Page 1 of Check Mate

Chapter one

David

I loathe surprises.

You always hear people say things like, “I can’t decide. Surprise me!”

I’m convinced those people have some kind of diagnosable mental condition. Who wouldn’t want to plan for any ‌situation and know exactly what to expect?

Not me. No, thank you. Surprises are for people who love chaos.

I’m currently standing outside the front door of my craftsman-style home, and despite how sturdy and structurally sound it is… I do not want to step through that front door.

“Why?” one might ask. It’s because today is my thirtieth birthday, and I happen to know my family is inside, waiting to surprise me.

The Windells aren’t known for their ability to be sneaky or keep secrets. No, our family is known for being flawless. Good looks, magnificent brains, charismatic personalities. We have it all… well, everyone except me.

I’m the only dull one in the family. The crooked screw, the squeaky wheel. You know those activities in children's magazines where you find the item that doesn’t belong? Well, that’s me, I’m the item.

A familiar meow coming from behind me interrupts my thoughts. I don’t even have to turn my head to know my next-door neighbor’s gigantic cat is sitting on my porch steps.

“Not today, cat.”

Meow.

I heave a heavy sigh and force myself to grasp the doorknob and turn it. At least going inside will get me away from this stupid cat. I open the front door gingerly, bracing myself for impact. I can feel my body stiffen as I wait for people to jump out and scream at me.

“SURPRISE!”

The light flicks on, illuminating my living room. My family fills the space; everyone is wearing party hats and they’ve blown confetti all over my immaculate floors.

My jaw clenches and I close my eyes for a second to compose myself before opening them again and forcing myself to smile and ignore the mess. “Wow, thanks, guys.”

My sister, Sophie, appears from behind her giant of a husband, Drew. Her blonde hair is braided down her back, and she’s wearing a yellow sundress that’s as sunny as her personality. “We got you! I knew you’d be surprised.”

“Yep.” I shrug one shoulder. “You got me good.”

Drew’s brown eyes meet mine, and he gives me a knowing look as if to say, “Thanks for playing along.” We’ve become pretty close since he married my sister, and he can read me pretty well. “You want a drink?” He asks.

“Please.” I nod my thanks to him.

My younger brother, Brooks, and older brother, Madden, embrace me in brotherly hugs and back pats. They have the signature Windell looks with blonde hair and blue eyes. They’re pretty much carbon copies of our father. Madden is dressed professionally in dress pants and a polo, which is actually pretty casual for him. Meanwhile, Brooks is wearing distressed jeans with a vintage tee and backward ball cap.

“Happy birthday, bro,” Brooks says with a mischievous smirk on his face. “I know how you love surprises.”

Madden laughs. “Yeah… Mom and Sophie couldn’t be stopped,” he whispers with a grimace.

My mom runs toward me, shoving my brothers out of her way. For a tiny woman, she packs a punch. I got my dark hair from my mom but thankfully inherited my dad’s height. “My sweet David!” She pulls me into a bear hug. “Happy thirtieth birthday.”

Dad comes around to my other side and wraps his arms around me so I’m sandwiched between the two of them. “Happy birthday, Son,” he says as he pulls away.

“We’re so proud of you,” Mom tells me, her blue eyes glossing over with tears.

Dad wraps an arm around my mom. “Come on, Diane. Let’s get you a cocktail.” Dad winks at me as he leads her away.

Drew comes from the kitchen with a glass of bourbon in his hand and hands it to me just as my nieces and nephews bombard me and wrap themselves around my ankles.

“Uncle David! Happy birfday!” little Samantha tells me with her lisp.