broke up, the ballroom emptied quickly. Retreat attendees scattered to attend workshops, listen to chocolate-industry speakers, and enjoy the spa’s chocolate-themed services. Me, I was more drawn to the chocolate-caramel frappes being served out in the sunshine, on Maison Lemaître’s grassy manicured grounds, with a fresh bay breeze on the side. Ah. After stepping outdoors, I stuffed my dorky lanyarded name badge into my bag, then exhaled and tipped my face to the sun. Being stuck inside so much was making me itchy. I guess after so many years spent globe-trotting, I have a hard time settling down unless there’s chocolate in front of me. Given my habitual restlessness, it’s a wonder I get anything done. I had gotten to know Rex’s Chocolat Monthly reporter a bit, though. Her name was Eden. She was twenty-three. She was convinced that her story about Rex Rader was going to “blow the doors off” the magazine’s staid readership. The trouble was, Eden had confided, her editor had nixed the front-page slot she wanted.
What do You think about Criminal Confections (2014)?
