Parenting

Chapter Twenty One

-Niall's POV-

The three of us walked into the RSL, this placed almost packed with people. "Wow, you sure can pick the perfect place for a popstar." I joked as Indie smiled and waved me off.

The car trip was pretty good. I'm glad that Indie and I get along; Christine's pretty happy with that. And Indie's relaxed near me a bit more so it's not as awkward.

"So," Indie turned and held about about five coupons, "we should be discounted thirty percent off any meal with chips or salad. For-ty percent off kids meals also."

"Where's William when you need him?" Christine and I laughed though Indie looked slightly confused.

"Anyway, Christine, you know what I'll have. I'll get us all drinks and a table somewhere." She passed Christine a twenty as I smiled inwardly to myself. I'm not letting her pay for the meals, so I'll be a gentleman and pay.

"Ok." Christine smiled as the two of us came over to the line of where the food was being ordered.

"So what are you guys getting?" I leant close to Christine's ear so she could hear me over the loud voices.

"Well, Indie likes seafood so I'll get her the barramundi. And I'm just looking at getting Nacho's." With a smirk, I nodded and snuck the note into my hold. "Hey! Give it back!" Christine turned to me as I slipped it in my wallet.

"After I pay for the meals." Her eyes widened as I chuckled. I then saw a waiter walk out with three dishes; trying to get past us.

Pulling Christine closer to me, I held her lower back ad the waiter passed us with a small 'thanks'.

"Well then." Looking down, I unexpectedly saw Christine smirk at me. "If you wanted to touch my butt, you should of just asked." Looking over her shoulder, I saw my hand was actually resting on her behind.

"Shit, sorry." I apologized pulling my hand away.

"Next please!" I heard the cashier call saving my ass as we stepped forward and ordered. Though when it came to paying, I held Christine securely under my arm and kept my wallet out of reach.

She eventually gave in, and I took our number before looking for Indie.

"There!" Christine pointed to the girl waving largely at us. It was like she knew she was embarrassing herself but didn't care. I liked that take on life.

Christine took my wrist and guided us through crowded tables, some people turning and looking at us wide eyed. Oh no... we've been spotted.

"Christine look out!" I pulled her back into my chest as three little kids ran past us. Holy shit that was close. Catching her breath, Christine threw me a thankful smile at me.

I returned it and watched her pull more cautiously to the table. Indie watched us with a massive grin; some sort of idea going through that red head of hers.

"A lot of people were looking." She started as Christine and I pulled up a seat.

"I warned you." I shrugged as she wiggled her eyebrows.

"So when's the wedding?"

"What?!" Christine and I both yelled at the same time.

"Only joking." She cacked herself laughing as I hid myself. Her sense of humour still astounds me though.

• • •

"Thank you." I smiled saying goodbye to more fans as I sighed tiredly at the girls. Christine smiled as Indie playfully rolled her eyes.

"Somebody's loving the popular life." Indie grinned as I glanced at Christine, remembering how she said that to me the first day we met.

"Well, you know." I pretended to flick my nonexistent long hair.

"This is pretty good babe. What is it?" Christine asked finishing her second drink.

"Coke with a bit of scotch inside. Nice isn't it?" She asked sipping her own.

"I want another one." She smiled and looked at me. "The twenty please." I chuckled at her half serious grin and gave her the twenty. "Thanks Niall." She patted my head and left the table.

"So," Indie teased smirking at me, "you and Christine huh?"

"Just friends." I clarified as she rolled her eyes.

"I don't believe that."

"Well," I shrugged leaning back in my chair, "believe what you want but it's true."

"Oh come on!" She laughed in denial. "She's living with you, she's helps you raise William and you're buying her stuff! Sounds like somebody has a crush!"

"I do not!" I sighed as she rolled her eyes and grinned to herself

"Whatever you say lover boy." She looked out to the bar as I pulled out my phone. "Wait..." Lifting my gaze, I watched Indie's eyes squint before they widened. "Oh shit."

"What?" Looking over at the bar, my eyes widened to see Chris there with Christine. His hand was around her wrist and he didn't look to happy.

Without a word, I put my phone in my pocket and stood up, pushing my way towards the two. My eyes narrowed as Christine's widened. He better not fucking touch her again or I will have to bear the shit out of him.

"-with that blonde fuck huh? What's he got? Money? Luxury?!"

"Hey!" I yelled pulling Chris back by his shoulder. His eyes widened before narrowing to match my glare. "Keep your hands off Christine."

"Oh and look who it is! Prince fucking charming!" His hands shoved me back as I quickly caught myself.

"Mate, I wouldn't do that if I were you." I growled watching him crack his knuckles.

"What? Scared to ruin that little reputation of yours?" My eyes looked over at Christine that stared wide eyed.

"Go back to the table Christine." I said, my voice firm enough to urge her back. She nodded and stepped away though Chris sneered and snatched her arm.

On instinct, I stepped forward and pushed him back as hard as I could before pulling Christine into the safety of my arms.

Her glass had fallen to the floor and her shaky hands clutched to my chest. Two large security members then made their way over as Chris cracked his neck.

"You're going to fucking regret that-hey! Fuck off!" He yelled being taken by security.

"Sir, we're going to have to ask you to leave." They dragged the idiot out as Christine hid herself against me. I looked down and stroked her hair, knowing no doubt that we had an audience.

"Are you ok?" I whispered as she nodded into my chest.

"Christine! Niall! Jesus Christ!" Indie ran over. "The hell just happened?!"