If you know anything about Judson and I, you know that we became inseparable after our first date. Heres the story:


After messaging back and forth and getting the seal of approval from a mutual friend, we set our sights on Superior Grill for January 27th. I cant speak for Jud, but I was absolutely freaking out. Even when we were texting, I could tell something was different. Our conversations were easy and comfortable, and, lets be honest, I was already a sucker for his curly hair.


Judson was driving in from Hammond, so I had lots of time to freak out. Getting ready for our first date was disastrous on my end. At some point in the process of running around my house, I stepped on glass (I know what youre thinking- only Alyssa). My roommate lovingly removed the glass and poured tequila over my foot to clean the cut. When I texted Judson about stepping on the glass, he thought I was about to ditch him; meanwhile, I was just hoping he didnt think I was a crazy person! At some point, I turned on Taylor Swift music videos to calm myself down. By the time he rang my doorbell, I had my sister on Facetime reminding me that everything was going to be fine.


Our drive to the restaurant was a mixture of nerves and butterflies, and was filled with natural awkwardness. It was only a few days later that Id find out about Judsons hatred for driving in New Orleans. We parked and walked to the restaurant, and I remember noticing his manners- the way he held the door and treated the people around him. We chatted our way through margaritas and beer. We were both extremely nervous. Judson kept using the word sure to answer everything, and I kept making my classic joke about him saying it like 27 times already!


By the time the check came, we werent ready to leave each other. We headed to one of my favorite bars, and sat and talked for a few hours. I made fun of the bracelet he was wearing, then felt guilty when he took it off. He explained why he was wearing it, and gave the bracelet to me. I still have that ugly southeastern bracelet and will keep it forever.


On our drive home, I asked if he wanted to hold hands (go Alyssa!). I was giddy- everything felt natural and right. When he dropped me off, he asked if itd be too bold or to soon to hang out the next day. It took everything in me not to scream YES to a second date.


I went inside, called my best friends to tell them I may have met the one, and the rest, as you know, is history!