Page 128 of The Innovator

Time away from Grayson had allowed me to dive deep into my imagination. I’d imagined all the joyful times we’d spent together. Even all the fantasies I’d made up to make myself feel better. Imagination was powerful; it was a force of perseverance for me. It helped me heal when I didn’t know how. I could flow with the moments because of it.

Had he tapped into his imagination when he tried to earn my forgiveness? In my heart, I knew he did. Our creative hearts understood the imaginative language.

What Grayson didn’t know was that I had already forgiven him. Each time he came to support me, he’d erased a little stain from my heart. When he told me about why and what he’d done to keep me safe, my heart was renewed—all the stains had dissolved like some kind of metaphysical activity that strengthened my heart.

Still, I wanted to see what he meant by showing me his devotion. These tools meant the world to me. The ruler, the calculator, and the compass were aspects of him making a promise to me.

By the end of the night, I’d packed my belongings and booked a flight back to Providence for the following day. My apartment was still there, waiting for me.

CHAPTERSEVENTY-TWO

NATALIE

I’d been back in Providence for a week and fell into my routine as though I’d never left. I’d met with the girls two nights ago, and we had a blast.

My phone rang with Royce’s number flashing on the screen. Something twisted in my stomach. Royce didn’t usually call me.

“Hey, Royce. Is Michelle okay?”

“Michelle’s fine.” Royce’s tone made my blood turn cold.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s Grayson. There’s been an accident.”

An iceberg the size of Europe dropped into my stomach. “What happened? Where is he?” Awful scenarios of what could’ve happened filled my head.

“He’s currently at Vitality Health Clinic.” Royce gave me the address and nothing more.

Why wasn’t he giving me more details about the accident?

Because he doesn’t want you getting into an accident while driving to see Grayson.

“Okay, I’m on my way.” My body shook as I grabbed my purse and hurried to my car.

My heart deflated as though someone had poked it with a needle. The slow deflation made it difficult to breathe. I hated the way stress took over my body.

Inhaling a deep breath, I gripped the steering wheel and drove off.

Dear God, please let Grayson be safe.

We were supposed to meet tomorrow. What if—

Stop thinking negative thoughts!

I wanted to start a new life with him. I wanted to hear him say he loved me every day.

Tears slid down my cheek as I thought about how much time I’d wasted by not forgiving him sooner. I zipped into the parking of the medical clinic, whipped into the spot closest to the front door, and darted inside toward the receptionist wearing a colorful dress and a nametag that read Patty.

Patty glanced up from her desk, smiling as though there were nothing wrong in the world.

“Hi, I’m looking for Grayson Wu.” I curled my fingers into a tight fist so my hand wouldn’t shake.

Patty pointed down the hall. “He’s in the last room.”

I nodded. “Thanks. Is he . . . is he okay?”

“He’ll be okay,” she said with a smile.

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