Two days passed by too fast for Melissa’s liking. After Megan picked up James in the morning, Melissa showered and tried to find something to wear. She didn’t want to dress up, but she didn’t want to put in no effort either. Eventually she settled on a black Batman print sweatshirt, bleach acid wash jeans, and yellow neon platform heels. She brushed her hair until it had subtle waves. At twelve-thirty she checked her reflection one last time. Looked around the small flat to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. Then grabbed her black Valentino Bow Tote (a gift from her mum for Christmas) and walked out of the door. The drive to Marcy’s took a little over ten minutes. When Melissa arrived she took several deep breaths before getting out of her car and walking into the brick restaurant. She looked around before spotting Liam sitting at a table near the back with his back to the door. Melissa took slow careful steps. She put one foot in front of the other until she reached the table. Awkwardly she stood there until he noticed her.

“‘Ello,” Liam stood greeting her with a polite smile. Melissa gave a small smile as well taking a seat across from him. “I like your shirt.” He complimented her.

Melissa scuffed a laugh, “Yeah… James, technically Mikey, got it for me for Christmas. Batman is just one of his favorite super heroes.” She picked up the menu and began to scan it. She typically got the same thing, bacon turkey burger with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo. It was the only thing she liked honestly.

“It sounds like he knows his stuff. How old did you say he is?”

“Two.”

Liam nodded looking at the menu, “How have you been? I saw Megan almost a year ago, but didn’t get to speak to her.”

“I’ve been good just taking classes and working. It’s a fascinating life really.” She laughed setting aside the menu. “What about you? I hear that you’re a household name.”

“I just got back from our first world tour. It was fun. We met a lot fans, but I’m happy to be home.” As he finished speaking a waitress dressed in the vintage uniform appeared. She held a small notepad and a pencil.

“Hello, my name is Jane and I will be you table-hop. May I start you off with a soda?”

“I’ll have a coke and lemonade?” Liam looked to Melissa questioningly. She nodded. Jane wrote the order down and left. “Whew. I’m glad you said yes. It would have been embarrassing to get that wrong.” His joking tone caused Melissa to laugh.

“So how are your parents?” she asked as her laughter died down.

“They’re good.” Liam answered. They settled into an easy conversation. When Jane returned with their drinks they ordered their meals. As they ate they managed conversation. It was when they were nearly done that Liam cleared his throat. He waited until Melissa looked up at him. When she did he smiled apologetically before beginning.

“There’s a reason I asked you to meet me here and it’s not just to catch up.” He reminded her.

She nodded dabbing the corners of her mouth, “That’s right. You want to ask me something.”

“I need to ask you something,” Liam corrected. Melissa nodded for him to continue. “I’m not trying to offend or anger you in any way Mel. It’s just that this has been on my mind since we ran into each other and I realize that…” he was rambling. Something he rarely did even if he was nervous.

Melissa chuckled, “Liam just ask me. I promise not to get angry or offended.” As soon as the words left her mouth she regretted them, because she knew then what he wanted, needed, to ask. It suddenly occurred to her.

“Is-Is James my-Is James my son?” he asked after taking a deep breath. He looked her directly in the eye while he spoke. Melissa’s face heated up as she looked down. Liam exhaled in a rush and leaned back in his chair. He didn’t know what to say.

“You saw his name on my profile, right?” Melissa asked in a small voice. She wasn’t sure why she hadn’t realized before. Liam had sent her a direct message which meant that he saw her profile. James’s full name was on her profile and Liam was smart enough to figure it out.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked in a low voice.

She looked up, “You were finally getting your chance and I couldn’t take it from you. That’s not fair.”

“That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” Liam chuckled sarcastically. “You should have told me Mel. I should’ve known.” They sat silently. Melissa had no clue what to say to him. He was angry and he had a right to be.

“I couldn’t tell you.” Melissa finally spoke. “We had broken up and you were pursuing your music. It’s a crap excuse, but it’s the only one I have Liam.” She ran a hand through her hair trying to stay calm. Liam started to speak, but was cut off by Melissa’s cell phone ringing. She produced it from her purse. “Sorry it’s Megan and she has James.” She accepted the call, “Hello?” She was quiet listening. “Did you call Mikey? I’m still at my…” she trailed off. “Okay, I’ll be there in ten.” Melissa ended the call tossing her phone back in her purse. “Megan’s fiancé got injured at practice which means I have to go get my son.” She smiled apologetically and stood.

“Well wait,” Liam stood as well. “I need your number. We have to talk about this.” They exchanged numbers before Melissa left to go to Megan’s flat and pick up James. Liam paid the check and left as well.

~~*~~

When he arrived at his flat Danielle was home. She looked at him with a concerned expression when he entered in a rush.

“Babe what’s wrong?” she asked setting aside the cell phone. Liam was pacing. “Liam?”

“I have to tell you something and I didn’t know.” He informed her. Danielle nodded. Liam stopped pacing and turned to face her. “You remember the kid who was with Melissa and I said he was her nephew?” She nodded again. “I was wrong,” he breathed.

“He’s yours,” Danielle spoke in a calm voice. Liam looked at her suddenly.

“You know? How do you know?” he was confused.

“At the store when you bent down to talk to him there were a few similarities and I found her Twitter right afterwards.” She explained wearing a soft expression. Liam took a seat on the cream colored leather sofa.

“What are you going to do?”

“I don’ know,” he answered truthfully. “I met with Melissa today. She gave me her number. I guess I have to make this next move.” He looked at his girlfriend. “Any suggestions?” She shook her head smiling apologetically. He nodded, “Right.”

Liam was utterly confused. Just last week he was having the time of his life performing with his best friends for thousands of fans. Now he had a two-years-old son. He didn’t even know where to start. There were a lot of thought swimming in his head and a mix of emotions running through his body. The biggest one was fear.