Page 102 of Galen's Redemption
“Should we head for home?”
Brian shook his head. “I’d prefer to stay and speak with Galen for a while longer, if you don’t mind.”
Tom went to him, bent over, and kissed him. “I don’t mind at all.” He turned to Robert. “Want to go downstairs and shoot some pool?”
“Sure. Sounds good. We can have Dadcome too.”
“I’m watching the game!”
“Fine, Marco and Andy can come.”
“We’re sleeping.”
Tom grinned. “Guess it’s just you and me.”
Mom burst through the kitchen door. “What? You think Mom doesn’t like to play pool? Get down there and rack them up. I’ve got fifty bucks that says I can kick both your asses.”
“I want a piece of that action!” Dad jumped up, but Mom held out a hand.
“Sorry, you’rewatching the game. It’s just us.”
They ignored Dad’s grumbling as they followed their mother into the basement rec room, which was really more Dad’s man cave. He’d outfitted it with a bar that had a collection of neon signs above it, foosball and pool tables, an electronic dartboard in one corner, and to top it off, a wall dedicated to pictures of him and Mom. He told them in a conspiratorialwhisper it was the one way to keep her from hauling everything to the scrap heap.
“Who racks?”
She turned and gazed sharply at Robert and Tom. “Don’t try to bullshit me.”
“What?” Robert looked at Tom. “We’re not.”
“That’s one. Don’t forget, I know how to use a wooden spoon for more than stirring. What’s wrong with Brian? He’s been huddled on the couch with Galen for the last half hour. Thetwo of them are whispering, then glancing around. When I got near, they pulled away and started talking about football.”
“Maybe that’s what they were talking about in the first place.”
She pinned Tom with a glare. “I’m sure it’ll surprise Galen, but football doesn’t have innings and they don’t score runs.” She stalked closer. “Tell me what’s going on.”
“Okay, but only on one condition. Youdon’t say anything to Brian about it. He doesn’t want anyone to know.”
“I won’t make that promise, and I think you know that.”
“Mom….” Tom pulled her in for a hug. “You’ve got to let this one go. Please. I know it hurts, believe me, but Brian doesn’t want to tell anyone.”
“He’s getting worse, isn’t he?”
Tom gave a sharp nod, then turned his head away.
“How long?”
“A few months, maybe six,if we’re lucky.”
“Oh God.” Mom fell against Tom’s chest. “Oh, baby. I’m so sorry.”
He squeezed her, and Robert moved in to join the hug.
“What am I going to do, Mom? I’m not ready to let him go. I’ll never be ready.”
“I know.” She guided Tom to the couch and sat down. She reached out and took his hand. “I know it’s hard on you, and Brian’s devastated, I can tell. We can’t fix the problem,but we can be there for one another.”
Tom shook his head. “He wants us to go away. He doesn’t want to see any more pity on people’s faces. He just wants it to be over.”
