Two Minute Warning

Unexpected Encounters

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The following week flew by in a blur of practices, meetings, and the usual rush of learning new routines. I felt more comfortable with each passing day, but every once in a while, my thoughts drifted back to that brief moment with Joe in the parking lot. Had I imagined the park between us? Or was it just the excitement of being part of something new?

By the time the weekend rolled around, game day was upon us again. It was another home game, and the energy was just as electric as before. As we prepared for our routine, Coach Harper called us into a huddle.

"Listen up, everyone!" She said, her voice sharp but encouraging. "This game is special. There's a media event right after, and some of the players will be interacting with fans. I need a few of you to stick around for photo ops. Any volunteers?"

Harlow immediately raised her hand, grinning. "Always ready for a photo shoot!"

A few others chimed in, but I hesitated, unsure if I should volunteer. I was still the rookie, after all. Before I could decide, Coach glanced my way.

"Alessandra, why don't you stay too? You did great last week, and this will be a good chance for you to mingle with the fans. Plus, the players like having a new face around."

My heart raced, but I nodded. "Sure, I will stay."

After another flawless routine, we wrapped up the game, and I tried to keep my excitement in check as I followed the other to the media event. The fan zone was set up near the locker rooms, a cordoned-off area where players would meet with fans, sign autographs, and pose for pictures.

As soon as we arrived, I spotted Joe among the players. He was surrounded by fans, looking completely at ease, tossing a football casually in one hand as he signed jerseys and hats with the other. His smile was easy, relaxed just like it had been when he spoke to me last week.

Harlow nudged me playfully. "Your boy's over there," she teased.

I shot her a look. "He's not my boy," I said, though my face was already heating up. "We barely even spoke."

"Barely is more than most people get," She winked, then jogged off to join the other cheerleaders, leaving me standing there, unsure of what to do next.

Before I could decide whether to slip into the background or approach him, Joe caught my eye. He paused for a second, giving me that same curious look he had the last time we spoke. Then, without breaking stride, he waved me over.

My heart leapt into my throat. Was he really calling me over? No one else seemed to notice, so I hesitated for a split second before taking a deep breath and walking toward him.

"Alessandra, right?" Joe said, his voice casual as if we were old friends.

"Yeah," I managed to say, trying to sound calm despite the butterflies in my stomach.

"Are you sticking around for the fan event?" He asked, glancing at the small crowd forming behind the ropes.

"Yeah." I nodded, "Coach said I should get used to this part of the job."

He smiled, clearly amused by my still nervous energy. "You will do fine. They are pretty easy to please as long as you smile."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Guess I will have to practice my game-day smile more."

"Good luck with that," He teased. "Might even beat me out for fan favorite if you are not careful."

I blinked, surprised by the playfulness in his voice. Was Joe Burrow actually flirting with me? Before I could respond, a fan interrupted, holding out a jersey for him to sign. Joe gave me a quick, almost private smile before turning his attention to the fan.

For the rest of the event, we didn't exchange any more words, but every now and then I would catch his eyes drifting my way as he moved through the line. Each time, I felt a small jolt of energy, like a secret only the two of us shared. The more I tried to shake it off, the more impossible it became to ignore.

After the event wrapped up, I was about to leave when Joe finished his last autograph and walked straight over to me.

"Hey, you heading out?" he asked, his voice lower now that the crowd was thinning.

"Yeah," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "Long day."

"Tell me about it," he sighed, running a hand through his messy, post-game hair. "You got plans after this?'

I blinked, unsure if I heard him correctly. "Uh, not really. Just going home, I guess."

Joe shifted his weight, his expression a mix of casual and thoughtful. "Well, a couple of us are grabbing dinner. Nothing fancy, just a low-key spot. You should come."

Was he asking me out? My brain scrambled to make sense of what was happening. Before I could overthink it, Harlow's words from earlier echoed in my head 'Barely is more than most people get.'

"Sure," I said, surprising myself with the confidence in my voice. "That sounds fun."

Joe's smile widened, as if he was genuinely pleased with my answer. "Cool. Meet me by the player's lot in about twenty?"

I nodded, my heart doing backflips as he jogged off toward the locker room.

As I made my way to the parking lot, I couldn't help but smile to myself. Somehow, against all odds, I was about to have dinner with Joe Burrow. And for the first time in a while, it felt like things were just starting or getting interesting.