CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Tracy angrily stormed into the Quartermaine mansion.

"Ned! Ned!" she called.

Ned rushed into the foyer. "Mother! What is it? Is everything all right?"

"Oh my goodness! I am fine," she said, irritated.

Ned let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Why must everyone ask me that?" she asked, not expecting an answer.

"Why were you shouting?" Ned wondered.

"I wanted to tell you something." She acted as if her shouting frantically was no big deal.

"What?" he asked innocently.

"Come, darling. Walk with me," she gestured, much too sweetly, and Ned could tell he wasn't going to enjoy their conversation.

"I ran into someone today," she told him as she entered the den.

Ned was confused. "Someone?"

"Yes. Someone," she spoke in a condescending tone, although she could tell by her son's expression that he had no idea what she was talking about.

"Care to elaborate?"

Tracy poured herself some water. "No. Not really. I'd just prefer that you keep my and your grandfather's problems within the family." She took a sip.

Ned realized. "You ran into Jax?"

"Bingo," she said in a sing-song voice.

"He asked me how you were doing. I told him the truth."

"Yes. And now I have to deal with his sentimentality," she sounded annoyed, although she did have to appreciate the fact that Jax reached out to her.

"And that's so horrible?" Ned didn't understand. His mother could use a friend, and if Jax wanted to be that person, he didn't see the problem.

Tracy sighed. "My husband is here now. I don't need Jax's support."

"Why not? He's a good friend, isn't he?"

"At times."

"He told me about his offer. You know…the one you said you were gonna take him up on," he gestured with his hand.

Tracy tilted her head. "Are you going to enlighten me?"

"Something about calling him if you needed anything." That was the gist of it, anyway.

"I told him 'we'll see.' And I haven't needed anything. So, what's the problem? You know what? I am not going to debate this with you."

"Then don't."

"Just keep what happens in the family within the family. Are we clear?"

Ned sighed.

"Answer me," Tracy demanded. "I'm your mother."

"Fine, Mother. As you wish. But—"

She cut him off, "Ah. Ah. No. That's it. End of discussion. Now excuse me, dear."

Ned watched as his mother left the room. He was just trying to help, but after having Tracy Quartermaine as his mother for almost 40 years, he should've known better.

PREVIEW: Tracy and Alan have a conversation which ends with a mention of their mother.