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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As someone who had spent most of her time on football fields, Alessandra was a little out of her element stepping into an arena filled with hockey fans. The atmosphere was electric, sharp whistles, the sound of skates cutting across the ice, and the unmistakable thrill of the game. With Harlow by her side, waving a foam finger and sporting a Columbus Blue Jackets beanie, Alessandra couldn't help but feel the excitement rub off on her.
They found their seats close to the ice, giving them a perfect view of the action. When the players skated onto the rink, Harlow nudged her with a grin. "Get ready, because hockey fans are intense. This game's probably going to be a rollercoaster!"
Alessandra's heart skipped a beat when she spotted Cole in his blue and white uniform, helmet down and focused. She had always admired Joe's focus on the field, but seeing Cole on the ice was entirely different. He moved with a calculated intensity, gliding effortlessly, switching from offense to defense with a determination that left her captivated.
The game was fast-paced, and Harlow had to explain some of the rules, especially during face-offs and power plays. Every time Cole touched the puck or blocked an opponent, the crowd around them would erupt in cheers, and Alessandra couldn't help but join in. When Cole scored late in the second period, securing a lead for the Blue Jackets, she found herself on her feet shouting alongside Harlow.
"See, you're getting the hang of it!" Harlow laughed, pulling her back into her seat.
After the final buzzer sounded, signaling a Blue Jackets win, Alessandra's phone buzzed with a text from Cole.
Hey, I've got a little time before the team heads out. Want to meet up at the players' exit?
Alessandra grinned, showing Harlow the message. They made their way to the exit, where fans were already gathered, hoping to catch glimpses of the players. After a few minutes, Cole emerged from the tunnel, hair damp, cheeks flushed from the game. He spotted Alessandra and flashed her a warm smile.
"Hey, you made it!" he said, pulling her into a quick hug. "What did you think of the game?"
"It was incredible," she said, still feeling the rush of excitement. "And you....you were amazing out there."
Cole chuckled, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "Glad you enjoyed it. We might just turn you into a hockey fan yet."
Harlow leaned in with a wink, "I think she's halfway there already."
The night ended with Cole promising to take them both out on the ice sometime, much to Harlow's delight. As they walked back to their car, Alessandra felt a sense of belonging. She'd started a new tradition with Harlow, found an unexpected love for hockey, and was building a future she could be proud of. For the first time since coming back to Cincinnati, she felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be.
