“The problem” he said, “is that no one is listening”.

“Oh, get over yourself” she said. “Of course they’re listening. They’re just not demonstrative.”

‘That’s not all they’re not. They aren’t particularly interested in anyone else’s opinion either. “They are comfortable with their knowledge and, anything you can say isn’t going to change a thing.”

“Now, why would you say that” she replied a little huffily. “Why else would they be here if they weren’t interested”?

“Well, for one thing, they are here to impress. They think they already have all the answers. And of course, the snacks are free”.

“I think you’re being a little cynical. If you really believe that, then why are you here”.

“Well” he said smiling, “although I am impressive, I think I too am here for the snacks.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t say that you particularly impress me” she said. You’re a little too full of yourself. You think you have already won the evening, but I beg to differ. I for one am going to pick, as my partner, the most accomplished participant in the room. And you?”

“I, on the other hand, plan to select the attractive lady by the fireplace that keeps looking over here and smiling”.

“You can’t be serious. That is how you are going to select a partner? This is not a singles party. We are here because of our minds, not our body’s. Sometimes, you disgust me” she said while walking to the front of the room.

“Good Evening” she said. “Welcome to another evening of mental stimulation and, I suspect, an opportunity to exhibit your agility at capturing the king”. (soft laughter). We are pleased to host some of the finest practitioners of the art of the chessboard. I would now ask you to each please take a seat opposite your partner of choice. This is a round robin, with the winner of each match moving on to the next round, until only one participant remains.”

“He quickly moved across the room until he was standing in front of the lady that had caught his attention earlier. “Good evening” he said. My name is Roger. I have not seen you here before, but, if I may say so, I am pleased that you have chosen to join us. I must warn you however, that the competition here is rather intense. In fact, I myself am a master.”

She smiled and said “I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Carolyn. However, I’m not sure I should be here. I mean, I am a student of the game, but I certainly don’t think I should waste the time of a master”.

“Nonsense” he said. “The best way to learn is to challenge yourself. I would be honored if you would be my partner”.

Well, if you’re sure. I don’t want to waste your time or, worse, ruin your evening.”

“Rest assured fair lady, that there is no way that you could ruin my evening. On the contrary, you have already provided the promise of an evening well enjoyed”. Taking her hand, he led her to an empty table. After both were seated, he picked up a black and a white pawn, placing his hands in his lap out of her line of sight. He then presented both hands to her with the pawns concealed inside. She selected his right hand and he revealed the white pawn. “It would appear that the first move is yours” he said, smiling slightly.

As she made her moves, he studied her face. “She is beautiful” he thought. As the game progressed, he became quite taken with Carolyn and wished to know more about her. She had a throaty voice and a quick, inquisitive smile, almost as if she were studying him. He liked that and prided himself that she apparently found him attractive as well. He had to know more, much more about her. He became fascinated.

Throughout their game, he asked her several questions, attempting to draw her out and establish a rapport. He was hoping to ask her to stay after their game until he completed his additional competitions and could perhaps encourage her to share a drink with him. “Do you live in the city” he inquired. “No” she said. “I’m originally from Denver but I live in Denmark now”. “Are you on vacation, or might this be a business trip” he inquired. “A pleasure trip actually. I am here in part because of my love of chess and this opportunity to watch the best. I have not had the opportunity to observe players of your caliber, much less sit opposite them”. Then, demurely, she said “I think I have said too much.

Now Roger was intrigued. “Ah, a lady of mystery. I guess I will have to choose my questions, and my moves, carefully” he said with a chuckle. “Or, perhaps there are other things that you may be willing to share with me, perhaps later” he said with a warm smile.

She stared at him for a moment. Smiling she replied, “well, there is one thing that I guess I should probably tell you. She leaned forward slightly as if preparing to impart a secret. Instead, she selected a chess piece and quietly said “Checkmate”.

“The drum makes a great fuss because it is empty“