oh hell yeah, let's go with them having met in college for sure. she would have loved having a tour guide and that would have given her instant heart eyes that the cute american bloke was willing to show her around. maybe they dated when they were both either 20 or 21, so when that fell to the wayside they just stuck to friendship since both had busy lives and/or simply couldn't keep up with the demands of a romantic relationship? haha she'll know the accent is a weakness of his and will maaaybe use it to her advantage whenever she needs a favor or starts getting a little flirty.