Being a Barrow - A Sequel to Barrow's Boy

Everett

     It was a good thing, in hindsight, that Reid had only brought one bottle that night. For if Everett had been hungover the next morning, he reckoned he would not have been able to process the conversation he was having. Not to mention, he'd already had to sit through an excruciating breakfast with his parents despite his best attempts to grab some toast and escape for the Abbey before they could grab him. He had won in the lack of hangover, but had lost in the fact that he would much rather be drunk any time his mother and father were in the same room as him. 

     God, he needed a place to stay in this village that wasn't with them. He would have just gone to stay at the Abbey (Theodore and Thomas would have figured it out for him, he's sure), but the film crew had taken over, and he doubted he would be a welcome addition right now. So, he'd gone to stay with his family, which at least gave him the chance to beg his father for a couple more months of allowance again. It was a hit to his pride that he kept having to ask for more time, but his job search was, admittedly, a failing one. Despite Abi's best attempts to help, any jobs they had found had been either unfit for him or did not want him on account of his lack of experience. Considering they'd been looking for months now, Everett was about ready to give up and just join the oldest profession in the books. Surely he could make some money that way; he looked good enough, didn't he? For now, he'd gotten his father to agree, though it had come with the condition that this would be "the last time, Everett. I won't support your sordid lifestyle any longer."

     Everett had eventually gotten away, and now he stood face to face with Reid, who looked at him with a slight smirk and a raised eyebrow, as if waiting too long for a response. Damn. 

    "I'm sorry?" Everett asked. Reid chuckled and repeated himself. 

     "Last night was fun?"

     "Oh, yes! It was. Thank you for inviting us."

     "It was my pleasure," Reid responded. He'd been holding onto the post of one of the large lights for the set, and now he ran his hand along it as he continued. "My absolute pleasure."

     "You flatter me too much."

      "I don't think you flatter yourself enough," Reid countered quickly. Everett couldn't help but bite down on his lip. 

      Reid slipped a hand in his pocket, standing with most of his weight on one leg as he looked Everett over. 

     "Why don't we continue that conversation from last night?"

     "What conversation?"

     "You, music, films," Reid stated to jog Everett's memory. Everett, admittedly, had known what Reid was getting at when the man had asked. "You said you would love to work in the industry, didn't you?"

     "I mean, yes, of course. That would be a dream come true," Everett found himself admitting, words falling from his lips. He stepped back, leaning against a wall and looking out at the room. He knew enough from his theatre work how this behind-the-scenes environment functioned. He recognized the quick yet meticulous movements of the crew, and the way the producers looked over it with consideration. As he watched them, Reid joined him on the wall, leaning directly next to him. 

     "So, why not take the leap?" He offered, bringing Everett back to their conversation. 

      "It's a big leap to take alone," Everett answered. "An ocean and continent big leap-"

     Reid chuckled, putting his head against the brick and looking up toward the ceiling. 

     "It is," he offered.