The Beginning (Circa 2014)
Casey's POV
The year, 2014. I had just finished moving into my college apartment with my third favorite roommate/defensive partner Ann Marie. As is tradition, Ann and I just finished taking a few (dozen) puffs of the jazz cabbage on our balcony. As I recall, I ventured my way into the living room to continue watching [the better show] Archer. After 15 minutes into the episode, we get a knock on the door. I pause Archer, get up and open the door. Laura is standing there...WITHOUT SHOES ON. Everyone knew the floors in City View were never steam cleaned. Anyway, multiple undiagnosed concussions and a history of non-habitual (it's legal....in some states) use of the left-handed cigarettes and I usually just go along with however Laura tells the story of "How We Met."
11.5 years, a few racks of ribs, one mediocre trip to the Dominican Republic, and dozens of ham and cheese croissants later I get to marry that no-shoe wearing (beautiful) lady.
Laura's POV
It was my junior year of college and my first year as a Resident Assistant (RA). It was the end of August, training had finished, and we were getting ready for students to come back for move-in. My friend and fellow RA, Ann Marie and I were hanging out at the desk when she turns to me and says, "Sgammato, my friend from Virginia is moving in to be my roommate next week. He doesn't know anyone, and you talk to everyone- will you be his friend?" I obviously said yes, but then proceeded to ask questions about this mystery roommate; all totally normal questions (Tall? Facial hair? Hockey team?!).
Move-in day finally arrived and I texted Ann to see when a good time to come over was, she said anytime, so I trotted my way from the 7th floor down to the 4th. Since I wasn't technically leaving the building, I never saw a reason to wear proper shoes- all the hallways were carpeted. (looking back, I do admit this is kinda gross, but 20-year old Laura was just constantly grounding, okay?!)
When I get to the door, I knock and this big guy answers says, "Ann, your friend is here" and then goes to sit on the couch where we have a lively discussion about Archer vs. Bob's Burgers and which is best. (VERY classic Hallmark Movie Romance)
After that night, we just kept hanging out, talking, and eventually he became my boyfriend.
Almost 12 years later and he's about to become my husband.
Thanks again, Ann!
