Page 109 of Galen's Redemption
“And how old were you when you started on this?”
Robert shrugged. “A lot younger than he is.”
“Exactly. We’ve got money coming in now, so you can afford to pay him to do the job, and you’ll have a salary, too,so you don’t have to scrimp on things you want.”
“We. Whatever I get, you’re getting too. This is us, working together, like we always will be.”
Oh, how that made Galen feel. Warm, trusted, loved. “You’re right.”
“And don’t think I don’t know you’re trying to avoid the subject of seeing Lincoln.”
Galen gripped the seat belt. “No, that’s not it. Exactly.”
Once the car had warmed up, Robertput it into gear. “You’re talking about other things to distract yourself.”
Galen sighed. “Yeah, I am. What if he says to get out? I mean, I know your family—”
“Our family.”
Yeah, that sounded good. “Okay, our family. I know they’ll support us, but I really want Lincoln back in my life.” Galen had to get an admission out. “I bought two lions when I went into Build-A-Bear. One was for Cassie,and the other was for me. I know it’s stupid, but I talk to it every now and again, and think of Lincoln.”
“In what world is that stupid?” Robert reached over and squeezed Galen’s leg. “It shows you miss him. I don’t think it’s stupid in the least.”
“That makes me feel a bit better. At least I’m not insane or something.”
“Nope, not in the least. But always keep in mind, if you need to talkto someone, I’ve got an ear you’re welcome to borrow.”
“Yeah, I know. It’s just….” Galen groaned. “I like hearing Lincoln’s voice, even if it’s only in my head.”
“There’s nothing wrong with missing your brother. I’ve been thinking a lot about Tom lately. He hasn’t called in a few weeks, and when I try to call him, there’s no answer.”
Well, damn. Galen felt like shit, thinking about his problemswhen Robert had plenty of his own. “I’m sorry. You know, I can do this myself. You don’t have to go with me.”
“Nope, you’re not doing this without me.” Robert drew in a breath. “I’m worried about Tom, but until he reaches out, there isn’t anything I can do for him. You, on the other hand? I can be beside you, like I promised. So get it out of your head that you’re in this alone, because that’snever going to happen.”
Before Galen could reply, they pulled up in front of the diner. There seemed to be only a couple people inside, and Galen worried that Lincoln might tell them he didn’t have time to talk to them.
“Maybe we should do this another time.”
“Yeah, no. We’re here, and we’re going to do this. Unless you’ve got a compelling reason, there’s not much to keep us from going in therenow.”
Galen racked his brain to come up with any kind of excuse, but none came to mind. “I guess not.”
When Robert turned and took Galen’s hand, he calmed a bit.
“We don’t have to do this now. If you want to wait, we will.”
The fact that he was being given an out meant a lot to Galen, but they’d come this far, and Robert was right. Nothing would get solved if Galen didn’t take the necessarysteps.
“No, you’re right. Let’s go.”
Galen unbuckled his seat belt, then opened his door. He was about to get out but stopped when Robert grabbed his arm.
“Remember, no matter what happens here, I’m going to be with you when we get home. If Lincoln and Noel can’t accept you, then they don’t deserve either of us.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.” Galen leaned over and kissed Robert. “Let’s do this.”
They got out, and Robert slid an arm around Galen’s waist. They crossed the street and stopped in front of the door.
