Thu, 12-07-2006 Nina's Birthday Nina enters in a grand mood because it's her birthday and her boyfriend, Marvin, a wealthy, older man, will be taking her out to dinner. During the staff meeting, Nina makes a mockery of Maya's story pitches. Maya defends herself by returning an insult, but everyone thinks Maya is out of line. Flowers arrive for Nina. They're from Marvin, apologizing because he won't be able to meet her until later that night.
Jack talks with Maya about her deteriorating relationship with Nina. Maya suggests she is only responding in kind to Nina's provocation. Jack admits that may well be correct, but explains Maya needs to be more diplomatic and points out her tendency to lash out at the slightest hint of criticism. Immediately interrupting Jack, Maya denies the problem, then recognizes she has done just what Jack indicated. As a peace offering, he suggests she throw Nina a birthday party.
Finch and Elliott sit in the bullpen paging through the latest issue of the magazine, each giving yes or no answers to the images of models they see. When Maya asks what they are doing, Finch replies they are selecting which models they would sleep with given the chance. Elliott chuckles - he tells Finch he thought they were pointing out which of the models they really had slept with. Mortified and angry, Finch says the only reason Elliott gets women is because he's a fashion photographer. Elliott begs to differ. They make a $1,000 bet: Finch will select a fictitious career for Elliott, then choose a woman Elliott must successfully pick up. He can't hint he's a fashion photographer or the bet's off.
Maya runs some party plans by Nina, but Nina makes it difficult for Maya by shooting down each one in turn. Nina is completely unappreciative. Despite Nina's attitude, Maya bites her lip and presses on.
At the birthday party, Finch reveals Elliott's fictitious career: he is the shampoo boy at Supercuts. Finch then points out a very attractive woman for Elliott to try his luck.
Maya calls Wally from the restaurant. She explains her situation to him and Wally learns for the first time that she works with Nina Van Horn, the former supermodel. Wally had a huge crush on her as a kid. Wally says a girl just dumped him. Maya tells him to sit tight because she'll be home soon to take him out and cheer him up.
Elliott approaches the girl, Kristen, but she's uninterested until he tells her he is the shampoo boy at Supercuts. Kristen happens to be the hair sweeper at Clipper-Doodle-Doo's and she wants to know how to become the shampoo girl. Finch is upset.
Jack makes a quick toast to Nina then exits the party. Everyone follows except Maya, who is trapped in the booth sitting next to Nina.
Hours later, Nina is drunkenly singing on stage. She coaxes Maya to sing with her on the condition that she will support all of Maya's "silly little article ideas." After the singing, Maya goes to call Wally, who is pouting. Nina goes to the other pay phone to call Marvin. But that phone is out of order and Maya knows it. Maya listens as Nina pretends she's talking to Marvin. When Maya asks if everything is okay, Nina finally admits Marvin dumped her two weeks earlier for a younger model, literally. Nina tells Maya the woes of being an over-the-hill ex-model. Maya invites Nina back to her apartment to hang out. They go and they actually have a good time until Nina passes out on the couch.
The next morning, Maya profusely apologizes to Wally for blowing him off. But Wally thanks Maya for the greatest night of his life. At that moment, Nina exits Wally's bedroom, wearing one of his T-shirts.
At the office, Elliott comes to collect his $1,000. Finch attempts to squirm out of the deal. Elliott offers a compromise: if Finch will humiliate himself in public, the debt will be paid. When another model enters the bullpen, Finch sees a second opportunity to get even. Finch and Elliott agree to go double or nothing on the bet. This time, Elliott must pretend to be the President of the United States. Finch points out the model that just entered. Elliott approaches the model and introduces himself as the President but she doesn't speak English. She knows the word "caf though. And off they go for coffee.
Nina is late for the staff meeting. Maya covers for her, saying she had to go to the dentist this morning. While they wait for Nina, Elliott begs to play with Jack's laser pointer, but Jack has traded it in for a whistle only birds can hear. He blows it and unbeknownst to him, a bird smacks into his window. Nina enters and proudly shares with everyone she was late because she just slept with a man half her age and has only Maya to thanks for it. Jack, albeit stunned, is impressed with Maya.
The meeting begins and Maya makes a suggestion for an article about how men have used fashion to exploit women. All eyes turn to Nina and wait for her to shoot down the idea. She doesn't.
Finch interrupts the meeting. He sits on Jacks lap, kisses him and says, "I'm your sweet-lovin lap daddy and I do as I'm told," then exits.
