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“Bye Manny!” Stella calls as we head to the front door.
“Bye Stell Bell!” he hollers back.
I lock the door behind us and head to my truck. I managed to park out front today as I got here earlier than planned. I dump the containers in two large shopping bags in my truck and Stella offers the front seat, but Bella says it’s okay and climbs in the back.
I climb in too, starting the engine as I pull my seatbelt on.
“It was a great turnout tonight,” I say, trying to start a conversation. I pull out onto the street and head toward the shelter. I already texted Sophie earlier to let her know we’d be coming.
“So good,” Stella agrees. “Everyone loved the beef stew, I mean, what’s not to love… if you eat meat.”
“You don’t eat meat?” Bella asks from the backseat.
“Uh, no. I don’t eat anything with a face.”
Bella chuckles. I look in the rearview mirror at the delightful sound. Her eyes meet mine and she looks away.
“Some people don’t have that luxury, Stell,” I say.
“I’ve convinced Manny to make a pumpkin and chickpea curry the day after tomorrow,” she tells us proudly. “Bella, you’re going to love it. Do you like a little chili?”
“Sure.” Bella shrugs.
Stella claps her hands. “Awesome. I’ve literally perfected this recipe, and Manny and I are friends. I know we’re a soup kitchen, but we can’t just cater for the masses. I mean, don’t knock chickpeas until you’ve roasted them and put them in a curry. It’s to die for.”
I glance at Stella and smile. She’s hilarious. Fuckin’ chickpeas.
“I’ll give anything a go once,” I say. “We need some fresh ideas. Is there anything you’d like to see on the menu?” I flick my eyes to the rearview mirror and Bella’s gaze meets mine again.
“Beggars can’t be choosers,” she says quietly.
“Yes, but if you had one craving for anything, what would it be?” Stella prods. “For example, if it were up to Priest, we’d be eating pepperoni pizza with pineapple. Who eats pepperoni and pineapple together?”
“Hey, it’s not as gross as it sounds.” I laugh.
“I used to make a nice fettuccine carbonara,” Bella says, and I raise my eyebrows. It shocks me for a second.
“What’s in that?” Stella asks.
“Well, you can serve it lots of ways, but I like to keep it simple. Butter, cream, cheese and bacon, which is optional, and I like to add mushrooms.”
“I could get on board with that,” Stella agrees. “I think we have to bug Manny, unless you’d be happy to cook it for us?” She turns around in her chair and gives Bella an encouraging smile.
“I’ve never cooked for a large number of people. Only my family, but then again, we are a big family. I’m sure it wouldn’t be too difficult.”
Okay, so I’m learning a little more about her. She has a big family, but where are they now?
“Perfect, I’ll text Manny. Maybe we can do it the day after tomorrow?”
I watch the road, waiting for Bella’s reply.
“Wait, I didn’t mean me. I meant Manny. I could just give him the recipe, though I’m sure he has one of his own or he could just google it. It’s not that hard.”
“Nonsense. Do you like cooking?”
“I used to.”
“Well, then. It’s a good excuse to roll up those sleeves, Hells Bells, and show us what we’re missing. Manny won’t mind, in fact, I’m sure he’d be happy for the help with Shanice now sick.” Hells Bells?
