Chapter 30
Hug was still watching, and Bramwell let out a little snon, standing up with his hands behind his back.
Olive glanced at the chessboard. It’s just a game, she thought. I can play too!
Bramwell, I can play chess too. Maybe we can have a couple of games next time?” she asked
Bramwell’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Your He gave her a look like she was joking.
Olive felt a little deflated. “Yeah, I’ve played a lot. People overseas always told me I was good at it.”
She hadn’t really learned from anyone, but she usually won when she played. The older guys always said she was quick and smart. Seeing Bramwell having trouble with Evalina, she figured he wasn’t that great at chess,
But Hugo stepped in “Olive, you know Grandpa’s not the best at chess. You’ve seen it
Olive didn’t get the hint and replied, “No way, Bramwell can change his mind if he wants. He’s older. It’s just being nice. And who cares if you win or lose against him?
She shrugged like it was no big deal, but Bramwell’s face turned serious. “Well, now I’m even more curious to play with you.”
Hugo tried to pull her away. “The food’s ready. Let’s eat. We can play chess anytime.”
“I’m not hungry yet. If Olive is so interested, I’ll play, What, Hugo? You want to stop me?” Bramwell asked Hugo sternly.
But Olive was already excited. “No way! I’m totally up for a game with Bramwell”
And with that, Bramwell was at the chessboard.
Evalina saw Hugo’s worried face and had to hold back a laugh. This was a classic case of “stirring up trouble and getting it.”
Evalina caught Hugo’s eye as she looked up. His gaze was kinda cold, probably ‘cause he noticed her little smile earlier. She had been a bit too obvious with her amusement.
“Seems like you’re digging this, Evalina,” Hugo said.
“No way, Evalina quickly cleared her throat, hearing the irritation in Hugo’s voice. “But you look worried. Olive seems pretty confident. You think she’s not that great at chess?
Hugo never thought Evalina was a chess whiz, but that board surprised him. For some reason, he doubted Olive’s skills and felt she shouldn’t have jumped in. Yet Olive was set on giving it a try, for reasons he couldn’t figure out.
Sering Evalina smirking on the sidelines, Hugo felt even more uneasy. He sighed, not wanting to argue with her, and walked past her grinning face.
As soon as he got closer, he could tell something was off. Olive looked really frustrated. Even a newbie could tell Olive was getting crushed in the game Her pieces were almost gone, with Bramwell’s white ones surrounding the rest.
Olive was clearly upset, her breathing all over the place.
Bramwell wasn’t giving Olive any breaks at all. He was all cold and arrogant, totally different from the playful friendly man when he played Evalina
carlier.
