Gabriella and Nicholas both attended SUNY Oneonta. Despite their involvement in Greek life, their paths didn't cross until Nick's final night in Oneonta, where he was completing an extra semester while Gabriella was a senior.

One of the most famous (or perhaps infamous) places in Oneonta, the Red Jug, always had Monday night specials featuring cheap drinks and $1 hot dogs—a dream for broke, thirsty college kids. Nick was there with his best friends celebrating his last night in Oneonta, and Gab was with her friends, celebrating the near completion of finals. It was during this time that Nick, in a playful moment, challenged Gab and her friends to see how many $1 hot dogs they could eat, sparking a night of fun and mischief.

After this memorable encounter, Nick left Oneonta, and Gab finished her senior year. Despite not having any further stories involving Nick, Gab would eagerly inquire about him whenever she saw some of his friends, although he remained unaware of her interest.

Gabriella graduated in May and moved back home to Smithtown, where she awaited what would come next in her life.

In July of that summer, Gabriella and Nicholas unexpectedly ran into each other in Patchogue and were thrilled to reconnect at a bar, discovering their shared interests. From that night onward, Gab and Nick became inseparable. They spent summers on the boat, rescued their puppy, Myles, and eventually bought their first home together. As they look forward, they eagerly anticipate their upcoming wedding and the life they will build together.