Harper didn't particularly believe in a small barbecue, but she did believe in a small gathering where people would drink. She would find out if she was right in the next few hours. With two bottles, a Campari and a Martini as a souvenir, she shouldn't do too badly. It didn't matter if they were used today or not, another occasion could be found.

Behind the bridle, Harper unleashed Jill and watched as she walked over to Koda and what looked like a setter, took the bag with the clinking bottles from her shoulder, and followed Clementine to the table where some food and drink was already set. More drink than food, mind you. The first sign that her theory might be right.

"You too?" Harper asked as he opened a bottle of blood orange and glanced at the blonde, but she just looked back without answering, "It's just after half past five. That should be fine, especially since a lot has already been opened here.... Your mom?"

"Sort of," Clementine replied and Harper paused to fill the glass with the red liquid, "She doesn't say anything about beer, but she never says anything directly about anything else, much more indirectly."

"At least she doesn't forbid it outright," without closing the bottle in her hand, Harper put it back on the table and instead took the aperitif she had brought with her and poured about an inch into an empty glass, the rest was filled with blood orange and the filled glass was passed to Clementine, "It's no different than the ouzo at the Greek's."

Olivia had never objected to an ouzo before a meal. An ouzo, like many other alcoholic beverages, is considered an aperitif in many countries, meant to whet the appetite and set the mood for the meal ahead. It is also used to shorten or bridge the waiting time until the meal is served, until everyone (in the group) has arrived and everyone can sit at the table together.  Not to forget, it is an integral part of Roman-influenced cooking traditions such as French, Italian and Swiss cuisine.