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

Thirty three: Duty Calls

September 27th, 1968, 5:56 pm

    We all officially got back to New York Yesterday and I have been exhausted ever since. I planned on just staying at my apartment for the next few days, but duty calls. And in this situation, that is Julia. She called me at 6 and started frantically screaming into the phone.

"Adelaide?! I need help!" She cried.

"Julia? What's wrong, are you okay?!"

"No! I don't know what to do, Chris asked me to dinner tonight!"

I sighed a little, calming my heart rate and returning to my chess board with the phone pressed between my ear and shoulder. "You mean he asked you on a date? Officially?"

"Yes! God, this is horrible!"

"Why? You two were already messing around at the hotel, weren't you? it's pretty clear you like him, why aren't you thrilled?"

"Because I don't know how to date! I'm the awkward sweet friend who sits in the background and occasionally has an amusing or supportive comment."

"Oh come on," I chuckle. "You two are great together, don't be nervous."

"Why aren't you being all cynical and agreeing with me??"

"Because, you obviously want to go, he obviously likes you, you've been friends forever. It'll just be like hanging out but no more need for the awkward tension."

"Maybe..maybe you're right.. but I still need to figure out what to wear."

"I'm no stylist, why don't you talk to Macy about that stuff?"

"I love Mace, but we both know she's a bit.. loud. I prefer your more subtle and sophisticated look. Please?"

"Flattery doesn't work on me."

"Of course not.. you're much too mature and wise for that. Just like your fashion sense."

"Okay fine. I'll be over in an hour."

"Thank you, you're the best!" And with that she hung up.

"Apparently so." I mutter, setting the phone back on the receiver.

***

An hour and 13 minutes later I arrive at Julia's house and knock on the large mahogany door. I hear scurrying inside and the door swings open to reveal a flustered Julia.

"You're late!" She exclaims as she tugs me inside and slams the door, rushing off to a room in the back of the house.

"By like fifteen minutes." I mutter and follow her.

I walk into —what I'm assuming is— her room and see a mess of clothes and accessories scattered about. Julia enters the room from a door on the far left side, a bathroom, and stares at the contents of her closet—which I would imagine is mostly on the bed or floor—with her hands on her hips. I pick up a few dresses and toss them aside, laying out the ones I think would suit her best.

"So what do you-" she starts, turning around to see I've already picked out a few outfits. "Oh."

"What do you think?" I point to an emerald pencil skirt and a black silk top, laying next to a knee length off the shoulder dark purple dress. I grab a pair of black heels and set them on the bed with the clothes.