I'll Be The One

Chapter 32:

=Tallon's POV=
[Thursday, 3/7/2019-4:30 pm]
[Archipelago; Arc Isle]
[Dreki Apartments; A10]

I loved being with Hunter, and I loved that I didn't have to lie to him anymore. Hunter understood I was still secret service for the First Family, and part of his protection detail, but I only stepped in an emergency. Like if Hunter's life was in danger. Also, if Hunter was with me, alone; the other guards backed off and I could call them if something happened. The same went if Hunter was with Trevor,, our friends, and me. I knew Hunter wasn't supposed to be told about all that, but I wouldn't lie to him again. I almost lost him last time; I wouldn't risk that again no matter what my objective was. As long as I was in Hunter's life, and he was safe; I was technically doing my job. Salvatore knew Hunter and I were dating; he didn't seem to say no. At the same time; I don't think he dared tell Hunter no. Salvatore understood that his lie hurt Hunter pretty bad, and he knew he made a mistake in doing that he did to hire Trevor and I to protect Hunter; then in turn when shit hit the fan at the inauguration; Hunter felt betrayed and thought we weren't his friends.

And worse, Hunter had questioned the feelings he'd begun to develop for me. I really did almost lose my chance with him, but thankfully, and I probably owe it to Gregory, but Hunter and I talked things out. Hunter forgave our friends, and we began dating. The 20th of March will mark one month we've been together, and I've never felt happier. Sure, I had happy moments in my life, but being in a relationship was an entirely different perspective because I never know what can happen in it. I loved that Hunter and I were random in our plans. We'd just decide what to do on the day we were on, and it felt great. I loved how understanding he was; I feel like I made things super awkward the day we got together. This is my first time being with a man, as a couple, at least. I'm terrified to mess up because Hunter has been through it all with Jay.

Hunter assured me that we'd just take things one day at a time, and move at a pace we're comfortable in. The biggest thing I wasn't sure how to handle…Physical aspects. I understood hugging, cuddling, holding hands, talking, even the dates. I got the kisses on the cheek or a peck on the lips, but more than that? Forget it; I am clueless. I felt ashamed to be twenty-two, in my first relationship, but have no idea what to do regarding certain things. Yeah, I'd done tons of research, but that's general knowledge, not actually doing it. There's a huge difference between reading up on the subject, and then being part of it. Either way, Hunter assured me that we'd take it slow, and everything would be okay. That definitely set me at some ease; I loved that Hunter was so easy going and understanding. I also loved that he knew how this process felt for me, and didn't get frustrated with the fact I'm basically clueless when it comes to dating.

Today, my friends and I decided to hang out early, and then try to go out for lunch with Hunter, but sadly; I couldn't remember what time his class was over. At the same time; it's now 4:30 in the afternoon and Hunter isn't back yet. I had everyone over, and we were relaxing in my living room. Flynn, Heather, Roxanne, and TJ too because they typically had all morning classes. At least until June when Heather, Roxanne, and TJ would graduate. Flynn had another three years of law school to do, but he would be taking online courses for most of it, only having to go into the school for one or two classes a week. As for Drew, Elijah, Trevor, Avery, Seth, and I; our main source of work was Odin's Dragons. Trevor and I had the added job of keeping Hunter safe when he was in our presence, at least. If not; the job solely belonged to Cody, Bryant, Andrew, and Harry.

"You alright over there, Tallon?" Madison inquired.

"Hm?" I looked at her. "Oh, I'm fine. Just trying to remember what Hunter told me last night about when his class let out today," I said with a smile.

"It's Thursday, so I think he has Advanced Logic from 9 to 11 am, or maybe its 12 pm," Flynn stated calmly.

"That hardly matters when it's 4:30 pm…" Seth mentioned. He had a point too; Hunter's class had to be over, so where was he?

"How is the relationship going?" Avery inquired.

"Great," I replied.

"Still new to everything, aren't you?" Drew asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, but we're taking things slow," I informed.

"That's good," Harper beamed. "We're happy for you, Tallon. Seriously; it's nice not to see you so serious all the time,"

"Or all about work," Elijah chuckled.

"Have you messaged him this morning to ask if he'll join us for lunch?" Trevor questioned.

"No, we talked a bit last night, but I think this morning he left early for breakfast with his dad and uncle," I mentioned, glancing through the messages with Hunter from last night before he'd mentioned going to bed around 1 am after he finished his homework. Hunter also ended up having work last night from 2 to 10 pm. I knew he was tired, and honestly didn't expect him to stay up later to talk to me while he did his homework.

"Sounds right," Flynn nodded. "I think he was up at 6:30 and out of the apartment by 7:30," he added.

"Well, it's almost 11 am now. Why don't you message him, Tallon? See when he gets out and if he wants to come to dinner with us?" Madison suggested. "Since we missed lunch, or he did, at least," I tapped the message box in mine and Hunter's conversation.

4:45 pm
Hi babe. The gang and I are gonna go to dinner. Would you like to join us? :)

I sent it off and was about to put the phone down when there was a knock at the door. I got up to check the screen and see who it was since I was with all my friends and Hunter should still be in class, so who would be at my door? Looking at the small screen, I was shocked to see Salvatore and Gregory there. Opening the door, I greeted them.

"Mr. President, Mr. Forger…Hello. What can I do for you?" I asked.

"Unless it's a formal event, or in public; you can call me Sal or Salvatore. You don't have to address me as Mr. President all the time," Salvatore stated.

"And you can call me Greg or Gregory," Gregory chimed in next.

"It was out of respect as we weren't directed to address you as anything else, sir," I replied.

"I understand, but I'm giving you permission. Besides, you're dating my son, so I think we can drop the formalities. And the rest of your friends can call me the same," Salvatore said.

"No problem," I replied. "So…What can I do for you both?"

"Is Hunter here?" Gregory inquired softly.

"We were…Actually just wondering where Hunter was ourselves," Flynn piped up. "We thought he only had one morning class this morning, but here we are at 4:30, and nothing,"

"How long have you been here?" Salvatore asked Flynn now.

"Since 10 am with the others. We thought Hunter's class ended at 11 am or noon; then we were all gonna go get lunch, but he never showed up and he hasn't been answering messages. I've been checking the apartment every hour since getting here, but he's not home," Flynn informed gently.

"Seems odd," Salvatore mentioned. "It's not like him to ghost on people,"

Gregory laughed a bit as Salvatore glared at him. "Sal, come on…This is Hunter we're talking about. Whenever he wants to be left alone whether he's upset, or mad; he slips his guards and takes off for a few hours,"

"And he's-," Salvatore began.

"Always fine, Sal. So, relax. You don't always have to assume the worst has happened," Gregory rolled his eyes. "Check in with his guards first,"

"We already did that; they believe Hunter is in his room because they confirmed Hunter coming here, and going to his apartment after his class ended at 11 am," Salvatore said.

"So, safe to say he's not home, with friends, or at the university, and has probably slipped his guards," Gregory stated. "What about his normal places he goes when he wants to be alone?" Salvatore shook his head to him. "Then that is next place we go looking. Have the guards check the park, cemetery, and nearby bars," I was a bit worried about all this, why would Hunter take off? Had something happened to upset or anger him?

"We'll help cover more ground," Seth offered, standing up. Suddenly, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket; I pulled it out and saw a text from Hunter.

"Wait!" I stopped them from acting on their plans to go searching. "Hunter just messaged me back," I informed as they waited for me to respond again. I opened the message and read out the full thing to them.

Hunter's Cell, 4:55 pm
Raincheck on dinner with all of you. Some stuff came up, be home later, don't wait up for me. Busy now, talk later.

"What could have come up?" Harper blinked.

"Hang on, I think I know where he is," Gregory tapped his chin a bit. "Leave class at 11, comes here, and slips his guards…Makes contact now, about 5 pm and says he's busy? I think him slipping his guards was an accident, and I have a feeling he's at work,"

"How can you be so sure?" Drew wondered.

"Because we didn't have any plans with him, and he said stuff came up. If school was over, that leaves work calling him in. Plus, he said he'd be home later, not to wait up, and that he was busy and would talk later," Gregory mentioned.

"True," I nodded. Hunter was the general manager, and I kept forgetting that he'd gone back to work until June when he graduated college. It was a way for him to make money and pass the time. "Well, at least we know where he is now,"

"Come on, Greg. We'll go pay a visit to him at McViking," Salvatore stated.

"Can we tag along? We'll just go see him for dinner if he can't come with us," I suggested.

"That's fine," Salvatore said, nodded. Without another word; everyone prepared to go.

. . .

[5:15 pm]
[McViking]

Pulling into the parking lot; it looked semi-busy. The group, Salvatore, and Gregory made their way inside and looking around for Hunter. "I don't see him," Gregory told Salvatore.

"It's possible he's in the back," I informed. "Hunter says the new schedules get done and sent out on Thursday nights," I added.

Salvatore approached the counter as a male cashier approached. "Hi, welcome to McVik-Oh, my Gods! You're the president! It's…Such an honor to meet you!" he cleared his throat, composing himself. "I'm Fredrick, what can I get for you this evening?"

"Oh, nothing to eat. I'm just wondering where my son, Hunter, is?" Salvatore inquired.

"Uh…Gimme just one second, sir. Hey, boss!" Fredrick called.

"What do you need, Freddy?" replied Hunter's voice.

"Someone here to see you," Fredrick said. Hunter came walking up the second aisle to see us.

"What…Are all of you doing here?" Hunter demanded.

"Son, I need to speak with you," Salvatore stated.

"And it can't wait until later, or tomorrow? Do you see what I'm dealing with right now?" Hunter inquired, motioning around.

"Hunter, this is important," Gregory tried.

"And so is this. You can't just…Show up here to see me," Hunter sighed as more customers came in. "Look, I can't talk right now. We're hitting the rush and I'm down two people," he remarked.

"Well, when it's over can you talk?" Salvatore question.

"Dad, I don't know right now," Hunter informed. One of the girls came up to him with the landline phone. "McViking, this is Hunter," he answered the call. Hunter started rubbing his forehead, and his eyes closed. "And you're positive that you can't come in for even two hours to get through dinner rush?" Hunter asked; then sighed. "Yes, it's that bad. In about ten minutes; I lose Rosanna and Eli."

"Hunter, we need help!" Rosanna called.

"I gotta go. I hope you feel better, Scott," Hunter stated and ended the call. Groaning a bit he slipped it into his pocket. "And that puts me down three people total…"

"Are you okay?" I asked softly.

"No, Tal…I'm not. We're getting slammed both on front and drive through…Three of my closers called out. I'm here because the other manager slipped and fell on ice. I'm losing two more employees at 6 pm because they have kids to take care of. I've been here since 11:30 this morning, and I'm not gonna be leaving until 10:30 tonight. Maybe later because it's just me, and two other workers…I'm stressed, I'm tired, and if one more frigging thing happens tonight; I'm going to lose my shit," Hunter informed.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Roxanne asked softly.

"Not really. It's getting busier, and I just gotta keep this running as smooth as possible tonight. I'm sorry we can't hang tonight, or talk…But I've got a lobby deep of customers and a car line around the building. You can't all be here waiting around for me to find a minute to talk. If you wanna be here to eat and sit around, fine. But you can't hang around; it's loitering and I can't have that here. If you don't wanna wait here; I'll see you tonight or tomorrow," Hunter explained. "I gotta go," he moved away from the counter.

"Boss! I gotta go. My babysitter needs to leave," Rosanna said quickly.

"Rose, I'm doing my best, alright!?" Hunter replied.

"Hey, Hunt!" Eli began.

"For the love of God…" Hunter sighed.

"I got good news, though!" Eli tried. "My girl got back early, and she's got the kiddo. I can stay if you want me to?" Eli offered.

"Well, that helps a bit," Hunter stated. "Alright, we need to get this rush moving along. Line up, crew!" Hunter called. Eli, Tiffany, Fredrick, and Rosanna lined up in front of him. "Freddy; I want you to stay on front. Tiff, take sandwiches, Eli; you're gonna take over for Rosanna and I'll run around and do grill. We got that?" he said.

"Got it, boss!" the workers replied.

"Back on position," Hunter ordered. "Rose, let's take care of your drawer," he said as I watched him go out of sight over to drive thru.

"What do we do now?" Gregory looked at Salvatore.

"Let's eat here and wait a bit," Salvatore mentioned. Nobody argued and we all got in line to order food; we might as well since it was dinner time and we were here anyway. Hopefully, Hunter wouldn't be too busy in a bit and he could come over to chat a bit. It seemed Gregory and Salvatore had something important to tell Hunter, but it seemed they would wait because Hunter was stressed out as it was with being called into work and being short staffed during a mad rush. I wished I could help Hunter out, but I don't think it was allowed. By 6 pm, we all ordered and were sitting down together to enjoy dinner. Hunter was running around, helping where he could.

. . .

[8:00 pm]

Two hours since arriving and things had finally slowed down. One of the workers, Rosanna, left at 6:00 pm. However, Eli, Fredrick, and Tiffany stayed for closing; they all did their best, but the rush had been relentless. The business closed in two hours, so Hunter was having everyone stay busy between customers and preparing to shut the building down in the easiest way. I noticed them doing small closing procedures that would make it go faster at 10 pm when customers would leave and the building could be locked up to the public.

"Good work, everyone," Hunter informed his employees. "Now, lets do the closing stuff that we're able to. Do the dishes, clean up the back room, wipe tables in the dining room, spot sweep the rug…Stoick up cups, sauces, napkins, etc. You know the drill. Let's do what we can to make it easier to finish up in two hours. With any luck we'll get out of here around 10:30 pm,"

"No problem, boss!" his three employees saluted and got to work. Hunter grabbed at water bottle from the fridge behind front counter and took a few sips while glancing around the lobby to make sure things were good, and I think that's when he happened to notice we were all still there waiting for him. I saw him take a deep breath before heading over towards us.

"He's coming over," Gregory whispered. "I don't think it's a good idea, Sal…Don't tell him while he's working…" he added.

Salvatore sighed heavily. "You're right, but we stayed this long and now he's coming, so what do I tell him?"

"Just…Say something came up you have to handle as president and that it can wait until tomorrow," Gregory offered.

"Are you good?" I asked softly.

"Got lucky with Eli staying," Hunter mumbled. "That should have been it for the rush, but now and then; we get another small one right before close," he added. "Hoping that isn't the case for tonight. I'm surprised you all stayed…"

"It's not like we had anything else to do. Now, Dad…What did you and Greg need to talk to me about?" Hunter inquired.

"It can wait until tomorrow, son. Unfortunately, Greg and I need to get back to The Archian House so that I can handle something that has come up," Salvatore said.

"Really? Come on; you stayed this long. Just tell me," Hunter insisted.

"Hunter, it's not a quick thing…" Gregory mentioned.

"Well, it's quiet right now, so out with it," Hunter pushed.

"Hunt, hey!" called a voice as Hunter looked behind him to see another worker strolling his way over.

"Daryl? What are you doing here?" Hunter questioned.

"I'm…Here to close?" Daryl responded.

"Howard called me to close tonight because he slipped and fell," Hunter informed.

"Howie called me before he called you; he told me he got hurt and had to leave, but I didn't get the voicemail until fifteen minutes ago. My phone broke and I needed to get a new phone, so it took a bit to transfer all pictures, contacts, and everything finishing starting up. I thought Howie was still here," Daryl informed.

"No, he had to leave this morning; he slipped on ice because they didn't salt last night or this morning. He hurt himself and on doctor's orders to be resting until Monday. I came in at 11:30, been here since," Hunter remarked.

"Geeze…I'm sorry, Hunter. I didn't know he called you in…I told Howie to call my wife's cell if he can't reach me…" Daryl said calmly.

"Don't worry about it. I'm here; you can go home," Hunter replied.

"No, no. Hunter, you go home. Come on; you've been working way too much. You're always taking cover shifts; mornings, mid-shift, closings. Sometimes more than just one in a day and you haven't had a day off since…I think your birthday. I got this for the last two hours; you go home and relax. And take tomorrow too, man. You're exhausted; I can see it in your eyes. I'll take the rest of tonight and tomorrow for you," Daryl stated.

"Are you sure?" Hunter asked.

"Yes, I am. Now, go on. You're training me for GM anyway; I might as well get used to the feel of working like you do, which is all the time," Daryl chuckled a little. "Come on; I got it,"

"Well, alright…" Hunter agreed. "Come on; I'll get you up to speed on where we're at right now," Hunter informed as Daryl nodded. "I'll be right back," he told us. I watched Hunter and Daryl head for the back office now.

"We'll tell him when we get back," Salvatore said calmly.

"How do you think he'll take it?" Gregory wondered. Salvatore just looked at him. "Good point," he nodded. "At least he's getting out early," I wasn't sure what was happening, but I felt like the news was bad and Hunter was going to be affected deeply. I didn't ask Salvatore or Gregory because I knew it wasn't my business, but I knew me and the friends would be finding out very soon. I just hoped Hunter would be alright, whatever the update was, and that we could help if he needed it.