**Diary Entry**
I couldnt believe what I was seeing. What on earth are you doing? Emily whispered, watching as my husband tucked a note with his number under the windscreen wiper of the car hed just backed into.
Leaving my details so they can call me. We have to cover the damage, James replied calmly.
Why? Its pitch black, no one saw us! Emily hissed, glancing around nervously. This isnt even our neighbourhoodlets just go!
Thats not right. How would you feel if someone hit *our* car and drove off?
Look at that car, James! Its worth more than our flat! A dent like that is nothing to them.
I cant do it, Em. I just cant.
We got back in the car, and James carefully pulled away.
And how exactly are we supposed to pay for repairs? Weve barely got two pennies to rub together, half of which is going on rent for the new place! Emily pressed.
The new job pays wellIll sort it within a year. We wont even notice, James reassured her, following the sat-navs route.
You havent even *started* the job and youre already digging us into debt, she muttered, staring out at unfamiliar streets. I *told* you this honesty of yours would land us in trouble. Well end up homeless! You cant be this naïve!
James stayed silent.
Half an hour later, as dawn broke, we arrived at the new flat. The landlord greeted usa sharp-suited, meticulous man.
Just the two of you, correct? he asked after wed viewed the place, already drafting the lease at the kitchen table.
And our cat, James added. Emily rolled her eyes.
A *cat*? The landlord frowned. Your wife never mentioned a pet.
Emily looked ready to sink through the floor.
I wouldnt have rented to you if Id known, he said, setting down his pen.
After an agonising pause, he sighed. Fine. You seem decent, and youve come all this way. But Ill charge an extra hundred a monthfor potential *issues*.
I dont think Emily started.
We agree. Sorry we didnt mention it, James cut in.
The landlord smiled. Good. Sorted.
***
Why did you tell him about the cat? I left him in the car on purpose! Emily exploded as soon as the door closed.
Lying isnt right, James protested, unpacking boxes.
Oh, but paying an extra twelve hundred a year *is*? she snapped, tossing clothes onto the bed. I love that youre honest, but there have to be *limits*!
At least weve got the flat. Dont worryIll earn it back.
Right. *If* you get the job. With that attitude, no regional manager would hire you. They want smooth-talkers who can spin a yarn, not someone whod overpay a vending machine if it gave them the wrong change!
You think I wont get it? James paled, fumbling a mug. It shattered on the tiles, cracking one.
We could hide that under a rug. But youd rather pay for repairs, wouldnt you?
James nodded guiltily.
You wont get it, Emily said flatly.
What do I do then? He slumped onto a stool, defeated.
This job was everythingthe reason wed uprooted our lives. It was supposed to be our fresh start, our chance to save for a mortgage, maybe even start a family.
Prove you can bend when you need to. Learn to spin a tale now and then. Everyone does it.
James nodded. Deep down, he knew people took advantage of his honesty. Success never came. Maybe it *was* time to change. The interview was his chance.
Alright. Youre right. Ill do it.
***
At the interview, James was flawless. His degree and references spoke for themselves. The director nodded approvingly after each answer. The job was his.
Based on our discussion, youre perfect for the role, the director said, setting aside the paperwork. One last question. Would you go the extra mile for this company, even if it meant bending the truth for profit?
Pardon? James blinked.
Could you spin a yarn if it meant securing a deal? Even if it wasnt entirely honest?
James stomach twisted. Every instinct screamed *no*, but he remembered Emilys words. Absolutely. No problem at all. He crossed his legs, exuding confidence.
Youre not what were looking for. Goodbye.
James froze. Whwhy?
We value integrity here. Were not some fly-by-night operation. One shady deal isnt worth our reputation.
Wait, I misunderstood! I *never* lie
Oh? Then why spin me a tale just now? No, we dont need dishonesty here. Goodbye.
James left, crushed. In one moment, everything had fallen apart. Hed failed Emily. Failed himself. All hed needed to do was stay true.
***
I got the job, James lied hollowly when Emily called.
*If Im spinning tales now, why stop?* he thought. *Ill pretend to go to work while job-hunting. Maybe something will turn up.*
Then his phone ranga blocked number.
About the car you hit this morning. Come sort it out.
James stomach dropped. Hed forgotten all about it. There went their savings.
At the address, legs like jelly, he dialled the owner.
Five minutes later, the director from the interview stepped out. James heart nearly stopped.
You again! The man chuckled. Whyd you hit my wifes car?
It was dark, I didnt mean
More yarn-spinning? The director raised a brow.
No. Ill cover the costs.
With what? Youre unemployed.
Ill find a way.
Course you willIll dock your wages. The director grinned, clapping his shoulder.
My *wages*?
Consider this your second chance. We need honest people. And we look after our own. He paused. But why lie at the interview?
James shrugged. Everyone does it. Or so Im told.
Only when it helps without harming others. We do that here, actually.
How?
Ill explain later*if* you take the job. He winked.
The director had no intention of docking wagesthe insurance would cover it. But James wouldnt know that for a year.
