Celebration: festive event, important occasion.

Daryl watches a new cooking show with Glenn as the chef.

Daryl

Surfing through channels, Daryl's attention was caught by a young Asian man smiling directly at him and inviting him to watch his new cookery show, Celebrate with Glenn Rhee, starting in September. Daryl was intrigued enough to look it up and discover that it wouldn't be the usual daily or even weekly format. It would be a two-hour special once a month. It was being produced by a small station out of Atlanta and would be airing locally. He figured the budget was tight so they were starting modestly, hoping it would do well and get picked up by a network.

Daryl had never watched a cooking show on purpose. The few times he'd seen a minute or two of various shows in passing he hadn't been impressed. He knew a lot of good cooks right here in Benford. They didn't make fancy sauces and use weird spices but Daryl would be glad to sit down at any of their tables and had done so numerous times and never been disappointed.

But the kid in the promo was something else. He looked young – mid twenties – to have his own show. There were decent Chinese places in Atlanta but Daryl didn't know anybody who cooked that stuff at home. Might be interesting to watch once. He set the DVR to record it.

"Welcome to the show that celebrates food! I'll be preparing favorites from around the country, including right here in Georgia, but first up is Chicago. I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There are plenty of great cooks there – my Mom is one – but Chicago is where I first became aware of food as more than fuel for the body. My family went to Chicago several times a year for shopping and entertainment. And to eat!"

Daryl was captivated. It was Friday night and he was alone. Merle hadn't been particularly interested when Daryl passed on going to the bar and grill in favor of a sandwich and TV at home.

"A friend of mine is here to help. We were roommates when I was starting out as a chef. Noah taste-tested my recipes then, including the not very successful ones, so it's only fair that he's here to share now that – hopefully – I know what I'm doing."

Daryl didn't care for Noah at first. He was a lanky black man a few years younger than Glenn Rhee. Daryl watched them together and for some reason was pleased to see only the ease of friendship with no hint of a closer relationship. Daryl warmed to him when Noah asked if he could take the leftovers home to Beth. Noah had a girlfriend. Daryl decided it was a good idea to have somebody else in the kitchen for Glenn to riff with since there was no studio audience for him to play off of.

He watched Glenn explaining that Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is well-known so he wouldn't be doing that. Instead, he made pizza puffs, which originated in Chicago. He described each step, adding bits of Chicago history and making it interesting even to somebody like Daryl who thought he was just watching a good-looking kid onscreen. In fact Daryl had muted the sound at first, content to see Glenn but soon the visual wasn't enough and Daryl unmuted and listened to the kid's cheerful voice and infectious laugh.

Glenn made everything from scratch including the puff pastry. He mixed up his own tomato paste with fresh tomatoes and herbs and spices. He added an unusual cheese. The pizza puffs came out of the fryer perfectly browned. They were all the same size and looked identical. Daryl was sure if he tried to make them they'd be uneven sizes with some burnt and some undercooked. The second item was a steak sandwich with fried plantains instead of bread. It made Daryl lick his lips even though he'd just finished his own sandwich. It seemed very inferior now.

Glenn finished up with chocolate brownies which Daryl hadn't known got their start in Chicago in 1893. Glenn made the brownies the same way, no mix in sight. He used a special chocolate for the base and iced them with a buttercream ganache and drizzled a glaze over that. It dripped evenly from the back of a spoon and made a pretty pattern. He made everything look easy but Daryl was doubtful. So was Noah who shook his head and said it was too complicated for him.

Glenn smiled and said that he'd taken the long way in order to show how it's done for serious cooks. He agreed that not everyone has the time or money or interest to make every dish so elaborate. He went through the recipes again, suggesting shortcuts and substitutions that simplified the process to the point Daryl thought he could make the stuff himself, although he had no intention of doing so. Glenn even approved brownie mixes and frozen puff pastry. So the kid was a foodie but not a snob about it.

Glenn said Celebrate would be for all kinds of cooks and he would continue to go through the long and short versions of recipes. Viewers were invited to share their own shortcuts and substitutions. He finished by listing the staple ingredients and basic tools that should be part of every pantry and kitchen. He added other items for the cooks who wanted to stretch their skills.

When it was over, Daryl watched the whole thing again.

Then he went to his room for privacy.

The next month featured Cajun and Creole cuisine. Daryl didn't really know the difference. He learned that in general Cajun is country and Creole is city. Glenn's guests were Carol Peletier and Michonne Gurira. Peletier was a French name and Carol had grown up in rural Louisiana. Gurira was African American but her first name was French and she was from New Orleans. Both had ended up in Georgia. That led to Glenn explaining that his parents emigrated from South Korea. He had left Michigan to attend cooking schools all over the country but he also ended up in Georgia. Carol and Michonne shared their favorite recipes and Glenn made them. The women were smart and funny and got along with Glenn and each other. It was another good show. Afterwards Daryl went to his room again. And he started thinking of Glenn as Korean instead of Chinese.

Daryl wasn't surprised that the November show was about Thanksgiving. He had company watching it because Merle returned ten minutes after leaving.

"Forget something?" Daryl asked.

"I came back to see what you were gettin' up to home alone. What the hell you watching?"

"Cooking show."

"I see that. Guess I should have asked who are you watching. 'Cause I believe I know why you've become a homebody. Georgia not good enough for you? You gotta go to China for satisfaction?"

"He's Korean, born in Michigan."

"Whatever. Didn't know you had such exotic tastes."

"Don't give me grief, Merle. I got a crush on the chef. So what? Nothing gonna come of it so leave me alone."

"Oh, I think somebody might come. Move over, I wanna watch and see what the appeal is."

"He's not gonna appeal to you."

"Just wanna find out what your type is."

Glenn did a true traditional meal, not the holiday dinner that has become tradition. He said turkey may have been on the menu back in 1621 but just as likely it was goose so that was the bird he prepared. The stuffing was made of cornmeal, herbs, onions and nuts. The fish dish was mussels with curds. Vegetable sides were beans, spinach and carrots. Plums, gooseberries and cranberries rounded out the feast along with pumpkin custard sweetened with honey. Glenn's guests were Hershel Greene and his daughters Maggie and Beth. Hershel had always kept a garden but he took it up full time after retiring as a veterinarian. His farm provided most of the produce for Glenn's show. Beth was the same Beth whose boyfriend Noah was on the first show. Daryl wondered about Maggie but he relaxed as the show progressed and there was no sign of flirtation or chemistry together except as friends.

When it was over Merle said, "I got new insight into my brother. You really like this kid?"

"Yeah."

"You oughta call him."

"I wouldn't get through. The station will have somebody taking his calls."

"I suppose so."

"Not sure he's gay anyway."

"Can't always tell."

Daryl was relieved that Merle dropped the subject.

Glenn

The admin assistant calls to say I have a visitor. I'm not expecting anyone so I ask who it is and what it's about. She says Merle Dixon has an idea for Celebrate about Georgia that doesn't involve fancy food at popular places in Atlanta.

Is this serendipity? I'm planning the Georgia segment right now and want it to be special and different. I'm worried because I can't seem to come up with something special and different. I'll take a chance. "Send him back."

Tara brings him instead of directing him to my cubicle and I see why when she shows him in. She didn't want Merle Dixon wandering around on his own. He's under six feet and average build but appears imposing with blunt features and graying hair buzzed short.

He looks me over. "Never met anybody from TV before."

"You like Celebrate?" The ratings are good for a small independent show and I'm glad to meet a fan.

"Wouldn't miss it."

I invite Merle to sit down and tell me his idea. I wonder if he's a chef himself or a wannabe who wants to get on the show.

"You should do a show about what folks eat in Georgia when they hunt their own food in the backwoods and hill country."

"Like venison or bear?"

"Naw, deer and bear are more for sport hunting. I'm talking about small game like doves and possum, squirrel and rabbit."

"Interesting." It is. This idea has potential. "Where would we get the game?"

"You need a hunter. Somebody you could go with and show viewers the whole thing from woods to table."

I get it now. Merle wants to be on the show in his natural habitat not mine. The woods instead of a kitchen. "Are you a hunter, Merle?"

"Sure, but I wouldn't be good for this. I got a brother, he's a hunter and a game warden. Mostly uses a crossbow."

"Hmm." That does sound perfect. A professional man who is an archer, not just a guy firing a gun.

"There's pictures of staff on the website. Look him up: Daryl Dixon."

I hand Merle my tablet and he pulls up the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division. He hands it back and I feel like a hunter with his prey in sight. Daryl Dixon has dark hair well below his ears. Doesn't look like a regulation cut but I like it. There's a glint of blue from his eyes. His shoulders are broad and his arms in short sleeves are tan and strong. He looks wonderful in the uniform but I bet it's too warm in the summer. They should issue a loincloth for hot weather. Daryl is probably straight and fucking women in the woods against trees. Even so, I'd love to meet this guy. And it would make a great show regardless of sexual orientation.

"You know that I have guests on the show?"

Merle nods.

"If we were to do this, I'd like to get film of me on the hunt and then the hunter in the kitchen with me. Would your brother do that?"

"I bet he would but you'd have to ask. We both watch but Daryl don't know I had this idea."

"I'm glad you stopped by. I think it would be just right for our segment about local dishes."

"What do I get for contributing to the show?"

We agree on terms and Merle gives me a phone number for Daryl. I discuss the idea with the station manager Dale Horvath and he approves, enthusiastically. I call Daryl the next day.

"Hello?"

"Daryl Dixon?"

"Yeah."

"This is Glenn Rhee of the Celebrate show …"

Daryl interrupts with a half-laugh, half-snort. "You even sound like him. Did Merle put you up to this?"

"Well, yes, but it's not a joke. I really am Glenn Rhee."

"What?" Daryl sounds stunned.

"Your brother pitched an idea for an episode of Celebrate and I'd like to discuss it with you."

"Merle had an idea?"

"A good one. We're very impressed. You would play a key part and I'd like to talk to you as soon as possible. Here at the station, or I could meet you somewhere."

"I'm at work."

"Actually, that would be perfect, if you could take a break. Your job is part of this." It's really not, I just want to see Daryl in person in his uniform.

"Okay." Daryl gives me his location and we agree to meet in an hour.

Daryl is even better in the flesh, so to speak. He blushes when he sees me. Is it possible he likes what he sees? I'm not a big enough deal on TV for him to be star-struck.

Daryl

Daryl should have known his brother didn't just drop subjects. He was like a dog with a bone if he got hold of something that interested him. Daryl wasn't sure why Merle would put himself out on his brother's behalf. No doubt there was more to it and he would find out eventually.

Glenn was the same in person: smooth stride, open face, effortless smile. It felt odd to see him without the filter of a screen. Then Daryl flushed, remembering what he did in his room after watching Celebrate. Get it together, he told himself. The kid doesn't know what you did.

Glenn had brought coffee in insulated mugs. They sat in Daryl's work truck to drink it. Glenn explained Merle's idea. Daryl admitted it sounded pretty good. He didn't much like being the center of attention but he couldn't pass this up. He told Glenn he'd do it.

Later at home Daryl said he owed his brother but Merle waved off gratitude for getting him introduced to Glenn.

"No thanks needed. I get a nice fee and my name in the credits as Creative Consultant," Merle said with satisfaction.

For December's show Glenn went home to Ann Arbor to prepare a Korean holiday meal. Daryl got a kick out of seeing him with his family. Mom was clearly in charge. Glenn might be making everything, but only with her supervision and approval. His sisters helped prep – rinsing and chopping vegetables, measuring and setting out ingredients.

Pop sat in his chair watching TV. His opinion was enlisted for the final flavor taste and his suggestions were taken seriously. Daryl got the impression that Glenn's energy, organization and technical skill came from Mom but Pop had a lot to do with his creativity. Each time Mom and Glenn added what Pop advised, then conferred and agreed it was the right call.

"Told you," Pop yelled from his chair.

The first time Glenn had asked, "Pop, can you taste this and tell us what it needs?"

"Sure." But Pop didn't get up.

"Well?" Glenn said.

"Want my help, bring to me. Why should I move?"

Pop didn't sound mad, he just didn't think he should be put to any trouble. Daryl found this attitude familiar and felt that Merle and Pop had something in common.

Glenn

I was attracted when I saw Daryl's picture and even more so after meeting him. It felt like there was a spark between us but I'm not sure if I should make a move. Daryl looks about ten years older. Would he like to be the pursuer? I feel like he should go first to show that I'm not too young for him. We're both busy, too. Daryl is working extra shifts for family men who want more time off for the holiday and I'm going to Michigan for Thanksgiving in a few days. Maybe I should keep it professional for now. If anything develops, it can happen slowly.

Filming for the January show starts when I get back and I also have to finish planning the March show. Daryl and I have reasons to stay in touch. He comes to the station to meet everyone. He returns for a detailed meeting, including discussion of all the ingredients needed for the dishes. I call him several times with questions. The spark has become embers that are giving off heat. There's some smoke but no fire yet. I go to Michigan for Christmas with my family. When I get back to Georgia it's time to start filming with Daryl.

Daryl

Daryl had worried that getting to know Glenn would spoil the image he'd built up from watching him. Folks on TV were often different in real life but there had been no sign of that yet. This kid was genuine and Daryl thought there was something going on between them. But he was also ten years younger so Daryl felt like Glenn should make the first move to show that the age difference didn't matter. If something did happen, Daryl was afraid it might be just a quick thing while they were filming the show. Not that Glenn seemed like the bed hopping type but Daryl didn't suppose himself such a prize that a young guy on TV would be interested long term.

The January show celebrated California cuisine with Andrea Harrison who was general counsel for the station and had attended law school in California. Merle watched her with unabashed admiration. By the end of the show he was singing "I wish they all could be California girls" under his breath.

Glenn

The Georgia segment won't air until February but we start after Christmas. Daryl comes to the studio kitchen and we practice the recipes using preserved meat from previous hunts. My cameraman and soundman film it, not only so we can see how Daryl and I interact onscreen but so Daryl can get used to the camera and other people being around. It goes well but there's a little stiffness that I suspect is nervousness with each other rather than Daryl being unfamiliar with the situation.

I review the film with Aaron and Eric. The three of us have worked together for months. The two of them have worked together several years. They met professionally and eventually became a couple. We all agree Daryl and I have good rapport. The stiffness isn't obvious and hopefully will disappear in the casual atmosphere of the hunt which is two days away.

Aaron and Eric leave for the day. I return to the kitchen so Daryl and I can run through everything again. Without the camera and crew, we're very aware of each other. Everyone else is gone and we're alone. We stop pretending to work and just look at each other. Suddenly the flames burst and we move towards each other. As we kiss, Daryl presses me against the counter. He turns me around with my back to him and bends over my shoulder. I turn my face up for another kiss. His mouth asks a question and my lips answer yes.

"We don't have lube," Daryl whispers. "What do you want to do instead?"

"We're in a kitchen, Daryl. We can use a substitute." I reach into a cupboard and hand him a bottle.

"Extra virgin. You trying to tell me something?"

"It only applies to the olive oil, not me."

Daryl fills me in the most satisfying way. We're aching for release and I feel both exhilaration and relief when it comes. Afterwards we clean up ourselves and the kitchen. It's awkward again, as if we don't quite know what this means or where it will lead. The hunt is the day after tomorrow and we need to be comfortable with each other. I thought easing the sexual tension would help but now I'm not sure. What if sex is all Daryl cares about? What if this one time is all he wants?

"Would you like to … uh … get together again sometime?" I hate that I sound so tentative.

"I was kind of hoping tonight wasn't over," Daryl replies.

"I thought you might want to wait …"

"You think I'm a one and done man?" Daryl demands. "I'm gonna prove you wrong if it takes all night."

That's not what I meant and Daryl knows it but his mock indignation melts the awkwardness. We go to my place. A few hours later I tell him I'm convinced.

Still, I have no objection when Daryl offers a reminder the next morning.

The day after that I head to the woods with Daryl. Aaron and Eric follow with camera and sound equipment.

"Welcome to a special episode of Celebrate. This month we're not looking anywhere else for recipes and favorite foods. We're staying in Georgia and making dishes with meat that hunters provide for their families. I'm not a hunter myself so with me today is Daryl Dixon, a lifelong hunter and resident of Georgia. He's also a game warden. Rabbit and squirrel season is November 1st through February 28th. This show will air in February but we need about seven weeks lead time so it's late December right now. Daryl will explain his hunting methods but we won't show the actual taking of the game. Guys with camera and sound equipment will scare off skittish critters so Aaron and Eric will leave before we get close."

Daryl points out scat and other signs of the animals we're looking for. He explains that squirrels and rabbits have small bodies so a head shot is best to conserve as much meat as possible. He's using a crossbow because he wants to get several animals in a short time and gunshots will make game wary. The last scene before Aaron and Eric go to wait with the SUV is me asking Daryl, "Can I come with you?"

"Have to be real quiet."

"I can do that."

"You sure? I watch your show. You're a talker."

"I promise not to say a word."

"All right. Follow me but stay back and step careful."

We came out early, hoping to get all the game we need in one day. We plan to tape this evening and into the night because Daryl wants to use the meat as soon as possible. If the hunting is poor today, we'll try again tomorrow. If that doesn't work, we'll use preserved meat from animals Daryl bagged last week, but he prefers to have fresh meat for the show.

Daryl gets three squirrels and a good-sized rabbit. We head back to the SUV where Aaron and Eric are set up to film us coming out of the woods. Daryl expertly field dresses the game and puts the squirrel meat to soak in salt water.

Back in the studio kitchen we go to work. We know each other much better now. The uncertainty of starting a relationship is behind us. Our rapport is just right – no awkwardness or nerves. I start with the squirrel, explaining each step as usual. It looks and smells great by the time I show the finished crock-pot to Daryl.

"Behold our Cassoulet Ecureuil."

"I didn't catch that. Casserole ek-que …?"

"Cass-soo-lay Ek-que-egh."

"You keep clearing your throat at the end."

"That's how it's pronounced. It's French."

"So you got a frog in your throat? French are called frogs, get it?"

I call out to Aaron, "That will need to be edited out."

"Okay," Aaron replies.

"Why?" Daryl asked.

"It's insulting to French people," I say mildly because I know Daryl didn't mean it that way.

"Didn't mean to insult anybody. I just thought it was funny their language is kind of croaky. Is that why they get called frogs?"

"It started because they eat frog legs."

Daryl shrugged. "Nothing wrong with that. But there's not much meat on them."

"This is gold," Eric says. "Are you sure it's too offensive to air?"

I can't help laughing. "We'll let Dale decide."

"This is your fault," Daryl says. "Trying to fancy up good plain cooking with French names."

"The name is accurate."

"This isn't a casserole."

"Cassoulet isn't French for casserole. It's a rich thick soup made with white beans and meat."

"Here in the U.S we call it squirrel stew."

Next I bring out the rabbit meat and go through the recipe. When the gently steaming dish is removed from the oven, I present it to Daryl. "I call this Cottontail en croute."

"On croot?"

"It means in crust."

"So we're talking rabbit pie."

I sigh. "Yes."

We finish up with the fruit Georgia is famous for. "I'm using preserved peaches since this isn't peach season in Georgia. This will be a variation on a well-known dessert. Use a cookie cutter to cut a round slice of pound cake. Place it in a bowl with a peach half on top, hole side up. A dip of ice cream in the middle and top it with another peach half, hole side down to cover the ice cream. Drizzle generously with raspberry sauce. Add whipped cream and a whole raspberry. Peche Melba!"

"There you go again. It's Peaches Mabel."

"No, it's Melba."

Daryl frowns. "You sure?"

"It was invented more than a hundred years ago in honor of the opera singer Nellie Melba."

"Huh. I thought it was a local lady name of Mabel who brought it to a church potluck."

"Are you messing with me?"

Daryl reddens. "No! I was a kid. I musta made a wrong connection."

"Well, it's an easy misunderstanding. Since I changed up the recipe, let's go with Peaches Mabel."

"Really?"

"Sure. And it will go in the cookbook like that."

"What cookbook?"

"I'm publishing a cookbook with all the recipes from the show. I'd like you to help me."

Viewers for the show have been climbing each month but they jump after the February show, especially when DVR viewings for the following week are included. And then DVR viewings for previous months increase. People are catching up on the show from the beginning!

Daryl and I are spending more and more time together. He's relieved that his appearance helped my show instead of tanking it.

My guest for March is station owner Dale Horvath who quit his previous job when his wife died and traveled around the country for awhile in his RV. He liked sampling local cuisine which is why he was interested in producing a cooking show when he returned to Georgia and bought this small station. While I make the sandwich, he tells about the regional fast food chain Runza, founded in 1949 in Lincoln, Nebraska. It's a midwest thing, in only a few states. The runza sandwich originated with Volga German immigrants from Russia. It's fresh baked bread stuffed with ground beef, onions, cabbage and spices. Cheese is optional. The restaurants also offer fries and onion rings, or half of each in a side called Frings. Dale says my version of the runza is the closest he's tasted to the real thing.

April is Tex-Mex with Eugene Porter, originally from Houston, and Rosita Espinosa, who came here from Dallas. They have a friendly rivalry about their favorite cuisine.

"Tex is first despite being later alphabetically; ergo, the Texan touch is the most important element in the Tex-Mex fusion." Eugene delivers the line deadpan.

"You ever hear of 'Last but not least'?" Rosita's tone is tart.

"First and foremost," Eugene says in his flat voice.

"Saving the best for last," Rosita replies.

"I concede that we have reached an impasse," Eugene says reluctantly.

"It won't be decided today," Rosita agrees. "But someday …"

They smile at each other, still friends. It's a fun show.

I ask Daryl to come back in May. "Dale wants a special last episode of the season. You come back and we'll do a cook-off together. Your shortcut version and my fancy version. You get to pick the menu."

"How did this come about?" Daryl asks suspiciously.

"Merle went to see Andrea and suggested it. She liked the idea and took it to Dale. He loved the idea and asked me to make it happen. Merle is getting another fee and creative consultant credit. I don't know why he didn't come to me like last time."

"I know why. This time it was an excuse to meet Andrea. Merle's been infatuated since he saw her on your show. I'd say he's out of his league but the same thing happened to me and look at us now."

Daryl

Daryl was happier than he ever thought to be since things got settled between him and Glenn. No more wondering about everything like in the beginning. They could just talk now. Within a few months they had begun making plans for the future.

Daryl had liked being on the show once but he didn't expect to go back. He couldn't turn Glenn down, though, so he agreed to the cook-off. He chose grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup and tiramisu. Filming began as they walked into the studio kitchen. Daryl carried two plastic grocery bags and the cup of plain coffee he'd gotten from a McDonald's drive thru the night before, which was now cold. Glenn had only one bag because the kitchen already contained most of what he needed. His coffee was cold, too, but he had ground the beans the night before and brewed a cup of gourmet espresso. They unpacked on separate counters and started with tiramisu since it would need to be refrigerated for awhile.

Daryl went first, suiting his actions to words: "Unwrap the Twinkies and cut them lengthwise. Lay them aside. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar, beat in vanilla and soft cream cheese and set it aside. Pour the cold coffee into a small deep bowl and stir in rum. You can use brandy or kahlua or most any kind of alcohol. Dip the Twinkie slices one at a time real quick so they don't get soggy and fall apart. Lay them in a 8 by 8 pan. Cover them with half the cream stuff and sift or shake cocoa powder on top. Do another layer of Twinkies and cream stuff but don't put cocoa powder on top. Cover and put it in the fridge four hours or overnight. Sift or shake more cocoa powder on top before eating. You don't wanna put the top layer of cocoa on until you're ready to serve or it'll sink into the cream layer and look gunky."

Glenn's steps were much the same but he made three layers and used ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese and Marsala wine instead of Twinkies, cream cheese and rum. He would also sprinkle chocolate curls on top of the cocoa powder before serving.

Daryl opened his can of condensed tomato soup, added water and set it to heat. "For the grilled cheese I use a non-stick pan and spatula. Wal-Mart has a good sauté pan for 6 bucks and spatula for a dollar. You know what comes next. Spread soft butter on a slice of bread and put it butter side down. Two slices of Velveeta makes it nice and cheesy but you can make do with one slice if you have to. Butter another piece of bread and put it on with the butter side up. Medium heat 5 or 6 minutes on the first side but maybe only 3 or 4 minutes when you flip it because the pan is hot by then. Serve it with the soup. Nothing to it."

Glenn had roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, bay leaf and butter to prepare homemade soup. For the sandwich he had baked a loaf of bread and brought several artisanal cheeses. He mixed a little creamy spiced salad dressing with softened butter for the outside of the bread then asked, "Since we're going to eat each other's lunch, what meat would you like between the cheese? A slice of home-cured ham or my special meatloaf?"

"Meatloaf. I think I'm gonna get the best of this deal."

"Remember, Celebrate is for all kinds of cooks. We're showing them a simple and an elaborate way to prepare the same food."

Glenn had no complaints about Daryl's simple prep: "The soup has a nice flavor and it's smooth, just right for dipping. The sandwich is tasty and oozing cheese with every bite."

Daryl didn't bother with a detailed analysis: "Best soup and sandwich ever. Mine is good eating but yours is fine dining. Want a bite?"

Glenn nodded. Daryl dipped a corner of the sandwich in the soup and offered it to Glenn.

"It's a big piece of meat. I can hardly get my mouth around it," Glenn said casually. "Mmm. That is some of my best work."

Daryl had been watching Glenn's mouth as he chewed and swallowed. "There's a couple things you do better," he said straight-faced.

Glenn smiled. "Ready for dessert? I could use something creamy to finish off."

When filming wrapped Aaron asked, "Do you really think anyone will be fooled by your comments about thick pieces of meat and that other sex stuff? I'll have to edit the hell out of this."

Glenn grinned. "It was fun while it lasted but yeah, you'll have to lose that part."

The Dixon brothers had met their matches but there were accommodations to be made by all parties. During the summer hiatus household arrangements were discussed.

Andrea lived in the heart of a fashionable and expensive area of Atlanta. She refused to move to Benford but said she would exchange her condo for a house on the edge of the city. Merle agreed to this compromise and they moved in together.

Glenn didn't mind giving up his apartment and moving to Benford with Daryl but he insisted on completely renovating the kitchen. Daryl went along with it willingly.

Months later Merle was spending the evening with Daryl while Andrea worked late and Glenn finished taping a show. Daryl brought out the snacks Glenn made for them and Merle dug in with gusto.

Merle liked to jab Daryl about keeping in shape. He called it a gay thing but never offered a reason why he hadn't let himself go despite being forty and enjoying adult beverages. "After eating Glenn's cooking all this time, I figured you'd be porking up by now."

Daryl handed it right back. "We wear off a lot of calories. Use your imagination as to how."

Merle pretended to shudder and changed the subject. "TV shows don't last forever. What'll Glenn do after that?"

"Open a restaurant in Atlanta. We talked about it. I'll provide some specialty meats. He wants to offer a charcuterie board."

"Hmm," Merle said.

Daryl heard the calculation in Merle's voice and felt apprehensive. His brother's next words triggered foreboding.

"There's sure to be something for ole Merle in a place like that. I'll have to give it some thought."

Glenn

My show ends after four successful years. The second year it reached regional status in the southeast television markets. The third and fourth years it went national at the network level. I was tiring of the grind by then and was ready for a new challenge. Dale sold the station, retired and invested in my restaurant. I put in my savings, of course, and Daryl and Andrea became backers as well. Merle didn't have much money but he had an idea about how he could contribute. I pay attention to his ideas since they led to meeting Daryl and resulted in two top episodes of my show.

Merle achieves a certain level of fame – or is it notoriety – as the bartender of Atlanta's newest restaurant, Celebration.