Scarlet grabbed her jacket from the back of Holden’s car. “I wish it had been under different circumstances…” he started. “Hmmm? Oh, no, I had a great time.” she looked at the stars, the building; anywhere but his face. He brightened. “Then we could do it again sometime?” he looked hopeful. Scarlet looked him in the eyes. “No.” she said it as simply as her name. “No. I don’t think we should.” His heart sank. “But-” he began. “No ‘buts’ Holden Thompson. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”
“I do. I do.” he said. She turned on her heels. “What do you know about me?” she whispered fiercely. He continued unabashedly. “I know that behind your smile…lay secrets which are held in cages by your pearlie whites and tightened lips. And your deep, brown eyes hold the key; that they wish they could only see the surface of people, and think they are basically good. I know who you are Scarlet. And I love you still…” She felt the tears come, but she didn’t dare wipe them away…