Seven years, three timezones, five cities. Our narrative began with four days in an unairconditioned Chicago warehouse circa June 2018. Kevin was picking up another odd job before he left for graduate school in North Carolina. I was picking up another odd job because I worked in theatre in Chicago - a city and industry rife with odd jobs. Small talk happens, possible flirting occurs, phone numbers are exchanged - then I forget the name of this gangly guy with the big eyes. One month later, I pick up another odd job and there he is. The room might be warmer and I'm strangley alert to where he is in the room (still can't remember his name). Somehow Kevin reminds me who he is because later that week I send the fateful text to meet for "coffee or whatever" and talk shop. We did not talk shop. Two months later I'm flying to North Carolina to visit someone I kinda just met but feels like my oldest best friend. November 2018, in Harrigans on Diversey following a stirring rendition of "My Own Worst Enemy", we say "I love you" like an exhale.