We first met at work and became true friends through being in coffee club together, Taco lunch club and book club with other coworkers. We really go to know each other better with book club because him, a mutual friend and myself would debrief afterwards. We developed deeper on an intellectual level. We were both in relationships and respected that and were simply great friends.

Then Covid hit and boom now our little group created movie club and watched movies to debrief about in the group chat. During this new wave of the world, I became single, he almost died, changed his life around and became single as well. After a talk with a good sis of mine I realized this is a good man I'd like to have in my life but I don't think he knows I am interested. We never flirted or anything so I believed this man did not even know I was interested in him. According to him, he believed I was the type that dated reformed street pharmaceutical workers.

One day when some of the restrictions lightened up the gang, him our friend and myself, went to Salsa Verde to have dinner and drinks. Our friend was back and forth from the restaurant and it ended up just being us talking and enjoying each other's rime so much we closed down the restaurant and continued the conversation sitting in the parking lot. I decided that this was my time to let him know because I do not chase men because I am the prize but I will try something new this time. While chatting I told him "Dannielle Celeste Webster sounds pretty good, you do with that as you wish but I won't wait long." He initially thought I was joking or had a lot to drink but got his wits about himself and boom here we are making my shot a championship game winner.

Our story begins with two aspiring young people in the workplace. Dannielle worked on a team closely tied to my own. My first impression of her was that she was beautiful and had a great sense of humor. However, being a few years younger than me, I found myself wondering about her life outside of work and, admittedly, falling into some stereotypes she could fit into for the time.

After joking with her and a mutual friend about joining their book club, Dannielle was skeptical of my interest. But I called her bluff—I took notes, listened to the books, and we started meeting to discuss them. During these meetings, our platonic relationship truly deepened. I got to know a much more mature, intriguing, and intellectual side of Dannielle that drew me closer to her. From that point on, we were locked in—talking nearly every day while maintaining a completely respectful friendship.

Over time, we both experienced relationships that didn’t work out and went through life-altering changes that tested us. Through it all—whether we realized it or not—we were always in each other’s corner, offering support and unwavering friendship. Her presence in my life meant so much.

Spring 2021—Dannielle, a mutual friend, and I made plans to catch up over dinner. We hadn’t seen each other in person since the pandemic shutdown. Our friend joined us but was in and out, leaving Dannielle and me to enjoy a long dinner alone. That dinner turned into us roasting each other in my car—our usual banter—long past the restaurant’s closing time, just sitting in the parking lot.

In the midst of our laughter, she looked up at me with those big green eyes and said, “You know, Dannielle Celeste Webster sounds really good. You need to stop playing.”

At that moment, I was conflicted. Here was this beautiful woman I had watched grow into a smart, mature, and remarkable person. Our friendship was so valuable to me that risking it felt almost unbearable. But as I reflected, I realized—God placed us in each other’s lives for a reason. He showed us that people with our character and values exist. Why question a blessing when everything I had been asking for was right in front of me?

So, in time, I let go of my doubts. To this day, I thank God she was open and honest with me—because if she hadn’t been, we might still be out here in these streets. Just streeting.