Catara and her family headed south to Baltimore. They had a weekend of celebrating planned for mom’s 50th birthday, so the 2 hour trip from Lancaster was totally worth it! After dinner, the cocktails were flowing at Howl at the Moon in Fells Point. Catara’s brother and sister-in-law were on the prowl, scoping out the scene to find the perfect guy for Catara. So far, they were coming up empty handed.
Tommy was in town from Philadelphia, scouting for new talent for his soccer team. While on the sideline of the soccer game, he and his buddy Kevin had decided to hit the town that evening. Kevin had only brought his comfy soccer gear, so the two had gone out to Old Navy to dress him for the occasion. The two were off for a night of fun!
Catara happened to notice a handsome guy with a buddy walk in and head up to the other side of the bar. She slipped through the crowd and found a spot in his line of sight. Tommy glanced in her direction and couldn’t help but notice this blonde beauty. She was wearing a white sleeveless top and her blonde hair was pinned low. He didn’t have to think twice. Tommy quickly made his way over to her and bought her a drink. She led him back to her family, and he joined in with the festivities. There were introductions, jello shots and a lot of dancing. Tommy spun Catara’s mom around the dance floor as Kevin sat at the bar wondering what the heck happened to his buddy.
Catara’s brother was not too sure about this guy, was he really a soccer coach at Villanova? Sure enough, he was telling the truth. Catara headed for the restroom and when she came back she noticed Tommy talking to another group of people. She became wildly jealous and said “I’m leaving!”. Tommy was not giving up, he kissed her on her way out. They had already exchanged phone numbers and Catara’s brother was in his protective mode, urging her NOT to text him. “Play hard to get” he insisted.
There would be no playing hard to get. Tommy was 33 years old and had not dated anyone longer than a 6 month period since high school. He had recently told his family that he was ready to have a family. How ironic that he meets this great girl while out on a road trip? She’s cute AND she likes me, he thought. The texting began immediately. Their first date was at Christophers in Wayne and their second date was at Ruth’s Chris in King of Prussia. Catara had no problem making the hour plus trip to meet Tommy.
Tommy earned a free trip to Cabo from Amex and had planned to take a buddy, but on his first date with Catara, he decided to ask her instead. She just had to meet him in California and they would set off to Cabo from there. It was the first time she had ever flown by herself, but she threw caution to the wind and said yes. It was the day before the Cabo trip that she met Tommy’s mom for the first time. It all was happening so fast, but it just felt right. Less than 6 months later, they were engaged! Turns out his mother’s intuition was spot on. Tommy’s mom had reported back to her husband after that first meeting…”I think I just met Tommy’s future wife!”
It can happen anywhere, anytime, and for Tommy and Catara it was true love. Three beautiful daughters later, there’s no question about it!
