Page 111 of Galen's Redemption
“I’ll let you eat in peace. I hope that when you’re done, you’ll give me an autograph.”
“An…. You do know that we’re not famous, right?”
“I checked your blogon my phone after I placed the order. You’ve got a nice following. Even if you think you’re not famous, one day I want to be able to say I knew you when.”
Terrell shrugged. “Okay, guess we can do that.”
“Great! I hope you enjoy your food. If you need anything, let me know.”
Noel turned back to Robert, and his easy smile of a few moments ago vanished. “Lincoln said you should come into the kitchen.”He didn’t say anything else as he led them to where Lincoln was working. Lincoln didn’t even bother looking up as they entered.
“Why are you here, Galen? I think you were told you weren’t welcome.”
“I—”
“You know what? Just go now, okay?” Noel’s gaze narrowed. “Robert, why would you even bring him here?”
He sneered at Noel. “Becauseyouasked me to.”
Noel’s jaw dropped. “What? I did no such….”And then Noel’s expression morphed into something angry and hard. “Ohfuck. Tell me this isn’t who you’re seeing.”
Lincoln tossed his spatula onto the counter and crossed his arms over his chest, looking curiously at Robert. “You’re seeing my brother?” He pinned Galen with a stare. “Since when are you gay?”
Galen shrugged. “Always have been.”
Robert jutted out his chin. “I am. Do you have aproblem with that?”
“After what he did? How could you?”
Galen knew he had to speak his piece now, or he might never get another chance. “Maybe because I’m sorry? I mean, I don’t expect you’ll forgive me, but—”
Noel put up his hand. “No, you’re right. We’re not going to forgive you.”
“Noel.” Lincoln put a hand on his shoulder. “Let him speak, pup.”
Noel gave Galen the stink-eye, then turnedback to Lincoln. “Yes, sir.”
Lincoln leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. “You’ve got five minutes, Galen. Make them count.”
“I—”
Robert put a hand on Galen’s arm and glared at Lincoln. “No.”
Lincoln quirked an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
Robert stepped forward. “I said no. This is bullshit. He came here to try and make amends, and you’re both acting like dicks.”
The way Robert spokeup for him sent a thrill through Galen. “It’s okay. I’ll—”
“No, it’s not okay. You know, I very much appreciate the help you’ve been at the shelter, both of you, but I won’t let you talk to Galen like he’s beneath contempt.” Robert glared at Noel. “I thought you, of all people, were better than this.”
“That’s not fair!”
“And what you’re doing is? You were upset because he hurt your feelings.”Robert scowled at Lincoln. “And you told me the other night that if Galen wanted to be part of your life, he had to make the overture. He’s here now, doing exactly what you asked of him. Honestly, you should both be ashamed of yourselves.”
Lincoln pulled Noel close. “Fine. You start off by apologizing to Noel, and I’m warning you, if it isn’t legit, you’re out the door and it will never openfor you again.”
Oh, sure. No pressure.“Noel, I….” Galen ran a hand over his chest. “There’s nothing I can say to make up for how awful I was to you. I won’t try to excuse it, and I won’t say you’re overreacting, because you aren’t. I was a bastard that day, and I regret it more than I can tell you.”
