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Watercolor BrushstrokeWatercolor Brushstroke

Colin Brownell Smith

and

Belen Beatriz Gonzalez

Miami

FL

January 10

2026

“Have you ever tried Fernet?”

the meet-cute

Belén’s sister, Elisa, was visiting her one weekend in Gainesville, FL while she was pursuing her PharmD at UF. They chose one of the maybe 2 bars in town that offered a lively atmosphere and good cocktails to spend their Friday night out. While catching up and sitting at a table with Elisa facing the door, she spotted Colin walk through the door by himself, unknowingly after a game of pool with Hunter, and sit at the bar. She dared Belén to strike up a conversation and grab another round while she went to the bathroom. As Belén waited at the bar for the bartender to notice her, Colin saw her at a side glance and thought about what to say. His opener was the question that is the title of this story and what started the two of them sharing what two people above the age of 22 were still doing in that town. Belén learned she didn’t like Fernet, and Colin learned that Belén’s sister was sitting right over there grinning at them. Colin came over and joined the two sisters, who exposed each other’s embarrassing memories until the bar was close to closing. Luckily, he got Belén’s number before the sisters left, and with that Elisa became a successful matchmaker.

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