The Beard

- Four -

Taylor placed the last dish on the table and glanced at her girlfriend. "Hey," she said softly. "It's just dinner. We'll get through it."

Y/N sighed, brushing her hands on her jeans. "I know," she muttered, though she didn't sound convinced.

The doorbell rang, breaking the silence. Taylor smiled nervously, heading for the door. Y/N followed, standing a step behind her as she opened it.

Travis Kelce stood on the porch, towering over both women in a head-to-toe Louis Vuitton outfit that screamed 'I want to show off my money'.

His grin was wide and infectious as he spread his arms out.

"Ladies!" he boomed, stepping inside. He immediately scooped Taylor into a bear hug, lifting her clean off the ground. She laughed awkwardly, patting his back until he set her down.

Travis turned to Y/N, his arms outstretched as he moved to hug her too. She held up a hand, stopping him in his tracks. "No thank you," she said, her tone clipped.

Travis dropped his arms, laughing it off as if she'd made a joke. "Fair enough," he said, stepping back.

As he looked around the house, his eyes widened like an excited kid in a candy store. "Wow," he breathed. "This place is incredible. Look at all these awards!" His gaze swept over framed photos and trophies lining the shelves.

When his eyes landed on a photo of Celia St. James and John Braverman standing with Y/N and Taylor, his jaw dropped. "No way!" he exclaimed, rushing over to examine it more closely. "Is that the John Braverman? Your grandparents are legends, Y/N! Your grandpa was one of the best players of all time. I used to watch his highlights on repeat as a kid. Total inspiration."

Y/N folded her arms, watching him with a raised brow. She wasn't sure if his enthusiasm was genuine or if he was laying it on thick for her benefit.

Travis turned back to her, his expression earnest. "I'm serious. Your grandpa's legacy is untouchable."

"Thanks," Y/N said, her tone flat.

He gave her a wide grin, his energy almost too much to take in. "Look," he began, moving closer to her. "I know this situation is... weird. But I want you to know I'm not here to make things complicated between you and Taylor."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Oh really?"

"Yeah," he said, nodding earnestly. "I'm just in this for the fame boost and the paycheck. And maybe some Ego boost. I gotta be the best and with the best...and she's the best apparently"

Y/N narrowed her eyes. "And what exactly is your type?"

Travis shrugged, scratching the back of his neck. "Uh, I don't know. Someone who actually likes football, maybe?" He laughed at his own joke, but Y/N didn't crack a smile.

The more he talked, the less threatened Y/N felt. He was harmless, really. But that didn't make him any less annoying. His overly friendly demeanor and stereotypical jock energy grated on her nerves.

"Right," she said curtly, turning back to the dining table. "Let's eat."

Dinner was, in a word, painful. Travis dominated the conversation, talking endlessly about football, his career, and his "funny locker room stories." He was animated, loud, and completely oblivious to the strained smiles Taylor and Y/N exchanged across the table.

When he finally turned the conversation to Taylor's work, Y/N felt a flicker of relief.

"So, Taylor," Travis said, leaning forward. "What's it like being on tour? I can't imagine the energy it takes to do what you do."

Taylor smiled politely, launching into a practiced response about the highs and lows of her career. She was charming and professional, effortlessly steering the conversation.

But then Travis turned to Y/N. "And what about you, Y/N?" he asked, his tone curious. "Where'd you grow up? What's your family like? What do you do for a living?"

Y/N hesitated, glancing at Taylor, who gave her an encouraging nod. "I grew up here in LA, I'm a baseball player... I play for the Dodgers" she said. "My grandparents raised me. Celia St. James was a famous actress, and John Braverman was a football player as you know..."

Travis grinned. "That's so cool. Your grandpa was seriously one of the greats. You must've learned a lot from him."

Y/N smirked. "Enough to hold my own."

His eyes lit up. "Really? You play? We should toss the ball around after dinner!"

Taylor laughed nervously, but Y/N's smirk deepened. "Sure," she said. "Why not?"

After dinner, they moved to the backyard, where the sprawling lawn stretched out under the glow of string lights. Travis tossed the football to Y/N, clearly expecting her to fumble. But she caught it effortlessly, throwing it back with precision that made him blink in surprise.

As they played, it became increasingly clear that Y/N was better than Travis at his own game. She moved with confidence, her throws sharp and accurate, her catches flawless. Travis tried to laugh it off, but his frustration was evident.

When Taylor stepped away to take a phone call, Travis jogged over to Y/N, his expression a mix of amusement and anger.

"You're really good," he said, his tone almost grudging.

"Thanks," Y/N replied, tossing the ball in her hand.

"But just so you know," he added, lowering his voice, "you might win in a casual game, but when it comes to the real thing, I'm taking the prize home."

Y/N's grip on the ball tightened, her jaw clenching. She stepped closer, narrowing her eyes at him. "That prize isn't yours to take," she said coldly.

Travis held up his hands, backing off with a sheepish grin. "Hey, I'm just warning you as a... friend... she will forget all about you once she's with me. I can show her off... you can't even get her to admit she's with you."

Before Y/N could respond, Taylor returned, her presence diffusing the tension. She glanced between them, sensing the shift in energy but choosing not to comment.

"Everything okay?" she asked, her gaze lingering on Y/N.

"Yeah, Travis was just going home."

Taylor nodded " oh well... Thank you for stopping by Travis."

Travis smiled and hugged Taylor before kissing her cheek.
" see you beautiful." He said before he looked at Y/N.

" See you around Dude, thanks for dinner... and the game."