“And I wouldn’t give two fucks if you did care. I love you, Tek, but my sexuality doesn’t have a damn thing to do with you.”
I roll my eyes;if only he knew.“I know, I just…” My voice trails off, racing thoughts taking over and pulling my focus:
Just tell him now.
It’s the perfect time.
Use his happiness to soften the blow.
“I just want you to be happy for me.”
I smile into the receiver. “I am happy for you.” But then Eden’s face flashes into my mind. He’s all rage, all ferocious anger. “I guess I’m just worried about how things might be when you get back.”
“Why would it be different?” he blurts out, almost frantic.
“I hope they aren’t.”
“So why mention it?”
“Well…”Fuck. Should I say it now? Should I just tell him? I’m gonna tell him.“Um… Because Shawn isn’t running the shop anymore, Carey does things differently.”
“O… Kay.”
Here I go.“He doesn’t wanna leave, Eden.”
“Excuse me?”
“Carey. He doesn’t wanna go back to San Diego.”
“So why doesn’t he tell me?”
Because you abandoned him. Because half the time you don’t answer his calls.“I think he’s scared.”
“What the hell for? I mean, he can’t keep living at my place.” I scoff, and slap my hand over my mouth. ”But I support anything that keeps him in Broadrock and away from Mom and Brian.”
I drop my hand. “I think he’d like to hear that.”
“What the fuck is going on, Tek?”
“Nothing.”Everything. Come on, Jeon Wootek. Stop being a pathetic ballsack.“He’s been a real asset.”What the fuck is wrong with me? Why can’t I just say it?
“Look. As long as he doesn’t shit me any more than you and Reeze already do, he can stay at the shop. If that’s what you’re worried about.”
What I’m worried about is how you’re gonna react when Carey pulls me into the break room like you used to do with Shawn when you were horny at work.“I’m not worried about anything.”
“Whatever.” Eden sounds defensive. “If you see Shawn again, tell her to leave me the fuck alone.”
I can’t hold back from laughing. “She won’t listen. I don’t wanna see her either but that doesn’t stop her messaging me. She thinks your…”She thinks I’m…“Going through a phase. That you’ll get—”
“It’s not a fucking phase!”
“Hey! Don’t shoot the messenger.”We’re on the same fucking side.
“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!?”
Silence.
