She poured him a cup of coffee. Blinds were open, and sunlight peeked through. A stack of buttered toast sat on the table.

Do you like marmalade? he asked. I eat it by the spoonfuls. But I don’t put any on my toast, he offered her a package. Isn’t that strange? I don’t put it on my toast. Just never did. Used to sit down with a jar of it and eat till my belly was full, she nodded. Not anymore. Too fat. Gotta cut back. I figure small amounts are what’s best, they smiled.

Her omelet was brought over by the waitress. He watched as she walked away. He kept looking at her. As if he knew her even though he was a thousand miles from home. 

You know what you got there? 

A Denver omelet, she replied.

Yes. Not a Western, but a Denver. There’s a difference. 

Oh yeah? What would that be?

He laughed. Picked up the menu and tossed it aside. I don’t know, he said. I think they put ham in the Denver and no ham in the Western, she nodded. Could be reversed. Not sure.

Which do you like?

The one with the ham. I’m thinking that’s the Denver. Gotta be the Denver.

I just ordered it cause I like the name. Western. Sounds like old school talk,  she said.

Well. Has it got ham in it?

It does. But Denver has ham, too. They both do. I think it’s the way they’re cooked. Different ways.

I see, the truck driver said. Well, I’m glad we got that figured out.

Right.

Yeah.

What’s your wife like?

Who said I was married?

Got a ring on.

Yeah, he opened another packet of marmalade. She passed away a few years ago. Cancer.

Sorry.

He nodded. Thanks. I guess I’m not ready to let go.

Looks that way.

Doubt if I ever do.

I could help with that, she grabbed his hand.

I’ll bet you could. But that’s OK. I’m going to pass. 

Alright. You sure? 

Yep. I’m sure. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a hundred. Take this, placed it in her hand. And you take care now. 

The young girl took the bill and tucked it away in her backpack. Thank you, she said. I gotta find a ride.

Where you heading?

Albuquerque. 

I’m going east.

Oh yeah? What’s out East?

Just another town.

I see. They looked at each other for a few seconds.

God bless you.

Yeah, mister. You too.