[ And smiling right back, because that whole bit still amuses him to no end. ]

It's good to be out. [ Tossing you a quietly grateful look. ] It was so kind of Brianna to remember me.

[ And then, of course: ] Lia is going to rag on me for this. But a party is a party and a gentleman never turns down an invitation from a lady.

[ Taking that seat now and gesturing for the bartender to send his favorite drink his way. ]