𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐲

Chapter 51

— Chapter 51 —
Killjoy

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J A M E S
Earlier...

"Quite the choice of venue," a familiar voice greeted as I approached.

With my hands in my pockets, I saw my brother sitting alone in Crave, in an area that was separated by long, heavy ropes. On a large sofa, his figure was illuminated by neon blue lights, washing the pristine suit he was wearing with hues of blue color. Wearing a suit in a place like this—he looked ridiculous, but I wasn't about to tell him that.

A heavy beat hammered through the air as I stopped before my brother, passing a glance to the glass table. He'd laid out a chess set at the center of the table, adjusting the marble pieces into their correct places. Beside the game, a single bottle of liquor, complimented by two crystal-clear shot glasses.

I furrowed my brows. "When you asked to meet me somewhere, I didn't think it was so that we could play chess."

Jayden passed me a glance.

"It's been so long since we played last," he told me simply. "I think a game is long overdue. Take a seat."

I sunk myself down onto the sofa across from him. Under my breath, I mentioned, "I would have picked a different venue, at least." With the game of chess between us, I found myself closest to the black pieces. "You've never let me play black before."

Jayden shrugged, a humored gleam in his deep-brown eyes. "Perhaps a change of pieces will help you break your losing streak."

I pursed my lips at his teasing. While Jayden turned his attention to the board, I poured the clear alcohol into our shot glasses, sliding one towards him. He picked one of the marble pawns, moving e2 to e4. 

I answered with my black pawn at e7 moving to e5.

"How's the fiancé?" I said to him, as he moved his knight on the board. Taking a sip of the alcohol, I moved my own knight to f6, mimicking his play. "About time you two got married. Your mother must be overjoyed."

"Those two have been attached at the hip for the last two weeks. All the details for the wedding have them preoccupied... I'm sure they're driving the wedding planners crazy. But it's nice to see them happy," Jayden said, a softness to his words. He placed his bishop at c4, followed quickly by my knight at b8 moving to c6. "And she's your mother too, James."

I could feel the discomfort pinch my skin like a dozen needles, and my reply was bitter despite the sweet taste of saké on my tongue. "Nothing about her has ever been a mother."

He positioned his pawn from d2 to d3, opening it right up for my pawn at e5. Stupid mistake. Swapping his pawn with my own, I left the white piece sitting off to the side. It was a strange opening to the game—one that I hadn't seen before.

But Jayden didn't seem phased that I'd taken his pawn. Instead, a small smile pulled on his lips.

"Always so impetuous."

He sipped his liquor while I ignored the comment, ready to get to the point. "What did you want to see me for? I'm sure it wasn't just for the ego boost of winning against me."

Jayden castled his rook and king. "Why so confident you'll lose?"

"Come on," I scoffed lightly. "Chess has always been your strong suit. A lot's changed over the years... but not that."