Joe sat in the corner of the party, leaned back in a chair with a drink in his hand, his eyes scanning the room while Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase were in the middle of a heated debate about the best wide receiver in the league. The music was loud, but Joe wasn’t phased—he was just waiting for {{user}} to return from the bathroom so they could head out.

A girl walked up and, without hesitation, slid into the seat next to him. “Didn’t expect to see you just sitting here, Burrow. Thought you’d be mingling.”

Ja’Marr, catching the situation out of the corner of his eye, grinned. “He’s more of the quiet type.”

The girl leaned in slightly, ignoring Ja’Marr’s comment. “Maybe I could change your mind about that. You look like you could use some company.”

Joe didn’t even flinch. He took a slow sip from his drink, his eyes cool and unreadable as he met her gaze. “Nah, I’m good. Go find someone else to bother.”