The Path to Love

Chapter 47 - Hunter's POV

Day four. Today I actually got up to get a shower. My room stunk, I felt disgusting, and I was tired of laying in the same bed, in the same position, and staring up at the same plain white and ugly ceiling.

I have never been bothered by my leaving a girl before, I don't know why I was still upset over Sam. I've almost been gone for a week. I thought the days would get easier, but in reality, they are getting harder. Sam was my constant, she was always there, always a phone call away and was there to comfort me whenever I needed it. Now that she's gone, it feels like I can't breathe. I feel empty without her; she quickly became apart of me when we met as kids. Now I'm missing a part of myself and I don't know how to function without it.

I did everything with that girl, even created a fucking kid. I know I'm protecting her, but fuck. I don't want to have to do this anymore. Today is the day Sam and I were supposed to graduate high school. I wonder if she's excited to receive her diploma, if Kira or Mae has been kicking a lot, I wonder how she's doing.

I picked up my phone and dialed her number, finally giving in. I just wanted to hear her voice and make sure she was okay. Just as I was going to press talk, I threw my phone against the wall, shattering it. I can't call her. This is what's best for the both of us. I picked up the hotel room phone and called the receptionist. "Please go and get me a new iPhone XR." I said to the lady who picked up.

"Sir, I am not a servant. I am a receptionist who needs to sign in guests."

"Did I ask you what your role was? Get me the damn phone now!" I replied, slamming the phone down. Fuck. These people work for my family, they should not be questioning my orders.

I called the number I ingrained into my memory. The man picked up on the first ring. "Thomas Industries, this is Oliver Thomas."

"Hello dad, I just wanted to let you know I would be in later today."

"Hunter, you've been in town for 4 days and now you're finally deciding to grace me with your presence. How nice of you."

"Don't start, dad. I had shit to do and things to work on. What's on the agenda for today?"

"Don't swear at me, Hunter." I rolled my eyes at his response. "I have a meeting with lawyers about the expansion, then I have another meeting about the new hotel we'll be adding in the next few months, then another meeting with a potential future business partner."

"Sounds like it will be fun," I replied, lying. Sounds like some boring shit and a waste of time.

"I heard you fired one of my employees," my father replied.

"She deliberately disobeyed me. If I'm heir to this company, like you want me to be, the people are going to have to start listening to me too."

"Your mother tried to cause a fight with me about it. I actually think you did the right thing. You're letting people know who is boss and letting them know you won't take their shit. Good move on your end, Hunter."

I liked the praise my father was giving me. "Thanks," I replied.

"You might be ready sooner than I thought to take this company over. We'll see how you do this summer before college. I'll send a car to pick you up in a couple hours."

"Thanks, dad." I replied, glad he was seeing potential in me. It was always nice to have your father's approval, even if he wasn't involved in your life.

"Hunter, wait!"

"Yeah?"

"If a girl has got you feeling this miserable, take it from me, you better fight for her."