Drift (Drift Series) by Michael Dean

looked at me with sincerity, something he rarely showed in his off-the-wall personality.
    I was taken aback for a moment. Would I dare to really answer this question truthfully? Keeping emotions on the inside was one thing, but there’s power in spoken words. It seems like once such things are vocalized, it’s almost as if they’re etched into the fabric of our lives and we have to pursue them, no matter what the cost may be.
    “I think…I love her, Mark.”
    I was sure to call him Mark, not Scruffy, letting him know just how serious I am.
    “Then tell her, Leo. No matter what reservations you have, everyone likes to be told that they’re liked…especially loved.”
    The truth was out now; I am in love with Shade and admitted it vocally. Even more shocking was that Scruffy understood on a much deeper emotional level, and he actually gave some very good advice in return. I was proud of him.
    “Besides, what do you have to lose , anyway?” He shrugged.
    If only he knew. I didn’t say anything. I just bowed my head , took a drink of my beverage, and asked a question of my own. “When should I tell her how I feel? How will I know the right time? I don’t wanna tell her in front of a bunch of people just in case she laughs in my face.”
    As I spoke, something grabbed Scruffy’s attention in the distance behind me. Then, Scruffy confidently looked back at me with a smirk and spoke before I could get a look.
    “Funny you ask. It seems you ’re about to get an answer to your question.” He took another drink and slightly raised a finger, pointing.
    I turned , and much to my surprise, Shade was approaching. Alone. A flow of excitement rushed through my being like a tidal wave.
    “Looks to me like there ’s no better time than right now.”
    “I think I ’ll catch up to you later. Good luck, bro.” Scruffy walked away, leaving me alone.
    I kept my eyes locked to the earth beneath my feet, pretending I didn’t see her. I couldn’t believe this. Why was she coming to me in the first place? While I tumbled the thoughts around in my distressed head, one of the sweetest tones I’ve ever heard spoke my name. “Umm, hi, Leo.”
    I gulped another drink and nervously answered, “Hi , Shade. How are you?”
    “Umm, I’m fine. How…how are you?” Her voice trembled a little, like she was nervous about speaking to me .
    Our eyes met and we simultaneously looked to the ground in awkward shyness.
    “I’m doing good, just internally cussing Scruffy for bailing on me.”
    My shallow attempt at humor must have worked a little, Shade giggled hesitantly, like she was blowing out a belly full of butterflies.
    “Yeah, that’s what friends are for, I guess. I hope I’m not bothering you. I wanted to come up to you last night after the race, but I never got the chance.” Shade paused a moment, like she was conjuring up the courage to go on.
    “You ’re the best company I’ve had all night.” I laughed at my well-aimed shot at Scruffy. Shade joined in.
    “Mark is a cool guy. He ’s nice. Umm, I just wanted to thank you for what you said to Darryl, and for taking a stand against him. It was nice to see him get knocked down a peg or two for a change. Hopefully it will help him loosen up for the better.”
    Our eyes met again, and this time, neither of us looked away as we both cracked an adoring half-smile at one another. “It was my pleasure, Shade. I was honored to do it…for more than just self-serving reasons.”
    “A gentleman…sometimes I forget what they look like.” We both puffed out air in shy laughter again, unsure of what to say about the other’s playful banter. “Well, anyway, thanks again, Leo.”
    Shade lightly squeezed my forearm. An unexpected feeling overtook me, something unnatural for me . Her touch was so pleasant it made me tingle inside, but it also stung like a bee and I almost pulled away. It was very strange. If I was capable of blushing at this point, I would have. Unsure what to say