In April 2016, Max took Leigha's passport picture prior to going to teach in Chile. They wouldn't go on a date for a couple of months, but it would be love at first cake shake.

Max picked Leigha up for a sports filled day in Los Angeles. He took her to the USA v. China pre-olympic matchup at Staples Center. After the date, they walked over to The Palm and had a delicious steak dinner. On the way home from Los Angeles, as they were passing the La Palma exit in Buena Park, Leigha goes "Off this exit theres this place..." and Max quickly swerved over to the exit and got off the freeway. He knew exactly what place she was talking about. They drove to Portillo's and had a cake shake for dessert. That was the first moment they knew they were a perfect match.