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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Alessandra had just wrapped up an exhilarating performance in Chicago, her heart still racing from the crowd's energy. As she walked off stage, Harlow caught up with her, grinning ear to ear.
"That was incredible, Alé! The crowd was eating it up," Harlow said, her eyes bright. "Madison's crew is gonna be talking about that for days."
Alessandra smiled, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "I can't believe this is my life now."
But as they headed toward the dressing room, Alessandra's phone buzzed. It was a text from Joe.
Joe: I'm here. Where's my star?
Her heart fluttered. It was unexpected, a surprise she hadn't seen coming, but it was just what she needed to keep her spirit high during the grind of the tour. She quickly texted back:
Alessandra: You're here??!! Where are you?
Joe: I'll find you.
Minutes later, just as Alessandra was finishing her quick change into comfortable clothes, the door to the backstage area opened, and in walked Joe. He looked even more handsome than usual, his eyes lighting up the moment they met hers. He walked right up to her, his arms wrapping around her in a hug that felt like coming home.
"You're amazing, Alé," he said softly, his voice filled with pride.
Alessandra grinned, feeling the warmth of his expression seep into her. "You really came?"
Joe chuckled, brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Of course I did. I told you I'd make it happen."
Harlow, who had been watching the exchange, raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "Well, well, well. Look who's finally here to see the show! What's it like seeing your girl go up on stage, Burrow?"
Joe grinned, his eyes still on Alessandra. "Honestly? It's incredible. I'm so proud of her."
Alessandra felt her heart skip. "I'm glad you're here. I miss you."
"I miss you too," Joe replied, his tone soft and sincere. "I'm glad I can be here for this moment."
After the show, Joe suggested they go out for dinner, and Alessandra agreed, eager to spend some quality time with him away from the spotlight. Harlow, ever the third wheel in the best way, insisted on tagging along to give them some space but made it clear she would find her own fun.
Alessandra and Joe spent the evening at a cozy local restaurant, where they talked about everything and nothing. It felt like a small piece of normalcy amidst the whirlwind of their separate worlds. They laughed over their favorite memories and teased each other like they always did, but there was a tenderness to their conversation, a connection that seemed deeper than before.
Later that night, after dinner, Joe surprised her again. He had arranged a private, late-night visit to a nearby lake, where they sat under the stars, wrapped in a blanket, talking about their futures, their dreams, and what it meant to be together despite the miles between them.
Joe turned to her with a soft smile. "I don't know how you do it, Alé. I don't know how you manage all this and still have time for us."
Alessandra's eyes softened, her hand reaching out to touch his. "Because it's worth it. You're worth it."
The next day, Harlow was bubbling with excitement as she recounted the surprise visit to Madison's team. "Joe Burrow? In my city? And I wasn't even the one to make it happen?!" she said, dramatically collapsing onto a couch in their dressing room. "Alé, you have the perfect guy. He came all the way to see you, and the look on his face when you were on stage? That was pure love."
Alessandra laughed, leaning against the wall as she took in Harlow's enthusiasm. "He's been so supportive. I'm lucky."
"I'm lucky to be part of all this," Harlow responded, her voice genuine. "It's amazing to see you chase your dreams, Alé. And to see Joe right there by your side, it's like a fairy tale."
Alessandra couldn't help but agree. She never imagined this was how her life would turn out, but here she was living it.
As Joe's visit came to a close and the two of them parted ways at the airport, there was a bittersweet moment. They both knew their time together had been brief, but the memories of the surprise visit lingered, and they both felt stronger for it. Joe promised he would be cheering her on from Cincinnati as she continued the tour, and Alessandra promised she would always find a way to stay connected, no matter the distance.
As the plane flew away from the airport, Alessandra looked out the window, feeling hopeful and more certain than ever about the path ahead, not just in her career, but with Joe by her side.
