As soon as those words left Joyce’s mouth, Galen’s face darkened by several shades.
He already had a pretty deep complexion, so it wasn’t easy to tell. But Sherilyn- being his big sister-caught it immediately.
Hey, let’s not
Sherilyn quickly snatched the menu from him and flashed Joyce a smile. Come on, he’s not a kid-he’s only two years younger than us! He’s a grown man now. And a real gentleman always lets the ladies go first, right? So, why don’t you pick?
Uh, are you sure that’s okay? Joyce raised an eyebrow, a little skeptical.
Absolutely, Galen said, finally relaxing a bit, and nodded at her with a small smile. Go ahead-order what you want.
Well, if you say so…
Joyce, never one to overthink, just shrugged it off.
I’m starting, then…
Sherilyn sat back, quietly watching the two of them, feeling the mood shift in a way she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
Once they’d put in their orders, the food came out-burgers, fries, a big Caesar salad, the works. The three of them laughed and joked as they dug in.
Then Joyce’s phone rang.
Gimme a sec, I gotta take this…
She glanced at the screen, took a deep breath, and slid her finger across to answer. Hey, Mom…
On the other end, her mother’s voice was muffled, but whatever she was saying, Joyce was clearly not impressed.
Mom! How many times are you gonna say it? I got it, okay? It’s tonight, right? Don’t worry, I won’t forget. Yeah, yeah, okay. Bye.
She ended the call and dropped her head into her hand, looking miserable.
Sherilyn shot Galen a look and then asked gently, What did Jacquetta want now?
Joyce sighed, scrunching her nose. Mom set me up on a blind date. Tonight.
A blind date? Sherilyn glanced over at her brother, eyebrows raised.
Now even Galen’s frown had gone from subtle to full-on forehead knot. Yeah! Wild, huh? Joyce spread her hands and gave a helpless half-laugh.
She didn’t want me to come home at first. Told me to stay in Crestwood, focus on my career, be all independent and successful. But now? I barely step off the plane, haven’t been back a week, and she’s already lining up guys for me, like she wants grandkids yesterday! How can moms be so…contradictory?
By the time she finished, Galen’s face had gone nearly stormy.
Ugh, whatever. I don’t even wanna talk about it anymore, Joyce groaned, waving her hand dismissively. “The more I think about it, the more it drives me nuts.
The rest of the meal was a little awkward, the easy mood from before noticeably faded.
When they finished eating, Sherilyn and Galen walked Joyce back to the hospital where she was working, then headed toward the parking garage together.
As they started down the stairs, Galen’s foot slipped and he stumbled forward. Sherilyn’s reflexes were quick. She grabbed his arm and steadied him. Careful! “Geez… Thanks, sis. Galen blinked, his heart pounding.
What’s up with you? Sherilyn narrowed her eyes at him. You’ve been out of it all afternoon. Wanna talk about it?
I’m fine… Galen shook his head, obviously lying.
Sherilyn let it go with a raised eyebrow. If he wasn’t ready to talk, she wouldn’t push him.
Alright, let’s go.
Yeah…
They’d barely made it two steps before Galen stopped again, calling out, Sis!
Sherilyn turned back, already guessing what was coming. What is it? You know you can tell me anything, right? Need a favor? Don’t get all shy with me.
Galen hesitated, struggling with himself, his heart thumping like a drum.
Finally, he took a deep breath and blurted out, Sis…what do you think of me, as a person?
Sherilyn blinked, then let out a laugh. To me? You’re great, obviously. But it’s not my opinion that matters, is it? It’s what Joyce thinks.
Galen stared at her in shock-he hadn’t even said anything, and she’d already guessed what was on his mind.