♪ Do your thing, honey! ♪
♪ I could feel it from the start... ♪
Hey, guys, it's me, Marco.
Sorry I haven't been posting much, but I have a whole-ass job now.
I work for the Madolyn Addison,
a certified, verified, rarefied legend.
She might not strut the runway anymore, but she still lives in the spotlight.
You turn a lot of heads.
♪ Ain't no other man, it's true All right... ♪
How do you deal with every stranger wanting a picture?
I take it myself, so I can find my light.
Hmm. Still, it must be exhausting.
People you don't know, in your space, bothering you...
And that's me right now, isn't it? You don't know me, I'm in your space.
I'm them.
Sorry.
Men.
She's famous, she's fabulous, and she's here. Gotta go. Bye.
Hello, Marco.
Say it again. It's my favorite word in the world.
I've got a whole new concept for our next gondola review.
- Take this down. - Oh. Every word.
Step one, professional LED paneling.
Step two, AI makeover app.
And step three,
Swarovski crystal packaging.
Why Swarovski?
They're expensive.
So have you given any more thought to my little proposal?
Yes, Chad. The answer is still no.
I will not go behind my boss's back to get Marco fired.
You should. He's a bad influence on my mother and this company.
He's gonna "Yass Queen" us into bankruptcy.
He's just a kid. This is his first job. Leave him alone.
Hey,
wasn't this once your first job?
Yes, Chad, it was. I was hired to be Madolyn's second assistant.
Until she fired her first assistant and promoted you.
I wonder if history ever repeats itself. Tell me, how many world wars were there?
Hey, Mom. How's it going? Okay, wow, you look really excited about something.
Oh. LED lights, AI makeovers, Swarovski crystals.
Oh, okay. Wow, yeah, all the ideas
you e-mailed me about last night. So, um...
You didn't get hacked?
I got inspired. And we're doing this, all of it.
Well, it's all just a little expensive.
And impossible.
Well, I'm expensive and impossible.
Chad, I made you director of sales,
so I could create and you could facilitate.
That was our agreement.
Did you even look at the materials for today's meeting with Vendemiaire?
The company that wants to open their wallets and change our lives.
No, I was too busy creating.
Look, Mom, I know we all have big ideas, but the truth is...
we can make it all happen.
But we just need a big dose of cash first. And who's got that cash? Vendemiaire.
So review the materials for the meeting, and we'll talk about everything later.
- Is this decaf, Marco? Ugh. - Ooh.
Mom, please. We need this.
Hi. So you've got Vendemiaire at 11:00, lunch at 12:30,
and Marco's not here to replace me, right?
- Are you out of your mind? - You hired me to replace Jenna.
You mean, Jana.
Whatever her name was.
Look, I used to be the Marco.
So, what if he's the new Venetia and I'm the new Josie?
Or Jessa. Or whatever.
I have been here for three years without a promotion.
So does that mean something? Am I done?
No one's being promoted, Venetia.
You do realize we only have so many seats at our table.
What about this Vendemiaire deal?
If we sell, we could get a bigger table.
That's not a given.
And I can't promote you without someone to take your place.
Those are some big shoes to fill,
I might add.
Well, Marco can fill my shoes. Literally. I mean, clock those heels.
I will teach him everything I know. I'll make him the new me.
Uh, Venetia.
Her name was Jaida.
Ah. Jaida.
It was Jaida.
Explain to me why this gym won't cancel your free trial.
I missed the three-day deadline. Gays can't do math.
Explain to me why it costs $295 a month.
'Cause they have Kiehl's, and mint-infused water, and celebrities.
Then explain to me, Mr. Marco Mejia,
why you, my son, put this on me, your mother's credit card.
Because I lost my credit card.
Gotta go. Gas leak. Everyone's dying.
- Sorry. - That's a terrible lie.
Oh! Hey, hey, hey. Watch where you're going, straight boy.
What's it gonna take for you to stop calling me that?
I don't know. Evidence?
How'd it go with the makeup?
Oh, my God, you should have been there. I made a speech, I saved my job.
You seriously are the best.
You should have let me know.
I gave you my number, right?
Yeah. Yeah, you did. I, um...
Just been really busy with the new job.
Not too busy to wait for me and pretend like we just ran into each other.
Right?
- That is not something I would ever do. - Mm.
No, I get it. I get it.
You like playing games.
That's fair.
Me?
I like to ask for what I want.
But maybe you just don't know what you want.
Or worse,
maybe all this glitter and glam is just a distraction.
And deep down,
you're just too scared to ask.
So, what's it gonna be, Marco? Hmm?
What do you really want?
What do I really want?
Mm-hm.
Uh... Some mint-infused water.
It looks very refreshing.
Think about it.
Is there a trash can I can throw up in?
Right, right.
Oh.
What? Did you hear me coming?
No, I did not.
Well, why weren't you scared?
I've never been scared in my life. Nothing scares me.
- Horror movies? - Nope.
- Roller coasters? - Nope.
A white woman who wants to talk about race?
Nothing scares me. You can't tickle me either.
Prove it.
Stop distracting our designers.
They've got photos to retouch, ads to design, graphics to vector.
We'd be lost without them.
Oh, my God. She's into you.
- She's straight. - Says who?
Lesbians all know each other. She's not on the list.
And what about Marco, huh? When you gonna ask him out?
Or are you too scared?
I can't ask him out. He asked me out first, it's his turn.
And this game is not timed.
You're full of shit.
You're scared and you're ticklish.
Hey, this is unprofessional.
You said you had to run downstairs for work,
not to ambush some boy you met in an Uber.
He saved our samples. I had to thank him.
And trick him into asking me out, which didn't work.
He saw right through me.
- I'm so shook, I might go blond. - Ooh.
This must be some man if you're ready to do something that basic.
When I got into his Uber, it was the worst day of my life.
And then he looked at me,
put his hand on my leg and said everything was gonna be fine.
And, girl, that hand? Ooh, that hand was strong.
Why don't you stop playing games and just ask him out?
What? No! I can't.
Wait. Can I?
No. What...? No. Where?
You'll figure it out. After you do your job.
You can't just leave the desk when I'm not there.
Unless you're not serious about your career.
Of course, I am. But what does it matter?
I'm still learning. Madolyn loves me.
And is that all you're good at? You can't be her hype man forever.
If you wanna last, step up.
Because if you flop, I flop.
Flop?
Honey, we're going triple platinum. Get into this "Teenage Dream."
Hmm.
And this is your next batch of posts.
Photos, carousels, tweets, snaps, stories, all on the socials phone,
cued up and scheduled to post.
You could die tomorrow and no one would know.
We have really good content ready for when that happens too. Mm.
Oh, so you're the reason
all she posts are pictures of her holding flowers and laughing?
Are you saying I don't look good holding seasonal flowers and laughing?
Ha, ha.
- It's cute and consistent. - Think you can do better?
Look, I know that I'm new here, but I'm more than just a pretty face.
I'm a gorgeous face who lives and breathes socials.
If you give me a week, I will break the Internet.
I'll give you a day.
Don't make me look bad.
Alyssa says good luck and watch your back.
Literally. I'll push you down the stairs.
Who is that?
Chad, I've been thinking about this Vendemiaire offer...
and you could be right.
- Uh, I could be? - Yes.
This is an investment in my vision and our financial future.
I get it.
Well, good, because this is not going to be easy.
Vendemiaire is the biggest beauty brand this business has ever known.
They are sophisticated. They are cutthroat.
And they have the power to make or break us.
This is going to be a delicate and dangerous ballet,
so get ready to dance.
She's here.
- "She"? - Don't you mean "they"?
Oh, my God.
It is Madolyn Addison, an actual supermodel!
My mom used to worship you. She had your haircut and everything. Oh!
- You're Vendemiaire? - No, I'm a consultant.
Vendemiaire hired me to kick the tires,
see if the deal's worth dealing.
Mykynnleigh Williams.
- Oh, like the president? - Like the who?
Never would have thought that's how you spell Mykynnleigh.
Such an unexpected combination of K's and Y's.
Um, where's the rest of the team?
Oh, I am the team.
Vendemiaire sent one person to negotiate the purchase
of my life's work?
Sure. It's not that hard to decide what you're worth.
Mykynnleigh,
how about we take a little tour of my offices?
Now, tell me.
Is this your first time in New York City?
How'd you guess?
- Just a feeling. - Oh!
I'm concerned.
Did you lose your Fire Island rental?
No. I know my mother. She's already dying to kill this deal.
When she does, Marco will be right there to gas her up
and tell her exactly what she wants to hear.
If we don't get rid of him, the deal is effed and so are we.
We'll survive.
If you had any idea how this place worked behind the scenes...
Save it for the spreadsheets, okay?
I'm not shanking Marco, for you or for anyone.
He's a good kid and my ticket to a promotion.
So with all due respect, leave him alone.
You don't have to tell me twice.
Marco! Got a sec?
Uh, yeah.
I really need your opinion on something.
Okay.
Which tank top should I keep? The black? Or the navy?
Uh, hard to say. I'm more of a crop-top girl.
Wow. You really are so fun to have around.
I mean, it is no wonder that my mom listens to everything you say.
Right. Speaking of...
Hey, so I was wondering
if maybe you could try to keep my mom on the rails with this Vendemiaire deal.
It's really important that we get this train into the station.
How am I supposed to do that?
You know.
Laugh and "Yes, Queen Mama" her. Do your thing.
You want me to manipulate her.
Why do you keep looking me in the eyes? My abs are down here.
Hey, will someone call Shania 'cause how impressed am I? Not much.
Sorry. You can't use your looks on me to get what you want.
Which Madolyn tells me you always do.
'Cause we are what?
Close.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some content to curate.
Ah.
How did you hear me coming? I made less noise than a Rita Ora single.
You will never catch me candid.
Well, we need candids. Your customers need to see the real you.
We are in the middle of a possible acquisition.
No surprises.
Wow. Are those candles in the restroom scented?
- Yes. They're my favorite scent. - Mm.
Huh. How wasteful.
Shall we?
Philistine.
Right up here to the right.
- And the gown is by Oleg Cassini. - Who's Oleg Cassini?
Yes!
Delete that.
Madolyn Addison.
I can't stop saying your whole name. I'm so embarrassed.
You're the most famous person I've ever met.
- Aw, isn't that special? - And I love Glamorous by Madolyn.
And I have a feeling Vendemiaire will too.
This is such a no-brainer for them.
I think you're gonna love joining the Vendemiaire family.
Barely anything around here is gonna change.
- "Change"? - It's a corporate acquisition.
There's always little changes.
And they are?
Oh. Like, I don't know.
Oh. Your fridge has to be Pepsi only and you have to recycle.
We have recycled since our inception.
Hmm.
And the board of directors gets final say over all creative.
Mykynnleigh.
I'm the creative director here.
Every choice is mine.
I get final say.
Oh, you still will. Sort of.
I mean, it's their money. They want some control too. Right?
Are you coming?
I'll get the next one.
I know it sounds like a lot, but compromise isn't so bad.
In fact, I think you'll find it delicious
and refreshing.
- Oh! - Sorry.
- Pardon me. - We need to stop meeting like this.
I didn't get to introduce myself this morning. I'm James. James Crane.
Madolyn Addison.
But something tells me you already knew that.
This is gonna sound crazy, but we know someone in common.
Jenny Crane, my sister.
She was in your freshman Lit class at Brown.
She brags about it all the time.
Jenny. Jennifer.
How is good ol' Jenny?
- You're not the best liar, are you? - Not part of my DNA.
So unless you have a big meeting or a date...
Which of course you do, you're Madolyn Addison.
...how about having a drink with me?
With the day I had, I deserve a drink.
How about the bar at that new hotel in Gramercy?
It just made the Perrier list. I'll be there at 9:00.
Oh, uh, random question.
You're not collecting my hair to build an altar, are you?
No. Why, has that happened?
Twice.
Big plans tonight?
Oh, just staring at my Madolyn content, wondering why nobody's liking it.
I like it.
"Strike a Pose Challenge"?
You took lemons and made Beyoncé's sixth and most unapologetically Black album.
Well, I'm not Beyoncé. I'm not even Kelly Rowland.
I'm just some flop who can't curate good content.
I'm only good at two things,
cartwheeling in heels and kissing my boss's ass.
Get your mind off of the phone. Have you been to Dumb Bitch?
- I've been called a dumb bitch. - It's this party at The Hinkle Room.
The best queer spot in Bushwick. You should come!
Have a kiki.
Get your mind off the phone, let the algorithm do its thing.
Dumb Bitch.
- Dumb Bitch. - We're going to Dumb Bitch.
- We are? - Yeah, we are.
You two boys can finally hang.
The theme is "2003."
Fierce looks are a must, but I trust that won't be a problem.
I'm in.
Can you really do a cartwheel in heels?
Get me drunk enough tonight and find out.
Okay.
So you're gonna grab a drink with some random guy that you met in an elevator?
- I'll be right here. - Teddy, you're double-parked.
If I know you, and I do, this won't be a long night.
Are you saying that I can't give this man a shot?
- He's funny, he's cute, he worships me. - So did the guy with the hair altar.
You know what? I should just stay in my lane here.
What lane? You're like my therapist, except I don't lie to impress you.
Say what you're gonna say.
You never give anybody a chance. You always find something wrong.
Even Mr. Billionaire with the house in the Hamptons.
It was Westhampton.
I can record this and play it back, so you can hear it yourself.
I know that I have high standards almost all the time about everything.
But I can compromise.
In fact, soon I may have to compromise more than I ever thought I would.
So don't treat me like I'm some pretentious, out-of-touch diva
who's used to getting her way and being in control.
Don't be ridiculous. You are not pretentious.
- Dinner's here. - Can't. Busy. Gotta turn a look.
Uh, excuse me.
You, Mr. Marco Mejia, are too busy for dinner on a weeknight
because you have to turn a what?
A look.
I have to turn a look for a party.
But the question is, what are you turning a look for?
Nothing.
Okay, you're too dolled up to be for nothing.
I'm meeting a client.
I mean, this hair is done, the lips are painted.
And are you wearing SPANX?
Okay. It's a date. All right? Just...
- My God. You're blushing. - No, I'm not.
Listen. It's a date at his house.
I'm not spending the night, and that's all you get to know.
Okay, well, if it's a date,
you could put in a little more effort.
It's just highlighter.
Just right here.
Right here.
Beautiful.
I won't wait up.
Oh.
Hey.
I'm an attorney.
Hey, guys, it's me Marco, and tonight I'm going to be showing you
how to turn a look that will turn back the clock.
So come through, skater boys and see-ya-later boys,
'cause tonight we are putting the Chemical back in My Romance.
We are breaking out the hair streaks, cranking up the eyeliner,
and making the town gaggity-gag-gag-gag because we are what?
Beautiful.
Say it back.
♪ You don't need to ♪
♪ Emerge from nothing ♪
♪ You don't need to ♪
♪ Tear away ♪
♪ Feels good ♪
♪ Looks good... ♪
Marco, darling.
What are you doing out here with the proles?
You're with me tonight. The only lines we do are in the bathroom.
- Ooh! - I'm kidding! I'm more of a key-bump girl.
Hi!
Thank you.
Looks like your social-media nemesis decided to show up
in a very problematic look.
Still, she nailed the assignment.
That she did.
So how are the numbers on your Madolyn content?
I wouldn't know 'cause I haven't checked.
Right answer.
- 'Cause you are what? - Letting the algo do its thing.
Ding, ding, ding.
The year was 2003.
The kids wore chunky glasses and rocked vintage T's.
And for one brief shining moment, Justin Timberlake was kind of cool.
So get crazy in love, stay crazy in love, and don't forget to drink-and-tip
'cause we are minutes away from invading Iraq under false pretenses.
Let's go!
Hello to my favorite queen of color! How are you? Do you need anything?
- Got any more free makeup? - Oh, my God.
Marco, this is Dizmal Failure. They host Dumb Bitch every Tuesday.
Dizmal, this is Marco. He works with me at Madolyn's desk.
Diddle my skittle. I love your beat.
What beat? I woke up like this.
Okay, Beyoncé. Bring him back for drag night.
You like drag, right?
Oh, my God. Love. I'm obsessed.
Who are your three favorite drag queens? Who weren't on RuPaul's Drag Race.
- I know some, I just can't think of any. - I need a picture of this.
- Of what? - Your innocence.
Now that we're friends, you'll never be this young again.
Hey, folks. We made it.
- Hi! - Long line. No fun. Who cares?
I picked this up from LTrainVintage.
Okay. I like it.
And Ben is dressed like Star Trek.
I'm not dressed like Star Trek. I'm from Star Trek: Enterprise.
A show that was on the air when? 2003.
Or was that not the assignment?
Okay. Okay.
Oh!
- You really are unscareable. - Let's go get everyone drinks.
Guess I... I failed that challenge.
'Cause I didn't, you know, pose in any way at all.
You know about that?
Of course. I watch all your content.
'Cause we work together. Right?
How is the challenge doing?
Actually, don't tell me. I'm letting the algo do its thing.
It's blowing up. At least one post is. The one you did tonight.
Wait, I didn't post anything tonight.
Sure you did. I can't believe Madolyn let you post it.
It's so real and gross.
Oh, my Gaga.
I looked you up on Instagram today. You are one busy lady.
Is it good?
Oh, I rarely look at it. My staff does it for me.
I'm sorry. This must seem like work.
Let's make a deal. Let's keep our phones away.
Deal.
I don't need a phone. I'm with a legend.
I wouldn't say legend out loud.
So, what's it like being Madolyn Addison?
- Well, right now there's a lot going on. - Sounds good.
My company has an opportunity to grow and expand.
That sounds good too.
It could be...
but it involves letting someone else have control.
Oh, and that's not so good?
No.
You see, I really, really, really like control.
- Mm-hmm. - When I was a model, I never had it.
It was all grabby hands and pushy paparazzi
and, ultimately, a ticking clock.
That must have been tough.
It was. But I persevered, I survived.
Oh, no, you did more than survive. You triumphed.
Oh. Forgive me. Forgive me. I am so self-absorbed.
I never even asked what you do.
- It's pretty dull. - Oh, come on. How dull could it be?
I own a corporate industrial-film company for individualized corporate clients.
That is dull.
That's very dull.
It is.
I can't argue.
Is it bad?
It is worse than a Hallmark Channel Holiday Special.
You broke rule number three of Madolyn Addison content: always pretty.
- What are rules one and two? - Always laughing and always flowers.
I didn't even post it. Look at the timestamps.
I was not in the office.
Chad was.
He knows where we keep the socials phone, and he has been on my neck about you.
I'll just log in and delete it.
That thing is a screenshot three times around the world.
That won't help.
I'll just tell Madolyn that Chad did it.
And what? Sound petty? Or crazy? How will that help?
You are at ground zero of a PR crisis.
There are only three plays on the table.
One, Notes-app apology.
Two, tearful, no-makeup breakdown on Instagram Live.
Three, solve the climate crisis.
- Will that work? - Definitely not.
She just reminded me that she's trying to sell the company.
And she told me no surprises. She needs to look her best.
What if this ruins the sale?
If it helps, Madolyn always believes in second chances.
I'm already on my second chance.
Then you're definitely fired.
I didn't know it was this late.
Thanks for getting me out of the house and for the unexpected evening.
Thanks for the stories. This is one for the books.
- Can I ask you something? - Sure.
If your corporate industrial-film company had a buyer,
would you accept?
I'd have to weigh the pros and cons.
Money, my new role... But most importantly, my creative freedom.
- Hmm. - You have to survive,
but you also have to live with yourself.
Don't ever wanna be left behind.
This is me.
And this is me.
So how bad was it? Did he wear the wrong cologne?
Order the wrong drink? Tell you the wrong story?
He helped me find my light.
Hey. You're leaving?
Yeah, the party's over.
For me, I guess.
Let me walk you to the train. It's my duty as a Starfleet officer.
I'll be okay. I hope.
You'll be amazing.
I mean it. You're gonna change the world.
Night, Ben.
Hey, Marco!
Yeah?
You're beautiful.
Say it back.
Pyew.
What are you doing home? Even I know it's early.
Unless it's none of my business now 'cause I'm just your landlady.
Mom?
Oh. My favorite word. What's the matter?
That job at your gross office still available?
Why? Did you get fired?
Probably.
I screwed up big. I may have even tanked a corporate sale.
When my boss finds out, I'm dead.
What'd you do?
I posted an ugly picture. Allegedly.
That's it? Who cares?
It's a big deal. My boss is a model. Pretty is everything.
Let me see.
That's not that bad.
And I've definitely had worse.
I think it's kind of relatable.
- You do? - Everybody looks stupid at some point.
Even the Madolyn Addison.
That's not bad, that's brave.
Wow, I guess it's all how you spin it, huh?
Or how you bullshit it, which is your favorite skill.
I know how to fix this. I have always wanted to be an influencer.
But now it's time to be one when it counts.
Wait.
How did it go?
The highlighter helped.
Good morning, Madolyn.
Might I just say you look stunning today?
If you want to feel confident, look confident.
You haven't checked your socials today, have you?
No. Why?
Nothing. Nothing at all.
Chad, I've made a decision.
We're keeping the old gondola.
No LEDs, no digital makeovers, and no Swarovski crystals.
Oh, no.
Mom, you get it. You finally get it.
And we are not selling to Vendemiaire.
I want to grow and expand more than you know,
but not if that involves giving up my creative control.
- Right, Marco? - Right.
- But sales aren't good enough. - We'll turn our sales around.
We always have. We always will.
You know, it's funny how much you trust Marco...
when this is how he looks at you.
You posted...
that?
Yes.
I did.
Um, you're beautiful, but this is a part of you that people need to see.
I know that you like to just strike a pose and hit your mark,
but this is gold.
There's a lot of zeroes at the end of those likes,
and Michelle Obama commented.
Michelle Obama? Give that to me.
I made you delete this picture.
You've gone behind my back.
I know.
And it was wrong. I should have just told you to your face.
And I swear, it won't happen next time.
I can make sure there isn't a next time, Marco.
Trust is fragile.
You shouldn't have gotten in my way.
You shouldn't have returned the black tank.
It popped.
I heard everything.
I know I'm supposed to step up and I talked myself out of a problem.
- But in my defense... - You made Madolyn feel good
about something she can't control.
You really are the new me.
I'll get the coffees if you get the phones?
Deal.
Mm.
You can't call off the sale to Vendemiaire.
Last time I checked, it wasn't Glamorous by Chad.
If we don't sell to Vendemiaire, there won't be a Glamorous by anyone.
You took your shot and you missed. At least you tried.
I didn't. I didn't take my shot.
I didn't ask him out. I didn't call him cute.
I tried, but I...
I couldn't do it.
Why not?
I was scared.
So as you can see, sales aren't flat.
They're spiraling. And cash isn't bleeding.
It's hemorrhaging.
Chad.
Why did you wait this long to tell me, huh?
I thought I could fix it.
I wanted to, without freaking you out.
Thought I could be the hero and make it all good
and let you do your creative thing.
But we're out of options.
I mean, we sell, or we lose everything.
Hey, hey, hey. It's my Glam Fam.
- Hi. Sorry, you can't just walk in... - Uh, yes, she can.
Get the doors, Venetia.
Okay. Who am I right now?
- Oh! Oh, you're Mom! - That's right!
I love the picture, by the way. And Michelle Obama commented.
- Can I just say? You are so brave. - I am so brave.
Looks like someone took a bite out of the Big Apple.
I had my first genuine slice at Sbarro.
I got my first taste of Broadway at... What was it called? STOMP.
Oh. And, also, I got us the most New York-y treat of all.
An actual Cronut.
- You know, from Dominick Ansel. - It's Dominique.
- Oh. - It's fine. Please just take the Cronut.
Oh.
To Vendemiaire and Glamorous by Madolyn,
a decadent and buttery marriage.
Mm. Yum, yum.
Oh, I don't wanna be a piggy here.
Don't be shy. I brought more.
You're welcome. Have a good day.
Hi.
Hey. I remember you.
Oh. I remember you. What's your name?
Peter? No. Porter.
- Preston. - Ha, ha.
Parker. But you knew that.
It's weird running into you like this.
Maybe I was just waiting around the corner for you.
Ring a bell?
Don't know that feeling. Mm-mm. Don't know that emotion. Mm-mm.
Well, that's it.
You really think all this glam is just a distraction?
I think you're not as confident as you look.
But here's a little secret. No one is.
Hmm. Okay, maybe you're right. But I know what I want.
I don't. Not until you ask.
- What are you doing next week? - Solid opener.
- Maybe we could hang? - Aw, just maybe?
I wanna hang out with you. Drinks. A date. Whatever. Let's do it.
Deal.
♪ One, two, grapefruit Wish I could change overnight ♪
♪ Three, four, lose more... ♪
♪ Five, six, hate this How am I still in this fight? ♪
♪ What I see is not me What I see is not me ♪