pink roses - joe burrow

three

After multiple mini football games with Tanner and Joe, where unsurprisingly I've lost every time, and getting some time on the trampoline with them, the night was coming to a close. Some of neighbors were headed back to their homes, and my parents were sitting around the firepit with Jim and Robin. Mom made Tanner go inside and get a shower and get ready for bed, and we joined our family around the firepit. Mom handed me Jonah to hold to give her a break, and he slept quietly in my arms. 

"So Joe, when are they sending you off to Louisiana?" My dad asked Joe.

"I actually leave tomorrow. I'm going to get settled in my apartment, and then training camp starts." Joe answered, nodding his head. His voice was like honey, and I was loving it. I need to relax, immediately. At this rate, I'm setting myself up for self-inflicted heartbreak. I'm good at that. The only real relationship I had was in my sophomore year at LSU. I had a good thing going, but it faded, and we lost feelings for each other. I've tried going on dates, but it seemed like every guy I tried to date only wanted to hook up, or were just not a good match for me. The guys that I thought were cute, paid me no mind. I'd mentally fall in love with them, only to break my own heart.

"Birdie would love to show you around when she gets back down there!" My mom spoke for me, as I was bit taken aback. She means well, and she knows it's only in a friendly way, but I know she has no idea what exactly is going through my head right now. I just nodded, giving him a small smile.

"That would be great, it will be nice to know someone there." Joe agreed, looking over at me and giving me a smile. "When do you get back?" He asked.

"In two weeks." I answered.

"Do you still have my number?" He asked, which made me feel a little sad, as that was just another reminder on how much we drifted apart over the years. Of course I did, because a little part of me hoped that he would send a little text to catch up.

I nodded, "Unless you changed it?" I questioned. He shook his head.

"Well kids, this old man is getting tired." Jim spoke up, cutting our conversation short. He stood up, Robin right behind him. Jim and Robin started walking with my parents back in the house, talking about future plans for another get together. Joe and I stood up, unsure of what really to say.

"Bea-" Joe started, as we stood in front of the door that leads back inside. I stopped in my tracks, my heart thumping a million miles an hour in my chest, unsure of what he was going to say. I turned to look at him, letting a small hum out in response. The dimly lit string lights hitting his features just right, and making is green eyes stand out.

"I just wanted to say that it's good to see you. I'm sorry i've been MIA these past few years. I guess I got up with football and my friends at college. I won't do it again, and I look forward to actually hanging out again at LSU. You're still one of my best friends." Joe spoke truthfully, looking at me like he's hoping for forgiveness.

"Joey, it's not a big deal. I promise. Nothing's changed." I assured.

"Bring it in, Bea" Joe grinned, extending his arms, flinging his body onto mine. He wrapped his arms around me, as I drowned in his heavenly scent. He smelled so good, his cologne was strong against his shirt. I laughed in his tight hug, as he wasn't letting go. "Joey, I can't breathe." I laughed, which was true, but I also didn't want it to end.

"Okay, okay, I'll let you live, Bea." He chuckled. "Text me when you're back in Baton Rouge?" 

I nodded, "Of course. I'll show you everything LSU has to offer." I smiled up at him. I didn't have a whole bunch to really show him. Ever since Tori and I move into our apartment together, we spent a lot of time getting our money's worth. We were the definition of homebodies. Sure, we went to the occasional frat party, and football tailgates, but our home was practically our sanctuary. I also had a sinking suspicion that Joe will meet a ton of new people who can show him and introduce him to more than I can.

Joe followed into the house behind me, our families were standing by the front door still saying goodbye. I gave a quick hug to Robin and Jim, saying how nice it was to see them again, turning to face Joe. "Bye Birdie." He smiled down at me, giving me a quick hug. 

"See you down there." I responded, as I stood with my parents watching the Burrow's walk out of house to their car.

Once the Burrow's left our house, I joined my family in the living room. Jonah was snoozing peacefully in the bassinet, and ESPN played quietly in the background. "I love that family" My mom boasted, clearly a little woozy from her wine she and Robin splurged in together. "Such a perfect family." 

"Of course, dear. They're a good looking family." My dad responded, his eyes locked onto the TV.

"And you and Joe?" She grinned, laughing to herself, leaning over on the couch. I sighed, looking over to her. Here we go. Mom always tried to get me to want Joe, because I always played it off that we were strictly friends, and that I had no feelings for him growing up.

"What about me and Joe? We just saw each other and spoke for the first time in years. We we're catching up tonight." I told her truthfully.

"See you down there?" She mocked, her bright smile going from ear to ear, giving me a 'I already know' look.

"What else am I supposed to say? You're reading into this too much, mom." I huffed, wanting this conversation to end immediately. 

"Am I? He's transferring to your school, honey! This is such a perfect opportunity for you two. Robin and I both agree." I set my face in my hands, letting out a sigh. "Robin loves you." She continued.

"Please tell me you didn't talk to Robin about this tonight." I begged, hoping this was just my mom on one of her wine drunk tyrants. 

"And? This wasn't any different from our conversations we had when you both were kids." She shrugged, wrapping her arms around me. "We mean well, we're just moms, sometimes we just know things our kids don't."

"Your mother is always right." My dad injected, making sure mom knew he was still partially present, even though the sports highlights had his main attention.

"Well this has been a lot of fun guys." I spoke up, shifting to get up from the couch. "I'm exhausted though, I've been up since four this morning." I mainly just wanted to evacuate from this conversation, knowing that we wouldn't get anywhere tonight. I didn't feel like confessing my new found attraction to my childhood best friend to my parents, and I know my mom would be calling Robin right away once I told her.

My parents bid me a goodnight, as I pulled myself up the stairs, and into the comfort of my bedroom. Everything is still the same from before I went off to college. My bed was left made and untouched, with the pink duvet tucked neatly into the bed, and fluffy pillows filling up the majority of the space. I face planted into my bed, letting out a sigh from the overwhelming day I had. I can't believe these feelings I had filling my head. I've never once felt this entranced by Joe. What's so different now?

I felt anxious thinking about what happens from here when we're both at LSU. Would he keep his promise and actually spend time with me? Would he meet someone, or some people and I get pushed to the back burner again? The idea of Joe getting a girlfriend there made my stomach sick. I hate that I care this much already. I'm trying with everything in me to make me not have feelings for him, but no matter how hard I try, it's not diminishing.