South Carolina lawyer Sam and Georgia lawyer, Gene, were having lunch one day last week. Gene was over in Columbia, S.C., to meet with a client on business and had stopped in to see his old law-school classmate.

“Gene,” said Sam, as he worked his way through a large barbecue sandwich slathered with a tangy mustard sauce, “it’s sure good to see you. I heard from one of my partners that your firm will be having its summer retreat in Myrtle Beach this year. I just bought a beach house there and I want to get you and some of your partners over for dinner one night.”