Page 130 of The Innovator

“Did you pay the clinic and the receptionist to play along?” I asked, glancing around the room that looked too real to fake.

“The clinic belongs to Forrest, and his receptionist is in on it. How could she not be? There were four men cursing up a storm in here, trying to put me in a cast and stage the scene correctly. Royce almost squirted ketchup in my eye twice.”

I grinned. “How in the world did your friends convince you to do something like this?”

“It was a dare that earned me a 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet. It’s worth over five hundred thousand dollars. We can try it tonight.”

He wiggled his eyebrows, and I got my McDimple back again.

CHAPTERSEVENTY-THREE

GRAYSON

In early October, I sat on a chair behind the podium in my dark suit and red tie. Beside me were the city manager, mayor, and governor. I looked out into the audience, and gratitude filled my heart as I scanned the familiar faces.

Sitting in the front row, Natalie smiled at me. She wore a light gray jacket over a wine-colored dress with long boots, looking more beautiful every day. She sat beside my mom. They’d spent time together in the last few days and planned on meeting up with Natalie’s mother for a shopping trip in New York next month.

To see the woman I loved get along with the woman who gave birth to me stirred my heart. Maybe it was this special day with the autumn leaves brightening the sky that made me sentimental. Or maybe it was seeing all my family and friends filling up Three Point Park that made this day unforgettable.

The City of Providence had gotten an interim DPW Commissioner named Jordan Stokes. He took over for Robert and had ensured nothing delayed my Three Point Park project. I was still suspicious of people, but mostly those I didn’t know. I considered that trait a detective’s skill. Everyone had an agenda, and if theirs didn’t harm me or mine, then all was well. Caution could be beneficial if you learned how to trust your heart.

Jordan introduced me and I got up, walking to the podium.

“Thank you for the warm welcome, everyone. Today is a special day for the City of Providence. Three Point Park has been a dream of mine for a long time. I’m happy to have the city join me in this celebration of the park that will attract an abundance of tourists from all over the world.”

The massive TV screen on the side showed stills of my buildings, The Prism, Dream Key, and Freedom Heights.

“Three Point Park will create new jobs and expand businesses, therefore creating revenues for the city. This ismycity, and alsoyourcity. We must protect its integrity at all costs. Let truth and beauty shine. Don’t let greed consume our city the way it has done with other cities in this country.”

I wasn’t sure who was listening, but if any members of the organization were, perhaps they’d read between the lines. Maybe they’d assume I was a billionaire saying one thing and meaning another. Maybe they’d approach me for a business collaboration on that assumption. But I hadn’t intended for any collaboration. My words were a promise to protect what was mine at all costs.

I was speaking the truth regardless of who was listening.

I gestured to the TV screen again. “Office and retail spaces are available for lease. We welcome the arts in all forms. Creativity is how we solve problems.”

After my speech, the governor, mayor, and city manager all took their turns speaking and applauding Three Point Park.

The media had some questions for me regarding The Prism.

“This architecture is mesmerizing,” said a female reporter from Channel Five News. “Did anyone inspire you to design The Prism?”

Natalie met my gaze and smiled. My heart overflowed with love.

“Yes. Someone inspired it. We all know the inspiring story behind the Taj Mahal, where a king built a castle-like mausoleum, dedicating it to his wife after she passed while giving birth to his child. He wanted to show his devotion to her.” I swallowed, preparing to share a small piece of myself with the world. “I built The Prism because I want to dedicate it to my love. Devotion after death is beautiful, but devotion to her while she’s alive and can appreciate it is even more beautiful, don’t you agree?”

The crowd erupted in applause, and more questions boomed.

Tears streamed down Natalie’s face. Mom, Audri, and her friends were also in tears. Remi and Royce joined in the applause. Forrest and Arrow exchanged a teasing glance.Assholes.Just wait until you fall in love.

My family and friends went home after the ceremony. Natalie and I stuck around and walked Three Point Park hand in hand, enjoying the cool, crisp weather.

“Thank you for the lovely dedication,” she said. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to. Just keep it here.” I placed a hand on her heart.

Nodding, she looked ahead and gasped, dragging me to the wishing well. “Oh, you built a centerpiece for the park.”

“Yeah, I figured it needed something simple that didn’t take away from the buildings.” I glanced inside and saw a handful of coins at the bottom of the well.

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