A new challenger who was standing right there.
I didn't want Ellen to immediately assume anything about Rich beyond standard "dealing with some guy I don't know" caution.
Given Ellen's other friends and acquaintances, someone dramatically saying "CARD GAMES", and talking enthusiastically about something they like, isn't a red flag at all, or even strange.
Someone talking themselves up while blushing, and offering a bit too much right off the bat, however...
Dan Curtis
2022-07-14 14:14:18 +0000 UTCwargrunt42
2022-07-14 05:27:52 +0000 UTCDan Curtis
2022-07-14 04:00:47 +0000 UTC