We're getting married!

On the afternoon of March 14th, 2024, Joey returned home from what can only be described as an “attempt” at playing golf with Torge (his best man) and Tom (Torge’s brother). As Joey reached into his car to grab his golf clubs, he noticed his next door neighbor, Maria, smiling and waving. Joey waved back, assuming that would be the end of it. It wasn’t. As Maria crossed the street separating their homes, she hesitated, then turned around and walked back toward Joey. When asked later what he was thinking at that moment, Joey said, “Oh, I guess we’re going to have a conversation now.” Maria asked if Joey was in college. He explained that he was attending school online while working full time. She then added, “So, I have a sister who lives with me, she does her college online too at University of West Florida, and she needs friends.” Joey immediately understood where this was going and replied, laughing, “Okay, so what do you want me to do? Should I just knock on your door one day and ask if she wants to come outside and play?” They exchanged numbers, and Maria said she would text him. That evening at 9:24 p.m., while Joey was at the gym, Maria texted: “Hey it’s Maria! It was really nice to officially meet you! Your mom mentioned when we first moved in that you guys host exchange students. Matt and I would love to have you all over for a BBQ or something when you all are free!” She followed the message with Andie’s phone number. Joey agreed a barbecue sounded great, but asked, “What am I supposed to say to Andie” Maria’s advice: “Haha idk say hi” At 9:54 p.m., Joey sent his first message to Andie: “Hey Andie! I’m Joey, I live across the street from Matt and Maria. She was telling me that you go to West Florida?” Andie replied, “Hii Joey, lol yes didn’t know that at all… but yes I do online classes at uwf” Trying to clear the awkwardness, Joey responded, “She approached me when I came home earlier I thought she would’ve told you or something” Andie replied, “lol I saw the whole thing” Joey later explained in an interview, “At that point I was under the impression that I’m constantly being watched every time I come home. So, from this day forward I will try to avoid parking in front of the house, but instead park on the side or in the back so there’s no way she could see me.” The next day, March 15th, Joey decided not to wait and asked Andie out. Knowing they had never met, he avoided a formal one on one date and told a small white lie: “If you’re not busy tonight, I might be downtown with some of my friends so maybe we could grab some food” In reality, there were no friends but the plan worked. Joey arranged an Uber and dinner at Bella Brava in downtown Saint Petersburg. When the Uber arrived, everyone was on time except Andie. Joey waited patiently. “It must’ve been hours that passed by before she finally put her shoes on and walked out the door.” said Joey. When Andie finally stepped into the Uber, the light hit her face for the first time, and Joey knew the wait was worth it. A few key takeaways from dinner: 1. Andie ordered an entire pizza. 2. Andie ate two slices. 3. They gave the rest to a homeless person. At the end of the night, Joey and Andie hugged goodbye and walked back across the street. Torge was waiting inside for the update. Joey summed it up simply: “I don’t think it could have gone better. I can promise you this, IF we somehow end up dating, then we will end up getting married.” As much as Andie hates to admit it, Joey was right again.