Elly is on the phone to Connie explaining to her that Phil is taking Mike over to visit Lawrence and would she please not greet him at the door by saying "I'm single."
Panel 1: An enthusiastic Mike asks Phil if he's taking him to see Lawrence. He says "Sure, man!"
Panel 2: As she watches them leave, Elly's on the phone to Connie to tell him he's on his way.
Panel 3: She also says that he suspects nothing so she shouldn't be too obvious.
Panel 4: For instance, working "I'm single" into her first sentence would be a bad idea.
Summary: In real Foob history, Elly didn't have Annie's help causing this disaster. Lynn's new-and-not-improved version has it be the result of a plot of two selfish meddlers to ensure that people they resent end up in a situation they hate so their saboteur friends can feel better about the lousy choices they themselves made.
ETA: I expect to see Phil act as if Connie was a horse he was planning on buying tomorrow. I also expect to see a New Year's-related banner today.