"I haven't been drunk in a very long time. I have zen, or zen has me. Drinking isn't as important." The way he said it, it wasn't meant as an insult or some claim to be better. It simply was. Charlie gave her a slight smile. "I would get drunk with you if you wanted, but I can't promise to be fun."
Charlie didn't want to think of what would happen or what he would say if he were drunk. He didn't want to hurt anyone, and he knew as well as any cop that things could and did happen when alcohol got involved. In fact, some people used alcohol as an excuse to let things happen they normally wouldn't. He nodded again as if he were thinking about this.
"I want you to be safe." His smile softened. "Just be safe."