"N-i-g-e-l! What a day today has been. And it is only ten a.m."

"Did you just come from Greens, Serena?"

"A-n-d it is full. You know, I try to get in there, but it is as large as a landing strip, and decimated already. I think the cookers - the chefs? - they are busy. They are overworked. They are hot and sweaty and not unlike us both. Today has been busy . She is busy."

"Yes - yes, she is."

"B-u-t come, Nigel. I have a rack of Prada, a shelf of Manolos and a line of Armani bags for you to look at in the Closet. I must put them on a model and tell her to stand still, to not eat, not to smile. Because I am meek compared to the photographer when he comes. How are you?"

"Well, I'm bearing up, I suppose."

"I-t was awful. I can tell you - and Jeffy is on lunch, so he will not mind my trying on this Givenchy dress that he wants for himself - I was so glad to hear when you would get the James Holt job."

"So was I, Serena."

"I have been doing some thinking. You see, it is necessary for me not only because I feel in a rut, but in thinking of you, I know you must now have a greater purpose for the same."

"Pardon?"

"L-e-a-v-i-n-g! Surely you must be thinking it. Quiet, now. Jessica is coming by and you know how panicked she is this close to the wedding. And we will be blinded by her ring. See? Ah! There she goes. Now tell me. Where are you thinking? Because I wish to go to Paris, I want to go to Runway there, and you must not tell a soul."

"My lips are sealed, Serena. But I'm afraid I will disappoint you. I'm staying."

"Y-o-u cannot! Not after she threw you under the bus!"

"I'm confident she will promote me. Not here - but to another organisation. She owes me, you see. She promoted Allison and she will promote Emily after another year. You see how Jocelyn has been given extra responsibility - "

"A-n-d all the stress it incurs!"

" - well, I'm confident."

"N-i-g-e-l - yes, Jeffy, is that you? You may take the Jimmy Choos. For who? Never mind. Nigel - I must tell you. If she would not give you the presidency of an international fashion brand, what else is there?"

"Indeed - and what else is there, Serena?"

"Y-o-u cannot get down. You must find yourself a future. By talking to you I am only more certain of my own prospects! On your behalf, I shall take this job."

"You have talked already with Briget?"

"S-h-e is finding her way, Nigel. No doubt she can do the job, but you know her love of family. I know how it works here, I have seen her in Paris under Jacqueline, and now I believe I could help her. It is the right thing to do."

"... all to get away from Miranda?"

"P-a-r-t of it is that . But it is the lifestyle. I believe I will meet a better class of man, and have a better lifestyle whether I do or not. Here, there is slush on the sidewalks after snow, the men do not call back no matter how good the date, and I see only my friends turned away. Andrea got fired. You didn't get your position. I am tired, Nigel."

"You are barely twenty-five years old, Serena. Wait until you're my age! You've a lot to learn, still. It's the long game for me."

"T-h-e-n I will concede to you. But I am still going to Paris. Do not tell anyone!"

"I promise."

"T-h-e-n I will leave you. But what about my rack? Ah, and the shoes? Don't forget the bags! Yes, this will suit for the run-through."

"When is it?"

"A-h, that is the phone? Hel - and Emily has already hung up. I must bring this through. Will you not come with me?"

"I have all the time in the world."

"A-h - Emily?"

"... come on, Serena. Now means now."

"M-i-r-a-n-d-a?"

"Tell Nigel he is not needed here ."

"... I heard her. Well, Emily - "

"Miranda Priestly's office?"

"... I'd better take my leave. Oh, and you must be the new girl. Nigel."

"Charla. Today's my first day as Miranda's assistant."

"Well, you look the part. Don't let me stop you. Can I help you carry the drycleaning?"

"I'm keen to impress Miranda, and Emily."

"Well. That's the end goal."

"Pardon?"

"Never mind me. I'm just on my way to Greens. Perhaps I'll have an extra salad leaf… oh, hold the elevator. Thank you. Ah, Mr Ravitz."

"Nigel. How are things at Runway ? Are you heading to the cafeteria, too?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

"I do believe it will be packed! The girls at Runway do enjoy that salad bar."

"That they do, sir."

"I was wondering if you have heard the news? Surely, between the two of us, it will not hurt if I disclose it to you ."

"The news, sir?"

"I mean to announce it after lunch - I invited Miranda, but she has a run through."

"Yes, sir."

"It is quite a first for Elias-Clark! I am excited to see what it will bring. But office gossip does sweep, and perhaps I am a little too excited, at what this could mean."

"Sir?"

"I am promoting Miranda as editorial director for Elias-Clark."

"Oh… "

"It will be quite a responsibility, I will tell you. And I can trust you to keep it hush-hush until the announcement?"

"Of course, sir."

"That's a good man, Nigel. I can always count on your discretion. Between us men, there are few at the top I can share these sorts of details with. But I tell you, having Miranda's expertise can only ensure the publications of this company go up. That's definitely what we need, if you don't consider it a slip on my side - we need profits, and a reduction in expenditure."

"Well, sir. Miranda does bring star power."

"Ah, Nigel. You know more than you let on. Would you tell me - would you be frank - ah, that is our stop. Sit with me, Nigel."

"Of course, sir."

"This table is rather small but I do like lunching here. Just - just that?"

"I need to keep my figure, sir."

"Oh, Nigel. When you get to my age… exercise and diets do not help."

"Good to know, sir."

"Nigel?"

"Well, to be frank, sir. I had rather counted on that promotion. I understand it is just business behind closed doors."

"Ah, Nigel. Your enthusiasm and competence always remains a standard. Yes, you would have been perfect. But you see, Jacqueline Follet had been editor in chief of French Runway for six years. And she was performing so well, that it was only natural for her to be my first choice. Nigel, I did not know that you were considered by James for the position. Of course, it must come down to James in the end."

"... is that so, sir?"

"Nigel?"

"Forgive me, sir. And Briget is now editor-in-chief of French Runway , I hear?"

"Oh, yes. She was Miranda's choice when first she joined US Runway , but Briget turned the offer down, and so we had Jacqueline. And now we have Briget. I am confidence Briget can retain the success that Jacqueline has created. And that Miranda, in her new position - if you'll forgive me for lowering my voice, you know how excited I am! - can do her part. Yes, Nigel. Not just Runway , but all of Elias-Clark is up for some exciting times."

"Sir, if I may point out… "

"Please eat your lunch, Nigel. Do not let it sit - you know Miranda will want you back at your desk soon!"

"Sir, Miranda will not mind."

"Nigel?"

"In fact, I have been doing some thinking… "

"Yes?"

"I would like to do something more at Runway ."

"But Nigel - you do do a fabulous job!"

"Do you think so, sir?"

"... yes! You assist all the fashion editors, and Miranda, and you help provide a say!"

"I feel little better than a man in silly costumes who walks and talks. I am in my forties, sir. I must do something more substantial than oversee the high turnover of girls, and an endless collection of clothing."

"But that is the fashion industry, Nigel. Are you no longer motivated?"

"No, sir. Well - I had hoped on getting that job."

"Nigel, take your cue from Miranda."

"I beg your pardon, sir?"

"Now now, Nigel. Look at her. Look at her record. Look at how she means to take over this company and its publications. There will be a greater responsibility on her, and more eyes than ever. She is a star . As are you, Nigel. The right opportunity will come along - er, when the time is right. Ah! But we must be going. I will take your plate, Nigel. I will slip it into the bin so none of the girls - but then, surely nobody is that desperate for salad, ha-ha!"

"Of course, sir."

" Come , Nigel. Let us go up to Runway . You will stand beside me as I announce Miranda's newest title. The future is bright, Nigel. You know, there are always fledging designers who are up and coming. You might work with one of them , er, when they go public."

"They would have to win Miranda's approval, sir."

"A difficult position to be in, Nigel. But good things come to those who wait! At my age, of course I am a CEO. And you must not lose your drive , Nigel. Do not feel pidgeonholed. You are very important to the success of this company - to Runway ! Do Not Be Deterred!"

"... yes, sir."

"Ah! Here we are… hello, everybody. I'm so glad you're all here - but where's Miranda?"

"Mr Ravitz, she's just finishing up a phone call with Mr Holt."

"Ah, and you are?"

"Charla, Mr Ravitz."

"The new Andrea! Ha-ha."

"Who, sir?"

"... anyway. Ah! The woman of the hour. Miranda! I have your star Nigel with me today - I'd like you all to know, after a brief consideration, it has come to me your editor-in-chief has surpassed her position at Runway . In addition to her responsibilities, she will be editorial director of Elias-Clark, effective immediately, and a dinner will be held to celebrate with all the editors-in-chiefs of the publications concerned. Give a round of applause, ladies and gentlemen, come along with me! Miranda Priestly, everyone!"