"I just imagined everyone was puppies. I tried the pretending they're in their underwear trick but honestly, more nervous?" Bantering is part of the cover story. Also fun. And it keeps him from turning to follow Alex's attention. Always easy to look at Doc.

He still has trouble believing Doc has any interest in the proceedings at their table. Even if he has noticed Alex is armed, well, half the town is, and... Okay, no one would trust Jeremy not to be having lunch with a revenant. That might be it. He'll just have to drop that the guy's not from around here, thereby precluding most if not all supernatural natures. "I mean, if you go up to the bar for your next drink he might be kind of growly at you? It's not personal or anything." Just all intimidating and manly. There's that dumb smile again.