Once upon a not-so-ordinary Friday—March 1st, 2024, to be exact—I was perfectly content doing absolutely nothing. The original plan was to go out dancing with my friends, but after a brief, passionate relationship with my couch and a trashy TV show I wasn’t proud to love, I sent a solid “Not tonight” text. God had other plans. Just as I was sinking deeper into my blanket cocoon, my cousin Isabelle called—breathless with excitement—declaring she was en route to my place from hers (which, I might add, is an hour away). “Get ready. We’re going out,” she said, like a fairy godmother who preferred tequila over pumpkin carriages. So, like Cinderella with a better playlist, I peeled myself off the couch, dusted off my good shoes, and called my friends back with a simple, “Change of plans.” Downtown sparkled that night—not with fairy dust, but with neon lights, thumping bass, spilled drinks, and the promise of something just around the corner. Six margaritas and a couple shots later (because good stories never start with a salad), my friends let me know they were heading off to meet up with another group and asked if I wanted to come along. I said yes. Of course I said yes. The stars were stirring, and fate was growing impatient. Outside, in the blur of new names and tipsy introductions, I made eye contact with someone—Ashley. It was one of those glances that freezes time for a second. You know the kind—where your heart throws confetti before your brain can catch up. I walked over, words forgotten, instincts kicking in. We found a pair of worn-down stools under the city lights, surrounded by music, voices, and the rhythm of downtown chaos. I sat her down beside me—nervous, curious—and asked her four questions.. And just like that… We talked. We laughed. We face-planted (don’t ask). And maybe, just maybe, we shared a few secrets with the moon. From that moment on, we didn’t leave each other’s side. No ballroom. No glass slipper. Just loud music, the smell of Cuban cigars, flickering streetlight glow, and two people who didn’t know they were about to fall into something real. And the best part? It was just the beginning.