Likewise. [Tommy draws the word out, studying Cissie with the kind of suspicion a best friend would level at a girl he's never met who may or may not be preying on a friend who hasn't been himself lately.

[Oliver coughs.] Tommy.

[Merlyn looks Oliver's way, and the latter shakes his head. The valet, on cue, pulls up in Tommy's car.] All right man. I'll see you around - oh. Fair warning? The whole Thea thing kind of got your mom out of bed. She's not happy.

[Nngghk. Oliver hisses.] Right. Thanks.

[Merlyn throws a salute, snags his keys rom the valet, and swings down into the driver's seat of his car. Oliver watches him go, speaking to Cissie without looking at her, his focus on reformatting his plans.] Raisa is probably up with Thea, which at least saves us from the possibility my mother will try to shove you off on her and grill me for answers in the mean time. But she's protective of the family, and whatever state Thea is in, mom will see this as... A stranger coming into her territory while one of her cubs is vulnerable.

[The look he finally turns Cissie's way is somber.

God he's tired already, and they're about to walk in to the danger zone.] Please be patient with her. She's been through a lot recently.