Other Side from The Greatest Showman

Barnum watched Phillip with a careful eye. Seeing a fellow businessman, he chose to come straight out and say it.

"I want to give you an offer." he spoke with a careful tone, trying not to sound desperate. "I can tell you see what I'm doing. So, join me and I'll free you from the drudgery of normalcy that you've made for yourself."

Phillip sat more upright, a sign he took as him pulling away.

"The world can be more than people are willing to accept. And yes, that means doing something crazy, but crazy people enjoy the world more than those who live in it."

Taking out a coin, Barnum put it on the bar. His fingers not leaving it.

"You can continue to play it sensibly and do what you know works. Or..." he slid the coin across, a clear metaphor for payment. "Will you risk everything and see where it goes?"

Phillip looked at the coin with clear interest, his posture relaxing and a small grin showing on his face.

"That's a nice offer, but no thanks." he pushed the coin back to Barnum, noticing that he took it as a challenge.

"Despite what you may think," he leaned closer, "I actually like the normalcy. Don't get me wrong, I really admire what you're doing. But it's not guaranteed to bring the money in."

Barnum smirked with suspicion, not truly buying Phillip's disinterest.

"Is that really what you want to do with the rest of your life? Drinking, partying, theatre, and boredom?"

"Honestly better than the alternative." Phillip said with confidence that didn't reach his eyes. "If I took up your offer, I'd lose everything I've worked for."

"You would." Barnum nodded in agreement. "But you'd also enjoy your life in a way you're not used to."

Phillip involuntary stiffened at that, showing he wasn't completely happy with where he was.

Barnum pushed his advantage. "I'm offering more than a job. I'm offering the opportunity to live your dream, to feel anything but boredom."

There was massive conflict in Phillip's eyes now, a clear sign that Barnum had won.

"But I can't make the decision for you." He pushed the coin back towards him, a final offer that he wouldn't turn down now.

Putting his fingers back on the coin, he wasn't able to move it. He just stared at it for what felt like an eternity.

When he finally relaxed, he palmed the coin. "If I'm risking everything on this, I think a percentage wouldn't be too much."

Barnum had to struggle not to celebrate right there and then.

"Seems fair. I'll give you seven." he held out his hand, too confident in his own victory.

"I may be young," Phillip retorted, "but I wasn't born this morning. I'll take eighteen."

Pulling back his hand before they could shake, Barnum felt a spark of respect for his new partner.

"You might as well as for nickles on the dime."

They shared a laugh at that.

"Fair enough. Fifteen, then."

"I'd do eight." He shot back without waiting.

Phillip stared him down with defiance. "Ten. Final offer."

Looked at Phillip's daring glare, he released a breath full of tension. Without a word, he shot forward and sealed the deal.

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