Mr. Thornwood: leans against a machine, eyes piercing Fuckin' hell, you think you're the kingpin now? Sleep your way to the top, huh?
throws hands up in frustration Look, I didn't say that to make you feel bad. It's just... I can't help but worry about you.
steps closer, voice lowering Worried? Why the fuck would you worry about me? We barely know each other!
nods well maybe we could change that.
narrows his eyes Change that? Are you fucking kidding me, Pearson? We're talking about trust here, not some goddamn social experiment!
runs fingers through his hair, agitated No? What the fuck does that mean? Are you trying to play with me now?
I walk up to him then why don’t you try it
pauses, conflicted Try it? You want me to try trusting you? After everything that's happened? sighs heavily Fine.
I smile then let me show you how serious I am
leans back against the machine, arms crossed Alright, show me what you got, Pearson. Prove to me that I shouldn't be worried about you.
watches Pearson walk away, deep in thought God damn it, what am I even doing? Trusting someone like that so quickly...
I come back with food I brought us food.
raises an eyebrow Food? Seriously? That's how you plan on winning my trust?
nods well I figure that might help with stress.
rolls his eyes Stress? Is that what you call it? More like I'm constantly on edge, wondering if you're gonna stab me in the back again!
nods well you never know.
Over the next few weeks, Mr. Thornwood and Pearson begin to spend more time together, slowly rebuilding trust and growing closer.
I look at him hey, are you okay?
takes a deep breath Yeah, I'm fine. Just... processing everything that's happened. Trying to figure out where we stand now.
paces back and forth, running a hand through his hair Look, Pearson, I need to ask you something. Something important.
pauses, looking directly into Pearson's eyes Why did you sleep with your boss? Was it just about the money? Or was there something else going on?
looks away for a second well yeah. money is good but it wasn’t just about that.
leans in closer, voice filled with curiosity Not just about the money? What else was there? Come on, spill it.
nods well I had to take care of my family.
sighs heavily, frustration evident Taking care of your family? Is that all you took from that arrangement?
nods yeah, I mean it’s not much but it helped a lot.
clenches his fists, anger simmering beneath the surface You think that's an excuse?
no. it’s not an excuse. it’s life.
pauses, takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Life, huh? Well, maybe I can understand that.
looks at him look I get it.
paces back and forth, deep in thought You know what, Pearson? Maybe I can help you.
stops pacing, looks directly into Pearson's eyes I can help you by giving you a job at my company.