Her Story: We met at a J'Parle poetry event in Tulsa. Sam, the well chatted up guy that has a similar vibe and we should meet, was performing and I was enjoying a girls night out. After his performance I gave him affirmation of a job well done and he in true fashion initiated further conversation. I mean he literally sat down at the table with my best friend and I which I was surprised/impressed at his confidence to join the group. We talked real estate, goals and of course his challenge for action... I thought okay he's networking! The convo/feel was good connection but I wouldn't say he was interested. I may have thought of him a few times... but I won't tell. We wouldn't meet more than casually until a couple years later... He asked me on "another" date. Ella Mai... Hearts swayed... We hugged in the street and part of me just knew... His Story: The first time I met Jillian was at a poetry recital… In actuality, it was a spoken word event at a well-known bar on the north end of Tulsa named Retro. I was new to the city and given the opportunity to perform. While preparing to hit the stage, another performer and her friend “Jillian” entered. We eventually found ourselves sitting at the same table. This means she remained seated at her table and I somehow found myself with a chair turned around next to hers. After conversing far beyond what we should have in the setting, she curved my request to rendezvous. Yes, that’s right. I asked to go out and she said no. She said we could meet up if it was for business. While intrigued, I passed! It wouldn’t be to almost 2 years later that we reconnected. She finally decided to oblige on a "no hoopla" date. We met at Canes Ballroom for an R&B artist we both favored. From there, we talked, bumped into a couple friends, aligned vibes and rhythms (danced would be an overstatement) and ended the night with a tight hug. I knew then that Jillian and I would be connected far beyond poetry, concerts, convos and coincidence.