Page 48 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
As the team continued strategizing, Ethan watched Carly absorb every word, her posture relaxed yet poised. The air in the room was thick with anticipation, a shared understanding that they were not just preparing for a press conference—they were rewriting the story of Stella Hart.
“Remember,” Brad chimed in, leaning forward with a supportive grin, “the people of Plum Island already adore you. Let them be your anchor through any storm that comes.”
“Thank you, everyone,” Carly said, her voice laced with gratitude. “You’ve all been so steadfast and supportive.”
Ethan felt a familiar tug in his chest—the pull of old wounds and the hope for closure. As Carly’s gaze met his, he hoped they could turnthe page on the past to find a future where both their stories could find redemption.
Ethan’s gaze lingered on Carly as she wrapped up the mock interview with a natural grace that had won the hearts of millions of fans all over the world. Her copper curls caught the light streaming through the conference room windows, casting a halo around her determined face. His mind wandered to the memory of their unexpected kiss still lingering on his lips.
“Again, thank you, everyone,” Carly said, beaming at the team while gathering her notes.
“Are you ready for lunch, Carly?” Ethan smiled, his voice steady despite the anticipation bubbling inside him.
“Yes,” she replied.
Carly’s eyes locked with his, and Ethan felt his throat go dry as his heart kicked into overdrive.
The pair excused themselves from the room. Ethan led Carly through the glass doors of the conference room and out onto the deck. They kicked off their shoes before stepping onto the white sand to walk down a secluded path that led them toward the sound of waves whispering against the shore in a calming rhythm, promising respite from the intensity of the morning.
Carly drew in a breath, and her eyes widened in surprise when they came across the picnic laid out before them. A simple checkered blanket lay on the sand, with a basket holding cutlery, crockery, and glasses. A small table had been set up beneath a beach tent laden with a mouth-watering spread of food that could feed an army.
“Seems your staff at the Cobble Point Restaurant outdid themselves,” Ethan remarked.
“They did this?” Carly looked at him in surprise. “It’s amazing. But we’re not going to be able to eat all this.”
“We can invite our friends to join us if you like,” Ethan suggested half-heartedly.
While he didn’t like to waste food, he also wanted Carly to himself. They needed to talk.
“Or, we could get the remaining food donated to the food kitchen,” Carly said. “That’s what we do at the restaurant every day.”
“That’s a great idea,” Ethan agreed.
Carly settled onto the blanket while Ethan poured two glasses of chilled champagne. As he sat beside her, their shoulders brushed, sending a charge of electricity through Ethan. The sun warmed their skin as Ethan and Carly sipped the sparkling liquid, enjoying the silence for a few moments.
“Here’s to new beginnings,” he toasted, raising his glass slightly. “And to the rebirth of Stella Hart.”
“New beginnings,” Carly echoed, clinking her glass against his with a soft chime.
They spoke about the mock interview and the upcoming live one as they ate.
Ethan found himself studying Carly’s profile. The sea breeze teased her hair, and the gold in her hazel eyes sparkled in the sunlight, highlighting the spattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose.
They were enjoying a cup of coffee when Ethan decided it was time to tell Carly about the investigation and the truth about what happened three years ago.
“Carly, there are things you need to know about the investigation Harley and Sam are conducting,” Ethan told her, bringing out the fresh strawberries and laying them in front of him. “It’s not just about the PIs. Between Harley and Sam, they’ve dug up information—“ he blew a breath and ran his hand through his hair, “which has left me with doubts about various loyalties and the trustworthiness of some people close to me.”
“Are you talking about Alex?” Carly asked, her eyes narrowing as she popped a strawberry into her mouth.
“He’s one of them,” Ethan admitted, nodding. “As much as it pains me to admit it, and in light of what Alex did the other day, I have to look into the possibility that he could be the one stirring up trouble.”
“Why does your brother dislike me so much?” Carly’s eyes searched Ethans, looking for answers. “What have I ever done to him?”
“Honestly, I don’t know.” Ethan sighed. “I’ve been trying to work out why Alex would’ve done any of this.”
“What else has Alex done?” Carly’s brow furrowed as she looked at Ethan suspiciously.
Ethan ate the strawberry. The sea’s murmur filled the momentary lull in conversation. He breathed, the salt air bracing him for the disclosure ahead. Ethan’s eyes caught Carly’s as she stared at him, patiently waiting for him to continue.
