“This is nice wine.” Jerry said to Judy, as they checked out the samples at a local winery.

“It’s not like that other one, out by the river bend.” Judy said. “They set up wine for the locals when they have not the best batches, just to get rid of it.”

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“That’s not a terrible thing to do.” Jerry argues. “It’s probably a good time.”

“I don’t know.” Judy says. “I heard it gives some people a sour stomach, and they aren’t exactly welcoming to the farm folk when the tourists are around.”

“Well, this is nice wine.” Jerry repeats.

“I agree.” Judy says.

“Well, you could have said that the first time, now you have me thinking about the sour stomachs of farmers.” Jerry says, as Judy rolls her eyes.

They each have a couple more of the little samples of different wines. It is a pretty, fresh day. Spring is coming, pretty darn soon. They enjoy the view of the vineyards, there are a couple of birds singing, and one of the kitchen guys is loading up the outdoor cook stove with wood.

“Wow, we should stay for that.” Judy says.

“I think it takes a while for it to get up to temperature, maybe we can come back for dinner.” Jerry says.

“Let’s see if anyone else wants to join us.” Judy says.

“We’ll end up paying.” Jerry says.

“Don’t be such a cheapy.” She responds.

“When was the last time we went out with friends and didn’t end up getting most of the bill?” He says.

“That’s because we’re always the ones doing the inviting.” Judy says.

“What does that tell you?” Jerry asks her.

She answers. “That we’re nice?”

“No one ever cares to ask us to dinner or lunch, and that doesn’t tell you anything?” He inquires.

“Should it? What? What should it tell me?” She responds.

“That maybe they just don’t like us very much.” He says.

“Now, come on… that’s not what it means, it doesn’t mean anything.” She retorts.

“Do you remember when I was at the butcher yesterday, getting our order, and I told you this new winery was open, and that it looked really nice, and that we should come?” She nods. He continues. “OK. Look over your right shoulder. Go ahead.” He instructs her, and she looks.

“There it is. There’s the meat shop, there is the window. You have a nice view of this patio from that window. Guess who I saw here having so much fun yesterday?”

“Who?” She asks.

“Several of the people we bought meals for in the last year and a half, that’s who.”

Judy is saddened. She has a despondent look.

“You really like them, and you want to think the best. I get it”, Jerry says. “I’m sorry. I think we need to face it. When there’s no reciprocity and no genuineness, the best thing is to just move on from it and try to find better company.”

Just then Judy gets a text. “It’s Sheila. She wants one of my recipes… the one for that French chicken souffle.”

“Ask her what the occasion is, and if it’s not a family thing, but she doesn’t invite you, tell her you lost that recipe.” Jerry suggests.

“You don’t have to tell me twice”, Judy says.

553 Words.

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