"There's nothing sinister about it. I just prefer to keep my wits about me." He keeps, barely, from sounding defensive about that, drawing upon the shallow well of his charm to try and dissipate her horror. He didn't realize that his own preference on what to put in his mouth was going to start the night off on such a bad foot. He tactfully, but firmly, replies.

"Besides, my father had enough to drink that I'm sure it runs in my veins by proxy."