That night, everyone was in their own world. While Bob considered the new business venture, Louise was searching for a pair of party planners. She decided that like most modern teens, she would search online, scouring social media for any clue as to where they could be working for places they frequented. The search hadn’t gone so well, knowing much about those twins seemed like asking an impossible question. These twins are masters of staying under the radar, they were known for throwing wild parties, it makes sense and yet, they’ve managed to stay out of pictures, not even making it into the background of others’ posts. This search has been nothing but exhausting but mostly because Louise had spent the entire night stalking Tammy’s online accounts from her last year of high school. All the parties she’s weaseled her way in, all the obnoxious duck lips selfies, like, how outdated. Louise almost throws up just thinking about that. The generic teenage exposure felt like it was infecting her ever so slightly. A terrifying though, indeed. Gene sat in his room, sprawled across his bed with his trusted songbook in hand, going over past unfinished works and taking notes on new ideas. With the upcoming event he’s planning for, he found himself very self-conscious about his music, the lyrics, and whether he’s even good enough. Meanwhile Bob sits in the kitchen with Linda, he moans as he ponders all the unlikely scenarios of agreeing to franchise the restaurant.  

“Bob, I really don’t see any reason to not take the deal. There’s literally no way we could lose.” Linda reassures while standing at the sink washing tonight’s spaghetti dinner off soiled plates. 

“I don’t know Lynn, that guy was pretty creepy. Did you see how he was smiling the whole time?” 

“Yeah. That put me off a bit but think of the money! We could have more than just a few months' rent, we could buy a house and retire, and the kids will be set if they, you know, ever go to college or something. 

“That probably won’t happen- maybe Louise but I think- I don’t know.” 

“Just try Bob. This could be the thing that sets us up for life. Don’t stand in the way of your own success, think of your dad and how proud he would be.” She clasps her hands together, leaning forward to touch foreheads with his. 

Bob sighs, thinking of his late father who sadly passed away a year ago. He honestly didn’t know what his father would think, Big Bob wasn’t always the type to congratulate or praise anyone but the kids. Maybe Linda was right, though. 

“Okay. I’ll call him and let him know.” 

“YAY! Oh, thank you Bobby!” She cuffs his face and covers him in kisses, “This is a new beginning! Oh, we gotta tell the kids, this is so exciting.” 

“Alright but in the morning.”  

She didn’t even respond; she was just too excited. She danced her way over to the wine cabinet and poured them both into a glass. 

“A toast! To a new era of Bob’s burgers.” 

Bob reaches for his glass, taking a glance at his own refection before raising his cup, “Cheers.” 

“Gumbo!” Linda shouts. 

“Mom, please!” Gene shouts from his room. 

“Sorry.” She whispers. 

The following day, the family gathered at the dinner table for breakfast. Bob at the stove and Linda fiddles with her phone trying to get a hold of Tina. 

“So, what’s this big news we keep hearing about?” Louise asked. 

“Well, we-” Bob started, 

“No! Wait till I call Tina, everyone needs to be a part of this.” Linda barked. 

“You heard the woman, so back off.” Gene teased. 

“Yep.” He sighed. 

Linda gives Tina another call, 

“Hello?” 

“Oh, Tina- TINA! It's mom.” 

“Hey mom, I saw your call. a lot. What’s going on?” 

“Okay, your dad and me need to share some big news and now that everyone is here, Bob, go ahead and say it.” 

“Oh, okay. Hold on.” He says as he brings over a hot pan of bacon for the table. He shovels the pile onto a plate with a napkin on it and turns back to get the pan on the now turned off stove before finally sitting down to share the news with everyone. 

“Okay, so, the other day a man came into the restaurant and asked if we wanted to franchise the business. Now, from what I can remember he said that he would take care of everything as far as locations and store management, but I and your mom think that it could be a good idea to do this.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing," Tina said. 

“Thank you, Tina.”  

“So, what do we do? Like what’s going to change?” Louise questioned him. 

“Nothing! Well, nothing but our bank account, right? Bob.” Linda joked. 

“That’s great but if nothing is going to change, why were we all brought here for this announcement?” Gene chimed in. 

“Regardless of the circumstances, it’s still a big decision, and we wanted everyone to know.” 

“Oh. Okay.” Gene drops out of the conversation. With his song book in hand, he opens it and starts to write lyrics, thoughts, and quietly let’s his doubt get the better of him. 

“Okay. Does anyone have anything else to say?” Bob asked. 

“Nah, I’m kind of busy, actually. Thank for breakfast and congrats, to the restaurant.” Louise exclaimed before taking her phone out of her pocket and leaving the table. 

“Okay. I guess that’s all the news for today, thanks to all of you being here. Kind of thought there would be more discussion but I guess that’s that.”  

“Okay, well I must get to class now. Congrats on the new venture, Dad. Love you guys. Bye.” 

“Bye Tina! Love you too.” Linda says before aggressively kissing the phone as she hangs up, “Well, Bob. I think that went well, let’s give the guy a call.” 

“Right.” He stands up from the table, grabs the landline phone, and pulls a card from his pocket. 

“It’s ringing. We’re really doing this.” 

“YeEesss WeEee ArEee~” Linda sings.