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

Twelve: Lunch At Polly's

CW:
This chapter mentions sewersl1de. Please continue with caution and enjoy <3

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I looked around the restaurant when we got inside, scanning the tops of people's heads, searching for my father's silvery blonde hair and dark eyes. I finally spotted him near the middle of the room and led Benny over, fixing my hair nervously.

"Adelaide, sweetheart, it's good to see you." My father says when he sees us, he gives me a quick hug and looks me over. "You look great, how are you?" I wonder how I should answer, considering the news I'm about to drop on him.

"I'm okay. How are you?"

"I'm doing well. The company has been wearing me down but that's to be expected I suppose." He then notices Benny and frowns slightly. "And who's this young man?"

"Oh right- dad, this is Benny Watts, Benny this is my father, Oliver Carlisle."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Carlisle." Benny smiles politely, my dad recognizes him as I figured he would and shakes his hand enthusiastically.

"Benny Watts, the pleasure is mine. Not everyday I get to meet a chess prodigy and US champion. So are you and Adelaide..?" He trails off, looking between us suspiciously.

"Oh no, Benny's a good friend." I correct him quickly, my cheeks flushing a bit. I had never talked about anything like that with my father and it felt strange for him to suddenly bring it up, even though I suppose it would be something he'd assume since I brought Benny with me and I had told my father I had something to tell him. This whole thing suddenly seemed silly and I felt guilty for dragging Benny along. He didn't seem to mind so far, though. That or he just wasn't showing it.

"Ah, I see, my apologies. Well, let's sit, shall we?" We're all seated, Benny next to me and my father across from me. We pick up our menus and I'm barely able to read mine, trying to think of how I'm going to say this.

"Hey, calm down, you're shaking the whole table." Benny whispers to me and I notice I was bouncing my leg a little too much.

"So, Benny, have you played Adelaide yet?" My father asks, setting aside his menu.

"Oh yeah. She's very talented. Hasn't managed to beat me yet but she's tough."

"That she is. I taught her a few years back, which was a mistake on my part because now I can't seem to win a single game." They both laugh a bit and I try to laugh with them. "And how did you two meet? A tournament, possibly?" He eyes me expectantly. he'd always wanted me to go back to competing after what happened in '65.

"No, it was a bar actually. Then we bumped into each other again at a diner." Benny clarifies

My father nods slowly, glancing at me again, an eyebrow raised. I can't tell what it was for but it somehow made me nervous and I changed the subject. "So dad, how's Lita and the kids?"

"They're good. Lita's started teaching the kids how to knit so they've been busy with that. How's Cynthia?"

A hush fell over the table and my gaze fell to my lap. I didn't know how to respond. How could I tell him? I hadn't planned for this at all which I realize now was a very big mistake, but I have to tell him now. I have to. But I can't.

"Good. I saw her just last week." I immediately regret it after I say it. But why couldn't I pretend? Just with him? He'd never find out, they never talk, the most I see him is a few times a year. Why couldn't I? Even just for a little bit?