On a Thursday morning at Butter Putter, Scottie Price dreads the routine team meeting dominated by male coworkers she dubs the Brads and Chad, whose banter revolves around golf and their marriages. She reflects on being the only woman regularly in the office besides the frequently absent CEO, Ellison, and on how the office’s culture of happy couples aggravates her insecurities after a failed marriage.

In the conference room, Scottie mentally catalogs each colleague’s professional shortcomings while the men discuss weekend plans with their partners. Ellison arrives, poised and friendly, engaging the team about their significant others and shared recommendations, further highlighting Scottie’s outsider status. Scottie’s jealousy and longing to belong intensify as the conversation centers on marriage and domestic life.

When Ellison asks Scottie about her own weekend plans—and initially misnames her as Scarlett—Scottie panics. Hoping to impress Ellison and fit in, Scottie lies that she will go antique shopping “with the husband.” The room reacts with surprise, and Chad immediately challenges the claim, pointing out Scottie’s lack of a wedding ring. Cornered, Scottie doubles down, claiming she and her husband are going through a rough patch and are on a break, explaining the missing ring.

Ellison asks to speak privately with Scottie in the hallway. To Scottie’s relief at first, Ellison expresses sympathy and acknowledges how hard the office environment could be for someone struggling in a marriage. Ellison then reveals that her husband is Sanders Martin, a highly regarded marriage counselor who has worked with many in the office, with their consent to share that information.

Ellison enthusiastically offers to connect Scottie and Sanders and begins texting him immediately to set up an appointment. Despite Scottie’s attempts to deflect with scheduling concerns, Ellison secures an appointment for the next morning at nine o’clock. Scottie pretends to text her “husband” to confirm and agrees to the time, while internally panicking.

Ellison promises to email the details and reassures Scottie that “us girls have to stick together,” then returns to the meeting. Scottie, reeling, realizes she has trapped herself: to maintain credibility with Ellison and the team, she now needs to produce a husband for the counseling session within roughly twenty-three hours.