Page 53 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
Her heart was a hummingbird in her chest, fluttering with nerves as the set crew put a mic on her and ran checks while Trinity whispered something to them. Carly nearly jumped out of her seat when a door opened to let Jennifer and Harriet enter. Their presence offered her more comfort.
Relax, you’ve done this hundreds of times before,Carly told herself.Become Stella!She cleared her mind and focused, pushing all that was Carly aside to let her Stella Hart persona take center stage once again.You can do this, Car… Stella!She gave herself a mental shake. You’re Stella Hart here, not Carly Donovan.
Carly didn’t care who was watching her. She closed her eyes and breathed, letting go of everything Carly to merge her world with that of Stella Hart’s.
“Ready?” Trinity asked.
Carly opened her eyes and looked at Trinity. “As I’ll ever be,” she murmured.
Carly looked to where Ethan was sitting. Harriet and Jennifer stood behind him, smiling encouragingly at her.
The show’s crew was in a flurry of activity as the studio lights bore down, an unspoken signal that the performance was about to begin. The countdown ticked on the teleprompter, and Carly counted down the last few seconds to her world, which was once again being turned upside down.
“Hello, and welcome back to ‘Trinity Time,’” Trinity began, her voice effortlessly graceful. “Today, we bring you an exclusive straight from the picturesque heart of New England, the very location where the sensational hit TV series, ‘The Cobble Cove Mysteries,’ is gearing up for its much-anticipated second season.” She smoothly transitioned as the camera followed her lead. “It’s a monumental day for us here at ‘Trinity Time’ as we’ve been given the extraordinary opportunity to sit down with the series’ new leading star. And what makes today’s interview truly special is that we’re also celebrating the return of a remarkable talent to the world of acting.” Turning gracefully towards Carly, she continued with a warm smile, “The incomparable Stella Hart is stepping back into the limelight after a three-year breakfrom the screen.” She gestured welcomingly. “Welcome back to the stage of stars, Stella.”
“Thank you, Trinity. It’s wonderful to be here,” Carly replied, her stage presence slipping back onto her like a familiar coat.
The screen beside them lit up, showcasing clips of Carly’s past roles, each character distinct and memorable. Carly felt a swell of pride watching herself, younger but no less fierce, commanding the screen. She had forgotten the exhilaration of storytelling, of becoming someone else so completely it was like she’d lived all those different lives.
“Those were some incredible performances,” Trinity praised as the montage ended. “I’m sure I speak on behalf of all your fans when I say we’ve missed seeing you grace our screens.” She shifted in her seat and glanced at the screen, still playing scenes of Carly’s performances behind them. “I’m sure you can guess my first question for you.” She folded her hands. “Where has Stella Hart been for the past three years, and what made you step away from it all at the height of your career?”
Carly had prepared for this. “I wanted to focus on my family.” She plastered a smile on her face, hoping it didn’t look as plastic as it felt.
“Speaking of family,” Trinity said, her tone taking on a speculative edge, “what can you tell us about your relationship with your ex-husband?” Her eyes narrowed. “There was quite a bit of controversy around your separation.”
The question threw Carly off balance, and her head swiveled around to where Jennifer, Harriet, and Ethan sat, looking as stunned as she was. This wasnotan approved question for the interview. Carly’s head reeled. The studio was suddenly too bright, and the walls were too close.This wasn’t the plan—they had agreed to focus on her career, not dredge up old scandals.
Control the narrative! You’re Stella Hart! You’re used to putting talk show hosts in their place.She squared her shoulders, her lips curing into a slight smile. “My relationship with my ex-husband isn’t why I’m here today, Trinity.” Her voice was calm, belying the turmoil inside her. “If I wanted to dredge up cheap rumors about my past or have unwanted attention drawn to my personal life, I’d have offered this interview to a tabloid.”
Trinity’s eyes widened for a second at Carly’s rebuttal. “Of course,” Trinity said smoothly, her eyes glinting with something that looked suspiciously like a triumph. “What has Stella Hart been doing over the past three years?”
“Living a quiet life, learning to surf and cook,” Carly answered honestly. “Giving my child a chance to live a normal life without the constant threat of being hounded by the media.”
Trinity leaned forward, her demeanor a blend of professionalism and curiosity. “A commendable choice,” she acknowledged. “But, stepping back into the limelight withThe Cobble Cove Mysteries, there must be something about this project that drew you back. What is it about this role that reignited your passion for acting?”
Grateful for the shift back to her career, Carly elaborated on the unique aspects of the role and the series that attracted her, emphasizing the creative fulfillment it offered her.
“I spent much of my childhood and teenage years on Plum Island,” Carly told her. “I wanted my son to experience the same sense of family and camaraderie a small community offers.”
“I get that,” Trinity replied. “I’m also from a small New England town.”
“I believe so,” Carly told her, her eyes flashing with a warning after Trinity’s last cheap shot.
“Your comeback is going to be the talk of the industry, and I’m sure even though you’ve only just put your toes back in the acting pool, you’ll be hounded by offers in no time.” Trinity speculated.
Carly gave a well-rehearsed laugh, which she had given many times during an interview, but now it felt as fake as it was. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Hopefully, The Cobble Cove Mysteries will be as long-running as the show’s producers expect it will be.” Carly kept eyecontact with Trinity. “I’ve not considered whether I’ll continue acting after this part.”
“I hope you continue your career beyond the Cobble Cove Mysteries,” Trinity mentioned her intense gaze unsettling Carly. “Moving on to the production team...” she segued, aiming a pointed question at Carly, “how are your relations with Ethan Blackwell these days?”
Carly’s expression tensed as she realized Trinity was venturing into sensitive territory despite earlier cautions. Without waiting for Carly’s reaction, Trinity pressed on: “Rumors swirled about a rift between you two during your last collaboration.” She fixed Carly with a sharp look. “Rumors hinted at your dismissal from his previous project over alleged indiscretions with Parker Drew. He was set to co-star in that production with you. He was yourAll My Heartco-star, right?”
Struggling to maintain composure, Carly internalized her mantra:Stella Hart responds, she doesn’t react.She glanced towards Ethan’s seat and saw that he and Harriet were absent. Meeting Jennifer’s gaze, Carly found a silent ally in her shock and dismay.
Facing Trinity squarely, Carly countered with measured firmness, “Your sources are evidently misinformed. My departure from Ethan’s project was a personal choice to take a hiatus from acting, unrelated to the fictional tales of indiscretions with Parker, who is a dear friend.”
Trinity, unyielding, delved deeper. “So, stepping into this new role isn’t a play for vengeance against the Blackwells for their alleged role in spreading those detrimental rumors before your retreat?”
Maintaining her composure, Carly inwardly praised herself for not yielding to impulse and leaving the set. With grace and control, she clarified, “Let me be clear! I hold no animosity towards the Blackwells. My decision to embrace this role was driven purely by the compelling script and the depth of the character, not as a response to past controversies or misunderstandings.”
