Savannah thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. She had been crushing on this man for years, and now he was in front of her. From the look on his face, it seemed that he was happy. His "Hey baby" sounds like the most exquisite symphony to her. Though he called her that in jest, she harbored a six-year-old yearning to hear him say it again. The fact that he was home, made her incredibly happy.
Regaining her composure, Savannah tries to speak but is unable to. How could she possibly make small talk? Their relationship was strained because she had not contacted him during his absence. It was not that she was not eager to speak with him. Though she did not want to come across as desperate or as though she depended on him to get by; she still wondered if he was okay every day. However, a phone call would have been appreciated.
Carson takes advantage of Savannah wiping away her tears to approach her. For the first time in ages, his arms cradle her. The suddenness of his embrace causes Savannah to stumble and freeze. Carson, in contrast to Cole, had a musky scent that filled Savannah to the fullest extent possible. As she is carried away by the comforting presence of her friend, her tears stop. Restoring to her the joy that she has sorely wanted.
Tightening her embrace, Savannah slowly encircled his chest. As he draws her nearer to him, Carson places his hand on her head. His grip is tight around her and she can feel the smirk on his face. He had strength beyond anything she had ever experienced. Despite having shared a lot of intimate moments, Savannah has never had a clear look at what he is hiding beneath all of these clothes. Her curiosity ran wild as she felt engulfed. However, it was not appropriate right now, so she would not get beside herself.
She eagerly awaited his next words as the once-hazy air gradually cleared. Her veins pounded with excitement at the sound of his gruff voice, demanding to hear more. Although Savannah found his calmness to be unsettling at first, she knew it was exactly what she needed at this desperate moment.
Carson looks at the stunning girl with dark hair beneath him before dropping his hands and putting them in his pocket. "Wow, you're a lot shorter than I remembered," he cooed.
Savannah rolled her eyes, easily slipping back into how they were all those years ago. "Somebody finally had a growth spurt and thinks he's king of the world," she only teased.
"Hey! You were only taller than me for three years," the blond argued. "Settle yourself down."
Savannah laughed mischievously. "Whatever helps you get through the night," she folds her arms with a smirk.
For them, this was just normal banter. Savannah was unsure of what to anticipate from their next conversation. She had assumed she would not be able to speak out of nervousness. Talks were effortless with Carson because of his demeanor. He was not interacting with her to demonstrate his intelligence. It was a conversation between two friends as if years had never passed. Savannah could hope for nothing more than that.
Carson smiles, his eyes getting nostalgic. A lighthearted sensation had ignited in his chest as a result of their brief chat. For a moment, he was unable to comprehend that he would not return. He believed that what they had was lost, so a week ago, he was ready to turn down the chance to see her once again. His perspective was altered by being in this moment with her. Perhaps the future held some hope.
Carson changes the lightheartedness in his tone to one of seriousness with a simple lip-lick. He tears up, saying, "I missed you so much, baby."
Savannah's eyes shine with a newfound brightness and her heart races in her chest. This day began with such darkness and gloom. It seemed like her world was finally turning around just by seeing Carson. The person she felt most connected to had returned, and he too had missed her. She was pleasantly surprised because she had never expected to see his face again.
She had others waiting for her at the repast, so regrettably, they could not stay here forever. She would skip it if she could. She had so many questions now that he was back. As in, how was Arizona? Was his friend base large? She would not be shocked if it were. Cole and Carson were well-liked throughout every stage of school. Savannah had assumed that their transition went smoothly. She naturally wanted to know if he had ever dated anyone. Any girl would be enamored with him due to his stunning appearance. She knows she was.
"As wonderful as this is, we have to get going." Violet interjects.
Rather than seeming overly preoccupied with Carson, Savannah initiated conversation for the four of them. "You guys should come to the repast," she suggests. "I am sure a lot of people would be thrilled to see you two. Violet is also an excellent chef."
Cole grinned. He turns to look at Carson and says, "I am pretty famished."
"Yeah, of course we'll come," Carson shrugs. "We will meet you there; just give us the address."
Savannah, overjoyed, quickly gave them directions and got into the car with Violet. She was so happy that she was eager for everyone to see them again. They would soon experience an infinite amount of love. It was not just Violet and Savannah who missed them terribly. After they left, the atmosphere had changed. What had been vivacious before became emotionless and frigid.
They were never aware of how much happiness they brought with them wherever they went. They were naturally very charismatic and drew in people from all directions. They never mind the attention, even though it could be annoying at times.
Despite all that, they got to the building of the repast where dozens of cars were parked. Savannah's parents were well-known businesspeople who had a strong passion for volunteering. Everyone in the community knew a lot about the Priest family. The attendance did not surprise Savannah; in fact, she had expected no less. She did feel a lot of pressure at times from having superstar parents. But there was no other way that she would have it.
Savannah was greeted once more as soon as she entered the building. Her mother's family was so large. Her father was raised in a very small family, so there was always a noticeable size disparity. She had already seen the majority of them earlier, but given the situation, they felt compelled to overcompensate.
As much as she appreciated it, she was happy when she spotted her red-headed friend waving frantically at her. Maeve was not only her friend but her manager as well at Sugar. Even though they had only recently met, they became quite close during that brief period. So close that she ends up living in the same apartment as Savannah and Violet. That also made it less expensive.
Maeve, relieved that they have arrived, rushes toward them in desperation. "At last, you arrived," she intensifies. "I keep trying to tell your family I don't speak Spanish Savannah. But they won't listen to me." The girl moans.
Savannah chuckles, knowing full well that is how her family operates. "Sorry. We would have got here sooner but ran into something," she explains.
Violet exclaims, "Or rather some people."
Maeve gave them a strange, glazed look. "People? I hope they were significant enough to abandon me in this state." She snapped.
Violet grinned, waiting for the boys to come while keeping an eye on the door. "They're very important actually," she informs her. "You see, Savannah and I—"
Savannah cuts her off, saying, "They are just old friends who came for the funeral."
Maeve and Violet stared at her, perplexed as to why she would utter such a thing. It is not that she didn't want to tell Maeve; rather, it was more like she was reluctant. Every guy Maeve ever encountered was drawn into her web by her libido. Savannah was aware that Maeve would try to pounce as soon as she set eyes on Carson.
Savannah was concerned about this since she had not had a chance to tell Carson how she truly felt. Carson would undoubtedly find Maeve to be equally attractive. Savannah was unaware of how long he would be staying because he had just returned home. This was her chance to right the wrong that she had caused years before. Maeve was the last person she needed to get in her way.
Maeve's eyes shot out of her head in shock as soon as they both entered the room. She was left wondering why she had never seen them before. She did not understand how Violet and Savannah got to know Carson and Cole, two attractive guys. Maeve remembered Savannah saying they were old friends, but that did not explain why they never said anything about their importance.
Maeve puckers her lip and straightens her posture to flaunt her breasts. "This is what you ran into?" She inquired. "Two gorgeous guys!"
Violet fueled the flames even more by saying, "And they're twins."
Maeve was even more intrigued by that. "That's just perfect," her eyes grow lustful.
Savannah rolls her eyes, feeling that uneasy sensation creep back into her system. Having friends like the Beasleys always had these drawbacks. Like moths on a light, everyone was drawn to them. Girls would constantly beg for their attention, and Carson would typically give it to them. He was by all means a ladies' man. Savannah would need to work quickly if she were to have any chance at all. That proved difficult, though, because she was in no position to begin expressing her feelings.
The guys make it up to them, grinning, as she crosses her arms. "Your family is as lively as ever," Cole says before looking at Maeve. "Who's this?"
She extended her hand and said, "My name is Maeve, and I am best friends with Violet and Savannah."
Being the courteous men that they were, they accepted it. "My name is Carson." He grinned, "this is Cole."
Maeve almost passed out. "Oh," she exclaims, spellbound.
With her arms crossed and eyes rolling, Savannah expresses her discomfort. Maeve not only introduced them as best friends, but Savannah was also aware of the expression in her eyes. Savannah knew Maeve would have slept with one of the boys by the time they returned to Arizona. She regretfully knew that she would pursue Carson. Particularly if she knew Savannah was fond of him. Maeve was simply like that.
Violet offered to feed Cole, which thankfully eased the tension she could feel building. "I seem to remember that someone mentioned they were hungry." She takes hold of his hand. "Let's go Maeve, you're coming with me."
Savannah feels a hand rest on the middle of her back as they leave. She raises her head to see a set of emerald eyes happily staring at her. Her worries vanished each time she laid eyes on his face. Maeve and her sensual ways were not something to worry about today.
Sighing, Carson surveyed the space. "So, will you be willing to help me out or am I going to have to reintroduce myself to your family?" He lets out a little laugh.
Savannah smiles, taking his hand in hers before making their rounds. The majority of her family remembered him, which did not surprise her. In those days, they were very close. Carson attended nearly all of Savannah's family events without ever missing a beat. You will always be remembered once you have joined her family. They could ask Carson any questions, and he was very sweet and helpful.
Savannah valued her family greatly. Her sense that Carson was the one increased when she observed how he engaged with them.