Page 177 of Paradox
"Werun the shop."
"It needs a manager. And he's got some really good ideas."
“What the fuck is going on, Tek?”
“Nothing. He’s… He’s just been a real asset.”
“Look. As long as he doesn’t shit me more than you and Reeze already do, he can stay and we'll figure something out. If that’s what you’re worried about.”
“I’m not worried about anything.”
There he goes being all defensive again. “Whatever. If you see Shawn, can you tell her to leave me the fuck alone?”
“She won’t listen. She’s having a rough time with it. She thinks it’s just a phase, and you’ll get—”
“It’s not a fucking phase!”
“Hey! Don’t shoot the messenger.”
“This is it for me, Tek. Fuck Shawn, and fuck anyone else who doesn’t believe me. I’ve never been this happy. I love Jin, and—”
“What the fuck did you say!?”
I can’t move.
What the fuck did I just do?
Jin is gripping the side of my head, shaking me, but I feel like I’m watching everything happen from outside of my body.
“Eden!” Tek screams through the receiver.
Jin slaps me, but it has no effect.
“I will fucking kill you if you just said his name.”
My mouth opens, but nothing comes out.
This isn’t how it was meant to happen.
“I know I’ve been on speaker. Jin! Are you there?”
I look up at him.
He’s pacing back and forth but his eyes never leave me.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” he mouths, then grabs a fistful of his hair in both hands.
Now he’s crying.
He’s on the verge of a panic attack.
And still, I don’t do a damn thing.
“What are you doing back here?” I hear Carey’s voice in the background. “Fuck, Tek. What’s wrong?”
“Your brother, he’s… I’m gonna kill him.”
The phone goes dead.
