Doug and I left school at 18 and went straight into employment. We got good A Level results and could have gone to university but we decided against it. Starting work at 18 means we were getting paid from 18 instead of racking up debt.
Doug managed to get on an apprenticeship that should lead to university later. I found a job as a dental receptionist and also do some pretty cheap night school classes.
And we play chess. Our club doesn't play in the FIDE leagues. The idea that women should be in separate competitions from men is ridiculous. We play at a much more integrated club. This year we represented our club in a national non-FIDE competition in Blackpool.
I know it's silly but the first thing I did when we arrived was get us each a hat. Mine was a 'kiss me quick' one and Doug's said 'put your lipstick around my dipstick'. I planned on quite a lot of that this week.
We registered and joined everyone for the breakfast social on the first day. We were competing against a Bristol club that morning. Anton was about our age, skinny, wore Harry Potter glasses and had a wild afro. His teammate, MJ, was in his late 30s and you'd never mistake him for a chess player. He was bald, clearly knew his way around the weights room in his gym, and his skin shone like polished haematite.
I played Anton while Doug played MJ. We both did well but lost.
"Oh well, Claire. I'm sure we'll do better in other games. And anyway, it's about the intellectual challenge as much as the glory of victory."
"I suppose so. But I must admit I wanted to win. I always want to win."
"You're not the only one. Did you see how Anton was looking at you?"
"No. What do you mean?"
"I think he doesn't just want to win on the board."
"And what does that mean, exactly?"
Doug leaned in and whispered in my ear.
"I think Anton wants to beat me by getting you into his bed. And frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if MJ wants that, too."
I whispered back but I am not sure how good I was at keeping quiet.
"Nonsense. They're good people. I'm sure they just wanted to do well at chess."
"They want that, too. I'm sure. But I think they want you to go home with special memories of them."
I didn't want to have this conversation in the lunch area. I grabbed Doug by his sleeve and dragged him to the lifts. When we were inside and going down to the entrance, I spoke again.
"You don't seem all that put off by the idea of Anton or MJ and me in bed."
"I'm not. We live in London and they live in Bristol. It's not as if you're going to meet up with them regularly. But if you want to take advantage of social interaction here then that could be quite exciting."
I didn't know if I was angry but I was definitely getting worked up by this line of conversation.
"You want me to have sex with them, don't you!"
"I want you to know that you have my approval if that's what you decide. You know I'm committed to you being in charge of you. I will fully support you, whatever your choice is."
"Doug, is this what you want? And if so why? What do you think it would do to our relationship?"
"Claire, I love you deeply. With all my heart. But I know who and what I am. And at some point you'll probably regret not taking this opportunity. I'd prefer our married life to include conversations about how hot it was when you cuckolded me in Blackpool than the alternative. Because I think the alternative is probably a much less loving relationship."
"You proposed marriage by encouraging me to cuckold you!" I was shocked.
"You know that I've always wanted to stay with you forever. I wish I'd been more romantic. I wish I'd arranged a special evening and got a ring. But yes, I want to be your husband. And I suppose I'm encouraging you. But I won't mention it again. I don't want to upset you. And I'll do a proper romantic proposal when we get home. I'm sorry, Claire. I fucked this up, didn't I?"
"From a romantic angle, Doug, this was a complete write-off. But I want you as my husband, so that's a yes. And I can see what you mean about Anton and MJ. I'll chat with them."
* * *
"We enjoyed playing against you earlier. You're both very good. Would you like to have dinner with us this evening?"
MJ gave us both a careful look before answering.
"Sure, what kind of evening were you thinking of?"
Doug was keeping his mouth shut, as promised. I was in charge and could do what I wanted.
"Well, we could spend a lot of time out at a restaurant and then a pub. But that's probably quite expensive and we're not loaded. So, maybe we could get a takeaway and some tins? You two could join us in our room."
"For a meal and a few drinks, right?"
"Well, I'm sure we should eat. If we don't we won't play well tomorrow."
"But... " MJ followed up without committing.
"Well, it's not about the food, is it? It would be good for us to spend time together. To learn about each other. You and Anton aren't opposed to spending time with me are you?"
"Just you?"
"Oh, Doug would be present, I suppose. In fact, he suggested that I invite you both up to our room."
"Claire, I think I need to be blunt. Are you suggesting a convivial evening of food, drink, and conversation or some other form on intercourse?"
"I'm sorry, MJ. I've been a bit too indirect, haven't. Doug got the impression that you and Anton fancied me. I'm going to marry Doug -- he asked me this afternoon -- but that doesn't mean we couldn't play. If you want to, that is. Do you want to play with me?"
"And Doug would just be watching?"
"I think that's for the best. It's not a huge bed. So do you want to play with me?"