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

Twenty two: Thank You

    The next morning, I woke up quickly, blinking away the sleep and glancing around. I was in a small and slightly uncomfortable bed, in the corner of an equally small room. I slowly sat up and stretched, then placed my feet on the cold ground and sat up. My shoes were next to the door, but I decided to just stay in my stockings, it was too early for heels. I creaked the door open and peered out cautiously, finding the place a little familiar. I stepped into the living room and realized I was in Benny's apartment.

"Morning," Benny greeted. I turn quickly to see him in the kitchen leaning over the counter with a book and a cup of coffee in his hands. I cleared my throat and tucked a stray hair behind my ear, walking over to him. "I thought you were gonna stay in bed all afternoon. Sleep well?"

"Wait, what time is it?" I ignored his question.

"Almost twelve thirty. I guess you were worn out after yesterday."

"Yeah I was.." I leaned on the counter across from him and he turned to the stove, pouring more coffee into a different mug, then refilling his own. He handed me the mug and I sipped it gratefully. "Thanks. And thank you for letting me stay here."

"No problem. It was closer and I figured it'd be easier for you to walk down stairs instead of up them."

"Probably, yes."

"A few people called for you, by the way."

"Who?"

"Julia, Chris, your father, Jonathan, Macy. Even Beth."

"Really? Why would Beth want to talk to me?"

"I mentioned that the funeral was yesterday and she wanted to check in on you. I guess she understands what your going through, since her mother died a few years ago."

"Oh.. I had forgotten about that. Well I'll call everyone back when I get home. Thanks."

He nodded and sipped his coffee, but before we could say anything else, a few urgent knocks came from the door. He frowned and we exchanged a glance before he got up to answer it. When the door opened, Macy pushed past him and ran straight over to me. I should have known she wouldn't wait for me to call back.

"Addy! Oh my god, are you okay? I called this morning and Benny said he had to take you back last night, is everything alright??" She threw her arms around me and I narrowed my eyes at Benny over her shoulder. He shrugged innocently and sat at the table.

"Yeah—I'm fine, what exactly did he say?"

"He said that something had happened, that you were tired and just needed to rest, and he let you crash here. So what happened? Where did you go?"

"Well.. I just didnt feel great after the funeral, so I went to a library for a while and Benny found me there and offered to take me home. I fell asleep on the way so he just brought me here." I lied quickly. I felt a little guilty but it was for the best. No one needs to know what happened last night, that was between me and Benny.

And mother.

She frowned and pulled away to look at me, holding my arms. "That's it? So you're okay?"

I nodded, pasting a smile onto my face.

"Oh thank god, I was so worried." She turns to Benny, looking annoyed. "Benny, you could have just told me that, you ass." He shrugs again and just barely grins at me. "Do you want me to take you home?" Macy asks, turning back to me. I think for a minute, still looking at Benny, then shift my gaze to her and smile again.

"No thanks, I'm gonna stay here for a bit. Thank you for coming though."

"Okay.. walk me to the door?"