One fall day, Giorgio and Mikala met by chance. Giorgio was stationed in Virginia at the time but was visiting family in Temecula. He and a friend were debating between two gyms—one in nearby Murrieta and the other in Temecula. Giorgio’s friend pushed for the closer option, but Giorgio’s instincts led them to the Temecula location.

While working out, Giorgio spotted Mikala across the gym. He pointed her out to his friend, who casually said, “I know her—I’ll introduce you!” When Giorgio and Mikala were introduced, there was an instant connection. Giorgio was drawn to the sparkle in her eyes, and Mikala thought Giorgio was incredibly handsome and sweet.

Despite the chemistry, Giorgio was too nervous to fully open up or ask for her number. After their brief conversation, he walked away frustrated with himself for not saying more. Meanwhile, Mikala found herself glancing back at him, just as he kept sneaking looks at her—both curious and intrigued.

Later that day, Giorgio couldn’t stop thinking about her and kept pestering his friend to get her number. After two days of persistence, his friend finally caved and reached out to Mikala on Giorgio’s behalf.

From there, Giorgio and Mikala began texting, calling, and FaceTiming—and they instantly clicked. The rest, as they say, is history.