Sitting on a airplane from Budapest to Los Angeles — a journey I used to be accustomed to — felt completely different this time. I used to be visualizing my new startup job in sunny Manhattan Seaside, considering by means of onboarding and first impressions. However principally, I used to be excited to fulfill my new colleagues and profit from my three-week keep in California.
On a whim, I messaged an outdated Hungarian good friend I hadn’t seen in 10 years. We’d utterly misplaced contact, and I wasn’t even certain he’d reply. However he did.
I landed in L.A. on a vibrant Monday afternoon on the finish of September, filled with curiosity and optimism. Our workplace was simply steps from the ocean, and once I caught my first glimpse of the Pacific on the best way to work, I assumed: Is that this actually my life now?
I had no thought simply how rather more it might change.
That weekend, my good friend Gabor and I deliberate somewhat street journey to Lengthy Seaside. He picked me up from my lodge, and we spent the day catching up, making scenic stops alongside the coast.
Palos Verdes left me speechless. I envy anybody seeing it for the primary time. Nevertheless it was Lengthy Seaside and Crystal Cove that actually stole the present.
On the drive again, Gabor casually talked about his good friend Adam, a fellow Hungarian who lived in Marina del Rey and had a ship. “We could go for a little cruise tomorrow,” he mentioned. I had time. So certain. Why not?
Sunday arrived. I nonetheless bear in mind seeing Adam from afar. He was tall, tanned, sporting shorts and flip-flops, and cracking jokes earlier than even saying hiya. Oh, expensive God, I assumed. He thinks he’s humorous.
Spoiler alert: That was the day I met my future husband.
Adam began the engines and off we went. He was playful, effortlessly cool, a bit too cool for my style. However the solar was shining, and the ocean breeze was tender. I had a cool job in my pocket and I used to be cruising the Pacific whereas escaping autumn in Europe. I couldn’t have cared much less about the rest.
Immediately, Adam turned to me and mentioned, “Want to drive?”
“What?” I laughed. Was he critical? He simply met me! Why would he hand over management of this … vessel? Nonetheless, I jumped on the alternative.
Together with his steerage, I drove a yacht for the primary time, an unexpectedly empowering second.
I’ll do not forget that second without end. That small, real gesture — providing management — meant a lot to me.
Right here’s the factor: I’ve at all times struggled with males. I used to be beforehand married, dated every kind of difficult guys and had been single for eight years. Most of them tried to regulate me, made me really feel like I used to be an excessive amount of or not sufficient, by no means absolutely accepting the sturdy, fearless, curious, bold and adventurous lady I’m. So I wasn’t trying.
However being in Adam’s presence felt completely different. It was respectful, pure, easy. No video games.
Nonetheless I used to be leaving in two weeks. No purpose to overthink something.
Earlier than I knew it, we exchanged numbers. Adam saved reaching out. He made an effort, one thing I wasn’t used to. We had dinner, ran errands (sure, together with doing laundry — romantic, I do know), and when Gabor bailed on weekend plans, Adam proposed one thing daring: “Do you like road trips? Let’s explore California a bit.”
“Absolutely,” I replied with out hesitation. (What was I considering although?)
He didn’t know that journey and street journeys specifically have been my love language — nature too.
It was one other shocking signal that possibly we had extra in frequent than simply being Hungarian. He deliberate every little thing: the itinerary, the stops, the lodging. My contribution? An excellent playlist and a packed bag. For as soon as, I wasn’t the one orchestrating all of it. It felt superb to be cared for by a succesful man. And I used to be impressed — it was one thing I hadn’t felt in a very long time.
We hit the street. Santa Barbara first, then Solvang for Danish pastries and robust espresso (what a gem!), then continued on to Sequoia. I used to be enchanted by the traditional bushes and the magical forest. The vibe between us? Electrical. I half-expected a kiss, however it by no means got here. Nicely, by no means thoughts.
Whereas convincing myself we’d by no means turn into a factor, we took the scenic route again to L.A., speaking brazenly about our pasts and goals. The entire time, a quiet voice inside me whispered: I just like the model of me subsequent to him.
One thing shifted. Immediately, I felt a sting of disappointment, figuring out my closing week in California was about to start. We mentioned we’d keep in contact. However no expectations.
Then one thing surprising occurred: Every week that was alleged to be full of conferences began clearing up. One after the other, issues obtained canceled, and out of the blue I had time. And I knew precisely who I wished to spend it with. I texted Adam.
In his typical informal method, he replied: “Want to go for a sunset cruise?” Sure. At all times sure.
That night was pure magic. The ocean, the sunshine, the sensation of being utterly comfortable.
Afterward, we had dinner at a tiny Thai place in Venice Seaside. It was simply us. No distractions.
Whereas sipping wonton soup underneath the California sky, I noticed I used to be falling in love. I noticed the identical factor in his eyes.
The following night time, he took me to the seaside in El Segundo. He packed a blanket, grapes, cheese and crackers. We watched the sundown, and I used to be wrapped in his arms. His kisses warmed me greater than the solar ever might. (I do know — tacky. However true.)
Friday got here, my final full day. He deliberate every little thing: a visit to the Getty, hand-in-hand laughter, sweeping metropolis views. For the primary time, I noticed L.A. not simply as a spot to go to however as a spot to remain. We had dinner in Venice and walked the pier. It was excellent.
The following morning, he drove me to Los Angeles Worldwide Airport.
“When will you be back?” he requested.
“I don’t know,” I whispered, eyes brimming with tears.
However right here’s the factor: Generally life surprises you once you least count on it.
I did come again. He did suggest. And I mentioned the simplest sure of my life.
I discovered the love of my life at 42, in probably the most unrealistic method, place and time. This month, we’re celebrating our first anniversary, fortunately dwelling in Marina del Rey.
Since that first cruise, we’ve had many extra — each completely different, however one factor by no means adjustments: our love for one another. If you happen to don’t consider in real love or in angels, possibly you haven’t been to L.A.
This metropolis gave me greater than a brand new job, a brand new view or a brand new chapter. It gave me him. And now, it’s dwelling. Fortunately ever after.
The writer lives in Marina del Rey. She works in individuals technique and management growth and moved to L.A. from Budapest final 12 months.
