Page 101 of The Innovator

Was it wrong of me to want Grayson to say those sacred words back to me? Was I being petty for overreacting? So much was happening around us, so I should have given him more time, been more patient. Men didn’t think like women. We needed things to be clear.

But what if he didn’t say “I love you” back because he didn’t feel the same way?

Stop depressing yourself.

If I met with my friends, they’d see the concern on my face and inquire. I didn’t want to discuss my relationship, the abduction, my family drama, or the mystery around my dad.

I just wanted to escape and design from a place of no distractions or expectations. Closing my eyes, I pretended I was on some tropical island sitting on the white sand, sketching. Grayson napped beside me, and the ocean waves ebbed and flowed in front of us.

Yes, that would be lovely.

Opening my eyes, I studied the blank page on my sketchbook. Inspiration tugged at me as I thought about my friendship with Audri, Michelle, Kiera, and Vivian. Each of them embraced intelligence, grace, creativity, independence, beauty, and strength. I wanted to create a line of purses that represented these sacred feminine attributes. What girl didn’t love handbags? I had too many from various designers. But I wanted my own collection.

Creativity should be limitless and not based on the demands and restrictions of society. Sometimes the bestsellers often lacked character and were only based on what celebrities wore. Like other businesses that needed to make money, they hopped onto the trend in order to survive. There was nothing wrong with that. It was often necessary to adapt to trends.

Joy burst in me as I sketched my designs and created spec and trim pages to send off to the vendor. My friends would be the perfect support group to advertise this new accessory line.

My brand Momentum was an ever-growing collection of sacred moments in my life—tidbits of love, fear, motivation, and so on. They were all beautiful moments that made up life. I’d weave charming trims to accentuate the handbags. Like life, the handbags would embrace the rough and smooth textures of the materials, the sharp edges and the perfect bend around the corner. Some designs would be adorned with shiny zippers and distinctive buttons, while others would be more subtle, yet still graceful and eye-catching.

A sound came from the door, and my heart leaped, knowing it was Grayson. He entered with a bag of pastries, looking exhausted.

I got up from the dining table where fabric swatches were scattered around my laptop and placed a hand on his cheek. “You okay? Did you sleep last night?”

“I’m fine. Want some pastries?” He offered me the bag with macarons and cake.

“Thanks.” I took the bag and placed it on the table. “How’s your uncle?”

“I don’t think he’ll last the week.” He went over to the couch, dragging me with him.

Squeezing his hand, I said, “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Karma catches up to you. He would’ve had to pay for his sins eventually.” Sadness tinged Grayson’s voice. He still had this love for his uncle, which I understood. Derek had been a father to him for most of his life, so despite what he’d done, Grayson still remembered the good times they’d shared.

“Your aunt will have to pay for her sins too.” Grayson looked at me.

“Our situation is similar. Your uncle ruined your family, and my aunt ruined mine.”

He nodded. “Our lives are parallel in some ways.”

“The big difference is that your uncle loves you. My aunt never loved me.” There were no harsh feelings. She was a veritable stranger to me. “Thank you for everything. For speaking to the board members and investing in LaRue. I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. I invest in businesses with great potential.” He gripped my chin. “Youhave great potential, and I’m investing inyou, buttercup. There’s one more thing you need to know.”

My heart thudded rapidly. “What is it?”

“The paperwork to invest in House of LaRue is finalized. It’s a done deal.”

I threw my arms around him, holding him tight. “Thank you.”

House of LaRue was no longer in financial distress. I’d been waiting to hear about the finalization before I could truly celebrate. Not only was Grayson an investor, but all his friends were as well. That was one reason I didn’t need to return to Paris so soon. Mom could take care of the rest.

I drew back and looked at him as tears blurred my vision. “You don’t know how grateful I am—” I choked on my emotions. I thought I could hold them in, but the sincerity on his face, and the love in his eyes—the love he couldn’t tell me—were too much for me.

“You’d do the same for me.”

It wasn’t a question. He knew I would.

“You own part of a fashion brand now. Do you want to go out to eat? It’ll be our little celebration.”

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