On March 11, 2023 Charleston and California collide. On this particular Saturday, the rhythm of life seemed to beat around a birthday event that drew locals and visitors alike. It didn’t take much convincing when Derrick, a Charleston local, was invited by some friends to an oyster roast. He gladly accepted the invitation. Cassidy, new to Charleston never would have expected to find herself at an oyster roast. But looking for a community of friends, she was quickly thrown into a crash course in local culture as she was asked to help prepare the oysters for the roast. Without missing a beat, Cassidy grabbed the water hose and turned it on full blast, cleaning the mud off the oysters and getting half on herself. As she struggled to drag the 75lb bushels of oysters, Derrick spotted Cassidy. He admired her concentration and the way she moved with grace. Chuckling to himself, he walked over to offer assistance. As she struggled to pull herself together, she jokingly said: "Who knew I’d find my true calling today? Next thing you know, I’ll be cleaning oysters like it’s my new fitness routine.” They both laughed. The conversation flowed easily from there. They talked about everything from the best local spots for seafood to their favorite hidden gems in Charleston. As they spoke, Derrick and Cassidy found they had many things in common including their love for guns and God. They even attended the same church. By the time the event wound down, they exchanged contact information, promising to keep in touch. “Maybe next time we can grab dinner and talk more,” Derrick suggested, a hopeful note in his voice. “I’d like that,” Cassidy said with a smile. And so, beneath the setting sun and the lingering scent of oysters, Cassidy and Derrick’s story began, not just as a fleeting moment at a birthday party, but as the start of something deeper and more meaningful. Their paths had crossed on that March day, and it was clear that the roast had been more than just a feast—it was the beginning of their own shared adventure.