But it was almost like she started out listing reasons to share the money because she didn't want to share it at all.

Yeah, my feelings about Charla have wavered a lot, both on the show and since. She did a TV Guide interview in which she kind of poked fun at me, and I was shocked. I was like, you know, the money thing is over with, and I'm trying not to be down about it or talk about it, and knowing how unbelievably sensitive I am about your feelings towards me and your comments about me ... She was just kind of joking, but still. What I mean to say is, I'm trying so hard to believe in the authenticity of the friendship that I had with her. I mean, I spent countless hours with this person. I spent more time with her than people spend in a year-long relationship.

That's true, but you have to be realistic about the fact that maybe she just needed you in that situation.

Look, I'm no fool. I don't want to continue playing the fool, I really don't. It's just hard for me to rationalize that, having had the deep feelings that I had for her. You know, to now look back on it and to feel that used? I guess it's embarrassing if that really is the case.

It's not embarrassing. She's young and used to being around a certain type of person. You may have made her uncomfortable. Plus, she seemed concerned that she was aligning herself with someone whom other people had a problem with, even thought those other people were demented.

Well, let's face it. More than anyone, she walked into this $250,000. I mean, she did spend much of the summer in her room.

Everyone hated her!

Well, as a strategist, I have to hand her as much credit if not more than I hand to Keith, in knowing the right people to take her along and being able to take advantage of that.

It's strange, because it seemed like winning wasn't important to her.

I don't know. It's terribly confusing to me. I'm confused and hurt, but I'm not bitter. What can I do? She did what she did. It really is only money.

Well, that's exactly why she should've given you the money!

I can appreciate that, but the bottom line is, it was a game. She won.

Well, at least now you can stop swooning over her.

It was an expensive lesson, but I've certainly gotten over her. And besides, after last night's episode, I've had an unbelievable outpouring of support from fans who literally want to give me money. Two choices would be either A) do not accept any money, or B) accept the money for myself, but I think preferable to either of those is to accept all of the money in support of my fans, but give it all to charity. So that's what I'm gonna do! And I hope to raise at least $125,000, which is of course the amount that, you know, a lot of fans think I should've had, and give it to some really worthy causes.

Who are you still in touch with?

I'm still in touch with Keith, I'm still in touch with Tara.

Did everyone end up going to Vegas?

No. Not yet.

Is that still in the cards?

You'd have to ask Keith.

Are Keith and Tara still together?

Yes. (pause) You'll have to ask Keith and Tara.

Was any part of you frustrated at how well Keith came across? Because, unlike you, he never really showed anyone a peek behind the curtain. He didn't second-guess himself, but that was probably easier because he didn't really open himself up.

I tip my cap to him. Game very well played. I don't know if he could've done it without me, but he played a brilliant game, and he found a great person in Tara, so ... I wish nothing but success for Keith. I mean, I wish nothing but success for all of them, but in particular Keith. With the exception of ...

The bluff?

The Scott-Holly situation, and perhaps his using my feelings for Charla for his own gain in the game, I have no issues with him. And even his doing those things, there again, that was for the sake of winning the game, so I can't really take it personally.

It would be one thing if he kept the money. But his behavior, in the end, was a pretty admirable combination of effective strategizing and generosity. Anyway, how do you think the producers of the show are gonna make next season work, without the same cast of mutants from this season?

That's a great question. I'm looking forward to seeing it or being a part of it ... Who knows? I'm looking forward to it.

Do you think they'll invite people back?

I have no doubt that they will.

I think they should just invite the exact same people back again.

I don't think they could pay me enough to come back!

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