Page 125 of The Innovator

I’d never seen the fatigue in his eyes or how it weighed on his body. I sensed the weariness in him. “What have you been up to? Why do you look like you need to sleep for a month?”

“I’m working on fulfilling a dream.”

CHAPTERSEVENTY

GRAYSON

I’d been focusing on the construction of The Prism while my team concentrated on the interior of the other buildings. My schedule had been hectic because I followed Natalie’s schedule and made sure I was there to support her dreams. After her shows ended, I’d rush back and continue with work. I wanted to ensure Three Point Park would be complete for October. After I added the trim to the arched doorway in her office, I wiped my hands clean and reviewed my work. Everything was moving along nicely.

Natalie didn’t know I was part of the construction team nailing in the support beams, hanging drywall. I even painted them. I wanted to do the work on the three floors reserved for her. If she refused them, I’d leave them empty, waiting for the day she’d come back to me.

Working on this building every day for the past six months and flying to meet her had been difficult, but it was worth it. Every time I saw her, she gave me the boost I needed to continue. My love for her was the driving force behind everything.

I kept tabs on her via the French tabloids and searched up the men she took photos with—European models. Damn them all.

I had no right to claim her as mine after hurting her the way I had. But she was mine. These men needed to stay away from her.

Footsteps sounded, and I looked up to see Remi approaching with a bag carrying my lunch. “Yo. You need to sleep. You’ve got dark circles under your eyes.”

“I’ll sleep on my flight to Paris tonight.”

Remi dropped the lunch bag on the table. “Does Natalie know what you’re doing?”

“No. Don’t tell her.”

He shook his head. “Want me to help? The boys can all chip in, and we’d finish the three floors faster.”

“No. I need to do this myself.”

“If you keep this up, you won’tliveto see the completed project. She can’t appreciate a dead person.”

Those words hit me hard as I dropped into a chair. “The rest of the building is all set. I’m just working on these three floors. They’ll be done this week for next month’s ribbon ceremony.”

“Did you invite Natalie?”

“No.”

“Then how is she going to know about it?”

My body ached, and my muscles screamed for sleep. “I plan on giving her a tour at the right time.” When she comes back to me willingly. Not because I asked, but because she wanted to.

Remi shook his head, not understanding my logic. But there was also a smile on his face.

“Are you here to bring me lunch or harass me?” I asked, my patience running thin.

“Both.” Remington punched me lightly on the shoulder, taking the seat in the empty chair beside me. He watched me devour the steak and cheese sub he’d gotten me. “Love makes you do some crazy shit. You’re going through that phase right now.”

I didn’t disagree, but I didn’t comment either.

“There’s a video game convention in two months. You going?” Remi asked.

I nodded. “What do you think about the demo I sent?”

“It’s great.” Remi smiled. “You’re experiencing a phase of insanity, and that’s pushing your creativity to new heights. I love how your world flips upside down and sideways, depending on which portal I choose.”

Natalie had inspired that, but I wanted to keep that knowledge to myself. There was something sacred about keeping this truth in my heart instead of making it public knowledge.

Remi and I continued our conversation about the video games. Apparently, my friends were having fun incorporating the video clips into their games. Remi’s phone buzzed, and his smile revealed it was Audri calling him.

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