Once You'Ve Touched the Heart (36 page)

JD looked at Tracy. “This is exactly why I have never shown any interest in politics. Here we have a mild-mannered individual who has turned into ‘Tony Soprano’ just at the mention of politics.”

Tracy smiled. “Let’s say grace.”

After grace the conversation continued.

“I don’t think Calvin’s statement was that bad,” Mrs. Gordon said. “If Tony Soprano had been into politics, he would be looking to out his own mother to get more votes.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Gordon,” Calvin said with a grin.

“You are welcome, Mr. Johnson. Mr. Harrison, I have to go now. Will you need anything else tonight?

JD stood. “No, thank you. You have a good evening.” JD walked her to the door.

“Is he serious about this?” Calvin asked Tracy.

She hunched her shoulders. “I don’t know. It just came up.”

“How would you feel about it if he did?”

“I would support anything that Jeffrey wanted to do without hesitation. But I will not influence him one way or another. Something like this has to be his decision.”

Calvin looked at Tracy. “JD is a born leader. He always has been. If JD told people that a beer a day is good for them, the grocery store shelves would be empty by the morning. His leadership is sorely needed.”

JD walked back in. “Mrs. Gordon’s last day with us will be Friday. She feels you are doing very well and you can be on your own now.

The telephone rang. “I’ll get it,” Tracy said.

As she left the room, Calvin turned to JD. “Is this why Roth is taking on the bill with so much gusto?”

“I believe so.”

“Are you ready to pay that price?”

JD looked into the family room where Tracy was on the telephone. He thought about her safety. “Yes.”

“Jeffrey, it’s the police,” Tracy said as she handed the telephone to him.

JD took the call in the family room. When he returned to the kitchen he announced that the other assailant in Tracy’s attack was killed.

Calvin looked at JD. “What are the odds on that happening without some assistance?”

JD looked at Calvin. “That’s the exact question the police are asking.”

♥

That same evening, Gavin and Carolyn were in Northern Virginia campaigning. Senator Roth was with them, but on another mission. The leadership committee was working on completing the Democratic ticket for the state’s top offices. All were willing to put their support behind Gavin as governor only if the remainder of the ticket was strong. Gavin was the only contender for governor and Daniel Graham for lieutenant governor. There were several candidates for attorney general. Senator Roth wanted to get a temperature rating on JD. Most of the leadership were very familiar with JD and his efforts in the city.

Senator Roth was pleased with the outcome of the meeting with key figures at the DNC. With their backing, he was certain JD would be the next attorney general, which, in turn, would practically assure Gavin as the next governor and Carolyn as the first lady.

“What are all the secret chats about, Dad?” Carolyn asked later in the evening.

“Just trying to get the ticket complete,” he replied. There was no way in hell he was going to let Carolyn in on this. Her focus was in the wrong place. She was still doing things to interfere with JD and Tracy. Roth loved his daughter, but sometimes she did not know what was best for her, and at times, did stupid things. Carolyn was not looking at the big picture. She was too intent on her own little world. “How did Gavin do this evening?”

“We raised another million tonight,” Carolyn replied.

“Good work, this early in. We will need every dime of it to get him elected.”

“Are you worried, Daddy?”

“Unless we surround Gavin with the strongest ticket possible, he will not win.”

“Then I guess we better get some strong people; who do you have in mind?”

“We are working on it,” he replied as Gavin came in. “Gavin, how are you?” the Senator asked.

“We are doing well tonight, from what Carolyn tells me,” Gavin replied as they shook hands.

“Glad to hear it. Have you two set a date yet?” he asked.

“No, not yet. Your daughter is dragging her feet.”

Senator Roth looked at Carolyn. He knew exactly what she was doing. He had warned her before she went down this path with Gavin. She was still holding out hope that something would happen with JD and Tracy.

“Well, I was hoping to be a part of two weddings before the year was out. But I guess I have to settle for the one.”

“Which one is that, Daddy?”

“Oh, I was talking to JD the other night,” he began.

“That’s right,” Gavin interrupted.

“He and Tracy set a date,” the Senator continued.

Gavin smiled. “That’s one New Year’s Eve party I am looking forward to.”

“Same here,” Senator Roth replied. “I hope I get invited to the bachelor party.”

“I am putting in bids now to make sure I am invited.” Gavin smiled.

Carolyn was appalled that the two of them were having this conversation in front of her, but more than that, she could not believe JD would actually go through with this. “I think both of you need to get a grip. I don’t believe JD will ever get married.”

“Why?” Gavin asked. “Because it’s not you he is marrying?”

Carolyn knew she had to tread lightly here. Gavin had asked her several times to set a date. She just could not bring herself to do that until she knew he was going into the mansion. “JD never indicated we were heading in that direction. So, no, it’s not because of that. I just think it all happened rather quickly.”

“Well, since I have invoked such deep conversation, my job is done. I will bid you two good night.” Senator Roth smiled, happy to have a reason to leave.

“Good night, Daddy, and thanks a lot.”

“Good night, Senator,” Gavin responded as he watched Carolyn. “So, now that JD has set a date, do you think we can?”

“Gavin, the only reason I have not set a date is because I would like our wedding to be held at the Executive Mansion.” Carolyn put her arms around Gavin. “You know how much that would mean to me?”

Gavin was not a stupid man by any means. He knew Carolyn was holding out for the outcome of the election, but for now, he would play along with her. The votes and support her family could bring in were needed. “Are you going to show me how much it will mean to you?”

Carolyn smiled. “With every ounce of power I have left in me tonight.”

♥

A few days later, JD was in his office when Senator Roth stopped by. He arranged for JD to meet with other DAs across the state to get their backing and/or input on the Officer of the Court Protection Bill. The meetings would take him out of town for several nights. Tracy was doing better. Hell, she was itching to get back to the office.
JD still was not comfortable leaving her this soon, but getting this bill passed was important and could affect so many people’s lives. He agreed to the meetings, which Roth set up in each corner of the state, making Northern Virginia the last. That way, by time he met with the members of the General Assembly, all the kinks would be out of his presentation. Roth’s mind was not just on the governor’s race at this point. In his mind that was already in the bag. He wanted JD to get some national attention. Being that close to Washington D.C., Roth planned to have one or two of his fellow U.S. senators in attendance there. Roth arranged for Dan, from the attorney general’s office, to join them. This would give others an opportunity to see the two working together.

♥

JD smiled as he kissed Tracy that evening. He loved coming home to her and could not imagine his life any other way. “Guess what?” he said excitedly. “Senator Roth arranged for me to meet with DAs across the state to push my bill.”

“That’s wonderful, Jeffrey.” She hugged him. “So they are taking it seriously?”

“It seems like it; at least Senator Roth is.” They sat in the family room talking. “This means I will have to go away for a few days,” Jeffrey told her.

“Can I go with you?”

“No, I checked with Dr. Shaw and he said it was a little soon. But you can go back into the office if you take it easy.”

“Okay. How long will you be gone?”

“I’ll leave tomorrow for Roanoke. I will probably stay overnight.”

“The Senator will be with you at all the meetings?”

“I think so, why?”

“I just want to make sure someone is there that will have your back.”

He smiled. “What do you think will happen to me?”

“I don’t know. But you are going to be around people who don’t know you. That can always be uncomfortable.”

“Well, Dan will be going with us on these trips. He’ll be representing the AG’s office on this.”

“Does that mean the attorney general supports this bill?”

“I would think so,” JD replied.

“Then I guess it’s okay. What about Brian? Will he be going, too?”

JD shook his head. “No, Brian has a new detail. He is now protecting Gavin.”

Tracy laughed. “You are not serious.”

“I’m afraid so.” JD laughed.

“Okay, who is protecting Gavin from Brian?”

“That’s a good question.”

T
racy was always an early bird and today was no different. When she arrived at Next Level Consulting, no one was there. She went to her office
first. Everything was exactly as she had left it two months ago. She put her purse away then logged on to her computer. There were a number of e-mails. Tracy pushed away from the desk.
They have waited this long; they can wait a little longer.
She walked around the office observing. The new people were set up well. New furniture had been strategically arranged to accommodate everyone.
We are going to have to look into getting another location or expanding this one,
she thought. When they first moved into this building they had only three employees. Now the staff had doubled and more space was needed.

Tracy walked into Ashley’s old office, which she was now sharing with Monica. Monica really had done a wonderful job keeping things going while Tracy was out. She handled the day-to-day operations and Ashley handled executive decisions. It was nice to see things were able to continue without her.
Hmm, or maybe not
. Monica demonstrated her leadership ability at a time when it was needed. Maybe it was time to move Monica forward in the organization; she certainly had proven her loyalty. Other than a few mishaps, things had gone very smoothly.

As Tracy sat at the receptionist desk, she logged on to the computer to review the files. First, she checked the client contact list. Response time was important in their business. Customer service was the key to retaining clients. The times were a little behind for Tracy’s comfort. She made a mental note to contact clients herself today, just to get a feel for how they had been treated while she was out.

As the staff came into the office, they were happy to see her. She met one of the new employees, Heather, and liked her immediately. Before Tracy could really settle in, Monica beamed with excitement. “Okay, tell me about the wedding plans.
I heard the date is set for December 31
^st
, New Year’s Eve. I’m game for that.”

“I have to check with Cynthia on things,” Tracy replied.

“What are you waiting for? It’s only two months away.”

“I know; I may have to change that date.”

“Hmm, JD is not going to be happy with that.”

“JD is not going to be happy with what?” Ashley asked, as she walked through the door.

“Ms. Tracy changing the wedding date,” Monica replied.

“Hey, girl,” Ashley smiled at Tracy as she walked into the office. “It is good to see you in here. What is this about changing the date?”

“With everything that happened I haven’t had time to work on the wedding,” Tracy answered.

“Have you talked to Cynthia about it yet?”

“No, I’ll try to reach her today.” Changing the subject, she asked, “What time will everyone be in?”

Ashley looked at her watch. “Now.”

Tracy raised an eyebrow. “Do we have attendance issues?”

“Yes, people show up when they want to,” Heather answered.

Ashley looked at her, and then back to Tracy. “Let’s just say, I am glad you are back. Monica and I are not good at the discipline thing. Heather was getting tired of me saying things will get right when Tracy comes back. Now you are back. Make it right.”

“Once everyone arrives, we will meet and discuss.” Tracy exhaled.

“Well, I have calls to make,” Monica said. “Let me know when you guys are ready.”

Ashley went with Tracy into the office to give her a rundown on what had gone on during her absence, including personnel issues with one of the new account executives, Denise. They also discussed Monica and how they would show their appreciation for a job well done.

Later in the morning, Tracy was helping Alicia, the clerk, with filing. While Tracy was sorting through files, Denise walked through the door. Tracy’s hands were full of files. “Hello,” Tracy said, “would you mind grabbing some of these, before they fall?”

Denise looked at her like she had lost her mind. “Yes, I do. I’m not paid to do manual labor; you are.”

Alicia’s
mouth fell open. “I’ll get those,” she said as she took the files from Tracy.

“Thank you, Alicia,” Tracy said then turned her attention to Denise, who was at her desk. “Let’s try this again,” Tracy said. “Hello, I’m Tracy Washington, the person who signs that paycheck you receive; and you are?”

Denise was a little embarrassed. “I’m so sorry. I’m Denise Jackson. I didn’t know who you were.”

“Apparently, but regardless of who I was, if someone in this office needs help with whatever, we help. There is no ‘your job,’ ‘my job.’ Everything in this office is everyone’s job or responsibility. Is that understood?”

Denise took offense to the way Tracy spoke to her. “I said I did not know who you were. I’m not going to apologize again.”

Tracy’s voice rose a little. “I don’t recall asking for an apology. Nor do I need one; however, I do have the need to make sure you understand that when someone is in need, you help!”

Ashley and Monica came to see why Tracy’s voice was raised
.
“What’s going on?” Ashley asked.

“I don’t know what her problem is,” Denise said, “but Ms. Whoever doesn’t seem to appreciate the people who have been doing the work around here while she was out doing whatever.”

Alicia and Monica sat on the desk. “This is going to be good,” Monica whispered.

Heather looked at Ashley. “Ms. Washington asked Denise to help with some files.”

Knowing how Tracy allows people like Denise to walk over her, Ashley interjected, “You do realize this is your boss you are addressing.”

Tracy stood there for a moment, observing Denise.

“I was hired by you. Do things change now that she’s back?”

Tracy smiled at Ashley. “No, things don’t change, but personnel do. Do you have any personal possessions in that desk?” Denise looked at her dumbfounded. “Do you?” Tracy asked again.

“Yes,” Denise said meekly, looking at Ashley. Ashley folded her arms across her chest. She knew Tracy was a fair person; there was no way she would fire Denise without giving her a chance. But Ashley wanted to see how far Tracy was going with this.

“I suggest you remove them immediately and take your ornery ass back out that door to where you came from. The rest of you, we have a staff meeting in my office,” Tracy said with an unyielding look on her face.

“Wait a minute,” Denise said as Tracy began to walk away. “You can’t just fire me; I mean, Ashley, aren’t you going to say something here?”

Tracy put her hands on her hips and looked at Ashley. “Well, don’t look at me like that,” Ashley said. “I like my job. I’m not getting fired on your first day back. I’ll wait until tomorrow.” Ashley laughed.

Tracy turned to Monica and Alicia. They both jumped up and went into Tracy’s office.

Heather got up. “I’m going to be in there with them. I would like to keep my job, too.”

Once the employees were out of the room, Tracy turned to Denise. “You see, Denise, I am the founder, co-owner and CEO of Next Level Consulting. I will be damned if I will allow someone whose paycheck I sign to speak to me and certainly not to our clients in the manner you just did. This business is my life’s work. I did not develop it to work with people like you who have no respect for others. If you feel for some reason you are above anyone in this office, you are working in the wrong place. No one who works for me will ever look down on another human being.” Tracy exhaled and looked at Ashley, trying to calm herself down. She turned back to Denise. “Now, if you feel you can be a part of Next Level Consulting with what I just said you are welcome to stay, for now. But don’t ever presume you can speak to me in that manner again.”

Tracy walked into her office and Ashley followed. The meeting began and a minute later Denise walked in and took a seat. Tracy never acknowledged the action; she just continued with the meeting.

After the meeting, Ashley stayed in the office. Ashley looked at Tracy; this was a different Tracy. She was more assertive and had a certain confidence about her now. Ashley smiled. “I am so very proud of you. Any other time you would have let someone like Denise ruin your day.”

Tracy smiled. “She pissed me off!”

“No shit.” Ashley laughed. “It’s about time you got pissed off.”

“Oh, speaking of people who piss me off, I have to call Cynthia.”

“Don’t change the date, Tracy, it will break JD’s heart,” Ashley pleaded.

“Ashley, this is the end of October. The wedding is supposed to be in December. That only gives us 60 days to put together ‘the wedding of the year,’ as Cynthia calls it.”

“It can be done and will be done. If anyone can pull it off, you know Cynthia can.

Tracy sat back and exhaled. “If we keep it simple, I guess it could be done.”

Ashley smiled. “Since JD is out of town, why don’t we all meet at your place to get things started?”

“Okay, speaking of places, we have to find a house. Jeffrey’s condo is too small for both of us. I mentioned coming back to our apartment to him and he had a tizzy
.”

Ashley laughed. “I know, he told me about it. He asked me what in the hell was wrong with you. Did you honestly think he would let you out of his sight after what happened?”

Tracy smiled. “I don’t know what I was thinking. Well, call Cynthia and Rosaline; see if they can meet us at the house. Give me two hours to call clients and I’ll join you.”

“I’ll call Mama to see if she could meet us there, too,” Ashley said as she left the room.

Tracy looked at her e-mails. “Let’s get these cleared up.”

When Tracy arrived home, Martha was there and dinner was prepared. “Hello, Mrs. Harrison.”

“Hey, Tracy, now what made you think you could change your wedding date? Come here, child, take a seat.” Martha wiped her hands off. “Tracy, JD would be so hurt. The whole time you were in the hospital he was afraid you may not marry him.”

Tracy stopped tasting the macaroni and cheese that was on the stove. “Why would he think that?”

“Honey, JD feels responsible for what happened to you. And he thinks you believe he’s responsible for it, too.”

“I don’t.”

“Then don’t change this date. If you don’t do anything else this year, you make sure you marry that man.”

Ashley, Cynthia and Rosaline walked in. “Hey, hey, what’s up home girl? We ready to plan this wedding?” Cynthia started.

“Hey, girl, hugs all around,” Tracy said. “Mama has cooked dinner for us, but it’s a working dinner. So grab a plate and take a seat. I’m getting married on December 31 if it kills me.”

“Ha, you mean if it kills us.” Cynthia smirked.

“You’re right,” Tracy replied, “because you got two roles to play; you too, Rosaline.”

“Why two?” Cynthia asked as she took a seat at the table with her plate.

“Well, you have to handle the planning and be a bridesmaid,” Tracy said.

Cynthia’s fork of food stopped midway to her mouth. “What?”

Ashley turned from the stove. “What?”

“I want Ashley to be my maid of honor; Monica, Rosaline and you as bridesmaids. Now, all I have to do is find someone to give me away. I don’t know how that is going to work out,” Tracy said, ignoring the shocked look on Cynthia’s face.

Ashley rubbed Cynthia on her shoulders. She knew Cynthia was touched by Tracy’s gesture to have her in the wedding.

“Well, we were just going to have a nice wedding. With me in it—oh, it’s on. It will be fabulous!” Cynthia said.

“Good,” Martha said, “the church has been booked. JD called Pastor Smith the day after Labor Day. The pastor said whatever day was needed the church was all his.”

Cynthia said, with a mouth full of food, “The problem will be the reception. Everything is booked for New Year’s Eve.”

Tracy smiled. “I have an idea for that.” Tracy placed a call to JD, who in turn called Douglas. He offered the use of the Renaissance. Once that obstacle was removed, the planning of the wedding was moving forward. The women decided to order dresses from the internet and have them altered; Tracy decided to use Monica’s mother, Judith, who was a seamstress. Rosaline planned the menu; Cynthia developed the theme, and then arranged for music, flowers, decorators and invitations; before the women left that evening, the wedding plans were just about finalized. Tracy couldn’t believe all they’d accomplished in one night.

Right before everyone was about to leave, the doorbell rang. Gavin and Brian stopped by looking for JD. “Hey, Brian, come in, please,” Tracy said. “I’m sorry, but JD is not here.”

“Do you have any idea where I could reach him?” Gavin asked.

“You could call his cell,” Tracy suggested.

Brian was standing behind Gavin trying to cut Tracy off. Tracy was looking at him frowning. She did not understand what he was trying to tell her.

“I tried his number but I did not get an answer,” Gavin replied.

“Tracy, we really need to wrap up; come on,” Cynthia said as she came out of the family room. She stopped almost mid-sentence when she noticed Gavin and Brian in the hallway.

She smiled. “I’m sorry; I did not realize someone was here.”

Tracy looked at Cynthia and noticed her flirt was on big time. “Oh, hmm, this is my friend Cynthia, who just happens to be our wedding coordinator. You know Jeffrey’s friend, Brian.” Tracy smiled. “This is—”

“Gavin Roberts.” Cynthia cut her off. “How do you do?” Cynthia said while extending her hand to Gavin. Tracy raised an eyebrow and looked at Brian. “Much success to your bid for the governorship,” she added with a smile.

“Tracy, may I speak with you for a moment,” Brian asked.

“Sure, would you excuse us, Gavin?”

“Take your time, Tracy,” he replied.

“Cynthia, would you keep Gavin company for a moment?” Tracy asked.

“It will be my pleasure.”

Tracy took Brian into the kitchen. “What’s going on, Brian?” Tracy asked.

“Gavin is looking for Carolyn. He thinks she is with JD.”

Tracy raised an eyebrow. “Why would he think that?”

“I don’t know, he always thinks that. He does not know where JD is and it needs to stay that way.”