When the World Listens - Duran Duran

Chapter 3, Part 2 - Does Wine Really Matter?

Simon’s eyes slowly looked over at John. He silently got Nick’s attention and showed him the bottle. Nick stopped bickering with Andy and gave John a look. Even though John wasn’t looking up, he could feel the eyes of the others burning on him. Nick and Simon, being wine connoisseurs, were not happy. Simon reluctantly poured himself a glass, then he handed the bottle to Nick, who was looking at him through his eyebrows.
Roger had finished setting up the table and was now seated. Everyone had their food. Everyone was happy, for the most part. John, Roger, and Simon had already grabbed some Caprese salad. While eating, Nick stood up to take a couple pictures with his 35mm kodak camera. After some calm, familiar silence, Simon began to speak to john.
“So John…” he paused to swallow his bite of pizza. “Did you tell Jack to get this kind of wine?” he said, holding forward his wine glass. Simon didn’t actually care enough about the wine to start a fight, but he saw the opportunity to mess with John, so he took it. John stopped chewing and finally met Simon’s eyes.
Technically telling the truth, John replied, “Not specifically,” Simon stared at him as if he was expecting more. Nick returned to his seat to join the conversation.
Nick asked calmly, “Well what did you tell him to buy?”
Now lying, John replied “Just some cabernet, that’s all I said. I didn’t tell him specifically what brand to get.” Simon squinted his eyes in scepticism. Now it was Roger’s turn.
“I heard you, John,” Roger said. A little fire of panic lit itself in John’s heart. Roger had the power now. He could lie or tell the truth. Either way, it would be entertaining to him. To rile everyone up even more? Or be honest? He had settled on trying to stir the pot, so he smirked and said, “You told him to buy the cheapest wine he could find and to only get ONE bottle.”
This was worse than what John had imagined he’d say. He was confused as all hell. He would usually only get this kind of behaviour from Andy. He looked over at Simon. Simon, with mouth agape, looked over at Nick. Nick had his arms folded tightly. Nick does not appreciate cheap wine. He thought that this was worth breaking the vow he made earlier. This was the entertainment Roger was searching for. He had to force his hand over his mouth to keep from laughing.
“I don’t get what the big deal is. Wine is wine.” Andy said while sipping his glass of dark red pleasure juice. All attention went to Andy.
“Well that depends. Do you think piss and spring water taste the same?” Nick said as dramatically as possible.
“That’s not a fair comparison,” Simon said.