Second Chances // Joe Burrow

2. I'm your guy

"I'm Joe by the way, Joe Burrow." He stuck his hand out for me to shake and I just stood there like an idiot. Was it too early to blame it on the hormones?

I knew enough about football to know that Joe was the number one pick Quarterback, my uncle's prized possession. What I didn't know, was that he was sin on wheels. He was over a foot taller than me, probably like 6'4 to my 5'2 1/2. His light brown/ blonde hair was cropped on the sides and just fluffy enough on top to where it didn't resemble a buzz cut. His blue eyes are stunning and perfectly symmetrical on his face, topped off with a chiseled jaw. He was wearing a black warm up long sleeve with the team long on it and black athletic pants, like he just came off the practice field, though he smelled as though he just showered and walked through a tobacco shop, in the best kind of way.

"Madison Barnes, nice to meet you." I said, breaking out of my trance as my aunt not so subtly nudged my shoulder.

"Believe me, the pleasure is all mine." He grabbed my hand and instead of shaking it, took my hand and softly brought it to his lips. My eyes went wind and I turned to look at my aunt, who gave me a shit eating grin before winking.

I became very aware of the clothes I was wearing, a pair of leggings and an oversized hoodie, both the darkest shade of black possible. It was like a Wednesday Adams threw up on me. I was in mourning, I think I get a pass on first impressions.

"Ladies, your chariot awaits." Joe says, sitting down in a golf cart. My aunt took the back seat, leaving me either beside sweaty gym equipment or the quarterback himself, the shit eating grin even wider.

I bent down so only she could hear me. "I don't know what it is you are planning, but it stops now."

She chuckled and looked at me like she had no idea what I was talking about.

"So, what'd you do to piss my uncle off and get stuck on chauffeur duty?" I ask Joe, taking my phone out of my crossbody bag.

He started off on a long tangent about how he and Ja'marr were just playing an innocent Halloween prank, but Uncle Zac didn't see it that way. Though I was barely listening because I was texting Aunt Sarah to make sure she understood where I was coming from.

I mean it. I'm in no place to peruse anything with anyone. Don't get any ideas. This year is going to be hard enough with out added drama

Okay, okay. I'll drop it for now. But Joes a good kid, he'd be good for you. And your babies.

Right, babies. I am going to be a single mother and he is a star quarterback for the NFL, I'm not exactly the person he should be getting attached too.

Honey you need a little happy in your life. You've been so down and I don't know what else to help you.

My parents died. Sorry I've been in a mood.

I lock my phone and shove it back in my bag, crossing my arms across my chest.

"-I just don't think that putting jelly and fake blood in his Gatorade bottle was that bad of a prank, how were we supposed to know that he was squeamish about blood?"

I nodded and offered a light smile, not that I had been paying attention to his story.

"You're not paying me a bit of attention, are you?" He laughs.

"Gosh, no. Sorry Joe, I'm sure it's was a very funny story. It's just been a long day, a long few weeks actually." I sighed.

"I understand. Not that I means much coming from a complexity stranger," he says stopping the golf cart and laying a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "But I'm truly sorry about your loss. If you ever need anything, I'm your guy."

I didn't know what to say so I just nodded.

...

"Twins? My niece is going to be the mom to twins?" Uncle Zac pulls me into a tight hug after I show him the ultrasound pictures. "God, I remember when Ruthy told me they were going to start fostering kids, and now I'm going to be a great uncle. Way to make a man feel old, kid."

"I know, having these pictures just make everything seem more real. I know you said you would support us, but that was when it was just one baby. I don't want to feel like a free loader, especially with two kids, so I need to find a job."

"I'm sure you'll find something. Why don't you just go meet some of the guys on the team and eat a nice meal, we could all use something light hearted these days."

I nod and we walk towards the food spread, "Besides, I figured you'd be too stubborn to let us just pay for everything. The team need a new social media manager, the positions yours is you want it. What you did for the Roanoke city tourism page was amazing."

"No kidding?"

"Yeah, our last managers husband got transferred overseas, effective next week actually."

"I would love the job, if you think I'm qualified enough for it."

"Your more than qualified. I though I was going to have to get your aunt to do it, and between you and me, she less than literate when it comes to anything technology related."

For the first time in a while, I laughed. Not a huge laugh, just a small chuckle.

Maybe things were starting to look up. I knew I wouldn't be complete healed from the trauma of the last few weeks for a while, but I could definitely feel the heeling process starting.

.....
Hi, I started this last night when I tested positive for Covid and I'm out of work for the rest of the week. I wasn't actually expecting anyone to read this, or find it this quickly.

My knowledge of football is minimal. I cheered for football for four years in high school, watched Remember the Titans and The Blind Side, and I watch whatever games are playing on Sunday's when I have free time.

All that to say, I'm not expert on football, but I know enough that I wouldn't need it mansplained to me at a bar.

Hope you enjoy :)