Stiles absolutely did not succeed at the happier expression -- or at least, to Phil. Most people would probably buy it at least somewhat, but Phil had made a career out of knowing things and knowing people. And while he didn't know Stiles personally, he did know sadness when he saw it.
But he also knew not to poke the emotional bear with a stick, at least not around any time there was a mass exodus. So he just let it pass on by for the moment, turning his attention instead to the young man's next words.
"My wife swears by the toasted white chocolate mocha," he said conversationally.