Page 81 of The Innovator

I still needed to find a replacement for it. Two other properties showed potential, and I could offer the current owners a price they couldn’t refuse, but I had to reevaluate my vision for the project.

Sitting at my desk, I checked my schedule on the computer. In two days, I’d visit Derek. If Natalie could face her fears, then I had to face mine.

I logged into Level Three of WaterFyre Rising and checked out the apparel Natalie had designed. One of the outfits was made from a high-tech fabric that adapted to the environment, allowing the characters to survive harsh terrain. In the water, the outfit grew gills so the character could swim and breathe underwater. In the air, it became lightweight wings. On land, the fabric acclimated to the character’s body temperature, allowing the characters to warm up or cool off. After giving her a snapshot of my world, it was eye-opening to see what she created. I’d never shared my video game with anyone except my boys.

Natalie had made this game even more special to me. She was part of it now. I couldn’t wait to show her the complete demo.

“Dinner’s ready.” Natalie popped into the doorway and gestured for me to follow her.

She wasn’t a cook, but she’d brought prepared food where all she had to do was toss the components together onto nice plates. She was acquainting herself with the kitchen because of me, and that made all her meals exceptional.

“Come here.” I crooked a finger at her.

“Why?” She looked at me suspiciously, but entered the office and plopped onto my lap.

I pulled out a small gift box. “For you.”

“Why?” Her eyebrows furrowed as she stared at the box.

Most women would just open the damn gift box without question.

“Stop asking why. I can give my girlfriend gifts whenever I want. Open it.”

Smiling, she lifted the lid and gasped. “Grayson . . . this is gorgeous. Is this a red diamond?” She touched the pendant with a gold rim around it.

“There are only about fifty red diamonds in existence. It’s very rare. Let me put it on you.” I placed the gold chain around her neck, admiring it on her.

“It must have cost a fortune.” She examined it.

I shrugged. “Only the best for you. I want you to wear this and think of me when I’m not around. Don’t take it off. It’ll keep all those European men away from you.”

She laughed. “Did you put a spell on it or something?”

“No, but that’s not a bad idea. Do you have a spell book?”

Laughing, she looped her arms around my neck. “No, I don’t. There’s no need for any spells. I love the necklace. Thank you. I’m going to miss you, even though I’m only going for a few days.” She kissed me hard, and we christened my office while she wore my necklace.

Dinner occurred two hours later.

CHAPTERFORTY-ONE

GRAYSON

I stared at the pathetic man who had once been someone I had admired. Derek had gotten thinner, his cheeks hollower, and dark circles appeared under his eyes as though hell was sucking the life out of him. Had guilt been keeping him up at night? Or the fear that someone from the crime organization would sneak into his cell at any moment to end his life?

Sitting in front of Derek in prison with the glass panel between us symbolized many things for me. Despite our relationship growing up, there was now a wedge separating us. I stared at the man I once looked up to—the man I used to ask for advice.

Our eyes connected, and an onslaught of memories flooded my brain. I let them come to the surface so I could face them—get rid of them forever.

“You need to be careful with that.” Uncle Derek points to the hammer in my hand. He’s been teaching me how to build this tree house in the backyard. Audri prefers making weird jewelry and has no interest in building anything.

I hammer the final nail into the ladder that leads up to my tree house. I step back, admiring the workmanship. “It’s awesome!”

Uncle Derek stands beside me, draping an arm around my shoulder. “You did a wonderful job, buddy. Better than some men I know. You have a great talent for interpreting concept.” He ruffles my hair. “This brilliant brain of yours and your skillful hands will help you succeed in the future. You’ll go far, kiddo. Don’t let anyone stop you.”

I smile at his belief in me. He’s right—I enjoy building things. All the Lego collections I’ve had over the years help me build structures. Being able to see my idea come to life makes me so happy.

“Thanks for the cool birthday gift, Uncle Derek. It wouldn’t have been finished so soon without your help. If Dad were still alive, he’d be so happy.” My dad promised to help me build a tree house, but he died before that could happen.

---