Page 71 of She's the Star

Annabelle ratchets up her smile and starts talking.

“I’m Annabelle Singer and today I have the distinct pleasure of being joined by Amber Hope and her new boyfriend. Yes, you heard me correctly. Amber Hope. American’s sweetheart. Is. In. Love. Who is this mystery man?” She pauses dramatically. “You might be surprised to discover that he has been under our noses for weeks. While everyone has been speculating about the on again, off again relationship between Amber and Teddy, she has settled into domestic bliss with Nolan Byrne.

“You probably haven’t heard his name, but you may have spotted him at one of Russell Gage’s movie premieres.” She leans forward. “You might be asking why he is attending such elite events?” She arches her brow. “The answer is simple, Russell Gage is his father.

“You might also have spotted Nolan Byrne backstage at one of Amber Hope’s concerts during her sold-out tour. Once again, you may be confused by this, but that’s only because you don’t know that he joined her team earlier this year to care for the daughter she shares with Teddy Lance.” She turns to me. “Mr. Byrne, I’m delighted to make your acquaintance today.”

“Likewise,” I respond, feeling a bit ridiculous after that dramatic intro. She made us sound like a reality television show waiting to happen.

“Ms. Hope. I think I speak for most people when I say, I’m so thrilled for you. There is no one who deserves a happily ever after more.”

“Awwww, thank you.” Amber giggles and launches into the story about the parking lot and her missing keys. She hits just the right balance between humble and cheeky and Annabelle appears enchanted by the story.

“And what did you think after helping Amber that day, Mr. Byrne?”

“Honestly, I assumed I’d never see her again.”

Amber and Annabelle chuckle together as if I’m hilarious.

“He didn’t know I was going to shamelessly beg him to come on tour with us. But how could I stop myself? Maddy took to him right away. She went from sobbing to happy in a blink and I needed that kind of competence if we were going to make it through so many weeks on the road.” Amber leans toward me and presses a kiss to my cheek.

I can’t pinpoint what exactly is different about her, but something is. Since we met, I’ve never witnessed this glossy, almost sanitized version of her, and it makes me anxious.

“It’s so sweet that it was your daughter who brought you together,” Annabelle says. She seems genuinely charmed, but I can’t help worrying that she’s also putting on an act. I shift on the seat, starting to sweat under the harsh lights.

Amber grins. “I wasn’t looking for a relationship, but right from the beginning, Nolan made me feel…safe. I know that sounds a bit silly, but I could let down my guard and be myself when I was with him. I don’t feel that way with very many people.”

“I imagine it’s quite freeing for someone of your stature to find someone who you’re comfortable with,” Annabelle says. “And you, Mr. Byrne? Did you immediately jump at the chance to join the hottest tour of the year?”

I aim for an easygoing smile, but my palms are slick, and my mouth is dry. “I told Amber’s manager no when he first approached me.”

“How did he convince you?”

“I…uh…agreed to come to a pre-tour party. When Amber asked if I’d take the job, I couldn’t say no.” I have the sudden urge to laugh even though I haven’t said anything funny.

“How adorable.” Annabelle grins. “Care to share what it’s like to be the son of Russell Gage?”

“It’s hectic,” I respond, unable to withhold a high-pitched laugh this time. “As you probably know, there are a lot of us.” I start to ramble. “My father though…he juggles everything—his children, his career, his relationships—as if every single one is his top priority.”

“Russell Gage a legend—in more ways than one.” Annabelle winks, but it doesn’t come across as judgmental. It’s obvious she’s trying to put me at ease, but it isn’t working. I fear that the on-camera version of me is nothing like the real me. “I talked to your father yesterday, and I asked him about you.”

“You did?” No one shared that with me. I’m terrified about what he said.

“Yep. He said, ‘Nolan is the most responsible and caring man I know. He has no use for fame and rarely takes advantage of my influence. He prefers to exist in the background.’”

That isn’t so bad. She pauses as if she’s waiting me to comment. When I say nothing, she adds, “Amber Hope is one of the most popular singers on the planet. If you have no use for fame, how will you navigate a relationship that exists so directly in the public eye?”

I have an answer for this. It’s the first question I practiced yesterday, but when I open my mouth, the only thing that comes out is, “I…um…”

My heart starts beating faster.

Amber squeezes my hand and says, “Let’s take a short break.”

Without waiting for a response, she tugs me to my feet and leads me away from the set. We get to the corner of the room, and she looks behind me. She shakes her head once and then releases my hand so she can clutch my shoulders. “Are you okay? You look like you’re going to pass out. You don’t have to answer that question. You don’t have to answer any questions.”

I lick my lips. “That’s the most important question she’s going to ask. My father isn’t wrong, and I don’t want to pretend that I’m enamored of your fame or that I seek the spotlight. I support you, fully and completely, but I don’t want to shy away from the fact that our relationship would be easier if you weren’t a superstar.”

A line appears between her brows. “Easier.”

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