CHAPTER 4
Las Vegas, 1950

     Violet's pulse accelerated again just as soon as their eyes opened. She was a bit scared of what Beth's next words will be, although they both had enjoyed it, the kiss. However, there was a sense of strain, as if there was an inward burst of energy just as soon as she pulled away. 

          "I'm sorry," Violet demurred.

          "Don't be," Beth nodded, "I should head back."

          "I must say goodbye to your mother," Violet rose from her spot.

     Beth took a step towards the entrance, blocking her access. "I'll let her know you had to go."

          "I'm very sorry if I made you feel—"

          "Don't be, Violet," Beth repeated and wheeled around to face Violet. She held her gaze for a few more seconds before the door's hinges creaked and shrieked. 

     For a little while, they peered into each other's eyes, just long enough not to turn the moment into something awkward. The tension was odd and strong at the same time. It was truly astounding how such a frail connection had eased all of her pain, and tension, and even provided comfort, Violet's comfort. She couldn't lie to herself, she had concerns regarding Beth's mood or how she was feeling towards her, she knew she shouldn't have tried so hard to make this moment about herself now that Violet was aware the younger woman hadn't been kissed before. She felt guilty. 

     Violet's age wasn't the only issue. When she thought of Beth Harmon, she saw a lovely, angelic young woman, smart as a tack with a wealth of knowledge and talent. The problem was, so did everyone else, and she refused to believe that was the only thing they had attracted her. Something more significant had to be there, between them. Their connection felt so genuine. 

          "This was wrong."

          "I know I was the one that wanted this in the first place—," Beth demanded, "—But I came here to win. I can't have anything or anyone to come in between me and chees," a weak smile flickered across Beth's face.

          "Maybe one day we'll be able to pick up where we left off."

          "Maybe."

     Violet's rosy frigid cheeks began to flood with tears as soon as she drifted away from Beth. She immediately cleaned them away with her sleeve before throwing her coat back over her shoulders and racing ahead, wiping the mascara from her face with her palm, struggling not to think about going back and hugging her for the last time. She couldn't stop herself from sobbing, no matter how much she swore she wouldn't and it felt like shit.

     She scolded herself for leaving so soon and for listening to Beth when she claimed she'd handle everything just fine. She felt like an idiot for not saying goodbye to Mrs. Wheatley. She'd been so sweet and gentle to her as if they were both their daughters, and Mrs. Wheatley didn't deserve to be treated that way after what she had said about Violet's talent and her looks. If it had been Martha instead of Alma, she would have eaten the rest of their food and proceeded with the dinner like the mature woman she was. But fuck Martha.

     Violet slipped her coat off when she reached the hotel's entrance and threw her purse over her shoulder. She glared at the doorkeeper before muttering something that seemed to be a "Good evening," The young man just scowled slightly when he saw her heavy eyes and damp cheeks, but he calmly gave way for her without asking any questions.

     The woman simply nodded and carried on her way to the elevator. 

     It was wrong to think that going into his hotel room was a good idea. She had no clue if interactions like that between players were allowed, but either way, Violet had to speak with him and it didn't matter if their conversation was going to take place in there or elsewhere. She took a few steps ahead, getting out of the elevator. Violet looked at each number on the dark wooden doors until a male figure stopped in front of the same door she did.

          "Townes?" Her eyes widened when her gaze met his.

     The man just gave her a soft weak smile. "In flesh and bones," he told her. "What are you doing? I saw you staring at the doors—" Townes held back his laugh and pointed behind Violet.

     Her ears turned slightly pink. "Just searching for something. Is this your apartment?" She questioned, trying desperately to change the subject.

          "No, but that's where I am actually headed to."

     Out of a sudden, Violet started to feel less panicked, even though Townes' appearance was more than unexpected. He wasn't even a part of the US Open, but she was happy to see him there — especially since he was someone she'd met before and knew her, at least a little. To be honest, they didn't get a chance to become close friends, but Violet felt safe around him. She had started to have the same feeling around Beth.

          "I thought you were going as well," he added.

          "I'm sorry?"

     Townes glanced at the door and then back at Violet. "Benny Watts is hosting a small assembly of chess players in his apartment," the man pointed out, scrutinizing the woman in front of him as her reactions were a bit odd.

          "Chess players? You mean people that are going in for the Open?" Violet crossed her arms at her chest.

     Townes frowned. "No, definitely not. From what I've heard, old friends, students, people that haven't got the chance to be a part of this. I just want to gather some information and maybe write something about it," he kept going. "But it would have been much more interesting with competitors."

     Violet watched the man place his hands in his pocket. He had the camera wrapped around his neck, which made her raise a brow, However, she didn't ask him about it because it made sense why he would carry it. He was a journalist, after all. "Then why would you think I was invited? I am playing tomorrow."

          "Because you looked like you were wandering around the halls, pretty much clueless, so I assumed you were searching for this room," He pointed out truthfully. "Wait, have you been crying?"

          "Oh, no. In fact, I was looking for his room, but for personal purposes."

     Townes raised both of his eyebrows in shock. "Well, that's something." Violet shook her head at his reaction and chuckled nervously.

          "Jesus, Townes, we're not...," she worriedly let him know, without finishing her sentence. "I just wanted to speak with him, but I guess he's busy enough tonight so it can wait," Violet half lied. It couldn't wait. "I didn't know you were friends with him, though."

     Before he could answer another question of hers, the door burst open, making the two of them turn their heads. A beautiful, dark-haired woman was standing in the doorway with one of her hands on placed her hip. She had bangs and a pair of beautiful emerald eyes. It didn't surprise Violet to see such a lady in there with so many males around, but she still questioned her presence there. It was supposed to be a small meeting about chess, right?

          "Oh, you're finally here!" She exclaimed and gave the man beside her a short tight hug.

          "Good evening," he replied and grabbed his camera so their bodies wouldn't crush it.

     Violet watched the scene between the two of them. The woman started to speak French, which confused her so she took advantage of the opportunity and glanced a bit inside. There were a few people in there, smoking and talking in low tones. Some of them were playing chess and others were drinking. She couldn't avoid Benny, who sat down on the couch, completely focused on the chess table in front of him. He didn't seem to notice they were there, but Violet was planning to leave before he could even see her.

          "Can't believe you've brought her with you! It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Davis. Or should I just call you Violet?" The young female asked. "Anyway, I'm Cleo," she introduced herself, her French accent on point, and pulled her hand for her to shake.

     Violet didn't know what to reply or do. She was blinded by her ethereal beauty but somehow tried not to show her that and simply shook her hand.

          "Come inside. I'll take care of your coats," Cleo reached for them, but Violet took a step backward. 

          "There's no need, Cleo, thank you. I must return to my room," she quietly said. Townes just looked at her, without protesting against her decision.

          "Missed me already, huh?" Benny chimed in.

     Violet sighed loudly and rubbed the back of her neck, slowly turning around on her heels. Townes and Cleo stepped aside so they could look at each other, but Benny's eyes were still stuck on the board. Violet started to chew on the inside of her cheek as she waited for her brain to tell her what to do. It was completely confusing how she left the restaurant and how she was feeling now. It was like that damned interview didn't matter anymore. But besides that, Violet had a chance, another opportunity to prove to him and everyone else around she wasn't that little scared girl he talked about on the news.

     Benny moved the knight to R5. "Come here," he said and gestured towards Violet. "Black plays KH7. What do you do?" He asked her softly.

     Violet just walked towards the coffee table with small steps and stared down at the board. Everyone watched her. It wasn't like they didn't know who she was but more important than that, Violet was looking much more different than ten years ago. Some would even call her pretty.

          "Give up? There are more than three combinations to checkmate white," one of the men in there said self-reliantly. He took a sip from his wine and Benny licked down on his bottom lip. He looked up at the woman next to him for a second, but then down at the pieces.

          "White plays RH3," Violet moved the Rook and put the black king down, ignoring the unwanted comment and Benny's gaze. "White didn't need three combinations to win. One was enough and it's called—" she shifted her gaze behind her, at the stranger.

          "...Anastasia's Checkmate," Benny finished her sentence and took a sip from his black strong coffee.

     Violet instantly stared back down at him. It turned out that something about the whole situation made her feel different, in sort of a nice way. Those look on her, the way Benny asked for her opinion on the game, how Cleo welcomed her and Townes as she had actually been invited. It wasn't because of the people that interacted with her. The whole atmosphere was something new to Violet and she couldn't deny that she truly enjoyed being part of this world again.

          "Hey, Davis," Benny broke the silence and rose up from the couch. He didn't move his orbs from her. He had so many questions he wanted to ask, mostly about the reason she had come there. But he didn't need answers, not that night.

          "Mhm?" Violet crossed her arms again.

          "How about we play some chess." Benny put his black hat back on. "If we don't get a match together, this is your chance."

     Violet had no clue if things were about to get worse or better if she was going to accept his suggestion, but there was one thing she wanted to prove to him, and the main reason she had decided to come there was to finish it once it for all. To exceed all expectations. And now, thanks to his interview, where he made them an impression about her, Violet was ready to change it for the better.

     She sat down on the stool and put her coat and purse aside. "Let's play then."