"No need, I doubt they will." he sighs hopelessly "I think it's safe for you to befriend them, if you want, just don't tell them that you speak to me or they might be harsh."

Yes, he's saying this as an act of self sabotage. After all, who wouldn't prefer Texas or Connecticut to him? He's giving Dan another chance to abandon him. If he doesn't, well, maybe he deserves to have bad things happen to him, be those bad things merely having to put up with Price existing near him. It's enough of a punishment for most people, anyway.