Denver and Shaunna initially spoke in 2006. Keith Wofford reached out to Denver, asking him to “be nice” when Shaunna called to request some documents. As Keith told Denver, “she’s one of us”. As it turns out, niceties were not the order of the day. As Shaunna put it, “my client was entitled to the documents,” Denver wasn’t doing her any favors. They kept hearing well of each other. Occasionally, the other’s name would ring out among friends and colleagues regarding work or social encounters. When Denver returned to NYC in 2014, they met for the first time at a networking event. They were polite but, as typical of these events, they gravitated to people they knew and barely spoke to each other. (Well Denver barely spoke, and Shaunna spoke to other people...)
In February 2019, a few guys were having dinner in NYC, including Keith and Denver. Shaunna showed up in the middle of dinner, dragging an unexplained guest who she referred to as “her ride across town”. He was wearing a diamond-encrusted pinky ring, a coat slung over his shoulder like a cape, and a stylish fedora adorned his bald head. “Pinky Ring” pulled up a chair and joined the festivities. The group enjoyed cocktails and a lot of trash talk. And at some point, Denver and Shaunna found themselves agreeing to meet the next time she was in NYC. Shaunna returned two weeks later and, after “negotiating” Denver’s timeslot, they met for dinner at Bo’s Kitchen and had a meaningful connection. They wanted to see each other again before Shaunna left town, but work was hectic for both. Denver’s office was in the Flatiron - she was in midtown. Shaunna schlepped her suitcase downtown (you know how Shaunna packs for trips) and met him for a 45-minute lunch across from his office. For Denver, the simple act of inconveniencing herself to see him made a great impression and began his journey toward falling in love with her. For Shaunna, love was solidified during an epic layover in Lisbon on the way to Florence. They have been together every day since March 4, 2019, at least in their minds, all because they give each other what the other needs when they need it.