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.

orders, the food came out-burgers, fries, a big Caesar salad, the works. The three

Then Joyce's phone rang.

sec, I gotta

deep breath, and slid her finger

was muffled, but whatever she was saying, Joyce was clearly not

it? I got it, okay? It's tonight, right? Don't worry, I won't

ended the call and dropped her head into her

a look and then asked gently, "What

nose. "Mom set me up on a

glanced over

even Galen's frown had gone from subtle to full-on forehead knot. "Yeah! Wild, huh?" Joyce spread

me to come home 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, haven't been back a week, and she's already lining up guys for me, like she

the time she finished, Galen's face had gone nearly

don't even wanna talk about it anymore," Joyce groaned, waving her hand dismissively. “The more I think about it, the more

meal was a little awkward, the

they finished eating, Sherilyn and Galen walked Joyce back to the hospital where she was working, then headed toward the parking garage

he stumbled forward. Sherilyn's reflexes were quick. She grabbed his arm and steadied him. "Careful!" “Geez... Thanks, sis." Galen blinked, his

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