'Blacks' was a small shop that sold hand-made furniture. It was clear people had put blood, sweat and tears into making plane pieces of wood and other materials into something amazing.
"… I'm sorry I'm late –" He rushed out, trying to hide the stain on his shirt.
"It happens, do you have children?" The older, wheelchair bound man – Billy - asked.
"Yes, a daughter, Braelynn, she's –"
"Your life? Yeah I have three. And I know it's hard, a couple minutes past nine isn't a big deal."
Edward smiled at the man, "thanks for understanding."
"Anyway, enough with the sap. So it's nine till five, the job obviously includes physical labour as you'll be delivering furniture and picking up materials. Monday to Friday. Occasional Sundays but you'll be notified in advanced. Here's the deal. I can do a background check or you can give me your honesty. Have you ever been arrested?"
Edward offered no hesitation. "Yes twice when I was thirteen for theft. Once at sixteen for the use of drugs. I wasn't an angel I'll admit that. But I can promise you that I'm not the same person."
Billy looked at him good and hard for a moment.
"You're hired. Can you start tomorrow?"
Edward blinked. "Yes…Yes! Thank you."