Page 51 of Galen's Redemption
Galen turned to Andy, who smiled at him. “Ever wondered why I didn’t invite you over to my house?”
“Honestly? No. Why? Should I have?”
He gave a one-shoulder shrug. “Probably not. The thingis, you wouldn’t have measured up to my father’s requirements. By extension, you shouldn’t have met mine either. That day I met you in school? There was just something about you that was so genuine and honest.”
“My award-winning personality has gotten more than one guy in bed.”
“That’s not funny.”
At least Andy had the decency to give a sheepish grin. “Sorry.”
“In my life, you were the onlyperson who didn’t make me feel like I had to impress or meet some kind of lofty goal to be friends with you. You were just Andy, and for me that was enough. You were the guy who was comfortable staying in and watching movies while eating microwave popcorn. The one who dragged me out when I would have stayed at home. You cared for me, sometimes more than I did for myself. I admit, I didn’t understandit then, but I’m starting to now.”
Andy pushed up out of his seat, leaned down, and brushed a kiss on Galen’s cheek. “You’re silly. You’re more than a friend, Gale. You’re part of my family. You’re like the big sister I never had.”
He scowled at Andy but couldn’t keep his composure at seeing his impish grin. Soon they were both cracking up, and a knot in Galen’s chest finally eased.
“I’m goingto call him. I promise.”
“Good.” Andy looked at his phone and whimpered. “I have to get to work. Remember, I’m at the bar until three, but I’ll try to be quiet when I get back. Love ya.”
“Love you too. And don’t think I’ve forgotten about Marco. Talk to him. Use the advice you’re giving me on your own life, because it’s damn good.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Andy gave Galen a quick hug, whichGalen relished, and then he was out the door. Galen got up and wandered the apartment, inhaling the delightful aroma of the roses to center himself. He took a seat on the sofa, pulled out his phone, and scrolled through his contacts until he got to Robert’s number. He was surprised at how much his hand trembled as he touched the screen.
“Hello?”
For a second, Galen forgot how to speak.
“Galen?I can hear you breathing.”
“Uh, hi.”That’s it! Dazzle him with your witty banter.“How are you?”
The sigh that slid out of Robert sounded very much like the weight of the world was sitting on his shoulders. “I’m at Froedtert with Bree. Remember her?”
Galen thought back, and a face came to him. Oh, yeah. The girl who’d barfed on Robert. “Yes. Why is she in the hospital?”
“I found her on thestreet this morning. She was begging for money, and when I tried to talk with her, she collapsed. The doctors say she overdosed on something. They aren’t sure if she’s going to make it.”
When Robert’s voice cracked, Galen’s heart went with it. “Are you okay?”
“No, not really. I should be back at the shelter, but Noel said he’s got it covered. I just… I can’t leave her, you know? She doesn’thave any family, and if I go and she…. She shouldn’t be alone.”
Galen knew Robert was crying, and it made him uncomfortable. How many times had he been told growing up that boys didn’t cry? When the kids used to tease him about his family and the not-so-secret cheating going on under his nose, Galen would go to his room and do his best to be strong, and then curse himself when he failed.
“I’msorry.” The words were trite, but he didn’t know what else to say.
“Thank you.” Robert cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. Was there something you wanted?”
“It can wait.”
“Galen, you can—”
A muffled voice caught Galen’s ear. He couldn’t make out the words, but when Robert gasped, Galen knew he’d gotten the worst news possible. It was no surprise when the call was disconnected. Galen wasn’t surewhat he should do. He tried calling Andy, but he wasn’t picking up.
He looked around the room, the bursts of colors filling tables, shelves, bookcases. Robert could have written him off, but he didn’t. Instead he stepped up and was letting Galen know that he cared. Now it was Galen’s turn to give that back to Robert. He called an Uber and asked them to come pick him up. Robert was probably notalone at the hospital, but Galen had a feeling that Robert might need him now.
