Chapter 176:
Unexpected Support
Megan’s POV:
It was eerily silent in the gym that Saturday afternoon. No clamor from the punching bags or chattering trainers. I had come in early to work on my technique before the sparring session I had lined up with Max. As I fastened my gloves, something caught the corner of my eye.
“Hey, Josh!” called him while walking toward him. “Never thought I was going to see you here today.”
Josh’s gaze flickered up from his phone and his face stole a shocked grin. “Megan! Thought I would pop in and see how you are. Been a while, huh?”
“Yeah.” I nodded agreeably. “What are you doing here, anyway? Thought you were busy with work.”
Josh shrugged, his phone slipping back into the depths of his pockets. “I was going to, but then I needed to see how you were holding up, and I thought I’d offer some support. It’s been a rough couple of weeks.”
“Support?” Reilly raised her brows. “Your type of support? I thought you were out here just for the moral support, not actually to be involved.”.
“Well, I guess you could say I was here to experience a bit of both. Been following your training, wanted to see things firsthand. Maybe offer some advice if you’re up to it.”
I nodded, feeling a little grateful for his offer. “Sure thing, I’d really love that. It’s been a bit of a rough time for me at some points, and at other moments, an outside perspective really helps to fit things into view.”
Josh followed, and I started to head him on out to the center of the gym, gearing myself up for the task of warm-up.
“So, what’s been the biggest challenge as of late?”
Not wanting to sound like a pansy, I drew in a deep breath. “Seem to be pulled every which way, never having a serious re-up and starting to kill the performance.”
Josh nodded thoughtfully. “That’s gotta be rough. Sometimes it’s just ways of keeping your life in compartments and being able to zero in on one thing at a time, y’know?”
“I know,” I said testily. “It’s just more easily said than done. In the public eye, it feels everyone expects you to behave perfectly, and it’s hard to get away from that feeling of pressure.”
Josh’s expression softened. “I know. The pressure feels immense sometimes. But you’ve been so strong, Megan. You’ve stood up to so much in your life and only grown in strength. This is just another one of those hurdles.”
I tried to smile encouragingly, the courage filling me at his words. “Thank you, Josh. I guess sometimes I forget how far I have actually come.”.
Just at that moment, with business on his mind, Max strode into the room ready for our session. His eyes pinned to Josh, and an eyebrow went up. “Didn’t expect to see you here. What’s up?”
“Hey, Max,” Josh said to him. “Just here to offer Megan a little support. Thought a fresh set of eyes might come in handy.”
Max nodded, his eyes flicking between Josh and me. “Oh, it is always nice to have a bit of extra support. Let’s get on with the session.”
I was really reassured by Max’s very presence as we got into our warm-up. His movement was pretty practiced to show techniques and offer pointers. The tension in my shoulders was easing slightly as I followed his lead.
“So, what’s the plan for today?” came the question from Josh, who was sitting at the sides.
Max wiped his forehead of the sweat. “We’re really going to stress the technique and speed. Megan has really been having an issue with her footwork lately, so we’re going to work on getting that better.”
Josh nodded as he watched carefully. “Footwork is very important. That’s the base to good technique. There are some drills that may help with agility and balance.”
Max acted intrigued. “Really? What kind of drills?”
Josh explained a few drills for lateral movements and quick change of direction. Max listened in rapt attention to Josh and finally nodded to agree. “Those sound like it could be useful. Let’s give them a try.”
We stepped over into another area of the gym and spread the drills that would allow us to execute the ones Josh had in mind. Max and I went through carefully, really working on our precision and speed. With Josh’s encouragement, I felt like pushing myself more.
Josh panted: “Good job finishing that one out, Megan.”
That was when I had just managed to hang on to complete a tough drill. Pretty much like the rest of the group. “You’re looking pretty sharp today.”
“Thanks,” I replied, elated. “I could never do it without you guys.”
Max threw me a thumb-up. “Yeah, you’re definitely getting better. Just keep practicing, and you’ll be back at your best in no time.”
Josh clapped me on the back, the final whistle sounding to end practice. “Good job today. I’m really proud of the way you’re handling everything.”
I felt a warm rush of thankfulness and relief. “Thanks a lot, Josh. I really appreciate it. Lately, my mind has been wandering a lot, and it’s actually helped that you’re here today.”
Josh put on a warm smile. “Hey, that’s what friends are for. And don’t forget that life doesn’t have to be all about shouldering everything by yourself. We’re all here to make things lighter for you.”
Max nodded in agreement. “Yeah, we’re like a team. And teams have each other’s backs.”
I looked from one of them to the other, making me feel overwhelmed with gratitude. “I’m just lucky I have both of you on my side. Thanks for everything.”
Josh looked first at Max, then at me. “We’re all in it together. You just keep pushing ahead, and you’ll get through this.”
With that, Josh and Max helped me tidy and pack the equipment away. I felt resuscitated with a new-found fistful of fight as we walked from the gym. Whatever it was that had happened to me in this session, now with the added weight of unsolicited support from Josh, I felt it had given me the boost I needed.
“You guys soon,” was all I managed as I let out a huge sigh, I hadn’t even realized I’d been hanging onto. “Thanks again for today.”
Josh wiggled into his SUV. “Anytime, Megan. You take care.
Well, Max walked a bit further and then told his goodbyes: “Keep it up. You are doing great.”
I walked back home and thought over the day.