Don’t dwell on the past, put it behind you. That’s what they say.

“Well, I’d like to go ahead, at this point, Mr. Bedford, and offer you this position with our company,” the operations manager had a pleasant, fairly excited smile on his face. It was the result of a good interview with what I hoped he thought to be an excellent new employee. I’ve always nailed the interviews and first impressions. “Would you like some time to consider it?”

“No, sir,” I said, “I’d like to accept your offer.” I said, smiling. It was good to get hired.

“Okay, excellent,” he said, “then we’ll just submit your background check, get you down for a urinalysis, and start your orientation. Is there anything I should know before we run the background check?” The last bit was said hurriedly, like a formality or rhetorical question.

“Well, I do have some misdemeanors in my past.” I said, watching his expression change from excitement to confused worry. I watched his opinion of me change instantly. “No felonies though.”