Mine *don't read: being rewritten*

Chapter Twenty-Six

(Hunter's POV)

I wake up and Riley's gone. I look at my phone to see a new message from her. "Hey Hunter, I had to work today. I'll, uh, be by later. Oh, fuck, can people learn how to drive please? I almost died. But Hannah's off, so she, um, might be by at some point, so you aren't alone. I'll see you later. Call me when you get up. I love you!"

I laugh to myself. She hates leaving voicemails. I call her back and she answers almost right away.

"Goodness, babe! Aren't you supposed to be working?" I laugh.

"We're really slow right now. I don't know how long I can talk. This guy's new." She laughs a little, too.

"Why does him being new have anything to do with you being on the phone?"

"I don't know. I'm tired."

"You just don't want to talk to me so you're making up excuses. Okay, I get it," I say.

"Oh, shut up." She giggles. "How do you feel?"

"Okay. I feel okay, Riley Ann."

"Good."

"How's work?" I ask.

"It's work. This Connor guy is pretty cute, Hunter. And he's staring a lot. You might need to watch out." She laughs.

"I will leave this hospital and come watch you, if that's what it takes to keep him away from you, Riley Ann," I say with fake jealousy.

"Oh, whatever, tough boy." Riley giggles. She must be in a really good mood if she's giggling twice in one phone call.

"Hey, I gotta go. I'll be by later, Hunter. I love you," she whispers.

"Okay, Rye. Stay away from the boy. Don't let him get too close or I'll beat the shit out of him." I laugh, and so does she. "I love you, too," I say quietly, smiling to myself. I have my old Riley back. My happy, giggly Riley.

(Riley's POV)

I slip my phone back into my pocket, and Connor, the new guy, gives me a look, his dark eyebrows furrowed together. "Who was that?" he asks.

"My boyfriend." I shrug. I try to occupy myself, but no one has come in, and I'm not good alone with just one person. I hate it.

Connor nods awkwardly. He's a boyish type of cute. His hair is dark, like his eyes. But they aren't too dark to be not pretty. "What's his name?" He asks, trying to make conversation.

"Hunter," I say. Thankfully, someone comes in to break the silence.

Wait, I take that back. Not thankfully. I take a step back from the counter. Hunter can't come save me this time. Connor looks back at me, then steps forward. "Can I help you?"

"No," Adam says. "I want her." He points to me.

I take another step back, my throat tightening. I can't say anything. Connor looks back at me, and raises his eyebrows, as if asking, "You okay?" I shake my head.

"Adam, please leave," I manage to choke out.

"Your precious little boyfriend isn't coming to save you this time, is he?" he practically growls, stepping closer to the counter.

"Adam, please," I whisper. "We've been done for such a long time. Please, just go."

Connor sidesteps so he's standing in front of me. I'm happy that he's tall and looks strong. Maybe he isn't, but he looks like it, and I think that intimidates Adam. "Listen dude, I don't know what you want with her, but she's got a boyfriend and clearly wants you out, so just go," Connor says calmly. I think if Adam tried to fight Connor, Connor would probably win, and maybe that's why Adam turns around and leaves. I'll never know what goes on in his mind. He's messed up.