Oooh Eric Thorne is such an interesting character! So charismatic, but he seems up to something. I love your characterization of the characters - I especially loved Barnum explaining how he hired Phillip, both the dialogue and the bits in between, as well as Phillip’s reaction. It’s just everything. Excited to read the rest!
This part:
“And plying me with liquor?” Phillip asks after a bitter beat. “Was that calculated?”
“Of course it was.” Barnum shrugs again, but the nonchalance is strained. “The first time I saw you, you had champagne in your hand. The second time, vodka. Two is a good guess, but three is a pattern. When I offered to buy you a drink and you didn’t even ask uptown or downtown, I knew I could buy and sell you.”
“Stop.” Phillip drives a hand through his wilting coif. “I hate it when you talk that way.”
“What do you want from me, kid?” Barnum’s gaze is pained. “I needed your clout and you needed my show. It was a long time ago.”
Ahh and I forgot to comment on the part about Anne! So interested in her backstory, both with Phillip (what all happened between them?) and after that. Fighting the urge to stay up all night and read the rest right now!
Haha, I've definitely been guilty of binge-reading fics when I should be sleeping! I took a big chance with Anne's backstory, which came to me pretty late in the game, but once it did, it screamed to be included. As for Eric Thorne, he's certainly something - he has that special version of charisma I think all fathers probably hate. XD I think Barnum's hiring of Phillip is such a fascinating scene, dare I say one of THE most fascinating in the movie, and highly ironic when you consider that Phillip is strongly hinted to have a drinking problem. Anyway, I'm so happy you're tuning in and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story!
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slimey01 on Chapter 2 Mon 29 Sep 2025 03:32AM UTC
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