Part 1

Wow, this has been some week Brooke thought to herself as she drove into her parking space at Forrester Creations. I have to find some way to make these changes in my life. Brooke smiled at her reflection in the rear view mirror as she turned off the ignition. What a week it had been. At first when Thorne had declared his love and devotion Brooke had been thrilled. It was finally working out for her. But as the week had progressed and she saw all the turmoil in not only her life, but also Thorne’s and Macy’s Brooke had a change of heart. How could I have fooled myself into believing that second best was a victory? She thought. It’s going to be hard on Thorne when I tell him it’s over, she thought, but it is for the best, the best for all of us. Sure Ridge and Eric will think they’ve won but who cares. Maybe in a way they were right, Thorne and I could never find true happiness. The odds were all against us. I know this now, it hurts but I will be happy again. I will find love, Brooke triumphantly thought. She got out of her car and closed the door.

As she walked towards the entrance she noticed a shadow near the bushes. Cautiously she started in that direction. Brooke was shocked to hear a low soft sobbing sound. "Hello?" she asked, "who’s there?" Carefully she walked closer and to her surprise she saw Taylor sitting on the ground. Her usually impeccable face was marred by mascara lined tears. "Taylor? What’s wrong?" asked Brooke as she lowered herself to kneel before her. "Please, just leave Brooke. I don’t need to hear your gloating!" cried Taylor. "No, Taylor, I’m not gloating. Really, what happened? Are you okay? Of course you aren’t. Please tell me what’s wrong? Are you hurt. Have you been attacked?" Asked Brooke.

Taylor pulled a tissue from her purse and gently blew her nose. As she looked at Brooke she realized that she was showing real concern. "Brooke, I appreciate your concern but I’m okay. I’ll leave in a moment."

She wiped her eyes and started to stand. "Wait Taylor" said Brooke. "Please let’s go somewhere and talk okay?" Brooke asked as she helped Taylor stand up. "C’mon my car is just over there." Said Brooke as she led Taylor to the car and guided her into the passenger seat.

They rode in silence for about fifteen minutes. "I know!" exclaimed Brooke "Let’s go to the beach and talk". Brooke steered her car towards the beach as Taylor silently sobbed next to her. A few minutes later Brooke pulled over to a small empty stretch of beach and stopped the car. "Would you like to stay in the car or maybe walk a little?" asked Brooke. "Let’s just sit for awhile Brooke." Taylor looked over at Brooke and gave her a small smile. "I really have underestimated you haven’t I?" asked Taylor. "All this time I listed to Stephanie, I listened to Ridge I even listened to Macy…..But I never listened to you. You really were trying to be a friend to me weren’t you?" "Oh, Taylor, don’t worry about that now. We both treated each other badly. I really do care about you. I wish, oh I wish a lot of things but let’s not hold grudges. You need a friend Taylor. You can trust me." Proclaimed Brooke.

Taylor looked into Brooke’s eyes. "Brooke, I have to know. Did you know about Morgan? Is that why you hired her? Was it payback?" "I really don’t know what you mean Taylor. What about Morgan was I supposed to know? I didn’t even know that she knew Ridge until Stephanie….oh my God! Morgan! Is she hitting on Ridge? Taylor, she is no competition for you. Ridge loves you. No one knows that better than I do." Brooke took Taylor’s hands "Taylor, come on. Don’t let her scare you. I’ll talk to her. I’ll tell her to leave him alone." "It’s too late for that Brooke" cried Taylor. "She already made her move and she’s pregnant." "Pregnant??? What does that have to do with you or Ridge?" asked a frantic Brooke. "He slept with her, and she’s pregnant. I’ve asked him for a divorce. My marriage is over. I could never trust him again. You know Brooke, if it had been with you I might even have understood, but Morgan, it just doesn’t make sense"

 

I can’t believe this thought Brooke, how could he do this? He left me forTaylor, he loves Taylor. Why Morgan? Okay Brooke, this isn’t about you, it’s about Taylor, now help her! "Taylor, are you sure? This does not sound like Ridge to me. Did you ask him? What did he say?" questioned Brooke. "It’s true, he admitted it. He gave me a load of bull about emails and phone calls but the bottom line is he slept with her and she’s pregnant. How could I ever trust him again? How?" Cried Taylor. Brooke took Taylor into her arms and they cried together. They cried for what happened, for what was lost, for what could have been and for what should have been. After that they sat in silence for a while. "Okay Taylor, let’s go to your place, pack your kids and get the hell out of here for a while…and I know just the place. It’s a beautiful Inn in the country with horses, a lake, flowers, mountains and nothing to bother us and best of all no Forresters! I promise I’ll help you. And then if you can you can help me, because I need to tell Thorne it’s over and I need to change me life. Maybe a new start as friends is what we need. Please say you’ll come".

"Why not" said Taylor "I sure have nothing to lose."

 

 

Changes Part 2

"This is great Brooke," said Taylor as she swooshed her toes back and forth in the cool water off the dock she was sitting on. The trip was just what the doctor ordered for the two women. Against all odds they had bonded and had the beginning of a true friendship. Although there was some mistrust in the beginning both women had opened up with each other about their past histories. Tears and apologies had flown freely and finally laughter and smiles formed to create a new bond. "I swear I am going to get you to swim before we leave" exclaimed a soaking wet Brooke. She has just gotten out of the water and was now lying on a large blanket in the sun. Taylor’s children were also on the blanket but well protected under a beach umbrella. "No, way! It’s too cold" claimed Taylor. "I can’t believe that you like it that cold." "It’s refreshing!" said Brooke. "You know I never would have believed this if someone had told me that we would be here together. It feels so good to have all our feelings out in the open. Too bad it took a tragedy for it to happen." Taylor sighed and looked at her sleeping children. How she loved them. She wished that she could undo this but her marriage was beyond repair. She could forgive almost anything, but not this. How could Ridge have done this to us? We were so happy. She had always blamed Brooke, and yes Brooke had been at fault too, but her husband was the one who created the whole situation. Ridge, you are to blame. You hurt me beyond forgiveness. I wonder if you were ever true to me? Taylor felt the tears forming again and tried to shake them off. She stood up and walked to the blanket and sat next to her children. "I’ll never regret my marriage to Ridge. I have these wonderful kids" she remarked to Brooke. "Yeah, but more than that Taylor. You loved him. It was good. He could be wonderful. I know that. Remember that I was there too! But let’s not dwell. Let’s plan our next step. What did he say when you called him?" Taylor adjusted the sunbonnet on Phoebe’s head and turned to face Brooke "Well, he was shocked that I just took off with the kids without telling him. He kept swearing that it all was a big mistake and that Morgan tricked him. He swore it would never happen again, then he said that he was looking for you. He wants to ask you to fire her. Of course I didn’t tell him that I was with you. Wouldn’t he be shocked?" Brooke grabbed a thick towel and wrapped it around her hair. It was amazing to her what a difference a few days could make in people’s lives. Last week at this time she was celebrating her relationship with Thorne and hating Ridge and Taylor and now she and Taylor were friends and Ridge and Thorne were history. "Things are going to change when we get back." Brooke told Taylor "First thing is Morgan is out the door. But then we have to deal with the men. It won’t be easy but we have to do it. I wonder what Stephanie will do. No doubt she will blame everything on me" Brooke laughed. "Yes, I suppose she will. I love her and respect her but I will no longer let her control me." Answered Taylor. "What did Connor say when you called him Brooke?" The thought of Connor filled Brooke with a lot of memories. Once they were quite an item, but it was always Ridge for Brooke. Now that she was finally over Ridge it seems that it was too late for Connor. At least they would always be friends. "He wants to speak to you personally, but he agreed to represent you. Are you sure that this is what you really want Taylor?" Taylor looked down at her left hand at her rings. Slowly she removed them "Yes. It is what I want. Ridge will never be happy with the love of one woman. You should know that Brooke. When he had you he needed me and when he had me he needed you. Now that you didn’t need him anymore he turned to Morgan. It’s a vicious cycle. I just want out of the whole thing." She said as she stuffed the rings into her pocket. "When we leave tomorrow let’s stop at Connor’s office before we go home. I want this process started as soon possible."

 

I wonder what the future will bring for both of us thought Brooke. "I’m going to go in and start packing. We have a busy day tomorrow"

The next day at Forrester International Stephanie barged into Ridges office. "Please tell me this isn’t true!" she demanded "How could you be so stupid. How could you let this happen?" she screamed as Ridge’s face turned a pale greenish shade. "How did you find out Mother?" He sheepishly asked as he looked down at his clenched fists. He opened his sketchpad and stared at it. "It doesn’t matter how I found out, how could you let Taylor walk out on you, she’s the best thing that ever happened to you. Now I want you to tell me why she left… and don’t try lied to defend Brooke. I know she has something to do with this" she fumed. Stephanie walked up to him and pushed herself directly in front of his face. "Now Ridge!" My god, Ridge thought, she doesn’t know about Morgan or the baby. "Mother, Brooke has nothing to do with this, and neither do you. Taylor and I will work it out (I hope) as soon as she gets home." Stephanie slammed the pad closed and pushed his face up directly at hers again. "Where is she Ridge? Why did she leave?" If only you knew. "Mother, we had an argument. We will work it out. You do not need to concern yourself with this. We love each other and the children and we will work it out. Now please, I have to finish this sketch." "Not good enough!" she shouted. Stephanie looked at her oldest son’s face. She saw the fear and she mellowed. "Okay honey, it’s just that I love you all so much. I hate to see you suffer like this. I wish you would tell me what happened. Maybe I can help." "Thanks but I swear it’s okay, we are going to be just fine" stated Ridge. Suddenly Megan came over the intercom. "I’m sorry Ridge, but there is a gentleman here who will not take no for an answer." "It’s okay Megan, send him in." Ridge looked at Stephanie. "I wonder what this is all about?" A tall, well-dressed man in his mid forties entered the office. "Mr. Ridge Forrester?" He asked. "Yes, I’m Ridge Forrester. What can I do for you?" The man walked up to his desk and handed him a large envelope. "You have been served sir" he said a s he turned around and walked out. "What? Served for what? What is this?" demanded Ridge. "Ridge how is it from?" questioned a panic stricken Stephanie. "Open it". Ridge slowly opened the letter and started to read it "NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" he cried as he threw it onto his desk. "It’s Taylor, she’s divorcing me!"

Stephanie immediately moved to the other side of his desk and took him into her arms "This is a mistake honey. We’ll fix this don’t you worry, we’ll fix this" she said as she held onto her bewildered son. Suddenly the office door flew open and Thorne came in. "I don’t know what you said to her this time brother, but you won’t get away with this!" He shouted as he threw a letter down on Ridge’s blotter "Brooke left me and I know that you are behind this!"

Stephanie looked up and shifted her eyes from son to son. "What the Hell is going on?"

To be continued

 

 

Changes Part 3

Eric Forrester was walking down the corridor to Brooke’s office when he heard all the shouting coming from Ridge’s office. He saw the door wide open and to his surprise Thorne was trying to strangle Ridge while Stephanie was pulling him off. "Stop it this instant!" he shouted. Surprised by the interruption they all turned to face him. Disgustedly Thorne let go of Ridge and wiped his hands as if they had been contaminated. "My God. This is a place of business. What has gotten into all of you?" Stephanie’s eyes glowed with anger "What do you think? It’s Brooke!" She glared at Thorne. "She’s gotten her hands onto our son again. And you see he’s turned against his family. He’s done something to make Taylor leave Ridge!" "Are you nuts?" Exclaimed Thorne "This is Ridge’s doing. Brooke finally forgave me for Venice. We were going to start a life together and slicko here" he said as he gestured to Ridge "he, said something to her to make her change her mind and she’s left me." "You arrogant son of a " Ridge shouted as he threw a punch barely missing Thorne and landing squarely in Stephanie’s face knocking her to the floor.. "Mother!" shouted Ridge as Eric ran to her side and helped her up. "I’m alright Eric. He didn’t mean it. Oh, my that really hurts" she said as she rubbed her face. "You fools!" exclaimed Eric to his bewildered sons. "Both of you get out of here while I take care of your mother. I’ll deal with you both later!" Reluctantly they walked out of the office. "This isn’t over" muttered Ridge to Thorne. "You better believe it isn’t" answered Thorne.

"So that’s about all of it" Taylor explained to her father over the phone. "It’s not that I don’t love him but I am so tired of all the lies and sneaking and worrying. It’s amazing Dad. I feel so free, and even happy. And Dad, Brooke was so helpful. It is so great to have a real friend. You know we’ve both been through so many of the same things it should have been obvious that we would end up on the same side." She listened to his side of the conversation and said "Uh huh. I was a bit leery at first but I think she was too. We both had been pretty rotten to each other. Yes. Yes I will. I’ll call you with my new number as soon as I’m settled. Yeah I’m staying at Brooke’s but we don’t think that’s a good idea for long. Yeah he might figure it out. Of course I’ll let him see the kids. They love him and he loves them. Yes, yes, okay Dad I’ll talk to you son. I love you." She said as she hung up the phone. She looked around at Brooke’s home. Yes this is lovely but it is the home that Ridge bought for her and that feels strange she thought I need my own place for a new start. Taylor walked to the playpen and looked at Stephanie and Phoebe "Hello cuties" she said. "Hi Taylor" said Bridget as she walked into the room "How are you feeling today?" Taylor pushed her hair behind her ears and thoughtfully said, "I am doing surprisingly well honey. Thanks to your Mom and Connor. They helped make a really difficult situation tolerable. It’s good to have friends like them." Bridget looked around the room "Where’s Mom?" she asked. "She and Connor are having dinner. Now don’t let you imagination get going. They are good friends and he asked me to join them but I didn’t want to leave the kids with a sitter so soon." Taylor explained. "I’d love to watch them!" a jubilant Bridget said. "You know how much I love them! And I think it would be good for you to have some fun. Both you and Mom. And I’m a good sitter." Taylor thought about it. "Well, they love you too honey, but wouldn’t you rather be with your friends?" she asked. "Really Taylor, I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it. You go. Now where is Thomas?" asked Bridget. "He’s upstairs taking a nap. If you really mean it I’ll take you up. I’ll go upstairs and change and check on Thomas. And Bridget, thanks." Taylor said as she gave her a kiss on the cheek and headed upstairs.

Back at Forrester Ridge walked into Morgan’s office and sat on her couch. She moved from behind her desk and started running her fingers through his hair. "Ridge, what’s wrong?" she asked as she wrapped a strand of his hair around her finger. "Knock it off Morgan!" said Ridge as he pushed her hands away. "It’s over, it’s ruined. Taylor left me." Morgan’s eyes lit up and she stifled a smile. "Oh Ridge, I’m so sorry. What happened?" "What the hell do you think happened? She found out about the baby." Morgan pretended to look shocked. "How Ridge? How could she know?" "Damned if I know Morgan. She even knows that we had sex. That it wasn’t insemination. God, I don’t know what to do. I need her. I just don’t know how she found it. All she said was it didn’t matter how she knew just that she knew. Then she walked out. But I swear, I thought she would come back!" Morgan rubbed his head again. "I’m sorry Ridge. Maybe she will come back. Give her time to get used to it. After all. I’m only pregnant. It’s not like we’re in love or anything," she said as she kissed her fingertips and touched his forehead. Wow, she must have looked at her laptop! She thought. "No, we aren’t in love but she doesn’t care. And she sent me this!" he waved the divorce papers at her "she’s serious, and I don’t even know where she or the kids are." Ridge moaned as her got up and slammed his fist against the wall. "I know that Thorne is behind this somehow. It’s payback for Venice. And he and Brooke are fighting again so he’s blaming me. Did you tell him?" asked Ridge. "Thorne? Why would I tell Thorne? I barely know him. Ridge you know I would never do anything to hurt you. I just wanted a baby. I wanted your baby. The baby I deserved. But I like Taylor and I wouldn’t hurt her. You have to believe me. I didn’t tell anyone. (Except Clarke and Giovanni and I made sure that Megan overheard me) I’d never hurt either one of you." "I hit my Mother" Ridge flatly stated. "What?" Morgan laughed. "You hit that witch? Good for you!" "It was an accident. I was aiming for Thorne but I missed. God if only my aim was off that night with you." Ridge muttered as he got up and walked out of the office.

In his office Thorne was on the phone. "Come on Budge, I know she’s there. Please put her on…. Yeah, well you will tell her to call me. Honey, I love her. I don’t know what happened but I’ll make it up to her. Okay thanks honey." He said as he hung up.

 

Sure you’ll make it up to her Thorne. Just like Dad and Ridge did. Thought Bridget. I love you all but I don’t want my Mother ever to be involved with any of you again.

Meanwhile in Ridge’s office Stephanie is holding an ice pack on her cheek. "I’m fine Eric. Don’t worry about me. It’s our boys that you have to worry about. That bitch has somehow hurt them both and she won’t get away with it this time. She will pay, so help God me she will pay. Ouch. Ridge sure has a good punch." Joked Stephanie. Eric looked at his pained wife. He had tried so hard to protect her from all this and look what happened. How could Brooke be so insensitive? She knew how important it was to protect Stephanie. And now Taylor. Brooke had hurt her too. Stephanie was right, she will pay for this he thought. "Darling are you sure you’ll be alright? I want to go over to Brooke’s and get to the bottom of this." Stephanie smiled at her husband. My God he loves me she thought. "I’ll be fine Eric. You go and stop that bitch. And talk to Ridge too, he is really hurting. He needs our support." "I will, but after I see Brooke. I just don’t understand that woman." He said. Eric kissed his wife and walked out of the office. Okay Brooke, you crossed me one too many times thought Stephanie and now I’ve got you where I want you.

Eric Forrester shook his head as he knocked at the door to Brooke’s home. He couldn’t believe Thorne would defy him and go back to her. And how could Brooke be so cruel to try and ruin Ridge’s marriage again. He thought of how he had once loved her. "Dad?" said Bridget as she opened the door. "What are you doing here?" she asked as she hugged him and gave him a kiss. "I’ve sure missed you." "Me too Bridget" he replied as her hugged her back. "Aren’t you going to let your dad in?" "Well, sure why not. But Mom’s not home." She replied as she opened the door and they walked in. "I’m really not sure when she’ll be back. She’s out to dinner." Eric moved into the room and his eyes centered on his grandchildren in the playpen. "Bridget, what are they doing here?’ he demanded. "I’m babysitting Dad. Don’t have a cow." Eric scowled. "Taylor should have not brought them here. You should have gone to her house to watch them." "Well that would be kinda hard since she doesn’t live there any more. And with Morgan at the beach house she couldn’t go there." She explained. "I can’t believe she would let her children anywhere near that woman!" he growled. "Is there something you aren’t telling me?" Oooppps! Bridget thought. "I guess I’ve kinda let the cat out of the bag huh Dad? Taylor and the kids are staying with us until she gets settled in her new place. And please don’t refer to my mother as ‘that woman’ again" "I don’t understand." Exclaimed a very puzzled Eric. "If your mother is responsible for this break up why would Taylor come here?" Bridget looked very confused as she spoke to the father. "Why would you think Mom has anything to do with Taylor and Ridge? Why is it wasn’t for her who knows where Taylor would have gone. You better get your facts straight Dad. Mom and Taylor are not fighting or anything. In fact they are out to dinner right now. I think that Stephanie is trying to fill your head with lies about Mom again. It’s not fair Dad. You never believe Mom. You never give her any credit for anything. You are so mean!" Eric was so confused. If it wasn’t Brooke and Taylor was staying here then nothing made sense. "Look honey, I need to go see Ridge. Tell your mother and Taylor that I was here and that I need to see both of them. I’ll see you later" he said as he kissed her goodbye and left. "Whatever" said Bridget.

Next Chapter Brooke and Connor!!!!

 

Changes Part 4

Brooke and Connor looked at the extensive menu as they sipped tall glasses of iced tea. "This place is fantastic Connor. How did you ever find it?" asked Brooke. They were seated in a large booth in the restaurant called The Gazebo, surrounded by wicker and flowers. Although they were inside the restaurant gave the impression of a garden. "A client actually took me here. I fell in love immediately" replied Connor. He was having a hard time keeping his eyes on the menu and off of Brooke. She looked wonderful in a peach colored suit with a black shell. It had been a long time since they were last together and he was savoring every moment. "In love with the place, or the client" teased Brooke. Connor smiled as he took in her fresh clean scent and the sight of her beautiful face. "Well let’s just say it was a close race." He answered. He and Janeen had been quite an item for a while. They had talked marriage but somehow at the end they found themselves drifting apart. Although it never turned hostile they found it difficult to remain friends. That was so different then his relationship with Brooke. He cherished every moment they had together and he was determined that there would be more, many more. "Hum" said Brooke "A little intrigue. I like that. Connor Davis playing hard to get." She giggled. Another smile crept across his face. "Now Brooke, are you flirting with me? You know that isn’t fair." She smiled and looked down at the menu again. "Honestly, I never would have believed I would ever feel like flirting again. I guess you just bring out the best in me." Brooke took a gulp of her tea. "Have you decided?" she asked. "You bet I have" answered Connor with a sly grin. "Not on that!" laughed Brooke, "On dinner silly! I think I will have the, um, let’s see, I’ll have the Oysters, yes that’s the ticket." Joked Brooke. Connor grinned. "Oysters for the lady and I’ll have the asparagus, you do know what they are supposed to do to a man. And then some chocolate and champagne." He reached for her hand and placed a kiss on her fingertips. "Ooh, that is so sexy" Brooke purred. "Connor, really, why don’t you order for us. Everything here looks great." "Alright my lady" he said as her gestured for the waitress. "Yes sir. Are you ready to order?" questioned the waitress. "Yes, let’s see. We will start with the Melon and Prosciutto, then we’ll have the Tuna Steaks with Orange Soy Sauce and Red Grapes. We’ll have the Saffron Rice, the steamed zucchini and the Four Onion and Confetti Peppers and for dessert the Peach Melba with Raspberry Sauce. And Linda, would you please bring us a bottle of Moet." "Yes Mr. Davis. I’ll be right back with the champagne and the melon." She said and she turned and walked away. "I’m impressed" said Brooke. "It sounds great. You sure know your way around this menu." Connor sighed as he looked from her hair to her eyes. "Your eyes are sparkling. I hope I can take some of the credit." "You may take all of it and then some." Answered Brooke. "I am having so much fun. You know Connor, I had forgotten what fun felt like. Thanks so much for asking me." Connor smiled at her. He got up from the table and walked over to her side. He placed his palms on her cheeks and bent down and gave her a deep kiss. "You don’t know how much I needed to do that." He said as his lips moved to her neck where he lined it with small wet kisses. "Brooke, you make me so happy. I want this moment to never end." She purred and moved her lips back to his. "Kiss me Connor, please kiss me again." "You don’t have to ask twice" he said as he complied. Suddenly the waitress was tapping him on the shoulder. "What is it Linda!?" he gruffly asked. "I’m sorry Mr. Davis but a Mrs. Forrester is here to join you." "Oh my God, Taylor!" exclaimed Brooke. "I didn’t really think she would come." Connor straighted up, gave her one more quick kiss and sat down next to her. "Linda, please make our order for three." The host escorted Taylor to their table. Connor stood as she was seated on the opposite side of the booth. "Taylor, it is lovely to see you again. I’m so happy you could join us." She smiled at them "Hi Connor, hello Brooke, thanks again for inviting me. I hope I’m not intruding." "Oh course not." Connor politely replied. "You look lovely today. He said as he admired her deep violet dress. "Why thank you Connor." She said. "I took the liberty of ordering for all of us if that’s okay" he stated. "Wonderful." She replied as she looked around the room. "This is a lovely restaurant. I don’t believe I’ve ever been here before." "Connor’s old girlfriend took him here." Teased Brooke as she gazed longingly at Connor. Taylor did not miss this move. She also took notice of Brooke’s slightly swollen lips. "I am intruding." She insisted. Maybe it would be better if I left." "Nonsense." Said Brooke. "Connor and I have a lifetime to be alone." She said as she smiled at him "Tonight is a celebration for all of us." She lifted her glass of Iced Tea in a salute. "To us and our new found freedom. Let’s hope for happiness in all of our futures." "I’ll second that!" announced Connor as they all clinked their glasses together. He grinned at Brooke and then Taylor. "I am a lucky man to be surrounded by such lovely women. So Taylor, have you spoken to Ridge since he was served yet?" The smile left her face as she looked at Connor. "No. I’ve been staying with Brooke. I suppose you could say I’ve been avoiding him. I’m sure that sounds unprofessional of me." "This is your marriage Taylor, not your profession. You are certainly entitled to some space while you make such important decisions. Are you having any second thoughts?" he asked. "Not at all. Well, maybe a few, but certainly not enough to change my mind. If it wasn’t Morgan it would have been someone else." Brooke uncomfortable looked down at her tea. "Maybe I should go so you two can talk business." She suggested. "Please don’t go Brooke." Taylor insisted. "Let’s just all have a nice time together. Brooke, Bridget is babysitting for me. I hope you don’t mind. She’s very good with the kids." "She loves them." Said Brooke. "Of course I don’t mind." Linda returned to the table with the appetizers and the champagne. "Shall I open this?" she asked as she placed tall flutes in front of each of them. "Yes Linda. Please do." Replied Connor. "This is a special celebration." Linda pulled to cork and gave a sample to Connor. He tasted it and grinned. "Wonderful, please pour." She poured for the table, placed the melon on their plates and walked away. "To Brooke and Taylor, may their lives be free of Forrester." Toasted Connor as the women gave off shocked laughs.

Ridge was sitting in his living room looking defeated. He was holding his phone as he had been trying unsuccessfully to locate Taylor and the children. He heard the doorbell ring and was shocked out of his stupor. "Maybe it’s Taylor" he said aloud to himself. He got up and opened the door to see Eric standing there. "Dad, Hi, come in." He said as Eric entered. "How’s Mother? I am so sorry. I hope I didn’t hurt her too much." Eric frowned at his elder son. "She’ll be alright. You will have to learn to control your anger. It was inappropriate for you to do that." "I was aiming at Thorne" Ridge weakly protested. "Well he didn’t deserve it either Ridge. We are a family and we must stick together. But that is not why I came. I have some very interesting news for you." Ridge rubbed his forehead "I’m not in the mood Dad. I’ve been going out of my mind trying to find Taylor. I just don’t understand it. No one has seen her. I think Jack knows where she is but he isn’t talking." "Brace yourself son, I know where she is." Explained Eric. "It doesn’t make any sense to me though. I don’t know what’s going through her head. I think she may be having a breakdown." Ridge grabbed Eric by the shoulders and shook him "Where is she? Tell me Dad Where is she?"

Thorne and Stephanie were having a quiet dinner together at Café Russe. The entire staff had been politely avoiding noticing Stephanie’s black eye. The waiter had focused on her nose as she placed her order. Thorne was furious and it showed. His mother was acting as if nothing was wrong, always the elegant queen. "I don’t know what you hope to accomplish Mother. I plan on winning her back. I love her and my marriage to Macy is over. It was all a mistake. I let my emotions get the best of me. I care deeply about her but the love we once had has been gone for a long time." Stephanie rolled her eyes at her blond son. "Don’t be ridiculous Thorne. You are infatuated with Brooke. She is a sexual creature. That is what you all see in her. She is not marriage material. You make things right with Macy. You have always loved her." She glanced at the table next to them where a young couple was gazing into each other’s eyes. "They remind me of how you and Macy used to be. So in love. You’ll get back there. But enough about that. What I really wanted to talk to you about is Ridge, and Taylor. Thorne, what did you and Brooke say to her to make her leave your brother? It is unacceptable for you to interfere in their marriage. I am so disappointed in you." She shook her head at him. Thorne looked at her with a look of total disgust. "Oh course you would blame us. Why don’t you ask your precious Ridge. I haven’t spoken to Taylor in weeks. What ever happened with them has nothing to do with me, or with Brooke. That’s not our style. That’s Ridge’s style and Dad’s style and maybe even Taylor’s too." He threw down his napkin and stood up. "I have had enough of this. If you ever decide that I am as worthy of life as Ridge then maybe we can try this again." He shouted as he stormed out.

Meanwhile at The Gazebo Taylor had left the table to make a phone call to check on the children. Connor took Brooke’s hand. "It amazes me how close I feel to you. It’s like at the time we spent apart has just disappeared." Brooke smiled brightly "I feel the same way." Connor continued. "What is truly amazing is that this time I don’t feel like Ridge is ready to jump between us. It must feel the same way with you and Taylor, being friends and all. There always was the presence of Ridge that prevented you from forming any kind of bond. You truly have no feeling for him anymore don’t you?" he asked. Brooke thought about it "I care about him. He will always be a very important part of my past. But that is all he can ever be anymore, a part of my past. I hated him for so long after Venice but a part of me couldn’t hold onto that hate. I think that maybe sometime in the future we can be friends again. I miss that. Unfortunately I doubt if Thorne and I can ever get to that point. I hurt him this time, but I had to think of myself first for once. Our relationship wasn’t healthy, not for the reasons the Stephanie and Eric had. I took a friendship and tried to turn it into something that it wasn’t and because of that I ruined the friendship. I hope he can forgive me someday, I don’t blame him if he can’t." She sighed. "But the worse of the whole situation is Eric. We used to love and respect each other and now we can’t even tolerate being in the same room. It’s so hard Connor. My kids are hurting. I don’t want there to be such a strain in the family." Connor squeezed her had. "I suppose the friendship with Taylor isn’t helping." "Yeah, I can just imagine what they are all saying. I’m sure they are all blaming me for the whole thing. But let’s not spend our time together talking about the Forresters." Connor became very serious as he looked deeply into her eyes. "Brooke, I have to ask something of you, something very important." Brooke eyed him questionably. "What is it?" "Please Brooke, don’t let me fall in love with you again if this isn’t real. I couldn’t stand that pain again." Brooke’s face broke into a huge smile as she kissed him. "I totally promise that this is for real. It was never the right time or place for us. I think it is now. But let’s take it slowly and enjoy every moment." "I fully intend to" he replied as they kissed deeply. "Ahem" said Taylor clearing her throat as she returned to the table. "Now I know that I am interrupting." They all laughed. "I think I better leave." "Will you please sit down." Exclaimed Brooke. "We haven’t even had dessert yet. And I really don’t want you to go." As Taylor sat Connor’s cell phone rang. "Excuse me ladies" he said as he answered. "Hello. Oh hi Bryan. No, no I haven’t looked at it yet. Yeah I know. Is that right. Well I’m at The Gazebo and we are just getting ready for dessert. Can I …huh? Okay why not? Okay see you soon." He said as he hung up. "That was my new partner Bryan Jackson. He needs to get me some briefs to look at so he’s going to drop them off here. I hope you ladies don’t mind." "Of course not." Replied Taylor. "Would you like us to leave?" asked Brooke. "Don’t you dare!" exclaimed Connor. "Besides I’d like you to meet him. He’s fairly new in town and doesn’t know many people here except in the courtroom or at the restaurants. I can’t think of a better way for LA to impress him than to show off two of her loveliest citizens." Connor gestured for the waitress. "Linda, we are being joined by my partner. Can you arrange an extra Melba for him?" "Oh course Mr. Davis. But if you don’t mind the suggestion I think Mr. Jackson prefers Chocolate Mousse." "Well then bring him a Mousse. Taylor, Brooke how about you. Would either of you prefer the Mousse?" "Well, now that you mention it." Grinned Taylor. "Okay Linda. Two Melba’s and two Mousses please." Directed Connor.

Thorne muttered to himself as he walked into his house and slammed the door. "What’s wrong Thorne?" questioned Macy. "Macy! What are you doing here?" "I’m still your wife, so this make it still my home." She answered. "You have a perfectly good home next door Macy. I am not in the mood for another argument so I suggest you make your way over there." He rudely told her. "Alright. I just came over to get some more or my things anyway. I didn’t mean to bother you." A confident Macy explained. Since returning from rehab she had changed back from the insecure mousey woman to a confidant, sober woman. She had made a vow to herself to never let her problems bring her so far down again. She loved Thorne with all her heart but even he was not worth her sobriety. "I’m sorry Mace. I don’t mean to take it out on you." Thorne apologized. "After everything I put you through I can’t believe you even care at all about me." "I’ll always care about you Thorne." She replied. "Anyway I’ll be out of your hair in a moment. I was looking for the corn popper. Kimberly and I rented some movies and I wanted to make some popcorn." Thorne opened a cabinet over the stove. "I thought it was here." He said. "Yeah, me too but it isn’t." They searched together when suddenly Thorne exclaimed "Eureka! I’ve found it!" He handed it to her. "Thanks Thorne. Hey, if you aren’t doing anything why don’t you join us. We got a bunch of comedies. It may be just what you need to cheer you up." "You wouldn’t mind?" he asked. "C’mon" she said as she put her arm through his. "Let’s go!"

"Do you see that man?" Taylor whispered to Brooke. An extremely handsome man had just walked into the restaurant. "Wow, he puts Mel Gibson to shame!" Brooke whispered back. "Oh my, he’s heading this way." The man walked up to the table and shook Connors hand. "Connor, thanks for taking the time this evening. I’m sorry to pull you away from these lovely ladies for even a moment." Connor turned to the women. "Brooke Logan Forrester and Taylor Hamilton Forrester may I introduce Bryan Jackson." Brooke and Taylor looked at each other and giggled like schoolgirls. "Nice to meet you." Exclaimed Brooke. "Hi Bryan, welcome to Los Angeles." Said Taylor as she and Bryan locked eyes. Connor whispered in Brooke’s ear "I think I’m seeing fireworks!" "You think?" she answered. They looked at them and it appeared that Taylor and Bryan couldn’t take their eyes off of each other.

To be continued!!!!

 

Changes Part 5

Due to the request of a reader (Daniel Elliott is actually her ex’s name. Sorry Mash!!) I will be changing his name to Bryan Jackson. I hope that that name isn’t anyone’s ex! I guess this isn’t as uncommon as I thought. In reading "Brooke Gets Justice I kept waiting for Halle Berry to come out and say something about her ex the new addition to the NY Yankees David Justice. Well on with the show!!

Ridge looked at Eric with anticipation. "Come on Dad. If you know where she is you have to tell me."

"Well, I don’t know exactly where she is now, but I do know where she is staying. And Ridge, for the life of me I can’t figure out way."

"Where is she Dad!" Ridge was getting angrier by the second but Eric was just standing there with a puzzled look on his face. "Son" Eric continued. "She’s staying with Brooke."

"Brooke?" Ridge questioned. "Why the hell would she be with Brooke? She hates Brooke. Brooke hates her. Dad you must have gotten your facts all messed up. You’re upset, we all are, but there is no way in Hell she would be staying with Brooke." Ridge shook his head in annoyance. "Now I’m back to square one."

"No Ridge, I am not making a mistake. I went over there to give Brooke a piece of my mind and she wasn’t there. But Bridget was, and she was watching your children."

"Dad, Bridget baby-sits for us all the time."

"At Brooke’s house? I don’t think so. Anyway I asked her why the kids were there and she told me that Taylor was staying there."

"I’m going over there right now. I am going to get my wife and my children and bring them home where they belong!"

"Wait son" said Eric as he put his hand on Ridge’s shoulder. "She isn’t there. She and Brooke are out. Bridget wouldn’t tell me where. Looks, she’s upset, you’re upset and it’s getting late. Let her spend the night. By tomorrow morning I’m sure she will have had all of Brooke that she can take. She’ll listen to reason and you can take her home where she belongs. If you go now you’ll only upset Bridget. And when Brooke and Taylor get back, well you know how Brooke is. She’ll cause a scene and make it harder for you and Taylor to talk. Believe me son. If you wait then you will both have clear heads. Brooke will not be able to influence her. Taylor loves you. She’ll go back home, I’m sure she will."

Ridge started pacing the floor. "I don’t know Dad. I want this done right now, not tomorrow. I want her home and in my bed. I want to make love to her. I want things the way they were."

"I still don’t understand what happened son? Your mother told me that Brooke did something but she didn’t know what. When will that woman learn to leave this family alone!"

"Dad, Brooke is part of this family. And she had nothing to do with the problem with Taylor and me. That is until she took her in. Well at least she’s closer than at Jack’s. Maybe Brooke is really trying to help me. Maybe she finally realized how much that I love Taylor and she’s trying to do right by me. I know Brooke still loves me. Maybe she is trying to do the right thing."

"I don’t know son. I don’t trust her."

At The Gazebo Brooke and Connor were dancing to a slow song. They kept stealing kisses, in between glances at Taylor and Bryan. "They really seem to be getting along well." Whispered Brooke. "Why do you think I asked him to join us?" Answered Connor as he pulled her closer. "Well don’t count on this being a great love affair or anything." Explained Brooke. "She is still very much in love with Ridge and you know he is a hard man to get over."

"Thanks God you finally did." Connor said as he kissed her.

"Yeah" Brooke responded by returning her lips to his.

"Look at those two!" exclaimed Taylor. "It’s like they never were apart. You know Bryan, I’ve known them both a long time. Connor was always in love with her but she never would let herself truly fall for him. This time I think it may work. I hope so. I really want to she her happy. I knew in my heart that Thorne wouldn’t make her happy. Unfortunately I got suckered into my husband and his father’s plan to separate them. Now that was truly a mistake. It would have ended on it’s own and no one had to have been hurt. I am so sorry I let myself get involved in that fiasco. In a way I think it was the beginning of the end of my marriage. I learned at that point that it wasn’t Brooke I couldn’t trust but Ridge. He and his ego. He just isn’t happy unless he has a harem."

Bryan chuckled. "Well his loss is my gain. Taylor it is so good to see you again. Now explain to me again why you don’t want them to know that we know each other."

"Let them think they are matchmakers." She laughed. "I’ll tell them soon, but I think we can have a little fun with this."

"When they learn that we were together. Well, you’re right let’s have some fun with them. Anyway I can’t say I was sorry to hear about you and Blake. What I was sorry was that when I finally heard it you were already married to Ridge."

"I never meant to hurt you Bryan. Blake had a strange effect on me. By the time I realized what I had lost… you were gone. Your sister refused to tell me where you went. I know I broke your heart. It wasn’t until that moment I realized I had broken my own heart too. I looked for you. I even hired a detective. When he told me he wasn’t having any luck I figured that it was my own fault and I had to move on."

"Well you sure did! Three children. Wow!"

"You’ll love them Bryan. They are so wonderful. I will never regret what I had with Ridge since I have my beautiful children. I want you to meet them. But it’s going to be hard. Ridge isn’t taking our breakup well."
"Well enough to father another woman’s child."

"Yes. But he still loves us."

"He’ll get over it. Well maybe not, I never did."

"What about your wife?"

"She was a model, she was beautiful, she was great in bed, she was rich, she had influence, but she wasn’t you. She used me and I used her. It worked until I realized I wanted a child but I was already married to one. One day we woke up and she said. ‘Bryan, I’m moving to London.’ I said to her that I supposed I could get my license there and she told me that she was moving in with a rock musician and there really was no need for me to come. She had already gotten my partner to write up the papers. I think while they were in bed, anyway I signed the papers, we kissed goodbye and I haven’t seen her since. Well not in person. I’ve seen her in "People" a few times."
"Is she still with the rock star?"
"Not the same one. She is climbing the ladder. I hear she had a thing with a Johnny Depp too. But hey, you can’t believe everything you hear."

"I’m sorry that things didn’t work out better for you."

"They couldn’t have been better Taylor. Chrissie and I had fun. I haven’t exactly been a monk since. Anyway what could be better. I love my work. I make tons of money and best of all I am sitting here next to the one woman that I ever really loved. And to top that off she’s happy to see me."

"I am Bryan. I’ve thought of you often. I hope you don’t take this the wrong way but I wish this hadn’t happened yet."

"Too soon?" he asked.

"I’m not really over him. I know I can’t stay with him, but it isn’t fair to anyone if you and I jump into something."

"Taylor listen to me." Bryan said as he looked deeply into her eyes. "I have been in love with you since the moment I saw you. What we had was electric! It was fast, it was wild but it was real. I’m not saying that I waited for you to come back, but you’re here and I’m here and this time I will wait." He gently kissed her and she willingly fell into his arms. Their soft kisses became very fast, very urgent and very passionate. "God Bryan, I can’t believe that you can still do this to me."

"Come on." He said as he pulled her from her chair and led her out of the restaurant.

"Where did they go?" Asked Brooke.

"I don’t know. Maybe she asked him to take her home."
"Will you take me home?" Brooke asked.

"I will take you anywhere your heart desires." Answered Connor.

"What do you mean she is staying with Brooke?" Screamed Stephanie. Eric had just told her the news. "She must have drugged her. Taylor would never have anything to do with that two timing cheap slut. She is the reason that Taylor and Ridge are having problems. I swear I’ll scratch her eyes out."

"Ridge claims Brooke has nothing to do with it."
"He has a soft spot for her Eric. He always has. Mark my words nothing good will come of this. I think I had better get over there right now and bring Taylor back here."

"Ridge is going himself. Let him handle this. You don’t need the stress."

"Brooke is the cause of my stress. First you, then Ridge then Thorne and now Ridge again. Someday I am going to kill that bitch."

"Ridge and Taylor will be just fine. It’s you I’m worried about. You can’t handle this stress."

"Oh I can handle a lot more than you think. And I CAN handle Brooke. Mark my words, she will not cause any more problems for this family."

"That was a great flick." Said Thorne as he shut off the VCR. "But I better get going. Thanks for inviting me Mace. I had fun." Macy smiled at him but Kimberly just rolled her eyes. "Now Kim I know you’re mad at Thorne but we really did have a good time didn’t we?" Macy pleaded to her sister. "If you say so." Kimberly answered. She got up from the couch and grabbed the empty popcorn bowl and soda cans and left the room. "Macy I don’t want to cause you any problems." Thorne insisted. "But I am glad that we can be friends again." "I will always be your friend Thorne. You know, after rehab I started some therapy. And I came to some realizations. What I thought was a healthy romance wasn’t one at all. I need you in my life, but as my friend. We have been through so much together. I was jealous of Brooke. But Thorne, I wasn’t wrong. I knew she would hurt you." "I don’t need any ‘I told you So.’s’ Mace." He gave her a halfhearted smile. "I love her. I don’t know why she gave in to the pressures." "Well I think it may be Ridge. Now don’t tell me no. You know it will never really be over with him in her eyes." Thorne thought about it. "I think you’re wrong. She really is over him. She hates him." "A thin line yada yada." Macy returned. "No, it’s different. But I think she was tired of fighting Mother, and Dad and she was tired of seeing you hurt." "Give me a break." Macy retorted. "That woman never gave a rat’s ass about anyone but herself. And I am glad it’s finally over. You deserve so much more." "Well I think I deserve Brooke. I want her back. I just hope she’ll give me another chance." Kimberly walked back into the room. "Oh, you’re still here?" she huffed at Thorne. "I thought you had to leave?" "C’mon Kim. Macy and I are just talking." "Macy, you know that there is only one Forrester worth talking to and that’s Rick. The rest are pond scum." She smiled at Thorne, grabbed more cans and walked out. "There goes the President of my Fan Club." Laughed Thorne. "Hey, I gotta go. But do me a favor and call me if you here anything about Taylor. Contrary to what my parents think I am worried about her." "I’ll call you tomorrow." Answered Macy. They walked to the door and Thorne gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Good night honey." He said as he walked out.

 

Chapter 6

Taylor was adjusting her dress as they sat in the back seat of Bryan's Mercedes. 'I can't believe I let that happen.' She said with a pained expression on her face. 'Bryan, I'm a married woman. I'm a grown up. I can't believe that we just did it in the backseat of a car. Oh God, I wish. I had stayed at Brooke's tonight. What was I thinking?'
'You weren't thinking sweetheart. You were acting, acting on your emotions. What we just did was good, it was right. Please don't insult me and all there is between us by wishing it away.'
'I'm sorry Bryan. It was good, but it was wrong. I'm married. I've just done exactly what Ridge did. I'm no better than him.'
Bryan pulled her to him. 'Don't you dare say that. It isn't the same. It isn't the same at all. Number one, when he cheated on you he was cheating on a secure, happy marriage. He was betraying you. Number two, not only did he cheat but he created a baby.'
'Oh God, a baby. I'm not using any precaution.' Taylor cried. Bryan just held her tighter. 'Shhhh. It's okay, I promise it will be okay, no matter what happens. Number three, he lied to you. He tried to hide it.'
'I don't see anything different' Taylor sobbed.
'Number four, you already have served him with divorce papers. You made the move to end your marriage. Now you told me you were serious so that is not the same at all.'
'But' Taylor tried to interrupt. 'Shhhh' he said as he kissed her tenderly. 'And number four, and this should really be number one. I love you. I have loved you forever. We didn't as you so eloquently put it 'do it in a car', we made love. Granted, it wasn't exactly in the most romantic place, but honey, I don't think either of us could have stopped if we tried. We've waited years to make love to each other. I don't want us ever to wait again. I love you. Do you understand that?'
'Yes' she sobbed. 'But I'm still a rotten cheating wife.'
'Darling, when we get married you will be the most wonderful 'rotten cheating wife' in the whole wide world.'
'Married?'
'You don't think there is anyway in hell I'm letting you get away again do you?' Bryan smiled at her and Taylor's tears seemed to melt away. 'I swear to you, the day your divorce is final, and if you are ready. I will march you down that aisle and make you my wife like I wanted to years ago. And I refuse to let Ridge Forrester get in my way.' Taylor sighed and snuggled back into his arms.
'It's too soon Bryan. I'm not even divorced. I can't be talking marriage, oh my.' She purred as he lowered her dress. Then he let his lips and mouth and fingertips do all the talking they needed between them.

The next morning Brooke was sitting at her desk looking halfheartedly at some designs that Megan had brought her. She chuckled to herself thinking about the night before. I have never seen Taylor so free, she thought, I can hardly believe that she just met that guy. She started making comments on the side of one of the designs when Ridge burst into her office.
'Logan, where is she? I know she's staying with you. I went over there this morning and no one was home.'
'I decided that once she got to be thirty I wouldn't make her check in any more.' Teased Brooke.
'Not funny Logan! Where is she?'
'I really don't know. She is free to come and go as she pleases. Now if there isn't anything else.'
At this Stephanie burst into the office.
'Alright Brooke, I am here to get to the bottom of this.'
'And hello to you to Stephanie.' Brooke retorted. 'As you can see, number one son here is already on the case, so if you don't mind.' Brooke gestured towards the door.
'I want answers Brooke and I want them now!' demanded Stephanie as Eric stormed into the office.
'Brooke' He demanded. 'What the hell is going on with you and Taylor?'
'Alright that is enough! Megan! Megan get in here!' Brooke shouted above the noise.
'Yes Brooke' said Megan as she entered.
'This is not Grand Central Station and I do not want anyone to enter my office without an appointment. Is that clear?'
'I'm sorry Brooke. I tried to stop them.'
'I understand that Megan, just get them out. If they don't leave call security.'
'I've had enough of your attitude Miss High and Mighty' retorted Stephanie. 'You will answer our questions.'
'Megan, security please.' Said Brooke in a sugary sweet voice as her phone began to ring. 'And get that, and please call Con, oh never mind I'll get him myself. The rest of you Shoo!' she gestured as if shooing away an insect.
'Brooke' said Megan. 'Taylor is on line one. She's calling from Hong Kong.'
'Hong Kong?' Ridge, Brooke and Stephanie all said at the same time. Ridge made a move to grab the phone. Brooke pushed his hand away. 'Eric, Stephanie! Get the hell out of my office!' She looked at Ridge. Her mad expression changed to one of concern. 'Ridge, I'll forward her to your office after I talk to her. If she lets me. Now please, give me some privacy.' She got up and pushed them out and closed her door. She picked up the phone and hit the button to speak to Taylor.
'Hong Kong?' she asked?
'Hi Brooke, everything is okay. Bridget and Rick took the kids to Big Bear. I'll be home in a couple of days. Don't worry about me. I'll explain everything when I get back. And thanks for being a friend.' Taylor said. She then hung up the phone leaving a confused Brooke holding the receiver in disbelief.
'Hong Kong?' Brooke said aloud to herself. 'Taylor, what are you up to?'
Brooke hung up the phone, stared at it for awhile, picked the phone up again and hit in a number.
'Hello. This is Brooke Logan. Is Connor available?'

Ridge was nervously pacing in his office. Stephanie and Eric were sitting on a comfortable couch watching him. 'Son. Pacing like that is not going to make it ring any faster.' Eric stated.
'I don't trust her. This is a setup Ridge. Brooke and Megan are up to something. Taylor would never have gone to Hong Kong like that. She isn't going to call because that wasn't her on the phone.'
'No Mother. Brooke was being honest. I just hope she can convince Taylor to talk to me.'
'She makes me so mad. Imagine the nerve of her denying you to speak to your own wife!' growled Stephanie.
'Taylor called Brooke Mother, not me. This isn't going to be as easy as I thought. Maybe she needed to go somewhere alone to get her head together. That's all. She'll think it all over and then she'll come back to me. She just has to.'
Stephanie got up and put her arms around Ridge. 'Oh sweetheart, she loves you so much. She'll be back. You're right. She's taking time. And this is good. She's not with Brooke anymore so no one can influence her to leave you.'
Ridge kissed his Mother on the cheek. 'You're right Mom. She'll get lonely and she'll come home to me.'
'I think the only reason Brooke took her in was to convince her to leave you. Mark my words she will be making a move on you very soon.'
Eric got up and moved towards his wife and son. 'Ridge, your mother is right. We have to find some way to get Brooke completely out of our lives. She has never gotten over you. She'll do anything to get you back. We need her out of our lives, and out of this company. We have to think of a way.'
'Right now the only thing I am concerned with is getting Taylor back.' Answered Ridge.

Brooke and Connor had been talking for awhile when Brooke said to him. 'Connor, this whole business thing is getting to me. The Forrester think they can just barge in anytime they want. I have to do something about it. Do you have any ideas?'
'You could sell the business back to them. You could make quite a profit.'
'If it was just Ridge and Thorne I might do that, but I will never let Erica and Stephanie win. No, I have to think of something else.'
'Why not have a new building designed. You can create a whole floor just for you and Megan. You can set up security clearance and then no one will be able to interrupt you if you don't want them to.' Connor suggested.
'That sounds a little extreme Connor. Besides, we do need to work together. I want to be able to oversee what ever is going on. If I isolate myself then that would be impossible.'
'Well let me think about it. I'm sure we can think so something.' He replied. 'Honey, I have a meeting. Let's get together for dinner we can talk about this then.'
'Or not talk about it' suggested Brooke. 'I think we can find things far more interesting to do then discuss Forrester.'
'I'll pick you up at seven.'
'Make it six.'
'How about five.'
'Four sounds good.'
'Seriously, I'll be tied up here till about six, six thirty, so I'll be there at seven okay?'
'I'll count the minutes.' Brooke giggled to him. There was a knock at her door. 'I'll see you soon Connor.' She said as she hung up. 'Come in.' she said.
The door opened and Thorne entered. 'Hello Brooke.'
'Hi Thorne.' She said. Brooke got up from behind the desk and walked over to him. She put her arms around him. 'How are you doing?' she asked.
'How do you think I'm doing. Brooke, please don't do this to us.'
'Thorne, there isn't any us. It was a mistake. Too many people are getting hurt. I got hurt, you got hurt, my kids got hurt, Macy got hurt. How can anything good ever come from that?'
'Honey I love you.' He said as tears welled in his eyes. He looked at Brooke and saw she too was crying. 'Please don't do this to us.'
'Thorne, please don't do this to me. I love you. I really do but I can't fight for us any more. I'm moving on. Now you have to move on too.'
'I need you in my life.'
'I need you in my life too Thorne, but as a friend, not as a husband. I just can't add another Forrester to my name. God how I wish you were anything but a Forrester.'
'So do I.'
They held each other tightly and cried.

Stephanie and Eric had left Ridge's office when it became apparent that Taylor was not going to call him. Ridge had tried to concentrate on his work but found it impossible. He had taken the photo of Taylor and the children from his desk and was holding in next to his heart. What have I done to us Taylor? He thought, I knew it was a lie but I had to have Morgan. I didn't love her. I needed the attention. He gently returned the photo to the desk. He opened the bottom drawer and took out a copy of his and Brooke's wedding photo. Was it losing you that pushed me to her? Is it true? Am I really so shallow that I need women fighting over me? He wondered. 'My God, if I lost her what will I do?' he said aloud. 'I've lost Caroline, I've lost Brooke and now I'm losing Taylor.' He said as he slammed his fist onto the desk. As he was returning the photo to the drawer the phone rang.
'Taylor?' He asked.
'Yes Ridge, It's me' She answered.
'God Taylor, I am so sorry. Please say you'll forgive me, please say you'll come home.'
'Ridge, I need you to sign the papers. Connor told me he hasn't gotten them back from you.'
'Taylor no! Please, you have to give me another chance. I love you.'
'Ridge it's over. Now please sign the papers. Don't make this any harder than it has to be. I don't want your money. I want you to have as much time with the children as you want. I am trying to be fair.'
'We need to talk in person. Come home.'
'I am not home. I'm sure you know that I am in Hong Kong.'
'Why?'
'That isn't important.' Taylor said. She looked behind her to the handsome, naked man on her bed. 'I am happy now. I need you to sign the papers. Don't let this turn ugly.'
'What if I refuse?'
'Your girlfriend is pregnant. You don't have much of a case.'
'She isn't my girlfriend. It was a mistake. Aren't I entitled to make a mistake?'
'Not that one. Ridge, I will be home in a few days. I want this to be over and I want it over soon. I don't want to hear another of your pitiful excuses. An email? My God Ridge. Did you really think I would send you an email to tell you to screw your girlfriend? What kind of fool do you think I am? I loved you! I trusted you! I honored our vows!'
'Taylor please.'
'No Ridge. I have to go. Just sign the papers.' She said as she hung up the phone. She walked over to the bed and climbed back into bed with Bryan. She gently sobbed as he held her.
'I love you Taylor. Let me take all your pain away.' He said as his kisses went lower and lower down her body.

Brooke picked up her phone again and speed dialed Connor.
'Davis' he answered.
'Hello Davis' she replied.
'Couldn't stay away huh?'
'Actually I need to ask you something.'
'Ask away.'
'Is Bryan in the office today.'
'Do I have some competition?'
'Hardly. Is he there?'
'No, he was meeting an important client in Hong Kong. He took the company jet late last night.'
'I knew it!' Brooke exclaimed with a smile on her face. 'Way to go Taylor!'
'He brought Taylor?'
'Well if he didn't I can't imagine why Taylor is in Hong Kong.'
'I thought they might hit it off but this is really something.'
'There must be more to this story then meets the eyes. It isn't like her to be so spontaneous. God, I would love to tell Stephanie. That cow could sure use some of her own medicine.'
'Brooke!' warned Connor.
'I know, I know. I don't really want to hurt Ridge anyway. We just got to the point where we can talk again and I don't want to ruin it.'
'Does Taylor know this? Your friendship is still at a fragile point.'
'She does, and believe me Connor her feelings come first.'
'I wouldn't want to be Ridge right now.'
'Who would you like to be?'
'No one else in the world. Now let me go so I can finish my work and get over to see you beautiful.'
'Bye Connor.'
She hung up the phone. 'Wow, Taylor and Bryan together in Hong Kong.' She said to herself as the phone rang again. 'Brooke Logan.' She answered.
'Mom, it's me.' Said Rick.
'Hi honey, is everything okay? Are the kids alright?' She asked panicking.
'Everything is fine Mom. I just got so news and I wanted to tell you.'
'What is it Rick? You sound pretty excited.'
'I am. CJ just called from Sloan Kettering. The doctor thinks they got all of the cancer. Becky is going to be okay!'
'Oh honey that's wonderful! I am so happy for them. I guess your Dad's doctors were wrong too!.'
'Yeah, I am so relieved. It looked really bad there for awhile. If Amber had kept it from her much longer, well I just don't even want to think about it.'
'Don't you worry about that honey. Amber is just lucky that Becky and CJ stood up for her at her trial. Probation is too good for her after all she's done to this family.'
'She might have meant well Mom, but Becky almost died.'
Well thanks to God she didn't. Rick did you tell Stephanie yet?'
'No I wanted to tell you first. I'm going to call her next.'
'Good, as much as I hate her I think she should know.'
'Okay Mom. Let me go. After I make that call Budge and I are taking the kids for Ice Cream.'
'Okay honey. Thanks for calling.'
Brooke hung up the phone and wiped the tears from her eyes. Although she and Becky weren't close she was very happy that she was going to be okay.

 

Chapter 7

Taylor kept staring down at the huge Emerald ring that Bryan had put on her finger in Hong Kong. 'It's a promise ring' he had said 'A promise of my love today, yesterday and forever. A promise of my fidelity and love for the rest of our lives.' She had tried to decline it, it was too soon she had protested but Bryan had been very persuasive. 'I committed myself to you the moment I set eyes on you again. I know you feel the same in your heart. Wear the ring Taylor, it won't bite you. Whenever you feel sad just look at it and you will see my love.' In the end she had accepted, and she was glad she had. In the three days they had been together she felt closer to him than she ever had to anyone before. They had made love in countless ways in any place imaginable, and some not. She felt like a girl again. She was happy and she was in love. Now their trip was coming to an end and reality would soon step in. The plane would be landing soon and that meant another confrontation with Ridge. Bryan wanted to be there but Taylor felt that she had to face him alone. She looked up into his eyes. He smiled at her and kissed her. 'No sad thoughts.' He told her. 'Our future is going to be here soon. You will never have another unhappy day in your life. I will see to that.' Taylor snuggled into his arms and sighed. 'Don't start thinking about Ridge again.' Warned Bryan. 'Ridge who?' she joked as she brought her lips back to his. 'Wanna join the mile high club?' she asked.
'We already did that on the way over.'
'I think we should renew our membership.'
'So do I darling, so do I.' He said as he began undressing her.
'I am so happy you have the private plane.' She said as she kissed him and began removing his belt. 'And that you ditched the flight attendant.'
'Me too Taylor.' He said caressing her breast.
'How much time till we land?' she asked breathlessly.
'I'll make him circle if I have to. There will always be time for us.'
No more words were necessary.

Megan buzzed Brooke on the intercom. 'Stephanie is here. Remember she has an appointment,'
Brooke grinned to herself. 'Yes Megan, please send her in.' Stephanie walked into the office. From the look on her face Brooke could see that she wasn't pleased with the new arrangements.
'What can I do for you Stephanie?' She asked sweetly.
'You can knock off the bull. You think that this is all going to work your way don't you?'
'What are you talking about Stephanie? What is going my way that annoys you so much?' she asked as she picked up an emery board and started filing her nails.
'Look at me while I am talking to you!' Stephanie demanded.
'If you insist.' She looked up at Stephanie. 'Better?'
'Brooke, you are not going to do any more damage to my family or my company!'
'Who's company? Last I heard I was CEO.' She looked down at the company letterhead on her desk. 'Yes, see here' she pointed at the banner 'I am the CEO.'
'I want you to keep your grubby hand off of Ridge!'
'Ridge?'
'I know what you are up to. Filling Taylor's head with lies so she would leave him. Well he will never be yours. Not as long as I'm alive.'
'I don't know where you got that stupid notion but I don't want anything to do with Ridge!'
Stephanie glared at her 'I can see through your pathetic act. Using Thorne to try to make him jealous didn't work so you have managed to alienate Taylor. Well she can see through you too. I'm sure that's why she went to Hong Kong. She went to get her thought together and she will come home and rebuild her marriage and you will be out of all our lives again.'
'Don't be ridiculous Stephanie. She went to Hong Kong to get laid!'
'You malicious tramp! I could kill you!'
'You're welcome to try your best. Now get the hell out of my office!' Brooke got up and grabbed a vase and shook it at her. 'Get out!' she screamed as she threw it at the retreating Stephanie. Brooke then burst into laughter and then into tears. 'God I hate her! Why do I let her get to me like that? Why do I care what she says? Oh God, I have to watch what I say. I hope I haven't done anything to hurt Taylor and Bryan.' she said aloud to herself. 'Megan' she said into the intercom. 'I've broken a vase. Please get maintenance down before someone gets hurt.'

Bryan and Taylor had shared an emotional good bye at the airport before he put her in a cab to her and Ridge's house to retrieve more of her possessions. She had hurried into the house and grabbed two large suitcases and began to hurriedly pack. She kept looking over her shoulder as if expecting someone to walk in. This is silly she thought. I'm alone and I will be gone soon. She looked down at the ring on her left hand again. She wondered again if she was moving too fast but quickly dismissed the thought. She bent down to pick up a pair of sandals when she was grabbed around the waist from behind.
'Doc, I am so glad you are home.' Ridge said as her turned her around and kissed her full on the lips. She tried to struggle out of his arms but her held her tightly.
'Let me go Ridge.' She demanded.
'Come on Doc.' He cooed as his embrace softened. 'I've missed you. I've prayed everyday for you to come home.' He looked upward. 'Thank you God for answering my prayers.'
'Ridge, I'm only here to get some clothes.'
'Not so fast Doc. We need to talk.' She pulled her gently to him . 'Oh the hell with talking.' He said as her tenderly kissed her. She tried to push him away but suddenly found herself giving in and responding to his kisses. She was very surprised at herself as she allowed him to lead her to the bed, lay her down and get on top of her kissing her deeply at every step.
'Oh God, what am I doing?' she questioned as she returned his kisses.

Brooke was pacing her office. Please don't let me have ruined anything for her she thought. I just hope that this is going to help her and not hurt her.
There was a knock on her door.
'Come in.' she responded. The door opened and Morgan confidently walked in.
'Hi Brooke' she said smiling brightly at her. 'I can't wait to show you these new designs.' Morgan began taking the huge drawings out of her portfolio that she had brought with her. 'I know you are going to love these.'
'Hold it Morgan. I didn't ask to see you about your designs.'
'Oh, are you sending me and Ridge on another trip?' She asked hopefully. That could really cement our relationship she thought.
'Don't you just wish.' Brooke answered sarcastically. 'But then I don't think you could get pregnant twice at the same time. You know I wasn't altogether shocked at Ridge. Well sort of but not totally. But you! I trusted you! I hired you as my right hand.'
'Brooke, I didn't do anything to betray you. You told me it was over between you and Ridge.'
'I am not talking about my personal life Morgan! I'm talking about my company, and the Forrester's company. What you have done could possible destroy it all. Are you happy with yourself?'
'No Brooke, it wasn't to hurt the company, or anyone else. It's all about Ridge. I love him. I've always loved him. And now I have his baby growing inside me.' She said as she lovingly patted he stomach.
'You have no idea of the damage you've done? Are you daft? Eric and Stephanie are in here every five minutes ranting at ME for destroying Ridge's marriage. This stunt has cost Taylor her family and it has ruined any chance that Thorne and I ever had. The entire family is at war! We aren't working together, in fact we aren't working at all. Ridge is God knows where, Thorne is moping, Stephanie is on the warpath and Eric just keeps tearing up anything he starts. Giovanni's pictures are even looking like total crap.'
'How can you blame me for that?' asked Morgan.
'He's enamored of you and he sees you all over Ridge! He says 'his creative juices' are tapped. Morgan, I really had hoped we would have a successful relationship but now I see that that will be impossible.' She pulled a folder out of her desk and opened it. 'What I have here is a fair, in fact overly fair severance package for you. You haven't been here long and I am under no obligation to give you anything but I think that this is the way to do it. I want you to pack your things and be out of the building within the hour. I have a security guard waiting outside. He'll take you to your office and escort you out when you are ready. I wish you luck in your future.' She said as she handed the papers to Morgan.
'Come on Brooke, we can work this out.'
'No Morgan, you've overstayed your welcome. I want you to leave.'
Morgan was furious as she grabbed the papers. 'You won't get away with this Brooke! You will be sorry that you crossed me! You'll be real sorry!' she shouted at Brooke as she pushed her way past the security guard.
'Henry, please follow her and make sure leaves with only what she brought in.'
'Yes Miss Logan.' He answered as he went down the hall after Morgan.
'I am feeling so much love in this building today.' Brooke sarcastically said to Megan as she closed her office door and returned to her desk.

Ridge was sitting on the bed with his hands behind his head and a big grin on his face. Taylor was sitting on the end of the bed with a sheet wrapped around her.
'This changes nothing Ridge.'
'This changes everything Doc.'
'No Ridge, I mean it. I will not let you do this to me.'
'Doc, Doc, Doc, come on. This is where you belong. We are so good together. I knew that we could work it all out.'
'We haven't worked anything out.'
'Taylor.' He said as her grabbed her hand and pulled her back into his arms. 'I am so sorry for hurting you. I promise I will never hurt you again.' He kissed her fingers and saw the ring where his wedding ring had once been. 'That's a pretty ring. Did you get it in Hong Kong? Well, just move it to your right hand and put our rings back on where they belong.' He said as he kissed her.
'Ridge no.' she weakly protested.
'Doc yes!' he said as he brought her back into his arms and proceeded to make love to her again.

'Connor it was horrible' Brooke told him as they spoke on the phone. 'I feel like a punching bag. I don't know how much more I can take.'
'Brooke think about it. Selling the damn company could be the best thing in the world.'
'I'm really not ready to do that. If only Eric would start behaving like a human again I wouldn't care about Stephanie.'
'You've always cared what Stephanie thought.'
'That was when I needed her acceptance. I am not involved with either of her sons anymore. I really don't care what she thinks.'
'If you didn't care she couldn't get to you.'
'You are so smart. But I have to learn to stop reacting to her. She makes me so mad.'
'Don't even think about her.'
'I'll try.'
'Do you still want to take your own car to dinner? I'd really rather pick you up.'
'No, I have a lot of work to do tonight. I want to relax with you for awhile and then come back here when no one is around so I can have some peace and quiet.'
'Well I'd rather you didn't.'
'Come on Connor, it's perfectly safe here. And I promise to call you after I finish.'
'Well I still have dinner to try to talk you out of it.'
'I look forward to it. I'll see you at Mannequins.'
'Love you' He said as they hung up.

Taylor was up from the bed brushing her hair. Ridge was in the shower. I can't let this start again. Yes I am drawn to him but this isn't good it just isn't. Taylor thought.
'Hey Doc, maybe we made a baby!' Ridge shouted from the shower. Suddenly it all came back to Taylor. Morgan, Ridge, their baby. This was wrong and she was getting out right now. She took something from her pocket and dropped it on the nightstand. She grabbed her purse, her shoes, and the keys to Ridge's car and ran from the house.
'Taylor! Hey Doc! Come on and join me' Ridge suggested from the shower. 'Doc? Are you there?'
He asked as he jumped out and into the empty bedroom. His eyes were drawn to the nightstand where Taylor had left her engagement ring and her wedding band. 'No Doc! NO!' he cried.

Brooke walked into Mannequins and walked to the table where Connor was waiting for her. He stood up and pulled the chair out for her to sit. 'Thanks' she said as she sat. 'I am bushed. Today has been so draining. And to top it all off I still haven't heard from Taylor.' Connor looked concerned. 'I know, Bryan told me that they got back several hours ago. She went to her house to get some clothes but she isn't there anymore.'
'How do you know that?' she asked.
' Bryan tried calling her there and there was no answer.'
'Maybe she was afraid it was Ridge.'
'Maybe, but she should be back at your place by now.'
'Well she isn't. Bridget is getting annoyed too. She has a date tonight and she's still watching the babies.'
'Maybe she went to see her father before going back.'
'That would be inconsiderate of her Connor. Besides she must be going crazy missing those kids. I'm really worried.' Connor handed her a menu.
'Look, let's eat and then we can call around for her. I don't want you going back to the office in this state.'
'I'll be okay. She's probably fine. She has a lot on her mind.'
'Maybe we should check with Ridge. Maybe she's trying to get him to sign the papers.'
'Yeah, maybe. Come on honey relax a bit. You are so wound up. Maybe a bottle of wine?'
Brooke looked at him longingly. 'I wish, but no, I am going to be really busy tonight. But I will take a dance.'
'You got it.' He said as he got up to escort her to the dance floor. She feels so good in my arms. Connor thought as they began a slow dance.
'Mmmmm, this feels good.' Commented Brooke as she put her head on his shoulder. 'You better watch out. I could get used to this.'
'I hope you do.' He answered as he gave her a kiss. They were so engrossed with each other that neither of them noticed Thorne and Macy enter the restaurant. But as he sat down Thorne took notice of the way Brooke was in Connors arms.
'Do you want to leave?' Macy asked.
'No, it's okay.' He answered through clenched teeth. 'She sure moved on fast. I guess my family was right all along.'
Macy tossed her hair back and smiled. She hated to see him hurting but she also took pleasure in the fact that he was no longer with Brooke. 'I'm famished. How about you?'
'Yeah, that sounds great.' He answered. He had not taken his eyes off the couple.
'What sounds great?' Macy asked.
''Okay I'll have that too.' Answered a distracted Thorne. 'Would you look at them! His tongue must be down to her toes!'
'Thorne!'
'Sorry Mace' He said returning his attention to her. 'I think I'll have the Salmon.'
'The Veal Piccata sounds good to me.'
Thorne watched Connor escort Brooke back to her seat, placing a kiss on her lips as he did.
'How could she do this to me?' Thorne cried as he jumped from his seat and walked to their table leaving a dumbfounded Macy.
'Thorne Hi!' Brooke exclaimed as he stood next to her. 'What's wrong?' She asked as she saw the look on his face.
'So this is why you dumped me. I guess I was fine till something better came along huh? My mother was right about you. You are an opportunist. To think I gave up everything for you.'
'Calm done Thorne' Connor interjected.
'Stay out of this Davis.' Thorne pulled Brooke's chair around to face him. 'How could you do this Brooke?'
'Thorne it isn't what you think.'
'I know what I saw! The two of you tonsil dancing out there.'
'That's enough!' Exclaimed Connor. 'If you can't treat her with respect I want you out of here.'
'I told you to stay out of this!' Said Thorne as her punched an unsuspecting Connor who jumped up ready to defend himself.
'Thorne!' Exclaimed Brooke. 'What are you doing? What's wrong with you?'
'You are lady! You ruined my life, you ruined everything! You will not get away with this! You stupid selfish bitch!' He spat at her. 'I could kill you!' He screamed. 'Macy, let's get the hell out of here. The stink is overpowering me!'
Thorne walked to Macy grabbed her hand and let her out of the restaurant. Everyone was staring at Brooke and Connor.
'Show's over folks' Exclaimed Connor as he helped Brooke out of her seat. 'Let's go honey.'
'Yes' she answered as they walked out.
The bartender handed a drink to Clark Garrison. 'Did you see that? I've never seen him so mad?'
'How many did you serve him?' asked Clark.
'None. He just got here. He must have started somewhere else.'
'From what I've heard the whole family is coming apart at the seams. Did you see this?' Asked Clark as he handed the latest copy of 'Eye on Fashion' to the bartender.
'I don't usually read the fashion rags man.' He opened to the first section, which was the gossip section. 'Wow man, Taylor Forrester and that guy are really going at it. I wonder how they got that shot.'
'I wonder if it's real.' Said Clark. 'It says here that the guy is the partner of Connor Davis!'
'So?' said the bartender 'Who's Connor Davis?'
'Connor Davis, my man, is the guy that Thorne Forrester just decked.'
'Now this is getting interesting.' Said the bartender. 'Hey man, it says here that they just got off a plane from Hong Kong. Man, I bet Ridge Forrester comes in here and decks some guy next.'
'I wouldn't be at all surprised.' Responded Clark. 'I would love to see the look on Stephanie Forresters face when she sees this!' They both laughed.

'I don't like leaving you alone like this Brooke.' Connor complained. 'Not after what just happened.' He had followed Brooke back to Forrester and walked her to her office.
'I'm all right Connor. I guess I deserved it.'
'Like hell you did! I don't know what has gotten into that family, but Brooke, I really want you to give serious thought to selling the company.'
'I know you do Connor, but this makes me even more determined not to give up.'
'You are a stubborn woman.'
'That's part of my charm.' She answered. 'Now you get out of here. I have a ton of work to finish.'
'Brooke, come to my place and stay with me tonight when you finish.'
'Connor it's too soon. My kids are confused enough with what happened between Thorne and me. I need to give them more time. I really want to be with you but not yet. We'll have plenty of time. I promise you that.' Brooke kissed him. 'You are so good for me Connor Davis!'
'Not half as good as you are for me Brooke Logan. I love you.' I just hope that soon you will be able to say the same to me he thought.
'Dream of me tonight!' Brooke said.
'I do every night.' Connor confessed. He gave her another deep kiss and walked out of the building. I have a very peculiar feeling tonight Connor thought I think I will stop by again later, just to make sure everything is okay.

'Eric, did you bring the mail in today?' Stephanie asked her husband.
'No, I thought you did.' He answered. 'Are you looking for anything in particular?' He asked.
'Not really. I did want to see the article on the fall collection in 'Eye on Fashion'. We never got the one in the office.'
'Well in that case I will go and check the mail for you.' Eric said as her went to the mailbox. He returned with a pile of mail, which he handed to Stephanie. 'Here you are dear.'
'Thanks Eric.' She said as she started to sort through it. 'I didn't tell you about the conversation I had with Brooke today did I?'
'No. What did she do now?'
'That tramp actually had the nerve to suggest that Taylor was having an affair. Can you believe that?'
'I can believe almost anything from her these days.'
'Eric, we have to find a way to get rid of her.' Stephanie said as she opened the magazine. 'Oh my God! Eric look at this!'

Brooke sat down at her desk and noticed the message light was lit on her phone. Maybe it's Taylor she thought . She punched in the number and the mechanical voice told her she had three new messages.
'I wonder who could have called at this hour.' She said to herself as she punched in the code to listen to her messages.
'Hello Brooke' Said Macy's voice. 'I'm sure you didn't expect to here from me. The weak, drunk Macy wouldn't have called but that was then and this is now. I just want to tell you what I think of you! You are the biggest bitch I have ever known. I almost lost my sobriety because of you. I lost my husband to you, and what do you do, toss him away like the garbage you are. Well I just want you to know I will not let you get away with it this time! You watch your back because I will be coming after you!'
'Well,' exclaimed Brooke. 'She certainly doesn't pull punches.' She punched the button to here the next message. She was greeted by Morgan's voice.
'You won't get away with this! Ridge will be mine and I will be back at Forrester! I don't care what I have to do to get there! This is a warning Brooke! Don't even think you can get out of my way!'
'Another county heard from.' Brooke said as she punched the button to listen to the final message but this time there was just breathing and a hang up.
'I wonder who that was? Maybe a wrong number.' She said as she returned the phone to the cradle and started to work.

'That can't be Taylor!' Eric exclaimed. 'She would never do that to Ridge.'
'Brooke is behind this Eric! The man is Connor Davis' partner. Brooke must have hypnotized her or something. It's a conspiracy. She is out to ruin that marriage and get Ridge. We have to stop her!'
'Oh I'll stop her alright!' said Eric as her grabbed his car keys and walked out the door.

Brooke felt the presence at the door before she looked up. 'What's going on? Why are you looking at me like that?' She said in a panicked voice.

 

Chapter 8

I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be looking at you this way." Sobbed Taylor. "Oh Brooke I’m so confused."
Brooke got up and put her arms around her friend. "I’m sorry I jumped at you. It’s been a really bad day. What’s wrong Taylor."
"I just don’t know what to do anymore? I’ve made a mess of everything."
"It can’t be all bad. Did something happen with Bryan?"
"No Bryan is wonderful."
"Oh my God it’s Ridge! Oh, Taylor I am so sorry. It’s all my fault. You know how Stephanie gets to me. I should have just shut my mouth."
"What do you mean Brooke? What’s your fault?"
"I told her that you were off to Hong Kong, well I said you weren’t there to think about Ridge but that you went there to get laid. I am so sorry. I was wrong to do it. She was pushing and pushing."
"Brooke! Stop it! This is the new Taylor, your friend, remember. I can’t possibly hold you responsible for something I did. Even if it was a stupid thing for you to do"
"I shouldn’t have said anything."
"No, you shouldn’t have. But Brooke, it was going to come out soon enough anyway. You were a bit crude though." They both laughed and hugged.
"I’m really sorry, I wouldn’t want to do anything to hurt you. I hope you believe me." They hugged again and separated.
"Of course I do."
"Well tell me, did she tell him?"
"No, she didn’t." Taylor said. "Though I wish she had, then I wouldn’t be in this situation at all."
"What situation?"
"Ridge and I, we made love. We made love twice."
"Oh Taylor it’s okay. He’s your husband and you love him. Maybe being with Bryan helped you realize that you still wanted to make it work with Ridge."
"No, I don’t want to make it work with Ridge. But I was so drawn to him. I tried to fight it but I couldn’t."
"Yeah." Brooke said as she thought about Venice. She had felt the pull to Ridge very strongly that day. She had just professed her love to Thorne and accepted his ring but had wanted Ridge so badly that it hurt. "He can be very persuasive." She answered.
"You’re thinking about Venice aren’t you?"
"That and other times. We really do have a lot in common don’t we?" Brooke asked. "But Taylor if you don’t want to be with him what’s the problem? Is it Bryan? Are you regretting being with him? I mean that thing sure happened fast."
"Brooke, I still love Ridge, I love him deeply, but I can’t be with him anymore, never again. After" she stopped and thought. All he had to do was say the right words, make the right moves and I turn to putty in his arms. "After we made love he casually wondered if we had made a baby. Well then I remembered what started this whole thing. Morgan! I can’t live with his betrayal anymore Brooke. How could he think that I wanted him to sleep with Morgan, to father her child? How can I love him and hate him so much? Oh Brooke, I got so mad when he had to nerve to think that us having another child would make everything all right again. I just walked out while he was in the shower. I took my rings out of my purse and left them for him to find." She looked down at her emerald again. Brooke took notice.
"That’s beautiful! Did Bryan give that to you?" She exclaimed.
"Yes, he did." Taylor answered.
"You two are sure on the fast track. I can hardly believe that you just met him."
"But Brooke, that’s not true. Bryan and I were together years ago."
"You’re kidding! When? What happened?"
"It was a very intense relationship, intense and very sexual. I went home with him the night I met him and we were together every night after that for almost a year. We were wild and free. All we ever wanted to do was be in each other’s arms, in each other’s beds. I couldn’t get enough of him. I was addicted to him and I loved him too."
"Then what happened? Why did you break up?"
"I thought I was looking for more stability, more maturity. I met Blake and he swept me off my feet. He was everything that I thought I wanted."
"Blake was totally different from Bryan." Brooke commented.
"And he provided what was missing in my life. You know I think it had a lot to do with the distance I had with my Dad at that time."
"Blake Hayes isn’t exactly a father figure."
"No, but he did fit my needs. I left Bryan as suddenly as I started with him. Blake and I eloped and I never saw Bryan again, that is until The Gazebo."
"And it was love at second sight."
"You might say that. I’ve thought about him a lot over the years. I tried to find him but we had lost touch. Brooke I am in love with him, but I’m also in love with Ridge. I just don’t know what to do. Bryan wants to marry me, Ridge wants me back."
"But what do you want?" Brooke asked her.
"That is the sixty four thousand dollar question." She answered.
"Taylor I know you love Ridge, and if you want to go back to him I will support you 100%. But please be careful, he can really hurt you and so can Morgan and she is armed for bear. I don’t trust her for a minute. Especially after what went down today. She will do anything to get him and to keep him. It’s like she’s living in the past. She doesn’t seem to realize that he isn’t in love with her anymore, if he ever was. But Please be careful of her. After today anything can happen. "
"Why today? What happened?" Taylor asked.
"I fired her. She has caused enough trouble around here. But that isn’t why I did it." She looked thoughtfully at her friend. "I gave her a very generous severance package and told her to take a hike."
"Good for you Brooke. And thanks, I know you did it for me."
"What are friends for." Brooke answered with a smile.
"I am so glad I went with you to the lake that day. You really are a true friend and I cherish that. We may have had a checkered past but I am so happy that that is over. I think that I reached out to Morgan because I was looking for a real friendship. We sure make a lot of mistakes in life. I wish I had responded better to you when you reached out to me with the Thorne thing. I judged you and that was wrong. You needed a friend and I turned it all around on you."
"And my mistrusting you was one of the worst mistakes I ever made. I should have given you the benefit of the doubt and tried to reason with you instead of all the name calling." Answered Brooke honestly. "I hope we can be friends forever, whatever the future brings us."
"We will." Taylor said as she hugged Brooke again. "Thanks for letting me vent. I’m sorry if I disturbed your work. I think I need to go back home to think this all over."
"Home? To Ridge?"
"No, home to my temporary home, at your house."
"Good" Brooke smiled at her "I’ll see you later. I have another hour or so of work to do and then I’ll come home and we can talk again. And again Taylor, I am so sorry for telling Stephanie."
"Well she will just have to get over it won’t she." Said Taylor. "I’ll see you later." She said as she left.

"Thanks for calling me Macy. I knew that she was up to something. Yes I will. You too honey. Goodnight." Stephanie said and she hung up the phone. So Brooke was with Connor Davis again. It must be all part of the plan. Hurt Thorne, ruin Macy and get Taylor involved in her little clan and then swoop down on Ridge. She thought. "Well not this time Brooke." She said aloud. "You will never get your claws on another member of my family, I will stop you whatever it takes." She walked to her desk and slipped something into her purse. "After I’m through with you Brooke Logan, you will be out of our lives forever." She opened the door and walked out.

Macy walked back out to the patio after speaking to Stephanie. "Thorne, would you like some lemonade?" She asked "Thorne? Where are you?" She looked around outside and went back into the condo but he was nowhere to be found.

Taylor walked into Brooke’s house and was greeted at once by a hug from Thomas. "Oh Mommy missed you too baby." She said as she spun him around. "How’s my big boy?"
"Taylor?" said Bridget as she entered the room. "Boy am I glad you’re back."
"I’m sorry Bridget, I know it was inconsiderate of me to stay away for so long. Thank you so much for being such a great sitter."
"It’s okay. I love those kids, but if you’re back I think I’ll go out for awhile."
"Sure honey. Do you need any money? I know you refused to let me pay you but I really want to."
"It’s okay Taylor. Mom left me some money and I’m just going to my friend Sara’s anyway."
"I thought you had a date."
"Well, I did but um." She hesitated.
"He didn’t want to wait for you, and I took so long getting back?"
"Something like that. Don’t worry! No big deal! I’m not like in love with him or anything."
"I’m sorry honey, if there is anything I can do to make it up to you, please just ask."
"Can I borrow your car?" Bridget asked her.
"I thought you only had a permit. Don’t you need a licensed driver with you?"
"Only if I get caught."
"Sorry Charlie, not that favor. Anything else?"
"Nah, I’ll just call Sara. Her brother will pick me up."
"Okay honey. Are the girls in bed?"
"Sound asleep. I fed them and changed them too."
"Damn!" Taylor said. "I really miss them. I wanted to see them, but I don’t want to wake them."
"Well if they act anywhere near the same with you that they did with me they’ll be up in about an hour wanting to play."
"Yes, I suppose so." Taylor kissed Thomas. "We can wait that long can’t we sweetie?" She cooed to him.

Brooke closed the folder she was looking at and yawned. Boy, am I tired she thought as she stretched. "Okay Brooke" she told herself, "Just one more file and it’s home for you!" As she reached into her desk for the final file the lights in the building all went out. "What? Hello! I’m still in here!" She shouted. A loud bang sounded "Huh?" said Brooke as she looked down at her check and saw the large red stain. "What?" she said as she clutched her chest in pain. She pulled herself out of the chair and tried to get to the door. In her weakened state she tried to grab the desk for support but she passed out, falling through and shattering the huge glass coffee table. As she lay bleeding in a pool of glass her office door slowly closed and the lights came back on.

"Just a minute" Said Taylor as she flew down the stairs. The doorbell had just rang three times. "I’m on my way!" she shouted as she reached the door and opened it. "Ridge?" she said as he faced her.
"Hi Doc. Can I come in?" he asked sheepishly.
"Shhh! The girls are asleep" she whispered as she let him in and closed the door. "What is it Ridge?"
"I miss my family."
"You should have thought of that when you were screwing Morgan!" she angrily replied.
"Please! Let’s not go through that again. I came in peace! I just want to be with my family."
"Sit down. I’ll get Thomas. He’s in the kitchen having cookies and milk with Rick."
"Where’s Brooke?" Ridge asked.
"She’s at Forrester." Answered Taylor. "I’ll be right back." She said as she left the room.
Ridge looked around and was greeted with a flood of memories. He and Brooke had shared many happy times here and he missed her. He had come to greatly regret his actions in Venice. They had cost him a treasured friend. He vowed to himself to win back Taylor’s love and Brooke’s friendship, two of the dearest things to him.
"It’s done Stephanie. She won’t hurt us again." Said Eric as he walked through the door. "Stephanie? Where are you?" He asked as he saw the dark and empty house.

Macy was pacing back and forth across the living room when Thorne walked in. He went to the refrigerator, opened it, took out a bottle of beer, pulled the cap off and drank it in two quick gulps. He grabbed another and turned around to a shocked Macy.
"Where have you been?" she asked him.
"I don’t know, I just don’t know." He drunkenly replied as he downed the new beer.
"You’re sweating like a pig and you’re all out of breath. What’s wrong"
"Nothing. Everything’s fine." He said. "It was just a dream, just a dream."
"What are you talking about Thorne?"
"Just a dream. Never happened, just a dream."
"Thorne honey, what was a dream?"
"Oh God Macy" He said as he grabbed her a started crying in her arms.

"You look beautiful Doc." Ridge commented as Taylor and Thomas entered the living room. "Hello Thomas, come here to Daddy!" He held his arms out and Thomas ran to him and hugged him. Taylor felt tears welling up as she watched this take place. How can I break this all up? She wondered.
"Look at my little cookie face!" Ridge exclaimed to his son. "Oh Taylor, this is what life is all about. You, me, our family. Please say you’ll give us another chance." He freed himself from Thomas and went to her and gently put his hands on her shoulders. "I need you Doc." He slowly kissed her. Again she tried to fight him off. "Please Ridge, I need more time to think."
"You will think about it?" He hopefully asked, "All hope isn’t gone?"
Before she could answer the phone rang. "I have to get that," she said as she pushed him off her and picked up the phone.
"Hello"
"Taylor, it’s Connor. Is Brooke there?"
"No Connor, she’s at Forrester."
"I’ve been trying to call her but she isn’t picking up. I tried her cell phone and no answer there either. I figured she must have come home."
"Well she isn’t here yet. Maybe she’s on her way."
"I have a bad feeling Taylor. I think I’ll head over there."
"Wait Connor, we’re closer. Ridge is here, he and I will go over. We’ll call you as soon as we know anything."
"You’re worried too aren’t you."
"I don’t know why I should be but yes, I am. I’ll call you soon." She said hanging up the phone. "Ridge, we have to go to Forrester, I think something might have happened to Brooke."
"The kids?" He asked.
"Rick will stay with them."
"No, he left a few minutes ago while you were getting Thomas. You stay here. I’ll go check on her."
"Are you sure?"
"I’ll call you." He said. He kissed her. "I’m sure she’s fine."
"Yeah, I’m sure you’re right." She said. "Call me right away."
"I will." He said and he walked out.
"Where are you Brooke?" Taylor wondered.


"I hate you all!" Morgan screamed as she threw her glass at the wall in the beach house. "Ridge should be mine! I deserve him! I have to be near him! You tried to stop me but you can’t! Stephanie! Taylor! And you Brooke, you’re the worst! No, you couldn’t have fired me! No one will ever know! I’ve stopped you now! Ridge will be mine! He’ll be mine!"

"Brooke?" Called Ridge as he walked down the hall towards her office. "Brooke are you here?" He opened the door to her office. "Logan! Oh my God Logan!" he screamed as he saw her lying in a pool of blood. He ran to her and lifted her into his arms. "Logan, oh God, Brooke, oh God. Please baby, please. Don’t be dead, please." He cried. "I have to get you to a hospital. Somebody please help me!" He screamed.
"Taylor, It’s me again. I’m on my way to Forrester, I was too worried, I couldn’t wait."
"Ridge is on his way too Connor, he must be there by now. Where are you?"
"I’m in my car. I’m just around the …what the hell? Taylor there are police and ambulances all over the place! I gotta go!" he said as he hung up. "Brooke!" He screamed as he pulled the car into a spot, jumped out and started running to the door.
"Sorry sir, this is a crime scene. I can’t let you go any further." Said the police officer as he held him back.
"No! Brooke!" He screamed. "Brooke?"
"Sir, you have to stay back."
"Where’s Brooke? Is she alright?" he pleaded with the officer. He then raw Ridge sitting on the curb, covered in blood sobbing. "Forrester! Ridge! Where’s Brooke?" He demanded as he broke away from the cop and ran up to Ridge. "Where is she?" He shook him.
"Connor they just took her away. So much blood, everywhere blood. She was so still. I couldn’t feel a pulse."
"Is she alright Ridge?"
"I think she’s dead." He sobbed.
"No!" Connors scream ripped through the night.


"You have to get control of yourself Thorne." Said Macy. Thorne was sitting on the couch with his face buried in a pillow. "Tell me what happened. What was just a dream."
"No, no, no, no!" He repeated.
"Thorne, honey what’s wrong?"
"I didn’t do it, I swear I didn’t do it."
"Do what? Thorne, you are making me really nervous. "What didn’t you do?"
"No, it was just a dream. Not real, not real at all."
"Come on Thorne, you aren’t making sense." Macy pleaded. "You’ve just had too much to drink. Let me get you some coffee." She got up and walked into the kitchen. Her eyes widened as she saw the bright red footprints in front of the refrigerator. "Blood?" She reached down and touched the spot, her fingers came up wet and bloody. "Thorne? There’s blood all over the kitchen floor. Oh my God!" She exclaimed as she followed the bloody footprints to where Thorne was passed out on the couch.

"Eric?" questioned Stephanie as she entered her home. "Eric? Are you home?" She was shaking as placed her car keys on the table. I did it for my family. I will do anything for my family. She thought.
"I’m up here Stephanie." Shouted Eric.
Control yourself Stephanie. You did what had to be done. A mother is supposed to watch out for her children. Ridge and Taylor and Thorne, I love them all, I had to protect them. I love Bridget and Rick too. I will make it better for them. They will realize that this is the best thing.
"I’ll be right there dear." She replied. You caused this yourself Brooke. I warned you but you didn’t listen.

"I have to call Taylor" Ridge cried. He was in the passenger seat as Connor sped to the hospital. "I have to tell her."
"We’ll call her when we get there. We need to get more facts. The cop said she’s alive Ridge. Brooke needs us now."
"How can she be alive? Connor you didn’t see all the blood. And she was so pale. Oh Logan, God Logan. Davis I have to call my wife."
"Here" He handed him his cell phone. "Just give her some hope. We don’t know how bad it is."
"I saw her Connor! It’s bad….it’s real bad."
"But she’s alive Ridge, and she’s a fighter."
"She never had a fight like this before. Who would have done this to her? Who?"
Connor shot him a dirty look. "Just about anyone with the name Forrester."
"Don’t you go blaming my family Davis! None of them would do this! They may have a grudge against her but they would never do this never!"
"You just try to convince yourself. The jury is still out as far as I’m concerned."


Another police car pulled up to Forrester. The officer got out and walked up to a policeman who was already on the scene.
"What’s going on here Dave?"
"A shooting. Looks real bad. Why are you here."
" I have a warrant, for the arrest of Brooke Logan Forrester."
"Well you won’t be able to serve that here, in fact you may never get to serve it at all. She was the one who was shot and it doesn’t look like she’s gonna make it."
"This case is getting very interesting. I think I’d better give Lieutenant Burke a call."
"By the way, what charge do you have against her?"
"Attempted murder."

"There you go babies." Cooed Taylor to her girls. They had woken up and she had just fed them, changed them and put them back into their cribs. "Mommy sure loves you. And so does your Daddy. Oh girls, your Mommy is very confused. I wish your Auntie Brooke would get home soon. I really need to talk this out." The phone then rang. "Maybe that’s her, or your Daddy!" She said. She picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Taylor, it’s me."
"Bryan!"
"Hope I’m not calling at a bad time."
"No, I was just thinking about you (and Ridge) is everything okay?"
"That’s what I was wondering. You never called me after you went to get your stuff."
That feels like a year ago Taylor thought.
"I’m sorry, I’ve been busy with the kids. I really missed them."
The confidence returned to Bryan’s voice.
"I’m sure you did. I miss you. Can I come over?"
"It’s late Bryan, and Brooke isn’t home yet."
"Better still."
"No, really Bryan, I need to talk to her tonight. I’ll call you tomorrow."
"It’s Ridge isn’t it?" He asked as the air went out of him like a balloon.
"What’s Ridge?"
"Honey, I thought we had it all figured out."
"No Bryan, you had it all figured out. I told you that I was still a married woman."
"Are you going back to him?"
"I don’t know." She answered honestly.
"Is there still a chance for us?" He hopefully asked.
"Yes." She honestly answered again. "Bryan, it is so confusing. I do love you. I know that, but I still love Ridge too."
"Even after everything that he did?"
"Even after everything he did." She answered. "We made a commitment."
"Which he didn’t honor."
"Neither did I" she said sheepishly. "Bryan, I’m not saying it’s over for us. I just need more time to think."
"I love you."
"And I love you. Please Bryan, give me some time. I’m not ready to throw us away."
"But you aren’t ready to throw away your marriage either right?"
"I love you Bryan. Please, let that be enough for now."
"If that’s all I have, I will accept it. Can we be together tomorrow?"
"Yes. I want to see you. I need to see you."
"Don’t forget how good it is."
"I never could. I want you Bryan, I really do. But I don’t have only myself to think about." She said thinking about her children.
"Goodnight my beautiful Taylor. I love you with all of my heart."
"Good night Bryan. I love you too." She said as she hung up. Tears streamed down her face. The phone rang again.
"Hello?"
"Doc, it’s me. You have to get down to the hospital right away."
"What’s wrong Ridge?"
"It’s Brooke Doc! Someone shot her, I don’t think she’s gonna make it. You gotta get here fast. Pack up the kids and bring them if you have to but get here now."
"Oh God Ridge! I’ll be right there!" She hung up the phone. "Oh Brooke! Who would do this to you?"

 

Chapter 9

A panicked Taylor practically flew into the emergency waiting room. She spotted Ridge and ran to him. A look of shock covered her face when she saw all the blood.
"Ridge! Oh, my God are you alright?"
"What?" he asked. He was sitting there in a total daze.
"The blood Ridge, the blood?"
"It’s Brooke’s blood Doc." He said as he grabbed her and held her to him. "She’s dying Doc. She’s dying and there’s nothing I can do about it." His face was wet with tears. "I never had the chance to tell her I was sorry, never had the chance to let her know how much she means to me."
"You can’t think like that! Ridge, she’ll be okay. She has to. You’ll have plenty of time to tell her how you feel." She hugged him tightly and started weeping.
"Please Doc, don’t leave me. Please don’t leave me. I can’t bear the thought of losing you now. We’re losing Brooke and I can’t lose you to." He sobbed. Taylor held him closely and kissed his head.
"It’s okay Ridge, I’m here now. And we aren’t losing Brooke, you have to have faith. You got to her on time, you saved her. God won’t take her from us now." She comforted him.
"I hope you’re right, she just has to make it." Ridge then noticed that she had entered the hospital alone. "Where are the kids?"
"I called Katherine and she came right over." She then saw Connor pacing. "Connor, are you alright?"
"How can I be alright Taylor? The woman that I love is fighting for her very life."
"How did this happen? Who did it? Have the police caught anyone? Was it a burglary?"
"I went in looking for her, she was on the floor. There was so much blood." Ridge answered. "I have to see her. I have to see her now!"
"The doctors are working on her Ridge." Answered Connor. "No one can see her yet."
"Rick and Bridget?" Exclaimed Taylor. "We have to find them."
"I called the house. Bridget was back from her friend’s house. She and Sara are looking for Rick." Said Connor. "I called Beth and Steven in France. I don’t even know what the hell time it was there. They are taking the next flight. Megan is trying to locate Katie, Storm and Donna."
"Ridge, did you call Thorne?" Taylor asked.
"I have to see her, I have to tell her. Forget Thorne." Ridge said.
"Get hold of yourself Ridge!" Commanded Connor. "You aren’t going to do her any good in this state. Taylor is right, you have to let Thorne know."
"He’s no good for her." Answered Ridge.
"Ridge, that isn’t the point," explained Taylor, "He loves her. He needs to know. I’m going to call him."
She pulled herself from Ridges grip and went over to the public phone.
"Why won’t they tell us anything!" Ridge loudly complained.
"Let them do their job Ridge. We can’t help her. Only the doctors can."

Macy was on her knees scrubbing the blood from the floor. "I don’t know what you did Thorne but I will protect you." She said as she turned and watched his sleeping form. She got up and went to him and pulled his sneakers off of his feet. "I have to get rid of these." Macy thought about it and exclaimed. "The barbecue, I’ll burn them." She went outside and lit a fire in the grill.

Two men in suits walked over to Ridge and Connor and identified themselves as LAPD detectives.
"Mr. Forrester, I understand that you were the one who found her."
"I already told everything to the officer on the scene."
"Indulge me then. Did you see anyone?"
"No I didn’t see anyone" He sighed. "I went to her office, opened the door, saw her in the blood and called for an ambulance. That’s it! End of story!"
"Do you know anyone who might want to see her dead?" The detective asked.
"Dead, of course not! Why would anyone want her dead?"
The detective turned to Connor.
"And you are?"
"I’m Connor Davis, Brooke’s friend and her attorney."
"And why would she need an attorney sir?"
"She’s the CEO of Forrester Creations, it is not in the least unusual for her to have an attorney. But I am here as her friend."
"Then you weren’t there for the arrest?"
"What the hell are you talking about? You haven’t even caught anyone yet have you?"
"You weren’t aware then that a warrant had been issued for Ms. Logan’s arrest?"
"What in God’s name are you talking about? What the hell would she have been arrested for?"
"This isn’t funny!" Ridge chimed in. "She’s in there fighting to stay alive and you want to arrest her?"
"There is a warrant out for her arrest."
"And what is the charge?" questioned Connor.
"Attempted murder."
"Are you nuts!" Exclaimed Ridge. "Someone tried to murder her, she didn’t try to murder anyone."
"Detective, this must be a mistake." Connor said calmly. "Brooke is the one lying in the operating room. Who is she supposed to have attempted to murder?"
"We aren’t at liberty to divulge that information at this time." The detective said. "Mr. Forrester, do you have anything more to add?"
"Yes! Yes I do!" He shouted "Get the hell out of here! Go find who did this!" He moved to strike the detective but Connor held him back.
"Watch it Forrester, you can be arrested for withholding information."
"Get them out of here Connor!" Ridge demanded.
"What is going on? What is all this shouting about?" asked Taylor as she returned to the group.
"These assholes are claiming that they are here to arrest Brooke!" Ridge said as he tried to free himself from Connors grasp.
"Arrest Brooke?" Taylor asked.
"We’ll be back," said the detective as they left.
"Arrest Brooke?" Taylor asked again. "Why would they arrest Brooke?"
Connor let go of Ridge who looked towards where the detectives had left. "They claim that SHE tried to kill someone?" Ridge exclaimed. "What the hell is going on?" He asked as he once again took Taylor into his arms.
"There was no answer at Thorne’s, I’ll try him again later. Do you think we should call your parents?" Taylor asked Ridge.
"Like they’d even care." Chimed in Connor. "They’ll probably set off fireworks!"
"Leave my parents out of this Davis." Said Ridge as he turned to face Connor.
"Why Ridge, why should I? They have caused her so much pain and you know it!"
"Do you want to take this outside?"
"Anytime you want Forrester!"
"Stop fighting! Please stop it" Cried Taylor. "Have you both forgotten why we are here?"
"Sorry Taylor" Connor said gruffly.
"Yeah, me too." Ridge conceded.

Stephanie started upstairs toward Eric. I have to keep this to myself. I can’t let anyone else know the truth. I have to convince Eric that it really happened. You can do this Stephanie. You can.
She entered the bedroom and a look of shock came over Eric’s face. "My God! What happened to you?" He asked as he noted her torn blouse and the bruises and cuts all over her face. He jumped from the bed and ran to her. "Were you in an accident? Are you alright?"
"It wasn’t exactly an accident Eric. I went to Forrester to confront Brooke but she wasn’t there. I looked around but I gave up. When I went to the lot to go home I saw her, she was there, closing the hood of my car. I called to her but she just ran. I got in and started it up and everything was fine. I didn’t give it more thought, I just wanted to get home"
"What was she doing to your car?" Eric demanded.
"I have no idea. Well at least I didn’t at that point. Anyway I started home and then the car just went totally out of control. Eric I crashed."
"Good Lord Stephanie! Are you alright?"
"I’m okay Eric. I hit a tree, luckily it was on the passenger side. I called the police, I told them what I had seen. When they opened the hood they saw what she had done. Eric, she tampered with the brakes and the steering. I could have been killed."
"Are you sure it was Brooke?"
"Of course I am. I know what that bitch looks like. The police questioned me and I told them I wanted to press charges. They said it wouldn’t be necessary."
"Why not?" He angrily asked.
"Because she was trying to kill me, it is a criminal offense. Of course I will testify against her. You know how she will lie. That’s where I’ve been all evening, making my statement. They towed the car away. They need it as evidence."
"She won’t get away with this Stephanie. My God, that woman will stop at nothing. And to think I almost let her win."
"What do you mean Eric? Let her win at what?"
"Never mind that now, let’s just get you cleaned up and into something warm."
"I love you dear." She said.
"I love you too darling."
It’s working she thought, he believes me. And more importantly, the police believe me.

"Where did Connor go?" Ridge asked his wife. He had just gone to the cafeteria to get coffee. It was the first thing any of them had had to eat or drink in the hours following Brooke’s shooting. She had made it through surgery and had been moved to Intensive Care. The sunshine coming through the windows was helping them get a more hopeful feeling.
"He went to pick up Beth and Steven at the airport. They must be frantic. At least he can tell them she’s made it this far."
"She has a long way to go Doc. We still haven’t heard anything positive." He handed her a coffee and brought one to Rick and Bridget who were sitting together near them.
"She’s alive Ridge!" Said Rick, "I think that that is positive."
"Yeah Rick, it is. I just wish she’d wake up." Ridge said to him. "Did you see her yet Doc?" He asked.
"Katie is in with her now. The doctors don’t want us in too long. She should be out soon. I want to go in too."
"Okay" Said Ridge, "Katie’s seen her, Rick you and Budge saw her. Davis saw her. I’m going in next."
"Alright Ridge. But please stay calm. We want her to rest."
"I’m not going to upset her. I just have to see her."
"I know baby, I know." She said as she got up and put her arms around him. "She has to get better, with all the love in this room she must feel it."
"Speaking of love, did anyone reach my loving brother yet?" Ridge asked sarcastically.
"Still no answer." Said Rick.
"Did you try Macy’s?"
"You think he’d be there?" Rick asked. "I thought that that was all over."
"Well they are friends. Anyway your Mother broke it off with him."
"She did?" Questioned an obviously shocked Rick. "When?"
"She took up with Davis again. I can’t say I understand her taste in men." Ridge grumbled.
"Stop it Ridge!" Admonished Taylor. "This isn’t the time or place for this."
He sat down and put his head in his hands. Taylor sat next to him and leaned against him.
"Come here Doc." He said resting her head against his chest. "See if you can sleep for awhile."
"Ridge, I can’t sleep."
"Then just close your eyes and rest." He said as her held her tenderly.

"Thorne! Thorne wake up, please wake up!" Pleased Macy. "Thorne we have to talk about this."
"Huh?" He said rubbing his eyes. "My head, God it hurts." He looked around and saw the sunlight coming through the windows. "Was I out all night?" He asked. "Wow I tied one on. Last thing I remember is you and me coming back here after seeing Brooke at Mannequins. I really laid it on thick to her. Did I drink here? In front of you? I’m sorry Mace."
"Listen to me Thorne." Macy calmly said. "We came back here. I went to get us something to drink and when I turned around you we gone. "
"Gone? When did I go?" A puzzled Thorne asked.
"Thorne, I don’t know, but when you came back you were really drunk."
"I was? I can’t remember where I was Macy?" he looked at his bare feet, looked around the room, reached under the couch and said. "In fact I can’t even remember where I left my sneakers."
"You don’t remember anything Thorne?"
"No I can’t. Come on Macy, fill me in."
"I wish I could." She said sadly.
"It can’t be that bad. I made it back here didn’t I?"
"Thorne you have to try and remember. It’s very important."
"Look Macy, I was wrong to get so sloshed but I made it back alive. I promise I won’t do it again. What is the big problem?"
"Listen to me Thorne. When you came back, your shoes were covered in blood, but your weren’t cut anywhere. Where did the blood come from? You have to try and remember what happened."
A look of shock fell over his face.
"Oh my God Macy! It wasn’t a dream!"

"Eric I can brush my own hair." Stephanie said, as Eric did all he could to make her comfortable.
"I love taking care of you." He responded and continued running the brush through her freshly washed hair. Eric had bathed her and treated her wounds, which thankfully weren’t severe. This morning he was papering her every need.
"When I think that I could have lost you," Eric said.
"But you didn’t. I’m alright."
"Stephanie, are you positive it was Brooke? No matter how hard I try I can’t seem to make myself believe she is capable of murder. I was married to that woman, she is the mother of two of my children. Are you sure you weren’t mistaken."
"Do you doubt me Eric? Do you think I’m lying to you?"
"Oh course not." He said. "It’s just that I never would believe Brooke could be so, so, evil."
"She’s pulled the wool over your eyes for years Eric, yours, Ridge’s and now Thorne’s. But now that will be over. She will be in jail and out of our lives forever." She triumphantly said with a smile.
"You sound like you’re glad this happened." Eric looked concerned as he saw the malice on his wife’s face.
"Well, maybe I am. She showed her true colors, the ones I had seen all along, and now finally she will pay."


Against all odds Taylor had fallen asleep in Ridge’s arms. He was holding her tenderly giving her occasional light kisses. Bridget and Rick were quietly talking to Katie and Donna, who had just arrived with their brother Storm, who was talking to the doctor. The door opened and Beth and Steven walked in and went to their children and grandchildren. Hugs and kisses were exchanged. Connor and Bryan walked in behind them. Bryan’s eyes immediately went to Taylor and Ridge. He was furious and started towards them.
"Not now man." Said Connor as he held him back. "This is definitely not the time."
"Connor I just can’t stand to see her with him."
"He’s her husband Bryan. Let them be. This isn’t about the two of you, this is about Brooke. Now come on let’s see if there is any news."
They walked to Taylor and Ridge.
"Ridge? Has there been any change?" Connor hopefully asked.
"No. She’s still unconscious." Ridge answered as Taylor awoke.
"Any change?" she asked hopefully.
"No Doc" said Ridge with a kiss to her forehead. "Storm is talking to the doctor now but there’s nothing new." He noticed Bryan whom he did not know. He held out his hand. "Ridge Forrester." He said.
Bryan shook his hand. "Bryan Jackson." He responded. "I’m Connor’s partner."
"Nice to meet you. Too bad it couldn’t be under better conditions." Ridge replied. Taylor turned very pale and looked pleadingly into Bryan’s eyes.
"This must be your lovely wife." Bryan said looking at Taylor. "I’m happy to meet you."
"Yes" answered Taylor as she sat up out of Ridge’s arms. "Thank you for coming. Brooke will be happy to have so many friends here." She looked around the room. "Oh good, Beth and Steven are here."
"And Storm" added Ridge. "Her old flame." He explained to Bryan with a wink.
"Storm is Brooke’s brother." Taylor added.
"I see" Said Bryan with a twinkle in his eye. "Nice looking guy Ridge, you better watch you wife."
"I trust her completely." Ridge honestly answered. A pained look came over Taylor’s face and she stood up.
"I think I’ll say hello to the Logans." She said as she walked away shooting Bryan a look that said ‘please don’t say anything’.
"I’m going in to see Brooke." Ridge announced.
"Don’t you think you should let the Logans see her first?" Connor asked.
"I need to see her Davis. They are talking to the kids. I won’t stay long but I have to see her."
Connor saw the desperation on Ridges face. "I’m sure they won’t mind. After all you found her. She might not even be alive if it weren’t for you."
"Don’t even say in Connor" Warned Ridge as he left to go into her room.

Ridge slowly entered Brooke’s room. There were machines monitoring everything beeping and glowing. Brooke was very pale and covered with many bandages. Ridge looked at the readings on the machines but barely understood what anything was telling him. He pulled a chair over to her bedside, sat down and took her hand. He didn’t even try to stop the tears from rolling down his face.
"Hey Logan! It’s me." He said to her. "Don’t you worry, you’re going to be just fine. We have the best doctors looking over you." He wiped his cheek. "Why don’t you try and open your eyes Honey. I really want to see those pretty hazel eyes of yours. Your Mom and Dad are here. So are the kids, and your sisters and brother. Taylor is waiting to see you. You know, you two amaze me. I don’t know how you did it but I am so happy my two favorite ladies are friends. But then again, I always knew how special you were."
He bent over and kissed her very lightly.
"Ridge?" she whispered as her eyes slowly opened.
"Yes honey, it’s me. Oh thank God, you’ve come back to us."
A look over terror came over her face. "Help me Ridge! Help me! I hurt so much!"
"You’re okay now Logan. You’re safe in the hospital. You’re going to be okay."
"Hospital?" she asked as her eyes took in the room. "Please help me." She begged him. "I want to go home, please take me home."
"Soon, Brooke, soon. You’re going to get better and then we’ll all take you home. We’ll have a big party and all your friends will be there."
"It hurts so much."
"I know honey, I know."
She grasped his hand tightly. "Please help me, I’m so scared. I hurt so bad."
"I’m right here Brooke."
She sighed and closed her eyes and once again passed out.
"Oh Logan, my sweet Logan. I love you so much. I am so sorry that it couldn’t work for us, but please know how much I love you and always will. From now on I will be here for you whenever you need me. I am so sorry for Venice. If you want Thorne, I will support you. If you want Connor, I will support you. If you want friggin Bozo the clown I will support you. Just please keep fighting. I don’t even want to think of my life without you in it." He took her hand to his mouth and kissed it. "I’ll be back soon Logan. I promise."
He got up and walked out and back to the waiting room. He walked up to Storm and the doctor.
"She opened her eyes and talked a little. She said she was in pain. Doctor, can’t you give her something."
"That’s good news Mr. Forrester. I was just telling Storm that her vital signs are improving, I’ll go right in and check on her again. As for the pain, she is getting pain medication but I will increase it."
"You don’t want to overmedicate her." Warned Storm.
"Don’t worry. She’s in good hands." The doctor said as he walked away and into her room.

 

Chapter 10

Morgan walked to the doors at Forrester amid the mayhem from the previous night. There were still police and the Forrester security guards were working with them verifying the employment of anyone entering the building. She took little notice of the commotion and tried to pass the checkpoint.
'Hold it Miss.' The uniformed officer said to her. 'I'll need to see your identification.'
'Oh, of course.' She said as she opened her purse and took out her company ID. 'Will this do?' she sweetly asked.
The officer looked at the security guards checklist. 'Thank you Miss Dewitt, you may proceed.'
She returned the ID to her purse as two more employees came up to the guards. She smiled at them and entered the building.
'Robert, what's going on?' one of the women asked the Forrester guard.
'Ms. Logan was shot last night.'
'Oh my God! Here at Forrester?' the second woman questioned. 'Is she alright?'
'Well, Mary we don't know that yet. And yes, it happened here.'
'I guess we aren't safe anywhere' the first woman commented.
'The officer here will need to see both your ID's.'
'Here's mine.'
'And mine.' They both handed their ID to the guard and the policeman checked them to the list.
'You may both go in.' The policeman said and they passed.
'That's strange' Joe commented to him. 'Ms. Dewitt didn't even ask what happened. I guess she was in a hurry.'
'She's the new designer working for Ms. Logan isn't she?' the policeman asked.
'Yes sir, she started a couple of months ago. Some crazy clothes that lady wears if you ask me. But hey. I just do security I don't profess to know anything about fashion.'
The policeman made a note on his chart.

Inside the building Morgan had entered her office and was sitting at her desk. Megan walked past her open door and doubled back when she saw Morgan.
'What are you doing here?' Megan asked.
'I work here, where else would I be?' Morgan answered her.

'Hello' said Eric as he answered the phone.
'Dad, thank God I finally got you.' Ridge said 'Dad, it's Brooke.'
'I know son,' Eric replied. 'Thank God your mother is alright.'
'Mother? Was she there?'
'Was she where?'
'At Forrester last night.'
'Yes, that's where it happened. Mother saw Brooke in the parking lot.'
'Dad, I don't know what you are talking about. When did she see Brooke in the lot? Before it happened?'
'Oh course before it happened.' Eric started to sound annoyed. 'Why are you talking in circles?'
'Dad, did she see the shooter?'
'What shooter? Your mother wasn't shot.'
'Thank God for that. How did she get out without him seeing her?'
'Without who seeing her? Ridge I don't know what you're talking about.'
'How did mother get out of Forrester after seeing the shooter without him seeing her?'
'What shooter?'
'The man who shot Brooke!'
'Shot Brooke? Who shot Brooke?'
'Dad, this is starting to sound like Abbott and Costello. Last night Brooke was shot at Forrester. Was Mother in the building when it happened?'
'Your Mother was at the police station.'
'The police station? Then she did see him.'
'See whom? Ridge, you aren't making sense. Now calm down and explain what you are trying to say. Brooke was shot?'
'Dad, this is very confusing. Let me go first. Last night Brooke was working late, Taylor had just left her office when.'
'What was Taylor doing at Brookes office?' Eric interrupted.
'Dad, let me finish. Taylor was talking to Brooke.'
'Talking to her does no good son. She is out to destroy us. Surely you know that now.'
'What the Hell are you talking about?' Ridge shouted.
'Do not take that tone of voice with me son. If you had never gotten involved with her none of this would be happening.'
'Look Dad. I don't know what you are talking about. I just wanted to tell you that Brooke was shot last night. She's at the hospital. It was real bad but the doctors are optimistic.'
'Don't you dare say that you are blaming your mother!'
'Why would I blame Mother?' Ridge questioned.
'Well it was Brooke who tried to kill your mother not the other way around.'
'Brooke? How could she have tried to kill mother? She is lying unconscious in her bed.' Ridge insisted. Then he thought about what Eric had just said.
'Wait a minute, what do you mean kill mother? Was she shot at too?'
'No one shot her. Brooke tampered with her car.'
'I keep telling you Brooke is in the hospital. She didn't do anything, except get shot.'
'Now who would shoot her?'
'Dad, last night Brooke was working late, she and Taylor had just been together. The building was empty. Taylor was worried. I went back to check on Brooke and she was on the floor in a puddle of blood. She was shot! Do you understand that?' He emphatically explained.
'Now you listen to me son. Your mother went to confront Brooke. She caught her red handed fiddling with her car. Brooke ran off. Your mother got in her car to go home and she lost control and crashed. The police are arresting Brooke for trying to kill your mother.'
'That is ridiculous! Brooke would never do something like that and even if she would it would be impossible! She's been shot! She's in the hospital. I called the ambulance myself! Aren't you listening to me?'
'Your mother would not lie about this!'
'Then she made a mistake. She is always ready to blame everything on Brooke.'
'I can't believe your attitude! Aren't you even concerned about your mother?'
'Of course I am, but you told me she is alright! Brooke isn't! This whole thing is ridiculous. Talk to her again Dad. She must have said that she thought it was Brooke. It wasn't! That would be impossible.'
'Are you coming home to see your mother?' Eric gruffly asked.
'I am not going anywhere until I am 100% sure that Brooke is alright.'
'You better get your priorities straight Ridge. And where is your brother?'
'How the hell should I know? We've been trying to find him all night.'
'Well if you see him, send him home. Your mother needs our support!' He said and he hung up the phone on Ridge.
'I don't believe this!' Ridge said as he slammed down the phone. He returned to Connor and Bryan.
'This is insane!' he said to them.
'What's insane?' Connor asked.
'My father, my mother. They are the ones who are accusing Brooke. Someone messed with my mother's car and she told the police it was Brooke. I tried to tell him that it couldn't have been her but he won't listen. Look, I love them but Connor, you have to do something. I will not have the police bothering Brooke the minute that she wakes up again.'
'Slow down and tell me the whole story.' Connor instructed.

'Thorne you have to calm down and tell me what happened.' Macy pleaded.
'It's Brooke. I went to see her. Macy I was so drunk. I was so mad. I think I might have hurt her.'
'It was her blood?' Macy asked. 'Thorne, what did you do to her?'
'I don't know Macy! God help me I don't know.'

'I've had previous dealings with the Forresters' Lt. Burke said to the officer who was securing Brooke's office. 'Things tend to get pretty bizarre with them. They are a close knit family who like to cover up for each other. I know that Stephanie Forrester has a grudge against Brooke Logan so I tend to take her accusations with a grain of salt.'
'Well her car was definitely tampered with. I thought that a woman with her reputation should not be taken lightly.'
'Absolutely not Madison, but we have to look beyond the obvious here. The Forresters are known to have enemies. And with Ms. Logans shooting it appears less than likely that she had anything to do with the car.'
'You want me to continue looking into that aspect though, don't you?'
'For now yes. Brooke Logan may indeed be involved, though personally I doubt it. Now I see here that there are two set's of footprints.'
'Yes, one is obviously Ridge Forrester's. We don't know about the other.'
'Most likely we have a clue to our shooter.'
'My thoughts exactly.'
'Did Stephanie or Eric Forrester show up here today?'
'No Lieutenant, no Forresters at all.'
'Well I think I may go over to their home to question them. We have two mysteries here and I think that they may not be connected at all.'

'Morgan, I'm Brooke's administrative assistant. I typed the package. I know she fired you.' Megan told her. 'I think in light of what happened last night you should leave.'
'You don't understand Megan, she did give me the papers but we talked it out. We resolved our problems and she asked me to stay.'
'In spite of the baby?'
'Baby? What baby?'
'I know all about it Morgan. Brooke and Taylor are friends now. Brooke would never let you stay here after what you did to Taylor and Ridge.'
'What I did? I think you should stop all your snooping little girl. Okay, yes, I am pregnant and it is Ridge's baby, but he wants it as much as I do. And besides that, I think I would have quite a lawsuit if she fired me for being pregnant! No matter who the father is! Anyway, it looks like Brooke won't be around anymore.'
'You really are a bitch.' Megan told her. 'Brooke will be back and she will want you out of here.'
'Brooke is dead!' Morgan calmly stated.
'Don't you dare say that! She is alive and she's going to get better!'
'Well whatever! I hope she is alive but the radio says she's dying. She may even be dead now. I hope not, I like her, but what can I say, she didn't fire me. You have no proof of anything so I am staying! Now please leave my office!'

'Stephanie I need to talk to you.' Eric said as he entered the bedroom. 'I just got off the phone with Ridge. Stephanie, what is going on?'
'What do you mean Eric?'
'Stephanie, Brooke was shot last night.'
'Shot?'
'Shot! At Forrester! How can this be? It doesn't make sense. You MUST have mistaken someone else for her. She couldn't have been the one who tampered with the car.'
'It was her Eric! I know who I saw.' She looked at him pleadingly. 'Eric, you have to believe me. She did this to me. She can't have been shot. She must be putting on an act or something.'
'How do you act shot?' He demanded. 'Ridge said she is in the hospital, fighting for her life. Now please, tell me the truth. What happened?'
'The truth is what I told you! I saw Brooke at my car! If she was shot it must have been after she did this to me!'
'Your hatred is a sickness Stephanie. You wanted it to be her, so it was. Think about it, try to remember.'
'I know perfectly well what I saw and I saw Brooke!'
'I'm going to the hospital.'
'To see that bitch?'
'My children need me! Now you try and think about it, try and think who it might really have been.' He said and he left the room.
'No! This isn't happening to me! I had it all planned out! You were going to be out of our lives forever! You always find a way to ruin everything Brooke!' She screamed to no one.


'Beth, Steven, how is she?' Eric asked as he entered the waiting room. Beth greeted her former lover with a warm smile. 'Better Eric. The doctors are optimistic. She is alert when she is awake, but she is mostly sleeping.'
'It's better that way for her. She doesn't notice the pain as much.' Steven supplied.
'I didn't know, Ridge just told me. I wanted to be here for the children.' He looked around 'Where are they?'
'Rick and Bridget are in with her now. They are only letting us go in for short periods. It's so nerve-wracking. I want to be with her, she's my child Eric.' Beth said to him.
'Does anyone know how this happened? Who did it? Why?' Eric questioned.
'Not a thing.' Steven answered. 'And when we try to ask her she doesn't remember anything. All she says is how much pain she's in.'
'Have you seen Ridge?' Eric asked, noticing that he and Taylor were not there.
'He and Taylor went to the cafeteria to get something to eat. Donna and Katie are with them.' Beth explained.
'Why is Connor Davis here?' Eric questioned, he was thinking about Stephanie and her accusation. Could he be here to defend Brooke?
'He and Ridge came in together. Ridge found her and then Connor got there. I think they may be involved again, but I really don't know.' Beth said.
'Who's the other man....oh my God! It's that Bryan Jackson! What the hell is he doing here? Has Ridge seen him?'
'I don't know him Eric,' said Beth. 'He was with Connor when he picked us up. I think he's his partner or something.'
'I know exactly who he is' Eric answered. 'I just hope Ridge doesn't.'

'Good morning Mrs. Forrester' Lieutenant Burke said to Stephanie. She had just come downstairs for coffee when the doorbell had rung. 'I hope you are feeling better today.'
'Yes I am, thank you. A bit sore and shaky but better.' She answered. 'Have you arrested Brooke yet?'
'Not yet Mrs. Forrester, there are some complications, it seems that someone tried to kill Ms. Logan last night.'
'I heard that, but I thought she was alright.'
'She's in intensive care right now, that's pretty far from all right in my book.' He answered. 'Mrs. Forrester, I have to ask you. Are you positive it was she? The timelines seem to go against your theory.'
'I know Brooke Logan when I see her Lieutenant.' She defiantly answered.
'Mrs. Forrester, I have to warn you. Ms. Logan could have a case against you if you choose to pursue this.'
'A case against me! How dare you! That woman tried to kill me! I want you to arrest her at once.'
'That isn't going to happen any time soon. I have had the warrant revoked. My detectives are looking into this from all angles but to be perfectly honest with you, it is almost impossible for Ms. Logan to have done this.'
'You don't know what she was doing prior to the shooting. I do! She was tampering with my car! Trying to kill me!'
'Mrs. Forrester, your daughter in law confirms that she was with Ms. Logan at her office prior to the shooting.'
'Taylor?' Stephanie said as she paled.
'Yes ma'am, and Mr. Davis was on the phone with her also. We have the phone records to verify that.'
'It had to have been Brooke' she whispered.
'Perhaps, but like I said, I doubt it. I can get a hypnotist to work with you. Maybe that would help clear up your memory.'
'No!' she emphatically said. 'I don't believe in that voodoo hogwash! I know what I saw.'
'You just think about it Mrs. Forrester.' He said. 'Oh, by the way, have you seen your son Thorne recently?'
'Thorne?' she asked.
'Yes, no one has heard from him. We'd like to question him, see if he might know anything. I hear that he and Ms. Logan are, shall I say together, these days.'
'No, I don't know where he is.' She said.
'Well if you do see him, ask him to give me a call.'

'Was she awake at all?' Ridge asked Rick and Bridget. They had just returned from Brooke's room.
'She opened her eyes for a moment but she didn't say anything.' Rick answered.
'She smiled at us' Bridget commented. 'I think she looks a little better than before.'
'The doctor said she is improving kids. I think she'll be okay.'
Connor and Bryan walked over.
'How was she?' Connor asked.
'She was asleep, why don't you go in. I'd hate her to wake up alone.' Rick suggested to Connor.
'Yes, I think I will. Bryan, I'll be right back.' He walked away.
'It's really nice of you to stay Bryan.' Said Ridge. 'Do you know Brooke well?'
'We've had dinner. Connor introduced us. She's a nice woman. I like her.'
'We all love her very much.' Ridge said. 'Are you and Brooke involved?'
'Oh no. She and Connor, well no I just know like her a lot.'
'Yeah we all do. I just wondered. I'd love to see her in a good relationship. I don't really see that happening with Davis. I thought maybe you and she might have hit it off.'
'Only as friends.' Bryan assured him.
'Is there a special woman in your life?' Ridge asked.
'Yes there is. Someone I fully intend to make my wife.'
'Well good luck to you. Maybe the two of you might join me and Taylor for dinner some day.' Ridge suggested. He sat down next to Rick. He started sorting through a stack of magazines. He picked up 'Eye on Fashion' and started to open it when Rick grabbed it from his hands.
'No work now Ridge!' He said as he handed the magazine to Bryan.
'I was only going to look at the review of the show.'
'Come on Ridge, let's go get a soda.' Rick suggested as he stood and pulled Ridge up.
'Sure Rick.' He said. He gave a look of puzzlement to Bryan who shrugged at him. Rick and Ridge walked out of the waiting room and Eric quickly approached Bryan.
'I think you better leave.' He told him.
'And you are?' questioned Bryan.
'I'm Eric Forrester, and that is my daughter in law in that picture with you!' He fumed.
'Well Mr. Forrester, I am here to support Connor and Taylor so I believe that I will stay.'
Eric grabbed the magazine out of his hands and shoved the picture in his face. 'I think you will leave!'
Taylor saw the commotion and ran over.
'Bryan, Eric please stop it!'
'Get your friend out of here Taylor. He has no place here.' Eric nearly spat at her.
'That's enough Eric. Bryan is my friend.'
'That is obvious!' Eric said as he showed her the picture. 'Quite good friends at that. What if Ridge had seen this. Though we won't be able keep it from him forever!'
Taylor was obviously shocked at the photo.
'Oh God! Bryan did you see this.'
'Not until he shoved it in my face.'
'What are we going to do?'
'Tell him to leave Taylor!' Eric demanded. 'What ever problems you and Ridge have can be fixed.'
'I'm not going anywhere.' Bryan defiantly told him.
'Bryan, maybe it would be better,' Taylor said.
'Taylor?' he questioned 'What are you saying?'
'I can't deal with this right now.'
'Taylor! Don't do this to us.'
'There is no us for you and Taylor' Eric spat at him.
'Yes Eric! There is!' Taylor spoke up. 'Bryan, I don't want this to turn into a circus.'
'Maybe you're asking the wrong person to leave.'
Taylor put her arms around Bryan and kissed him deeply. 'For me Bryan, please.'
'Only for you' he kissed her again. 'I love you.' He said loud enough for Eric to hear.

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