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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With her debut album, 'Open Roads,' topping playlists and radio stations, Alessandra's career was reaching new heights. Amidst the growing demands of fame, she'd grown close to Harlow again, finding in her a steady, grounded friend who kept her focused on the things that mattered.
But there was something still undefined between her and Joe. despite their deepening bond and the time they spent together, they hadn't officially defined their relationship.
One afternoon, Alessandra and Harlow went out for coffee and shopping, a small escape from the whirlwind of their daily lives. Harlow, who'd noticed Alessandra and Joe's closeness, finally voiced her thoughts.
"So, are you and Joe...like, together now?" Harlow asked, smirking as she nudged Alessandra playfully.
Alessandra paused, her cheeks warming. "I don't know, actually. It's complicated. He hasn't really....asked me anything official."
Harlow raised an eyebrow. "Girl, you're a superstar now. He better not be stringing you along," she teased, but her smile softened. "Honestly, Alé, I've never seen you this happy. You two have something special, and I think he knows it."
Alessandra smirked, feeling both excited and nervous. Joe's support had meant everything to her, and Harlow's words only made her hope that they could take things to the next level.
A few weeks later, Joe invited Alessandra to a Bengals charity gala. It was a big event, attended by both team members and fans, and she felt a little nervous about their 'officially unofficial' status as she dressed up for the night. Joe met her at her door in a crisp suit, a warm smile spreading across his face as he took in her appearance.
The evening passed in a swirl of conversation, laughter, and whispered exchanges. But as the night wound down, Joe took her out onto the balcony overlooking the city lights, his expression serious.
"Alessandra," he began, taking her hands in his, "I know I haven't been exactly clear about what we are. I wanted to give you space while your career took off, but the truth is....I've been wanting to ask you something for a while now."
He paused, his thumb tracing slow circles on her hand. "Will you be my girlfriend? Officially?"
Her heart fluttered, and she could only nod before laughing, a mix of relief and joy bubbling over. "Yes, Joe. Absolutely, yes."
They shared a kiss under the night sky, finally having the clarity and commitment they both had wanted for so long.
As Alessandra's music career continued to grow, she leaned on Joe and Harlow more than ever. Her calendar was packed with interviews, recording sessions, and even a spot opening for a major artist's tour, but she always carved out time for her closest friends.
On quieter nights, she and Joe would unwind at her apartment, sharing ideas as she worked on new songs. One night, while Harlow was visiting, they shared a bottle of wine and brainstormed ideas for Alessandra's next project. The camaraderie was refreshing, grounding her in the friendships that had carried her through so much.
"I can't believe how far you've come," Harlow said, giving Alessandra a proud smile. "From Bengals cheerleader to chart-topping artist. And now you're official with Joe? You're living the dream!"
Alessandra beamed, her heart full as she realized she truly had everything she'd once only dreamed of.
