“I told you why.”
“I brought it here so we could play. I didn’t know you had bought me this new board.”
“Don’t you like the new one?”
“I do, but my old set is . . .” He picked up one of the new pieces. They were mass-produced pine, not handcrafted porcelain. “The pieces are more elaborate, that’s all.”
Grace paused for a moment. “I don’t think there’s any way to fix this, Marshall.”
He made brief eye contact. “There’s not.” He pointed to her rook. “But you can make two moves before checkmate.”
Grace stared at her brother for a moment longer, then took her king and laid it on its side. “I think I’ll concede this one, and look to get even tomorrow.”
Grace’s king rolled slightly until it came to rest.
“You’re going to have to deal with Daniel,” Marshall said.
Grace looked at her brother. “Daniel is a dear friend, that’s all. And one of the few who kept in touch with me over the years.”
“And why do you suppose that is?”
When Grace offered no response, Marshall gave his own.
“Because he’s still in love with you. Just like this one here.” He pointed toward the hallway where the bedrooms were located. “She’s another problem you’re going to have to figure out.”
“Okay, Marshall. Let’s not get into this right now.”
“If not now, when? After she’s allowed you to take over her tranquil house on Lake Placid? After you owe her everything?”
Grace swiped her fallen pieces into her hand and dumped them into the chess case. “Game’s over, Marshall. We’ll play again tomorrow.”
“Charlotte is still upset about you and Daniel.”
“Marshall!”
“You didn’t see her the other day at your homecoming. I’m tired of everyone thinking I’m a damaged buffoonunaware of the things that go on around me. I was watching her, Grace. She cringed every time Daniel touched you. I don’t want her to be a problem for you.”
“It was a long time ago, Marshall. I can’t change the past. And if Charlotte can’t get over it, then I’m not the one to help her.”
“Perhaps Daniel should help her get past it. She’s his wife. He should have helped her get over it years ago.”
“Marshall, I’m tired today. We’ll play again tomorrow. Okay? I’ve had enough for now.”
“Charlotte was a raging lunatic when she found out about you and Daniel. Are you forgetting the fight you two had at Sugar Beach?”
“I’m not forgetting, Marshall. I’m choosing not to dwell on it.” Grace stood.
“You better hope she chooses the same thing.”
Marshall stared at her a moment longer, then turned his attention to his new chess set, lining the pieces in careful order before closing the chessboard on itself and sliding it into the case as he wheeled his chair away.
“No,” Grace said. “You can walk. No more chair when you’re around me.”
And just like that, her brother was gone. The fierce mind and coherent conversation Marshall had displayed during their chess game was like steam on a fresh cup of coffee, present for only a short time. When the game was over, Marshall’s attention span and comprehension evaporated, as if it had never been there at all. As soon as the chess set was packed away, her brother retreated to the ravaged part of his brain and was lost to the world.
Grace stared into his lost eyes and saw some hint of understanding. If he wanted to avoid the full-care facility their parents were considering, he needed to help himself. Finally Marshall pushed himself upright, and shuffled his orthopedicshoes in a staggered gait toward the guest bedroom, his chess set still hanging from his shoulder.
* * *
