- 22 -

                                    

                                          

Candice was hurting, even though she would never admit it. Elizabeth's outburst had struck deeper than she let on. Joseph and Rachel had convinced them to stay in LA, and while the girls agreed, Candice's discomfort was obvious.
Y/N could see it in the stiffness of her shoulders, the way her smile never quite reached her eyes, how she barely spoke around Rachel and Joseph. The usual spark Candice carried with her was dimmed, replaced by a heavy silence that was almost unsettling.
Unable to watch Candice suffer in silence, Y/N cut their trip short. She booked an early morning flight back to New York, packed their bags, and the two left for LAX before dawn, slipping out before the world could catch up with them.
New York City
Y/N approached Candice slowly, wrapping her arms around her waist from behind as Candice removed her makeup in the soft light of their bathroom. "Hey," she whispered, resting her chin on her shoulder. "You alright?"
Candice sighed, leaning back into Y/N's embrace, her hands lightly holding Y/N's arms. "Yeah. Just... tired. I'm glad we're home." Her voice was soft, distant, as if she were somewhere far away.
"I know," Y/N murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to the side of Candice's neck. "I thought we'd have a good time with my parents, but maybe it's better if we stick to spending holidays with your family."
Candice turned in Y/N's arms, looking up at her with a small, reassuring smile. "It's not your parents' fault, or yours, Y/N. It was Elizabeth who lost her mind. I love seeing your parents. I just never want to run into any of the Olsens again."
Y/N kissed her neck again, tightening her hold around her waist. "Trust me, I don't even want to hear that name again."
They stood there for a long moment, just holding each other, grounding themselves in the warmth of their relationship, the familiarity of their home.
Candice finally exhaled deeply, resting her head against Y/N's chest. "I booked a photoshoot for tomorrow. Might as well keep busy while we're here."
Y/N nodded. "That's good. Michael's in town, he's meeting with a Hollywood producer. They invited me to lunch. You think I should go?"
Candice turned around and dropped her robe "Definitely. You and Michael haven't caught up in a while, and I'll be gone all day. I don't want you feeling lonely... now come shower with me?"
Y/N smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind Candice's ear. "Alright. I'll go."
———————
Lunch was set at a quiet, upscale restaurant in the heart of the city, the kind of place where deals were made behind closed doors and where famous faces came to escape the spotlight. Y/N spotted Michael waving her over from a corner table near the back.
"There she is!" Michael grinned, standing up to give her a bear hug. "How's my star photographer doing?"
Y/N smiled, warmth spreading through her at the familiarity. Michael had always been more than just a mentor—he was like family. "I'm doing good, Michael. How about you?"
"I'm always good when I'm talking shop with my favorite people." He clapped her on the back, then gestured to the man sitting next to him. 
"Y/N, meet Kevin Feige."
Kevin stood up with a friendly smile, shaking her hand. 
"Y/N, great to finally meet you. Michael has nothing but good things to say about you."
"Nice to meet you," Y/N replied, shaking his hand.
As they sat down, the conversation flowed easily, starting with casual banter. Michael, as expected, couldn't help but brag about Y/N's work.