We’re getting married!

​It was a warm May evening in Rhode Island in 2015, and I was helping my family clean up after a birthday party we’d thrown for my mom. That same night, friends of mine had also gathered for a birthday party, this one for our friend Jenn. As I was washing the last few dishes, they were gathering at the NYLO hotel bar for drinks and general revelry. My mom noticed me glancing at the time and urged me to meet up with everyone. Reluctantly I left. Once at NYLO, I joined my friends at the bar. They were about to grab another round. The gals were seated nearby. After buying a round of shots, I went over to the gals to say hi and pass out shots for a toast. There amongst my friends was someone I didn’t recognize, a blonde-haired girl who frowned at me when I motioned toward her with the shot of tequila. I introduce myself to this new girl, Alyssa, who seemed a shy if not put off. Eventually she accepted the shot. We all toasted. We all mingled. And eventually the party moved across the street to another bar. Some people left, but a few of us remained, including Alyssa. After stepping out to use the bathroom, I returned to a beer waiting for me at the bar. Alyssa had returned the favor. I was intrigued. We struck up a conversation, and I was sure that I wanted to see her again. But I couldn’t quite summon up the courage just then. Later, as everyone began to head home, I asked for her number, hoping she’d want to grab coffee or dinner sometime. She was hesitant and claimed that it wouldn’t be possible. You see, she lived in Massachusetts and worked in Boston, and she didn’t know when she would be back in Rhode Island. I all but pleaded, replying that I too worked in Boston. Maybe we could meetup after work sometime? She didn’t seem convinced, but gave me her number nonetheless. The next week we had dinner in North End on our first date. Now, almost six years later, we are getting married! Who would have thought…not Alyssa that’s for sure.