Larissa was taking a break from teaching. Gilbert was looking for other jobs while working at Beloit in Ames. Larissa got a job and Beloit and was put on the schedule anyway so Gilbert had to cover her shifts, leaving a bad taste in his mouth about her. After an intense game of Spider Ball with the kids (Larissa won but Gilbert claims he "went easy on her") and talking, Gilbert was definitely in like and Larissa was oblivious. After many failed attempts at a first date they went to Orange Leaf.