In late 2018, little did Lisa know, the love of her life was now 1,260 miles closer. After spending a decade in Boston, Charlie had moved back to Miami to be closer to his parents.
​

In early 2019, the stars of the dating apps aligned: Lisa and Charlie were using the same dating app at the same time. Lisa swiped right on a guy who seemed like a decent human being who hopefully liked dogs. Charlie swiped right within seconds of seeing a beautiful tall blonde attorney. Charlie’s conversational skills, intelligence, and charm convinced Lisa that it was time for a real-world date.

​

On May 17, 2019, at a quiet bar in Miami, The Story of Lisa and Charlie truly began.

​

There was a second, longer date, this time at a restaurant. Lisa told Charlie about her views on dogs, freedom, politics, and her own food preferences. Charlie complimented her by saying she reminded him of a certain real-estate mogul turned TV star’s famous daughter, which Lisa received in the spirit in which it was given.

 

The second date turned into a third, then fourth, then eventually Charlie was introduced to another long-legged blonde: Lulu the mini Labradoodle. Lulu and Charlie’s first meetings were “ruff” to say the least. The ever-protective canine companion loudly sang the song of her people to keep Charlie away from Lisa and the apartment that was, in Lulu’s opinion, only big enough for the two of them.  But, after “breaking bread” (chicken) and some “displays of goodwill” (bribery), Lulu relented.

 

The result: Lulu’s barking no longer occurred when Charlie arrived, but rather only when Charlie was leaving. Thus, a second love affair had begun. It was not Lisa’s last test for Charlie, but it was certainly a crucial one; he had won over her “Loodles.”

 

Soon, Lisa and Charlie would be an item. They tried nearly every sushi restaurant in Miami and went on long walks through Bal Harbour Shops. They traveled the South: twice visiting a small-town Georgia Walmart, making a pilgrimage to Buc-ee’s first Florida location, and trying on cowboy boots in Austin, Nashville, and Dallas. Lisa even encouraged Charlie to spread his wings to demonstrate the variable geometry wings of the F-14 Tomcat aboard the aircraft carrier/museum USS Yorktown, in Charleston.

 

Amidst all this southern travel, Lisa radicalized Charlie from a Sunday Taylor Fan to a Fundamentalist Swiftie. To the terror of Scooter Braun, Charlie made every attempt to listen to the “Taylor’s version” re-releases when chauffeuring Lisa in his now-defunct “Getaway Car” or simply reminiscing about Lisa and his “Love Story.” Despite indeed wearing short skirts, long skirts, t-shirts, high heels, and sneakers, Lisa was happy to sit on the bleachers with Charlie when their Tour de Taylor took them to Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Tampa.

 

Although Charlie claims he told Lisa “you belong with me” very early on in their relationship, there is no evidence that he actually uttered that phrase. However, both he and Lisa felt that way by the end of 2023.

 

In November of 2023, Charlie flew to Paris to join Lisa who was already there for a friend’s birthday. In Paris, Lisa and Charlie enjoyed romantic dinners, a bit of shopping, and several museums. About halfway through their stay, Charlie had arranged a spa day for Lisa. While Lisa was being pampered, Charlie was giving himself a pep-talk and perfecting his big plan.

 

That evening, the two lovebirds took a short car ride to a nearby hotel. Lisa didn’t know it, but Charlie was making sure everything was set for what was to come. He made sure he knew the exact number of days, hours, and minutes they had been together and repeatedly made sure he had the very special container in his pocket.

 

Upon arrival at the Peninsula Paris Hotel, Lisa and Charlie were escorted to a private rooftop terrace. Turning the corner, Lisa saw an array of flowers, candles, a violinist, and a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower just as the sun was beginning to set. The violinist was playing Taylor Swift’s Love Song. Charlie walked with Lisa to the center of the terrace, bent down on one knee, and told her he loves her and that he had loved her since he met her. Charlie asked Lisa if she would marry him, and she said YES! Charlie put the ring on her finger. They hugged and kissed, just as the violinist broke out The Top Gun Anthem. The two Americans in Paris had an excellent night and so began their next chapter.