Keeping up with ZIAM (The Contract Sequel)

The first family dinner

As his fingernails dug into his palm, he released seeing the outline of his nail-beds. He inhaled then exhaled first, and opened his laptop again. He scrolled to get to the funeral information quickly before another picture came up. When he found the name of the home he opened a new tab and searched the funeral service. He quickly dialed it up and waited for the other line to pick up.

When it was reached he asked the director if there was a bill for Sophia that still had a balance due. A bit hesitant, the lady on the other line asked a few questions which luckily she caved when Liam told her the reason he was calling. She had remembered the funeral and she also remembered the boy and how lonely he looked throughout the service.

She went through her files on her end and told Liam that it was payed in full already so there was no balance due. It had been payed by a man named Andy from an already existing account, specifically for this instance, which Liam felt at ease about. He thanked the woman for being cooperative then hung up. He was relieved because Andy really was doing everything he could and under Sophia's terms.

Yes, sure, he was pretty much still upset with his old college mate, but that didn't fault him for the fact that he was doing everything he could for Ezra in this time. He did want to have a private conversation with him so he decided tonight he should do that.

Later that evening five came around and Liam just finished everything he needed to at the agency. He tried to rush it since he wanted to prepare for tonight. He texted Zayn that he'd pick up the catering order on his way home that he placed.

When he arrived home he found Zayn in the dining room setting the table. They still had an hour before everyone arrived, so Liam decided to go upstairs and change into something more casual. Of course, not before greeting Zayn. He pecked the man's temple with as he asked how his day was and vise versa. It was what they did everyday yet this time was far different.

Soon the time came for everyone to arrive. Niall was the first who immediately ran into the kitchen and couldn't help but gawk at the food choice of he evening. It was Nando's. Before he could sneak some, Zayn came in and eyed him suspiciously before rolling his eyes.

The next to arrive was Louis and Freddie. Since Niall had texted him earlier about dinner plans, he thought, what better time than now to bring along Freddie. They were the same age so it seemed fitting to introduce the two.

Louis did have a conversation with Freddie though. He told him that after this he couldn't mention the boy to anyone. Not even Ashton, Liam's nephew. He wasn't sure when the man was going to tell his family, so he made Freddie promise him to keep quiet.

"Sup uncle Ni, sup uncle Z, hey uncle Li, so uh where's this cousin I'm hearing about?" The boy said as Loki attacked him in licks. Louis gasped as Niall almost chocked on his water. Zayn stayed quiet as he prepared some dessert for them. Liam was at loss of words so he didn't even know what to say.

"Freddie Reign Tomlinson!" Louis said with a firm smack on his shoulder, in which the boy flinched out and almost cursed. "Sorry boys..." he rolled his eyes.

On that note, seconds later the door rang. Liam rushed to get it where he was greeted by Andy and Ezra. He smiled welcoming them back into the home where he brought them to the kitchen where everyone was already serving themselves.

"Ah you got Nando's. Such a classic." Andy said seeing the catering boxes.

"Thank you! Finally someone with good taste." Niall threw his hands up with a groan.

"We're all eating it..." Louis stated pausing mid grab with the tongs for the chicken breast. He rolled his eyes and continued as Niall scoff.

"Of course you've met everyone already but, this here is Freddie. He's Louis son and without my consent, my nephew." Liam said pulling the boy in front of him. "Freddie this is my son Ezra." He said motioning to one another.