Word after "pen" or "gal" (3)
I believe the answer is:
pal
'word after pen or gal' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Mate, buddy" , "Bud" , "Buddy, chum" , "Close friend" , "China" .)