Leading by Not Leading

Somewhere, a negotiation is ongoing ....

A: The governor feels that 15 Central Park West would be appropriate.

B: The Robert A.M. Stern building? You're kidding, right?

A: The governor feels that this is the caliber of address that would befit the network's newest addition, who, may I add, has a "Q" score in the high eighties.

B: We might be able to do a studio.

A: A four-bedroom is going to work better for a large family.

B: Isn't this just meant to be a pied-à-terre? Isn't she going to be traveling home on weekends?

A: I'm glad you brought that up. Of course the travel will be via private jet.

B: /sighs Fine. You've got the apartment at 15 CPW. What else?

A: The jet.

B: Yes, the jet. The jet!

A: Well, the girls will have to be enrolled at Brearley.

B: We can't make that happen.

A: We have full confidence that you can, in fact, make that happen. And may we remind you that the boss is very heavily invested in the success of this new program, as is Wendy.

B: I can't even make that happen for my own kids!

A: /silence

B: I suppose it will be Trinity for the boys.

A: Collegiate.

B: That's on the Upper West Side, you know. It's liberal heaven.

A: Of course, the terms of the agreement must remain confidential.

B: Right.

A: Now about the clothing allowance...