Leonardo D and Me

After living in Los Angeles for a year and a half, I FINALLY had a legit encounter with a celebrity. Daniel and I decided to go to dinner at this place called Goal in the West Hollywood/Beverly Hills area.  We had been there before to watch the Georgia/Auburn game, and had some fabulous wings. The Lakers were also playing, so it seemed like the perfect spot!

There were probably no more than ten people in the entire place, and only one (skanky) waitress.  Just as I started to regret our decision to go (because of skanky waitress), a group of guys walked in.  They sat in a booth right by the door and all had dark jackets and hats on.  The one facing me looked very familiar, and after a longer than normal stare in his direction, I realized I knew who it was.  I immediately got excited, and tried to convince Daniel that it was Leonardo Dicaprio.  Of course he didn't believe me at first, but then finally agreed!

This is the point when time stopped.  I felt my hands getting clammy and my heart was racing.  As I ate my wings and nachos, I was trying to figure out what I should do.  This would be the chance of a lifetime, something to tell the grandkids about.  I knew I had to take action!  (All the while, Daniel is watching the Lakers and is completely ignoring me talking to myself to get a game plan together)  

And then...they got up and walked out.  I wanted to run after them, but I didn't want to jeopardize my relationship with the man....that served me my wings and Daniel his nachos.  So Daniel did what any decent boyfriend would do and he ordered my favorite dessert...a chocolate chippy.  That helped some with the agony of losing out on a priceless opportunity.  But my disappointment didn't last long.  I thought they were waiting out front for their car, but what they were really doing is waiting for their take out order!  To pass the time, they decided to smoke and play backgammon (weird).  We paid and prepared to confront him outside.  

But...at the exact moment that we were going for the door handle, Leo walked back inside!  As he was eagerly walking to the back of the bar, I shouted "I'm a big fan...hate to be annoying...but would you mind taking a picture??"  He said "Right now?  I need to pay for my food."  AWKWARD.  Alas, I would not be moved.  I waited patiently by the door until he returned, walked outside and handed his food to his friend, and turned to be in the picture.  He did not touch me AT ALL, he did not smile AT ALL, and when we were finished I barely got out "congratulations on your award...you guys have a good night...i love you..." before he was in his Audi and off into the night.

Nevertheless, I had my picture.  I had my story.  I was giddy.

This was a new step in my relationship with Daniel.  It's not the first time we have seen someone famous together, but they have never been Leo status.  And I have never been so star struck.  Some guys I have dated would have been mortified and hidden in the bathroom.  At a minimum, they would have been mad at me for being so silly.  But I have to say, he was great about the whole thing actually. Didn't really get embarrassed, encouraged me to approach him, and even took the picture like a champ. 

Seeing Leo was really cool.  But seeing Daniel embracing my craziness was even cooler.