Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 77998 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77998 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Staff flits about here and there, cleaning, setting the table, dusting, while I head to the kitchen. A nervous excitement buzzes around the group of kitchen employees until I enter the room. I smile brightly and give them a little wave.
Pierre, the plump and pleasant head chef, smiles at me. He worked in some of Tampa’s most elite kitchens before Salvatore roped him into coming here and working alongside him. Turns out it’s not his first mob gig, and as a result he’s one of the most trustworthy people Salvatore employs.
“I don’t normally allow other people to cook in my kitchen when I’m present,” he explained to me when we met. “But first, your husband does what he wants, so that was an easy answer. Second, he’s a joy to cook with.”
Joy to cook with, those were his exact words. Not sure I’d call Salvatore a joy about anything—okay, maybe a few things—but hey, if that works, it works.
“Mr. Capo’s asked me to oversee tonight’s food preparation.” I give them a smile. “You know how he is.” I wave my hand. “Do you have everything prepared yet?”
One of the older servers purses his lips at me. “Well, this is a first.”
I bristle, my spine stiffening and give him a frosty look. I’m not a confrontational person usually, but my husband has expectations and I have a very specific role to play.
“Excuse me?”
He picks up a wooden spoon and gives the pot a hearty stir. “I said this is a first. It isn’t often Mr. Capo micromanages the kitchen staff.”
Oooh, no he does not.
I draw myself up to my full height, which is definitely assisted by the stilettos, and give him what I hope is a piercing look. I may be a pretty laid-back girl in general, but once again I remember I was raised by Tosca Rossi.
Jared passes behind me. When we were unable to locate his mother, I begged Salvatore to let him stay with us. He’s been a huge help around here, and a comfort to me when Salvatore’s busy. He winks at me and gives me a nod before he slips away unseen.
My voice takes on a sharp edge, though I keep my tone polite. “Mr. Capo asked his wife to ensure everything is prepared for his guests. Since his guests happen to be my family, I was more than happy to honor his request.” I tilt my head to the side. “Is there a problem here?”
“No problem, no problem at all,” Pierre says, glaring at his employee. “Of course, Mrs. Capo, you are more than welcome to try everything!”
I sample each food item in turn, from the antipasti to the primi, excellent cuts of steak, all the way through the menu until we get to the formaggi e frutta, a dessert platter of imported cheeses.
“It’s perfect,” I tell Pierre. “We’re having a party of nine for dinner before tonight’s main event, so let’s ensure we have enough tableware as well. We had a bit of a shortage last time, and I want to make sure Mr. Capo’s satisfied.”
Pierre’s associate mutters under his breath and I catch him rolling his eyes.
He’s done.
“Your name?” I ask sweetly.
He gives me a sharp look. “Josiah.”
“Josiah, I think it best you take the rest of the evening off.” Maybe I’m overstepping. Maybe I’m losing my temper. But there’s no way my husband would allow disrespect from his staff, so it thereby follows I am the one that will ensure his staff behaves the way he expects.
“Excuse me?” He looks as if he’s about to throw a plate across the room.
Pierre steps in and takes Josiah by the elbow. “You heard her. Let’s have a talk.”
He curses under his breath. I wait until he leaves, then turn to see the shadows of onlookers in the doorway. My stomach plummets until I recognize my sister Rosa, looking gorgeous and stunning as ever, beside Romeo, whose eyes have gone a bit wide in surprise.
“Well, well, well,” Rosa says with a smile. “Seems all our little sister needed was a ring on her finger, hmm?”
I squeal and launch myself at them, grabbing them both around the necks to squeeze the life out of them. “Oh my God did I miss you. I missed you so much! Salvatore just had me check on the food for tonight to make sure it’s perfect and it so is.” They kiss my cheeks, one after the other. I squeal again when I see Tavi, Orlando, and Mario standing behind them.
“Thank fuck,” Orlando mutters. “Airplane food was nonexistent and none of them would let me eat at the airport.”
“You’d ruin your appetite and we’re not going to disrespect the Capos, Lando,” Rosa says, rolling her eyes.
“Dude,” Mario says under his breath. I grin at him. “This place is epic.”
“You’re the one who lives in a castle,” I remind him.