Page 52 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
“Remember to focus on the comeback, not the setback,” Jennifer said, her russet hair catching the light as she stood beside Carly with a reassuring smile. “Show them the Stella Hart who captivated audiences around the globe.”
“Right, the past is a no-go zone,” Harriet chimed in, her straightforward tone cutting through Carly’s nerves like a lifeline. “Stick toyour new beginnings. Speak about the television show and what inspired you to take the part.”
“I will.” Carly nodded, taking a steadying breath bolstered by the presence of her two managers and pillars of support. Their familiar faces, one framed by dark locks and the other by fiery strands, felt like a protective shield against the relentless glare of the spotlight awaiting her.
A knock at the door announced Ethan’s arrival before he pushed it open. He strode in with a bouquet of roses cradled in his arm. Her heart pounded at the sight of his striking figure with his well-built frame and short dark hair adding more comforting support to the room. His eyes locked onto Carly’s, causing a flutter in her chest and her breath to catch in her throat. She felt like a sixteen-year-old teenage girl who’d caught the attention of the star quarterback and was the envy of every girl around.
“These are for you,” Ethan said, offering her the roses with a lopsided grin, his eyes darkened with emotion. “For luck.”
“Thank you,” Carly managed to get out, accepting the bouquet, the sweet scent immediately enveloping her. The petals were a vibrant crimson, each bloom meticulously chosen, just like the calculated risks he took behind the camera.
“I thought I’d walk you to the interview room,” Ethan offered, the timbre of his voice a soothing balm that eased the knots of anxiety within her. He reached out, gently tucking a stray curl behind her ear, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
“I’d like that.” Carly smiled, meeting Ethan’s gaze once more. “Thank you for the roses. They’re beautiful.”
“I’ll take those,” Jennifer said, plucking the flowers from Carly’s hands.
“I don’t think there are any vases here,” Harriet informed. “Just use a glass.” She ushered Jennifer from the room, giving Carly and Ethan some privacy.
“Are you ready?” Ethan’s eyes searched hers.
“Yes.” Carly forced herself to be positive.
The flutter in her chest was now a fierce beat of determination. Carly squared her shoulders and raised her chin determinedly. She was ready to face the cameras and reclaim her place in the world she once loved.
“One more thing,” Ethan said, his voice becoming a low murmur as his eyes darkened. He moved closer, pulling her to him, and his lips found hers.
A noise from the other side of the bedroom door drew them apart.
“I’d better fix my lipstick.” Carly’s heart hammered against her chest as if it was doing a drum solo.
“I’ll be in the living room.” Ethan cleared his throat as his voice sounded gruff.
Carly turned and applied a light coat of lipstick, giving herself a quick once over before taking a breath to steady the rhythm of her heart before she stepped into the living room.
“Let’s do this,” Carly said with a gusto she wasn’t feeling.
Ethan offered her his arm, which she gladly took. They fell into step, making their way to the conference rooms on the ground floor of the Summer Inn, where the TV network had set up a makeshift interview room.
Carly’s high heels clicked over the polished marble floors. Anticipation had hung over her since the moment she awoke that morning. It had been momentarily forgotten during the picnic with Ethan earlier, but it was back since she’d started getting ready for the show. Carly felt like she had a menagerie of spooked birds in her stomach.
“Remember to breathe,” Ethan whispered, smiling encouragingly as they neared the two conference rooms that had been opened into one.
The tension between them eased slightly, and Carly gave him a shaky smile. They reached the conference room door, which stoodajar, spilling light and muted voices into the quiet hallway. Carly paused, taking a deep breath as she splayed a hand over her stomach to still the nerves. She glanced at the doorway. She said goodbye to Carly Donovan at this threshold and became Stalla Hart, with a full spotlight illuminating her life.
Turn back, Carly, and run!Before Carly could follow her wayward thoughts, Trinity Woodrow appeared at the door as if she’d read Carly’s thoughts. Her keen eyes scanned Carly, lighting up with undisguised excitement.
“It’s lovely to finally meet you, Stella Hart,” Trinity exclaimed, stepping forward with an outstretched hand. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you chose my show to announce your return to acting. I’ve been hoping to feature you for years.”
“Thank you for being able to do this on such short notice,” Carly said, shaking her hand with a practiced smile that hid her jitters. “Ethan, Harriet, and Jennifer speak highly of you.”
Trinity gave an acknowledging nod. “Your fans are going to be delighted,” Trinity continued, ushering Carly into the makeshift studio. “We’ll start easy, talk about your career highlights, and then segue into your new lead role.”
“Okay,” Carly responded, though a flicker of unease stirred within her. She glanced at Ethan, seeking reassurance in his steady presence. He nodded and gave her an encouraging smile, sitting near the camera.
“Alright then,” Trinity clapped her hands together briskly. “Let’s make some television magic.”
With one last look at Ethan, Carly squared her shoulders and followed Trinity to where a version of the show’s lounge was set up. As Carly sat, the doors to the rooms were closed with a soft click that sounded a lot louder to her, symbolizing the sealing of her fate.
