Kim's Side of the Story:

After some frustration with our attempt at initially meeting on a Monday, I agreed to give this man another chance. Andrew was my third date of the day, I suppose one could say, "save the best for last". As the time grew closer, I had my reservations about this date and considered canceling. I was speaking to my Momma (my grandma) on the phone, and she quickly put me in my place. She reminded me that Andrew, "seemed" different than the others and she just had "this feeling" I should go on the date. After that conversation, I started to get ready for my date at the Cupcake shop. I was driving there, having myself my own private dance party, as I pumped myself up for this meeting. After, all, there would be a variety of cupcakes there.. and that made me excited! I texted Andrew, and we got out of our cars, giving that awkward first hug. We walked in the cupcake shop, called Stellas, when we were greeted at the door. The lady asked for our IDs, which was kinda bogus and a little overkill for a cupcake shop. We were led past the bar, where we would order what our taste buds desired, and brought to a room. Was this the end? Was his plan to kill me? Nope. He looked ashamedly at me, as we both discovered that this was NO CUPCAKE shop, but rather, Stella's, the CASINO. I could tell he felt stupid, for not knowing. So being the sucker I am for free stuff, I suggested we take advantage of the free beverages we were offered, after the staff discovered that they mislead us as well. Andrew hesitantly agreed. We grabbed our drinks and sat. This easy sense of comfort came about as we started to converse. Finally! Someone who talks just as much as me! I was mesmerized by Andrew's openness, his willingness to go with the flow, to laugh, and most importantly to flirt. But, I secretly liked it. As the night grew late, Andrew walked me to my car, grabbing both of my hands, telling me that he would like to take me to dinner next week, locking in a second date right then and there. And just like that, he leaned in and gave me the kind of first kiss that makes you have butterflies, the kind of kiss that you read in storybooks, the kind of kiss where you can't wait for the next time. How could I not say yes? And so the dates continued, he was something, and I couldn't put my finger on it. He was charming, a gentleman, and we had fun walking Woodfield mall, walking Dick's sporting goods, and exploring Busse Woods. The conversation was never dull, and I was growing more intrigued with him as the dates went on... and so I began to fall in love.

Andrew's Side of the Story:

Our first date started off with confusion and miscommunication. Our first attempt at meeting was a fail. After a busy day at work, I didn't respond too much throughout the day. Apparently, misleading her, and causing me to be left alone at stella's. I reached out again wanting to go on a first date, she thankfully said yes! However, the second try at the first date at stella's did not go as planned. We got there and I met up with Kim, who was wearing her store bought ripped jeans, with a black top and light brown leather jacket. She looked stunning, and I was all smiles as I greeted her and hugged her. When we walked into Stella's the suspected coffee shop asked for ID's and that is when I put it all together that this was in fact not a coffee shop, but a mini-casino. I then look around attempting to try and figure out where else we could go, in order to salvage this date and save the very little pride that I had left. While all that is happening, the bartender (probably out of pity) offered us round of free drinks. I agree with Kim and we finally sat down and started talking. The best part of the whole night was how easy it was to talk to her, and feeling like I've know her for years not minutes. I was open and honest, because that is who I am.. and at that point I had nothing to lose, so I went for it. We talked what seemed like 5 minutes but turned out to be 90! I didn't want to leave, at all, but I didn't want everything out there on the first date. We held hands, walking out and I kissed her good night, all while then asking for a second date... because I really wanted to see where this would go. What I loved about the next few months was how it continued to be what I love now about how we spend our time together; the simple dates of going to the mall to walk, walking busse woods, and goofing around together.

Photos