Late nights

XVII

They walked around the forest and split to go home just as the sun was setting behind the horizon. The day after, Tom had a chess lesson with Lola. He had studied the books and was ready to win, or at least to put up a fight. 

He got to Lola's dorm and they immediately started playing.

- Oh, that was a good one...I thought you might go there but didn't think you'd think of it. - Lola looked up at Tom.

- Come on, of course, I did it, it's the best move in this situation.

- Perhaps you're right. Oh, by the way, I didn't want to bother you, but I decided it would be cool - I'm leaving for Dubai tomorrow. There's a big chess thing going on and I might play some big names there.

- That's really cool, let's hope you win.

- Oh, - Lola laughed, - I'm confident, but those guys are like dragons. Anyway, the reason I'm saying this is because I want you to come with me. I don't like traveling alone. Also, it would make me feel more comfortable.

- When is it again?

- I'm leaving tomorrow and I'll be there until Sunday...That's checkmate, by the way.

Tom was puzzled. He wasn't sure if he wanted to go to the party or Dubai. 

They played a couple more games before Tom went home. He laid in his bed to take some time to think about his decision. He wanted to spend time with Emily and Caroline, but he didn't enjoy parties. He liked Lola but didn't want to leave Emily hanging.

He ended up packing a suitcase and getting ready for travel. Lola said he would pay for the tickets, so Tom didn't have to worry about money. 

- Hey. - Tom called Emily.

- It's a bit late to call, no? I'm kidding, what's up?

- I'm going to a chess thing on Saturday, so I won't be able to come to the party. The party isn't my scene anyway, have fun without me, though.

- That's alright, I guess. It would've been nice, but if you have plans, you have plans, can't change that. Alright then, goodnight.

- Yup, goodnight. - Tom heard Emily hang up.

Tom went to sleep early for a very early flight. He got up and barely made it out of bed. When he met up with Lola, she was shining with excitement.

- Did you pack something nice to wear? It's all formal. - Lola asked.

- Yeah, I have a shirt, I'm good.

After some time, they boarded the flight and took off for Dubai. It was a long flight, so Tom was planning to sleep for some time. Just before dozing off, he saw Lola reading about chess.

- What are you reading?

- It's "Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual", some endings are a bit tricky for me. - Lola sighed.

Tom slept for some time and at the time he woke up, Lola was sleeping. The time on the plane seemed slowed down for Tom. He was delighted when it finally landed. 

Lola had everything planned. They got in a car, they got to the hotel and Lola showed them their rooms.

- I got one room, but it has two separate beds, so it's not weird. Tomorrow is the first match and I hope I don't die. - Lola sat down on her bed.

- You shouldn't. You'll demolish. - Tom was drained after the flight. 

Both Lola and Tom woke up at relatively the same time. They got dressed in nice suits and went out in the hallway to get to the playing zone.

- If anyone asks, you're my friend and your rank is 2100. - Lola said before entering the hall.

- Is my rank really 2100? - Tom got excited.

- No, but they don't need to know. 

The hall was full of people ready to start playing chess. Lola talked to some people before going to her board.

- Hey, meet Tom, - Lola told the people, - he's an up-and-coming chess player.

- Very nice, who are you playing against? - One of the people asked.

- Oh no, not this time at least. You never know in the future though.

- Yup. Anyway, I'm gonna go play, good luck. - Lola's friend walked away. 

Tom wished Lola good luck as she sat down and waited for her opponent.