Using Merri's shoulder as a perch for his arm, René leaned in close and murmured into his ear, "Champagne's a stripper." Teasing was all good and fun, but he didn't think it was entirely fair to keep his friend in the dark. Then after a pat, he backed out of Merri's personal space and sat himself on the edge of an armrest. With all of these people, there wasn't going to be enough space for everyone to have a proper seat.
"I'll have one, if you don't mind making another," he said, taking Ari up on her offer. Catching the name on the tail end of it, he turned to the only stranger in the room and smiled, "Ric, right? It's a pleasure, I'm René."