by Iris Bolling
“Are you referring to the campaign or the error of being with another person when you are committed to someone?”
JD closed his eyes; he heard the robot in Lost in Space warning, “Danger, Will Rogers, danger.” He gave Tracy a devilish smile. “Babe, commitment means different things to different people. You and I are fully committed to one another because we love each other and we want to grow old together regardless of where our paths lead. Gavin and Carolyn are only partially committed to each other. They both want the same thing and need each other to accomplish the agenda. If that agenda did not exist they would probably not be together.”
The telephone rang. “Saved by the bell,” Tracy said as she answered the telephone.
Chapter 41
Before Tracy knew it, it was the day before Christmas Eve; the wedding events were in full swing. JD and the boys were having final fittings for tuxedos. Rosaline was making final arrangements on the food. Cynthia was finalizing everything else. The final fitting of the gowns was attended by Tracy, Ashley, Mrs. Harrison and Mrs. Langston, at Tracy’s request. Tracy wanted an outside opinion. Ashley and Martha would not say anything that they thought would hurt Tracy’s feelings. It seemed like everyone was walking on eggshells around her lately. When Tracy stepped in front of the center mirror in Judith’s dress shop, tears came to Ashley’s eyes. Mrs. Langston walked over to Tracy and spread the train of the gown completely out. Martha just sat there and smiled. “I don’t think I have ever seen a dress so befitting anyone in my life.”
Judith smiled. “Did it turn out the way you wanted it, Tracy?”
Tracy looked at herself in the mirror. All week people treated her like a helpless child; she could not understand why. Her nerves were fine and she had no question about the steps she was about to take. She loved Jeffrey. There was no one in the world she would ever want to be with other than him. Nothing had shaken her resolve until now. Looking at herself in this dress broke her. She stepped back from the mirror as a vision of her brother in the field the last time she saw him came to mind. Then Jeffrey was standing in front of her covered in blood saying he loved her. Her mind flicked and she was lying in her own blood. Then there was the baby, the one she would never see. Then Vanessa and Carolyn were sneering at her with the entire Harrison family in her house. The house, the holidays, the wedding, her mother, Jeffrey’s campaign, all of it was going in circles in her head. Her whole world was spinning out of control. She began to shake her head, “I can’t do this,” she whispered. Ashley ran to her just before her knees buckled.
“Tracy!” Ashley called out as she broke Tracy’s fall. “Tracy,” she called out again.
Mrs. Langston got a cup of water. Tracy was lying on the floor with the dress spread out beneath her. Ashley removed the veil from Tracy’s head. Mrs. Langston flicked small drops of water on Tracy’s face. Judith went into another room. When she returned she handed a cup to Martha. Martha put the cup under Tracy’s nose. Tracy flinched.
As Tracy opened her eyes, tears were streaming down her face. “Ashley, I’m so tired. I need to go home.”
“Baby, you are going to be all right,” Martha said. “Come on; let’s get you out of that dress.”
Tracy nodded her head. “Okay,” she said softly.
Martha stood in front of the mirror so Tracy could not see her reflection. Ashley and Mrs. Langston helped Tracy up. Ashley went with her into the dressing room, and slowly began to help Tracy undress.
Ashley was quiet; she knew Tracy very well. Tracy needed a moment to breathe and think.
“When was the last time you slept?” Ashley asked tenderly.
“The first night we moved into the house,” Tracy replied demurely.
With a touch of concern, Ashley asked, “You’ve been keeping it from JD?” Tracy nodded. “What is it—the wedding, the campaign or your mom?”
Tracy looked at Ashley as she stepped into her jeans. She slowly buttoned her jeans and pulled her sweater over her head. “Yeah,” was all Tracy said as she sat on the bench in the dressing room.
Ashley hung the dress on the door then sat beside Tracy. “The dress is exactly what you talked about. It is beautiful. No one can wear that dress but you.” Ashley smiled. Tears were coming down Tracy’s face. Ashley took Tracy’s hand and held it. “A lot has happened in the last year. Let us review,” Ashley said as she looked at Tracy.
“Professor Wood.” Tracy smiled.
Ashley laughed. “You know it.” She hesitated for a moment, and then continued. “First you stole my brother’s mind.” Tracy laughed a little. “Well, you did. The poor man was walking around looking for his brains for weeks.” Ashley smiled. “Then you stole his heart; and now you are trying to steal his life from him.” Tracy wiped the tears from her face and frowned at Ashley.
Ashley squeezed Tracy’s hand. “If you back out of this wedding, and I know that is what you are thinking, it will kill JD. He is so in love with you, Tracy. JD is able to finally do what he was born to do because he has found his better half. Do you know how many people go through life never finding that one true love, that God-made person who was meant for only them?”
Tracy inhaled. “I’m so tired, Ashley. I can’t do what Jeffrey needs from me. I thought I could do this, all of this; but I can’t.” She cried. She shook her head back and forth, then put her face in her hands and cried. “Jeffrey is going to be so disappointed in me, Ashley. I am so afraid when I walk down that aisle that Jeffrey will not be there.”
Ashley hugged her friend until she calmed down. Mama Harrison stepped into the room and removed the dress and veil. Martha handed a cool washcloth to Ashley. Ashley looked at her mom. “You better call JD.”
Tracy looked up. “No, no, please don’t let Jeffrey know about this, please,” she begged.
Ashley wiped Tracy’s face, and then hugged her tightly. Ashley began to cry. “Tracy, please calm down. You are scaring me.” Ashley cried as she continued to rock her. Mrs. Langston stepped into the room. Martha pulled Ashley and Mrs. Langston pulled Tracy. Mrs. Langston took the washcloth from Ashley’s hand. Martha and Ashley left the room.
“Hold your head up, Tracy,” Mrs. Langston said calmly. She folded the cloth and placed it on Tracy’s forehead. Then she reached into her purse and pulled out a sandwich bag with oatmeal raisin cookies. Mrs. Langston handed one to Tracy, then bit into one herself.
“I remember the first day you walked into the office looking for JD,” Mrs. Langston said, as she sat beside Tracy. “You had this incredible smile that you thought was hiding the sadness you felt that day. You were scared, just like you are now.” Mrs. Langston smiled. “What you don’t know is, JD was scared, too.”
Tracy frowned. “Nothing scares Jeffrey.”
Mrs. Langston laughed. “You do. You scare the hell out of JD. You should have seen him straightening his tie and checking his hair before he came down the hallway to meet you.” She hesitated, remembering the day. “When you two went into his office, both of you were scared. But when you came out, both of you were at ease. You went into the office as two very scared individuals; but you came out as one. You two draw strength from each other and that’s what marriage is all about. The next time you put that gown on, you will be walking to your strength. Don’t let your fears hold you back.”
Tracy removed the washcloth. She lowered her head, and then bit into her cookie. “I’m not sure I can make it down that aisle alone,” she said as she chewed the cookie.
“Just keep your eye on the prize. He will be at the other end keeping his eyes on you.”
Tracy exhaled. “How do you know he will be there?”
Mrs. Langston bit into the cookie again. “Because he said he would and JD Harrison is a man of his word.”
Tracy looked at Mrs. Langston; she was much calmer now. “Do you always carry cookies around with you?”
“Yeah, you never know when you might need them.”
Tracy bit into her cookie again. She looked at the remainder
of the cookie then back at Mrs. Langston. “Do you think you could walk with me down the aisle and bring some of these cookies with you?”
Mrs. Langston smiled. “If that is what it will take to get you down the aisle, I will be happy to.”
Tracy relaxed. “I guess we should let people go home, now that I have come back to my senses,” Tracy said, feeling a little embarrassed. “May I have another cookie?”
Mrs. Langston stood. “Come on, you can have the whole bag.”
As they left the dressing room Ashley and Martha were waiting with the dress.
Judith thanked Tracy for letting her be a part of the wedding. “Don’t you worry, girl, all brides go through this at some point. You have a happy holiday.”
Tracy smiled. “The dress is beautiful. Thank you so much for making it.”
Ashley had the dress. “I believe this belongs to you,” she said to Tracy.
“You hold on to it, Ashley, and whatever you do, don’t let Jeffrey see it,” Tracy ordered.
“Yes, ma’am.” Ashley smiled. She put the dress on the backseat of her car, still concerned about her friend. “Let’s get you home and to bed; you need to get some sleep.”
Tracy shook her head. “We have to go to the office and give out Christmas bonuses.”
As they got into the car Ashley suggested, “I can give out the checks this year. You need to get some rest, Tracy.”
“I’ll go home afterwards and try to get in a nap before Jeffrey gets home.”
“Okay,” Ashley agreed hesitantly. “You are out of the office by noon, no questions asked. Pinky swear?”
“Okay,” Tracy agreed as she gave the pinky swear.
Chapter 42
Tracy was exhausted. As always, whenever she was stressed her body would shut down on her. With Jeffrey’s possible campaign, the wedding, all the holiday parties and visits, she was wearing thin. Even she was at a point to admit that. JD was a little concerned about Tracy after talking with Ashley. The Harrison family had a tradition of putting up the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. In the past Tracy spent holidays alone so JD took it upon himself to get the house ready for the holidays. Not to interfere with his mom’s tradition, he made plans to put up their tree and decorate the house the day before Christmas Eve. He invited a few friends over to help. Now he was wondering if that was a good idea.
When he arrived home, JD went upstairs to find Tracy in her study.
With his finger he motioned to her, “Come with me.”
She walked over to him. “I have no energy, so if we are about to make love, it’s all on you.”
JD took her hand. “Not even married yet and you are closing down on me,” he joked.
“I’m sorry.” She smiled as she took his hand and followed as he led her to the bedroom. Upon entering the room he pulled her top over her head and dropped it on the floor. Turning her around, he pulled her hair off her shoulder, and used a hairpin to hold it up. “What are you doing?” she asked.
Without a reply, he reached around her waist, unbuttoned her jeans, and pushed them to the floor. She stepped out of the jeans, and then turned towards him. He kissed her as he released the hook on her bra. Thinking they were about to make love, Tracy pulled his sweater upwards.
He pushed her hands away, “Nope, you can’t have any right now.”
Tracy stepped back and raised an eyebrow. “Excuse you!”
She gasped as he picked her naked body up and carried her to the bathroom. He placed her in the warm bathwater. Candles were lit strategically throughout the room and the music system was playing smooth holiday jazz. He laid her head back on the pillow that he placed on the headrest of the tub, and then stared down at her.
“I need you to lie here and relax for a while. When I think you have released some of that tension in your shoulders, I will come back, dry you off and put you in the bed. Then I want you to sleep—not play sleep, but sleep.”
Tracy was really enjoying the lavender scents and the pulsating water against her body. “How did you know this was exactly what I needed?”
JD smiled. “The same way you know what I need.” He kissed her, dimmed the lights, and then closed the door. Tracy relaxed down into the water to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
The last thing JD wanted was for Tracy to be tense this week. As he walked down the stairs to get Tracy a glass of wine, he saw Ashley and Cynthia coming up the walkway. Opening the door he whispered, “I just put her in the tub. Then I’m going to make sure to goes to sleep. Are you two going to be able to get this done quietly?” JD asked as they walked into the kitchen.
“Do you have a bottle of Hennessey in the house?” Cynthia asked.
“Plenty,” he replied.
“Then we are straight.” Ashley laughed.
“I’ll be down as soon as Tracy’s asleep,” JD said as he took the bottle of wine and two glasses upstairs.
Cynthia shook her head. “How in the hell did Tracy get to be the lucky one?”
“She earned it,” Ashley replied as she opened the back door for Brian and Douglas. “Shh, Tracy is not asleep yet; she might hear you.”
Brian smirked at Douglas. “Damn, I feel like Santa Claus sneaking in so the children won’t see.”
Douglas growled, “I’m Santa Claus; you’re Rudolph.”
Cynthia laughed as she handed each of them a shot of Hennessey on the rocks. Brian swallowed his in one gulp, and handed the glass back to her. “No ice next time. Where do you want this monster?” he asked, looking at the Christmas tree he was hauling in.
“Over there, Rudolph,” Cynthia replied pointing to the corner.
The house was decorated inside and out. There was no denying Cynthia was good at what she did. Rosaline had the house smelling like grandmother’s kitchen on Christmas Day. Ashley and Monica wrapped the gifts Tracy and JD had in the family room. Brian, Douglas, Calvin and James were all in the family room sitting in front of the fire talking and drinking. Cynthia had released them of their duties 30 minutes earlier. Prior to that, the men were up to their necks in lights, balls and bows. Ashley really got a kick out of James trying to hang lights on the house. “It’s a good thing the bedroom is on the other side of the house. All that noise you were making could wake up the dead.” Ashley laughed.
“This is the quiet evening before the fire you promised?” James teased her.
“I was promised a home-cooked meal. How did they get you, Doug?” Brian asked.
“Actually, I volunteered. JD called, said Tracy needed a little Christmas cheer. I was there.”
Cynthia walked over with a plate of food. “See, that’s what you call a real man.” She sat on Doug’s lap and started feeding him with her fingers.
Brian looked at Calvin. “Ain’t that some shit.” Calvin laughed.
“Dinner is ready, gentlemen,” Rosaline said as she continued to place food on the table.
“For a little lady, you can sure spread a table,” Brian eagerly commented.
They all sat at the table. “Don’t you think we need to wait for JD and Tracy?” Rosaline asked.
“No,” Ashley replied and then said grace. Everyone said amen, and she continued, “I hope JD can get Tracy to sleep through the night. She really needs the rest. She has been going non-stop for months now.”
“So has JD, with the Melvin trial that they threw at him,” Calvin added.
“Let’s be real, people, both of them have had a hell of a year. Our job as their friends is to get them through this wedding and on with their lives without any more incidents,” Brian replied with food in his mouth.
“Well, the job may be a little more than that,” James stated. “I have a series of questions to pose. You three are Tracy’s closest friends; and you three are JD’s closest friends. Is there any doubt in your mind that the two of them are capable of being a powerful political force?”
They all looked around. “I don’t have any doubt that JD really could be president,” Calvin offered. When he did not he
ar laughter, he continued, “If they mesh the way I think they will, we really may be sitting in the White House for Christmas dinner one day. I think Tracy is the strength JD needs to accomplish that.”
“I agree,” Cynthia said. “I have known JD just about all my life, and Tracy as long as any of us. I have been around them together and apart. I have to say: together they are a force to be reckoned with. Look at the total picture. JD is the legal mind, the mouthpiece. He is a natural born leader of people.”
Douglas sat up. “Tracy is a person who cares deeply for people. She has a knack for getting to people when they least expect it.”
“JD can, too. I’ve seen him negotiate with people from all walks of life. He is able to get people to do things for him, without question. And I’m talking about people from thugs to governors.” Calvin smirked.
“Let’s not forget Tracy’s business mind,” Rosaline pitched in. “Next Level is a company that has been in existence for less then five years and they are close to being a million dollar organization. Not just clients fuel that, it’s the company’s portfolio, too. It’s Tracy’s investment mind that has the company ratings so high.”
“Yeah, look at what she did with JD,” Ashley laughed. “I mean, he was doing okay, but with Tracy handling the finances, he can have anything he wants now, and so can I.”
“Maybe I should get her to handle my finances; I could use some help.” Brian smirked.
“Then you should. She started our business and took over our finances. Now six months later I got a serious bank account,” Rosaline said, smiling with pride.
Brian pulled his chair closer to Rosaline. “How serious is that bank account?” He smiled.
Rosaline smacked him on the shoulder.
“Maybe Tracy should be running for governor?” James laughed.
“No, it should be JD. Tracy is the quiet, logical mind who works best behind the scenes. JD is the charismatic personality who helps people to believe and hope for a better life,” Cynthia stated.