She smiled, "You are forgiven. Now bring me a small salad, spaghetti carbonara, and a bottle of a good Pinot Grigio."
I added, "And for me the soup of the day with Vitello Tonnato. I am not much into Pinot Grigio, so bring another bottle of Barbera."
Beth gazed at me, "I don't remember seeing you drinking. Ever."
"True. Lately I sipped a little, and after trying some, my taste buds liked only Barbera."
The wines came first, with the salad and soup. Beth chugged a full glass of Pinot before starting to eat the salad. I finished my soup and drank 1/4 of a glass of my wine. As we waited for our main dishes, Beth talked about her impression of the university staff, mocking some of them and praising others, and continuing to drink her wine.
Our waiter arrived with our plates, and offered a
