>>5814247>>5814412>>5814450>>5815377>"I did once or twice""Oh?", he blows smoke up in the air and savour this brief moment of silence, "I never liked to use two handkerchief on my young years, but let's say if I used, I would use Right Arm, Red", Peter smiles at you, almost a grin.
You're still startled by his sincerity and calm in talking something like this. Sure, nothing new when checking grindr or scruff, but you were caught totally unprepared for that! His eyes, his smile, his energy, though... Made easier for you to go with the flow. You inhale your own cigarette in an attempt to not delve more into this topic. Seems to work. "Again, no need to talk about this", you try to reply, but he's faster, "I wanna talk about other thing with you. No need to be so stiffy!", he keeps smiling at you. You lean on the wall next to him and you both lock eyes. It's a weird sensation feeling so comfortable like that.
"James this morning was talking to me about you. Something about... 'Having faith on you'... And let me be sincere, Ryan: You ain't for our company. You don't fit on our profile and forcing you in this kind of ambient wouldn't be good for your health."
"I can see how this job demands from James"
"Right! You know, James loves you. A lot"
"I know--"
"No, you don't know", he looks at you. His invinting smile and gentle eyes didn't shift to other emotion, but you could feel seriousness in the air, "You don't know how much that kid loves you. You know how we call him inside the company? 'Kingmaker'. He knows how to cut dry bastards and put worthy people on their places. And you...", he takes a brief pause and points his lit cig at you. "You're someone James would put his hand on burning fire. He sees your passion and your desires. And he wants what's best for you. He wants to put a goddamn crown on your head and show everyone around how worthy you are."
"I want the same for him"
"I know you want. He keeps bugging my balls about how you don't understand his 'drinking appreciation'. You and me know the truth.", he goes back to lean on the wall, "Can't offer you a job at the company but I have people who could grow the value of their companies with your writing. Best I can do for you. They pay well, have prestige, access to a good network... Only thing is you gonna freelance. Can't put you inside that easily. You accept?"
And you thought you would have to suck his balls to get what you want. That was easier than you imagined. You have a big smile on your face without even notice. "Sure! Yeah! Yeah... I accept!", your heart skips a beat. You can't believe on what was in front of you.
"Good. I have your info already. I'll call some people and send these to them", he lights his cig again. "Damnit", he laughs and inhale again. "Now... Gonna ask you something..."
"Anything you want!", you're still smiling until you noticed your previous conversation with him, "I mean..."