"No problem," he states, reaching to take the bottle and another drink without missing a beat. "Ain't gotta like it for it to be the right way."

Or for it to distract from the here and now of the situation. A brief glance down the stairs, lips pursing around the cigarette. Then, he heaves a sigh, removes the stick and tucks it behind his ear, offering the slightest grin. "Know any good drinking games?" Another perfect diversion.