Serendipitous [Joe Burrow]

Chapter 8

I'm so sorry I've sucked at updating this story!! I promise I'll do better

September 2020

Chandler sat at the reception desk typing away at her computer. She actually didn't mind being a receptionist. It obviously wasn't her dream job but it wasn't horrible and it paid the bills. "Hey," Katie smiled walking toward the reception desk, "You ready for lunch?"

"Yeah let me just input this last appointment," Chandler said finishing up. She stood from her seat following Katie out of the hair salon. There was a small diner they liked to eat lunch at right across from the hair salon.

"So," Katie said as she sat down at the table.

"I don't want to talk about it," Chandler said.

"Chandler I think we should talk about it," Katie said, "You're 15 weeks along. You'll be finding out the sex soon."

"I don't want to talk about it," Chandler repeated.

"What happened to the Chandler that was all set and ready to go tell him the day of the ultrasound?" Chandler glanced around to make sure no one was listening in on their conversation.

"That Chandler didn't know that the guy she'd hooked up with was an NFL player," she whispered, "A quarterback in the NFL at that."

"Look I know you said not to but I've been looking into him," Katie said.

"Katie!"

"I know. I'm sorry. But from what I can tell he's a really great guy. Comes from a great family. He was in a long-term relationship for 3 years up until a few months ago," Katie said, "I think he would make a great dad."

"I don't want to be in the spotlight," Chandler said, "And I don't want my baby to be either."

"What if you guys don't have to be?" Katie said.

"How is that even possible?" Chandler asked, "He's literally in the spotlight. As soon as the press catches wind about this whole situation it's going to blow up. I can see the headlines now. NFL quarterback get's girl he met once pregnant. Is it really his baby or is she just after his money?"

"That's not how it's going to happen," Katie said.

"How do you know?" Chandler said, "How many times have you seen this happen?"

"Well I don--"

"Not many but anytime you have it's ended just like I said it would," Chandler said.

"I don't think you should keep the baby from him just because he's in the spotlight," Katie said, "He can give your baby a great future. He also deserves to know he has a kid out there somewhere." Chandler put her head in her hands. On one hand, she knew that Katie was right like always. There was just something about being ready to tell him and then finding out that he's a big NFL player. None of this had ever been a part of her plan. Hell, getting pregnant at 22 and being a mom by 23 wasn't a part of the plan either.

"This is all so fucked up," Chandler huffed, "My life was never supposed to be like this!"

"Not all great things are planned," Katie said, "No matter what you choose you're going to have an amazing baby and I know you're gonna be a great mom." Katie reached forward and grabbed ahold of her friend's hand. "I truly believe you will regret not giving him that same opportunity."

"Maybe you're right," Chandler said, "I will regret it. I shouldn't let my own worries affect my baby. He or she deserves to have both parents in their life. It doesn't matter if we'll be out in the spotlight. Our child is the only thing that matters."

"So you're gonna tell him?" Katie asked.

"Yes," Chandler said, "I think that's what is best. I need to put my fear aside." Chandler couldn't help but start laughing which in turn made Katie laugh. "God. These past few months have been a while ride."

"At least it's been exciting," Katie said.

"Yeah and stressful," Chandler added, "Can you imagine what my dad would say?"

"Yeah he would freak if he knew you were pregnant right now and not married," Katie laughed.

"Yeah but as soon as he found out who the father was he'd pretend like he was okay with it all along," Chandler said.

"So when are you going to tell Joe?" Katie asked.

"I don't know," Chandler said, "I guess I should look and see what their schedule is like. He might not even be home." Chandler pulled out her phone looking up the Bengals football schedule. "This says they have a home game on Friday. So do you think he'll be home on Saturday?"

"I'd think so," Katie said, "But I don't really know how football works."

"I'll just go to his house Saturday then," Chandler said, "If he's not there I can always go back."

"I know I asked last time but do you want me to go with you?" Katie asked.

"No. I can do it by myself."

••••

Chandler pulled up to the house she'd only been to once before. It felt even bigger this time than last. The car Joe had driven her home in was parked in the driveway which meant he was home. Her hands were shaking as she opened her car door. Thankfully it was a cool September day so she could wear a sweatshirt to hide her baby bump. Soon she wouldn't be able to hide it. Chandler walked up to the door and took a deep breath. She couldn't believe she was actually doing this right now. Chandler knocked on the door waiting for him to answer.

A girl answered the door. She was a little taller than Chandler and had brunette hair with highlights. "Hi. Can I help you?" she asked.

"Umm hi. Is uh Joe home?" Chandler asked.

"Who are you?" the girl asked eyeing Chandler up and down. She already felt uncomfortable but now she really just wanted to turn around and run.

"I'm just a friend of Joe's," Chandler said.

"A friend? As his girlfriend I think I would know all of his friends," the girl said crossing her arms.

"Well we just recently became friends," Chandler smiled trying to ease the tension, "You know maybe I'll just come back later."

"Who's at the--Chandler?" Joe asked.

"Hi," Chandler smiled nervously.

"Wha--what are you doing here?" Joe asked.

"Umm you know I was just coming to umm," Chandler stuttered not exactly knowing what to say.

"You were coming to umm what?" the girl asked. Chandler looked from the girl to Joe not knowing what to say.

"Olivia, weren't you just leaving to go to your parent's house?" Joe asked looking down at the girl.

"No actually I don't think I'm gonna go now," Oliva said.

"Could you give us a second?" Joe asked turning to Chandler.

"Yeah, I umm. I'll just wait out here," Chandler said. Joe sent her a smile and shut the door.