Page 33 of Forgotten Sacrifice

“Oooh. Retired Grandmaster and Russian Olympics gold medal winner. Is he accepting new students?”

“I’m not sure, but I’m happy to pass along his number.” She forwards me his contact.

“Thank you!”

“Luna, you alright?” Vince knocks on the door.

“Yes. Give me a minute!” Rolling my eyes, I tell her, “Sorry. That’s my ride back to Jersey. It was so nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

I find Vince in the hall and snatch the application from him. “I was making a friend before you interrupted.”

He shrugs unapologetically.

We stop at the front desk, turning in my application. “I heard about your game with Grandmaster Morrell. A draw. Well done,” the desk attendant tells me in awe.

“Thanks.” I smile.

“When will Luna be notified of a decision?” Vince asks.

“Oh, with a performance like that, I’d say Luna will hear something soon,” the man tells us.

We say our goodbyes, and I follow Vince outside, a huge grin plastered to my face.

“When you’re accepted to the club, we’ll figure out the logistics, but it would be easier to have a coach come to AC at least a few days a week,” Vince warns.

“So you’re saying yes?” I hold my breath.

“Yes.”

“Yes!” I throw my arms around his neck. He’s all warmth and hard lines and smells amazing, andoh my God, I’m hugging Vince.

Awkwardly, I drop my arms and take a step back. “I’m thirsty. I need a soda,” I blurt out, wishing the sidewalk would open up and swallow me whole.

“You don’tneeda soda,” Vince corrects me.

“Don’t start,” I snipe, grateful Vince is acting like nothing happened. I can live with that.

He strolls over to a vendor, and I grab my phone, pulling up Coach Petrov’s number. I hit call.

“Yes?” A man with an intimidating Russian accent answers.

“Coach Petrov, my name is Luna Barone. Bridget Lui gave me your number at the Chess Hall, after I entered into a draw with Grandmaster Morrell.”

“With Grandmaster Morrell?” he repeats like he’s not sure he heard me correctly.

“Yes, and I want you to coach me so I can beat him next time.”

“What’s your rating?”

“2227.”

“Impossible.” He ends the call, and I stare at the phone in disbelief.

A minute passes before he calls back. “Okay, I coach you.”

“Really?” I jump up and down.