"About 2.5 years ago, this lonely guy would jump on Hinge and look for some gal. I remember her profile, as she mentioned her love for Trader Joe’s, and asking her about it since I’m more of a Safeway guy myself (feeling my hopes dwindling at the prospect that I may not be worthy already based on grocer preferences).
I learned we were both desert birds, fleeing Vegas to pursue a life in Reno, slightly less of a desert.
We eventually went on a first date. That day, where I never really felt nervous on dates, this one felt different. Her and I arrived at Hinoki, where we had AYCE sushi, and I felt hesitant to scarf down as much as I could in between our conversations on where we were at in life and what we like to do on weekends or random Tuesdays after classes/work.
We had our food, and I wanted to talk to her more. We drove to Flowing Tide on McCarran, where we had a couple drinks and I was enamored by her presence. At the end of the date, she asked for a hug.
We went on a few more dates, more restaurants we wanted to try, and a walk by the lake right behind the Peppermill. The first time holding her hand on a park bench as we talked about the cheez-its she kept in her car as an emergency snack.
We eventually sat in silence, where all I could feel was peace staring into the water, thinking what could be better than that moment, and nothing came to mind. I asked her to be my girlfriend the very next date.
Now I live with her. I’m proud for how much she’s grown on her own accord, and grateful for how much she’s grown with me and our relationship. I’m always waiting for that next date, for that next time I hug her, for that next time I look in her eyes and see that love that gets me choked up everytime I think about it and as I write this. Can’t remember a life before Vanessa, and can’t picture a future without her, I love her so."
