Chapter 188

*LORENZO* She glances at the board, breaking the spell. When she raises her head, she gives me a coy smile. “I played chess with one of the fathers since I was six years old. He was, how do you say? a great player. And he wanted to win. Even against a child.” “He taught you well,” I murmur, recovering my equilibrium. What I really want to do is take her right here on the sofa. I consider pouncing on her, but concede that we should eat first. “Is he still alive?” I ask. “No, he died when I was twelve years old.” “I’m sorry.” “He had a good life.” “You say you wanted to be an English teacher. What happened?” “The orphanage started struggling. There was not enough funds to support us through college.” “Well, that sucks.” She giggled. “Yes. It sucks. But I like working with little children at the orphanage. And I teach them music and read English to them. But only for two days each week, as I am not...what is the word? Qualified. And I helped the sisters with chores. Another game?” she ask