What’re you having?

I’ll take the ranchers special.

How do you want your eggs?

Sunny side.

Toast?

Wheat. Buttered.

You got it.

He watched her walk away. Opened up a packet of marmalade and spooned it into his mouth. Quickly, there were four empty packets of marmalade on the table. The truck driver started in on the wild berry jelly just before the waitress brought over more coffee.

Sure do like sweets, don’t you? she winked at him.

Yeah. Always have. Shows, don’t it? he rubbed his fat belly.

Not too much. Not too much, she laughed. I’ll be back with your breakfast. He smiled at her.

A Charlie Rich song came on the speakers. Behind Closed Doors softly played throughout the diner. The old trucker smiled and whispered the words. Cuz no one knows what goes on behind closed doors, he sang; rubbed his eyes.

Here you go, honey, she placed the plate in front of him. Need anything else?

You, he said. She turned red in the face. You’re blushing. She looked away and laughed. You must be new. Any other waitress would have slapped me for saying that.

Let’s just say I’m not jaded yet.

I see. So I got a chance?

Need more coffee?

No. Sorry about that.

It’s OK.  I’m flattered. Also married, she held up her wedding ring.

Lucky man.

I guess so.

No, he is. You’re pretty and nice.

And smart, she laughed.

Yeah. And smart.

I’m going to check on my other tables. I’ll be back, she told him, doing her best Arnold Schwarzenegger impression. He nodded his gray head and opened another packet of jelly.