Sitting on a airplane from Budapest to Los Angeles — a journey I used to be aware of — felt totally different this time. I used to be visualizing my new startup job in sunny Manhattan Seaside, considering by way of onboarding and first impressions. However largely, I used to be excited to satisfy my new colleagues and benefit from my three-week keep in California.
On a whim, I messaged an outdated Hungarian pal I hadn’t seen in 10 years. We’d fully misplaced contact, and I wasn’t even positive he’d reply. However he did.
I landed in L.A. on a vivid Monday afternoon on the finish of September, filled with curiosity and optimism. Our workplace was simply steps from the ocean, and after 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 pal Gabor and I deliberate a little bit 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 really stole the present.
On the drive again, Gabor casually talked about his pal Adam, a fellow Hungarian who lived in Marina del Rey and had a ship. “We might go for a little bit cruise tomorrow,” he stated. I had time. So positive. 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 good day. 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 mushy. 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 stated, “Wish 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 keep in mind 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 all types of sophisticated 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, formidable and adventurous girl I’m. So I wasn’t trying.
However being in Adam’s presence felt totally different. It was respectful, pure, easy. No video games.
Nonetheless I used to be leaving in two weeks. No motive 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 want street journeys? Let’s discover California a bit.”
“Completely,” I replied with out hesitation. (What was I considering, although?)
He didn’t know that journey and street journeys particularly have been my love language — nature too.
It was one other shocking signal that perhaps we had extra in frequent than simply being Hungarian. He deliberate every part: the itinerary, the stops, the lodging. My contribution? 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 powerful 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, but it surely by no means got here. Nicely, by no means thoughts.
Whereas convincing myself we’d by no means develop into a factor, we took the scenic route again to L.A., speaking brazenly about our pasts and desires. 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, understanding my ultimate week in California was about to start. We stated we’d keep in contact. However no expectations.
Then one thing surprising occurred: Per week that was imagined to be full of conferences began clearing up. One after the other, issues bought canceled, and abruptly I had time. And I knew precisely who I wished to spend it with. I texted Adam.
In his ordinary informal means, he replied: “Wish to go for a sundown cruise?” Sure. At all times sure.
That night was pure magic. The ocean, the sunshine, the sensation of being fully comfortable.
Afterward, we had dinner at a tiny Thai place in Venice Seaside. It was simply us. No distractions.
Whereas sipping wonton soup beneath the California sky, I spotted I used to be falling in love. I noticed the identical factor in his eyes.
The subsequent 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 part: 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 good.
The subsequent morning, he drove me to Los Angeles Worldwide Airport.
“When will you be again?” he requested.
“I don’t know,” I whispered, eyes brimming with tears.
However right here’s the factor: Typically life surprises you whenever you least anticipate it.
I did come again. He did suggest. And I stated the best sure of my life.
I discovered the love of my life at 42, in probably the most unrealistic means, 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 — every one totally different, however one factor by no means adjustments: our love for one another. For those who don’t consider in real love or in angels, perhaps 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 house. Fortunately ever after.
The creator lives in Marina del Rey. She works in individuals technique and management improvement and moved to L.A. from Budapest final yr.
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