Free All You Need Is Fudge by Nancy CoCo Page B

was Allie’s idea.”
    â€œI thought it would make them easier to handle and take home at the end of the night,” I said. “The last thing anyone wants is to stick uncovered chocolate into their bag.”
    â€œSo, wait. Rex was asking about Paige?” Trent asked.
    I nodded. “Yes. Jenn told him she had noticed Carin come into the club and then Paige get tense.” I turned to Paige. “Then you walked out.”
    Paige frowned. “I saw Carin come in and say something to Eleanor. I was afraid they were up to something. Those two can’t be trusted. They’ll do things just to mess with me. I went to see Amy to ensure that the chocolate party favors would remain on the list of things to have on the table.”
    â€œClearly, she agreed,” I said and sipped my wine.
    â€œShe did,” Paige said. “I went home and left Carin and Eleanor to their devices. After all, what could they do to upset things at that point?”
    â€œI asked Rex if Paige was a suspect, but he wouldn’t answer.”
    â€œWhat exactly did he say?” Trent asked.
    â€œHe said that he was asking what had happened, that he was putting together Carin’s last day.”
    â€œI see,” Trent said with a frown.
    â€œI wouldn’t worry about it.” I put my hand on his. “Rex is fair in his assessments. He understands that Carin and Paige were school rivals and nothing more.”
    A three piece orchestra was playing softly in the background and the room was full of high-society guests. I’d been so busy thinking about Paige and Carin that I hadn’t really noticed how far along the event was. I glanced around to see if anyone was noting the centerpieces and it seemed as if a few were being admired.
    â€œExcept there is more.” Jenn paused while the servers took away our salad plates and put down our dinner plates.
    â€œWhat?” I was drawn back to Jenn and Paige. “What do you mean there is more ?”
    â€œYou don’t think Rex sees that as motive, do you?” I asked Jenn, then turned to Paige. “How long have you and Reggie been dating?”
    â€œAlmost two years. He has let me know every step of the way that I’m his one and only.”
    â€œThere’s no reason for Paige to hurt Carin,” Trent said. “It’s ridiculous to think there is.”
    â€œYou didn’t get into a fight with Carin the day she died?” Jenn asked.
    I frowned. “Jenn—”
    â€œWhat?” Jenn shrugged. “I’m asking because Rex made it sound like they did.”
    â€œWe might have exchanged words in the hall,” Paige said with a nonchalant shrug. “It was nothing.”
    â€œWhat did you talk about?” Jenn asked.
    â€œI think we’ve spent enough time on Carin,” Trent said briskly. “This is supposed to be an enjoyable evening. Let’s change subjects.”
    I noted that couples were swaying slowly on the dance floor as the band played a waltz. I held out my hand. “Come on, Trent. Let’s dance.”
    â€œMy pleasure.” He stood, tucked my hand in the crook of his arm, and led me to the parquet dance floor that had been laid down on the far end of the dining area. He took me into his arms and expertly twirled me around the floor.
    The rest of the evening was filled with romance as the orchestra was replaced with a big band. The tables were pushed back and the French doors opened to let in the lake breezes.
    It was magical, being in Trent’s arms. I let him sweep me away into a world of happiness.

Chapter 6
    â€œSomeone had a good night,” Jenn said as I came into my apartment through the fire escape door. It was one in the afternoon and I was wearing the dress I’d worn the night before.
    I did a small twirl in the middle of the living area. “It was magical.”
    â€œSweet. I want details,” Jenn said from her perch on the couch, her