I felt like Oscar was on to something. Relationships do have to be dynamic to be successful. I had seen that thru my own father and mother, and so it seemed to be a reasonable explanation. But did that alone scream forever? I needed more proof.

Our study of Italy was intense. I was most interested in learning more about Super Tuscans. Straight from the Tuscany region of Italy, these wines are some of the most highly regarded in Italy and the world. Made from the Sangiovese grape with at least a seventy-percent portion, these wines are commonly made in a Bordeaux-style blend, sometimes using Cabernet and Merlot. Tiganello by Antinori and Sassicaia are two recognizable standards in this classification of wines. Since Tuscany was where Samantha and I would spend most of our time in the coming summer, I would focus my study of Italy on Tuscany.

After talking with Oscar, I felt better about getting the idea of having a love that stands the test of time off my chest, so to speak. And while I would ask my additional fellow students as well, I knew I would appreciate them knowing my dilemma and their individual opinions. On Tuesday nite, I explained over our normal wine tasting that I would be asking each of them for advice. I asked them to think about their answers individually, but not reveal them until such time that I would have together with them individually. Jeff, Billy and Andrew nodded in agreement, and agreed to give the subject much thought.

Wednesday was the normal nite for Samantha and I to talk on the phone. The weather had been somewhat brutal as of late, and the snow in the northeast was being stored in massive piles in shopping centers and other places where the state roads department could find space. Each of us were lucky in that we were not far from school; Samantha living on campus and I only five minutes away from school. Having talked to Oscar, my discussion with Samantha that evening was more fluid. There was not hesitation in my voice nor an err of something to hide. I was working thru my issue with the help of some trusted advisors; my friends, and my father.