Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 1163

As soon as those words left Joyce's mouth, Galen's face darkened by several shades.

He already had a pretty deep complexion, so it wasn't easy to tell. But Sherilyn- being his big sister-caught it immediately.

"Hey, let's not "

Sherilyn quickly snatched the menu from him and flashed Joyce a smile. "Come on, he's not a kid-he's only two years younger than us! He's a grown man now. And a real gentleman always lets the ladies go first, right? So, why don't you pick?"

"Uh, are you sure that's okay?" Joyce raised an eyebrow, a little skeptical.

"Absolutely," Galen said, finally relaxing a bit, and nodded at her with a small smile. "Go ahead-order what you want."

"Well, if you say so..."

Joyce, never one to overthink, just shrugged it off.

"I'm starting, then..."

Sherilyn sat back, quietly watching the two of them, feeling the mood shift in a way she couldn't quite put her finger on.

they'd put in their orders, the food came out-burgers, fries, a big Caesar salad, the works. The three of them laughed and joked

Then Joyce's phone rang.

I

screen, took a deep breath, and slid her finger across to answer.

the other end, her mother's voice was muffled, but whatever she was saying, Joyce

it, okay?

dropped her head into

then asked gently,

"Mom set

over at her brother, eyebrows

full-on forehead knot. "Yeah! Wild, huh?" Joyce spread

at first. Told me to stay in Crestwood, focus on my career, be all independent and successful. But now? I barely step off the plane,

she finished, Galen's face had

wanna talk about it anymore," Joyce groaned, waving her hand

little awkward, the easy mood from before

the hospital where she was

reflexes were quick. She grabbed his arm and steadied him. "Careful!" “Geez... Thanks, sis." Galen

up with you?" Sherilyn narrowed her eyes at him. "You've been out of it all afternoon. Wanna