“Ohhh, bellaaaa,” he growled, slapping her desk.
His breath was close to her ear, and Tracy loved the sound. She loved the feeling of his body pressed against her body. She loved the masculinity of his scent. She loved his protective nature. She loved…him.
Tracy was in love with Francis. And for that, she was riddled with guilt.
CHAPTER 28
TRACY
Tracy relaxed in the luxurious bed, onboard the luxurious private plane, owned by Storm Entertainment. Lying comfortably on her side with a protective hand over her barely-showing baby bump, she inhaled a deep breath. She was doing her best to suppress the anxiety building inside.
She and Francis were on their way to Baton Rouge. They were going to tell her parents about the baby. Since Tracy had never so much as mentioned Francis to her parents, she was sure that the news of her pregnancy wouldn’t be received well.
Although her parents, Henry and Gail Baker, lived as far as Louisiana, they had always managed to have one foot in Tracy’s life. Her dad was a judge in the Court of Appeals for the state of Louisiana, and her mom was the State Superintendent of Education. They were prominent and well-respected members of their community. Naturally, their expectations of Tracy were high, and she’d always done her best to live up to those expectations. Now she was en route to deliver news that would surely be a disappointment.
The creek of the cabin door opening diverted Tracy’s attention. She looked up to find Francis leaning against the doorframe. He was dressed casually in beige slacks and a short-sleeved, cream-colored, V-neck pullover that was just thin enough to display his sturdy, muscular torso. His thick dark hair was messy in a sexy way, as if he’d been running his fingers through it, and the sexy five o'clock shadow that covered his chiseled jaw gave a hint of danger.
Francis was devastatingly handsome, but he didn't behave like a man that was aware of his incredible looks. He just didn't have the arrogance of a man that could turn the head of every woman in the room.
“How are you feeling?” Francis asked from the doorway.
“I’m good.”
He entered the cabin and sat at the foot of the bed. He placed his hand on her stomach and rubbed gently. “Are you nervous to see your family?”
“Yeah, a little,” Tracy admitted, covering his hand with her own.
Francis smiled and leaned in to place a sweet kiss on her forehead. As usual, Tracy tingled inside. A simple touch from him was like tiny bolts of electricity shooting throughout her entire body.
“Don't worry, bella,” Francis reassured. “All will be well. I promise.”
“Okay,” Tracy responded with a smile.
Francis was right. She was an adult. What could her parents actually do to her?
“Cara, we will be landing soon. The pilot requests that we take our seats.”
Tracy sat up and slipped into her pumps. “I really think that we should make reservations at a hotel,” Tracy reiterated from the discussion they’d had earlier that day.
“No, bella. That not the Sicilian way.”
“My family and I…we’re not Sicilian,” Tracy pointed out.
“Si, I understand. But we will let your parents decide.”
Francis stood and walked toward the door. He looked back expectantly at Tracy. She shook her head and stood.
“Fine,” she relented as she followed him out of the cabin.
****
As Tracy sat in the exquisite dining room of her childhood home, all she could hear was the clink of silverware against china. From the moment Tracy and Francis arrived at her parents’ large plantation, the silence was deafening. Her parents were clearly not happy with her choice in Francis.
“So, where are you staying while you’re in town?” her mother asked, breaking the silence.
“Um…we haven't decided,” Tracy responded.
“Well, I suggest you stay here, Tracy,” her dad chimed. “And I suggest that he finds a hotel.”
Tracy dropped her fork and rubbed her throbbing temple. She’d had a headache from the moment she introduced Francis to her parents. They had been less the hospitable. Francis placed his hand on her back, massaging her with his thumb.
“Signore Baker, I respect a man’s home. And if you require that I go to a hotel, I will. But Tracy and I stay together, always.”
“What are you doing with this white man!” her dad blurted, jumping from his seat.
“Dad!”
Tracy was mortified.
“No! I knew that as soon as Victoria married that white man, you would follow suit!”
“Wait…what?!”
Tracy looked at her mother in hopes that she would intervene, but if she thought that Gail Baker would stand up for her, she was terribly mistaken. There she sat with her arms folded and her lips pursed. Francis gently squeezed Tracy’s shoulder in an effort to keep her calm. To Tracy, he appeared to be untroubled by her dad’s rude, and prejudiced remarks.
“Signore Baker, I’m Sicilian,” Francis pointed out.
“You're not black!”
“How dare you speak to him like that!” Tracy shouted at her dad.
Francis stood abruptly and held his hand out for Tracy. She placed her hand in his, rose from the table, and stood by his side.
“Signore Baker, I would think that as a black man living in America, you would be more aware than anyone of the destruction that comes along with racism. Thank you for dinner,” he told him as he and Tracy walked away from the table.
“Oh, by the way…” Tracy said over her shoulder. “I’m pregnant.”
Without looking back, Tracy held on tight to Francis’ hand as they hurried out of her parents’ home. Together, they marched down the cobblestone driveway until they reached their rental. Francis opened the passenger door for Tracy and helped her inside. As soon as he closed the door, Tracy covered her eyes and allowed the tears to fall freely. Francis sat in the driver’s seat and grabbed the back of Tracy’s head. He pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head.
“See, bella, that went really well. I told you that everything would be all right.”
Tracy pulled away and glared at Francis. He had to have lost his mind if he thought that the introduction went well. But as she stared at him, she could see that he was doing his very best to suppress laughter.
“I think I won them over.”
The silly grin on his made Tracy giggle. Before she knew it, they were both rolling in laughter.
“Oh, yeah. They loved you,” Tracy muttered through laughter.
CHAPTER 29
TAMMY
Tammy watched as her mother entered the restaurant and realized for the first time that Beverly was quite stunning. So much prettier than Tammy had remembered. Her memory held the picture of a too thin junkie with ratty hair, bulging eyes, and bad skin. The Beverly before her was curvy with thick long hair and flawless skin. And when she arrive at the table, Tammy could see that her curvy body was covered in a sheath dress made by Annabella Caracciolo. She wondered how a drug counselor could afford a dress designed by Anna.
“Tammy, hello,” Beverly greeted as she sat.
“Hello, Beverly.”
Beverly was clearly taken aback by Tammy’s use of her first name, but Tammy couldn't even begin to force the word mom to roll off of her tongue, even if she wanted.
Tammy took a sip of water and prepared herself for a conversation that was years overdue. It was their second attempt since their first meeting ended with shots fired.
“Thanks for finally taking time out of your busy schedule to see me. Hopefully, no one will shoot at us today.”
Beverly was bleeding sarcasm. The nerve of the woman. She had abandoned her as a child, never looking back, and now she was implying that Tammy was too busy for her. And, not to mention, she was takings digs at her life with Luca.
“I do have a very busy schedule, Beverly. I have a son to raise, a business to run, and a wedding to plan. But I’m here now, so how
are you?”
Beverly smiled. Her entire demeanor changed. Apparently, she realized that Tammy wasn't about to let her lay a guilt trip at her feet.
“Well, I’m just happy to see you. Do you think I could meet your son?”
“David. His name is David. And why would you want to meet him?”
Beverly dropped the fake smile and knitted her brow. She leaned back in her chair and stared pointedly at Tammy before saying, “Why would you ask such things? I want to meet him because he’s my grandson.”
Tammy just wasn't in the spirit of tolerance, and, to be honest, she simply didn't trust Beverly. Where had she been all those years? Why had she suddenly appeared out of nowhere? Tammy would bet a finger that she wanted something. Although she didn't know what it was that Beverly wanted, Tammy was sure that her motives would soon be revealed.
“You walked out on your own child, so why would someone else’s child matter to you?”
Beverly recoiled as if she had just been slapped. Tammy knew that her tone was ice cold, but so was her heart when it came to the mother that had abandoned her so many years ago.
“Tamara, I realize how it must have hurt when I left you and your father, but I was a complete mess back then. My addiction was out of control, and the only thing that mattered to me was how I was gonna get my next fix. I left to spare you and your father the pain that went along with loving a drug addict.”
Tammy studied Beverly as she spoke. She was almost impressed that she was able to squeeze a single tear from her eye. To Tammy, neither Beverly’s actions nor her words seemed sincere. When Beverly realized that Tammy wasn't moved by her performance, she straightened her spine and swiped the lonely tear from her cheek.
“Okay, you want to know what I want? I’ll tell you. I want in,” Beverly told her bluntly.
Tammy smiled, satisfied that she was finally getting to the meat of their sudden reunion. She leaned back in her seat and calmly asked, “You want in on what?”
“Your life. I want to be in your life. I wanna be in David’s life. And…” Beverly paused briefly before saying, “I want a place at Giovanni’s.”
Tammy chuckled. She should have known.
“After all, I am the one who taught you to sew in the first place. Other than your very life, you did get something positive from me.”
Of course, a narcissist like Beverly would try to take credit for Tammy’s success. Had it not been for Beverly, Tammy wouldn't have been able to make stripper outfits for her and her coworkers. But it was Luca that made her dream of becoming a reputable designer a possibility.
“I see,” Tammy responded. “So, you made me?”
“That’s not what I said.” Beverly quickly replied.
“Well, unbelievably, that’s what it sounds like to me. Let me ask you…where were you when I was sitting up every night for over a year, staring out of the window, waiting for you to come home? Hmm? Where were you when papa was struggling to try to raise me on his own? And since you're the creator of careers, did I get my talent for pole dancing from you too? Ohhh, now I know…while I was giving lap dances in order to feed my son, you were somewhere spinning my fucking career. Come on, Beverly…where-the-fuck-were-you?!”
Beverly cringed at Tammy’s harsh words, and she was actually surprised to see unforced tears welling in her mother’s eyes. Tammy took a few deep breaths and attempted to calm the rage that was clawing to escape. She looked away, knowing that as long as she was facing Beverly, her anger would not subside. It was then that Tammy noticed that her security detail, who was supposed to be invisible, had moved closer to the table. She also noted that several patrons had stopped eating and were staring in her direction.
“I’m sorry, baby,” Beverly said in a soft voice. “You don't owe me a damn thing. I was just thinking that the fashion could get me in the door and from there, I could work on the rest.”
Tammy took the risk of looking her mother in the eye. She was slumped down in her chair, and that one tear from earlier was no longer lonely. The tears were there. Beverly pulled a napkin from the table and dapped under her eyes.
“I fucked up, baby. I’m sorry. I know I can't go back in time. I’m just hoping that you can find it in your heart to try and forgive me. Please, just give me a chance.”
Tammy was burning with subdued emotion. She had once loved her mother with her whole heart and for the first time in a long time, she had to acknowledge just how much it had hurt when her mother left. In those days, she would have done anything for her to return, begging for another chance. But she never did.
Tammy reached for her own napkin and wiped a tear from her face. She tossed the napkin on the table as she stood and looked down at Beverly, who was still slouching in her seat.
“Bring your portfolio by Victoria’s tomorrow,” Tammy told her just before walking away.
As she exited the restaurant, something inside warned that she had just made a grave mistake.
ALEJANDRO
Angel knocked back a shot of tequila. He was sitting inside the bar of Grand Lux Café and watched the heated exchange between Tammy and a woman that he had never seen before. He often surveilled Tammy in hopes that she’d have David with her. But since a war had erupted between the Savellis and the Russians, Luca had been keeping tight tabs on his grandson.
Tammy stood and tossed her napkin on the table before walking away. Since she didn't have David with her, Angel saw no need to follow. Instead, he ordered a beer. Shortly after his beer arrived, the attractive black woman that could have passed for a relative of Tammy’s, stood to leave. Angel admired the subtle bounce of her large tits as she walked away from the table. But to his surprise, the lady wasn't leaving the restaurant. Instead, she walked across the room and sat at another table. Angel leaned over so that he could see who she had sat with. Instantly, the woman’s demeanor switched from sad to emotionless as soon as Tammy walked away. Angel shook his head. He could smell bullshit from where he was sitting, but he wasn't at all shocked. The Savelli family was constantly surrounded by chaos and confusion.
CHAPTER 30
TRACY
Tracy stood in front of her bed, inspecting the contents of her suitcase. She wanted to make sure that she had everything she was going to need for the trip to Europe. Tammy had finally emailed the complete itinerary for her wedding, and it was paradise. The week’s events would include a load of pampering and partying with a huge gala at the end. Even the rehearsal dinner was going to be black tie. And since they were going to be marooned on the beautiful island, running to a mall wouldn't be an option. But, due to her little bun in the oven, Tracy couldn't fit a thing in her closet. So instead of going to lunch, she hit the gold coast to do some shopping. Unfortunately, nothing that Tracy tried on gave her goosebumps, so she ended up settling for a gown that was just…pretty.
Tracy looked over at the dress that she had hung on the back of her bedroom door and frowned.
At least it fit, she thought to herself.
Satisfied that she had everything she needed, Tracy closed the suitcase, zipped it, and sat it on the floor beside her bed. She stood for a moment, reflecting on the way her parents had behaved toward Francis. It had been a week, and she hadn't spoken to either of them.
Tracy was shocked by their reaction. Sure, she’d expected them to be disappointed that she was irresponsible enough to have gotten pregnant, but the racial comments had thrown her for a loop. Tracy had no idea that her parents were so prejudiced. As a matter of fact, they had white friends—Tom and Harriet Hail. What’s more, those white friends of theirs spent a lot of time at her parent’s home. Hell, they even traveled together. Therefore, Tracy concluded that her parents were hypocrites.
The sound of her phone ringing cut through the silence causing her to jump. It had to be Tammy. Victoria was having a dinner party, and Tammy had volunteered to pick her up. Tracy sat on the edge of her bed and grabbed her phone from the nightstand.
“Hey,” Tracy greeted. “I’m c
oming out now.”
“Um-mm, I need to come in right quick. Open the door,” Tammy responded.
“Okay, here I come.”
Tracy dropped the phone on her bed and jogged to the front door. When she opened it, Tammy was standing on the porch carrying a garment bag.
“What’s this?” Tracy asked, smiling.
“I talked to Vic. She said that you were not excited about the dress you found to wear to the rehearsal dinner.”
“Soooo…”
Tammy smiled big and stuck the garment bag in the front door. “So, I brought you this?”
Tracy’s hand flew to her mouth. “Awwww,” she said through her fingers.
“Yeah, awww,” Tammy mocked. “You plan on letting me in?”
Tracy stepped out of Tammy’s way and allowed her inside. She followed Tammy to her bedroom.
“Giovanni’s?” Tracy asked, hopeful.
“Of course.”
Tracy was giddy as she sat on the bed, waiting for Tammy to unveil the gown. After tossing the garment bag to the side, Tammy held the dress in front of Tracy. The sheer beauty of the gown caused Tracy to gasp. It was a floor-length, olive colored, Grecian-draped masterpiece.
“Oh my God. It’s beautiful,” Tracy said breathlessly.
The glow of pride radiated from Tammy.
“Thank you. Here, try it on. The fabric and draping won't be so confining.”
Tammy handed the gown to Tracy, and Tracy happily took it into her walk-in closet/dressing room. Once inside, she couldn't strip out of her clothes fast enough. She stepped into the gown and slowly slid it up her body, savoring the feeling of the soft material. It was a sexy halter that connected at the neck with a metallic collar. Soft, textured layers of silk flowed to the floor. The front of the dress was sexy and flattering, even with her extra pudge. But it was the back of the gown that took Tracy’s breath away. It plunged recklessly low. Leave it to Tammy to create a gown that was both maternal and seductive.
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