Chapter 170:
First Impressions
Megan’s POV:
The morning rose as usual, struggling through the windowpane as I prepared myself for a day ahead that was sure to be like the rest in training. But it felt … different today. My brain just could not let go of my date with Max the previous night. The feeling of his lips still lingered on mine, and I simply couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear.
I had shown up at the gym about early, so I could get some exercise done alone before Danny and Jane got here. I was wrapping my hands up when the door swung open. I turned around to watch as Jane walked in-her face lighting up with a knowing smirk.
“Good morning, Megan. You seem unusually chipper today,” she chaffed while putting down her bag.
“Is it that obvious?” I groaned, trying hard to fight down a grin.
“Let’s just say you’re glowing,” Jane said with a wink. “How was your date with Max?”
“Great,” I said, feeling the blush again. “We really connected.”
“Awesome for you, Megan. You deserve to find someone that appreciates you,” Jane said genuinely. “Now let’s get to work.”
We were just stretching when Danny walked in, looking curious. “What’s with the smiles today? Did I miss something?”
“Megan had a date last night,” Jane told him, her eyes sparkling.
“Whoa, really?” Danny said, turning toward me. “With that artist guy, Max, right?”
I nodded, still grinning. “Yeah, it went really well.”
“Good for you, Megan. Just don’t let him distract you from your training,” Danny said, smirking at me.
“Don’t worry, Danny. I’m more focused than ever,” I said, trying to reassure him.
We launched into our routine, and the familiar rhythm of punches and footwork worked to ground me. Physical exertion was just what I needed; it was an excellent distraction. My mind just wouldn’t stay off Max and our evening together.
It was later in the afternoon that I decided I had better bring Max to Jane and Danny. I thought they should finally meet this guy who first caught my attention. Max agreed to meet us up at a coffee shop nearby after our training session.
Finally for late afternoon, upon entering the coffee shop, I saw Max sitting by the window at a table. He stood up as our eyes met.
“Hi, Max,” I replied, bursting with all the friendliness I possessed.
“Megan,” he said, beaming from ear to ear. “Good to see you.”
“These are my friends and trainers, Jane and Danny,” I said, gesturing to each in turn.
“Nice to meet you both,” Max held out his hand.
Jane shook his hand first. “Nice to meet you too, Max. Megan has told us so much about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” Max said, his eye twinkling.
“Mostly,” Danny said, grinning, and held out a hand to Max. “So, you’re the artist who’s captured Megan’s attention.”
“I suppose so,” Max said, turning his warm smile on me.
We finally sat down, and the conversation flowed easily. Jane and Danny were interested in what Max did, so he spoke animatedly about his art and what had inspired the paintings.
“Your prod is amazing, Max,” said Jane between sips of her coffee. “I mean, the way Megan describes it, you’ve captured something really special with your work.”
“Thanks, Jane. Megan is great. I find some sort of intensity and strength in her very inspiring,” Max said as he turned towards me.
Danny leaned back in his chair, eyeing Max. “So, what are your intentions with Megan?”
I locked my eyes onto Danny, trying to give him a death look, but Max just chuckled. “I like her, Danny. A lot. I respect her drive in her job, and I’m here for her however that might be.”
Nodding, Danny looked satisfied with the answer. “Alright. Just know we’re a little protective of her.”
“I understand,” Max said again, serious. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
The rest of the conversation went better and better, and with each passing minute, I was feeling more and more relieved that Max was making a good impression. More importantly, Jane and Danny seemed to be really enjoying his company. And soon enough, the three of them used the same excuse that Ted and Karen did so that we could have some alone time.
“You did well,” I beamed.
“They’re great. You can tell they care about you a lot,” Max said, holding my hand. “I’m glad I got to meet them.”
“Glad I did too,” I said in return, squeezing his hand. “So, what’s next?”
“How about a walk in the park? It’s really nice today,” Max said.
We walked easily through the park, our conversation flowing just as easily. We spoke of our past, our dreams, and everything in between. It was natural, and at times, it felt like we’d known each other much longer than a few days.
“Max, I am so glad we met,” I said, looking up at him.
“I am, too, Megan. You brought something new into my life,” he replied, with softening eyes.
We passed by a playing ground with some children playing. I looked at them in envy. All my life I wanted a family of my own, but my job had consumed me.
“Do you ever think about the future?” I turned to ask Max as the silence was breaking up.
“All the time,” he admitted. “I want to find a balance between my art and a family someday.”
“Me too,” I said softly. “It’s hard, though, with my career.”
Max stopped walking and turned to face me. “Megan, you can have both. You’re strong and you’re determined. You’ll make it work.”
Those words did much to me. “Thank you, Max. I needed to hear that.”
Without saying a word, we kept walking. But at that moment too, the silence seemed comfortable, reassuring. The sun was going down by the time we came across a bench and took a seat-looking up at the sky, slowly getting turned into a painting of colors.
“Megan, want you to know I’m here for you,” Max said with real sincerity in his voice. “Whatever you need, I’ll be there.”
His words touched my heart, and I felt a lump in my throat. “Thank you, Max. That means much to me.”
He moved closer, and his lips kissed me very gently. In that one moment, the world just evaporated between our lips touching; everything felt right in this world.
The evening was darkening, so we headed back to the studio. Max showed me some of his more recent work. It only got better and better; I felt awed by him, his talent at such a level.
“Megan, there’s something I must tell you,” Max finally said, down his deep, smooth voice, cutting into the silence.
“What?” I asked, a fiery curiosity rising up my spine.
He confessed, “I’ve been working on a new series, inspired by you.” Not just the boxing, but your story, your struggles, your triumphs.
I was speechless, quite touched by his commitment. “Max, that’s amazing. I am so humbled.”
“You’ve inspired me in ways I can’t even explain,” he said, his eyes locked on mine. “I want to capture every part of your story.”
I felt a spate of emotions come over me as I thanked him for his support and understanding. “Thank you, Max. You have no idea how much that does for me.”
He smiled and pulled me into a hug. “We’re in this together, Megan.”
He held me close to him, and I felt peace that I had not known for so very long.