Page 46 of The Innovator

“That space has a lot of potential,” Grayson replied. “A fashion show would be an outstanding event to bring people there.”

When I’d asked Grayson why he wanted The Prism, he’d given me a cryptic answer. Maybe now that we knew each other better, he’d give me a proper answer. It could be the key to why my dad bought it for me.

“Why do you want The Prism?” I asked. “The building beside it is nicer.”

Grayson sipped his glass of water and looked at me with amusement. “It’s not what the building looks likenow. It’s the potential it possesses.” He held my gaze for a beat before reaching for a bottle of hot sauce and squirting it into his soup bowl. “The location of The Prism catches the light at sunrise and sunset in a way that transforms it due to the glass panels on the surface.”

“Oh,” was all I could muster. I remembered seeing how the sun had illuminated it that day when I wanted to break in.

Did Dad know that about the property?

“Have you always known that? Does it have any other features that would make it valuable? I wonder if the previous owners knew this trick of the light.” Too many questions popped into my head, escaping my mouth before I could hold them back.

The aspect fascinated me the way a couture piece of clothing spoke to me. The structure itself wasn’t unique compared to the other buildings around it, but this light-reflecting characteristic made it stand out.

What did the interior of the building look it?

Grayson flicked me an inquisitive glance.

Tell everyone you have an interest in it, why don’t you?

These people around the table considered me a friend, but I hadn’t been completely honest with them. Guilt prodded at me.

“I didn’t notice its uniqueness until a year ago,” Grayson said.

“I’ve got to check it out one of these days,” Kiera said, wiping her mouth with a cloth napkin. “Thanks for cooking, Audri. Your wonton noodle soup is the best.” She got up to put her bowl away, washed her hands, and came back, standing between Grayson and me. “Who’s up for a game of Charades to burn off some calories?”

* * *

Remi and Royce moved furniture around the entertainment room to create a cozy atmosphere for Charades. Audri transferred a vase of flowers to a side table. Sitting on the couch, Remi dragged her onto his lap. She yelped and pinched his cheek, and he kissed her. Michelle shared an armchair with Royce, running her fingers through his blond hair.

Grayson and Arrow entered the room.

“Are we really playing this game?” Grayson asked.

“Scared of losing?” Arrow arched an eyebrow at Remi and Royce, each with a woman on his lap. He dropped into a brown loveseat, looked at me, and tapped his thigh. “Wanna sit?” he teased.

Before I could reply, Grayson threw himself onto Arrow’s lap.

“Man, what’s wrong with you?” Arrow pushed him off.

Kiera shook her head, gesturing for me to sit with her on another loveseat. “Girls against boys!”

“What are we wagering?” Michelle asked.

“Winner gets to have Grayson cook for them for three straight days!” Royce cheered.

“Why should I be the one to cook? If we lose, each guy will cook, and vice versa.” Grayson jerked a chin at Arrow. “You game?”

“You know I can’t cook,” Arrow complained. “Let me rephrase that. Icancook, but it won’t look pretty.”

“Dude, there’s something called restaurants and gift cards.”

“That works! I have to win this, girls!” Kiera clapped her hands, walking to the center of the room. “Let’s change things up for this game. We’ll make it our own.” She handed everyone an index card. “Write something that you want the other team to guess. Be creative.”

“Why are you making me think?” Arrow flicked the card against his palm.

I loved the dynamic between these friends. There was this unbreakable bond sealed from a long time ago. I could feel the appreciation they had for one another. As an outsider, I admired what they had. Yes, even though I sat there with them, a part of me still lingered on the outside because I hadn’t been truthful.

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