No Way Out by Fern Michaels (great books for teens .TXT) 📗

bow in her direction. “Elaine, I know I’ve been a bit of an ass lately. Actually, for a while now, but I want to be a better man.”

Elaine almost dropped the coffeepot. “You don’t say?” She was being sincere, in spite of her shock.

“Yeah. The other day, when I was with Jackson and my mother, I realized how important it is to be a good father. A father who is present.”

Elaine set the coffeepot down in fear she would truly drop it. “That’s wonderful news, Mitchel.”

“And my mother? Boy, was that a turnaround.”

“I know,” Elaine said.

“When I saw how happy Jackson was coloring on the place mats, and my mother being so nice, I thought how good it would be if we could try to be a happy family.”

Elaine cleared her throat.

“Oh, I know that Colleen and I are over. I treated her like dirt, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be good parents.”

Elaine walked over to Mitchel and felt his forehead. “You all right?”

Mitchel laughed. “I’m fine. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.”

“The reason I’ve been a lousy father is probably because my dad died when I was ten. I had no role model. Greg did his best to fill in, but he was only two years older than me. No one could expect him to take that kind of responsibility.”

Elaine sat down before she fell down. “Mitchel, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk like this before.”

Mitchel grunted. “Probably because I never felt like this before. Or at least gave it any thought. I think because I was the youngest, everyone coddled me and tried to protect me. In some ways, I was spoiled rotten and allowed to get away with a lot of crap. Even Colleen gave me a lot of slack. But I guess what I really needed was some good old-fashioned discipline.”

Elaine got up and returned to the coffee maker. “You want a cup?”

“Yes, please,” Mitchel responded. “Looking back, I realize what a dumbass I’ve been to a lot of people. Colleen, Jackson, my boss, you, Greg. I’m lucky to have any of you even talking to me now.”

Elaine poured him a mug. “Sounds like you’ve been doing a lot of thinking.”

“Yes, ma’am. And I want you to know I acknowledge all the stupid stuff I’ve done and want to thank you for putting up with me.”

“We’re family.” Elaine patted him on the wrist.

“Well, some families disown jerks.”

“We’re not that kind of family, Mitch.”

“I know that now, and I’m truly grateful.”

“So what are your plans for today?” Elaine asked, sincerely interested.

“I’m going to the shop and beg for my job back.”

“Really? What do you think Otto will say?”

“I have no idea. I’m just hopin’ he’ll say ‘yes’ and maybe take me back on probation.”

“You always were the best mechanic there,” Elaine said with encouragement.

“I’m hoping that counts for something.”

“I’ll pray it will.” She smiled at Mitch. “Want any breakfast before your big interview?”

“If it’s no trouble,” Mitch answered sincerely.

“No trouble at all. Eggs? Over easy? Toast?”

“Sounds good to me.”

Several minutes later, Elaine had the plate ready for Mitch. “Here you go.” She paused. “You know, I only want what’s best for you and Jackson. Colleen, too, but for now, it’s about you and your son.”

“Thanks, Elaine. That’s what I’m focusing on.” Mitch dunked a piece of toast in his eggs. “I think if I can do good by Jackson, Colleen will come around. I don’t mean by taking me back, but by being a good parenting partner.”

“That’s a great attitude, Mitch.”

He wiped the plate clean with his toast and finished his coffee. He rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Another first for him since his stay at Greg and Elaine’s had begun. She watched him move across the kitchen in amazement. Maybe there’s some hope.

“Thanks for the breakfast and the talk.” Mitch washed his hands and wiped them on a paper towel.

“You’re welcome, Mitch. Glad we had time this morning.” She got up as he was walking toward the door.

“Wish me luck!” He gave her a two-fingered salute. “Oh, and prayers are most welcome!” Prayers. Another word that rarely, if ever, appeared in his vocabulary. He hadn’t protested when Colleen took Jackson to church as long as he didn’t have to go with them. Maybe that might also change. One step at a time, bro. He smiled to himself.

Mitch got in his truck and traveled to his former place of employment, silently asking the Lord to give him another chance.

* * *

He pulled up to the shop, recognizing most of the other cars. He checked his teeth in the mirror and took a swig of Listerine. But this time he spit it out in a cup. It wasn’t as if he was trying to hide the smell of booze. He wanted to come off squeaky clean when he spoke to Otto.

When he opened the door, the bell rang in the back of the shop, signaling that a customer had arrived. Otto came out with a big smile, but it turned into a frown when he saw that it was Mitchel.

“What are you doing here?” Otto asked, more out of curiosity than anger.

“Hey, Otto. Can we talk a minute?” Mitch was close to fawning over him, but that kind of schmaltz wouldn’t work on the hard-nosed Otto.

“What about?” Otto was wiping some grease off his hands with a towel.

“Let me start out by saying I know I was a real jerk.”

“You won’t get an argument from me.” Otto leaned against the counter.

Mitchel snickered. “Listen, you know Colleen and I are going through an ugly time.”

“So I’ve heard.” Otto wasn’t much for words.

“Otto, I know you gave me a lot of chances to keep my job when I was screwing up.”

“I ain’t gonna argue that either.”

“Otto, I’m trying to get my act together. I’ve cut down on my drinking. I’m even trying to quit smoking.” He rolled up his sleeve to show him the nicotine patch.

“I’m guessing you want your old job