Last week I began telling the story about Carina Prioleau (a character in my Deadly Force romantic suspense series) and how she’s decided to throw a New Year’s party for the women in the series. Now that they’ve had their Buck’s Fizz cocktails, they’re moving into Carina’s sitting room to talk about their favorite subject: Men. Although, for Carina, the topic is bittersweet since she’s a widow. But she never tires of complaining about and praising her twin brother Calum!
Carina Prioleau: To be honest, I wasn’t sure about this party. I’m not a girlfriend-kind of girl. I’m more of a get-out-of-my-way kind of person. It’s why I love being a U.S. senator! Still, I agreed to this party and now we’re in my sitting room with an appetizer of Vidalia onion toasts. It’s a classic, easy appetizer to eat while we chat and get to know each other.
I’m a bit nervous since I don’t know the other women that well. Sarah is a local 17th century historian I met a few months ago and is smarter than most people I’ve met. She shares unusual historical tidbits and acts like we all know what she’s talking about. The rest of us just sit there, smiling and nodding, hoping she’ll finish her stories about pirates and rogues and treasures.
I’ve known Juliet since childhood, but I have to admit that we never got along. Still, now that she’s married again and settled with her landscape architecture business, I’m finding we have more in common. Also, her husband Rafe is my twin brother Calum’s best friend. So I have to be nice to her.
Samantha, who is also dating one of Calum’s buddies, is a new friend. But considering how funny she is, I’m glad we’ve met. The stories she’s telling about all those ex-Green Berets working at a run-down, cheesy pirate-themed gym are hilarious.
Think gossip about ten combat-tested soldiers who now have to wipe down equipment and clean locker rooms and break up fights. Not only are they cranky, they’re totally out of their element. And they all hate cleaning. I’d like to sneak in there one day just for a photo. But I’m not sure I can handle the smell. According to Samantha, the place stinks like dirty feet.
As I relax on my couch, I watch the other women talk and laugh about the men in their life and their jobs. I’m hit by a pang of loneliness because my own husband died–no, was murdered–not long ago and I still miss him. But I realize I’m happy because for the first time in years I have friends.
What a wonderful way to start the new year!
Vidalia Onion Toasts
Ingredients
- 1 package dark pumpernickel party breads
- 1 cup Vidalia onion diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- paprika for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lay the breads on the baking sheet and toast for 3 minutes. Turn the breads over and toast for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from the oven.
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While the breads are toasting stir together the onion, mayonnaise and parmesan cheese in a medium sized bowl. Spread the mixture on the breads. Sprinkle the tops with dashes of paprika.
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Broil the toasts for 2-4 minutes, depending on the oven, until the onion mixture is lightly browned and bubbly. Serve immediately.
