"Slip-n-slide?" she repeats, an incredulous look appearing on her face. She's familiar with the concept, of course. She wasn't raised in a ba—wait, her mom's a horse breeder, she's spent a decent amount of time in barns. But that's not the point.

"I can think of few things we're less appropriately dressed for." Especially if this barbecue does turn into a target. "Any suggestions that don't involve mingling? You're the only person whose company I halfway enjoy here anyway." It's a compliment. Really.