Desert Tea: Vicki Gunvalson's Most Awkward Date Night Happened at The Nest

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Leave it to the OG of The Real Housewives of Orange County to turn an ordinary night out into a scene worthy of Bravo.

Picture this: You're out with your new boyfriend, feeling fabulous, sipping cocktails, and suddenly boom! Your ex-husband of 20 years walks through the door.

If this sounds like the beginning of a rom-com, welcome to The Nest in Palm Desert, otherwise known as the desert's unofficial headquarters for flirtation, dancing, and running into people you were perfectly happy avoiding.

Awkward Encounters

On Season 20 episode 2 of RHOC, Vicki Gunvalson spilled the tea to Tamra Judge about unexpectedly bumping into ex-husband Don Gunvalson (who also lives in the Coachella Valley desert and is rumored to be single) while out with boyfriend Michael Smith. Vicki admitted she practically pushed Michael aside so she could make her exit, only to stop, look Don in the eyes, and simply say, "I hope you're doing good." It was cordial... but emotions were definitely RSVP'd to the party.

The encounter brought back memories of the couple's 20-year marriage, and Vicki confessed she found herself wanting to hug and kiss Don, admitting she never intended for their marriage to end.

Meanwhile, Michael did what any confident boyfriend would do he extended his hand and introduced himself. Talk about earning bonus points for handling an awkward moment with grace.

Thankfully, there wasn't a dramatic table flip or someone yelling, "Whoop it up!" Instead, Vicki says she's a different person today and appreciates her relationship with Michael in ways she didn't during her marriage with Don.

Embracing Desert Life

These days, Vicki has fully embraced desert living. The original Housewife—who helped launch the entire Bravo franchise—now calls La Quinta home with Texas businessman and real estate developer Michael Smith. She's even showing off her new desert lifestyle on Instagram, complete with the birthday golf cart Michael gifted her.

Moral of the story? In the Coachella Valley, you never know what you'll find at The Nest: live music, a new romance... or your ex-husband. Now that's what we call desert tea.

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