The Greatest Girl // discontinued

2 - She's perfect for the job

As I get changed, I see a note on my mirror from my roommate.

Hey Jane,

I wanted to tell you that while you were out at the circus my mother called and she's extremely sick so I have to go back home for a while. Wishing you the best of luck.

Lots of love,

Matthew

As I read the note I sigh, placing the note down on my desk I decide to go to the nearest bar. I put on my going out clothes, which is a tail coat, a button down shirt, an undone bow tie, scarf, vest, my hat, leggings and heeled knee high boots.

As I brush my long brown hair I think about how quiet the apartment is going to be and how I'll need to work harder to keep my head above the water.

Pushing those thoughts aside I put my hat on and walk out the door, down to the bar.

I walk in and see not a lot of people there so I take a seat at the bar and order some food. I hear the chatter of people from all around me, especially when someone takes a seat next to me.

"Hey, Jane?" A voice questions.

I look to my left from under my hair seeing a male sitting next to me.

"Yes?" I respond.

"P.T Barnum, at your service," I hear the man say and see a hand stuck out.

I flick my hair backwards so he can see my face and shake his hand.

"Pleasure to meet you Mr Barnum, I'm assuming you know who I am?" I say giving him a weak smile.

"Yes I do in fact, you are the wealthiest person on this side of Manhattan and you are so well known, and I want you for my circus, you've been right?" Barnum says quickly.

"I have indeed, but why would I be part of your circus, I'd get ridiculed by the media, Jane Jones joins Barnum Circus, is her career ruined?" I say taking a bite of my food.

Barnum sighs as I finish my food.

" It will be incredible for you, and it will help the circus possibly even attract some of the most important people," Barnum says as I put my hat on.

"So, it will help you get more money and what do I get out of it apart from the media slamming me and me possibly losing all status I have," I say as I put my scarf on.

"Well, uh."

"I knew it. Mr Barnum, you seem like a great guy but I have to say no," I say touching his shoulder and putting my coat on as I walk towards the door.

I grab the door handle and feel a hand grab my arm, causing me to snap my head behind me, hair flying around and over my shoulder.

"Can't we discuss this more over drinks?" Barnum asks me with a glimmer of hope in his eye.

I sigh and turn around facing Barnum with my arms crossed. I tilt my head to the side and stare at Barnum.

"Fine, but that doesn't mean I won't say yes to it," I say.

"Okay, come here," Barnum says dragging me back to the bar. "Sit."

I listen and take a seat again as Barnum orders us some shots, I mentally groan knowing the headache I'm bound to have.

I take the first shot and it goes straight to my head.

"Wooo! That's strong," I say laughing.

Barnum laughs with me as he takes his.

"Okay, let's lay down the plans," Barnum says.

Two more shots are poured.

"First, what do I get, second, why me?" I say quickly.

"You'd be payed great money, you're the star of the show, you'd get credit you didn't know you wanted and you are perfect for this," Barnum says.

"Right, but you do realise that I not only get that but both of us would be in deep shit and it's risky," I say.

"Yes but it's a risk you'd surely be willing to take," Barnum says smiling at me.

I return the smile and take a shot from in front of me.

"You'd also find yourself a free girl, away from the city rush," Barnum says.

"I'll think bout it," I say.

PT Barnum POV

Sitting next to me is one of the most incredible, gorgeous girls in New York and I'm trying to convince her to join my circus. Every time I look at her, I find things in her that would be perfect. Her olive skin, long brown hair, crystal blue eyes, the way she dresses like not a care in the world, her genuine smile and her laugh. Oh my lord. Her laugh is incredible. She's smart, strong and has so much will power. She's perfect for the job.

"Right here right now, I put the offer out, I don't wanna chase you down but I know you see it. You run with me and I can cut you free, out of the drudgery and walls you keep in," I sing and slam my hand on the table like a wall.

I tap the table twice and the alcohol bottle gets slid over by the bar tender and I place a coin down all in time with a beat.

Jane sighs at my antics and shakes her head.

"So trade your typical for something colourful, and if it's crazy live a little crazy. You can play it sensible, a king of conventional. Or you can risk it all and see," I put my hat on and turn around and take the shot before I put my arms around behind my head and put the shot glass on the table and spin Jane around.

"Don't you wanna get away, from the same old part you gotta play? Cause I got what you need so come with me and take the ride, it'll take you to the other side."

Jane's POV

Barnum starts to sing to get my deal, who does he think he is?

He shimmies my untied bow tie as he looks in my eyes, making me realise, he's really serious about this. I roll my eyes and laugh as he jumps on the table.

"Cause you can do like you do, or you can do like me, stay in the cage or you finally take the key, oh damn, suddenly you're free to fly, it'll take you to the other side," he sings as he gets off the table and walks over to me and rests his arm on my shoulder and pours another shot.

"Okay my friend, you wanna cut me in, well I hate to tell you but it just might not happen, so thanks, but nah, I think I'm gonna go," I sing as I get up to leave.

I turn around and continue to sing and decide not to leave quite yet, there might be more to this.

"Now is this really how you like to spend your days? Whiskey, misery and parties and plays?" Barnum sings as he sits down at the self playing piano.

"If I were mixed up with you, I'd be the talk of the town. Disgrace and disowned another one of the clowns!" I sing walking towards the door.

Barnum stills try to convince me by talking about how it'll make me laugh and make me do things I could only have thought of in my dreams.

I give in and agree to the job, knowing the risks.

"You've got yourself a deal there Mr Barnum," I say smiling as I put my hat on.

"Pleasure to work with you, oh and please don't with the formalities, it's not needed," Barnum says smiling as we shake.

"Ok Barnum, let's do this," I say smiling as well.

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