Page 25 of His Broken Queen

“Keep the sauce on low.” Stella washed her hands after rolling the meatballs.“And make sure you turn it.”

“Turn it?”

“Yes, turn the sauce.” She laughed.“My grandmother used to say that when she was making her sauce. Well, in our house we called it gravy,”

“Like brown gravy?”

“Some Italians call their sauce gravy. We always made gravy on Sundays. Anyway, when my grandmother said turn the sauce, she meant make sure I stirred it every so often so it wouldn’t burn.”

“Oh, so how long do I let it cook for?” I glanced at the recipe in Stella’s family cookbook.

“Well, I like my sauce thick, so keep it on low for a few hours. After we fry the meatballs, we’ll put them in and they’ll absorb the flavors from the sauce.”

“Did your grandma teach you how to cook?”

“Most of the Italian recipes. We always made fresh pasta to go with our sauce. You’re good at making gnocchi now.”

“Romero loves it.”

“Next, I’ll teach you how to make manicotti with a ricotta and spinach filling. It will pair perfect with these meatballs.”

“Do your girls like to cook?”

“Not really.” She shrugged.“They like eating what I cook.”

“Maybe when they’re out of school they will appreciate cooking more.”

“I’m happy you’re learning from me.” She set a large pan on the stove and filled it with oil.“I like knowing someone will carry on my traditions when I’m gone.”

“Where are you going?” I took the wooden spoon and stirred the sauce.

“Nowhere if I can help it.” She smiled.“That was something my grandmother used to say too. You’re going to miss me when I’m gone, she’d say.” She placed the raw meatballs into the pan.“She was right.”

“I’m so glad you came into my life.”

“The feeling is mutual.”

“I’d like to meet your girls.” I wanted to see her interact with her children, but mostly I wanted to tell them what an amazing woman they had in their lives. They were so lucky to have a mom like her.

“I’d like that too.” She fried the meatballs.“We’ll set up a lunch date. I think it might be nice for you to meet some people close to your age.”

“Instead of hanging out with those bodyguards all day?”

“They’re easy on the eyes, aren’t they?” She giggled.

“Very much.” I blushed.“But don’t tell Romero I said that. He would fire all of them.”

“It’s our secret.”

A commotion in the hall outside the front door drew me out of the memory.

“Let’s get him inside,” Gio said. “The doctor is on his way.”

I hurried off the couch and to the door as it swung open. Gio quickly came in, widening the door to let those behind him in.

“Gio.” When he turned to face me, the expression on his face startled me.

“Lu.” His light blue dress shirt was stained with red blotches on it and his hands were covered in blood.

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