Hey mue - idk. I think he heard you. I think it's reasonable that he asks not to be embarrassed in group. He's acknowledging that you are seeing thru his act, as is everyone else, and it cannot continue. Maybe he justified it to himself that his coworkers were being competitive beeyotches, but then what's your excuse?? You might think you should feel good because you "won", but it's more like driving home in a horrible snowstorm - your muscles have been tensed up for so long, when you finally get there, it's not funtime. But you showed him he didn't have to take his balls and go home?? Awesome.