Chapter 16: Losing Faith

"This is something new we tried this year," the older man said as he poured two swallows into each of the clear wine glasses. "When tasting a wine for the first time, you should ignore the first sip as it's a shock to your senses. Always judge the wine by the second swallow as to whether you like it or not; never the first." He then proceeded to explain the mango and peach combination they sampled.

Selby only half paid attention. His main focus was on the images in the mirror behind the bar, which gave him a perfect view of Paul and Faith. Selby thought it cute how flustered Faith became with Paul's arrival. Selby had watched her blossom into an adventurous woman over the past year, allowing herself to explore a side of her she had kept buried for so long. It was a side that had embarrassed her in high school, causing her to bury it, and yet, while buried, it never completely disappeared.

Breathing in the fruity aroma of the Chardonnay, Selby's mind drifted backward to a day at the bea