Tommy’s burgers was known for its mixture of customers. Lowlifes to the rich. All came through the doors of the burger joint. The diner was a long metal room with a bar at the center and several small booths scattered along the edges. It was busy, but not the busiest Jason had ever seen it.

His outfit was lined with dirt and scuff from a hard days work. Maya’s dress was spotless and beautiful. The two made their way to Jason’s normal booth and grabbed their menus.

“Not really the place I was thinking about when you said you wanted to take me on a date.” Maya said her tone playful and inviting.

“Yeah I’m sorry about that. I was hoping to get off work early. Jokes on me I guess I should have known I was going to be late. Always am whenever I need to get out on time.” He let out a chuckle, but she could tell he was nervous. She liked that.

“It’s okay. I’m just glad we’re doing this.” She smiled and he matched it. His eyes gazed into hers and she could tell that she was all he could see. Then the chime of the door opening drew his attention. He stared in the direction of the person his eyes scanning them before he returned his attention to her.

“Everything okay?” She asked.

“Of course.” He gave her hand a squeeze as he returned his attention to the menu.

Minutes passed as they selected their food and placed their orders with the waitress.

“So tell me, what do you like about your job?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, construction is hard work. There must be some reason why you decided to keep working in it.” She read the confusion on his face but she didn’t call him on it.

“Well, I don’t really know.” He let out with a sigh. “I ain’t really given it much thought before. Guess I just like that it pays the bills. That’s what work is for right?”

“Yes, but you know you can love what you do for a living too right?”

He let out a chuckle. “I ain’t never heard nothin’ like that before. Work is work. It pays the bills and that’s good enough for me I guess.” The door chimed again as another customer entered. Maya watched his eyes scanning them. She followed him this time, turning her head to see who it was.

A man tall and burly entered. His frame was intimidating though his face looked happy. His beard was long and wispy white. And his clothes matched that of a biker with his leather vest and boots to match. She turned her gaze away from the man who was picking up his order and brought them back to Jason.

Jason’s eyes didn’t meet hers. Instead he watched and continued watching until the man left.

“You sure everything’s okay?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You just stared that man down for quite a while.”

“Oh, I did? I’m sorry. Kind of a habit.” His eyes showed more than he let on. She could almost see the memories flooding them as the light in his eyes faded. He blinked hard and his light came back.

“Okay, did you know him?”

“No.” He answered flatly.

“Were you scared of him?”

“No.” He grew more frustrated.

“Then why would stare so hard at someone until they leave?”

“Because I’ve seen some things!” The dinner grew quiet as Jason’s voice exploded. “I’ve seen some things… not everyone in this world is innocent Maya. Some people want to harm you. When you’ve seen how wicked mankind can be it’s hard to go back.” He held his necklace in his hand. His thumb rubbing against the metal dogtag. She didn’t question him any further.