Chapter 27
Over the next half hour, the family continued to take part in Lois's activity. Afterwards, the family exited Metro Court.
As the Quartermaines were leaving, Jax called out, "Have a good night."
"Isn't he just charming?" Lois said.
"He is very charming," Skye agreed.
Luke asked, "It is not going to work Blaze."
"What?" Skye asked innocently.
"Oh, please," said Tracy. "It's so obvious."
"What is going on?" Alan questioned.
"Nothing," Skye told him.
The two limousines pulled up. Edward, Alan, Monica, Skye, and Emily entered the first one.
"Well, that was a wonderful dinner," Emily said. "I definitely think we need to thank Lois for setting all of this up."
The family looked at her strangely.
"Aww come on. It was nice."
"It was a nice effort," Monica told her.
"You mean you didn't enjoy it?"
"We went around the table saying nice things about each other," Alan said. "What kind of Quartermaine gathering is that?"
"Well, Grandfather seemed to approve, didn't you?"
Edward sighed. "Your grandmother would have approved. That is why I went along with it."
"I don't believe this," Emily sighed.
"Well," said Skye. "I tend to agree with Emily. I wasn't up to this, but I do think it turned out for the better."
"Thank you, Skye," Emily smiled.
"No problem."
"I suppose it could have been worse," Alan noted.
"Much worse," agreed Monica.
"So…," said Skye. "Who knew we could end up agreeing on something?"
Chapter 28
Luke, Tracy, Ned, Lois, Brook Lynn, and Dillon sat rather quietly in the other limousine.
"Is anyone going to say anything?" Brook Lynn finally asked.
"Do you WANT me to say anything?" Tracy answered.
"Good point," Ned answered.
"Ned," Tracy said. "May I ask you something? Actually, don't answer that. I'm going to ask you regardless."
"Well, there's a surprise," Ned mumbled sarcastically.
Tracy went straight to the point, "Is there a reason for your less than admirable behavior this afternoon?"
"Do you wish to elaborate on that?" Ned asked.
"I don't think she needs too," Brook Lynn said. "You have been pretty rude, Dad. I guess we all have."
Tracy gave Brook a "not now" look.
Brook continued anyway, "Now, I didn't know great-grandma Lila very well, but I doubt this is what she would have wanted."
"You're right, baby," Lois said.
"Oh, please!" said Tracy. "You are not in ANY position to presume what MY mother would have wanted!"
"Easy there, Sugar Plum."
Dillon made a face. "Luke, can you please lay off the pet-names? I've heard more than I needed to for a lifetime…and I'm only 18!"
"But she enjoys all those names, don't you, my little pink pussy-cat? Isn't she so cute?"
"Agh!" Dillon said.
Tracy looked as though she wanted to vomit.
"Um, please stop," Brook Lynn told him. "There are children here."
"Yes, please," agreed Ned. "And I'm not any child."
"Aw, come on! You hoity-toity bunch are no fun," Luke proclaimed. "And I know you like my pet-names, Spanky Buns."
Tracy made a face. "Says who?"
"Says me," Luke stated.
"What a resounding credential," Tracy responded sarcastically.
"Oh, you like them," Luke said. "I bet Jax never had any pet-names for you."
"Only you, Luke. Only you."
"Aw come on! He had to have at least one! How can you not?"
Ned stepped in, "Well, I'm sure my mother had at least one for Jax."
"Oh really?" Luke asked. "How come you don't have any for me?"
Tracy ignored the question. "This conversation is by far the most ridiculous one I've had in a long, long time," she noted.
"Changing the subject, Pumpkin?"
"Oh my God!" said Brook. "Granny did have pet-names for Jax!"
"Eww," said Dillon.
"We were never together like that!" Tracy shouted.
"Well, Jax certainly didn't have any for her," Ned responded.
"Well!" interrupted Lois. "I believe we have veered off-topic."
"Wait, wait, wait a minute," Luke told her. "How come you had pet-names for Jax and not me? And no, 'Lukey' doesn't count."
"Lukey?" Ned questioned.
"Don't ask," Tracy told him.
"Wasn't really planning on it,' Ned laughed.
"You called me that once! It doesn't count!" Luke exclaimed. He paused. "I'm still waiting…Your son is insisting you had a pet-name for Jax, but was he ever your husband? I think not," he stated.
"Yes; because he had the common sense not to drag me to the altar."
"Hey! I'm glad I dragged you to the altar."
The family became quiet.
Tracy spoke softly, "Are you serious?"
"You bet I am. We're good together, aren't we?" smiled Luke.
"Children in the car," Brook repeated. "Children in the car."
Tracy also smiled. "Indeed," she whispered to Luke.
"Um, you two aren't going to do anything, um, you know, something that would be uh, considered inappropriate for uh, other people to, you know, witness?" Dillon finally finished.
"Of course not," Tracy stated. "I am very discreet."
"Good," Dillon answered, "'Cause I'd rather talk about pet-names again than see that."
"Ooh! Thanks for reminding me, Young Spielberg."
Dillon sunk in his seat.
"So, my dear wife…"
"So what…"
"Got any pet-names for me yet?"
Tracy began to open her mouth.
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" screamed Dillon. "Don't say anything, Mom!" Dillon covered his ears. "Lalalalala…I can't hear you! Lalalalala…I can't hear you!"
The whole family, including Tracy, laughed. It was the first time in awhile that had happened.
PREVIEWS FOR CHAPTERS 29, 30, 31:
The Quartermaines arrive home, as Tracy goes too far with her insults.
Skye is disappointed with Luke.
Brook Lynn will not give up.