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 album, 'Open Roads', a success, Alessandra received an invitation to open for Madison Beer on her upcoming tour. The opportunity felt surreal, and she knew it was a defining moment in her career. But with such a commitment came a mix of excitement and nerves, especially considering the time she'd be away from Cincinnati, and Joe.
Joe was incredibly supportive, but his packed season meant he'd have to stay in Cincinnati. They both knew balancing their relationship over long distances would be challenging, but Joe assured her with a quiet confidence. "This is your moment, Alé. I'll be cheering you on every night, even if I can't be there in person."
When tour day finally arrived, Alessandra and her best friend Harlow boarded the bus that would become their home for the next few months. Harlow's bubbly, calming presence made the transition easier, as did the camaraderie with Madison and her team. Madison, who'd once been in Alessandra's position, shared stories of her own experiences on the road and tips for staying grounded.
Every show was a whirlwind of lights, energy, and roaring crowds, and each time Alessandra stepped onto the stage, the applause reminded her of why she was there. Performing her own songs on a stage so grand felt like a dream brought to life. She and Madison quickly bonded over their shared passion for music, and Madison soon became both a mentor and a friend.
During her downtime, Alessandra and Joe managed to keep in touch through late-night phone calls and video chats. While Joe's schedule was packed and games, he always made time to call, even if it was just to wish her good luck before a show.
One evening, after a particularly exhilarating performance, she found herself on the phone with Joe, sharing every detail. "I wish you could have seen the crowd, Joe. They were....amazing."
Joe's voice was warm, though there was a hint of longing in it. "I wish I was there, too, Alé. But hey, Harlow better be getting all the best videos for me."
They laughed, but there was a mutual understanding that this tour, while exciting, was also challenging their relationship in ways they hadn't anticipated.
As the tour continued, Alessandra's confidence grew. She even started writing new songs inspired by her life on the road and the emotional rollercoaster of performing night after night. Madison encouraged her to play around with these ideas, offering tips and advice on songwriting and connecting with an audience.
Meanwhile, the distance was starting to take its toll. Alessandra and Joe both felt the strain but remained committed to making it work. Harlow was her biggest cheerleader, often reminding her of everything she'd achieved and the love and support she had waiting back home. "You and Joe are the real deal," Harlow would say. "This tour is just another chapter, not the whole story."
During one of their calls, Joe mentioned that he had a bye week coming up, and to Alessandra's surprise, he arranged to visit her at the nearest tour stop. The reunion was emotional, and having him in the audience, cheering her on during a performance, reminded her of how much his support meant to her.
When the show ended, Joe greeted her with open arms, grinning. "You're a star, Alé."
With Joe's surprise visit giving her an extra boost of confidence, she returned to the tour, ready to give it her all. The experience wasn't just about sharing her music with the world, it was about learning, growing, and trusting in the relationships that mattered most.
