Dustin drove over to the Nicholsons' home at noon. The
villa was in a secluded neighborhood, with flowers and hedges decorating
the front yard. Dahlia was right outside. Dustin tried to avoid her but
was still spotted. "Stop right there! I need to talk to you!" "What is
it?" Dustin asked. Their backs were to each other as they spoke. "I
haven't told Granddad about our divorce because of his condition." "Do
you think we can keep him from finding out?" "I'll find a chance to tell
him after, just not today." "Alright. Anything else?" "Nope." Dahlia
turned and went inside the house without another word. They never once
looked at each other, acting like complete strangers. Dustin took a deep
breath and went in as well, wine in hand. The living room was filled with
people, including most of the Nicholsons. Only John, Dahlia's father, was
absent, still outside on his trip. Yet someone was sitting in his usual
seat this time, an outsider too–Chris Nolan. "How rude to have us elders
wait on him like this," Florence jeered, her expression mean. "Shh, Mom.
He might get upset and hurt you!" James chirped loudly. He hadn't let go
of what had happened yesterday. The bruises were still visible on his
face. "Alright, now that everyone's here, let's have dinner." Henry
Nicholson announced, beaming at Dustin. "Come and sit beside me, kid."
"Sure." Dustin smiled in return and helped the old man to his seat. James
scowled, his eyes burning with jealousy. "Kiss–ass!" He had never
understood why his grandfather doted on Dustin. James was the old man's
grandson by blood! "Come, let us all drink!" Henry toasted. "Granddad,
look at this." James pulled up a decorated box of wine. "Chris brought
this beautiful wine over, a fine Grand Cru from La Romanee Conti. We
should all toast with this!" "La Romanee Conti? That's a really expensive
vintner, no?" "Yes, it is. It was 100 thousand dollars a bottle!" Chris
boasted. "What? 100 thousand dollars a bottle?!" everyone exclaimed in
shock. The sky–high price had been way beyond their expectations. The
Harmons were pretty well–off, but even they hadn't had a chance to try
something this expensive. "Why'd you spend all that money on this, Chris?
It's too much, no?" Florence questioned, though pride laced her tone.
After all, Chris was her first choice for a son–in -law. "100 something
thousand isn't much. I have another barrel of this at home, so please,
you all enjoy," Chris grinned like a cat that ate the canary. The pride
was evident on his face, however. "Mr. Nolan, you're really generous."
"Yeah, we're really in for a treat tonight!" The family began praising
Chris for his wine, feeding his ego further. "Hey, boy, look at how
sincere James is. His wine costs 100 thousand dollars. But what about
yours, hm? You bought them from the dollar store, didn't you?
Cheapskate!" Florence sneered and even kicked James in the calf. "Why
don't we have a look?" James proposed with a conspiring smile. He swiftly
opened Dustin's box of wine.