Ethan lifted his glass in acknowledgement of the point. "Touchè, mio saggio, padre." Taking a hit, he swallowed, licked his lower lip, then said, "Mm, oh, now that I'm thinking about it, just so you know, I'm taking Avery to my house in Firenze next week. A much-needed vacation, as were."

He tilted his glass David's way. "I'll bring you back a few bottles of the House wine, if you like. Mariana reports last year's batches were sorprendente."