Double the love

Chapter four

Liam's just dropped off the boys at school and he's making his way up the elevator to the top floor where Mr. Malik's office is located. In his hands he has the thank you cards that Brandon and Johnny wrote. Including Brandon's drawing.

His hands are shaking and he's still not even in the presence of Mr. Malik. Not even a month ago Mr. Malik was as much as a ghost to him and now he seems to be a constant thought. He honestly doesn't know why his boss keeps popping into his life. It's all a bit strange.

Mr. Malik's secretary tells him he can go in and Liam nervously opens the office door. Mr. Malik is looking down at some papers he has on his desk, a pen in hand and his glasses on the bridge of his nose.

'Of course he looks just as handsome with glasses.'

"Mr. Payne," he says without looking up.

"Good morning Sir."

"How are you this morning," Mr. Malik says still not looking up.

"I'm fine Sir. I came by to deliver some thank you cards the boys wrote last night," he says looking down at the handmade cards. He looks up and sees Mr. Malik has stopped what he's doing.

"Thank you cards?"

'So that's what he sounds like when he asks a question. It's weird.'

Liam smiles a little. He just surprised Mr. Malik enough for him to ask a question instead of a statement. Liam gives him an eye crinkling smile, "The boys were really excited when I told them they were going to Disney World. Their expressions were priceless."

"I bet."

"I recorded it and everything. Here I'll show you."

He walks across to Mr. Malik's desk and pulls up the video on his phone. Mr. Malik has a small smile. Kind of like the way Brandon does when he wakes up in the morning to pancakes.

"I'm glad they're excited," is all Mr. Malik says.

Liam puts his phone away and hands Mr. Malik the little makeshift cards. Mr. Malik opens them right then and there. Liam didn't get to read them and hopes they're at least legible. Mr. Malik keeps that small fond smile while reading them.

He then turns his attention to Brandon's drawing. It's a drawing of the boys, Liam and Zayn. Brandon gave them all little Mikey Mouse ears and he tried to draw the Disney castle in the back ground. It makes Liam wonder if it's awkward for Mr. Malik to see himself included in his little family.

Mr. Malik finally looks up, "Tell Brandon that he is a fantastic artist."

Liam feels pride rise up in his chest, "I will. He was so excited, I finally got him to show interest in something."

"I hope everything is okay with him,' Mr. Malik says looking Liam straight in the eyes.

There's this sincere tone to Mr. Malik's voice and then all these small smiles that are making Liam feel giddy.

"He's a naturally quiet kid but recently he's been abnormally quiet. I'm just grateful he's got something to look forward to," Liam says. He thinks he's said too much but there's no going back now.

"Give him time, he'll work it out himself," Mr. Malik says with a sort of far away look, looking down at the cards.

"I'll try. It's hard though, seeing Johnny excited about little things and Brandon can barely make out a smile," Liam sighs. "It's my fault really. "

As soon as Liam says this he regrets it. He shouldn't be talking about his personal problems at work, especially not to his boss for crying out loud. Before he has time to gather himself and excuse himself out Mr. Malik speaks out, "Why would it be your fault?" And if Liam doesn't have a heart attack. This is the second time that Mr. Malik actually asks a question.