Page 18 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
“See!” Harriet elbowed Ethan. “That’s the kind of friendship I’ve always wanted and is why I’m so happy here.”
“Hey!” Ethan said, slightly offended. “We’ve been loyal friends since before we could walk.”
“I know!” Harriet scrunched her face. “But I wanted more female friends that I could have girl talk with.”
“What about Dawn?” Ethan pointed out.
“Dawn is the most loyal friend,” Harriet agreed. “But you know what she’s like. Dawn lives in her head, and I’m sure she’s turned me into at least a hundred different characters in one of the many plots that roll around in her creative brain.”
“Dawn is a honey.” Jennifer looked at Harriet. “But she can be a bit absent-minded.”
“Tell me about it.” Harriet sighed. “Do you know how many times Dawn’s just up and left wherever we were without warning?”
Ethan laughed. “Yes. We learned that if Dawn is going anywhere with us, to ensure she’d not be the one driving because you'd probably be left behind when a creative idea hits, and she has to get it jotted down.”
“Getting back to the proposal...” Harriet steered the conversation back to where it was before they veered off.
“Carly, we’d love for you to be the new lead for the series, which Danes Productions has already renewed for a third season,” Ethan said. “The first season has just started airing, and the ratings are through the roof.”
“Caroline’s books have shot onto the bestseller list,” Jennifer told her. “With Stella Hart as the lead, I think it will get even bigger than it already is.”
“And, it will relaunch your career,” Harriet pointed out. “We can dispel all the rumors and lies about you. We’ll make sure you get a chance to have your say.”
“And I’m sure Sam would love to dig up the facts of what happened three years ago,” Jennifer added.
Ethan watched Carly closely. He could see she was tempted but clinging to her reservations.
“I’m flattered,” Carly told them. Her eyes became shuttered. “Thank you for believing in me and wanting to clear Stella Hart’s name. But I haven’t been in the spotlight or behind a camera in years. I’m not sure if I want to go back to all that.” She glanced around her restaurant. “I have a new life here. With my son, who’s enjoying just being a regular teenager.” She shrugged. “I’m enjoying my quiet life inCobble Cove, and I don’t want to be hounded by the press again or have my son chased around his college campus next year.”
“Carly, as you can see, we’ve managed to keep the press away so far,” Jennifer told her. “We can look at ways to keep them as far away from you as possible.”
“Do you really think you can protect me from the press if I agree to take on this role?” Carly was not convinced. “I’ve been gone for three years. This will be a news sensation that every entertainment rag and news media will want to scoop.”
“We can agree to give one interview,” Jennifer suggested. “You can pick the network.”
“We’ll move you into the Summer Inn,” Harriet added. “Or at least that’s what the press will think and get you a body double so you can sneak home.”
Carly’s eyes filled with uncertainty. “No.” She shook her head. “I’ll think about the restaurant being used, but I’m sorry, I don’t want to step back into that life.”
“Will you at least think about it?” Harriet asked and looked at Ethan. “Can you give Carly a few days?”
“Yes.” Ethan nodded. “We only start filming again in three weeks, but I’ll need an answer by Friday.” He looked at Carly.
“Seriously,” Carly said, “I can answer now.” She gave a tight smile. “It’s no.” She bit her bottom lip. “It’s not only me that this affects. It’s my son, my family, my friends, and my staff that I have to think about. They’ll all get hounded once it gets out who I am.”
As Carly firmly declined the offer, Ethan couldn’t help but admire her strength and resolve. The conversation was interrupted by a blinding flash.
Startled, everyone turned to see a figure Ethan recognized as a member of a gossip rag they had kicked off the set last season, hastily retreating out the door.
Without thinking, Ethan darted after the intruder, adrenaline coursing through his veins. His steps were swift and determined, and he managed to catch up with them before he climbed into his car in the restaurant parking lot.
“Stop!” Ethan called, slamming the car door shut before the photographer could slip into the driver’s seat. “I’m going to need that.”
He held out his hand for the camera, but the man pulled it out of his reach.
“No.” The man shook his head. “This is gold. I have a scoop on who’ll replace the main female lead in the show.”
Before the man knew what was happening, Ethan snatched the camera and yanked the film from it before handing it back.
