Page 5 of Inspiring Dominic

“See, that’s the bullshit I’m talking about,” Johan spat. “No surprise that do-gooder Dom doesn’t believe in giving second chances.”

“For her, I’ve given plenty.” I lifted my hands. “But, man, it’s your life. If you want to go down that road with her again, it’s your call.” A lot of folks didn’t know all the details of Johan’s marriage to Hurricane Evelyn, but I’d made the mistake of laying out what I knew about her on the table years ago, and deep down, I always felt like Johan blamed me for his marriage going south.

The energy between the four of us had shifted, and when Ava walked over, Owen gave her a look to say she had perfect timing. Like him, I welcomed the distraction.

“Dom, it’s time for the will reading soon. Want to make our rounds again before heading to the parents’ place later?” Ava asked.

“Yeah, sounds good.” I nodded a goodbye to my friends, ready for the repast and the reading of the will to be over. Looking up to the sky, I couldn’t help but wonder if Granddad was up there laughing at everything that had just happened. He always said leave it to a Black funeral to bring out the crazy in even the sanest person.

* * *

By the timeof the will reading, I was ready to crash, but the family had important business to discuss. It was rare that we all gathered in Prescott Manor’s formal living room, but this occasion was different.

I hadn’t known it when our parents originally informed us about the will reading, but Granddad had decided to do a video, addressing each member of the family, starting with the grandchildren.

As the video began, I briefly glanced at my mom, Brenda, noting the puffiness under her eyes from crying all day. My dad looked emotional as well, but it was just like Edward Prescott to have to be strong for the family despite losing his father.

I’d always enjoyed hearing Granddad speak, and even as a boy, I’d listen to him on work calls not because of what he was saying, but the authority in which he said it. By the time it got to my personal message on the video, I felt like I was holding my breath until the very end when Granddad said, “I’m proud of the man you are and for stepping into a leadership role with the family. There’s so much of your future still left to live, but never forget that although your family will always come first, it’s okay for you to put yourself first, too.”

I nodded as if I was sitting across the room from Granddad instead of watching the video. After the video message ended, our family’s attorney went through other business, detailing things. My thoughts were still on Granddad, when I noticed my dad stand and hand each of us a letter. My hands were slightly shaking when I took it, unsure of what the letter would contain, but even before I read the first words, I knew I wouldn’t be the same after reading it.

Dear Dominic,

When grandparents thinkabout the life they want their children and grandchildren to have, it often starts with wanting them to be better than the generation before. When you were first born, I knew you would be my legacy, but probably not in the way you realized.

You were always the most like me in personality and spirit, even though you are a spitting image of your great-grandfather. Despite what it may have seemed, things never came easy to me and I’m sure you can relate to that. When it came to school, you studied harder than any of your siblings because you realized that what came easy for some didn’t come easy for you. When it came to being CSO of Prescott Holdings, you rarely took time away from the job or family because you often felt like you weren’t allowed a break like some of the others had taken.

However, what do you do when you have nothing left to give? Dominic, you need a change. You need to stop worrying about the family and business. You need to stop worrying that Prescott Holdings and the family will fall apart if you aren’t working 24/7.

For years, I’ve watched your life spin in a singular circular motion, not truly living, but just existing. So, Dominic, my request is that you don’t just go through the motions of existing, but that you experience life, love, and learn what it means to be Dominic Prescott. The hardest part of your journey will be figuring out what inspires you to be a better man. And to do that, you can’t figure it out living in Rosewood Heights most of the time.

For the Prescott Holdings security assignment you were passing along to your second-in-command in Miami, you do the job instead. Right now, you need to be in the field. I’ve made other arrangements to take over your position in the interim. You aren’t being fired because your granddad hasn’t lost his marbles at the time I composed this letter, but I need you to take a step back from the pressure and demanding schedule of being Chief Security Officer.

Son, it’s time to move and find your way. You’ve enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined. My only regret is that I didn’t tell you this sooner. Prescott Manor will always be your home, but you need to figure out your future. Miami’s a good place to start.

Love,

Good ole’ Grandad

PS:Let the record state that I, Abraham Theodore Prescott, cheated during that last game of cards and declare my grandson, Dominic Theodore Prescott, the victor. Dom, may you always remember that one of my favorite pastimes was shooting the shit with you.

Sitting back into the couch,I couldn’t help but read the letter a couple more times.He wants me to step down …

I loved Prescott Holdings and being a part of my family’s legacy. However, Granddad was right. Somewhere along the way, I lost myself, and at almost forty, I wasn’t sure what I had to show for my life.

When my pops and granddad were grooming me for CSO, they made me start as an intern, then a desk job, after that, a higher-level office job.

When it reached the time for me to work in the field with the security team, I immediately took a liking to working in the field. In my current position running the division, I still got to travel, but I didn’t get to get my hands dirty.

Now you can though.It was crazy, because I hadn’t even known how much I missed working in the field until I read Granddad’s letter.But how can I tell my family I’m going back into the field?

My eyes flew to my mom first who was already watching me intently, her eyes filled with pride. She looked to my dad, both of them smiling with the slight nod of their heads, indicating they already knew what Granddad had requested of me. For some families, his request wouldn’t seem like a big deal, but I was Dominic Prescott. The son whose family knew they could count on to be in Rosewood Heights when something happened or who my brothers knew they would see whenever they returned home.

In a lot of ways, the red I bled represented Rosewood and it almost seemed unreal to think that I wouldn’t be living here anymore. Granted, I didn’t have to follow Granddad’s request, but my gut told me it was the right decision, and I was sure my heart would catch up eventually.

Chapter 1

SAMARA

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