Manuel's version:

I met Gina on her birthday last year at Rox, where I used to work. I had seen her at Brendan's (where she used to work) but, I didn't want to say anything to her.  I was afraid she would think I was just another creepy guy hitting on her.  When I saw her come into Rox, I decided I would try to make conversation.  I didn't have to worry though, because she came right over and said "hi" before I could muster up the courage.

We talked for a little while, 'til I noticed her date was staring at us.  I went back to work but pointed her out to a friend of mine and said "That's my next girlfriend." We talked and flirted a little more, then at the end of the night I asked her for her number.  I then made the mistake of telling her I was in a band. BIG mistake.  She didn't like that.  I called her for 3 weeks before we finally spoke on the phone and she would agree on a date.  I knew if she just gave me a chance she would like me. 

We met out for a drink and we  ended up talking all night long.  She realized I wasn't a stupid musician and fell madly in love with me.  Now she just won't leave me alone dammit!

Gina's version:

To tell the truth, Manuel was the first person I had ever seen that stopped me in my tracks.  I remember Brendan's being very busy and having my arms full of beer glasses. When I saw him, I was frozen in place.  I don't know how long I stood there until my boss came up behind me and said "He's pretty good looking huh? You should see the rest of the family."  I shook it off and pretended like I didn't know what he was talking about.

Time passed by, but Manuel never really spoke to me.  Then the night of mine and my sister Candi's Birthday (we were born on the same day 4 years apart), I saw him working at Rox.  I wouldn't of ever spoken to him, but I figured it was my birthday and I had a bit of liquid courage built up so, I pulled out all my geeky moves.  If you know me, you know I have no flirting skills at all.  In fact, when I later admitted to Manuel what I had been trying to do that night, he said "You were flirting with me?  You stink!"

Anyway, the night wore on and as it got later and later I realized that our birthday party had turned into a massive drinking fest for our friends, meanwhile Candi and I stood around baffled at the outcome. By the end of the night we ended up getting stuck with a big bill while everyone else disappeared.  I used the situation for another excuse to talk to Manuel. When I told him  what happened he ended up 'comping' an a entire bottle of liquor off of our bill -He later told me that he paid for the bottle out of his own pocket- I was floored!  Not only had he been incredibly nice, but now I knew he was interested!

Before I left I knew I had to get his number.  While we were talking he mentioned that his band was going on "tour" and that we should get together after he got back into town.  I literally heard a record player scratch to a stop in my head when he said that -All I could think was NOOOOOO! Not a band! He seems so perfect!-. After that night for 3 weeks, I avoided his calls.  Finally, one day he left a message that made me laugh and I decided to call him back and at least meet him for a drink.

We met and talked the entire night. It turned out that he was very intelligent, easy-going and quick-witted.  As we were leaving I thought I would put him through one more test just to see if he could be a match for me.  I asked him if he would go to Easter mass with me the following Sunday. Much to my surprise, he agreed.  That Sunday, he showed up at my house at 9 AM after working very late the night before, but he looked fantastic!  From there on out, I was hooked!