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 coming 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.
Tracy supermodel stomped out of her closet and posed at the end of her imaginary runway.
“Woooow, Tracy. That looks amazing on you,” Tammy gushed.
“I know, right!” Tracy squealed.
She turned so that Tammy could see the back.
“Dayuuuuum, girl. That’s it right there. This is the one,” Tammy affirmed.
Tracy rushed Tammy with a hug. “I love it. Thank you so much.”
“Anytime. You know I gotchu.”
Tracy stepped back and looked Tammy in the eye. Her face heated as tears pooled in her eyes.
“I know you do.”
