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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Joe, meanwhile, noticed Cole's absence and sensed an opportunity to reach out to Alessandra. He'd seen her on the field during pregame warmups and, after a moment of hesitation, decided to approach her during a break. He greeted her with a relaxed smile, hoping to keep things casual.
"Hey, Alé! Looks like you're flying solo today?"
Alessandra nodded, smiling back. "Yeah, Cole's away for a game in Canada. It's weird being here without him."
Joe took a breath, seizing the moment. "If you're up for it, maybe we could grab dinner after the game? Just as friends, I promise."
She hesitated but then agreed, sensing his sincerity. "Okay, sure. Just as friends, Joe."
He nodded, feeling a rush of excitement mixed with relief. They'd get the chance to reconnect, but he knew he'd need to respect the boundaries she'd set.
After the game, they met at a quiet restaurant downtown. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a perfect spot to reminisce about old times. As they settled in, their conversation flowed easily, touching on everything from shared memories to the challenges they'd faded in their respective careers.
"Do you remember that time we got stuck in that crazy rainstorm after the game?" Joe chuckled, leaning back with a nostalgic smile.
Alessandra laughed, nodding. "How could I forget? I think that was the first time I realized how truly dedicated you were to playing through anything."
As the night went on, Joe found himself captivated by Alessandra's laughter and ease, a reminder of what he'd missed. And for a fleeting moment, he wondered if this was his chance to rekindle something more.
But as they left the restaurant, Alessandra checked her phone, smiling at a message from Cole. Joe caught the look and felt a pang, reminded of the distance that still lay between them.
Later that night, as Joe drove home, he couldn't shake the emotions that lingered. Spending time with Alessandra had only deepened his feelings, but seeing how happy she was with Cole reminded him that his actions would have to be patient and respectful. He knew he couldn't rush this, if there was ever a chance to win her back, it would have to come from letting her come to him naturally.
Meanwhile, Alessandra reflected on the evening with mixed emotions. She'd enjoyed reconnecting with Joe and appreciated his friendship, but her heart was firmly with Cole. She sent a message to Cole before bed, telling him about the day and how much she was looking forward to his return.
The next morning, Joe knew he was at a crossroads. His feelings for Alessandra were undeniable, but he needed to let her go if she was truly happy with Cole. Yet a part of him still clung to the hope that maybe, just maybe, things weren't over between them.
As the season continued, Joe resolved to focus on his game and let time do the rest. If his connection with Alessandra was meant to be, he'd let it come back to him naturally, holding on to the hope that perhaps one day they'd have another shot, this time, for real.
