Page 22 of She's the Star

“This is Nolan Byrne. He’s going on tour with us. He’s…uhh…the new family assistant.”

Teddy’s brows draw together. “What’s a family assistant?”

It’s a valid question. Why do they keep calling it that? I’m not going to shy away from my role, so I stick out my hand and translate. “Nanny. It’s nice to meet you, man.”

It isn’t exactly the truth. Meeting Teddy is more than a little awkward—somehow, Amber and I haven’t talked about him at all.

“Amber hired a male nanny,” he says with a peculiar expression on his face.

Mina puts her hands on her hips. “Do you have a problem with a man taking care of children?”

“No,” he says quickly. His hand starts to move forward like he’s going to shake mine, but then it pauses midair. “Of course not. I didn’t know Amber had hired someone. I assumed…it’s just…nannies are usually women for a reason, right?”

Mina stiffens, drops her hands, and glares at him. “Are they?”

“I mean…no…yes?”

“And what is the reason?” she asks through clenched teeth.

“Women are good with kids?” The pitch of his voice rises with each word.

He’s obviously flustered, and Mina’s fists are clenching like she wants to punch him, so I try to de-escalate the situation. “I’m good with kids, too, and I promise I’m very qualified.”

“Yes…of course. Amber would never let someone near Maddy who wasn’t qualified.” He finally reaches out and grips my palm tightly.

After a firm shake, we let go and stare at each other.

Even though Amber hasn’t discussed Teddy with me, it isn’t as if I don’t know their story. Six, maybe seven, years ago, they met on tour. Fell in love. Dated for a year or so before he was caught screwing one of her dancers after one of their shows. Their breakup was highly publicized, and she moved on, released more albums, won awards, toured solo, and became a bona fide star. He moved on, too, but his star didn’t rise quite as much, and he’s constantly in the tabloids for one misadventure or another.

Last year, out of the blue, Amber revealed she was having his baby. The media went nuts, but they haven’t been photographed together since the announcement, and, to my knowledge, neither of them has commented on the status of their relationship since Maddy was born.

Is it possible they’re together?

Although, if they were, wouldn’t she have mentioned Teddy to me, and vice versa?

I’m not particularly keen on speculating or guessing, and I’m also not particularly keen on putting my foot in my mouth, so I keep my questions to myself. Luckily, the silence doesn’t extend long, because Mina wrinkles her nose and says, “You weren’t supposed to be here until three.”

“Sure…but…uh…Amber doesn’t mind if I stop by early.”

Mina puts her hands on her hips again. “Amber’s in the studio right now.”

The vibes Mina’s giving off could not be less friendly, but Teddy’s either oblivious or very good at ignoring hostility, because he nods and asks, “Is she rehearsing for the tour?”

“Obviously. It starts in less than three weeks.”

“I could pop into the studio. See what they’re working on.” He starts to brush past her.

“No.” She makes a slashing motion in front of her throat and blocks him. “You may not. You know she doesn’t like distractions.”

He sighs. “I know. I won’t interrupt. I’ll just listen. It isn’t like she’d let me join her even if I did ask.”

“We both know you won’t be able to stop yourself from interrupting. You’d give your left nut if Amber would let you sing with her again.”

“Ouch.” He winces but doesn’t contradict her. “Fine. I guess I’ll sit by the pool until Amber’s done or Maddy wakes up.”

“Or you could go home and come back at three like you were supposed to.”

“Mina,” he groans. “I swear to you that Amber told me I could stop by early on Sundays if I wasn’t busy. She wants me to spend time with my daughter.”

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