Stalemate // The Queens Gambit //Benny Watts x OC

Five: A Familiar Face

    It's almost 8pm and I'm zipping up my skirt when the phone rings. I pull my shirt over my head as I walk to the kitchen to answer and trip on the way there. "Shit.." I mutter and regain my footing, running to the phone now so I don't miss whoever's calling.

I had left Jonathan's house on Saturday morning and it was now Tuesday night. I'd called him yesterday and we talked for a while but hadn't made plans to meet up again. Ever since, I've been hoping he'll call and ask which I know is a little pathetic, but I haven't done this in a while and I'm still on the fence about it.

"Hello?" I say as I pick up the phone.

"Hey! Are you free tonight? I was thinking we could go out again." Macy asked.

"Uhhh.. actually I was going to go to a cafe for a bit and play chess. Maybe another night this week?"

"Aww cmon, you can play chess when your old and frail. We're in the prime of our life, Addy. we need to take advantage while we still can!"

I laugh a little at that "sorry. Even if I'm in the prime of my life, I still need to pay rent. Plus, I like chess much more than clubs and bars."

"Fine. But I don't understand your brain at all." She goes silent for a minute, thinking. "Hey, I haven't seen you play chess since that last opening in the states or whatever-"

"The U.S. open." I correct

"Yeah that, and that was somewhat of a disaster. Could I come along tonight?"

I was completely shocked by this. Macy had never understood chess, and the only time she'd ever shown an interest was three years ago when I was still competing. But since the open.. well I suspect she's been too nervous to bring it up. "You- want to come with me? And watch me play chess? Instead of going out?"

"Yeah, why not. Jamie would probably appreciate it too. So can I?"

"Uh- yeah, I mean if you really want to."

"Great! Where do we meet?"

"Hm.. what about the cafe on the corner of fifth?"

"Ohh I love that place. See you soon!" She makes a kissy noises into the phone and hangs up. I stand there for a minute, confused and stunned, then I shake myself and continue getting ready.

***

We choose a little table near the center of the room and sit, Macy to my right. I set up my board and Macy gets us some lattes at the counter. As she walks back with our drinks, a man asks if we can play and I say yes. He sits in front of me and asks if we're betting, to which I propose 10 dollars a game. He hesitates and inspects my expression, I plaster on the most innocent and clueless looking one I can and he shrugs, agreeing.

We start and he opens with The Queens Gambit, which I decline. Not long after that, he realizes he made a mistake on agreeing to bet. The game lasts about 23 moves until he resigns and hands me the cash. Macy applauds and the guy walks off, utterly defeated.

"That was so cool! I didn't know what was going on half the time but wow!"

I blush a little as I reset the board "thanks. So it's not boring?"

"Not really. Sometimes it can be, but I can feel the tension and usually tell if somethings going good or bad by the body language so I still get the suspense. Also it's nice seeing you win." She grins and nudges my elbow with hers.

***

Eventually a little crowd starts forming as I play more and more people. It's past ten now and Macys still cheering me on. Sometimes picking up her book or magazine but usually almost as invested as I am.