Chapter 168:
Sparring Partners
Megan’s POV:
The sound of the gym humming around me signaled yet another real hardcore training session. The ache in my muscles from yesterday’s regime seemed to creak under my skin, but I hauled my exhaustion back in with a heavy breath. Jane’s voice echoed in my head. “No pain, no gain.”
“Ready to go again, Megan?” Jane’s voice cut clear across the other noises.
I nodded tightly, finishing the laces on my gloves. “Always.”
“Good. Today, I have arranged a new sparring partner. I want you to face different styles, and this one is going to test your adaptability,” Jane said, her eyes glinting with challenge.
“Bring it on,” I said, suddenly filled with eagerness and curiosity.
I climbed into the ring. A tall, thin figure with an extremely confident stride was crossing toward me. His eyes smiled at mine, but the rest of his face said, Watch out, girl.
“This is Danny,” Jane introduced. “He’s got a different style from Carlos, so be ready for anything.”
He offered me a gloved hand, and I shook it firmly. “Nice to meet you, Megan. I’ve heard much about you.”
“All good, I hope?” I said, testing his size.
“Mostly,” he quipped back at me with a wink.
Jane stepped back to start the sparring. “Remember, Megan, stay light on your feet, and keep on the lookout for-”
I nodded towards him, getting into stance. The bell couldn’t be that far away, and when it rang, Danny moved quick. The footwork was done and smooth, precise. He threw a real quick jab at me, checking on my reaction time.
I sidestepped the blow, countering with a left hook. Danny blocked it easily, his movements liquid. “Not bad,” he said, his grin flashing.
“Thanks,” I said, eyes locked with his. “But I’m just getting warmed up.”
We danced around each other, working our footwork in synchrony. Danny’s punches came fast and wild, but I held my own, using the moves Jane had impressed upon me.
“Good, Megan, keep up the pace!” Jane called from the ringside.
Danny threw a trifecta of jabs, and I answered back with a combination, landing one tight against his belly. He grunted, but his grin never wavered. “Good shot. You pack a little punch. ”
“You’re not so terrible either,” I gasped, elated.
The rounds kept coming, each one a little further and further. Danny’s style was totally different from Carlos’. Danny was so much more agile and relied so much on speed and precision. It was a different challenge, and I was up for it.
After a more intense round than usual, Jane called for a break. I leaned against the ropes, gasping, and dripping with sweat. Danny joined me and wiped at his face with a towel.
“You’re good, Megan,” he said, and in this, the sincerity rang true. “I can see why Jane speaks so highly of you.”
“Thanks, Danny. You’re keeping me on my toes,” I said, much appreciating the compliment.
Jane walked up to them, a look of pure approbation washing over her face. “Good job, you two. Megan, I would like you to pay attention to Danny’s footwork and speed; maybe something you can take with you in your style.”
I nodded, taking it in. “Got it, Jane.”
Danny grinned. “If you ever want to practice outside of these sessions, let me know. I’d be happy to help.”
“Thanks, I might take you up on that,” I responded, feeling like one of the guys.
We started training again, this time it was speed work. Danny was agile and his moves sharp-each punch, every move more accurate, more focused. The adrenaline coursing through me had me wanting more.
“Stay on your toes, Megan!” Jane called out, her steady reminder.
Danny threw a quick combination, and I ducked, countering with a right cross. My fist landed with an extremely satisfying thud, and Danny stumbled back, grinning at me.
“Nice hit!” he said, shaking his head. “You’re quicker than you used to be.”
“Thanks,” I said, my grin spreading from ear to ear. “You’re a good partner.”
We continued sparring, rounds blending into a blur of motion and concentration. By the time Jane called for the final break, I was exhausted but elated.
“Good job, both of you,” said Jane, her tone dripping with pride. “Megan, you’re improving every day. If you keep this up, you’ll be unbeatable.”
I smiled, feeling determination surge through my veins. “Thanks, Jane. I’ll keep pushing myself.”
Danny clapped a hand on my back. “Great session, Megan. Looking forward to our next spar.”
“Me too, Danny. Thanks for the challenge,” I replied, smiling at him. Grateful for the challenge.
As I left the ring, I noticed Max watching from the sidelines. He gave me a thumbs-up, a proud smile on his face.
“Awesome, Megan,” Max said while I was making my way toward him. “You did great out there.”
“Thanks, Max. It’s all about the training,” I said, feeling quite proud of myself.
He nodded. “Well, it clearly is working. Keep it up.”
I reached for my water bottle and took a really long swig. The cool liquid was soothing to my dry throat. As I towelled off, Jane came up to me with a reflective expression on her face.
“Megan, I need to talk to you about your fight coming up,” she said, serious.
I nodded toward her, listening. “What about it?”
Crossing her arms across her chest, Jane fixed her eyes on mine. “Your opponent’s got a pretty unconventional style-kind of unpredictable and able to get you off guard. I want you to be ready for anything.”
I took in a deep breath as I tried to process the words. “How am I supposed to do that?”
Jane smiled, her expression confident. “By continuing to spar with different partners like Danny does. The more styles you face, the better you’ll adapt.”
I nodded, feeling determination surge through my veins. “I’ll do whatever it takes, Jane. I want to win this fight.”
“And you will, Megan. I believe in you,” Jane said with reassurance in her tone.
Gratitude swelled within me for her steady encouragement. “Thanks, Jane. That means a lot.”
As the gym emptied, I was content. Today had been hard, but it was just what I needed. With Jane guiding me through and my sparring partners around me, I knew that I was doing the right thing.
As I began to gather my things, Danny came over one last time. “Hey, Megan, nice job out there today. Seriously, you have so much potential.”
“Thanks, Danny, I really appreciate it,” I said genuinely, touched by the sentiment.
“See you tomorrow?” he asked. His eyes were so bright, full of hope.
“Definitely. Looking forward to it,” I replied with a smile.