Thirty-Six Dominic
Thirty-Six
Dominic
I don’t like drama. Never have.
Which is why I’m perplexed as to what went wrong between me and Teagan. With so much going wrong in my love life, I can’t have drama in my family dynamic too. Ever since our dinner, Mama has been short and to the point when I call or text. I know she’s upset about my loaning Justice the funds to start up his business.
Tough luck.
She’s going to have to deal with it, but I don’t want the rest of the family to suffer due to the tension between us. So I decide to meet her in neutral territory at a café Teagan and I like to frequent on the weekends for brunch.
I’m already waiting for Mama when she arrives in a flurry through the front door. She’s dressed more casually than normal in simple blue jeans, a white peasant shirt, stilettos and carrying a designer bag. I’m incognito in jeans, a T-shirt and a baseball cap because I was finally able to lose the couple of reporters tailing me since my night with Teagan.
“Mama.” I rise to my feet and give her a kiss on the cheek.
“Dominic, I was surprised to hear from you,” she says. “I haven’t been your favorite person lately.”
I sigh because she always plays the victim card and it’s time for it to stop. “Listen, I didn’t call you here to be your whipping boy. I thought we should talk and clear the air about a few things.”
She places her bag on the adjacent chair and responds, “I’m listening.”
“I feel like you’ve changed since I became rich and famous,” I say, going straight to the point, “and not in a good way.”
Her face contorts in anger. “That—that’s not true.”
I hold up my hand. “Please let me finish.” I’m determined to get everything I have to say off my chest and let the chips fall where they may. I should have spoken up much sooner instead of letting my anger fester.
“Fine.” She sighs dramatically and leans back in her chair.
We take care of the formalities of ordering a cappuccino for her and an espresso for me, but then I get right back to the matter at hand.
“I don’t feel like I matter to you anymore. I have hopes and dreams that you don’t even know about because you stopped asking. It’s all about the money and what I can do for you. Me loaning Justice funds to start his business was a good thing. Something I could do with the money I earned to help Justice fulfill his dream, and it’s an investment I’ll earn back, but you turned it around and sullied it by complaining about money. Did you think how he might feel? How hard it was for Justice to come to me, his big brother, for a handout? No, you could only see how it might take away funds from you.”
My words must shock her because for once my mother doesn’t interrupt me. So I continue. “I will always be there for Ciera and Bliss. I’ve set up college accounts for them to help them get the best start in life. I would never want them to suffer or endure the poverty Justice and I did. And as for you, Mama, I will continue to support you and ensure you have everything you need, but you’re not entitled to be consulted on how I spend my money. Are we clear?”
She nods and a tear escapes her lashes. “Why did you never tell me you felt this way? It sounds like you’ve kept all of this bottled inside for years.”
“I didn’t want to hurt you. I still don’t. But I don’t like the choices you make. I haven’t in a long time, but I’ve done my best for you. I gave up the woman I love to ensure I could support this family. I can’t give you anything else. I’m tapped out.”
She reaches her hand across the table to grasp mine. “I never expected you to, Dominic, and I’m sorry if you felt there was no way out for you except through tennis. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and this family.”
“Thank you, Mama.” I squeeze her hand.
“Would you be willing to share with me what your new dreams are for the future? Because I suspect, since Teagan has returned to your life, that there are changes coming.”
“Well, about that…”
I tell Mama everything that’s happened in the past and the present, from start to finish, including listening to Mr. Williams and staying away from Teagan. By the end, I feel relieved after unloading all the hurt and anger. Mama understands and I think finally sees how difficult it has been not only being her son, but also being the sole provider of the family. She promises to do better, and, honestly, that’s all I can ask for.
Now I have to figure out how to win back my girl. It won’t be easy, but then again, nothing with Teagan ever has been. But when I do win, it’ll be worthwhile.
* * *
“We should start talking about my retirement,” I tell Scott on Friday. He’s arrived to attend this weekend’s Phoenix Desert Smash.
“What?” Scott’s eyes bug out. “What do you mean you’re going to retire?”
“I didn’t say I was doing so right this second, but my retirement is imminent,” I respond.
“What brought this on?” Scott asks. “Is it because of all the heat you’re getting with the press rehashing you and Teagan’s breakup and her meltdown?”
I shake my head. “It has nothing to do with that. Though I’m not happy to see they would publicize her breakdown. They have no idea what she went through, but I do.”
“You sound very passionate about a woman who told you she wants nothing to do with you,” Scott replies.
I called Scott right after Teagan’s departure to release a message via my publicist requesting that the media consider our mental health before rebroadcasting a private conversation. The statement caused the station in question to stop running footage of Teagan, but not the speculation about our relationship or her return to tennis.
“Yes, I still care for Teagan. And I’m not about to let the press crucify her again. I made that mistake years ago and won’t do it again.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Get her back,” I say.
I remember what Justice said. I have to fight for Teagan. I decided to give her this week to cool down and when she’s calm and rational, I intend to tell her what happened all those years ago. How I listened to her father instead of listening to my heart. I’m going to tell her I made a mistake and should have talked to her, fought for her. I want her to know she can have her own spotlight and I would never diminish her. I only want to love her.
“Strong words, but can you back it up?”
“I can and I will.”
She’ll be at the tournament tomorrow because she’s part of the committee and unbeknownst to her, she’s still playing doubles with me.
“She may think I was screwing her over and trying to steal the spotlight, but she can’t be more wrong. I’m going to prove it to her.”
“You sound determined.”
“I am. I’ve let my career and family dictate my actions in the past, but today and all my tomorrows are for Teagan.”
A grin spreads across Scott’s face. “And your retirement?”
“Will bring us closer,” I respond, “but I won’t be sitting idle. Helping Justice get his business venture off the ground showed me I’d like to do that for other people. I’d like to empower other diverse people to live their dreams and change the world. I want to start a venture capital company called Dominic Ventures.”
“Venture capitalism? That’s a pretty bold move.”
I shrug. “Maybe, but I’m passionate about helping people.”
“Honestly, as much as I hate to lose you as a client, I think it’s a great move,” Scott said. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
“I will, but for now, I need you to limit my future tour commitments and ensure I participate in the Grand Slams and only the most lucrative games.”
“You got it. It’s good to see you so sure of yourself.”
“Thanks, man.”
Part of it is the work I’ve done on my own, but my family and Teagan are also a big part of why there’s a need for a change. I haven’t been completely fulfilled by tennis in a long time. It’s time to spread my wings.
Now all I have to do is convince Teagan.
And this time , I’m not giving up. I know what I want, and I want Teagan.