Zack shrugged. “That’s what everyone keeps asking me. I have no idea.”

“Ever thought about going back to school?”

“Of course, but I dunno what I would study.”

Mr. Alvarez gave him a thoughtful look. “You ever heard of trade school?”

Zack nodded.

“Well, there aren’t as many of them as there used to be, but back in my day, the bookworm types went to college, and the rest of us went to trade school and learned how to do something useful. I think that’s your problem.”

“I don’t know how to do anything useful?”

Mr. Alvarez laughed. “No, I think your problem is you tried to go to college with the academic types. I’m not saying you couldn’t squeeze by if you wanted to, but why waste your time learning a bunch of things you don’t need to know?”

“Because then, instead of being a waiter, I could be something nicer. Like a head waiter.”

Mr. Alvarez smiled crookedly. “That’s my point. Even people who do get fancy degrees aren’t guaranteed a job. Why don’t you find something useful and learn that?”

“I’m not sure what I’m good at. Outside of drinking and making poor life choices.”

“You could work with animals,” Mr. Alvarez suggested. “With the way you pamper that dog of yours, I’m sure you’d be great at it. Maybe get a job in a vet’s office.”

“Hm.” Zack rubbed his chin. “That’s a thought, though I have to admit, I’m kind of squeamish.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah. One time Ziggy tried to chase this squirrel over a fence, and he tore his leg open. I thought I was going to faint when I saw it. I don’t know if I could handle working with injured animals every day.”

“In that case, why not follow in my footsteps?”

“You think I should retire?”

“No, son, become a mechanic. I’ve already taught you everything I know, and the money’s good. You just need to get certified.”

Zack mulled it over. “That’s a decent idea. I’ve loved working on Marilyn all these years.” The more Zack thought about it, the more he warmed to the idea. His parents would be thrilled to hear he’d gone back to school, even if it wasn’t a traditional university, and fixing cars was something he might actually be good at.

“I’ll think about it,” he said, not wanting to get his hopes up. “But that sounds like it could be my best bet.”

For the first time in he couldn’t remember how long, he felt like he might finally get his life together.

But then Mr. Alvarez said, “Just promise me you won’t let your rich boyfriend turn you into a kept man.”

The pain on Zack’s face must have been evident, because Mr. Alvarez said, “Ah, I see. When did you break up?”