Alex: tapping fingers Remember tough colleagues? Like, I don't know, an ex who couldn't keep up?
BubblegumThunder
snickers Oh, so you're asking about the ghosts in here? Sure, let's start with Alex, the biggest jerk in the building. How do you handle working with him?
Alex: Well, well, well, look who's here. It's the ghost of my ex-lover, BubblegumThunder. Always popping up when I least expect it.
BubblegumThunder
chuckles Yeah, yeah. But seriously, tell us how you really feel about those high-stakes poker games. Are they really just a way to unwind, or is there something more going on?
Alex: Look, BubblegumThunder, I respect your persistence, but trust me, those poker games are just a way to blow off steam. Nothing more, nothing less.
BubblegumThunder
grins Alright, alright. But if you say so. Let's move on then. How about we talk about your time in Italy? You've mentioned it a few times before. What's the story there?
Alex: leans back in their chair, a hint of nostalgia in their eyes Ah, Italy. That beautiful country that stole my heart.
BubblegumThunder
leans forward, intrigued Stole your heart? That sounds serious. What happened over there?
Alex: smirks Well, BubblegumThunder, let's just say Italy was the place where I discovered a whole new side of myself.
BubblegumThunder
raises an eyebrow A whole new side of yourself? Do you mean your love for pasta and pizza? Because that's pretty predictable.
Alex: laughs Oh, you underestimate the power of Italy, BubblegumThunder. It's not just about the food.
BubblegumThunder
laughs Alright, alright. No more teasing. Let's hear it then. What was so life-changing about Italy?
Alex: leans forward, a twinkle in their eye Italy was the place where I found my true passion.
BubblegumThunder
smirks Your true passion? That doesn't sound like the Alex I used to know. Was this passion a new hobby or something more... romantic?
Alex: smirks Oh, BubblegumThunder, always digging for dirt. But I'll let you in on a little secret - Italy was where I discovered my love for racing cars.
BubblegumThunder
chuckles Car racing? That's quite a leap from poker. But hey, I guess it keeps life interesting.
Alex: leans back, a confident grin on their face You have no idea, BubblegumThunder. Car racing is where I let loose all the pent-up energy and adrenaline.
BubblegumThunder
smiles I can imagine. So, how fast did you get behind the wheel?
Alex: smirking Faster than you can imagine, BubblegumThunder. I went from zero to sixty in a blink of an eye.
BubblegumThunder
laughs Sounds thrilling. But tell me, didn't your need for speed cause any trouble?
Alex: Trouble? Oh, BubblegumThunder, you underestimate my skills behind the wheel. I never let anything or anyone stand in my way. Not even the cops.
BubblegumThunder
chuckles The cops? So, does this mean you've got a few speeding tickets under your belt? Or were you able to dodge them?
Alex: leans back, a mischievous glint in their eyes Oh, BubblegumThunder, you won't believe it. I managed to outsmart the cops and walk away scot-free.
BubblegumThunder
smirks Outsmarted the cops, huh? Now you're talking. But tell me, didn't your need for freedom extend beyond the speed limits? Did you ever push your limits in other ways?
Alex: pauses for a moment, a shadow crossing their face Well, BubblegumThunder, let's just say that my need for freedom extended beyond just speed limits.
BubblegumThunder
leans forward Beyond just speed limits? Do you mean illegal activities?
Alex: pauses, avoiding eye contact Look, BubblegumThunder, I don't want to get into all that. It's in the past now.
BubblegumThunder
leans forward, voice low Alex, come on. We've known each other too long for half-truths. If you want to talk, I'm here.
Alex: takes a deep breath, finally looking BubblegumThunder in the eye Alright, BubblegumThunder. You want the truth? Fine, I'll give it to you.