INT. BAUER KITCHEN - DAY

Rick stands at the stove, taste testing his homemade BBQ sauce when Ed emerges into the kitchen sporting a white chef's hat and an apron that reads, "FATHER OF THE COOK." Rick bursts into laughter at the site of his father.

Ed: So I am assuming you don't like it?

Rick: Not really. You look pretty silly.

Ed: Well at least I won't be alone.

Ed slaps a chef's hat on Rick's head also.

Rick: Are you kidding me? I am not wearing this -- this thing.

Ed: Of course you are. And you're going to wear it with dignity.

Rick: I don't think wearing this monstrosity on my head will make me feel dignified.

Ed: But you will. Oh and here. (pulls an apron from his back pocket and hands it to Rick) You are going to need this as well.

Rick is speechless and worried what the apron might say. He unravels it and is taken back. He shows the apron to Ed.

Rick: Kiss the cook? Dad, that is umm...pretty generic.

Ed: Well there is a reasoning behind it.

Rick: Please share.

Ed: With all these available women showing up at the cookout, maybe one will take you up on the offer and kiss--

Rick: Dad!

Ed: Come on, Son. Let's be serious. When was the last time you were with a woman.

Rick: Not too long ago. I was married to Beth.

Ed joins Rick at the stove overlooking the BBQ sauce.

Ed: I wouldn't've call that a marriage.

Rick: Whaddya mean?

Ed: Nothing. Nothing at all.

Rick: You put it out there already. Share. Since you know so much about marriage.

Ed: I didn't say all of that.

Rick: But that was what you were implying. What was so wrong with me and Beth?

Ed looks into Rick's eyes. He is concerned that telling him the truth might upset his son. But, on the other hand, he knows that it has to be done.

Ed: The truth is that, there WAS or NEVER will be a you and Beth. Beth will always be in love with Phillip or Alan or whoever else is the man of the hour.

Rick: So what? Beth never loved me?

Ed: Loves you, yes. Ever in love with you, no. You've always fought to be with Beth but in return she has never fought to be with you.

Rick: I thought you liked Beth?

Ed: I do. But let's be honest, Beth has really just been using you. And I just never understood how you left Mel to chase a dream you have had since you were a mere teenager.

Rick: It wasn't a dream. Beth and I did love each other at that point.

Ed: No you weren't. You two were seeking comfort from elsewhere. Beth, from dealing with Alan and you, from dealing with Mel being upset about the Ross accident.

The phone rings.

Rick: I'll get it because I am over this conversation.

Rick goes to answer the phone.

Rick: (on phone) Hello?....Hi Michelle!

Rick shoots a look at Ed before going back to talk to Michelle.