Read Online Drift (Drift Series) by Michael Dean - Free Book Online Page A

be that as it may, I was content with getting the best of Darryl , anyway. No need to gloat any further, right?”
    “Oh yeah, right.” Scruffy rolled his eyes.
    Sticking out his hand, pointing at the floor, he signaled me to keep our discussion on the down low as he shut his front door behind us as we walked inside.
    “I will say one thing, you certainly did get the best of Darryl. It was killer .” He smiled in approval. “Mom, Leo is here for breakfast. Is that okay?”
    “Yes, come on in , Leo. Join us,” his mom called from somewhere in the house.
    We rounded the corner into the kitchen and there she was, leaning over the kitchen table , setting food on blue placemats. His father was reading the morning newspaper. “Hello, Leo, good to see you. Sit down and eat up. You know Momma Spears always makes plenty.”
    “I don’t want my boys to starve,” Scruffy’s mother said lovingly.
    “That we don’t , dear, that we don’t.” His father folded the paper and laid it on the table.
    Scruffy’s parents are very kind people. His dad works as a branch manager at one of our community banks and also volunteers part time as a fireman for our local firehouse. In a small town such as ours, most fire departments are volunteer, being that the budgets aren’t very large. He gives his time sparingly to the department as well, a testament to his personality.
    Scruff’s mom is a clerk at the county courthouse and is usually seen about town in her spare time dropping off fresh, home-baked cookies to the elementary school, police department, and of course, the fire department on Fridays. She loves to care for people, and baking those cookies is a small symbol of her affection towards the people of Mountainside.
    The pair are pillars in the community. A very well -respected upper-middle class family; it makes me wonder how those two ever spit out a nut-ball like Scruff. “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Spears, I’d love to stay. Let know if I’m interrupting anything.” I pulled a chair out to sit down at their family table.
    “Nonsense . Any guest of Mark’s is a guest of ours, Leo, and you’re always welcome here. Now, help yourself before the food cools.” His mother slid a plate in front of me so I could get my grub on.
    We chewed in silence for a minute or two, only the sounds of clanking utensils bouncing on china could be heard around the table. The no-etiquette Scruffy shoveled food into his mouth like it was his last meal. I giggled under my breath at his sloppiness.
    His father broke the silence. “How long have you and Mark been friends, Leo?”
    “Umm…”
    Before I could answer, Scruffy did it for me, never breaking concentration from his plate. “We’ve been friends all school year, Dad.”
    “And we still haven’t met his folks?” Mr. Spears glanced at us suspiciously.
    Scruffy beat me to an answer again. “Dad, I’m sure Leo will do it when it’s convenient for everyone to get together.”
    His dad quickly corrected Scruffy, humorously scolding him . “Can’t Leo speak for himself, son? Are you his press secretary?”
    Scruffy playfully pouted his lips out at his father. I made sure not to get Scruffy in too deep and promptly answered . “Yes, sir. I’ll make sure to bring them over to meet you both as soon as possible. I promise.”
    “Okay, let’s do it as soon as we can. I just want to make sure there ’s a constant line of communication going on between the parental figures here. It’s a full time job keeping young men like the two of you out of trouble.” He winked, picking up his napkin to wipe his mouth.
    Scruffy wasted no time . “Dad. Mom. Whatever are you trying to imply? We’re perfect angels.”
    Both parents scoffed humorously. Scruffy looked at me and grinned, still chewing his food. The only thing I could do was shake my head at Scruff. I thought, how ironic—angels.
    “What will you boys be up to today?” his mom said over a cup of coffee.
    “Nothing much , Mom.