The Beard

- Twenty-Four -

The noise of the club faded into the background as the steady rhythm of the conversation between the three women settled into a comfortable space as Elizabeth and Y/N tried to keep up with what they were talking about.

Y/N's gaze drifted to Karlie, who was deep into the conversation with the twins while her hand rested on Y/N's thigh.

Karlie's laughter was infectious as she shared some story about a recent fashion shoot, her hand subtly squeezing Y/N's thigh. Y/N raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at her lips at Karlie's subtle display of affection, it wasn't something she was used to. But she didn't push Karlie's hand away.

"So, Y/N," Elizabeth began, her voice low and playful, "tell me.. what have you been up to? Other than being a badass baseball player? You gave us the craziest season ever!"

Y/N sipped her drink slowly, glancing back at the twins as Karlie continued to laugh with them. "Yeah... It's been a crazy season so far, but I'm making it work. You probably saw that grand slam I hit last week?"

Elizabeth leaned in slightly, her eyes lighting up with genuine interest. "I did! I was in the stadium. You've got some serious talent," she said, "Thanks," Y/N said with a light laugh. "I love what I do. It's a lot of work, but the payoff is worth it. What about you? Did you wrap up the movie?"

Elizabeth nodded, her eyes gleaming. " yeah...It's a thriller. Kind of a different vibe for me. I can't wait for people to see it. It was mentally draining so I'm taking a little break from work and I'm planning on settling down here and just trying to have a normal life for a while"

Y/N finished her drink. "I heard about your movie... I'm excited to watch it when it comes out. You've always been great on-screen. I've always been a fan of yours... But I didn't want to fangirl and then when we met I wasn't in the best of moods, and then the whole Taylor situation happened... so, now that we are here... I just want to say. I can't wait to watch your new movie, Ms.Olsen."

Elizabeth's smile widened, her posture shifting slightly as she leaned even closer. "Maybe we can watch it together. If you want to? You can come to the premiere?"

Y/N nodded happily " I would love to watch it with you! We should have a viewing date, we can go out for lunch or dinner and whatever, and then we can go watch the movie."

As Y/N and Elizabeth started making plans. Ashley moved closer to Karlie.

"So, Karlie," Ashley suddenly interjected, her voice playful, "we've been watching you and Y/N all night. Are you two...dating?"

Karlie started laughing and shook her head.

"No, no," Karlie said, still smiling. "We're not dating. We're just really close. Best friends. I mean, we've been through a lot of similar stuff and we just have an incredible connection... but we are not dating. Right Y/N?" She threw Y/N a sideways glance, her expression softening slightly.

Y/N looked at Karlie " I didn't hear what you guys were saying... what's right?"

" that you and I aren't dating..." Karlie said and Y/N nodded " Oh yeah. No, I'm not dating Karlie... I just got out of a relationship... so I'm not dating anyone at all."

Mary-Kate and Ashley exchanged glances before leaning in, clearly intrigued. "Really?" Mary-Kate asked. "You two are just friends?"

Karlie nodded "Yeah, just friends," she reiterated with a smile. " I'm actually married and I have two beautiful kids."

Mary-Kate, however, didn't seem to take the answer as easily. She tilted her head, a playful smirk on her lips as she looked at Y/N. "Well, I can't say I'm not a little disappointed. You two do look good together."