Vino in Veritas

Chapter 44 (cont'd)
After the little group hug welcome from J.P., Sam and Simmy relaxed in their seats knowing they were with friends.
As the evening wore on, Don was getting more exuberant than usual. His personality was, generally, up-beat and optimistic but he was becoming loud and personal.
"In Vino Veritas," he lifted his hand and everyone felt obliged to follow suit and they clinked their glasses for the third time. "Let's drink a toast to 'Lucy' and 'Ethel' for their..."
J.P. took some control back after this and said simply, "Alright Pliny, let's behave like the Elder, instead of the Younger."
The warning tone punched through the haze and Don sobered up a bit as 'Lucy' pushed his dinner plate closer to his hand that was gripping the wine glass.
Don took the hint, exchanged the wine glass for a fork and started eating to neutralize some of the alcohol.