Check & Mate

by Ali Hazelwood

I step out of the room knowing that he hasn’t looked at me a single time.

by the way. Nice job making it look like you totally despise him even when he said nothing but super-nice things about you.”

did you know in your 2016 game against Lal you missed a checkmate. nice queening, though.

“I’ve been studying his games,” his answer is simply: “Have you?” I missed his voice. Or: I missed the way his voice sounds when it’s the two of us and no one else.

“Because I couldn’t bear to study yours.”

“God. What an asshole move.” “Clearly runs in the family,” I say. He laughs a little, silent, wistful, and I immediately want to kick myself and take it back.

He lets out a small, self-effacing laugh, and finally turns to me. The night air is sucked out of my chest. “How are you, Mallory?”

“Darcy and Sabrina seem good, too.” I’m…dizzy. Disappointed. “You’ve met them?” “We went for a walk the other day. And I took them for gelato this morning.” “They didn’t tell me.” I’m scowling. “It was very hush-hush. Since you are, I’ve been told, known for throwing hissy fits.” I scowl harder. “Is that why you were late for the press conference?”

“Yeah. For instance, I know now that I want to keep on playing chess. Professionally. I want it to be my job.” Nolan’s mouth twitches. His eyes widen with that boyish gleam that I’ve come to love from him. “Yeah?”

“By the way…since you’re not a newbie like me, do you have any advice?” He tilts his head, pensive. “Make sure you have breakfast.” “Right. Breakfast.” “Something with protein, if possible.”

“Because when I’m with you, Mallory, everything is different. When I’m with you, I want to play more than I want to win.”

I (Mallory Greenleaf; US; World ranking: #1,843) glance at my opponent (Nolan Sawyer; US; World ranking: #1).

I find him already looking at me, a warm smile in his dark eyes.

she is the world champion.

But eyewitnesses reported that when asked how he felt about the possibility of Mallory Greenleaf accruing enough points to take the No. 1 spot from him, he simply smiled before walking away.

Hes THEEEEEEEE man.