What we agree on: Mervyn and I met in 2012 through his (then) roommate and my (then) co-worker. My version: It was 2012 and I was in my first semester of nursing school. I had a new job and great friends. I was happy when this giant with a huge smile and full cheeks came in and sat at the bar. We said hi and my coworker introduced us. I thought he was cute but wasn't sure of what his intentions were and so I placed him in the friendzone. I saw him at a brunch, and we laughed after he photobombed me and my friend. And that was that. I finished nursing school and moved to Los Angeles. Fast forward to 2020 and what had been 8 years of casual friendship, quickly turned into more. We reconnected on social media and he won me over through intentional conversations, messaging, exchanging memes and good ole voice notes. Eventually very real feelings developed, and I was in love before I laid eyes on him again. His version: Twelve years ago, I saw a chocolate ball of energy running through my roommate's job. I ordered a drink and said hello, she gave me a head nod and kept it pushing. I turned to my roommate and asked, "what's her story?". She said, "she's my coworker, NO.". A few weeks later, I saw her at a day party and photobombed a picture. Little did she know that my plan was already set in motion. After kissing a few frogs while she was out in LA, the pandemic hit. I had just moved into my new home and phase two commenced, (needless to say, I was playing the long game). I slid in her DM's, and we started exchanging messages. In one message, I complimented her, but she thought I was talking about her friend! I immediately let her know that my eyes had always been on the prize. When I finally convinced her to come visit, in February of 2021 neither of us could have known that we were about to have the most 2021 of 2021. From the first kiss off the tarmac, to proposing in front of her parents and sister, I must say, I love it when a plan comes together, *lights cigar*