Page 75 of She's the Star

He delivers on the perspective, but he also gives me a heavy dose of advice on how to properly date a superstar. He isn’t particularly impressed when I tell him that I intend to stay out of sight as much as possible. He doesn’t understand why I don’t want to be in front of the camera. It’s as foreign a concept to him as buying one’s own groceries.

I’m anxious the rest of the day and into the evening, and when Amber finally gets back to the hotel, she lets me give her a crushing hug before she asks me to watch the interview footage. I’m relieved to note that I appear less uncomfortable than I felt, and that Amber and I don’t look ridiculous together. By the time it’s over, I’m feeling surprisingly positive about the whole experience. Especially since I shouldn’t have to sit down with a reporter again anytime soon.

It airs on Monday during primetime. There’s no reason for us to watch it again, so we don’t. Instead, Amber gives Mina the night off and we order food, play with Maddy and then settle on the couch together once she’s asleep.

Amber’s feet are in my lap and I’m rubbing the right one with my thumb when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I consider ignoring it, but there are only a few people who might be calling, so I pull it out and swipe to answer. “Dad.”

“Did you watch it? How are you holding up?” he asks.

“We’d already seen it. I’m good. Everything is good.”

“Is it?” He sounds doubtful.

“Yes,” I respond firmly. Since I called him on Saturday afternoon, he’s been relentless in offering support and suggestions, texting me and calling me constantly.

“What do you need?” he asks. “Do you need to take a break from the tour? Do you need your own security? A vacation? Or do you need me to do something outlandish? I can steal the news cycle if you want—just say the word.”

I groan, unwilling to even ask what he’d do to steal the news cycle. “I don’t need anything.”

“You need something.”

“I don’t.” Amber and I decided to let Brian and her PR team handle the post interview social media so for tonight we have nothing to do but relax.

“Do you want me to kidnap Teddy Lance?” he asks.

“What?” I practically fall off the sofa I straighten so quickly.

Amber reaches out to steady me. “Everything okay?” she mouths silently as he says, “I could do it. I play action heroes. My characters have staged at least a dozen kidnappings over the years, and I’m almost certain I could pull it off. It’s all about speed and distraction.”

I shake my head rapidly. “What? No. You cannot kidnap Teddy.”

Amber’s eyebrows shoot up to her hairline.

“I’m just saying, if Teddy disappeared for a few days, it would take the heat off of you and Amber.”

“No,” I say forcefully, taking Amber’s hand in mine.

He sighs. “Have you been tracking the fallout? It’s only been an hour and the tabloids are already running with the story. The trolls are out in full force. They aren’t going to stop unless they have something to distract them.”

“I don’t care what trolls are saying about my relationship.” If we avoid reading what they say altogether, their words can’t hurt us.

He sighs again. “Nolan, you’re being naïve. This stuff matters.”

I hate that he gives gossip such power. “Amber knows what she’s doing. She has an entire team of people at her disposal, and they’re all working on protecting her brand. I don’t have a brand to protect, so I’m going to let her do whatever she needs to do, but otherwise, I’m not going to worry about it.”

Amber nods slowly as I speak.

“I know what I’m doing, too,” he argues. “And you need to?—”

“Stop. I appreciate your support, but we’re good.” Maybe if I say it often enough, he’ll believe me.

“Are you at least laying low?”

“Of course. We have the top floor of the hotel to ourselves. Amber’s off until Thursday, and then she has three shows. After that, we’re heading to Chicago where we’re renting a private residence and meeting up with Teddy. He’ll stay with us through Wednesday evening?—”

“Are you joking? Teddy Lance is staying with you?”

“He’s Maddy’s father.”

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