[Eric laughs outright at that.] I believe Sookie would object if I were using her for anything else. [Then he sobers and decides some honesty might be in order since Stefan is a friend of Caroline's.]
I consider Caroline my best...[he pauses because in some ways Caroline has taken Pam's place in his life here. He would have never referred to Pam as his friend. Pam was his progeny, closer than that and Eric isn't accustomed to having friends. It's difficult when you're aware that everyone around you with the exception of your progeny would stab you in the back if it benefitted them.] friend, I suppose.