Their Saving Grace {One Direction AU}

Chapter 32

**Liam**

"Alright lads! It's payday!l" Bill yelled, before he and Jack walked into the break room. I closed the hood of the truck I was working on, before wiping my hands on my rag. As everyone gathered in the break room, I waited for my paycheck. I kept looking at the clock impatiently, hoping that they'd give me my paycheck soon so I could head for the mall before they close in fifteen minutes.

"Last but not least, Liam Payne." Bill said, as I walked up to him. He gave me a small smile, before handing me the paper. I examined the paper, feeling giddy that I had more than enough to get what I needed to get. Just as I went to leave, Jack grabbed my arm and spun me around.

"Is it true that you start Uni in a few days?" He asked me.

"Yeah. Gotta go back sometime, right?"

"Right. Don't wanna keep you from your education." Bill said, patting my shoulder. "You have a goodnight, Liam. See you in the morning." He added, before he and his brother turned around and started to walk away.

"I kinda wanted to talk to you about that. Well, and something else really." I spoke up, scratching the back of my neck. They gave each other a look, before facing me. "Tomorrow is my girlfriend's birthday. I really wanna spend the entire day with her instead of only a few hours. I was wondering if I could sorta have the day off?" I asked. Bill and Jack looked at each other and smiled.

"Why not. You've worked your bum off the last few months. I think the man should have a day off." Jack said. Bill nodded in agreement, causing me to smile at them I'm return.

"Also, have you heard anything on Tomlinson?"

"Someone called and told us he was taking the week off. Said he was out of town, visiting some relatives, or something." Bill replied. I nodded my head slowly, before thanking them and running out to my car, only having ten minutes to get to the mall.

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As I ran through the mall at full speed, I kept noticing the shops closing their doors. I cursed under my breathe, as I ran to the jewelry store, just as a man went to close the door.

"Sir!"

"Sorry kid, I'm closing for the night. Come back tomorrow." He said.

"Please sir, I need to get this tonight. Please."

"I'm sorry, but my answer is still no." He replied, before turning the lock and locking the shop. "Have a good night." And with that, he walked away, leaving me standing in to middle of the empty mall. I sighed, before flopping down onto the bench behind me.

"Dammit." I mumbled, hiding my face in my hands and sighing. All I wanted to do was get something for Riley. How come every time I try to do something nice for someone, I get denied?

I stood up from the bench and headed towards the entrance, trying to figure out what time I had to get up so I could come back and get her a present.

"Hey kid." I heard from behind me. I turned around, seeing the man with his arms crossed. "I guess I can give you ten minutes." He said, a small smile on his face. I sighed out of relief, before following the man back towards his shop.

Once we were inside, I looked inside the necklace display case. I knew I wanted to get her a necklace, I just didn't know what kind. I looked at the case multiple times, before the man tapped the counter.

"Who's the lucky lass?" He asked. I looked at him weirdly, wondering how he knew who it was for. "I know the look on your face, son."

"How?" I asked.