Jillian Roberts, 42, from Boston, and Tommy Morrison, 38, a joiner from Bonnyrigg, have started a long-distance relationship after meeting by chance during Scotland's World Cup festivities at Fenway Park on June 16.
Chance Meeting at Fenway Park
Jillian bought tickets with friends to see the Red Sox play the Toronto Blue Jays for Pride Night, unaware that thousands of Scottish football fans were also at the ballpark. As she walked to her car, she encountered Tommy on his way to the train station. They chatted briefly and recorded a video, but parted without exchanging numbers.
Jillian, frontwoman of the band Disco Lemonade, said: "As soon as he walked away, I thought, 'Oh shoot, I should have gotten his number.'"
Fate Intervenes
Tommy's ex-girlfriend spotted Jillian's social media video and commented, offering to connect them. Jillian said: "One of his ex-girlfriends actually commented on the TikTok saying she knew Tommy and how much of an awesome guy he was. I messaged her asking if she could get me his number."
The pair have been messaging on WhatsApp ever since. Tommy recalled: "We met at the baseball. She asked me what I liked about Boston? I gave her the Scottish charm and said, 'You.'"
Whirlwind Romance
After Scotland's loss in Foxborough, Tommy spent £100 on a taxi to see Jillian. He said: "She said her friends wanted to meet up with mine - which she has since admitted was a lie and she just wanted to see me. I got a £100 Uber from Gillette Stadium so I could make it in time."
They spent several days together before Tommy went to Miami and then returned to Boston after the Brazil game. Their first proper date included sightseeing near the aquarium, where they were recognised from viral TikTok videos. Jillian said: "We even ran into a few people, Scottish and locals, who recognised us from the TikTok."
Long-Distance Commitment
Jillian has booked a flight to Scotland at the end of August to visit Tommy. She said: "I have bought a plane ticket to go see him in Scotland at the end of August. I would never have thought I'd be visiting Scotland a month after all of the Scottish fans visited Boston."
Tommy added: "I stepped foot on the plane home on June 30. By the time I landed, she had a flight booked to Scotland for the end of August." He is planning a special surprise to give her a full Scottish experience, joking that she thinks everyone lives in castles and wears kilts every day.
The couple are now boyfriend and girlfriend, maintaining their relationship through daily FaceTime calls. Jillian said: "We are now boyfriend and girlfriend and are doing a long-distance relationship so it has been a lot of FaceTimes."
