At the high end restaurant, Carl followed his wife uncomfortably “Are you sure this jacket is fashionable? I don’t see anyone else wearing one like it. And... I think people are staring at me...” 

“It’s a new trend. It’s not popular yet. Now be quiet.” Veronica lectured him before turning to the table with three other people “Hello, Mr. Grandman. This must be your lovely wife. And it’s always good to see you, Rich. Everyone this is my husband Carl. Carl, this my fellow director Richard Woodsman, Mr. Bill Grandman from Vision Incorporated and his wife Helen.” 

“Nice to meet you, Carl.” Bill shook hands with him kindly. 

“Hey, again, Carl. Nice jacket.” Rich smirked with a wink. 

“Hello and... thanks.” he sat down clearing his throat and keeping his cool “Say... where’s your wife, Rich? She couldn’t make it?” 

Rich shrugged “She’s at her mother’s and well... she’s my EX-wife now.” 

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” Carl gasped. 

“Don’t be. My marriage was crap. Anyway, the beef wellington here is really good. I recommend it with gravy.” Rich smiled ear to ear which made everyone except for Veronica uncomfortable. 

“Well, stuff happens. Anyway, Bill, you wanted to talk about a partnership with Hunter Crops.” Veronica smiled at him while holding the menu. 

“Possible partnership, Mrs. Scarlet. Nothing personal, but honestly, I’m still on the fence because as well as the contract project went, my stance on working with people that share our values stands.” Bill explained as he looked at the wine list “This one please? A whole bottle.” 

“And what would those values be?” Veronica asked while leaning forward on her elbow. 

“Good work ethic, taking pride in the job and above all else, authenticity.” Bill went on. 

“I like those values.” Carl commented with a smile. 

“Ahem, well, I can assure you that Hunter Corps has those exact qualities especially when it comes to being authentic. We have nothing to-” she was interrupted when the waiter dropped the wine bottle on the table after it slipping out of his hand. 

The main casualty of the red wine was the tablecloth, though the splash claimed Veronica’s dress, Rich’s shirt, and Carl’s jacket, face and hair. 

“I-I’m so sorry! Are you alright?!” the waiter checked on Carl first as Veronica gave him the stink eye. 

“It’s ok. I’m fine.” Carl took the jacket off and as he wiped his face and hair, he had to untie his hair to clean it properly. 

Bill’s eyes widened “Say... You’re THAT Carl?! Carl Crescent?! The DIY Guy?!” 

“Uh, yes. I am.” Carl nodded while wiping his chin. 

“Anyway, we were discuss-” Veronica tried to divert. 

“Holy cow! You ARE!! You’re the DIY Guy! It’s the DIY Guy! My girlfriend and I LOVE your channel!” the waiter praised him. 

“Man, your pie video changed our lives! Haven’t needed to buy one since and my wife here is determine to try every recipe.” Bill laughed. 

“Our son has taken up potted plant gardening, and it’s been the best thing he was ever inspired to do.” Helen added. 

“I saw your potato video this morning!” one customer called out. 

Before long, half the restaurant had recognized Carl and was acting as though they were in the presence of a celebrity. At Sarah’s, her mother made homemade French fries with some of the potatoes Katie had brought over to go with the chicken wings she made. The girls were enjoying them while watching their favourite film together, when there was a knock at the front door. 

“Katie dear, your father is here.” Sarah’s mother walked into the den with Carl right behind her. 

“Time to go home, Katie-cake. Thanks for watching her on such short notice. Here. This is for you, guys.” Carl then handed the woman a fancy looking take out box and a bottle of port. 

“Oh my! Oh, Carl, you already give us so much and we’re friends. You don’t-” she began. 

“I want to. The restaurant gave us three bottles... and then some.” he rubbed the back of his head as Sarah opened the box and was awed by the fancy desserts. 

“I take it dinner went well, dad.” Katie commented. 

“Uh... well... You mom closed the deal, but uh... it’s complicated. Anyway, let’s go home and please give your mom some space. She’s tired. Goodnight, Sarah. You too, Lynn.” Carl explained as they left.