CHAPTER TWO
Grayson
Timothy says, “Stop being an idiot.”
I laugh and move my rook anyway. “You think you’re some kind of strategy guide. You’re not the general, pal. You’re just a grunt.”
“You asked for it, Gray,” he replies as though he’s disinterested. I see the spark in his eye, though, as he moves his queen. “Checkmate,” he says.
“Daddy!” Timothy’s little girl squeals and throws her arms around him, kissing his face several times.
There are some giggles from the other little girls. I’m impressed. Their giggles are very clearly directed toward Timothy’s little girl and her display of emotion, not teasing me about the loss. The various Daddies here at Timothy’s barbecue end up with their girlfriends, wives or fiancés on their laps kissing them as well.
“Come on now,” Timothy says. “One more game and stop being an idiot.”
Timothy’s little girl, Brittney, backs away. I can tell she’s nervous but I’m quite impressed with her as she says a bit nervously, “Daddy?”
“Yes, little girl?”
“I don’t think you’re being very nice to your friend.” She doesn’t break eye contact but she bows her head a little to show respect and she speaks in a respectful tone as well. “I think if I talked like that to my friend, I might get a spanking.”
Timothy looks at her with a smile and says, “That’s a good point little girl but Gray and I fought together and the way we talk to each other is a little different, like how you might call one of your friends an airhead when you’re not actually being mean.”
She smiles brightly. “Okay, Daddy!” and she throws her arms around him and kisses him again.
“And you wanna know a secret?” Timothy asks. She nods and he says, “I didn’t call him an idiot because I was beating him. I called him that because he was letting me win.”
She looks at me with wide eyes. “Really?” she asks. I don’t know if she’s asking me or Tim. I smile and nod.
She looks at Timothy and says, “I’m still glad you won.” She kisses him and asks, “Can I go make sure everybody has drinks?”
“Good girl,” he says and she turns around and skips away.
“I’m not letting you win,” I say, “I’m teaching you by allowing you opportunities to see if you catch them.”
“That might not be the most condescending thing anyone has ever said to me,” Timothy says, “but it’s probably a contender for the top spot.”
There’s a knock at the door and I watch as Brittney hurries to open it. In walks Chrissy along with Roger and another girl. I know her. Vanessa. She’s Chrissy’s friend and I’ve seen her at a few events. She’s beautiful and unattached. I sigh and shake my head.
“For God’s sake, man,” Timothy says. “Just ask her out.”
I shake my head again. “I’m barely figuring out how to be a civilian. Now is not the time.”
“You mispronounced that,” he says.
“What?”
“Didn’t you mean to say that you’re afraid you’ll get attached and she’ll leave you?”
“Oh, it’s a good thing you’re not under my command anymore,” I say.
“I never was, Sergeant,” he says.
“You and I both know NCOs run the military,” I reply. I can’t help myself, though, and add respectfully, “Major.”
He smiles. “No argument from me there. You still need to ask that girl out.”
I sigh and stand. “You’re right,” I say.