ATOMIC, benny watts

five- lets dance, please?

The goodbyes were short and sweet, coming from Bob anyways, who was slurring his words and practically falling apart. As he'd spent the night indulging in his regular forms of booze and drugs. His customary acquaintances, the only new thing was chess.

While Arthur seemed to not want to leave the company of me, his old friend, it seemed that time had gone too quickly for his liking.

"It seemed like it was only, what? 10:00? Two seconds ago?" He laughs, shakily, pushing his hair back behind his ear.

"I know. I wish it wasn't so early. I would've liked to play everyone here, and not just the champion of all things chess." I said it playfully, knowing that I had enjoyed the night and Beth's company as well.

"Well, we'll have to make plans. Hey, maybe I'll get you into a chess competition or two? Could I push you towards that?" He teases.

"Find me a decent one and sure, you've got a deal. Only I'm not free for a couple of days. I've got duties." I roll my eyes looking back towards Bob.

"Like what?"

"Rock things. You know, everything you don't like that I do."

"What does that even mean? You'll have to be specific."

"Lounging in a chair, at a club. Lots of smoke, questionable items. You know, stuff. It was the deal for bringing him tonight."

"Be careful, please? That beautiful brain of yours doesn't need damaging. I'll call you with information for a tournament. Here, I'll even have Benny give me a few recommendations."

"Sounds lovely." I give him one last hug before pulling away and going to make my way up the small set of stairs, which catches the attention of Beth.

"You didn't think you could leave without saying bye, did you?" She asks, resting her hands on her hips, a playful look with a tint of seriousness displayed on her face.

Making my way back down, I watch as she gives me a stiff hug and then grows serious, her expression churning with well, something.

"Arthur's right about wanting you back in the chess world you know? You're good. Could be better if you hadn't left."

Normally, I would've perceived the comment to be rude, but having listened and examined Beth Harmon's actions and attitude for the past few hours, I knew it was a good thing. She wasn't being mean, she was being kind and truthful. To the best of her abilities.

"I know he's right, that's why I'll let him find me a tournament. Besides, when he's happy, I'm happy." I say shrugging.

"Good. We'll have to play a proper game sometime. Something that isn't speed chess and perhaps, when I'm back from Paris?"

I nodded my head, having completely forgot that she was heading off around the world to a competition in Europe.

Something I used to do, something I kind of longed to do now, even if it just served as escapism, or well, whatever I needed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could spot Benny and Bob chatting, I wasn't sure about what, as I couldn't possibly see what they had in common with one another.

"Bob, you ready to go?" I wasn't sure if he was forming rational sentences still.

"Almost. I've just got to say, where, where, we'll be tomorrow and when." He slurs, which causes Benny to chuckle a bit.

"Is he always like this?"

Beth stiffens, seeing the empty bottle of alcohol on the table.

"Only when he's drunk. Normally, he's lovely. Very funny and witty." I say quickly.

"Tomorrow we'll be at C-Canyon Moon, what's your name again?" Bob slurs, tilting his head confusedly.

"Benny, Benny Watts? You've been in my house for the past few hours? We did introductions. Do you not remember?" He asks confusedly.

"Benny, Ben-ny Wa-tts. Gotta remember that for tomorrow night. I WILL put you on the list."

"What are you talking about?" I ask

"Benny here, is a fan! And after the splendid show tonight, I've invited him out to our lounge session tomorrow." He grins, happy to have made a new friend.

"There's not a problem is there, Viv?" Benny asks, his coal black eyes reaching mine slowly. My nickname. Had I told them that? Had Arthur? I wasn't sure.

"Course not. The more the merrier. Just well, ditch the cowboy hat and you'll fit right in."

"You don't like my hat?" He says grinning

"What's wrong with his hat?" Bob asks drunkenly

"Guess I'll surprise you tomorrow." He says shrugging and going to pour himself a drink.

"Sounds great and oh! Bring one of those chess boards, it would be great to watch you again even if I am desperately lost. Besides, Viv usually gets bored."

"Sounds good."

The two nod and then after collecting my belongings, I pull Bob away from the building and out to the car, now just ready to fall asleep, nervous for tomorrow.

"Aren't you happy?" Bob asks snickering, leaning his head back against the headrest.

"About what?"

"I invited Benny Watts tomorrow. Got you a buddy."

"I'm your buddy Bob."

"He's like you though. Don't act like you wouldn't be bored to death tomorrow."

"We barely know him."

"You want to know him more though."

"Stop it. You're not a prophet."

"My fans would say otherwise."

"Keep telling yourself that. By the way, thank you for coming tonight. I know that may have been extremely boring."

"Anything for you. By the way, have I told you who all of going to be there tomorrow?"

"No, you haven't. Care to enlighten me?"

"I'll give you a hint, they're from across the sea."

Across the sea? To me that meant only one thing. The Rolling Stones were in town and coming here. Which meant, my best friends in corruption were coming around. We had met a few years back because of my brother.

And now, they were also exiting the comfort/familiar terrain of the UK and heading to the new world, America, or specifically New York. Besides, we all usually hung out in the same circles anyways.

"The Stones? And you didn't tell me?" I say, creating a mocking tone.

"It was supposed to be a surprise, since you know, me and the blonde fellow have issues and all of that."

"You and Brian? I thought that was solved."

"Never, that's also why I invited the cowboy. So he's a distraction for all of us."

"You just told me something different."

He groans, "Just drive please. Tomorrow is going to be complicated enough anyways. I don't need to hear about the complications now."