Haircut Shorts

The Necklace

Benny's POV

"Cleo, please." I said through the telephone. "You're way better at this than me." I was standing in front of the jewelry store for almost 20 minutes now. I was glad that I found a phonebooth this close.

"I already said no. I hate lying to her, I'm not going help you until you tell her the truth." She said frustrated.

"You know that I can't just throw it in her face. And we're doing okay right now, I don't want to fuck it up."

"Not telling her is going to fuck it up, Benny!"

I sighed and moved the telephone from my ear to avoid ear damage from Cleo's insults. I knew she was right. I should tell Beth what really happened, and why I hadn't told her, and why I want to kick Townes in the face. But everytime I see her, I just want to make her smile.

"I'll tell her." I said, interrupting Cleo. "After the U.S open, alright. I have a plan."

"It's not a game, Benny." Cleo sighed. "You've been playing this game for 10 months now. And you're dragging us in it. And it sucks. For literally everyone."

"I know it's not a game, alright? Just hear me out."

It was silence for a few seconds, before Cleo let out a deep sigh. "I'm not saying, that I'm going to help you. But you will probably buy her something she absolutely hates."

A satisfied smile appeared on my face. " You're the best Cleo. See you in ten?" I asked.

"I hate you." She said before ending the call.

I laughed relieved. "No, you don't." I said as I hung the phone back and walked out of the booth.

I walked from one side of the shop window to the other. All jewelry for women looked the same to me. But I knew that Beth like them. I thought she does. I first wanted to buy her a watch, but she's still wearing the one she got from Alma. Why was buying Christmas gifts so hard?

I turned away front he window when I heard the ticks of Cleo's heels on the pavement. She still looked annoyed, but I've been through enough of her tantrums, to stop being scared of them.

She looked up at the jewelry and sighed. "You'll better tell her."

"I will. After the US Open. I just wants her to feel okay first."

"You know the truth is going to hurt, no matter when you tell her, right? You know this is bullshit."

"Cleo, please just help me out."

"Fine." She said and walked into the store. I quickly followed her with a smile on my face.

The jewelry smelled like polish and cigarettes. It might not have been the best jewelry in the city, but it was the closest to my apartment. I told Beth I was going to get some food for tonight, so I didn't have all the time in the world.

Cleo walked a couple of rounds past all the showcases. Every now and then she asked the lady behind the counter if she could see one up close. But always shook her head and gave it back.

After ten minutes she had gathered two pair of earrings, three necklaces and one ring. She showed them to me on a little metal tray.

"And?" She asked. "I think she'd love one of these. And you'll be actually able to pay for these."

I threw her an angry look, but I knew she was right. Money goes out quick when you're drinking. And I didn't want to go gamble again. I knew how much Beth despised that.

With a sigh, I picked up the pieces one by one. They were all nice and would look amazing on Beth. Cleo had a great taste. But there was something off about them.

"What is it, you don't think she'll like them?" Cleo asked, a little bit insulted.

"There nice, but I don't know."

Cleo sighed. "Go look around for yourself then."

Frustrated, I gave her the tray back and started looking for myself. But every ring looked like a ring and every necklace looked like an necklace. Nothing special at all. Maybe I should buy something else. But it would be so cliché to buy her a chessboard and I didn't think she would wear my style of clothing.

"Cleo, I don't see anything that is Beth-worthy. They're all just..."

Then I saw it. I took off my hat to look at it closer. In a the corner of a small glass case. A silver necklace with a charm in the shape of a little chess queen. Just like Beth.

"Did you find something?" Cleo asked while walking towards me.

I quickly asked the woman who had been walking around with Cleo if she could open the showcase. When I held the little queen in my hands, I knew it was the one. I held it up so Cleo could see it.

She looked at me with a unsure face. "Do you really think that Beth would like this?" She asked.

"She'll understand." I said laying it back down in my palm.

"Benny." Cleo sighed. "It's expensive."

I looked at the list with prices and she was right.
"I can pay it." I said, quickly checking my wallet in my coat. It really was almost all my money. But I needed to have this necklace.

"And you'll be broke afterwards." Cleo responded.

"I'll just win the prize money at the U.S. Open. It won't matter."

"Gosh, you're so stubborn." Cleo sighed frustrated. "Why would you invite me, if youre not even going to listen?"

I laughed and threw her an petty smile. She rolled her eyes in response.

"This one, please." I said to the worker.

The little package felt heavy in the pocket of my coat when I walked back to my apartment. It was only when I arrived at the door, that I realised that I totally forgot to buy any food, like I promised.

I guess we'll eat eggs again.