Teacup Novellas 02 - Strike the Match Read Online Free Page A

almost like a man with an attitude, if you can imagine. That’s when I call her— him —Jock. Then there’s the demure side of her when she thinks she’s some best-of-show poodle or something. I call her Fifi on those days. And then there’s Pedro—”
    “Let me guess. Spirited and hyper like a Chihuahua.”
    “Very good!” Nita beamed. “But she’s mostly Shih Tzu. She just doesn’t know it.”
    “A schizo-Shih Tzu. Now there’s a mouthful.”
    Nita dropped her head back and roared with laughter. “Oh, that’s perfect, Keri! I must remember to use that in my column next week. ‘A schizo-Shih Tzu’—love it!”
    Keri sipped her coffee. “Mmm, this is really good. Thanks, Nita.” Keri wrapped the towel around her head. The soft pink robe felt heavenly against her skin. “I might just have to steal this from you. I’d forgotten how much I love chenille.”
    “Take it, honey. I’ve got plenty more where that came from. Now sit. I’ll have these eggs cooked in a jiffy. I put some cream cheese in them for you.”
    “You remembered. You’re too good to me, Aunt Nita.” Keri took a seat at the counter, releasing a heavy sigh.
    Nita turned, still stirring the gooey egg mixture with a wooden spoon.  “Now, Keri, you’ve got to let this go. It’s all going to work out. We need to be thankful that no one was hurt tonight. And thank goodness the Blankenships hadn’t moved in yet. Think of what could have happened.”
    Keri dropped her head in her hands with a moan. “I didn’t even think of that.”
    “You didn’t? That was the first thought I had when I saw those flames. I thanked God no one was sleeping in that house yet.”
    Keri looked up, shaking her head. “What kind of horrible person am I? That thought never crossed my mind. All I could think of was Dad, and how much this would upset him. And . . .”
    “And?”
    She took another sip of the steaming coffee and set the mug back on the counter. “And how it would affect me . If it would affect how much Dad could pay me this year.” She rubbed her face. “How’s that for compassion?”
    Nita scraped the eggs out of the black iron skillet onto two separate plates, then pulled a tray of biscuits from the oven. She set them on the stove. “Grab some orange juice for us, will you?”
    Keri knew her aunt too well. Nita avoided answering the question Keri put out there, but she knew an answer would come. And knowing Nita, she was praying for wisdom even as she dished up bacon to put on their plates.
    When they finally sat down on the bar stools, Nita unfolded the cloth napkin and laid it across her lap. Keri followed suit, knowing the ritual. Her aunt reached for her hand and bowed her head.
    “Father, we thank You for Your mercy and grace. We thank You for protecting everyone tonight during this horrible fire. Lord, we trust You with every smidgen of our lives, and we’re trusting You with this one as well. Bring Tyler home safely. Protect him as he travels. And prepare the Blankenships for this devastating news. May they feel Your presence even in their hour of sadness.”
    She squeezed Keri’s hand. “And Father, please comfort my sweet Keri. Lord, cover her with Your peace and understanding. Help her to know that all things truly do work together for good for those who know and love You. Help her to trust You in the days ahead as she pursues her goals. But more than anything, Lord, help her to rest in Your open arms. Let her feel those arms around her even now.
    “Thank You for Your blessings and the food for which we are about to partake. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
    She squeezed Keri’s hand again, but Keri couldn’t speak.
    “So eat, already! The girls tell me their food always gets cold when I pray, but I just can’t help it. Prayer diarrhea, what can I say? C’mon. Take a bite.”
    Keri smiled as she picked up her fork. “Nita, Nita, Nita. What am I going to do with you?”
    Nita shrugged with a chuckle as she buttered a