It's unlikely anything will comfort Eli right now. He needs to ride out these emotions but having some drinks and not being alone is for the best.

He didn't catch the connotations but his mind isn't really focused. "I don't think I've eaten today."

He's still drinking heavily and food was probably the best. That doesn't mean he would ignore any outright flirting. He was had been enjoying that before his mind latched on to the negative again.