Chapter 237:
Forging New Paths
Chris’s POV:
The hum of the city streets all seemed to blur into the background as I walked through the park-the weight of the world on my shoulders. Weeks had been rough, and this run-in with Megan’s ex, Miles, had left them both literally reeling. Megan was fighting her demons, and all I wanted was to find my place in this crazy world we had built together.
I spotted a bench beneath a large oak and sat down, inhaling deeply. I pulled out my notebook, hoping writing would help to clarify things in my head a bit. That book we were working on, Megan’s life story, was turning into something special, but it was also bringing up so many raw emotions for us both.
I was hardly beginning to scribble when my phone buzzed. It was from Megan.
Megan: “Can we talk? Meet me at the studio in an hour.”
I quick-typed, “On my way,” and shut my notebook. There was something about the art studio that had become a haven for both of us, somewhere where one could step back from the pressures of the outside world and just be. I couldn’t help but reflect on this journey we had overcome as I drove there. If at the beginning, our relationship was very basic, business-like, now it had turned into something much more complex and actual.
Megan was pacing up and down in the studio when I got there. As the door swung open, she turned toward me; our eyes met, hers filled with a mix of relief and anxiety.
“Hey,” I said softly, stepping inside and closing the door behind me.
“Hey,” she returned, her voice strung tight. “Thanks for coming.”
“Of course. What’s going on?” I asked as I moved closer to her.
She took a deep breath, running her hand through her hair. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, about us, this book, everything.”
I nodded, waiting for her to continue.
“I know this began as a business deal, but it is so much more than that now. We both have changed, and I believe it is time we start being honest with each other about what we want and where we see this going.”
I felt the thump of my heart up in my chest. This was a conversation both of us had been shying away from, yet one that had to be had. “I agree,” I said, taking her hand in mine. “Let’s be honest.”
She squeezed the end of my hand, her eyes softening. “I don’t want it just to be about the book or the deal anymore. I want it to be real. I care about you, Chris. More than I ever thought that I would.”
I felt a rush of emotions, and I pulled her into a hug. “I care about you too, Megan. So much.”
We just held each other there for a moment, trying to let the weight of those words in. In her gaze as we pulled apart, there was determination.
“So, what now?” she asked.
I took a deep breath as I thought about our next step in this journey. “We forge a new path. Together. We finish this book, but we figure out what we want for ourselves beyond this arrangement.”
She nodded, her lips curling into a small smile. “I like the sound of that.”
We sat there for an hour and discussed plans. We’re going to take things very slowly, working first on our relationship and getting a really good foundation laid down. We spoke of the book and how we wanted to make sure it was representative of Megan’s journey-the dark and the light.
This somehow instilled certain emotion of cheer and a form of excitement for the future times in me. No longer were we two strangers who were supposed to meet; we were companions, together to face the ups and downs of life.
Later that evening
After the studio, Megan and I went to a local diner to eat dinner. I spotted a booth in the corner and slid into it, ordering our food. Conversation was easy between us.
“How’s your writing?” Megan asked as she took a sip of her coffee.
“It is good,” I said. “I’m really into how the book is shaping up, to be honest. Your story’s amazing, Megan. I think you are going to be an inspiration to many.”
A thin smile spread across her face, modulated with a sense of pride in the eyes. “Thank you, Chris. That means a lot.”
The food arrived, and we dug in as we caught up on our plans. We talked of book tours, media appearances, and how we wanted to take care of the publicity. Much of our conversation was personal, however-about our hopes and dreams for the future.
“I’ve been thinking about taking some painting classes,” said Megan, surprising me.
“Really? That sounds wonderful. What made you come to that decision?” I asked with interest.
She shrugged again, and the expression on her face became thought-full. “I have always liked painting, but I never had the time to take it seriously. Now that things are smooth, I have decided to look after that side of me more.”
“I think that’s a great idea,” I said, smiling. “You should go for it.”
She looked at me with sparkling eyes, her eyes seemed to burn with a determination in them. “I will. And I want you to follow your dreams as well, Chris. Whatever they may be.”
My chest did heat up at the thought of her support. “Thanks, Megan. I shall indeed.”
Over the next few weeks,
We had fallen into a new rhythm, juggling our work on the book with our own projects. Megan started taking her painting classes, and more and more, I was in the studio working on my writing projects. Our relationship continued to grow in strength-on a concrete base of trust and mutual respect.
It was that evening, hanging around in the studio, that Megan looked up from her painting and said, “You know, I really think we’re finally starting to figure this out.”
I turned to her; contentment sank in. “Yeah. Me too.”
We beamed at each other and looked toward the future, brighter than it ever had been. No more two hustling individuals-now we became partners to face and conquer whatever lay ahead.
A week later
The closer the launch date of the book, the busier we became. Days were filled with interviews and photo shoots, endless meetings, but still, we managed to find time for each other. The relationship became one of those further strongholds and support systems that held us through this journey.
Megan and I stood hand in hand on the day the book came out before a crowd of all our supporters and fans. I had this wash of feeling as I looked at her, thinking about how far we’d come.
“Thank you all for coming,” Megan spoke, her voice trembling with emotion. “This book is evidence of the power of perseverance and the need to believe in oneself. I could not have done it without the support of so many people, especially Chris. He has been my rock in this journey, and I’m so grateful to have him by my side.”
The applause went up, and I swallowed as I approached the podium. “Thank you, Megan. It has surely been an honor to work with you, sharing this most incredible story of yours with the world. The beginning of our journey-can’t wait to see what’s ahead.”
Applause continued. Megan and I locked eyes, and in those eyes, there was understanding and gratefulness. We had created a new way forward, and no matter what lay in store for us, we knew we could take on any challenge as a team.
After the launch
We went back to the studio, elated but tired. Megan poured us wine-glasses-and we sat together in silence, thinking back on the day’s events.
“We did it,” she said, her voice awed.
“Yeah, we did,” I answered, clinking mine to hers. “And this is only the beginning.”