"I'm not worried about your emotional capacity personally," Tad said, waving off the comment. "But as Derby's current right-hand man since you abandoned him so callously, it is my job to ensure that he won't be bothered by those who want only to hurt him." He thanked the waiter as his second drink arrived, and then went on, "To be honest, I don't trust your intentions for insinuating yourself into our lives again. I have to be sure that your jealousy won't take an... ugly turn at Derby's expense."
He picked up his drink and swirled it around, watching it carry the olive a full rotation of the glass. He could already feel the first drink as a warmth in his bloodstream, and a familiar softening of his emotions. Tad didn't think he had a drinking problem, but a drink or two always helped to make any situation more tolerable. He elected to ignore Bif's comment about his alcohol intake, and took a sip of his second martini.