Ellie was in town visiting her friend, Eleanor, for a few days to look at Loyola University as an option for graduate school. Being the homebody she is, she was hesitant to leave the comforts of Eleanor's home to "go out". Eleanor eventually convinced her to go grab a few drinks in the city. On her way to grab drinks, Eleanor informed Ellie that a few of her guy friends were going to meet them. Naturally, Ellie asked, "Think I would like any of them (to date that is)?" Eleanor responded confidently with a, "No. Definitely not." Eleanor knows Ellie very well, so of course she accepted this as fact. Shortly after arriving, Ellie met someone by the name of "Mar Mar." Strange name, she thought. Turns out it was a nickname, thankfully. He eventually introduced himself to her as, James. A few Coronas, a handful of inappropriate jokes (provided mostly by Ellie), and the beginnings of deeper "life" talks later.... it became evident that Eleanor might have been wrong. At the end of the night they went their separate ways, and Ellie returned to Indy. A few days later, Ellie asked for James' number. She followed up with more innapropriate jokes (of course), which quickly turned into lengthy conversations about their lives, hopes, and dreams. They maintained this for several months throughout the summer, and developed a good friendship. Later, Ellie moved to Chicago and started graduate school. A few weeks after arriving, she and James went on their first date to Tratorria Gianni (now their favorite Italian spot) in Lincoln Park. They enjoyed a bottle of red wine, picked up where they left off...and haven't spent a day apart since. And, 5 years later, James proposed. I think it's safe to say that Ellie is glad she went out for drinks that night, and that Eleanor's prediction wasn't all that accurate.