09.13.24

I was a sophomore in college at UMKC & had just finished up a DeeAnna Hiett Modern class. My body was warmed up, but my friend Brock Maze & I were hungry. Brock suggested that we go to Picklemans right on campus. I was hesitant because I hadn’t really tried Picklemans & naturally I am picky, but along we went. We walk in and I am overwhelmed with options- pizza, subs, salads, soup, so many things I could potentially not like. I walk up to the tall counter & behind this counter is a tall man (Evan) in a ball cap. (I can still remember his cute lil face greeting me). As soon as I am at the counter I express the fact that I am lost in this decision by leaning on the counter and putting my leg in the air while saying to this man, “I don’t know what I want!” There was a slight interlude as I realize that maybe my leg by my face scared this man. I apologize. He says its okay! And he proceeded to tell me about this chipotle chicken sandwich. Which is right up my alley. He continues to make mine & Brock’s sandwiches. Wraps up my sandwich all nice & tight (the Picklemans way). Brock & I pay & proceed to sit down at a booth to eat. As we are eating I say to Brock “He was cute👀…” I wait for his response back & Brock tells me, “Yeah he was checking you out.” “Really!?” I say. My wheels are turning, and I have the idea to have Brock video tape me getting this guys number. I ask if he would & like the good friend he is, he says he will. The nerves hit as I stand & come to terms with what I am about to do. But I am in my YOLO phase & I commit. I walk up to the register & speak to some other employee. I say “Hi, I need to speak to the man who made my sandwich.” He goes to get THE MAN who made my sandwich. Evan comes to talk to me & I am nervous, but like I said, committed. I chuckle back at Brock & say to Evan, “You made me a bomb ass sandwich & I was just wondering if I could have your Snapchat?” (In case he was weird, I figured it’d be easier to block him #safetyfirst). He prints out blank receipt paper & gives me his Snapchat, while also asking for my phone number. Which I give him. Evan & I text & I agree to meet him & his friends at Westport Flee Market the next night. Later that night he juggled for me, and ever since that night we’ve been together.

I was working as a manager at Picklemans’s across the street from UMKC in March of 2017. One day, a stunning young woman walked in to my shop and was looking over the menu. As I was waiting for her to order, she says, “I don’t know what I want” and throws her foot above her head. Since I was standing across the counter from her, the wall separating us only showed her from her chest up. So, I was shocked when I realized she was doing the splits while standing in line. She told me that she was a dancer at UMKC and that she was still warm from rehearsal. I helped her pick out her sandwich, made it for her and rang her up. As she was getting her drink, I was watching her and checking her out. She quickly turned around and I thought she saw me looking at her. So, naturally, I ducked and walked into the back kitchen area to hide. I was planning my next move when I heard the young woman walk back up to the counter and say, “I need to speak to the manager.” I was sure I was busted. I walk up to the register where she was waiting for me and she said, “You made me a bomb ass sandwich, so can I get your Snapchat?” I said, “Yes” and got some receipt paper to write down my info. I was so nervous, my handwriting looked like a first grader’s. I asked for her number and then we started texting and eventually went on a date a few nights later. She moved in promptly after that and we’ve been together ever since!