Winter 2016, a group of bands hit the road for a West Coast tour. Ryan was traveling with one band, Amber with another. Their paths had crossed previously, mainly in the Chicago music scene. This, however, would be the most consecutive time the two had spent together. At tour's end, an unfortunate turn of events left Amber without any travel accommodations to get home. It was decided that Amber would join Ryan's band on their drive back to Chicago. Reluctant to share the prime real estate that is one's bench in the van, Ryan's bandmates made sure Amber would share his bench for the entirety of the journey home. After 30 hours of sharing a 5' wide, non-reclining seat the two were back in Chicago, safe and sound. The voyage was not yet complete though, and once more Ryan and Amber found themselves on the road again. A simple task, but someone had to do it. Drop off the van at the rental facility and then drive Amber home. By now, it had become clear that there was "something there....maybe?" A 30-hour drive is great way to get to know someone. On the way to Amber's house Ryan felt compelled to ask, "So, uhhh, should we.....get something to eat? Or something?" Amber accepted the confused invitation and the two had their first official dinner date right then and there. The rest, as they say, is history. "Thanks tour."