Chapter Twelve

Savannah was already tired of her day after only one hour. She had forgotten how time-consuming it could be to constantly make coffee and prepare sweet treats for others. Today's customers were not as demanding, but she had a million other things she would rather be doing right now. Granted, she only had three hours left and a break was approaching. Before her parents died, she worked 6 to 8 hours per day, depending on who was on the schedule. Now she could barely manage 4.

Regardless, Savannah was finally able to relax after the last customer of the 8 a.m. rush had left. Sugar's peak hours were always 7 to 9 a.m. and 12 to 2 p.m. That was when people came in the morning before work for coffee, followed by the lunch rush, when people usually take their lunch breaks. The influx of customers subsided once it reached 9. This is where she, Violet, and their manager for the day, Libby, would go around cleaning up after the morning rush. This also allowed Violet and Savannah to gossip as friends.

It had been a long time since they could talk without Maeve interjecting every second. Savannah did not mind talking to her, but she knew Maeve was going to turn this into a competition. Savannah felt she had an advantage over her because she had been friends with Carson for a very long time. That bond had to count for something, especially since Maeve was new to him. She lacked the connection they had, which Savannah believed would be the key to her victory.

Violet was completely unaware of everything that had happened. She had noticed slight changes in Savannah since he returned. She was used to those two being close and touchy, though. None of their behavior differed from when they used to hang out religiously, but she was still curious as to what was going on.

"Having the twins back has been crazy," Violet exclaimed as she sipped her coffee. "I never knew how much I missed them until they returned."

Savannah agreed, wiping down some of the tables. "It's so weird because I thought about them every day and yet still failed to recognize Cole," she laughed.

Violet laughed because she did not recognize him either. "How embarrassing, and they are supposed to be our best friends," she said, smiling. "Though I couldn't help but notice how close you and Carson seem to be rather quickly."

Savannah's cheeks turned bright red. "We were always so close," she insisted. Telling her about what they were doing in their spare time did not seem wise. What would she say now that they have gone above and beyond what normal friends would do?

"No, I know but we haven't talked to them in years," Violet remarked. "It's amazing to see your relationship so...normal. As if no time has passed."

Savannah agreed because it was true. Despite the extra implications of their relationship, it felt like he had never left. They quickly reverted to their old habits, remaining largely unchanged. Of course, they were older and more mature, with different life experiences that shaped their personalities slightly. However, the comfort that they had always shared was still present. Savannah greatly appreciated this.

Hopefully, this friends-with-benefits situation will allow her to elevate their relationship to new heights. It was not the first thing she would have suggested because she expected more from him. It was difficult to tell if Carson felt the same way because one minute he was completely focused on her. The next minute, he is allowing Maeve to put her slimy hands all over him. She did not want to force him into a commitment, and he ended up sleeping with Maeve. At least this way, she would not be able to get angry, but she would still be upset.

There was also the possibility of her getting to know Wyatt. Savannah found him intriguing and a stark contrast to Carson after their brief encounter at Rendezvous. If nothing else, she wanted to befriend Wyatt because they seemed to have similar personality traits. Though his outlook on life may be much more positive than hers.

Savannah agreed with her friend but decided to change topics. "Yes, but umm...can we talk about Wyatt for a second?" She asked her cheesy friend.

Violet happily obliged. "Yes! I wanted to bring him up to you." She had a mischievous glint in her eye while carrying a serving tray behind the counter.

Savannah looked at her, perplexed. "Oh, why?" She wondered. Violet was always up to something, she thought.

"Okay, don't get mad at me but since you're off at 12, I told him he should come take you out to lunch." She elaborated.

Savannah looked at her like she was insane. "Violet! I'm not prepared for that today," she complained. "I barely want to be here now not to mention I'll be wearing work clothes."

Violet rolled her eyes. "So you can go change, Wyatt wouldn't mind waiting for you."

"That's not the point Vie," she said with a sigh. "I'm just not ready."

She was not going to go to lunch with him while smelling like coffee beans and despair. Her morning got off to a bad start when she thought about her parents. She did not want to ruin the mood with her sob story. Wyatt would want to have fun and see the positive side of her. Not the sad, uninspired persona she has since adopted. If she was going to get to know him, she wanted to be her best self, not her worst.

Violet felt otherwise. Savannah needed to get back out there and experience the pleasures of life. She understands she is still grieving, but what better way to get over it than to spend time with a hot piece? Violet knew they would get along well if Savannah let down her guard a little more. She saw the way she let loose in the club. That was the most fun she'd seen Savannah have in a long time.

"Well, you have to be because he is coming," Violet insisted. "You would be doing yourself a disservice if you passed up the opportunity to see him again."

Savannah bit the inside of her cheek, realizing her friend was correct. "Can you tell him we may need to stop by my house so I can change?" That was the only way she could agree.

Violet smiled. "As long as you are certain you will not bail out," she said, taking out her phone.

"I promise," Savannah reassured her. "It's not like I don't want to get to know him."

"Then there should be no hold-up." Violet beamed.

Savannah could not argue with that, so she ended the conversation. As Violet mentioned, he would not mind waiting for her if she needed to change. She leaves at 12, so they will have plenty of time to find a place to eat and talk from there. Savannah's main concern was not to bore him to death. Although their personalities were similar, it felt as if they were two distinct people.

***

The last three hours passed quickly, with a handful of customers arriving every 20 minutes or so. Savannah was relieved to finally clock out, as the lunch rush was about to begin. Not having to deal with it was wonderful for her, but it was unfortunate for Violet. She was going to be here all day because she worked an 8-hour shift. Something Savannah was gradually working her way back to.

When she finished her shift, she sat in one of the booths, waiting for Wyatt to arrive. Violet stated that she told him what time she got off, and Savannah was beginning to get hungry. Her shift was only four hours long, so she only had one 15-minute break. You would think she would have brought a snack, but she didn't.

"Are you sure he's coming?" Savannah asked Violet for confirmation. It was difficult to tell with so many people lining up.

Fortunately, Violet was adept at multitasking. "He's coming, he's coming. You sure are pushy for someone who didn't even want to go." She smirked at her impatient friend.

Savannah rolled her eyes, but could not deny it. "Yeah okay but I'm starving," she whined some more.

"Good thing we are going out for lunch."

Savannah turned around to investigate the source of the voice behind her. Wyatt stood tall with his black curly hair and dark eyes, and she smiled slightly. His hands were stuffed in his jean pockets which looked very expensive. To Savannah, everything about him appeared expensive. From the shirt to his watch, Savannah could tell he comes from wealth. Her family was not poor by any means, but it was not always peaches and creams.

Savannah was pleased that he showed up at all, regardless of his appearance. She had no plans after work today, and Wyatt was a welcome distraction from the sadness that is her life. Violet made the correct decision without asking for her input.

"Wyatt, you showed up," Savannah said, smiling.

Wyatt shrugged. "Of course. It's a lot easier to talk without all the noise." He remarked.

Savannah agreed before turning to Violet. “I hope you’re happy!” She yelled.

Violet grinned as she attended to the chaos of the lunch rush. "Very. Don’t forget to tell me all about it!”

Savannah waved to her friend before walking out of Sugar with Wyatt. Her eyes grew wide as she noticed the car Wyatt chose to arrive in. It was a Rolls Royce Droptail in a stunning red. Savannah was shocked at the prospect of riding in such a vehicle, making her wonder how wealthy his family was.

As he opened the door for her, Savannah sat inside, envious of the two-seater. To be caught dead in this, she would have needed a better outfit than her work uniform. However, with her stomach growling, she had no time to change. Nonetheless, she felt honored to have achieved such a feat.

"So, how rich is your family?" She asked him. "From the nightclubs to this car, I get the impression that you are withholding information from me." She teased.

Wyatt laughed as he got into the driver's seat. "Oh, stop it. This is nothing," he said coyly.

The dark-eyed girl looked at him with disbelief. "Nothing! Are you seriously saying this is nothing?” She scoffed playfully. "These are the words of a spoiled man."

“This spoiled man is treating you to lunch,” he smirked. "I would tread lightly if I were you," he said, winking.

Savannah gave him a fake pout. "You gotta feed my belly," she complained. “I’ll die.”

“That’s true but no desert,” he teased.

"Wait, what!"

He laughed again. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding.”

She smiled back as he pulled away. Savannah thoroughly enjoyed riding with the top down. The sensation of the wind blowing her hair felt incredible as the sun shone down on them. She would not call it a date because she had not glammed up the way she wanted, but it was nice to spend more time with Wyatt. Learning more about him and his life was sure to be interesting.

Instead of going to a dine-in, Wyatt had a better plan. They got some quick sandwiches and drinks before Wyatt drove a little further and stopped at the beach. The wind picked up slightly as they got closer to the water, but Savannah did not mind because it was a beautiful day.

Much to her surprise, when they got out of the car, Wyatt told them to sit on the hood because they had a great view of the ocean. The waves gently crashed against the shore, adding to the tranquility of the moment. She did not feel right sitting on top of his very expensive car, but she could not ignore the scenery.

So, as per his request, they sat down and ate while the peace enveloped them both. They were the type of people who enjoyed silence, even if being alone with their thoughts was the last thing they wanted. Savannah found his presence comforting, even though he did not say much. But, of course, the point was to get to know each other.

Wyatt took advantage of the peace to bring up a sensitive subject. "Um, Violet told me about what happened to your parents," he explained cautiously.

Savannah nodded as she swallowed a bite of her sandwich. "Yes, the wound is still fresh," she said with a tight-lipped smile.

"I can imagine," he replied. "It was interesting to see you come to the club after such events. I didn’t think you’d show.”

“Believe me, I didn’t want to. They made me," she confessed to him before her cheeks got hot. “Not to say I didn’t want to meet you; I did. I just…I just umm,” she panicked.

Wyatt shook his head as he stopped her. “Don’t worry I understand.” He chuckled. “Though I’m glad you came.”

She looked up at him, impressed by his honesty. They had not done much that night except dance, but she seemed to have a good time. Wyatt appeared to be a kind and gentle soul who was far too good for someone like her. Savannah believed she was too broken, too complicated. If she could continue this friendship, she would. However, Violet gave him the impression that she was looking for more.

Whatever the case, his understanding of her perspective was sufficient to persuade her that he was a good guy. Hopefully, he gets the hint that she is not looking for a long-term relationship. Not while she still had Carson.

Still, his words made her blush, and she averted her gaze. "You are such a charmer," she said nervously.

Wyatt licked his lips, smiling. “Sólo para la chica más bella del mundo.”

Savannah looked at him, stunned. “Wait, you’re Hispanic?” She asked him with glee.

He shrugged. “Well, I’m Afro-Latino,” he explained. “Why is that surprising?” He chuckled nervously.

Savannah pointed at herself. “I’m part Puerto Rican!” She exclaimed in shock. "And yes, I am beautiful." She replied to what he had said earlier.

“Okay, I was trying to be cheeky. Violet didn’t mention that.” He sounded stunned as well. "It appears we have more in common than I first thought."

It was going to be such a lucky break to have someone better understand her. She had not expected this and was overjoyed to be able to connect with him on a personal level. Despite not wanting to lead him on, Savannah and Wyatt were in for a wild ride.