Read Online Sweat Tea Revenge by Laura Childs - Free Book Online Page B

another storm cell lurking out there over the Atlantic. The storm on Saturday, the day of Delaine’s wedding, had been quite enough. Some of the palmetto trees on her street still looked like they’d been blown inside out.
    As red and blue flames snapped and danced off the walls of beveled cypress, the living room turned instantly cozy.
    I love this place
, Theodosia told herself.
I did the right thing in buying it.
    True, the money had been a stretch, but all the scrimping and saving had been worth it. For now, this perfect little cottage with the charming name of Hazelhurst was her pride and joy.
    And what a cottage it was! The exterior was adorable and semi-quirky—a classic Tudor-style cottage that was asymmetrical in design with rough cedar tiles that replicated a thatched roof. The front of the cottage featured arched doors, cross gables, and a small turret. Lush tendrils of ivy curled their way up the walls.
    Her small entrance foyer featured a brick floor, hunter green walls, and antique brass sconces. The living room had a beamed ceiling and polished wood floor. Chintz and damask furniture, a blue-and-gold Aubusson carpet, an antique highboy, and tasteful oil paintings added a finishing touch.
    A log popped loudly and Earl Grey glanced at her.
    “You’re right,” said Theodosia. “I have to get moving. I need to take a quick shower and start supper.”
    Earl Grey continued to stare at her with limpid brown eyes.
    Theodosia reached out and stroked his sleek head. “Yes, he’s coming over tonight. But please don’t monopolize him too much, okay? Give me a chance once in a while.”
    Earl Grey thumped his tail with enthusiasm. But he wasn’t making any promises.
    *   *   *
    Twenty minutes later,
tendrils of hair still slightly damp on the back of her neck, Theodosia was in her kitchen peeling and deveining shrimp. Strains of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” played on the CD player and Earl Grey was cozied on his dog bed in the corner of the kitchen, his bright eyes watching her every move.
    Theodosia whipped up her pizza dough first, using King Arthur flour that Haley had ordered for her. Then she sliced an enormous heirloom tomato and arranged the juicy red slices on two plates, along with bunches of fresh basil. Just before she served the tomatoes, she’d drizzle on a nice mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
    The pizza toppings made for easy prep work. She sizzled a dozen fresh shrimp, sliced black olives and red onion, and grated a mound of fresh Parmesan. Once the pizza dough was rolled out, she spooned on pesto sauce, then added the toppings.
    Then she grabbed a bottle of Rubicon Cabernet Sauvignon and pulled the cork.
    So what else? Ah, gotta set the table.
    Theodosia placed two woven placemats on her kitchen table; set out knives, forks, and plates; then added a pair of wrought-iron candlesticks with twisted white candles.
    And just when her kitchen was steamy and aromatic with top notes of basil, shrimp, and onion, Max knocked on the back door. As always, his timing was perfect.
    Theodosia wasn’t sure who was happier to see him, herself or Earl Grey. The dog danced and pranced his way around the kitchen, toenails clicking and ticking like castanets. But, of course, she was the one who got a wonderful bear hug along with a long, lingering kiss.
    When the heavy breathing had concluded, for now, anyway, Theodosia turned back to her dinner. Wine was poured, the tomatoes dressed, the pizza checked on.
    “I love it when you make with the magic,” said Max, lounging against the counter, sipping his glass of wine. His hair looked more tousled than usual tonight, and his face wore a satisfied grin.
    “You’re referring to my cooking?” Theodosia waved a hand. “This isn’t much. In fact, it’s downright easy.”
    “No, no, everything you do is pure alchemy,” said Max. “You throw together bits of shrimp or pork, add fresh vegetables and a wonderful sauce and, presto-chango, dinner