Page 59 of She's the Star

“Your social media activity has been normal all day. No weird comments or posts. As far as I can tell, no blogs or articles have picked up the story.” Mina’s focus is on her phone as she keeps talking. “I’m going to get in touch with your PR team. Give them a heads up so they can start working on a plan.” She starts typing furiously.

“I should call Nolan.” He needs to know.

Brian gives me a brisk nod as he raises his phone to his ear and turns away. He moves toward the wall and starts speaking softly.

“I’m so glad you called,” Nolan says as soon as he answers. “Maddy’s fussy and she felt a little warm, so I took her temperature. She’s running a low-grade fever so we should probably stay at the hotel tonight.”

My other problems fade into the background. “Is she okay? Does she need a doctor?”

“I don’t think so. She’s sleeping right now,” he says reassuringly. “I texted one of my brothers—he’s a doctor—and he said to make sure she stays hydrated, but other than that he doesn’t think a fever with fussiness is cause for immediate concern.”

“Okay.” I will not panic. “You’re going to keep a close watch on her?”

My phone beeps, asking me to switch to a video call.

When I accept, Maddy and Nolan fill my screen. He’s propped on a pillow, and she’s sprawled on his chest with her eyes closed. Her little hand is fisted on his shirt. Seeing them together comforts me. I never anticipated finding competence in child rearing sexy, but I absolutely do. “We’re going to stay just like this until she wakes up,” he says softly. “And if anything changes or she seems worse, I’ll let you know.”

I want to be curled up with them. “Should I cancel the show?”

“You never cancel a show.”

It’s true. I’ve gone on stage when I’ve been the one with the fever. “But?—”

He interrupts. “I’ve got this. It’s my job to take care of Maddy so you can do your job. We’ll be here when you’re done.”

“You’re right.” I inhale. “She’s going to be fine.”

“Of course.” The quiet simplicity of those two words steadies me.

“Amber,” Brian interrupts from across the room and brings me back to the reason I called.

“Ugh,” I whisper softly when I realize I haven’t told Nolan what Teddy did.

Nolan’s brows draw together. “What’s wrong?”

“Are you talking to Nolan now?” Brian asks as he moves across the room.

At my nod, he continues, “Excellent. I think I have a workable solution, but it requires his agreement, too.”

I tip my head toward the spot next to me on the sofa. “Have a seat.” Then I transfer my attention back to my phone. Like pulling off a Band-Aid, I explain what Teddy told Annabelle. Nolan doesn’t interrupt, but the wrinkle between his eyes becomes more pronounced the longer I speak.

When I finish, Brian starts talking without giving Nolan a chance to respond. “I spoke with Annabelle Singer, and she claims that she isn’t the only one who knows you two are dating and that she’s willing to forget everything Teddy told her in return for an exclusive interview with both of you.” He blows out a breath. “You don’t have to confirm a relationship, but the fact that you’re talking to her together is a confirmation by itself. It wouldn’t be live so we’ll have some control over what airs.” He frowns. “She can be ruthless, but she also has a reputation for being fair, and this will allow you to get ahead of the rumors.”

I try to guess what Nolan is thinking, but it’s impossible for me to read the look on his face. It doesn’t look like distress, but it doesn’t look like joy either. This isn’t what he signed up for. Is he angry? Surprised? Concerned? Ready to bail?

“Who is Annabelle Singer?” he finally asks.

Brian answers briskly, “She’s a sports reporter.”

“Why does a sports reporter want to do an interview with a pop star and her not famous boyfriend?”

“Well…” Brian blows out a breath. “She knows about your father. And she knows you’re the nanny. Combined, those two things are enough to make you interesting.”

“Family assistant,” Nolan corrects absently. “I still don’t understand. Amber isn’t an athlete. And other than owning a minority share in a baseball team, my father isn’t either. I mean, I get this is a juicy story, but why does a sports reporter care?”

“I get the feeling that she’s trying to expand her brand,” Brian says. “What better way to branch into entertainment reporting than an exclusive interview with Amber Hope and her new boyfriend?”

Maddy shifts against Nolan’s chest, and he gently starts rubbing her back. It’s an absentminded gesture that shoots straight into my heart. Why is he so effortlessly sweet?

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