Some things change. | l.s.

31

Since the party on Saturday Louis and Harry didn't get to see each other in private being too busy during work and neither took a heart and asked the other to meet up being unsure and nervous about the next step and what they've been talking about. Harry feared Louis wasn't ready, Louis was worried Harry changed his mind and he'd be the fool if he tried anything.

When they passed each other they were simply shooting the other a smile and on Tuesday they had an awkward conversation feeling watched by other employees in the kitchen both visibly reticent.

Today was Thursday and Louis was occupied otherwise when Madison came to the office after her last class got cancelled. They were just getting ready to leave Louis' office after he finished his last call when Sheila- who was starting to take over the easier tasks from Laura occasionally and when she was free- peeked her head inside after knocking on the closed door.

"Mr. Tomlinson, there's someone in the entrance area waiting for you." She said with a smile.

"Thank you, we'll be right out anyway." Louis thanked her and Sheila nodded before leaving them alone again.

"But we will go out for lunch, right?" Madison wondered, her stomach grumbling soundly as if on cue.

"Of course. It's not a client, they wouldn't come unannounced and everyone else can wait until we're back." Louis chuckled when Madison breathed out relieved. "Close your jacket, it's cold outside." He reminded when he slid his arm into his own coat.

They made their way to the entrance area and Louis immediately saw a man sitting in one of the armchairs with his back to him being the only person in the area at the moment. He frowned, not having a clue who that was, but he approached him anyway, Madison following him with a bored look on her face, just wanting to go outside and have lunch and not looking forward to listen to a conversation she didn't understand anything about either way.

Louis just opened his mouth to make himself noticeable, but his breath got stuck in his throat when the man turned around, a smirk growing on his face as he stood up.

"Louis Tomlinson." He grinned. "Cat caught our tongue?" He mocked.

"Stephen." Louis breathed out in shock. "W-what do you want?" He stammered out, immediately taking a step back and grabbed Madison's hand holding it tightly in panic to which she just looked at him confused.

"We have to clear up a few things, Louis." Stephen smirked.

Louis took a shaky breath, forcing his fear to the back of his mind. He reminded himself that nothing could happen to him here, a lot of people were there and security was just a few floors down. When he breathed out he was calm, he wouldn't let Stephen win on his territory, not in front of his daughter.

"We don't have anything to clear up. Leave my company." He said with a relatively steady voice.

"And what if I don't?"

Before Louis could answer him Madison pulled on his hand with a questioning look on her face.

"Dad, who's that?" She asked and he tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her close.

"Who I am?" Stephen asked with a chuckle. "I'm gonna tell you."

"Hey! What do you want here?" Harry's voice rang through the area when he came rushing down the stairs followed by Zayn.

"Oh, this is getting better and better." Stephen smirked at his two former friends.

"I'm gonna kick-" Harry started, but Louis interrupted him quickly.

"Harry, please. Not here." He said weakly and glanced at Madison because he knew shit was about to go down if anyone would intervene now and Harry got the hint.