How Not To Fall In Love

How Not To Fall In Love~ Five

     “Let’s hear it for America’s Sweethearts.  But I must confess, I’m in love with my own sins.”

                                                          ~America’s Suitehearts, Fall Out Boy

     Five

     I had only played chess a few times in my life.  I didn’t know much about it, aside from the fact that it was the more intellectual form of checkers.  My dad and mom used to play it together, before she got sick, and from what I knew, they were pretty good at it.  Dad even won a few competitions. 

     Every so often, they would sit me down, and try to drill the rules in my head.  Nothing really stuck, aside from one thing.  All it takes is one play, or one mistake, to alter the entire course of the game.  Just a moment of forgetfulness or a slip of the hand can destroy all a player had been working towards.  A game changer. 

     Nathan and I were playing a game of chess.  Each person was making a calculated move, cautiously watching the other to see who would mess up first.  To see who would be that game changer.

     I played first.  And as far as I knew, I played well.  If looks could kill, Nathan would have killed me twenty times over.  In that moment, something clicked inside me.  I felt my old self rise back to the surface.  Watching his discomfort reminded me why I messed with him in the past.  He was just too much fun to tease.

     The cameras were like lightening in the background, and I spent the next few seconds basking in my moment of triumph.  I was back in control.  And nothing felt so good.

     But I had forgotten an important rule.  The second rule my father taught me.  Chess wasn’t a game of poker.  But there were times in the game when a player would need to know how to bluff.  A good bluff could make for a game changer too.  The opponent would fall right in the trap, confident in their lead, only to be devastated to find out that they had played right into the other’s hand. 

     Nathan played second.  My queen killed most of his pawns, and from my high and mighty position, it seemed that he was the one in the tragic situation.  But I had failed to notice his rook closing in on my king.

     Those tight lips lost their tension, and slid into a smile, as he ran his thumb down the side of my face, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.  His voice was barely above a whisper. “You are so predictable.”

     That’s when he went in for the kill.  He stood up, pulling me with him, and faced the already frenzied crowd.   “I have something I want to say.”

     The room went silent. 

     “I know we’re moving quite fast.  And I’m aware of the still lingering questions many of you may have.  Is she really not pregnant?  Are we hiding something?  Or is the relationship just some sham business deal?  No matter how many times I say how much love I have for this beautiful woman, I know those questions will still float around.  When I was growing up, I realized quickly that a person could say whatever they wanted out their mouth, but their actions told what was in their heart.  So I’m going to stop telling you how I feel, and instead show you.  And I’m going to show you at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.  In two months.”  He turned to look me directly in my eyes.  “At our wedding.”

     My knees weakened instantly.  All the power I had a moment ago was drained.  The only thing that kept me standing was Nathan, who discreetly wrapped his arm around my waist.

     “But maybe we shouldn’t make them wait.  Maybe we should show them now.”  Nathan paused as if to ask for my permission.

     “S-show them what?”  I barely managed to form the words.  At that point I was half expecting the preacher to come walking in the door to wed us during the press conference.