It's ridiculous. [there's nothing mean spirited about his smile or his tone, which is back to that neutral level now that he's gotten himself sorted out.] In any other situation, I'd say you are too for even considering that such tripe can even be a possibility.

[looks like he's gonna need booze for this after all. he grabs the last can on the table and cracks it open.]

But I do think it raises a legitimate point. Why do you figure I stick around you, Pete? [he takes a gulp of beer, then:] 'cause now I'm interested to see if your perception is that far off if you really believe what that thing said.