In which the rookie Ben Gal falls for Cincinnati's number one quarterback.
Now that football season is upon us I thought it would be fun to write a little Joe Burrow story.
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The Dallas Cowboys training facility was buzzing with energy when I walked in, and I could feel the weight of the expectations the moment I set foot inside. The Cowboys cheerleaders were legendary, known for their precision and show-stopping routines. I was excited and nervous, wondering if I'd be able to meet their standards. But beneath it all, I knew that this was exactly where I needed to be.
As I entered the studio for the first official practice, I took a deep breath, hoping to make a good impression. The other cheerleaders were warming up, stretching out on yoga mats, or chatting as they laced up their shoes. They exuded confidence and charisma, and I felt like the new kid on the first day of school.
A friendly-looking girl with bright blue eyes and a wide smile noticed me standing near the door and waved me over. "You must be Alessandra! I'm Brynn," she said, extending her hand. "Welcome to the team!"
I relaxed a little, shaking her hand. "Thank you! I'm really excited to be here."
"Don't worry, we were all nervous on our first day," she said with a wink. "But you're gonna do great! This is Elena and Isla." She gestured to two other girls standing beside her, who both gave me warm smiles.
Elena was petite with a bubbly personality, her blonde hair pulled back in a high ponytail. Isla was tall and elegant, with an easygoing energy that put me at ease. We chatted a bit, and I quickly realized that this team was a close-knit group, supportive and driven, with a passion for the sport and each other.
Our coach, Kelli, walked in clapping her hands to get our attention. "Alright, ladies! Let's get to work. We've got a lot to cover, so I hope you're ready to sweat!"
The practice was intense. Every move had to be perfect, synchronized, and powerful. The routines were more complex than anything I'd done before, with sharp precise movements that demanded both physical and mental focus. By the end of the day, I was exhausted, but there was a deep sense of accomplishment that came with it.
After practice, Brynn, Elena, and Isla invited me out for smoothies, and I happily accepted. Over drinks, I learned more about them and the team culture. Brynn had been with the Cowboys for three years, Elena had just finished her second season, and Isla was a rookie like me, fresh out of college.
"So," Elena said, sipping her smoothie with a knowing smile, "I heard you came here from Cincinnati? Were you with the Bengals?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I was cheering for them this past season."