The Violet Hour (The Violet Hour Series) by Andrea L Wells Page A

mortified, and went on with the rest of Government until the bell rang.  Outside in the hall, Luke was waiting for me. 
    “Well, how is it so far?” he asked with a grin, as if he already knew.
    “Uneventful.  I’ve had every class with either Jesse, Jack, or both.  Everyone should know my name by now, but I don’t know anyone.”
    “You know me,” he whispered near my ear.
    “Is that going to be enough?” I joked before he got too far away to hear. 
    Fear shot through me when we walked through the cafeteria doors.  I felt overwhelmed by the crowded room because everyone in the school took lunch at the same time.  I looked around and was grateful when I spotted Jack and Jesse already sitting, motioning me toward an empty seat with them.  I was under the impression it was their regular table because Luke was already on the way there.  Sitting beside Jack was a girl I didn’t remember seeing in any of my classes, but was so strikingly gorgeous I couldn’t have missed her.  Shiny dark hair, bright amber brown eyes and dark olive skin made her stand out just as much as I did.  Long bangs framed her high cheekbones.  She didn’t move a muscle as we sat down. 
    “Hi, Rachel,” Luke said when we settled into our seats. 
    She wouldn’t even acknowledge we were there, let alone that Luke had spoken.
    “Gee Rachel, you’re always so pleasant to be around,” Luke said after a long awkward silence.  She got up from her chair and headed silently to the soda machine.
    I opened my brown bag lunch and bottled water.  I was used to not eating healthy for lunch, but that was apparently about to change.  Kate had packed each of our lunches exactly the same.  It made me chuckle as I looked around the table at the plastic sandwich baggies, carrots, apples, crackers and cheese.  At least I wasn’t going to gain weight eating crap school lunches or fast food before I got back to L.A., I thought to myself.
    “Can’t you do anything about her?” Luke asked Jack once Rachel was out of earshot.
    “I can’t control her, Luke, you know that,” Jack replied.
    Rachel returned to the table with a bottle of water.  I smiled when she looked at me, hoping for a sign she would be nice to me even if she and Luke apparently didn’t get along.  Instead, she looked away.  Rachel was easily the most gorgeous and best dressed girl in the entire school, wearing a white lace tank top and faded jean-shorts.  Seemingly plain choices, she dressed it up with a multi colored silk scarf and silver hoop earrings that matched the silver bangles going up her arm.  I was almost jealous of the tall tan cowgirl boots that finished her look.  Trendy, yet she fit in well. 
    “Rachel, this is Logan.  Logan this is my girlfriend, Rachel,” Jack said flatly, as if dreading what was about to happen next. 
    Rachel looked at me and I smiled.  She was a girl I could see myself going shopping with, studying with and ultimately being friends with. 
    “I love your outfit,” I said, hoping to break the ice.
    “I like your outfit too, Charlie Brown,” she said snidely.  Jesse choked on his apple and I heard someone kick him under the table.  My smile fell as I slowly caught on that I was wearing brown and yellow.  One of the last fond memories of my mother ruined by such a careless remark.
    “That was rude.  Why do you gotta say things like that?” Jack hissed.
    “Rachel, I’ve tolerated your nastiness before, but no more.  This stops.  Get used to Logan being around,” Luke said sternly as he got up and grabbed my hand, pulling me up with him.  She said nothing, just smirked, while Luke took my things and walked toward the door.  I followed him out of the lunchroom as he made his way down the hall.  Rachel must have known I was coming, but everyone had failed to warn me about her. 
    “What was that all about?” I asked.  First Alexander, now Rachel.  What was it about Luke that caused this reaction from