Zayn's POV
Fuck. Why can't I live.
And I know I'm taking longer to answer than what Charlie would like, but I've got to really think about what I'm gonna say and how I'm gonna say it (because I've been known to be a bit of an um, well...the -say-things-without-really-thinking-first type.) And more importantly, I'll need an explanation for why the fuck she's calling me, which-
I have no clue. But it better be really fucking good.
"You should probably get that," she murmurs, clutching just that much tighter to Liyana while trying to move out of my hold.
"No, actually. I shouldn't."
The phone stops, and I let my chin drop onto Charlie's shoulder, my cheek nuzzling against hers. She begins to relax, rubbing her cheek against mine.
And then the God forsaken fucking phone starts fucking ringing again.
She sighs, using the distraction as a chance to move out of my grasp and head towards the kitchen table. She fixes Liyana in her high chair before helping Marley into his seat and coming back towards me.
"Babe." I try to catch her attention as I let the phone ring, but only for it to stop and start ringing for a third time. I grab the phone, quickly answering.
"What?" I spit harsher than I probably should have. But if I deal with this stupid shit first, then I can deal with Charlie without any interruptions.
"Hey," she says, a bit on edge, probably from my tone. "Sorry if this is a bad time."
I pinch the bridge of my nose, suddenly craving a damn cigarette. But it wouldn't exactly help my case if I disappeared outside to take this phone call. "Is there something that you needed." I don't try to mask the annoyance in my voice.
"Well, I just wanted to tell you that you're needed in the office tomorrow by nine and you'll probably be there all day, so don't make plans or anything. I just found out from Louis, who I guess got an email from Dan who works in...oh what was it he said...you know, I really should write thi-"
"That's all you wanted?" I ask, pretending that this isn't useful information. "Why didn't Lou call me himself? Or why didn't you just text me?"
"Well, I'm offended," she chuckles. "Lou told me to; I guess this is part of my shit work, who knows. Anyway, I wanted to catch you before you called it a night."
I'm going to kill Louis. I don't know what he's playing at here, but...
"And... since you'll be in the office, I'll be in the office. And I can bring you that coffee that I owe you- as a thank you," she chuckles. "So if you'd tell me how you take it, it'd be greatly appreciated. Since you know, you won't let me bring it to your house."
I'm watching Charlie as she scoops out some spaghetti and meatballs for Marley, cutting his meatballs in fours. She does the same for Liyana, except much smaller pieces of meatballs and cut up pasta. Finally she serves herself, sitting down in between the two; the kids on opposite ends of the table. She's got a smile plastered on for them, but I can see right through it. "If I let you buy me a coffee will you stop thanking me?"
"Maybe," she says as I see Charlie frowning while helping feed Li. "Guess we'll see."
"Uh yeah. Black. And I've gotta go. See you at nine." I hang up before she can respond and grab a plate. I fill it and walk over to the table and sit opposite of Charlie.
"Genevieve is the new hire." Simple, but hopefully effective.
"Oh." She doesn't make eye contact as she shovels a forkful of pasta in her mouth. She looks a bit distracted, and still bothered.
