should be the new boss of the Giordano family . . . Dominic Collazo.”
The air rushes out of the room. My eyes bulge and stop blinking until they start to dry out. My stomach heats up and explodes into a butterfly-filled zoo, and I immediately feel nauseous.
Did he just say Dominic Collazo?
Everyone in the room turns to look at me, and I have no idea what I’m supposed to do now. I know Leo is getting up there in age, but did he forget Frankie’s name? Is the old man coming down with Alzheimer’s?
I look around the room and to my surprise, no one looks shocked. Big Sal and John nod along like this is a great idea, and even Frankie nods his head like the person who was nominated for an Oscar but didn’t win. It’s like I’m sitting in an alternate universe where everyone is insane, but totally fine with it.
“So, before anything else is said,” Leo continues, driving his point home, “I want you to know how we reached this decision. You all know Dominic has been around Our Thing his whole life. The Family is all he knows, and he’s been an earner for this family since he was eleven. His father, Donnie, God bless his soul, taught him everything, and you all know Donnie was one of our best guys. We chose Dominic because he’ll be around for the long haul, and he doesn’t rely on seniority. He relies only on the fact that he knows what he’s doing. I think Dominic’s era can last longer than mine did, and even though he’s young, I know he’s ready to lead this family.
“So, I want to know, right now, who agrees with this decision. I want to see a show of hands in support of Dominic as the new boss of The Family.”
I’m scared to look, because I know someone has to be against this. But I look around, and one by one, the hands start reaching for the ceiling. It starts with Big Sal, who raises his hand and smiles like a proud father, and it spreads down the table like a virus. Every single one of them raises their hand, and when the line reaches Frankie, he does something I never expected. He smiles at me, and nods his head as he raises his hand. There isn’t an ounce of anger or resentment in his eyes. Just like Sal, he looks proud of me. Once Frankie’s hand goes up, I know it’s official. I don’t know if it’s because everyone is so loyal to Leo that they’d go along with anything he suggests, or if this is a legit acknowledgement from the entire Family, but it’s happening.
I’m the boss of The Family.
“Alright then,” Leo says as he looks at me and smiles from ear to ear. He stands up, and everyone in the room stands with him. “It’s settled. Dominic, do you accept this responsibility?”
My smile in uncontrollable.
“Yes, Leo, I do accept it.”
“Do you pledge to think of The Family before anything else?”
My heart could explode.
“Yes, I do.”
“It’s your responsibility to keep this family on the path to prosperity,” Leo advises as he puts his hands on my shoulders. “Don’t let your age hold you back. Think big, and go with your gut in all things. We didn’t come to this decision lightly. We trust you, and we can’t wait to see how you carry the torch.”
My father would be so proud.
“Thank you, Leo. Thank you, Jimmy.” I hug both of them, and it has never felt this good to be me. I have everything I’ve ever wanted now.
“Now, as for the rest of you,” Leo says, addressing the rest of The Family. “Today is a new day. From now on, I am no longer the boss of this family, but I expect all of you to pledge your loyalty to your new boss. Let us all agree, any mutiny or disobedience will be punishable by death, as supported by The Commission and every made member of this family. Salute.”
Every member in the room repeats, Salute, and it becomes official.
I stand behind the head seat at the table as each member approaches, one by one, and gives me a hug and pat on the back. I hug them all, and I can feel the love and respect emanating off of them. When Frankie approaches, it’s no different.
“I’m proud of you, kid,” he says in my ear. “I really mean that. I’m sorry I gave