Where to begin... This story has always been a point of disagreeance between Ryan and I because we have two different opinions about what was our first date.

The day we met, Ryan was invited to my college ministry's Qdoba Monday lunch. It was any normal Monday outing for me. I was the first one there, waiting in line, when JohnMark walked in with his friend I hadn't met before. He introduced Ryan, and we went on our merry way through the food line and sat down. Ryan sat next to me in a booth, across from JM. I didn't think anything unusual about it. We all ate and had great conversation between the three of us. We asked the usual, "What do you do? Where do you go to school? Where are you from?", questions. I really wasn't familiar with the things Ryan was taking a break from that summer, I smiled and nodded and had many follow-up questions.

Something different about Ryan was that he always asked questions back. I have noticed through my time with him, he doesn't do that to just me, but anyone he has conversations with. He's great at making people feel heard and what they have to say is important.

Throughout our meal a few more people arrived, distracting JM away from Ryan and I's conversation, allowing ourselves to get to know each other a little bit better. As lunch was ending, I decided I wanted to go try the new ice cream place across the parking lot. When I announced this, no one else was too keen on joining me. I was convinced Ryan agreed out of feeling sorry for me. I thought, cool! My new friend is coming and now I don't have to go alone. I really didn't think much else from it.

We left and walked across. I awkwardly ran ahead, avoiding any small talk. I opened the shop door and Ryan caught it, ushering me in, ever subtly with his arm on my back. Hm.. Weird. He's probably just nice. I tried to order and pay, but Ryan wouldn't have it. He paid for me. I thought, okay, he's nice. I've had other guy friends pay for things before. Man, was I oblivious. We sat down, and talked about a lot of everything. It had been a long time since I chatted with someone who saw people and places the way I do.

An hour and a half later, we needed to get going. We stood up, Ryan lingered. So I did too. I reminded him about the Bible study Tuesday night. Then he asked me if I had a phone (smooth ;)). Obviously I said yes, and then asked him if he was wanting my number. He said he wanted to do this again some time. I gave it to him and we walked out.

I had a lot of emotions that day. I was shocked! Excited! Terrified. And nervous. What had I just agreed to?

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