It was a beautiful sunny day when Diane decided it was time to start swiping again on Hinge. She eventually saw Greg’s profile and liked that he was cute, funny, and there wasn’t a single photo of him holding a fish. After some back and forth repartee, they decided to get drinks at Stampede Cocktail Club for their first date. They reveled over the unique cocktail ingredients (what is milk thistle??), and Greg almost flashed Diane trying to show his tattoo. Diane thought he was really nice and, amazingly, even better looking than his photos. Greg left the date with no clue if she liked him at all.

Greg eventually figured out that Diane did, in fact, like him. So they continued to go on dates like: going to Mariners games, cooking each other dinner, or seeing who could score the highest at pinball (it was always Greg). A couple months of dating had gone by when they returned to Stampede for drinks. After Diane had had a few (note: the drinks can be strong), she and Greg accidentally stumbled into an alley in Fremont. Outside of a metal machine shop, in between two industrial delivery trucks, Diane burst into ugly tears. She confessed that she loved Greg. He laughed and said he loved her too.

They had a couple of drinks at Stampede (first date spot) and then started walking to their dinner location (Joule). Greg casually suggested they stop by the alley spot where they had said "I love you", since it was on the way. In the alley, Greg started saying really nice, complimentary things to Diane, and then started getting down on one knee. Diane became alarmed. Her brain couldn't comprehend what was happening. Her nails were ugly and unmanicured, and in no state to wear an engagement ring. So she ran behind one of the industrial trucks parked nearby to briefly hyperventilate, then returned back to Greg. Flabbergasted but determined, Greg continued to ask "Will you marry me?" To which a dazed Diane replied, "Okay". She meant to say "yes" but her brain hadn't regained full functionality. Please forgive her.