The physical contact surprises him, and he glances between the hand on his shoulder and Abby’s close proximity with the curious interest of a boy in the presence of a pretty girl. Of course, her words quickly sap him of any misconceptions. Blanching, he stares at her with wide, wide eyes.

“Good thing I’m not wearing a tie,” he jokes lamely, and it’s not really funny at all so he coughs hurriedly. “Um. Great. I’ll just…steer clear. Wouldn’t want to crash your party with a suicide. That’d be pretty selfish.”