It was December 2, 2021—the era of masks and social distancing. Shan and Pearse agreed to meet at one of Midtown’s "fanciest" establishments: El Rio Grande (which was, in fact, not fancy at all and has since closed its doors). True to form, Pearse was running late. Shan was ready to cancel and never reschedule, but Pearse was determined to buy her a drink. In a classic comedy of errors, Shan ended up on the wrong side of the restaurant, making her late to an already late date. When she finally rounded the corner—smiling and waving in a massive pom-pom hat—Pearse knew immediately this girl was a character. Dinner and drinks turned into a walk through the city just as the Rockefeller tree was lit for the season. As they talked, they realized they shared a natural ability to befriend anyone—including the attendant at the ice rink, who insisted the new pair come back to skate for free on their next date. They even ended their night witnessing a stranger’s proposal on the ice. Talk about foreshadowing! Whether it was destiny, Pearse’s disorganization, or Shan’s sheer determination, that chaotic first date turned into buying the Green Goblin, a puppy named Scottie, and a forever list of chores for Pearse.