Page 176 of Paradox
I kiss Jin’s hair. “I knew him, but we hadn’t spoken.”
“Like, ever?”
I sigh.
This is tedious.
“Not for months.”
“So how did you—
I cut him off. “Through a friend.”
“Oh… I thought maybe at a club.”
“Is this you trying to ask me if I go to gay bars?”
“What? No… Maybe.”
“Other than with you and Reeze after the convention in Portland. No, I’ve never been to a gay bar.”
“Cool.” I swear I can hear the wheels ticking over in his head. “Not that I’d care if you did.”
“And I wouldn’t give two fucks even if you did care. I love you Tek, but my sexuality doesn’t have a damn thing to do with you.”
“I know, I just…” He trails off again.
“I just want you to be happy for me.”
“I am.” He perks back up, but drops off immediately after. “I guess I’m just worried about how things might be different when you get back.”
My heart jumps to my throat. “Why would they be different?”
“I hope they aren’t.”
“So why mention it?”
“Well Shawn isn’t running the shop anymore. And Carey does things differently.”
“O… Kay.”
“He doesn’t wanna leave, Eden.”
“Excuse me?”
“Carey. He doesn’t wanna move back to San Diego.”
“So why doesn’t he tell me?”
“I think he’s scared.”
“What the hell for? I mean, he can’t keep living at my place, but I support anything that keeps him in Broadrock and away from Mom and Brian. Though I do think he should look for a better job.”
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It mean he needs a proper job. More than just being a part-time admin."
"Exactly. He should be running the shop."
