Love Story (Andrea's version)

It was early 2020, and the world was only whispering about a respiratory illness that started popping up here and there. I was working at the University of Chicago as a travel and events manager in the alumni office. I was single. And, I was kind of over dating and ready to adopt several Corgis and some cats. Maybe a bunny.

Cut to the Educational Travel Consortium conference in early February in Chattanooga, TN. On the conference floor of the downtown Marriott, I saw one of my sales reps, Tom Bingle.

"Tom," I said, walking up to him, "how are you?"

"Andrea," he exclaimed, "come meet the team."

A few steps away was their company table. Tom introduced me to a woman who I do not remember because of what happened next. Beside her, a tall guy was bent over getting something out from underneath the table. He stood up right then, and we locked eyes.

"This is my nephew, Bobby," Tom said.

"Hi," I said.

"Hi," he replied. And I thought, I'm going to find out more about that one.

That night, we all gathered at the hotel bar for post dinner drinks. It was packed -- it seemed like everyone from the conference was there. I saw Tom again, standing next to nephew from the table, and I decided to shoot my shot.

Bobby and I shut the bar down that night, talking for hours about books and writing and travel. Back home in Chicago, we got three dates in before the world shut down. The first was watching the Dunk Contest for the NBA All Star Weekend, the second was a Bulls game, and the third was a karaoke date, where "Under Pressure" was dazzlingly performed.

We spent the next six months playing a lot of Scrabble, listening to music, and making fancy cocktails. I knew pretty quickly that this was something really special.

He is everything to me. The love of my life, my best friend, my favorite human. I want it all with him -- the good, the bad, and the grease.

WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!!!!

Love Story (Bobby's version)

Ditto to the above.

--Bobby

Okay, I’ll add a bit. There’s a wedding, but more so, there is a celebration with all the important people in our lives. We cannot wait to see everyone and thank you all for helping us get here.

As to our story, I was particularly burnt out from the road that winter. Rockstar hours, miles, and dehydration minus the talent, money, and adulation. Didn’t know it, but I needed Chattanooga™.

Known for Lookout Mountain, the first Coca-Cola bottling company, the highest-rated cat café, and a cheesy* big band song called the Choo Choo.

Of his many assists over the years, my Uncle Tom gave me his best—I met Andrea.

Easy, thoughtful conversation ensued. Genuine laughter (at least, I think hers was genuine). Warmth.

Four plus years on, it keeps getting better. Travels, Jeopardy, singing, supporting, laughter. To use her words, “I found my human.”

I met Andrea’s family and friends. She met mine. Derbys, Halloween parties, WVU watching, boat days, sharks, park parties, ping pong, Dogs games, Briland.

Onward to May. There will be Coca Cola bottles. There will be dancing…all the dancing. There Will Be Bl(F)ood. There won’t be cat cafés**, or onions***. So, buckle up. Choo Choo Hyatt Lodge, we’re headed your way. Lookout!

*redundant?

**allergy

***unknown, but medically confirmed disorder