Bernard's dodgy accountant goes on the run, leaving him to fill out his own tax return. Meanwhile, the owner of the shop next door wants to find out exactly what an object from her shop is.

After Manny's help with the tax return Bernard is persuaded to hire him in the shop. Much to Bernard's annoyance, Manny has infuriatingly great skill at selling books.

Bernard and Manny accept a house-sitting job to get away from their new cleaner. They also drink some wine. Meanwhile, Fran goes on an ill-fated date.

A caffeine-fueled Manny is mistaken for a policeman. Bernard recalls a disastrous dinner party with old friends and Fran tells him about blanking her boyfriend after catching him with another woman.

Following a burglary Bernard buys a sophisticated alarm system that no one can work. Manny gets locked inside the shop while Bernard is stuck outside in the rain.

Finally fed up with Bernard's constant abuse and demands, Manny runs away from the bookshop and into the arms of a beard-loving photographer.