Chapter 15
The limousines reached the Metro Court at the same time, and the Quartermaines entered the hotel.
"Didn't Jax do a wonderful job of designing the hotel?" Lois asked.
"It's supposed to my hotel," Tracy said.
"It's supposed to be the Quartermaines," Edward corrected. "But someone let Jax buy the land right off of her."
"Oh my goodness gracious, Daddy! You left with me with control of a bankrupt ELQ."
"I didn't leave you with control of anything. We have Monica, Ned, and Dillon to thank for that."
"Well, it was either Mother or you, Grandfather. Not like we had much of a choice."
"I don't see you jumping at a chance to run ELQ," Edward told him.
"I have L&B."
"Oh yes, that nonsense," Edward said.
"I am doing just fine running ELQ on my own," Tracy said.
"Right," Skye said sarcastically. "Which is exactly why Lorenzo Alcazar is in our midst now…Not that I mind." She smirked at Luke.
Luke rolled his eyes
"Everyone, please. What happened to getting along?" Emily asked.
"Em's right," Monica said.
The Quartermaines entered the restaurant.
"May I help you?" the hostess asked.
"We have reservations for 11," Lois responded. "Under Lois Cerullo."
Jax approached them.
"Lois, hello. How are you?"
"I'm fine, and yourself?"
The hostess interrupted, "You know Mr. Jacks?"
"Yes, we've been friends for a long time," Lois told her.
Jax replied, "I can take care of them. They have reservations, correct?"
"Yes we do," Lois nodded.
"Any particular reason?"
The family exchanged glances.
"Did I say something that I shouldn't have?"
"Jax," Lois whispered. "Lila died a year ago today."
"Oh," he said, realizing. "I'm sorry."
She didn't respond.
"Follow me," he said.
The Quartermaines followed Jax.
"So, Jax," Tracy said. "Don't you have something better to do than escort the guests to their seats? Doesn't the owner pay others to do such things?"
"Not this owner. Not that I expect you to understand. If you were the owner, your guests wouldn't be caught within 50 feet of you."
"That's funny!" Tracy joked.
"Here we are," Jax announced. "A server will be here momentarily."
Chapter 16
"Mom," whined Dillon. "How come I can't have any wine?"
"Because you are 18 years old. That's why."
"All the kids at school drink."
"Do they really?" Tracy asked.
"Yes," said Brook Lynn.
"Well, you, baby, aren't having any alcohol," Lois told her.
"And neither are you," Tracy told Dillon.
"Who knew we could agree on something?" Lois joked.
Tracy looked at her strangely. "Don't get used to it."
"It's not like I'm going to get drunk," Dillon said.
"Darling," Tracy responded. "The answer is no."
"As much as I hate to agree with your mother," Monica said. "She's right."
"I'm surprised she's setting such a good example," Skye spoke.
Tracy glared at Skye.
"Why don't YOU have a drink?" she asked.
"Now, Tracy, that's enough," Alan said, while taking her by the hand.
"Let go of me," she said. "The hypocrisy of all of you is just astonishing."
"What are you talking about?" Monica asked.
"Let's just say Emily happened to say something, oh, I don't know…less than polite. The family would excuse her in a heartbeat."
"Yeah," said Dillon. "Because she's Emily."
"Aww, Dillon. That is really sweet. I don't know what to say," Emily said.
"Emily never says anything rude anyway," Monica announced.
Emily smiled.
Tracy placed her hand over her mouth and laughed.
"You should hear what she says to me," Tracy said.
"I'm sure you deserved every word," Edward replied.
"Hey!" Luke interjected. "Leave my Spanky Buns alone."
Tracy spoke, "Excuse me."
"Where are you going, Mother?" Ned asked.
"To the ladies room. Do you have a problem with that?"
"Take your time," he answered.
Tracy left the table.
"May I be excused?" Brook Lynn asked.
"Of course, honey. Is something the matter?" Lois asked.
"I need to use the bathroom too."
"You're going in there with my mom? Are you insane?"
Brook laughed. "Yeah, probably."
Brook followed Tracy towards the bathroom, but Tracy had no idea.
PREVIEWS FOR CHAPTER 17, 18, 19:
Brook Lynn is surprised when Tracy refers to her as a Quartermaine.
Later…Tracy causes a minor scene.
Emily makes a toast in honor of Lila.