skin.

I do, indeed. Solid gal.

That's my mom.
She speaks very highly of you.

-Does she, now?
-Mm-hmm.

Apparently, a couple weeks ago,
she tried to set me up with you,

but you have
a "no setup" policy over there?

Do you blame me?

No, I--
it's genius, actually,

but I gotta do
something similar,

now that I'm volunteering there.

Oh? I didn't know
you were doing that.

Yeah, they've got me doing
sketches of the residents.

It's pretty cute.

You're gonna have
to check it out,

when you go there.

I definitely will do that.

Sorry, did you wanna--
uh, did you want to talk to me?

Right! Yes. Right.

The reason I'm here, yeah--

well, first of all,

I wanted to say how cool it is
that you volunteer.

Um, I wanted to bring you
a coffee-- check--

and I wanted to apologize
for the other night.

I was clearly upset
about being stood up,

and I took it out on you,

and I'm sorry.

Well, you had every right
to be upset,

but I appreciate
you saying that, so...

and thank you.

Mm-- [gulps]

That's not a coffee,
that's a matcha.

[worried] That's--
That's your drink, right?

-Yeah. Yeah, it is.
-Matcha?

Uh, how was your date?

Hello? The one you were
30 minutes early for?

-Right! Right. Um...
-How'd it go after I left?

Um, well,
it was... awkward.

I ended it early.

Looks like we both
had disappointing nights.

Mm, definitely anti-climactic.

Hey.

How would you feel
about joining me

for that cooking class
we won?

-Yeah?
-Yeah.

Yeah! I...
I would love to.

Great.

How about...
next Thursday?

Ohh. Perfect.

I will talk to Chef Anthony
about next Thursday.

[***]

Well, ladies, you have truly
outdone yourselves.

It's glorious!

Just perfect.

Well, now comes the hard part.

You two are gonna have to fight
over who gets to keep it.

No, we've already
figured that out.

Not much of a fight, either.

Okay, so,
who's the lucky one?

-You!
-You!

What? No, I can't take this.

You've both
worked so hard on it.

Well, we couldn't
have done this without you.

And, besides, we can make more!

We're just getting good at it.

Thank you!
That means the world to me.

Bring it in here.

You know,

a good quilt is always nice
for a cozy moment.

They're great for cuddling.

Okay, you two.

What?

Oh, we're just saying--

Yeah, yeah.
I'm sure you are.

But, I mean...

if you happen to have
any tidbits of "Tom wisdom"--

like, stuff he likes,
stuff he doesn't like?

It's funny
you should mention that,

because I just, um...
happen to have

this, uh... list

of some of the snacks
and drinks he loves.

You "just happened"
to have this?

Oh, I am always
prepared for my Thomas.

[laughs]

[***]

Diabolical.

Whatever do you mean?

Can't a friend
share...

a simple discovery
with another friend?

Especially if that discovery

might assist
her sweet, oblivious son?

Your words, not mine.

Thank you for this.

And for the quilt--
I will treasure it.

Actually, before I go,
could you show me something?

-Sure!
-Yeah.

[***]

Wow.

You know, your son doesn't
seem so oblivious after all.

With creativity and art?

Absolutely not.

With everything else?
I have stories!

-[laughs]
-So?

Are you gonna tell him tonight?

I think I'm gonna take
the advice that Tom gave me.

Which is?

Trust my gut...

and play it by ear.

Sounds like a good plan to me.

[***]

[claps]
Hello?

Sorry I'm late--
I'm so late--

but I'm here now.

[***]

This is the right place,
isn't it?

Sì, signore.

Wow! [chuckles]

Look at you.
You look wonderful.

Thank you.

And look at this spread!

Oh, just a few things
I had the chef whip up.

It's like
you read my mind with this.

Good.

Vino Verde?

Stop it.

What?

That is my favorite wine.

Is it?

What are the odds?

So, where's the chef?

He's just in the back,
preparing.

So, for now...

it is just

you and me.

Great.

[clink]

Buongiorno!

[giggling]

[with forced cheer]
...And Chad?

Yeah, he asked
if he could join.

I said it was fine.
He was pretty excited.

[chuckles uneasily]
I'm sure he was.

You know, when I organized
this cooking class

to be one of the prizes,

I never imagined
I could tag along!

-Oh.
-Sorry.

Thank goodness, there is food.
I am starving!

Dig in.

Don't mind if I do!

[Chad chuckles]

* Truffles... *

Ah-ah-ah-ah! Uh-uh.

No more snacking, amici.

Time to make some real food.

-Shall we?
-Yeah.

Let's go! Come! Follow me.

-Okay.
-Come! Come!

No, no, that's--
those are all you.

I've really found my calling,
Chef Anthony.

Oh, yeah?

I mean, it's so intuitive--

the-the mixing,
the shaping...

I mean, the kitchen
just brings me so much joy.

I can see that. Yes.

Any chance you could
find a little joy

in cleaning up
your station now?

Yes, Chef.

Thank you, Chad.

You guys are doing
great, though.

Ha. Good, good.

Now, you know
where we chefs do find some joy

is in choosing
our ingredients,

so, today,
I'm gonna teach you all

how to pick
the perfect tomato.

Ooh...

like this guy?

Just like this guy.

Roma tomato.

My personal favorite.

Nice meaty texture,
no seeds--

so the big ones
make perfect sauces.

Now, the way you choose
a perfect Roma tomato,

is you hold it in your hand.

It should feel a little weighty
for its size,

but you want to make sure
that it's not overripe, so...

you give it
a little squeeze--

-Like this?
-[splat]

-Oh.
-Ooh.

No. No, Chad.
Not quite like that.

-Excuse me.
-Yeah.

That Chad is a talker, hey?

I guess when you're in HR,
nobody wants to talk to you,

so, when you get a chance,
you really let loose.

Yeah!

This... is an onion.

Can I trust you to chop it?

-Chef.
-Show me.

Curl your fingers.
That's it.

[knife hitting board]

-Not bad at all.
-No.

[slides onions with knife]

Impressive!

[chuckles and sniffs]

Don't touch!

I've made a mistake.

[both inhaling sharply]

It's all right, Chad,
just take a deep breath.

Okay, now go to the restroom

and clean your eyes out
with water.

-Yes, Chef.
-Yes.

No. Bathroom!

-Where were we?
-Don't touch your eyes again!

[Chad, crying out]
Ow!

-Sorry about that.
-That's okay.

Anyway, you're doing great--

so, ball up the dough,
then poke it.

If it bounces back,
then the gluten's activated,

and you're good to go
to the next step.

-I'll be right back.
-Okay.

-Thank you!
-You're welcome.

That man is fighting
for his life.

Which one?

[laughs] Good point.

I think
the gluten is activated.

So now we put it
in the thingamajiggy, right?

Let's take these over.

Okay, and, um, by the way...

excellent work
with those sketches.

Oh, yeah.

And I have to say

that if the corporate world
doesn't work out,

I think you have
a bright career

as a carnival sketch artist.

Well, that's really comforting,

knowing you can
see me as a carny.

No, no!

I just mean that you're making
people really happy.

It's an incredible skill
to have.

Well, thank you.

I appreciate that.

I-I will admit,
the corporate life

has made me forget that
recently.

Forget your talent?

Well, yeah.

You know, I've been
so wrapped up in

the concept of...

helping creatives

that I kinda forgot
to be creative myself.

You know, I don't know
about the art world,

but I do believe that,
in order to be fulfilled,

you have to be challenged,

and I don't know,

maybe it's just time you found
yourself another challenge?

[stops cranking,
chuckles bemusedly]

How did you do that?

What?

Well, you just took
every confusing emotion

swirling around in my head
and you--

you distilled it
down into a cohesive thought.

Well, maybe I understand you
more than you thought.

Are you saying

that you are more than
just what's on the surface,

and that I was wrong
to put you in a box with Walter?

Well, um...

your words,
but yeah, maybe.

[chuckling]

Well, I'm beginning to see
the error of my ways.

Is that so?

I know we've butted heads
a bit recently,

but it's only
because I respect you.

I can see
how talented you are,

and I don't know
if it's just, you know,

us spending
more time together, but...

...I'm beginning to realize

how much you have in common
with Ms. Monday.

What are you trying to say?

I don't know.

Maybe I have a type.

Whoa-ho-ho!

Hey, gang!

You know,
if you guys are dating,

you have to tell me.

[all chuckling uneasily]

It's company policy.

[Liv and Tom]
We're not dating.

[skeptically] Okay!

If that changes, then, uh...

you know,
just let me know.

You're not in trouble.

Thank you, Chad. Yes--

-We'll do-- We'll do that.
-Yes, we will let you know.

-Chad!
-Yes, Chef?

-Bring me the basil!
-Basil, Chef!

Love it here.
[giggling]

[***]

I can't believe he's late.

I know,
that's usually my thing.

Admitting it
is the first step.

I don't have
a good feeling about this.

I know.

Look, he's gonna
present his idea.

We'll pretend that we like it,
and then,

we'll let the market research
be the bad guy.

Next thing you know,
he's back to your design.

[chuckles]

Hey, whatever happens,
I want you to know...

this was a good idea,

and it was yours.

You're not just the person
that helps someone else

with their vision--

you have the vision, too,

and I just want you
to know that.

Sorry I'm late.

I had to get my spinach on.

Can't have low "K" levels
on a day like today. Mm.

Mm!

I hope you two
like time travel,

'cause you're about
to see into the future!

-Ooh...
-Oh, okay.

I present to you my vision

for the next evolution
of ArtistAxis.

[chuckles]

What do you think?

Wow.

Very...

bold choice, sir.

Yeah, I knew you'd like it.
How about you, Tom?

It's okay.
Lay it on me.

I can take it.

[laughs] Well, I've--

I'm very surprised,
here, Walter.

I mean, this is...

[snickers]

I mean, this has gotta be
the worst logo I've ever seen.

[Liv laughs]

Uh, he's clearly joking,
Walter.

No, I don't think he is.

It's okay, Tom.

I mean, I-I told you
not to hold back,

but if you could be
a little more specific--?

It looks like you took

every single keyword
associated with your "vision"

and just dumped it
into an A.I.,

and let it
do all the work.

Well, that's exactly
what I did.

Well, that makes so much sense!

And so does saving time
and money

on something
a computer can easily do.

I can't believe
that you're actually--

-Okay. All right.
-...Considering using--

Okay. Okay. Okay, so, look.

We can all agree
that art is subjective--

[Tom laughs]

...So, I say
we take both options

to the focus groups,

and let the masses decide.

No. I did not create...

one of the top players
in social media

by letting
the masses decide.

We go with my design.

End of story.

Well, here's another
storybook ending for you.

Walter? I quit.

I'm sorry it's come to that.

I'll have Chad escort you
out of the building.

No need. I'm already on my way.

Tom, come on. Wait!

Liv.

Let him go.

Well, unless you want
to clean out your desk as well.

[Liv]
Sir, with all due respect,

I think
that you're making a mistake.

Tom made the mistake.

He's the one who quit.

I mean, I probably would
have fired him on attitude,

but honestly,
this is ideal.

Now we don't have to pay him
any severance.

Okay, but how is this
gonna look to the board?

I mean,
we just acquired them,

and now
their Head Designer leaves?

It's bad press,
not to mention

it could affect
our stock prices.

Well, if we take a dip,
we take a dip,

but we'll bounce back.

Besides, this is
the perfect opportunity

for me
to execute the pivot.

"The pivot"?

What pivot?

The one I've been so excited
to share with you.

You see, I was sitting
at this desk,

pulling my hair out,

trying to figure out
the new logo.

I had nothing!

Until I just
swallowed my pride,

and let A.I.
do the heavy lifting,

and in five minutes,

I had 50 designs
to choose from, Liv.

Well, if the one
you showed me was the best one,

then I think it proves
why we need designers.

No, what it proved to me
is much more valuable.

See, we don't need
to keep ArtistAxis going at all.

I mean... [chuckles]

...all I really needed was
the coding to its interface.

Oh, hold on.
ArtistAxis

is the fastest-growing
social platform in the U.S.,

and our stock has risen 10%
since the acquisition.

Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, sure,

and it could have
a few more years ahead,

but Artificial Intelligence
is the future of art and design.

Respectfully, sir,
I do not agree,

and more importantly,
I am not onboard.

This is not the vision
that we had,

going into this acquisition.

Liv! Please.

I've already
made up my mind, okay?

I am gonna clone ArtistAxis
and use it

to launch

a similar,
but not identical,

social media platform.

Moving forward, I'll be able
to create anything myself,

replacing
our need for designers.

I mean, it's gonna be
a huge cost savings for us.

I know--

it's a big swing,

but I'm gonna need a lot of help
implementing it,

and if you...

are ready to accept
a promotion--

the Vice-President
of Strategy,

where you're gonna be
right by my side, all the way.

So, what do you say?
Are you with me?

Liv?

[***]

[confused sigh]

[***]

Am I doing this right?

You're really
getting the hang of this.

[chuckles]

Well, you know,
I am unemployed now, so...

figure I might as well
pick up another hobby.

I've been worried about you.

Are you sure
you made the right choice?

No...

but considering
the circumstances,

it was the only one to make.

Well, you've always been good
at following your heart.

Mostly, I guess.

That's quite the caveat.

Well, only because
you've been ignoring

the only two women
I've seen you get excited about

in the last decade.

Number one--
I'm not ignoring Ms. Monday.

I'm giving her space.

And number two-- who said
that I was excited about Liv?

I honestly don't think

I could date someone
who's such a pushover.

Well, that's a bit judgmental,
don't you think?

You should have seen

the way she caved
to Walter's every whim.

Well, I hate
to break it to you, son,

but it's a bit more complicated
than that!

You've been lucky enough

to be your own boss, oh,
for most of your career,

but most people have
someone to answer to!

You might think about
cutting Liv some slack.

[laughs]

I-I thought you were
worried about me?

[snaps] I am!

But... you have to see it
from her perspective.

Take a look at this quilt.

The color, th-the beauty...

the-the patchwork--

that's the part that gets
all the praise,

all the glory.

That's the world
you've been living in.

[huffs]
And then there's the frame.

It's rigid, hard, square--

not at all built for beauty,

but without its support...

there's no way
to create the beauty

that happens
within its parameters.

[thumps table]

This is Liv's world.

She is the square.

I think,
if you take a second look,

you-you might understand
where she's coming from.

Pass me that yarn.

It's time
to tie this all together.

[***]

I don't know, maybe I should
just cancel the date--

rip the Band-Aid off.

Don't you want a chance
to talk to him in person?

Desperately.

What other choice
do you have?

I mean, he's not answering
any emails or calls

from "Liv," right?

Because
he is very upset at Liv,

and rightfully so,

even though Liv has been
trying very hard

to make it right
with him.

Exactly.

It seems like
the only way to get to him

is through Ms. Monday.

[exhales anxiously]

[keys clacking]

[sent message whooshes]

[***]

[***]

[***]

[***]

Ms. Monday?

Is that really you?

Do you want it to be?

Liv?

I--

I don't understand.

You were Ms. Monday?

This whole--
This whole time, it was you?

Are you okay with this?

[chuckles] Well, I mean,
I don't know how to feel.

I... well, I'm-I'm relieved.

[laughs]

Wait, how long have you known?

Not long.

It was something
that your mom said

right before we were supposed
to meet the first time.

W-Why didn't you tell me?

Why didn't she tell me?

Well, I asked her not to,
and...

you were
so disappointed with me

for not having your back
with Walter,

I just-- I wanted a chance
to make it up to you

before you found out the truth.

Wow, I feel like Bruce Willis
in The Sixth Sense.

How did I not figure it out?

Look, I-- I know that this
just started off as fun,

but I want you to know
that it became serious for me.

I started to have
real feelings for Mr. Tuesday,

and by the time I realized
what that meant,

and who you were--
I-I didn't know what to do,

and I know
that you don't believe

that I have the same qualities

that you fell for
with Ms. Monday,

but I promise--
that was real.

That was me,

and I'll always
be grateful to you

for what you've shown me.

What have I shown you?

You showed me
that when I'm true to myself,

it doesn't matter
what anyone else thinks,

and...

no matter
what you think about me,

I'll always be happy

that you brought me to myself--
my true self.

Stop.

I was wrong.

I-- I'm sorry
that I judged you

before I really got to know you.

I shouldn't have done that.

Now, I said that--
that you weren't supportive,

but in actuality, I mean,

I was so caught up
in my own ego,

I couldn't see
everything you were doing

to try
and help me succeed.

[takes a breath]

Uh, the past few weeks,

I've been torn between
two amazing women, but...

I don't have to choose.

I'm so glad
it was you standing there,

instead of some other person
with adorable handwriting.

Do you really mean that?

I swear on The Square.

You've been talking
to Mama Judie, I see!

Liv...

you

are the frame
to my quilt.

I just wish
I'd figured it out sooner.

But you know me...

I've, um, I've got a problem
with being on time.

Mm-hmm.

[***]

Well...

better late than never.

Shall we sit?

Yes, but only if you have
your gift certificate,

because we both
just quit our jobs.

Oh, no, you didn't?

I couldn't stand by what Walter
wanted to do with the company.

I had to leave.

[sighs]

What are you gonna do now?

Well...

what do you say

to working on
a collaboration of our own?

Oh, yeah?
What kind of collaboration?

A boutique design firm.

I would handle the clients
and the infrastructure,

and leave the creative work

to my genius,

very tall, very handsome,
in-house artiste.

Huh!

You know, actually...

I've already got
the perfect name for it.

Of course you do.
What is it?

"Patchwork."

I love it.

It's perfect. I'll start
the paperwork on Monday.

Mm...

can't it wait till Tuesday?

[***]

[***]