Story Excerpts

A sign with two chess pieces–crossed black and white castles–hung on the wall. In front of the sign, a guy sat. He had his knee resting on a green metal desk, its linoleum top peeling up at the corners. The guy’s exposed skinny leg showed curly hair and pale skin. Ollie remembered his eighth-grade math teacher, Mr. Perkins. The teacher had also served as the faculty sponsor for the Chess Club, the nerd herd. Perkins fit the stereotype of a math/chess teacher. He used to sit that way too. Ollie grinned at the idea of “Perkodan” sporting a pair of red canvas Chucks, Dickies cargo twills, and an inside-out Pink Floyd retro T-shirt. 

“Something funny?” Skinny Leg asked. 

Ollie nodded. “Yeah, but I couldn’t explain it.” 

Skinny Leg looked like he might challenge Ollie. Then he shrugged. “You’re here because Grinder recommended you. How do you know The Grind?” 

“From around.” READ MORE