Page 28 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
“No, not yet.” Carly looked at her phone on Daniella’s desk. “What would I say? They’re not going to do anything over a text message.”
“First the PI and now this.” Daniella’s frown deepened. “What exactly do you think the message was warning you about?”
“I’m not sure.” Carly shook her head. “I think it may have something to do with the part in the show or Ethan and I becoming friendly again.”
Daniella’s brows shot up once again as she looked at Carly knowingly. “Friendly?”
“Yes!” Carly insisted. “Friendly. That’s what we were right up to—“
“The day he falsely accused you of being a leak and trashing his movie,” Daniella added. “Then callously fired you over those trumped-up charges right before destroying your career.” She shook her head. “Carly, I know you want to give Ethan the benefit of thedoubt, but I, for one, am glad you turned down his offer of the part. I think you’re right in thinking he had a dual personality.” She shuddered. “At least his brother just is who he is: a philandering playboy who thinks the world revolves around him.”
“You really don’t like the Blackwell brothers, do you?” Carly’s eyes narrowed as she looked at her cousin.
“I don’t like what they stand for,” Daniella corrected her. “Nor what that family did to you.”
“I know.” Carly gave her a grateful smile. No matter what Daniella was going through, she’d always had Carly’s back, just like Carly always had hers. Her cousin was her best friend. “One good thing that came from going through the box of memories is that I’m happy with my decision to turn down the part, but I want to put it all behind me, and to do that, I need closure and to have it out with Ethan once and for all.”
“For that, you have to speak to Ethan,” Daniella guessed. “While I understand you need closure, and I’m happy you’re seeking it, you must be careful, cousin. Don’t let old feelings cloud your judgment.”
Carly sighed. “I know. I just need closure from him for my own peace of mind.”
Daniella nodded. “Well, you know you have my full support. What do you need from me?”
“I was hoping you could help me plan how to approach Ethan,” Carly admitted. “I want to be prepared for anything.”
The two women discussed different approaches, considering how Ethan might react. Carly felt reassured by Daniella’s strong advice to help her mentally brace for the upcoming confrontation. With her cousin’s unwavering support, she was optimistic about getting the answers she had longed for.
Carly’s heart overflowed with gratitude towards her cousin for always being there for her. Despite her past difficulties, Daniella had been a constant source of support and guidance, never once wavering in her loyalty. Their strong family connection had been a lifeline during this challenging time.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you, Daniella,” Carly said, squeezing her cousin’s hand. “You’ve always been there for me since we were kids.”
Daniella gave her a warm smile. “That’s what family is for. Just like you’ve always been there for me.”
Carly nodded, her heart swelling with love for her steadfast cousin. Their friendship ran deeper than blood, forged through years of laughter, tears, and trust. She hoped Daniella knew how much she cherished having her guidance now when she needed it most.
When Carly was finally happy and ready to face Ethan, the cousins embraced tightly. With Daniella behind her, Carly felt like Superman, who could leap tall buildings in a single bound. Not that she was planning on leaping any tall buildings today. Rather, she was going to move a mountain and face the ghosts of her past.
“Thank you; I feel ready.” Carly blew out a breath as they pulled apart, and she gave her cousin a tight smile. “Now, all I have to do is find out where Ethan is before I lose my new-found courage and determination.”
Daniella’s expression turned thoughtful. “I may know someone who can help us locate Ethan.”
Carly’s eyes widened with interest. “Oh? Who’s that?”
“Caroline, of course.” Daniella grinned, and Carly nodded. “As she and Brad are working with Ethan, I’m sure Brad will know where Ethan is.”
Carly nodded in agreement. “I should’ve thought of asking her myself.”
After placing a quick call, Daniella confirmed that Ethan was currently at the Summer Inn with Brad. Caroline told Daniella they were having a production meeting that should be finished soon. She also informed Daniella that Danes Studios and Blackwell Productions had set up offices in conference rooms in the Summer Inn.
With Ethan’s location confirmed Carly felt a nervous energy buzzing through her as the moment of truth approached. But first, she needed to collect Reef’s prescription for his eczema while she was in town. The pharmacy had told her it was ready, and all Carly had to do was collect it as their delivery driver was off with the flu. Carly didn’t mind. A brisk two-block walk was just what she needed to calm her remaining tender nerves.
“No more running,” she whispered, setting off toward the pharmacy.
As Carly walked toward the store, her self-confidence started to wane, and a prickling sense of unease crept over her. She suddenly felt like she was being followed. Carly glanced over her shoulder and frowned when she noticed the person she’d seen sitting on a bench outside the library walking a distance behind her.
You’re being paranoid, Carly!She admonished herself and tried to shake off the feeling.
But just in case, Carly picked up the pace and hurried toward the pharmacy, barging in as she got to it. Thankfully, no one was near the door, or Carly may have plowed them down in her haste to enter the store. She turned and watched through the store’s window concealed behind a shelf as the figure crossed the road and walked into a tea shop.
