“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?”
