Sun, Jan 21, 1996
Ned manages to get a reluctant Eric a promotion after Amanda asks Ned to put in a good word to his bosses. Stacey is less than impressed at her new job writing for an airline magazine. Eric doesn't play ball as Ned attempts to score a big account by under quoting the budget, until Ned lets the cat out of the bag that Eric only got the promotion because of him. Stacey tries to calm the situation by using positive re-enforcement that she learns at an interview.
Sun, Feb 11, 1996
Stacey runs into an old high school friend Janine, who seems to always want what Stacey has. Stacey, while trying to make Janine jealous, mentions her marriage to 'husband' Ned whom Janine wants to meet. Ned, who is in high spirits, can't wait to put an end to his sexual frustrations as he begins to head out on a date. Ned is intercepted by Stacey, who tells him that she needs him to pretend to be her husband for the night. Eric desperately tries to get Janine to remember him while Ned, who is becoming increasingly frustrated, starts to take advantage of the act. Janine makes a move on Ned as he succumbs to his demons and an upset Stacey confronts Ned and winds up giving him the silent treatment. Ned confides in Eric about how he misses the sound of Stacey's voice while Eric wants to know all the details about Janine. Ned finally realizes what Stacey's real issues are, thanks to Amanda and decides to make amends by coming up with a clever scheme, that will turn the tables on Janine and finally make her jealous of Stacey.
Sun, Feb 18, 1996
Ned's current client is a wealthy fashion designer who is also gay. Stacey, upon meeting him, tries to get whatever merchandise she can from him. When he takes her swag home, he sees their living arrangement and thinks that Ned is gay and Grace is Ned's beard. Upon learning this, Ned is worried how this will affect their business relationship. When Ned tries to tell the designer that he's straight. The designer doesn't believe him, so Ned pretends that he is gay and that his partner is Eric.
Sun, Feb 25, 1996
Ned and Eric bump heads over who is going to be Leonard the Rodeo Clown at Howard's birthday party. Ned is determined to reprise the role, despite having issues with his gallbladder. Amanda and Eric try to schedule a time to create another baby during her time of peak fertility. Ned has to go to hospital for routine surgery after his issues finally catch up with him. Stacey manages to find Ned after he goes missing in the hospital and helps him get over his concerns about the possibilities of a botched surgery.
Sun, Mar 3, 1996
Ned has difficulties shooting an ad campaign starring the famous Bobby Van Lowe (Jason Bateman) from the situation comedy 'Pals'. Ned gives Bobby Amanda's number as Bobby is looking for an apartment in New York and needs a Realtor. Bobby develops feelings for Amanda while she is showing him apartments and winds up kissing her as Ned walks in on them. Amanda puts the baby making plans on hold as she has to rush out to close the apartment deal with Bobby. Ned freaks out after he discovers where Amanda is headed and has to tell Eric all of the details. Eric becomes furious and decides to confront Bobby.
Sun, Mar 10, 1996
Stacey gets offended by Amanda who says a few home truths about her arrangement and decides to make some changes and move out to her parents house. Ned fires up at Amanda, concerned that Stacey might tell the truth and forces Amanda to help him retrieve Stacey. Amanda finds Stacey at the diner with her Dad who has been offering her comforting words. Stacey runs into an old boyfriend who was not as cool as he used to be and Amanda and Stacey reminisce over what might have been.
Sun, Mar 17, 1996
Ned hosts a poker game while Stacey and Amanda head out to see the new Demi Moore movie. Ned plays a high stakes hand and ends up being short on his bet. Ned tries to offer replacement bets, none of which his friend Peter is happy with. Peter offers Ned an 'Indecent Proposal' which Ned agrees to. Stacey and Amanda arrive back from their movie date and Ned, who is not yet willing to confess to Stacey, sets up a date between the two of them. Amanda manages to find out the details from Eric and is determined to set Ned straight. Amanda is surprised to learn that Ned has already realized what he's done and he goes out to stop Stacey.
Sun, Mar 31, 1996
Stacey goes on a failed date and expects Ned to bail her out. Stacey believes that there are no good men left while Ned believes that he could find Stacey a better man than she ever could. They make a bet and decide to set each other up on a blind date to see who's right. Ned appears to have won the bet when he sets Stacey up with his friend Alex. Ned continues to be unhappy about the time Stacey and Alex have been spending together due to Stacey missing a few key appearances. Ned brings his work colleagues and boss home and they end up walking in on Stacey and Alex. Ned is fed up and is happy to let Stacey end their agreement early while he is determined to give Stacey her belongings and send her packing.