Danielle was at her neighborhood Gelson's in search of a perfectly ripe avocado. Nick noticed Danielle overthinking her avocado choice, and offered assistance (he is a self-appointed avocado expert, after all). After a few minutes of witty repartee and avocado examination, Nick asked Danielle to join him at the Gelson's wine bar for live music and conversation ... We made up this story on our second date. Real story: We swiped right. Nick likes people to know that Danielle swiped right first ... but Nick sent the first message. Our text banter was on point, and by some LA miracle, we lived less than 1 mile from each other. Within 24 hours, we were having drinks at our local dive bar. Nick showed off his Ukrainian dance moves while we argued over the correct pronunciation of "Los Feliz" (our neighborhood). We ended our night at The Dresden, and had our first kiss while Marty and Elayne serenaded us. #atinderlovestory
On Super Bowl Sunday, Nick didn't feel well. On Monday, Nick went to urgent care and was diagnosed with the flu. He then decided to "quickly pop downtown" to pick up Danielle's engagement ring ... and then he picked up his Tami-flu prescription. By Wednesday, Nick was feeling better. Before Danielle left for work, she reminded Nick that she would be home early because she had a doctor's appointment that afternoon. While Danielle was at work, she made a very extensive plan in her head (as she does) about what her afternoon would look like: throw in the "flu laundry," work emails, make a spaghetti squash and watch 'The Crown.' Nick, however, had his own plan. He arranged to meet Danielle's father to get his blessing. (To remind you, Nick was diagnosed with the flu on Monday. It was now Wednesday. Nick definitely still had the flu.) Danielle got home around 4pm, a little hangry and ready to tackle her to-do list. She opened the door to find Nick sitting on the couch, looking fresh as a daisy ... clean shave, hair done, house sweater on. She glanced around the apartment and asked why there were flowers and candles everywhere. Danielle was very confused. Nick walked over to her, with a big smirk and misty eyes. Danielle was still confused. He took her bags out of her hands and reached for a ring box. At this point, Danielle blacked out ... The story goes that Danielle turned to walk towards the door while repeatedly saying, "What are you doing!? It's Wednesday! It's 4pm!" Nick never let go of Danielle's hand, and when he calmed her down (a skill he has honed), he proposed. Danielle said "duh of course," and kissed him (even though he had the flu!). An hour later, after she processed what had happened and her hand stopped shaking, she asked Nick to repeat the proposal. They went out to celebrate, but only a little, because Nick still had the flu.