Chapter 169:
Unspoken Words
Megan’s POV:
The sky was orange and pink; the sun had begun to lower itself in the horizon, bathing the city with its warm light. I needed a walk around to clear my head from this grueling sparring session with Danny. Walking around the park, I went back into my mind to that studio where I first met Max. Those mysterious eyes, the feeling of capturing my very soul on that canvas, still lingered in my mind.
My phone suddenly buzzed. It was from Max: “Hey, Megan. You free tonight? I got something to show you at the studio.”
I felt that tiny quiver of excitement. “Sure, I’ll be there in an hour,” I replied.
I went to the studio and saw Max standing outside, slouching against the wall. His face gleamed as he saw me.
“Hey, Megan. Glad you could make it,” he said, holding open the door for me.
“Of course, Max. I’m interested in what it was you wanted to show me,” I replied, stepping inside.
Smell of paint and turpentine saturated the studio. Soft, evening light, and yet, vibrant work alive. He led me through to a canvas covered with a cloth.
“I’ve been working on something special,” he said, modulating his tone toward anticipation. “I hope you will like it.”
He whisked the cloth away, and there he was: something really special. This time I was in the ring, in a punch, even with the face of fury. The colors were very bold, and it was that moment, just so intense and powerful.
“Wow, Max. This is fantastic,” I exclaimed in my surprise. “You really captured the spirit of the fight.”
Max smiled, his eyes glinting with pride. “I’m glad you think so. I wanted to show your strength and resilience. It’s inspiring.”
I felt a warmth spread through me. “Thank you, Max. It means so much to me.”
We just stood there, looking at the painting, until comfortable silence settled between us. There was something wordless, a connection that neither of us could refute.
“So, how’s it going with your training?” Max finally asked, breaking the ice.
“It’s going well,” I replied. “Danny has been a great sparring partner. He keeps pushing me to do better each day.”
“That is good to hear. You’re going to be unstoppable,” Max said, beaming with confidence.
I smiled. A flush of resolve swept through me. “That’s the plan.”
Max turned to me then; his eyes warmed with a tender expression. “Megan, there’s something I need to tell you.”
My heart skipped a beat. “What is it, Max?”
He was hesitant, taking a deep breath. “I. I haven’t been entirely honest with you.”
My mind raced with what he could say. “Go on,” I urged steadily.
“I know you have been really focused on your training, on your career, and I just wanted to know you for myself, outside of all this,” he said, gesturing to the studio and the painting. “I have been holding back because I did not want to be a distraction.”
I felt mixed emotions: surprise, curiosity, and something else which I couldn’t name. “Max, I appreciate your honesty. But you don’t have to hold back. I wanted to get closer to you too.”
Max’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? I didn’t want to assume.”
I nodded, relieved. “Yes, really. There’s just something about you I can’t seem to ignore.”
He smiled then, a real, honest-to-goodness smile that had my heart quivering. “I feel the same way, Megan.”
We stood there for a moment, the air thick with unsaid words and emotions. I finally broke the silence. “So, what now?”
Max moved a step closer, his eyes still on mine. “How about we start with a proper date? No distractions, just you and me.”
I felt another surge of excitement. “I’d like that.”
“Great,” he said, extending his smile. “How about tomorrow night? Dinner and maybe a walk along the river?”
“Sounds perfect,” I said, feeling a warmth creep into me.
The minute we were out of the studio, I was rife with anticipation. Tomorrow was going to be the start of something new, something exciting.
The next morning, I trained with Jane and Danny in the morning, my mind somewhat on the evening ahead with Max. Jane noticed.
“You seem a bit off today, Megan. Everything all right?” she asked, concern in her voice.
“Yeah, just a lot on my mind,” I admitted.
Jane raised an eyebrow. “Anything you want to talk about?”
I hesitated, then decided to share. “I have a date tonight. With Max.”
Her face lit up with surprise and applause. “That’s great! Max does sound nice.”
“He is,” I said with a little relief. “I only hope all goes well.”
“It will,” Jane said confidently. “Just be yourself, Megan. That’s more than enough.”
That evening, I dressed carefully, choosing something simple yet elegant. I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself. I was all nervous with excitement. Well, it was new, and I was all prepared.
Max picked me up right on time. He himself was looking good in casual but smart attire. “You look amazing, Megan,” he said, looking at me with eyes full of admiration.
“Thanks, Max. You look great too,” I said, and started to feel a little better.
We pulled into a small, homey restaurant with a view over the river. No sooner had we sat down at a table than Max reached across to take my hand. The atmosphere was just right for a first date.
“I’m so glad we’re doing this,” he said in a soft, sincere voice.
“Me too,” I said, and suddenly I felt myself growing warm.
We sat down to dinner and conversation flowed. We spoke about life, passions, and dreams. Max said a lot about his travels and about his love for art. I spoke about mine in boxing and how bad things were beginning to get.
The later it got on into the night, the closer I found myself to him. There was something special about Max-in a way, he let me feel like I am visible and understood.
Later in the evening, we had dinner and then went for a leisurely stroll by the river. It’s not that the city lights do shed their magic across, offering a Cinderella effect. We did stop at one spot along the way where everything was very quiet. The sound of the river was soothing-so peaceful.
Max turned toward me. His eyes, which were so serious, were tender. “Megan, I know that this is still new for both of us, but I want to let you know that I’m always going to be there for you. Whatever it may be that you need, know that I shall be there for you.”
His words did a twirl in my heart, and I felt a little lump form in my throat. “Thank you, Max. That does mean so much to me.”
He leaned closer to me; his eyes delved into mine. “May I?” he barely whispered.
I nodded my head, and he bent even closer, gently cupping my face before pressing his lips to mine. The kiss was soft, tender, full of promise. That feeling of certainty visited me again in that instant that we pulled away from each other.
“Unspoken words,” I murmured.
Max grinned. “Yeah, sometimes actions do speak louder.”
We walked on.