Two Minute Warning

An Unexpected Invitation

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Alessandra was excited for Cole's next home game, but when Harlow texted her at the last minute with the news that she couldn't make it, Alessandra found herself without a plus-one. She debated whether to go alone, then had an unexpected thought: what if she invited Joe? It would be nice to hangout as friends, and she figured it would show Cole she was comfortable enough in their relationship to be open about her past.

With a bit of hesitation, she texted Joe:

Hey! Random question, want to come to a Blue Jackets game with me tonight? Harlow had to cancel and I could use the company.

Joe's reply came back almost immediately.

I'd love to. Thanks for the invite, Alé.

That evening, Alessandra and Joe found themselves in the arena, surrounded by the buzz of the crowd. As they settled into their seats, Alessadra pointed out Cole on the ice, her excitement evident. Joe couldn't help but notice the admiration in her eyes, and though he masked it, a twinge of jealousy crept up.

"So, you're a hockey fan now?" Joe teased with a smile.

Alessandra laughed. "I guess I am! But Cole's made it pretty easy. Watching him play is amazing."

As the game progressed, Joe tried to enjoy himself, but he couldn't ignore the reminder of how solid her relationship with Cole seemed. Still, he kept things light, cheering with her after Cole scored, and they shared plenty of laughs.

After the game, Cole met up with them in the lobby. Surprised to see Joe with Alessandra, he kept his expression neutral, shaking Joe's hand with a friendly but firm grip.

"Good game," Joe said, nodding in respect.

"Thanks" Cole replied, keeping his arm around Alessandra as they made their way out of the arena.

A few days later, during a quiet evening together, Alessandra decided to mention her recent hangout with Joe to Cole. She wanted to be honest and upfront, knowing that trust was the foundation of their relationship.

"So, Joe's been around a bit more lately," she said, glancing at Cole. "I actually invited him to the last game since Harlow couldn't make it."

Cole took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "Thanks for telling me, Alé. It's....good that you're being honest." He paused, searching her face. "I trust you, and I want you to have people in your life who matter. But I won't lie, it's a little weird knowing he's still....around."

Alessandra reached for his hand, understanding his concern. "You're the one I'm with, Cole. Joe and I had history, but that's over. You've been my rock since coming back to Cincinnati, and I don't take that lightly."

Cole exhaled, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "That means a lot, Alé cat. I just hope Joe respects that we're together."

She squeezed his hand, reassuring him. "He does. I've made it clear that we're just friends."

Joe could sense the shift in Cole's demeanor when they crossed paths at the game. It was clear that Cole felt protective of his relationship with Alessandra, and Joe respected that. But he couldn't deny the pang of regret each time he saw her with Cole.

As he replayed the events of the game in his mind, he realized it might be time to take a step back. For Alessandra's sake, and for his own. He wanted her to be happy, and he knew that sometimes, that meant letting go, even if it hurt.

In the following weeks, Alessandra continued to deepen her connection with Cole. They continued to attend charity events together, went on weekend getaways, and even began talking about future plans. She valued the stability and respect Cole brought to her life, and she felt a growing certainty that this was where she belonged.

Meanwhile, Joe redirected his focus toward the upcoming season, trying to move on and accept that he and Alessandra might just be better off as friends. Their game night together had reminded him of the good times, but it also made him realize that he needed to step back and allow Alessandra the space to be happy.