Carson trailed behind almost everyone at the grocery store because he did not know Wyatt well. They were friendly enough to make it comfortable to be around each other. But that was the extent of it. Even during the car ride, he remained silent, staring out the window lost in thought, while everyone else chatted. It did not help that he was left out of the weekend trip, but he was more focused on Savannah's joy at seeing Wyatt.
Since they got outside, she has been beaming from ear to ear while talking to Wyatt. Carson could not help but notice how easily they spoke. Savannah was never the talkative type, but Wyatt provided a sense of comfort. It was perplexing how she could be so open around him. Much to Carson's dismay. There was nothing he could do but watch in envy as she moved closer to him.
Her laughter filled the store aisles, irritating Carson greatly. Savannah was simply having a good time, which was all he ever wanted for her. However, his possessive nature occasionally took over. In that, he wished to be the one to make her laugh. Furthermore, from the moment Wyatt entered the picture, she pretended that he did not exist. It was causing him more distress than he had anticipated.
Cole noticed his brother's behavior and pulled back to get a sense of what he was thinking. "Jealous much?" He teased.
Carson rolled his eyes. "Of what? There's nothing to be jealous of," he said angrily.
"With that tone, you're super jealous." Cole laughed. "It pays to be honest. That's a normal emotion to feel when it's someone you like."
Carson scoffed. "I don't like her in that way!" He argued. "What don't you get about that?"
He did not mean to sound hostile, but everything was aggravating him right now. He could deny his emotions till he was blue in the face. There was a reason he was becoming so jealous, but he had yet to comprehend the underlying meaning of his feelings for Savannah. He knew how important she was to him. More than any other girl he has ever met. However, that could have been the issue.
Cole disagreed with him. "If you're not going to tell her at least be honest with yourself."
Carson ignored him, showing little interest in continuing this conversation. He already knew what he needed to do, but it was not as simple as Cole made it appear. It was even difficult to confront her about it earlier today. Her answers were also vague, leaving him with little to think about. If Savannah was not going to express her feelings to him, there was no point in attempting to make sense of his.
Instead, he continued to walk around the store, collecting items that they either needed or wanted. Savannah and Violet would pay for whatever they got, with the expectation that Cole and Carson would repay them. Carson would be starting work soon, so it was no problem for them. Besides, they were all in this together.
Carson did not know how long they would be in the store, but their cart was almost full. Savannah wanted to stop in the freezer section for more ice cream before they could check out. While everyone else went to find a register, Carson decided to follow Savannah. Just in case she needed assistance with anything.
Not surprisingly, when he got to her, he saw the struggle she went through trying to reach one of the cartons. He could not help but laugh at first because she was so short. Even on her tiptoes, she could not reach the ice cream. He caught himself blushing at the sight of her determined, cute expression. His friend was adorable, and all he wanted to do was hug her.
Of course, he would not do that and instead reached for the ice cream she so desperately craved. It was a chocolate and vanilla mix, the most basic flavors available, but it was what she wanted.
Following the arm, she looked up to see Carson assisting her on her quest. She smiled slightly, as he had not spoken to her since Wyatt arrived to get them. She wanted to know why but did not want to make a scene at the grocery store. It was strange that he had completely shut down with little warning. Where was his outgoing personality, which she admired so much?
"You have been awfully quiet today," she said, removing the carton from his grasp. She felt she knew why, but she did not want to make any assumptions.
Carson stuffed his hands into his pockets, avoiding her gaze entirely. "You've been awfully chummy with Wyatt today." He countered. His voice carried animosity that he attempted to conceal, but it was impossible.
Savannah laughed, a teasing expression on her face. "Oh my gosh, you're so jealous," she taunted. "I should have expected this, though."
He looked at her, perplexed. "Excuse me. Why would you have anticipated that?" He wondered. "And I'm not jealous!"
"Please. You were envious when you found out he took me out to lunch.” She reminded him. "Also, you never seemed to like Wyatt when Violet mentioned him for the first time."
Carson chuckled. "What are you always wasting your time analyzing me?" He attempted to make light of the situation.
She laughed with him. "No, but you are my best friend," she stated confidently. "Even though we have been apart for some time, I know you." And because she spent so much time looking at him. She read his character whenever she had the chance.
Carson wouldn't say anything to deny it because he knew she was right. His feelings were still misplaced, but he knew he did not like the way their relationship was developing. It felt rushed and uninspired. Wyatt was not going to be the one to steal her heart while he was standing right there. He would, however, if Carson did not rise to the challenge. If he were not truthful with himself. Why did it seem like such a draining task?
They walked to meet their friends before Carson resumed their conversation. "I just don't like to share my friends, okay?" That was his attempt to take some responsibility. Even if it was tiny.
Savannah paused, her brow furrowed. "You don't like sharing your friends or you don't like sharing me?" She questioned. Strangely, she wanted him to say the latter.
Carson looked down at her, trying to figure out what she wanted from him. He could be honest and say that he was only concerned about her. But would that open another can of worms? Worms he did not want to talk about in the middle of a grocery store. There was also the possibility of her becoming upset if the former was mentioned. He was unsure what to do, but eventually decided on the best option for him.
As he spoke, he looked away, his chest tightening. "You," he spoke quietly. "I don't like sharing you."
Savannah was taken aback by his response because she did not expect him to be so honest. Carson was never honest about his feelings. She was not sure if he was joking or trying to grow as a person. In any case, she was taken aback and unsure of how to react to the information he had just revealed. This was not the ideal setting for confessing to a crush.
Unlike Savannah's satisfaction, Carson became concerned because she did not respond quickly enough. Had he made the wrong decision by saying anything? He always said that being in tune with his emotions would backfire. Telling the truth seemed to be the best option. So, why was she not responding?
Carson looked at her, worried that she would be disgusted by him. Instead, she smiled from ear to ear. Carson admired her brown eyes, which glowed with a strange happiness. His chest relaxed, knowing that the answer he provided was correct.
She grabbed his hand as they continued on their quest to find the others. They were just ahead of Carson and Savannah, paying little attention to them. It did not matter because he got to hold her close, even if only with his hand.
"If it's any consolation, I don't like sharing you either." She admitted to him. "You're the one person I rather keep to myself."
Carson smirked. "Mm, so what's stopping you?" He inquired as they got closer to the others.
Savannah pursed her lips. "Because I still want to be friends with Wyatt!" She was truthful again. "Can't you just give him a chance?"
Carson was willing to do anything for her, no matter how much he disliked it. "I've been chill. I'm just not in the mix."
"That's the problem," she said stepping in front of him. "I want you to be included. I want you to at least talk to me."
She closed the gap between them, surprising Carson with her eagerness. He had no idea how much his silence bothered her, given how happily she indulged Wyatt. He could have been more personable. Acting aloof had only gotten him so far. Who knows, he might even grow to like Wyatt. So long as his relationship with Savannah remains friendly.
Before he could respond to her, he noticed all of their friends staring at them. Cole was always smirking as a sign of encouragement. Whilst Violet looked like she wanted to know what they were discussing. She was attempting to hook Savannah up with Wyatt. Their proximity would undoubtedly impede this, but there was still a possibility.
Beyond them, however, was Wyatt, who appeared to have questions. Carson made eye contact with him for the first time all day. Neither of them said anything, but Carson did tighten Savannah's grip to assert his dominance. Regardless of how much money he had, their bond was deeper.
Savannah looked behind her and noticed the two of them having a stare-off. She did not want any drama to happen, so she smiled and pulled Carson along with her. "Sorry, guys. I was trying to loosen this one up a little." She lied, but that was just part of the process.
"Yeah, Carson, you have been so quiet today," Violet said.
He scratched the back of his neck, nervously. "Get a couple of drinks in me and I'll loosen right up." He made a suggestion.
Savannah laughed. "That's the spirit!"
"We have to pick up Maeve so let's hurry this up!" Violet mentioned, much to Savannah's dismay. "Wait, where is she going to sit?" She inquired, noting that there was not enough room.
Even though he had made a breakthrough with Savannah, Carson took advantage of the opportunity. "She can just sit on my lap." He shrugged.
Savannah's reaction was exactly what he expected, and he could not help but smirk to himself. She was not trying to make him jealous on purpose, but Carson was definitely trying. If he had to experience illicit feelings, so did she. It was understandable that they were both on edge.
Looking down at her, she was furious at the thought of Maeve sitting on his lap. He had no plans to do anything with her because, despite not having a serious relationship with Savannah, he would not betray her trust. This meant a lot to him, and he intended to live up to his expectations. All while having some fun.
"Is it okay with you?" Carson asked Wyatt. "I mean it's your car."
Wyatt nodded, not seeing the issue but thinking about other things. "Yeah, that's fine."
Carson smirked happily as they moved the cart up the line. He took advantage of the opportunity to lean down towards an agitated Savannah and whisper, "Who’s jealous now?"