Golden Valley

“Hey,” I said gently. Abruptly, the shadowy figure stood up, but he didn’t even turn around.  “Don’t talk to me.”I blinked from surprise. Loud, warm laughter issued from inside, but the noise sounded eerie and far away. “Don’t even look at me.”He stared into the distance, at the night sky. He was a total stranger. And all I wanted was to know who he was. Did he think I was some creepy girl looking to hook up with the mayor’s son? My stomach lurched. “I’m not obsessed with you,” I said indignantly. “I’m just looking for a friend--”“By what I’ve seen,” Luke cut me off. “It seems you’ve already made one.”I opened my mouth. Was he referencing Sam?“Why are you being so cold to me? You don’t even know me.”He turned to me. I felt my lips part as his beautiful eyes met mine. “And for your sake,” he said softly, shaking his curly head of hair. “Let’s keep it that way. Okay?”All I could do was blink. “For my sake?”He held up his hand. “You’re still talking to me. Here. I’ll make it easier for you." Luke turned on his heel. He silently disappeared back into the house. And then I was alone, on the terrace. A cold breeze blew across my arms. I hugged myself to keep warm, though the sting of rejection was burning on my cheeks.