Page 18 of Queen’s Gambit

“Sorry, Mr. Mikhailov, I didn’t mean to worry you. Yulianna mentioned she’d never been to the beach. I thought it would be nice for her to see ours where she would be protected, but I should’ve come and asked you first,” Eddie said, and my father’s face softened for him.

He looked around and then down at me, and I held my breath to see what he said.

“How do you like it?”

I smiled wide. “I love it. Look, I have sand between my toes,” I said, pointing, and his lip twitched.

“I have some friends from school coming over to play football. Would you like to join us,” Eddie asked, and my father full-on laughed.

“No, I don’t think so.” He put his hands on his hips and sighed as he spotted Frida lying on the lounger. “Okay, you can stay down here. But make sure you’re ready for dinner.”

Wrapping my arms around my father, I hugged him tight. It was the first time he was allowing me to be my age and have fun.

“Thank you,” I said as his hand touched my back.

“See you at dinner.”

He turned and walked away. I made sure he was out of sight before punching Eddie in the arm.

“Tag, you’re it,” I said and took off running.

“Oh no, you didn’t,” he yelled and started chasing me down.

Nothing could wipe the smile from my face. I loved Eddie, and this place felt like home. I never wanted to leave.

Edmundo – Age 17

The last thing in the world I wanted to do tonight was attend a business dinner. Father said we were meeting with someone important so I’d finished up the work he had given me and taken a shower. Now, I was getting dressed in a suit. It might have been summer break from Wayward Academy, but I was making the absolute most of my time at home.

But tonight, my plans had only included Ana. I wanted to hang out on the phone while we watched a movie that we could both find. It was harder than you’d think, but tonight was my night to choose.

Picking up my phone, I texted Ana.

E: Hey there, anima mia. It will be later than normal when I call. I have to attend a business dinner with my family.

A: I’ll answer no matter the time.

I smiled at my phone even though she couldn’t see it.

Two more years and I could propose to her. Every time I looked at her, all I could think about was our future. I’d been working hard at my papa’s company and had managed to land a couple of new distributors who would open our sales into Africa and New Zealand. It would bring in millions more a year, and I knew that was what Papa wanted to celebrate. Honestly, having wealth wasn’t enough. I needed to be so powerful that Mr. Mikhailov couldn’t deny my request.

E: I can’t wait to see you next week. I miss you.

A: I miss you more. I can’t wait to see you either. It feels like forever. Every second is a second closer to being able to hold you.

E: I feel the same way. I better go, but I’ll call. Promise. Love you.

A: Love you, too.

Slipping on my gold bracelet, I made sure my tie was perfect before leaving my room. My parents were just putting on their coats as I walked down the stairs.

“You look so handsome,” Mama said, and I hugged her as she kissed both my cheeks.

“Thank you.”

Grabbing my long coat, I pulled it on as we walked outside to the car. Maurice’s hair was now white, but his smile was still as warm and welcoming as it had always been. He gave me a wink as we got it.

We pulled up in front of Il Picco, and I raised a brow.