Ed and Hayley met as so many couples do: online. Ed opened with a pun about a Baked Alaska, making Hayley chuckle as she was stuck sleeping at Newark Airport. Checking his profile, Hayley saw a nice photo of him in a big sweater. A mutual interest was born!

After some messaging, some flirting, and Ed briefly thinking Hayley was Greek, they decided to meet up for drinks in Greenwich Village.

Hayley arrived early and stood waiting on the corner of MacDougal and Bleeker. She soon saw a familiar, smiling face walking towards her. Locking eyes, Ed began an excited little trot to the corner.

Upon saying hello, Hayley noticed Ed had lost weight since his photos, and Ed noticed Hayley's lovely (not Greek) accent.

They had drinks at a bar Ed recommended called The Peculiar Pub. Was Ed setting the tone for the relationship with this choice? Who is to say?

Hayley is, and she says yes.

After some drinks and some joking, Hayley had to go. She was meeting a friend for a comedy show down the street, making Ed like her even more!

After the show, Hayley was taking the train back to Jersey when she received a message on her phone. It was Ed! He messaged asking if she was traveling back, and if so would she like some (digital) company?

This ends the first date. Not with a hug and a goodbye, but two smiling lovebirds messaging from afar, increasingly looking forward to seeing each other again.

H&E