Zahra was watching her friend as she was stapling papers together and throwing them in the proper piles. Even April and Phil noticed and were concerned. Tracy had so much rage in her she looked like she was going to explode. Seeing this Zahra took the stapler from her.
"What are you doing? I'm trying to get some work done," Tracy growled.
"Well I think you need a break because it looks like you are about to break the stapler," said Zahra. "What has you in such a pissed off mood?" she asked.
"I don't wanna fucking talk about it," Tracy growled.
"Well obviously you need to because you are snapping at everyone and nearly breaking the damn stapler. Take the day off," said Phil.
"FINE!" Tracy snapped as she threw her work down before grabbing her purse and storming out the door. Zahra gave Phil a look and raced after her former roommate.
"TRACY! STOP!" she yelled.
"You know what Z I don't have time for this. I have to get to the bar and wait and see if the permits or in because if they are not I have to attend a lunch from hell," Tracy snapped.
"What's going on?" Zahra asked. She was the closest friend in the compound besides Renee and she wanted to know what was up.
"My mom found someone else. It's only been three months. Three fucking months since that horrible day when I lost my dad and the love of my life Roman and mom lost her husband. It's too soon. Too fucking soon for her to move on. I miss dad and Roman so much it fucking kills me and I feel like mom slapped me in the face when she told me she had been seeing someone for the past month. I feel like she betrayed dad! Fucking shit!" Tracy ranted.
"Hey hey hey. Just calm down. Listen if your mom's relationship makes you uncomfortable move back in with us. I miss having you as my roomie," said Zahra.
"I could never live there again to be honest. Without Roman there is no way," said Tracy.
"Have you ever heard the old saying that if someone had a good relationship they get into a new one right away after losing one via death because they want to have that wonderful feeling again?" asked Zahra.
"That is a true saying, but I'm almost nineteen and my mom is in her late thirties. Big difference in age. She is established career wise. I'm still working on getting my business off the ground and I'm waiting on the damn permits to come through. Damn redtape and paperwork!" Tracy ranted.
"I'm here for you. April and Phil are here for you and so is Celeste and everyone else back at home. You know maybe you have your pick me up out there somewhere but is just waiting for the right time," said Zahra.
"Unless it's battery operated I'm not interested," said Tracy as she got into the Hummer and drove off. Fifteen minutes later she pulled up to the bar and got out of the car slamming the door. Taking her keys she unlocked the door and went in and sat at the bar and waited to see if her permits would come on.
She was broken out of her thoughts when her cell rang. Looking at the caller id she saw that it was the number for the clerk in charge of the permits. Sighing she answered the phone and hoped there wasn't another stall. It seems like getting permits was like walking through fire and a shit load of red tape.
Dwayne himself said it was a headache to get Electrify up and running but in the end it was worth it.
"Hello,"
"Miss Bautista I am just calling to say that we are sorry but we are still working on the permits. I know you are more than qualified but some people behind the scenes are uncomfortable of your age. You are not of the legal drinking age yet," the woman said.
"Okay thank you," said Tracy hanging up the phone. Sighing in frustration she picked her phone back up and called her mom. "Where are we meeting for lunch. I got snowballed again and they are still walking everything through the red tape," she said.
"Oh that sucks. Why not meet us at this nice steakhouse about a mile from the house," said Belinda.
"All right I'll be there in a few," Tracy said hanging up the phone. She wasn't looking forward to this lunch but she promised her mom. Though afterwards she was going to meet the bridal party at the dress shop and look for bridesmaid dresses and wedding gowns.
When she arrived she saw a truck that she didn't recognize and it had Texas plates. She wondered who it could be and she thought about who all she knew from Texas. Walking in she was in shock. Michael Shawn Hickenbotton aka Shawn. So he was the one who had caught his wife cheating.
"Hey Tracy," said Belinda.
"SHAWN? YOU REPLACED DAD FOR SHAWN WITHN JUST THREE MONTHS!" Tracy exploded not caring if she was making a scene.
"Calm down sweetheart. Shawn is a really good guy and I like him a lot," said Belinda.
"You know what fuck this I'm out of here," said Tracy storming out and getting into her dad's Hummer and squealing off. She drove to the beach and parked and got out and sat in the sand.
She was flooded with a ton of memories about her dad and Roman. She loved them both for different reasons and they both meant the world to her and it killed her. She couldn't believe how fast her mom moved on and Tracy on the other hand didn't believe she would ever be able to love someone like she loved him.
She was broke out of her thoughts when she felt someone sit down next to her.
"Ric, she said to Charlotte's father.
"When Belinda called me and said you stormed out of the steakhouse I had a feeling you would come here because ever since you moved here the beach was always your go to place when you were feeling sad or angry. You have always come to this spot," he said.
"I'm that predictable huh Ric," Tracy said with a laugh.
"Yes you are. I know you miss your dad. Dave was a great man and Charlotte has told me so much about Roman and Matt and I am glad you girls found them. Though I think Roman would want you to be happy. He has a good heart. Both of them Reigns boys do," said Ric.
"I know. I'm trying to put on a brave face for today. Charlotte is my best friend and it's her day. I can be strong. I just needed a few to compose myself," said Tracy.
"Well can I say something? I know that you are upset about your mom moving on so soon but the reason is because she is older than you. She loved your dad and had such a great marriage to him that she wants that feeling again. It's like a piece of herself is missing without it. She hopes to get that back with Shawn. I no you don't understand, but when you get older you will. Yes you loved and loved hard and lost. It is possible that you will never find that again but if it does just let it happen," said Ric.
"I am not my mom and no one will ever be Roman. I will never move on," said Tracy as she broke down. Ric just hugged the young woman who was like a daughter to him. He was glad that herself and his baby were best friends. He knew that she had a long way to go before she got over everything.
"It's okay sweetheart. Just give it time. Though until then don't bother looking for life. Live your life, help Charlotte with her wedding, get your business up and running, and maybe you can meet new friends today who are Charlotte's friends and you guys go out one night a week. Though don't forget everyone else at the compound because they are most likely hurting just as much as you are. He was their muscle, their family. Everyone loved him in different ways," said Ric.
"Well living my life I can do. Accepting the fact mom is dating I cannot accept and as far as dating myself that will never happen again," said Tracy.
"One thing I have learned about love is that if it's going to happen it will. Nothing will stop it from sneaking up on you because that's how it was when I fell for my third wife Trish. It happens," said Ric.
"Well I have to meet your daughter. Thanks for the talk and I am glad that I can still look to you for advice. You are my second father," Tracy said to Ric.
"Well you are my second daughter so we are even," said Ric.
A/N: Well there is the guy! What do you think about Ric stepping up and being a father figure? Do you think he is right? Hope you enjoy!