Page 92 - The Houseguest

CLERK
Brian arrived at his interview 30 minutes early wearing one of the suits Lance had given him. He’d never worn a suit like this. never knew anything like this existed. It was a little large, but not very noticeable. He knew people talked about dressing for success. Suits like this must be what they were talking about. Just wearing it he felt smarter and more professional.
A woman met him in the lobby and escorted him to a glass-enclosed office with a long conference table. Instantly, he was taken back to his visits to the parole board. Words flashed through his mind: DENIED. DENIED. APPROVED. He smiled at the irony and greeted three gentlemen, each with a firm handshake and expected head nods. He literally soaked up the confidence oozing from the suit. He felt self- assured for the first time in forever.
They asked him about his past, not pushing him for details like Lance had, though he wouldn’t be living in their house, either. He answered honestly and he could sense their approval. He actually liked these men and could see himself clerking for them...whatever that meant.
He left to catch the train home and before he reached the tracks, his cell phone rang. He got the job. He got the job. His head began whirling so he sat down on the bench staring at the blank screen of his phone. He was wearing an Armani suit and he got a job. He began to believe his life could actually turn around. He now had a chance to become a man his sister could be proud of and he wasn’t going to blow this opportunity. He hadn’t had a drink since waking up on the bench.
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The Houseguest by Linda Ellis www.LindaEllis.life