Maxie watched Lucky drive away in his car,grateful that he had saved her life. She was a bit more grateful that he had invited her to come and watch him spar with Nikolas at the gym tomarrow. I wonder how I'll get along with Nik and Gia,she thought to herself. She had met Nikolas a few times and thought he was ok,but she had met Gia and thought she had an attitude problem. "Maybe she's changed since she got engaged.",she said to herself. God,she hoped. She would deal with that when the time came. As for right now,Maxie had to find something to wear. Lucky was coming back to his room above Kelly's,still in disbelief that somebody had attacked Maxie. If I ever find out who hurt her,he thought to himself through clenched teeth,they better leave town,and fast. He then wondered if he had told Maxie to tell Mac about the attempted mugging. "I talk to her when I pick her up."he said to himself. He went to sleep thinking that she was very happy that he invited her to come and watch him spar the next day. He hoped it would help her.

Maxie woke up the next day to find Mac at the kitchen stove making pancakes,her favorite. "Morning",he greeted her. "How did you get in here?"she asked. "I used to live here,remember? I still have my key."he said,turning to face her. "What happened to your face?"he said,looking concerned when he saw the bandage on her face. "I'm fine,it's no big deal."she said. "I almost got mugged,but somebody helped me."she said. "Who helped you?"Mac asked her. "Lucky helped me."she said,smiling. 'Well,I'm glad that he helped you,Maxie,but you could have called me for a ride home."Mac told her. "Next time,I will,ok?"she told him. Mac went back to his task,serving her a few pancakes and getting the maple syrup from a cabinet,while Maxie poured herself and Mac some juice.

"So,what are your plans for today?"Mac inquired. "I have some plans with Lucky today."she said in between bites. "What kind of plans?"he asked. "I'm going to watch him spar with Nikolas."she said. "What time?" "One."she said. "Anybody else going to be there?"he asked a bit suspiciously. "Nikolas and Gia will be there too,so we won't be alone."she told him,a little bit annoyed. "Ok,ok,I just worry about you sometimes,that's all."Mac told her. "I appreciate it,Mac,I do,but I'm ok now see?"she said to him. He looked at her,wondering what Felicia would say when she saw her daughter. Find out in two weeks,he thought to himself. After he helped her clean up,he told her,"I have to go back to work,but if you need me call the station,ok?"he said. "I will."she said to him. Mac left,and Maxie did a few minor chores before getting ready. Lucky got up and did a few push ups before heading to the shower and getting ready. He then went downstairs and wolfed down a huge breakfast,then went back up to pack his gym gear. It was about twelve-thirty eight,so he packed up his car,then saw a flower vendor selling roses. He remembered with a smile the joy on Maxie's face when he gave her a white rose on Valentines Day. "Hi",he told the vendor."One peach rose and one white rose,please." He paid and left,heading to Maxie's to pick her up.

Maxie sat on her step to look out for Lucky's car. She looked at her watch and saw it was twelve fifty six. She took one last look at the street and went inside to get her gift to Lucky. Lucky drove up just as she was coming out. "Hi."they both said,which made them laugh. "I got you these",he said,giving her the flowers he bought. "Lucky,"she breathed,"they are so beautiful. Thank you. I got you something,too. Let's open it inside." They both walked in and saw a box on the coffee table. "Open it,"she urged. Lucky opened it up to find a brand new gym bag. "Thank you ,Max."he said,as she was putting the flowers into some water. "No big deal,it was on sale."she said,looking at him. "I got it at the sporting goods store across the street." Lucky was at a complete loss of words. This was the exact bag he was going to buy later today. His old bag was becoming,in Nikolas's words,an embarrassment. "Ready?"he asked her. "Let's go."she said.

It was only a five minute trip to the gym,and Lucky saw Nik's car in the lot. "Probably in the lobby."he said to Maxie. "You know Gia,right?" "I met her.'she said. "Just so you know,she has really mellowed,so she'll probably be ok with you."Lucky said. They walked in to find Nik and Gia waiting for them. "Hey,you all remember Maxie,right?" Nikolas got up,and extended his hand. "Welcome to the club",he said with a friendly smile. "I am SO glad there is another girl here now."Gia said,shaking her hand. "We can watch them spar,but when they start lifting weight,you and I can do some girl talk in the juice bar,ok?" "Sure,"Maxie said,a little uncertain. Gia smiled,taking an instant liking to Maxie. "Let's let the boys get ready,then we can go sit in those bleachers there."Gia said,pointing to the right.

Nikolas and Lucky were ready a few minutes later. Gia and Maxie were sitting in the middle of the bleachers,watching them. Maxie marveled at how built Lucky was. She had never seen him without his shirt on,and her mouth dropped in awe. His chest ad arms were like dark gold,and his tatoos on both of his shoulders blazed. He was completely gorgeous. I'm in love,Maxie thought. She was snapped out of her stare when they both grabbed two long staffs. They then proceded to lunge at each other with them,getting so close that maxie and Gia both got a bit concerned. "be careful!"they both yelled. "Wha-"Lucky yelled before he was cracked right in the ribs with the stick,making go down like a sack of potatoes. Maxie was on the floor in a heartbeat,hovering over Lucky,who was in a lot of pain and holding his ribs. Nikolas was just stunned,kicking himself for not stopping like Lucky did. "I'm ok,"he said. "Really." "Are you sure Lucky?"Maxie asked. She was looking at his chest,which glistened with sweat. "Can you breathe ok?" "I'm fine,Max?"he said to her. Nikolas looked at him. "Bro,I'm so sorry. you sure you're ok?" Lucky got up,with Maxie right near him. "I'm fine,really. Let's go hit the weights,ok?" Nikolas agreed,and they walked off. Gia came and took Maxie to the juice bar. "Since it's your first time here,it's on me."she said. "Are you sure,because I have money?"Maxie said,as they sat down with their juice. "Positive."Gia said firmly. She took a sip,and looked dead into Maxie's eyes. "So",she began,"how long?" Maxie looked up,a bit confused. "How long what?"she asked. Gia smiled. "How long have you been in love with Lucky?".

Part 3