Jenna’s Story

It was Memorial Day weekend 2016. The San Jose Sharks were playing the Penguins in game 1 of the Stanley Cup Championship and the Golden State Warriors would face the Oklahoma City Thunder in game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. My best friend Morgan and I were on the hunt for a change of scenery after having watched the previous playoff games at our normal watering hole, Kezar Pub. We selected another popular sports bar nearby that neither of us had been to before, San Francisco Athletic Club (SFAC).

We made the decision to arrive early (three hours before, to be exact!) We secured an awesome table. Then, we were kindly advised that the bar would surely get beyond capacity and that we would eventually be required to share our table with other guests. We knew we had an opportunity to be selective before being begrudgingly paired with randoms. Lucky for us, the decision was quickly made on our behalf when Ryan approached me from behind to offer some words of encouragement for the San Jose Sharks after appreciating my Patrick Marleau jersey. I was wary of Ryan’s authenticity, since he was wearing a Mighty Ducks hat, one of the Sharks biggest rivals. Shortly thereafter, Patrick Marleau scored a goal and Ryan found me once again to offer his jubilant congratulations. I didn’t question his authenticity again after that, his genuine excitement exploding out of his endearing smile and quick embrace. Ryan’s best friends were also in tow, unbeknownst to me at the time that they’d soon become mine too. Morgan and I exchanged glances, and decided that these would be the new friends we would choose to share our table with.

After exchanging numbers and making plans to meet again that weekend, I sensed something special. My first impression of Ryan left me feeling like he was the perfect combination of confident and kind. He immediately seemed like he was always genuinely interested with what I had to say, giving his full attention with great eye contact –something that I’d be hard-pressed to forget with eyes like his. We had so much fun that first day, and again two days later after quickly making plans to reconvene for the next playoff games –knowing without question that I wanted to see him again.

It was just 8 days later that we would share our first kiss. After returning home from watching the Sharks lose in the final game of the Stanley Cup, Ryan offered his company and support. This would be a night that I would never forget. We indulged in each other’s stories over drinks well into the night, not paying any mind to the passing of time. Once we finally decided to say good night, Ryan offered to walk me home. I was both surprised and grateful, but declined. My apartment wasn’t even remotely on his way. But then, he insisted. So, we walked. He walked me the mile home and also offered his jacket. I understood right then in that moment, what it was to feel butterflies. If Ryan hadn’t had his arm around me, I might’ve just floated away.

It quickly evolved after that. From stealing glances to exchanging numbers and pouring over texts. Late night cocktails turned into weekend trips. A budding friendship turned summer fling. And that summer fling turned into a lifetime of love, partnership, and family.

It’s a crazy indescribable feeling when you fall in love with your best friend. (who also happens to be ridiculously good looking – and tall!) His gorgeous exterior is only superseded by his kindness, his passion, and his heart.