- Hannah Bullerman rarely used food delivery services but ordered GrubHub when she was sick one day.
- She went to the lobby to pick up her lunch and was instantly attracted to the Grubhub driver.
- The couple is now engaged and has booked the wedding for next year.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Hannah Bullerman. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I woke with a migraine one day in March of 2022. I have a strong work ethic, but felt too sick to do my job as an X-ray technician.
A few hours later, I didn't want to make lunch because I wasn't feeling well. I rarely used food delivery services but ordered chicken wings and fried pickles because I had a Grubhub coupon on my phone.
The simple decision to order comfort food changed my life.
I live in an apartment building where deliveries can be tricky because of the security system. So, when the driver arrived, he called to let me know he was there.
I was embarrassed because I didn't look my best
I walked down the stairs, wearing a T-shirt, sweatpants, and a pair of sloth slippers. It was not a fabulous look.
Two thoughts entered my mind when the delivery guy handed over my lunch. "This man is handsome and cute," I told myself.
Next, I thought, "You're not looking very cute right now." I was rather embarrassed.
The moment I saw his face, I thought he looked sweet, with a warm smile and kind eyes.
I apologized for the confusion over the security system and gave him a good tip. I retrieved my food and scurried upstairs. I didn't need this handsome guy to see me any longer than necessary.
The moment I got into my apartment, the food became an afterthought. I was taken aback. I had a visceral feeling in my stomach that I should reach out to the driver.
I had his number. "Maybe I should text him," I thought. "Or maybe I shouldn't." Then I thought, "What's the harm in doing it? But what should I say?" I didn't want to come off as headstrong or creepy. I wanted to avoid anything that could be offensive if he had a girlfriend or wasn't interested.
Alec's work as a delivery driver was a side gig
It took a bit of brain power and I was pacing. But I came up with something I hoped might be quirky and cute. "I hope you have a day as nice as your face," I texted.
I flung the phone on my bed, not wanting to look at it. But he replied. He introduced himself as Alec Hoffman and asked if looking me up on social media was OK.
"I think it's only appropriate to grab your Snapchat or Instagram," he wrote.
It was thoughtful because most people would go right ahead anyway.
We communicated on Snapchat. Alec, two years older than me at 27, said he worked in home care for veterans. Grubhub was a side gig.
Our first date was at a bar and grill. Then we went bowling. We chatted about everything and nothing, all at the same time. There was a connection because we like similar music. We also love card games like cribbage.
Soon, we spent time with each other three or four times a week. We started to develop this little life together.
It feels as if meeting Alec was divine intervention
Alec proposed on October 18, 2023. He went down on one knee while strolling along a boardwalk before dinner. We're getting married in May next year.
I feel as if meeting Alec was divine intervention. As we were getting to know each other, we would talk about concerts we'd been to on the same date. He lived 10 minutes away from me, but we'd never run into each other.
We met at the time when we were supposed to. I'm so glad he brought my delivery that day.
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