It all began on Chad’s 20th birthday. Some of his high school friends decided to host a pre-game celebration in their dorm before heading out for the night. Several of Taylor’s sorority sisters were invited, and Taylor tagged along—mostly because she heard they were going to the hockey house. Chad had no idea a group of sorority girls would be there. Taylor had no idea she was walking into a mini birthday party for “some guy named Chad.” Now, Chad is not what you’d call a heavyweight when it comes to alcohol. In fact, he’s more of a “two drinks and making smart-ass comments” type. But in a room full of sorority girls tossing back tequila shots, he decided to try to keep pace. It went about how you’d expect. Somewhere between “buzzed” and “absolutely feeling it,” Chad looked across the room and saw her: a brunette with dark brown eyes who stopped him in his tracks. Determined to talk to her (and not entirely confident in his ability to walk in a straight line), he made his move. He can’t recall if he introduced himself or if words even happened—but he does remember the next part: they’d made their way to a house party, and he and Taylor were making out. In what remains the boldest thing Chad has ever said, he told Taylor, “I’m ready to go when you are.” Taylor laughed—rightfully so. Realizing he might be… slightly overserved, Chad ducked away to the bathroom to regroup. When he came back, Taylor had gone to find her roommate, Callie. Taking the opportunity to step outside and get some fresh air, Chad ended up lying in the grass (seemed like a good idea at the time). One of Taylor’s sorority sisters promptly slapped him in the face with a slice of pizza, yelling at him to get up because they were leaving for the frat house. From there, things get fuzzy. He remembers piling into an Uber with Taylor and her friends to head to another house party—insisting he would only get in if Taylor sat on his lap. The Uber driver, concerned for the state of his car, asked if Chad was going to be sick. Taylor promised that if he was, she’d aim him out the window. (Ah, romance.) At the next party, Chad wasn’t allowed in—either because he was a guy, or because he was too drunk… or, most likely, both. Either way, he eventually made it back to the dorm and passed out on the couch. The next day, Chad tried to piece together the night before. He very much remembered Taylor—and knew he liked her—but had no clue what her name was. After two hours of trying (and failing) to find her on Instagram, he finally caved and asked his friend. Then, he sent Taylor a message: apologizing for the state he was in, promising that wasn’t his usual form, and asking if he could take her on a proper date. Taylor said yes. And the rest, as they say, is history.