Page 135 of Love Me Stalk Me
She sets the dish down, her gold cross necklace catching the light as she straightens up. There's flour on her apron, a faint smudge on her wrist, but she doesn't notice—she never does.
She's been doing this for so long, making sure we all come together, eat well, stay close. Mama is the glue. The backbone. The quiet force that keeps the Russo family running.
And yet, when she looks at us, there's always that hint of worry in her eyes—like she's assessing how far we've drifted, if we'll ever settle down, if she's done enough to keep us tethered to each other.
"You all need Jesus," she mutters, the scent of her rose perfume wafting by as she takes her seat.
I bite my lip to keep from laughing.
Dad, across from me, just sits back in his chair, waiting for the chaos to unfold like it's his favorite TV show.
And honestly?
It probably is.
"Nonna, do you have another rosary I could borrow? You know, for... spiritual guidance."
Nonna’s eyes light up like I’ve just announced I’m entering a convent. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out not one but three rosaries, each more ornate than the last. The beads click together like chimes.
“Per te, Isabella,” she says in Italian, pressing a gleaming blue glass-beaded rosary into my hand. “Così troverai un buon marito.”
I take it, pretending I don’t hear Nico’s snicker—or his helpful mutter from behind me.
“She says it’ll help you find a husband. Preferably one with a job. And a spine.”
“Thank you, Nonna,” I say sweetly, tucking it into my purse before she can try to bless me with the other two.
She pats my hand, then leans in to whisper something in rapid-fire Italian.
Nico,of course, is quick to translate from across the table. “She says Evan is trash.”
I arch a brow at him. “Pretty sure your Italian needs work.”
Nonna beams, entirely unbothered.
My mother claps her hands together before Nico can fire back.
“Okay,” she says firmly. “Let’s say grace.”
We all bow our heads.
Mama starts, voice soft and reverent.
"Dear Lord, thank You for bringing our family together today. Thank You for the food we're about to receive, for the blessings You have given us."
So far, so good.
"And thank You for giving me a grandchild."
I internally groan.
Here we go.
Mama continues, totally unfazed.
"Thank You for allowing one of my children to enter a beautiful, holy marriage."
Matteo, the only married one, just nods smugly.
