Page 47 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
Carly handed him her wallet as she pulled the note from her purse.
“What’s that?” Reef asked, taking the wallet and sliding the chair back.
“Just some notes for my interview prep,” Carly lied.
Reef nodded and went to pay for his breakfast. When he was gone, Carly opened the note and found it was from Daphne.
Carly, I had to leave. There’s a lot I still need to tell you. I will be in contact again soon, but until then, please be careful and don’t trust anyone.
DR
Carly’s heart skipped a beat as she read Daphne’s cryptic note. The words seemed to dance menacingly on the paper, sending an icy shiverdown her spine. She folded the note quickly, tucking it back into her purse as Reef returned to the table.
“Ready to head to your mock interview?” Reef asked, his bright smile contrasting with Carly’s sudden unease.
Carly forced a smile, tucking away her worries for the moment as she took her wallet from her son. “I was just waiting for you,” she said.
“Good luck,” Reef said, kissing her cheek. “You’re going to be great, just like you always were.”
“Thank you, love.” Carly’s eyes stung with tears as she swallowed the lump in her throat. “Please be careful and vigilant.”
“I will,” Reef promised. “I’ll have to tell Finn what’s going on just in case the paparazzi bombard the place.”
“Of course.” Carly nodded. “I trust Finn. If anyone knows how the media can ruin a person’s life, it’s him.”
“Yeah, and that’s why you know I’ll be safe here with him today,” Reef told her. “Danny’s bringing Em here in a few minutes, and she’ll spend the day with us as well.”
“That’s good.” Carly embraced him and kissed his head. “I’ll stop past Uncle Sam’s house when I finish the real interview later tonight.”
“We’ll have pizza and a banana milkshake ready for you,” Reef smiled, “ like you used to always have after a harrowing interview.”
“Thank you, my love.” Carly blew him a kiss before turning to leave the Beach Hut.
As she walked out of the sanctity of the cafe and into the crisp morning air, Carly couldn’t shake off the feeling of foreboding that clung to her like a shadow. Daphne’s warning echoed in her mind, urging her to be cautious and watch her back.
The Summer Inn loomed ahead, its grand facade a stark contrast to Carly’s internal turmoil. She hesitated before stepping into the busy foyer, feeling like she was being swallowed by the chaotic world of entertainment. Along with Carly Donovan, she left the peaceful life she’d built behind.
CHAPTER 12
Ethan leaned against the cool mahogany frame of the conference room door at the Summer Inn, his eyes fixed on Carly as she took her seat at the head of the mock press table. Jennifer and Harriet flanked her, their expressions a blend of encouragement and quiet determination. Dawn and Brad shuffled papers, preparing to fire off the tough questions they knew would come Carly’s way.
“Okay, Carly,” Jennifer began, her russet hair catching the morning light, “let’s start with something easy. Tell us why you decided now was the right time to return to show business. What is it about the second season of the Cobble Cove Mystery Series that enticed you out of retirement?”
Carly straightened in her chair, her hazel-green eyes reflecting a calm that Ethan admired. “I’ve always believed in storytelling’s power to heal and connect,” she said, her voice steady. “After spending theseyears building a life here on Plum Island, I know the people and the lifestyle, and I could relate to the script on a deeper, personal level as it’s real to me.”
“Good,” Harriet interjected, her eyes scanning Carly’s demeanor. “Now, let’s tackle the elephant in the room. How will you address the rumors that drove you away from stardom three years ago?”
The mention of the scandal ignited a spark behind Carly’s eyes, a testament to her resilience. “The past is a place of reference, not residence,” she responded, her tone unwavering. “Everyone has a past. The heartache, misconceptions, falling down, it’s all part of what shapes us.” She shrugged. “I haven’t spent these past three years skulking in a corner licking my wounds. Instead, I’ve put my energies into rebuilding my life and values, making me realize just how resilient the human spirit can be. My focus now is on contributing positively, both on and off-screen.”
Ethan’s lips curled into a half-smile, impressed by her deft navigation through the minefield of her past.
“Let’s pivot to strategy,” Dawn suggested, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “We need to ensure the narrative highlights your success here on the island, how you’re perceived by the townspeople, and what you’ve contributed to the community.”
“Right,” Ethan spoke up, his voice low but commanding attention. “We spin this into a story of rebirth. Stella Hart, the beloved actress, now the heart of Plum Island’s culinary renaissance.”
Jennifer nodded. “Exactly. We emphasize how you’ve supported local charities, mentored young entrepreneurs, and revitalized the community. It’s not just a comeback; it’s a transformation.”
“Your resilience is the cornerstone of this narrative,” Harriet added, her gaze meeting Carly’s. “You’re not asking for a second chance—you’ve created one for yourself.”
