Galen swallowed hard, his nerves getting the better of him. Is it… that obvious?
Sherilyn gave him a knowing look, her lips twitching into a smile. “Honey, if even I can tell, don’t you think Joyce might have noticed too?
He shook his head, flustered. No way. Joyce… she’s kind of a bookworm, you know? She’s not exactly tuned in to this sort of thing.
Sherilyn chuckled. True. She’s got her head buried in her medical journals most of the time.
Galen managed a small, sheepish grin. Yeah, that’s what I thought, too.
Sherilyn looked at her little brother, instantly recognizing that dreamy, lovesick smile on his face. She couldn’t help but tease, Well, Mr. Hopeless Romantic, you do know Joyce’s got that blind date tonight, right? What’s your game plan?
Galen snapped out of his daze, looking anxious all over again. He hesitated before blurting out, Sis, could you… maybe find out where she’s meeting this guy tonight?
Sherilyn raised an eyebrow. Why? You’re not thinking of crashing their dinner, are you?
He rolled his eyes. Come on, Sherilyn. I’m not that reckless. I just… want to see who she’s meeting. See if it goes well or not. Then I can figure out what to do next.
If it went well, he’d have to accept it-and let his feelings quietly die. But if it didn’t…
Well, maybe then he’d finally get his shot.
Sherilyn gave him a long look, then nodded. Okay, that sounds reasonable. I’ll ask around and text you the place later.
Galen beamed. Thanks, sis!
She fixed him with a serious stare. Listen, Joyce is a really good person. If you’re thinking about asking her out, you’d better mean it. If you’re just looking to fool around, don’t even start.
He straightened up, earnest as could be. I swear, I’m serious! I-I really like her. She makes me happy, just by being around. Honestly, if I could see her every day, that would be the best thing ever…
His voice trailed off, cheeks burning.
Sherilyn couldn’t hold back a snort. Oh my god-Galen!
He turned even redder. Are you laughing at me?
She shook her head, still giggling. Not at you, with you. It’s just-God, you’re adorable. I’m proud of you.
He mumbled, blushing even harder, I just wish Joyce thought the same.
Sherilyn burst out laughing, clapping him on the back. “You’ll be fine, kiddo. Go get her.
That evening, Galen arrived at the little Italian bistro Sherilyn had texted him, twenty minutes early. He sat at the bar, pretending to scroll through his phone, nerves on edge.
Fifteen minutes later, Joyce walked in-dark hair pulled back, glasses perched on her nose, looking just a little nervous. A guy near the window stood up and waved. Dr. Cooper! Over here!
Joyce smiled, offered a polite wave, and made her way over. After a quick handshake and some friendly small talk, they sat down together.
Galen shifted seats, sliding into a booth just behind them so he could overhear without being obvious. He eyed the guy across from Joyce. Okay, so he was decent-looking. But he wasn’t as tall as Galen. And, he thought smugly, not nearly as handsome.
Not that it mattered much. He knew looks weren’t everything-especially to someone like Joyce. She was the type to care more about what was on the inside.
Galen just hoped he’d get a chance to show her what he had to offer.