Z.A.Y.N.

TRACK 16

Can we just talk?

Can we just talk?

Talk about where we're goin'

Before we get lost, lend me your thoughts

Can't get what we want without knowin'

I've never felt like this before

I apologize if I'm movin' too far

Can we just talk? Can we just talk?

Figure out where we're goin'

Seeing the president of the label and the other executives bob their heads back and forth lets Liam breathe a huge sigh of relief. The group sitting across from him and Louis weren't the easiest to please, and although Liam was one of their best selling artists, the singer wasn't blind to their anger when he had requested for this meeting to be pushed back a month. Thank god they liked what came of their reluctant approval, otherwise he would've been in massive trouble.

Oh, I've been dreamin' 'bout it

And it's you I'm on

So stop thinkin' 'bout it

"Could you have made it any more obvious that this is about you and mystery man?"

Louis' breath in Liam's right ear doesn't come as any surprise. With the entire second verse a reference to his and Zain's night at the Leicester Square hotel, save a few details that they had to change for rhyming and aesthetically pleasing reasons, Liam couldn't argue the fact.

Penthouse view, left some flowers in the room

I'll make sure I leave the door unlocked

Now I'm on the way, swear I won't be late

I'll be there by five o'clock

The track's got Billboard Top Ten written all over it, and even though Liam was dead set on using his catchy R&B Pop 'Try' as his lead single for ages, he was willing to take a risk and switch it out for 'Talk' instead.

"We agree," the oldest of the executives says when Liam voices his opinion. "It's perfect for the landscape at the moment." Liam beams in pride. "And a good introduction to the album."

"Good job Liam," the one with the hideous polka dot tie puts in. "We reserved December 6th for the release date in the event this album listen went well." Liam looks around as the professionals start to pack up their things. "I hope you're ready for the next six weeks. They're gonna be busy ones."

"I am," Liam nods firmly, shaking the hands of the men who stand to leave. "Thank you so much. Really, I'm so glad you all like it."

"We'll share a bottle of champagne when it goes number one." The president turns to Louis, extending his hand out to the manger. "Louis, can we speak in my office? It's November 1st, I want that single released as soon as possible. Let's figure out scheduling for the next month. If we can get the music video shot next week, that'd be ideal."

"Next week?" Louis' jaw nearly drops.

"Liam's name holds power," the president reminds him. "And so does money." Liam smirks to himself as he checks his phone for messages, knowing how pissed Louis' going to be having to rush everything for a December 6th release day. "We'll make it simple - a few dancers, colourful lenses, a compartmented sound stage. Nothing that will take extensive planning or cost a lot. Sound alright Liam?"

Liam pockets his phone and nods hastily, "Yeah, that works."

"Then it's settled. Louis, let's talk."