Last May, Mark and Cheryl crossed paths at a diner in Chicago called Dove’s Luncheonette.

Mark was in town for work, while Cheryl was out having a girls’ day with her friend Kali. Cheryl had originally suggested going to The Bongo Room, but Kali quietly objected and instead drove them to Dove’s.

When they arrived, the diner was busy, and the only two open seats were at the breakfast bar—right next to Mark. As soon as they sat down, Kali casually mentioned that he was cute and very much Cheryl’s type. Earlier that morning, Cheryl had been talking about wanting a summer free of dating, so she jokingly but firmly asked Kali not to talk to him.

Naturally, while Cheryl stepped away to the bathroom, Kali and Mark did exactly that.

When Cheryl returned, she found Mark and Kali mid-conversation. Mark introduced himself and complimented Cheryl’s eyes, and the three of them quickly fell into easy conversation. Breakfast slowly turned into easy flirting as they discovered they had a lot in common, from favorite travel spots to working in software sales—and even being the same age.

Before they left, Mark and Cheryl exchanged numbers and made plans to grab a drink later that night. The night went just as smoothly, and as it came to an end, Cheryl acknowledged that with them living in different countries, it probably wouldn’t go anywhere. Mark didn’t hesitate—he told her it was only an hour flight. Cheryl said it was great to meet him and wished him well. Mark said goodnight and added, “I'll see you soon.”

He meant it.

And the rest is history.