I like Bets well enough, but she’s definitely rumor-mongering. And did this tiny little nothing of a tidbit really keep the two of them giggling and gossiping for hours?
Mark’s father’s true religion was his politics; he wasn’t that diligent about observing his “religious faith”. A lot of Christians are like that, too. (my cat has probably picked up more Christian doctrine via osmosis than DJT, the great Christian Nationalist, has in his lifetime)
Tiffany isn’t nearly as manipulative now as she was in high school, and I doubt that she’s flattered; at best, Les’s unrequited crush is awkward for her.
I bet you have elves at work, too.