In 2017, Darrell and Nicole were both members of Williamston CrossFit and had both signed up to participate in The CrossFit Open. The CrossFit Open is an event that takes place every Friday for 5 weeks all across the world. On the first night of The CrossFit Open Darrell was assigned to judge Nicole's workout. After the workout it became tradition for the athletes to go out for a cocktail and some comradery, over the next 5 weeks Darrell and Nicole began spending more and more time together.