CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN – A NEW IDEA

Scarlett felt a lump form in her throat at his earnest admission. Part of her still harbored tender feelings for the kind, passionate boy she had loved once upon a time. The other part couldn't help but feel conflicted over her muddled situation with Henry and her lingering infatuation Mr. Stone. Squaring her shoulders, Scarlett met Trent's warm gaze head-on. "I appreciate your honesty, Trent, I really do. The truth is, my life is...complicated right now. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't still care about you, even after all this time." She paused, chewing her lip anxiously. "I'm just not sure what I want or what I'm ready for. Does that make sense?" Rather than look crestfallen, Trent simply nodded in understanding. Reaching across the table, he covered her hand with his own, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Hey, I get it, I do. We can take this at whatever pace you need - whether that's as friends getting reacquainted or...something more down the road." He shot her a roguish wink.