Page 65 of Galen's Redemption
Chapter Seventeen
“WHY AREyou hedging?”
Galen couldn’t help but be intimidated by the building in front of him. The Wisconsin Humane Society was a sprawling complex. Galen had never been inside, but he’d heard a lot of incredible things they’d done in service to the community and the animals they found homes for.
“Why are we here?”
“Come on. You’ll find out.” When he didn’t move, Roberttook his hand and pulled him along.
They entered one of the glass doors, then turned and went through another set. To the left there were rooms set up that had cats and kittens in them. In front of them was a sign that said Dogs. Galen was confused as heck, but even more so when the door opened and Marco and Andy came in.
“Hey, Gale!”
Andy had that glow about him that he had when he’d beenfucked within an inch of his life. He leaned against Marco, who had an arm over his shoulder. Those two were made for each other. That much was obvious to anyone who looked at them.
“We’re going to look around, but we’ll catch up with you when you’re done.”
And with that, the two of them walked off together. A few moments later, a sweet-faced young woman stepped over to them, a tablet in herhand. “Hi, I’m Mindy. Can I help you?”
“I’m Robert Kotke, and this is Galen Merriweather. We have an appointment.”
“Oh, yes, sir. I have you down. We’ve got your number, and when you’re up, we’ll text you. It shouldn’t be long, though. One of our counselors will be with you shortly.”
“Is it okay if we look around?”
“Absolutely! We encourage you to wander and see what we have to offer. If youhave any questions, your counselor will be able to help answer them for you.”
Galen crossed his arms over his chest. “One of you has to tell me what’s going on.”
“Come with me for a minute.” Robert led Galen into the corner, away from the bustle of volunteers and people coming into the shelter. “Do you remember telling me you didn’t know what it meant to care for someone? Well, most people learncompassion, loyalty, patience, self-esteem, and responsibility by having a pet. I talked with Andy last night, and he spoke with the landlord today, who said having a cat was fine.”
A cat?“Why the hell would I want a cat?”
“You want to care? Start with something that will give you unconditional love. Who only asks for love, affection, and food. They won’t judge you, and you can tell them thingsyou’d never say to anyone else.”
Galen had never thought about having a pet. It wasn’t high on his list of things to ever do, but….
“Why are you doing this?”
Robert grinned, and Galen’s insides went all gooey. “We had a cat that would come to the house once in a while. He was feral and hated everyone. I started leaving him food, and while he ate, I would talk to him. Mom told me I had to bepatient and let him come to me, but I didn’t listen. Suffice it to say, the cat showed me his displeasure when I picked him up.”
He lifted his sleeve, and Galen noticed the faded thin white lines.
“But it didn’t stop me from trying. Eventually he would let me pet him. He’d jump on the seat next to me and allow me to stroke his fur. He even purred for me. But try to hold him, and he scratchedand ran. The thing is, that was the year I realized I was gay. The cat and I would sit out on the porch, and I would pour my heart out to him. I told him about my crush on Zach Hernandez, how much it scared me to think about telling my parents, and so many other things. My dreams, my hopes—anything and everything I thought I couldn’t tell to another living soul, that mangy, lop-eared, psychotic catheard it all and never once judged me for my thoughts.”
What a trip that would have been growing up. Someone to talk to about his parents’ affairs, why their nanny was there one day, then gone the next and a new one would appear. How he’d seen the chauffeur with his mouth on Mother’s neck, and how, instead of trying to explain it, he simply told Galen that one day he would understand. And henever did.
“Okay.”
Robert beamed a smile. “Really? I swear you won’t regret this.”
There were still problems, however. “I don’t have any money to adopt, and I don’t know that I can afford to care for a pet.”
“Already taken care of.” Robert leaned in and kissed Galen’s cheek. “Thank you for letting me do this for you.”
Robert’s cell chimed, indicating it was time for them to go up front. Whenthey did, another woman, this one with her head shaved to stubble on one side, and longer electric blue hair on the other, met them with a huge smile that showed off amazingly white teeth.
“Good morning. I’m Amanda, and I’m going to be your adoption counselor today. I see by your online profile that you’re interested in a cat. We’ve got plenty to choose from, so if you’ll come with me, I’ll showyou to the habitat.”
