Changes
Part 129
Brooke stood up from where she had been sitting on the couch as the front door
opened. A look of anticipation changed to one of disappointment as Michael
walked inside.
“Sweetheart, you’re going to have to stop jumping every time the door opens.
It’s been over six weeks.” He came over and took her in his arms.
“Why won’t she call us? Why won’t she come home?” She held him tightly. “My
little girl is out there all alone and I don’t even know why? Why Michael? Why
did she leave?”
“You know it had something to do with that man.” He said softly. “I just wish
we knew who he was. And even with taking them off the Coopers the detectives
still haven’t found anything yet.”
“I’m sorry you had to do that Michael. I know you want to help Jason and so do
I, but right now Bridget is our first priority. Family has to come first.”
“I know.” He said with a reluctant sigh. “Sometimes I really do think of him
like family though. I guess I need to get THAT out of my head. Anyway, I told
them to hire more men. We gotta find this
“And Sara? Are you sure she never met him?” Brooke let go and looked up into
her husband’s eyes.
“Only what Bridget told her and that wasn’t too much.”
“My poor baby.” Brooke’s eyes filled with tears. “She should have known she
could come to me. I would have been there, I would have helped her with
anything.”
“We’ll find her Brooke. I promise we’ll find her.” He took her hand and
squeezed it. He turned and looked at their daughter, sleeping in the cradle.
Brooke followed his eyes and smiled.
“She’s getting so big isn’t she?” Brooke said sadly. “She misses her sister.”
“Bridget will be back, we’ll find her Brooke, but until that we need to stay
strong for Bethany.”
“I know, but it’s just so hard Michael. I miss her so much.”
“I do too.” He put his arm around her.
“I keep playing that horrible, horrible moment over and over again in my head.”
Brooke gave him a sad look.
“I wish I could have spared you, I’d have done anything to have spared you.”
Michael was so sincere that it brought more tears to Brooke’s eyes.
“I know, I know.” Brooke was lost in thought as she remembered how it had been
on that fateful night almost seven weeks ago.
Brooke let go of Ridge. “Honey I’m sorry, I really am but I don’t want you to
give up. You and Taylor have fought so hard to get this back, don’t throw it
away. Fight for her Ridge.”
“If I thought she’d listen I would but she looked so tired
“You have three beautiful children and you can fix things with
“You’re back?” Michael asked with a frown as he walked into the room. “Alone
Ridge? You came back without your wife? You came back when I wasn’t here? Do
you have any clue how this looks to those vultures? Do you have any clue how
this could hurt my wife and my daughter?”
“I, I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking.” Ridge looked at Michael.
“You never do.” Michael shook his head.
“Nothing is going on Mike. Brooke isn’t cheating.” Ridge tried to assure the
man.
“I know that.” Michael said with disgust. “I don’t have any reason to ever
doubt my wife, but you’re setting her up to have to deal with the press at a
time that that is the last thing in the world we want to do! Now please just do
me a favor and think before you act. Why the hell didn’t you bring
“Michael, Ridge is having some problems, he needed to talk.” Brooke spoke up. “
“Sorry, sorry.” Michael looked from Brooke to Ridge. “Maybe I overreacted, but
things are messed up. I just don’t want this too.”
“I’ll go.” Ridge answered.
“No, no wait Ridge. I think we could use you right now.” Michael surprised them
both.
“Michael, why are you back so soon?” She asked with a suspicious squint. “I
thought you were going home to have dinner with Bridget and then an early
night. Don’t tell me she blew you off. I’m going to have to talk to her. Not
that I’m complaining, I’d never complain about having you with me.” She added
with a smile. But the smile faded from her face when she saw the look of worry
on his. “Something’s wrong.”
“I don’t know how to tell you. I don’t know where to start.” Michael looked
down. “Tonight should have been one of our happiest ever.
“Brooke?” Michael touched her gently on the cheek.
“Huh?” She looked up at him.
“You were miles away.” He explained.
“No, just seven weeks.” She sighed. “Everything went from perfect to a horror.
Will it ever be okay again? I need my baby Michael, we have to find her.”
“We will.” He promised, though unsure if he would be able to come through. But
for now he had to calm her and keep his wife healthy. “How about I make some of
that herbal tea?” He suggested. “Then you can decide if you want to go out for
something to eat or.”
“No, no I don’t want to go out.” Brooke answered immediately. “She might call.”
She looked hopefully at the phone. Michael knew at this point Bridget wasn’t
going to be calling but he wasn’t about to upset Brooke anymore than she
already was.
“Okay, then I’ll make something. You need to eat.”
“I know.” She reluctantly agreed. “I’ll try.”
“How about that tea?” He asked her.
“That would be really nice.” She gave him a very weak smile.
“I won’t be long.” He kissed her cheek and walked out but Brooke was already
back to that night.
“Do what? Michael nothing is going on here. No one saw Ridge. He and Taylor had
a fight and I’m just trying to give him some advice. I didn’t mean to upset
you.”
“Sweetheart, you’ve done nothing to upset me.” He walked over to her. “Come on
and sit down.” He gently led her back to the bed.
“I think I should go.” Ridge volunteered.
“No, I really think you should stay.” Michael stopped him.
“What is it?” Brooke asked him. “Do you have news about
“No honey,
“Then what is it Michael? What’s wrong?” Brooke begged as Ridge looked on,
wondering why he was still there.
“I got home and went to take a shower.” Michael started. “Bridget was playing
that crap that masquerades for music. I called to her but I wasn’t sure if she
heard
“Hip hop.” Brooke explained to Ridge, then turned back to Michael. “I’m sure
Bridget feels the same way about your Jim Morrison. She always makes fun of how
Michael is always listening to the Doors.” She laughed softly.
“I was just getting dressed when the doorbell rang.” Michael continued in a
solemn voice. “I asked Bridget to get it but she was ignoring
“I’ll talk to her.” Brooke answered.
“I threw on my jeans and ran down. It was Sara.” He seemed oblivious to
Brooke’s interjections.
“Oh Jeez..” Ridge exclaimed. “Mike, I had no idea she was still bothering you.”
“When I was talking to Rick earlier it was about Sara.” Michael explained. “She
had shown up at my office but I had Pam send her away. I didn’t care what she
wanted, I just wanted her gone. God, I’m so sorry Brooke, I was selfish and
stupid and I should have taken the time.”
“Don’t be silly Michael, you did the right thing to stay away from her. I don’t
know where she got the nerve to show up at our house or how she even got the
address.”
“Bridget.” Michael said softly. “Bridget told her.”
“Now I KNOW I have to talk to her.” Brooke sighed. “I hope she isn’t getting
involved with that girl again. I don’t know how she could after all that
happened. In fact this can’t wait.” She reached for the phone. “I want her to
know just how upset I am about this.”
“Brooke wait.” Michael pushed down the button on the phone. “Wait.”
“Here you go.” Michael put a steaming mug in front of Brooke and another next
to it.
“Huh?” She looked up, almost in a daze. “Oh, thanks.”
“I lost you again.” He sighed.
“I’m sorry, I just keep thinking about it all.” Brooke admitted.
Michael looked down at the baby again. “When did she eat last?” He asked.
“I fed her about an hour ago but she didn’t take much.” Brooke frowned.
“I’ll make her a bottle.” Michael got up again.
“But.” Brooke protested.
“You’re doing all you can. She’s getting breast milk but she needs the formula
too. I know you’re disappointed but it’s fine, it is. She’s getting the best of
both worlds.”
“I think that my nerves are making it worse.” Brooke took his hand. “But thank
you Michael, you’ve been so wonderful to both of us.”
“Let me go get the bottle, you drink that tea. Do you want some cookies so
something?” He offered.
“No thanks.” She told him.
“I won’t be long.” He kissed Brooke, then Bethany and went back to the kitchen,
leaving Brooke alone once more with her memories.
“No Michael, I need to talk to her now while its still fresh. Bridget needs to
realize that the world doesn’t revolve around her. I know she’s upset about
something but bringing someone like Sara into our lives is just something I
won’t accept. She is going to talk to me, she is going to talk to me now!”
Brooke was very angry. She loved her daughter so very much but she wasn’t going
to let her ruin what should be one of the happiest times ever for Brooke and
her entire family.
“You can’t. You can’t talk to her now Brooke, she’s gone.” Michael grabbed her
and turned her to face him. “She left, she’s gone Brooke, I don’t know where
she is, she’s gone.”
“Gone? No, she must be at a friend’s house, she probably didn’t want to stay in
the new house all alone. Maybe the move right at the same time as the baby was
a little traumatic for her but she needs to understand that she has to talk to
me, to us. I’m going to start calling around, I’ll give you some numbers too
and you can help.”
Michael looked at Ridge, who looked very confused and then back at Brooke.
“Sara was trying to get to me to tell me. Bridget came to her, Bridget was
upset over what happened with a guy. She thought that things were alright but
apparently she didn’t really know what Bridget was feeling.”
“Sara doesn’t know her, she’s just trying to use this situation to get to you
Michael. Don’t let her do that.” She turned to Ridge. “Can you hand me my
purse, I know I have the numbers in there. Maybe you can call Rick and ask him
to help.”
“Sure Logan.” Ridge hesitantly answered.
“No Brooke.” Michael said softly but in a tone so clear and so serious that it
stopped everything around him. Brooke’s eyes filled with tears. She knew he was
going to say something that she didn’t want to hear. She shook her head and
tried to look away.
“Bridget called Sara. She told her that she was gone and not coming back. She
asked Sara to tell us, to make sure we were okay. Damn it, if I had seen her
earlier maybe I could have stopped her.” Michael slammed his fist down on the
nightstand.
“If she was already gone when she called Sara there was nothing you could have
done.” Ridge said as he touched Michael’s arm. “We’ll find her.” He turned to
Brooke. “We’ll call the police, we’ll get a private detective. We’ll find her
Logan.”
“Why? Why Michael? What could be so bad that she’d leave us? Why?” The tears were
freely flowing down her cheeks.
“There you go baby girl.” Michael smiled as
“I don’t care.” She sighed. The memories were almost too much for her. Coming
back to realty changed nothing, Bridget was still gone and her life was at a
standstill.
“Brooke, you gotta start caring. I know you’re upset,
I’m upset too, but we need to keep going. Bridget thought she was leaving us so
we could be happy and.”
“Well I am NOT happy!” Brooke shouted.
“Neither am I.” Michael said softly.
“I’m not going to just pretend she never existed!” Brooke protested.
“Did I say that?” Michael asked. “Sweetheart, all I am saying is that we need
to eat, we need to try and give
“I know, I know. Oh Michael I’m sorry, I don’t want to fight with you.” She
walked over to him and put her arms around his neck.
“She seems to be doing a lot better lately.” Mary commented to Sam as they
watched Bridget wait on a young couple. “She’s good at this and the customers
seem to like her.”
“She doesn’t look pregnant.” Sam said with a frown.
“Who said she was?” Mary asked.
“Everyone’s been trying to guess what her story is.” Sam answered. “Pregnancy
was the most common guess, but I don’t think that’s what it is.”
“Maybe there is no story.” Mary shrugged.
“She’s staying with you, you tell me.” Sam looked over at Bridget again. “Nah,
there’s always something. That girl was running from something. You wanna know what I think?” She asked.
“Not particularly.” Mary muttered. “Go on, what do you think?”
“First off her name is NOT
“I know, but so what?” Mary asked.
“I think she’s running from a bad relationship.” Sam said with what could be
described as a smirk.
“Is that a crime?” Mary asked her.
“Since she got here I’ve seen several guys look interested in her.”
“She’s pretty, why wouldn’t they be?”
“She doesn’t even look at them.” Sam looked back at Bridget. “Jacob has been
really nice to her and usually the new girls all get crushes on him but not
Logan. She acts the same way with him as she does with Charlie.” Sam was
referring to the oldest member of the team. Charlie was a retiree who worked
part time, not really for the money but more to keep himself occupied. He was a
kindly old senior, well loved by everyone.
“I’d think you’d be glad she wasn’t all over Jacob.” Mary didn’t know what was
bothering Sam but she liked
“I think she’s gay.” Sam answered. “Think about it.”
“Oh yeah, any woman who doesn’t jump Jacob’s bones is gay.” Mary said
sarcastically.
“She’s running from something, she ends up in
“So what if she is.” Mary frowned.
“Don’t pretend you’re not curious Mary. She’s been here six weeks and we don’t
know much more about her since we did the day she walked in. I just think I’m
right, that’s all.”
“Whatever. I better go seat them.” Mary motioned to two new customers.
“I’m going to take my lunch break, I saw a pair of shoes with my name on them.”
Sam told her. “Just think about what I said.” She smiled and walked away.
Bridget picked up the money from the table and smiled as she saw the generous
tip. She was fitting in well and making a decent living. She might not be
living the life she had left behind but she was surviving. She thought back to
the first week she had been there. She hadn’t been too sure what was going to
happen with Jacob had called her in for the first time.
“You wanted to see me?” Bridget stood outside of the manager’s office. Jacob
looked up from his computer screen and smiled.
“Come on in
“I’m sorry, it’s just that it’s pretty busy out there and.”
“They can handle it, sit, I’d like to talk to you.”
Bridget tentatively sat down. “Did I do something wrong?” She asked.
“How are you liking it here?” He asked as he looked up at her.
“It’s fine.” She squinted. “Did I mess something up?”
“Are you always so insecure?” He asked with a frown of his own. “Never mind, I
know you won’t answer anyway. You’re doing a really good job.” He answered her.
“How do you like that room you’re renting?” He asked.
“It’s fine.” She answered.
“A wealth of information aren’t you?”
“Does my job depend on my telling people my life story?” She asked. “Because if
it does then maybe I should find another one.”
“You’re very defensive.” He noted. “I’m just trying to be friendly. You know
you seemed pretty much a mess the day you came in but now you’re well, I just
don’t know how to read you.”
“Read me.” She rolled her eyes at him.
“What?” He asked.
“Someone I used to know used to get all into ‘reading people’ and it just
brought back a weird memory.” She sighed. “Can I get back to work?”
“You know I wondered if you might have been pregnant.” He watched her face
flush. “But I don’t think so. Something is troubling you though. You’re running
from something aren’t you?”
“Are you trying to be my conscience or my social worker?” Bridget started to
rise. “Because I have a conscience of my own and I don’t need a social worker!”
“How about a friend?” He asked.
“Don’t need that either.” She told him.
“We all need friends Logan.” He smiled at her. “Don’t you ever want to just
talk to someone?”
“What makes you think I don’t? I wasn’t born the day I walked in here you
know.”
“This isn’t going the way I wanted it to. Let’s just start again.” Jacob
suggested.
“I just want to do my job and be left alone.” Bridget told him.
“Okay, okay, but
“Okay.” She said softly. She looked back at him with an intense look of sadness
and then left the office.
Things had changed since then. She had found herself drawn to Jacob, they had
talked, though nothing about Bridget’s past, they had found they had things in
common, they liked the same authors, the same movies and even some of the same
television shows. When Jacob had invited her to dinner, strictly as a friend,
she had accepted and they had had a wonderful time. It was nice to have someone
she could just relax with and even laugh with. She looked over at his office
and then back at the tables. It wasn’t very crowded. Maybe she could spare a
couple of minutes to talk to him. She’d wait on the two people that just walked
in and then take a break herself.
“You know what I wish?” Brooke leaned back into Michael’s protective arms.
“I wish she was here too.” He agreed with a sigh and a squeeze to her hand.
“Oh that too, always that.” Brooke answered. “But I was thinking about
“Another reason why I could strangle that brother of mine.” He muttered.
“She’ll come around Brooke, she’ll realize we were victims too.”
“I’m sure she does, but she’s hurt and angry. Even with all that Joey is doing
she doesn’t care.”
“Frankly I can’t blame her. As far as I’m concerned it’s too little, too late.
But in time she’ll come around to you. I’m just sorry that you’ve lost your
support system since I’ve come into your life.” He gently touched her arm and
kissed her cheek.
“Don’t even think that.” Brooke said strongly. “You’re the best thing that ever
happened to me and you ARE my support system. What Joey did had nothing to do
with us, he didn’t even know who I was or who
“Tried huh? Yeah, tried real hard.” Michael scoffed.
“He’s cooperating with the police. Can’t you try to forgive him?” Brooke asked
her husband.
“What choice did he have? He’s so damn lucky that he isn’t in jail, in fact I
don’t understand why he isn’t.”
“Storm said that there wasn’t any real evidence and that the real criminals are
those men that Blake hired and that Joey is working with them in trying piece
it all together. They don’t even have any hard evidence against Blake, he must
have covered his tracks pretty well.”
“He denied it all to Ridge and
“
“I guess she does.” Michael pulled her closer. “I can try and talk to her,
maybe apologize one more time for that sorry excuse for a brother that I have.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong.
“What? I could use some good news.” Michael looked into her eyes.
“I spoke to Thorne today, he said that Ridge moved back in with
“You think they will?” Michael asked her.
“I don’t know. I know she loves him and he loves her. I hope they do Michael.
Oh, if she would only talk to me.” She sighed and leaned back again.
“I don’t know how you can call that a good movie.” The woman said to the man as
she picked up the menu. “It was pretentious and way overrated.”
“Well I liked it. I thought the story was true to life and the acting, it was
superb.”
“You just thought he was hot.” She laughed and put her menu down. “You’re so
transparent Lenny.”
“I admit, he was hot, but he was playing a straight man and I STILL liked him.”
Lenny objected with a laugh.
“Hi guys, what can I getcha?” Bridget smiled as she
walked up to them.
“Coffee and one of those blondies.” The woman
answered.
“Regular?” Bridget asked.
“Oh yeah, none of that decaf crap for me.” She told her. “Lenny?”
“I’m thinking, I’m thinking.” He looked at Bridget. “She never gives me time.”
He looked at the menu again, sighed and looked up at Bridget. “Okay, I’ll have
a Chai Tea Latte and on orange muffin.”
“Great, I’ll be right back.” She smiled, took the menus and walked away.
“I’m surprised you didn’t ask HER about the movie.” The woman laughed.
“Maybe I will Marcy, I bet she’d agree with
“She looks way to smart for that.” Marcy grinned at her friend. Then she turned
more serious. “Have you given any more thought to LA?” She asked him.
“You know this is home to me. What does La La Land
have to offer? Nah, I just can’t do it.” Lenny answered.
“You’re not in a relationship here, and the job is a really good offer. You
really should think about it Lenny.” She pushed.
“Oh yeah, like I have a better chance of a relationship THERE.” Lenny laughed.
“Hey, I know you’ll miss me but it’s not that far, we can still get together
from time to time. Maybe you’ll finally meet your Mr. Stud Muffin.”
“It is far.” She said with a sulk. “I thought we were a team.”
“Half our team already abandoned us.” Lenny reminded her.
“And now they want us to join them. Think about it, a whole new firm, a new
start, everything fresh. We could make the rules, we could make it everything
we always wanted to. I really want to go.”
“I’m not stopping you Marcy, it’s just not for me. I don’t like LA. Besides, if
you go and get pregnant that’ll cramp your style. Who will I have then? They’re
already an old married couple; if I lose you too I got nada.”
“I’m not going to be getting pregnant, you know that isn’t why I want to move.
Please, just promise you’ll think about it more.”
“I’ll think about it, but I really can’t see me changing my mind. This is where
I belong Marcy. It is.”
“How’s it going out there?” Jacob called out to Bridget as she walked past his
open door.
“It’s pretty quiet.” She walked in and leaned against the wall. “Sorta boring.”
“What time you finish?” He asked her.
Bridget looked at her watch. “Fifteen minutes ago, but Sam and Mary are out so
I said I’d stay a bit.”
“You like Bogey?” he asked her.
“Humphrey Bogart?” She frowned. “He’s okay I guess. Why?”
“That new place down the street is showing a couple of Bogey and Bacall classics. I was wondering if you’d like to go with
“Me?” She crinkled her nose. “What about Sam?”
“I didn’t ask Sam, I asked you. What do you say
“I don’t think so. Sam would get mad and I really don’t want to rock the boat
here. Take her okay?”
“What did she tell you about me?” He asked with his own frown.
“Everyone knows you two, well.”
“Everyone but me I guess.
”She’s kinda possessive Jacob. And I really don’t
need the hassle.”
“I’m a hassle?” He asked.
“I just don’t want any complications and I’m not looking for anything with
anyone and I really don’t need enemies either.”
“I’m not asking you to marry me, just a movie.” He stood up. “I thought we were
friends.
Bridget knew she shouldn’t say yes. She knew she could never become involved.
She knew even being friends would be wrong, but she was so lonely and he was so
cute and so nice and she wanted so desperately to do just what he said, have
fun. “Okay.” She said softly. “Okay, I’ll go.”
“That’s perfect honey.” Beth stood back and admired the room. The furniture not
only fit perfectly but it was comfortable and beautiful too.
“You need something on that wall.” Storm frowned as he thought.
“It’s fine, I have time. As long as I have a place to be I’m happy.” Beth sat
on the plush couch. “I can’t thank you and Colin enough.”
“It was nothing. Just a little shopping and muscle.” He laughed.
“Much more than that.” She got up, walked to him and hugged him. “I don’t know
what this family would have done without you these past few weeks.”
“We’ve all counted on you just as much.” Storm gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“You haven’t been having a picnic yourself. Does Brooke know about the decision
you made?”
“She has enough to worry about.” Beth answered. “I didn’t want to tell her
until I was all settled in.”
“Has he called?” Storm refused to acknowledge his father by any name.
“He’s asked me to come home. I told him I was. Home that is.” She explained.
“Are you sure that you’re going to be alright with this?” Storm asked.
“No, but I know it was the right move. In fact, I know now that ever going back
to your father was the wrong one, though your sisters may not agree.”
“After the way he treated all of us this time I think they’ll be on your side.
Especially Brooke.”
“He hurt her so badly when he refused to go see
“It wasn’t Brooke or the baby, it was me. I should have steered clear but damn
it Mom, I was so angry.”
“You had no reason to steer clear, it’s your father’s problem. I just wish that
Brooke hadn’t been so hurt. She needed him, especially after we found out about
Bridget.”
“Colin is going to talk to Sara again tomorrow. We’re hoping she remembers
something, anything.”
“She’s been cooperative?” Beth asked.
“Very. She’s upset about this. She seems to have changed a lot, even Mike
doesn’t get upset when she comes by. I just wish she had come to us when it all
started.”
“To be fair honey, she had no idea Bridget was going to run away.”
“I know.” Storm agreed. “It’s not her fault, but I can’t help wishing things
had gone differently.”
“Here you go. Coffee and blondie.” She put the plate
in front of the woman. “Chai and muffin.” She gave
the other order to the man. “Can I get you anything else?” She asked.
“If you have some spare brains you might want to give one to my friend.” Marcy
said with a look at Lenny.
“Sorry, my own doesn’t always work full time.” Bridget smiled at them. “Just
call me if you need anything else.
“Thanks sweetie.” Lenny smiled at her and she walked away to another table.
“She’s cute.” He told Marcy.
“You looking at girls now?” She laughed.
“There’s something about her.” He looked over at Bridget again. “Do we know her
maybe?”
“I was going to ask you that.” Marcy scratched her head. “She is familiar
somehow, but I really don’t know how we would know someone like her. She’s
young and straight and.”
“Yeah but there’s something.” Lenny insisted. “Maybe she looks like someone.”
“Maybe.” Marcy looked over at her again. “I know I’ve seen her somewhere. But
where?”
“We can ask her.” Lenny suggested.
“Did she give us her name?” Marcy wondered.
“No, but I think she had one of those cute little retro looking name tag
thingies.” Lenny gestured to the place on his chest where he’d wear one.
“You know, it’s just not important.” Marcy sighed. “What IS important is
getting you to come to LA with me. Come on Lenny, you know you’ll be miserable
here without
“What are we? Will and Grace?” He scoffed. “Seriously Marcy, if you want LA
then you go for it, but I want to stay here. I like it here, I am comfortable
here.”
“You haven’t really been happy since Jack died.” She reminded him. “At least
not since the whole trial was over. You had that to keep you going, but now?
Now you don’t even seem to want someone new so why not make this move. It will
be good for you, I know it will.” Marcy just couldn’t seem to give up the
fight. Lenny Anderson was her best friend and the thought of LA, even with the
great job and her old friends, just didn’t seem all that appealing without him.
“I do want to meet someone and I won’t do that if I move to LA.” Lenny
protested.
“Are you saying everyone is straight in LA?” She laughed.
“I got a hell of a lot better chance to find something here then there.” He
picked up his tea and took a gulp. “But I promise, I’ll think about it.”
“Every time I look at her I’m reminded of what a true miracle she is.” Michael
smiled fondly down at his cooing daughter. “She’s so beautiful Brooke, so
perfect. Everything should be so happy and yet.”
“I know.” Brooke wiped a tear away. “If only I knew where she was, if only I
could talk to her. If only I knew why? Why Michael? Why?”
“When we get her home we’ll make sure we get our answers, that’s for sure.” He
leaned over and covered
“I feel like everything is on hold, like I can’t move forward with anything
until I know, until I see her or hear from her or anything.” Brooke leaned in
and touched their baby. “But it’s not fair to
“You haven’t.” Michael argued.
“You’ve been a Godsend Michael. I never had any idea that you knew how to do
half the things you’ve been doing for us.”
“I’m learning as I go.” He smiled. “Denise taught me a lot, and Annie and your
mother and believe me, I learn from watching you too but I love it Brooke. I
never thought I’d ever want this, I didn’t want it and I just think I’d die if
I lost it now.”
“You won’t.’ She squeezed his hand. “You’re a wonderful husband and a wonderful
father.”
“If anyone would have told me a year or so ago that I’d look forward to
changing diapers and giving baths I’d have had them committed.” He laughed.
“I think the excitement of it will wear off.” Brooke giggled softly, then
stopped, feeling guilty for any happiness.
“I don’t think it will.” He disagreed. “I’m not the same man you met. Well,
maybe in some ways, but I think I’ve grown Brooke, I think I’ve matured and
believe me, all I want is my wife and family, the other things, the things that
used to be important to me just don’t matter. I used to just want to buy big
flashy things. I wanted fast cars and to fly and to sail and now I really don’t
care as long as I have you and our kids.”
“Our kids.” Brooke said with a sigh. “You’re including Bridget and Rick?’
“Of course I am, they’re just as important and just as much family. Rick’s a
great guy and Bridget, well you have to know how much I love her.”
“She needs to come home.” Brooke said sadly. “Nothing will ever be right until
she comes home.”
“The girls are finally down for the night.” Ridge smiled as he walked into the
bedroom. “Phoebe kept making me promise I’d still be here in the morning.” He
opened a drawer and took out a pair of pajamas. He unzipped his fly and let his
pants fall to the floor.
“What are you doing?”
“Me?” Ridge asked. He seemed lost by her question. “The kids are settled, it’s
time we were too. I’m just getting undressed.”
“Why are you in here?” Her tone was stern and angry.
“It, it’s our bedroom.” He stammered.
“It’s MY bedroom, you’re back for the children, not for me. The guestroom is
clean and ready for you.”
“This kids will ask questions
“And we will answer them. This is a temporary arrangement Ridge.”
“Well thank God for that. But I really wish you’d work fast in forgiving me and
we could get back to normal.”
“I meant your staying here.” She couldn’t believe that he still thought
everything could be back to normal for them. “I only wanted you back because
there was too much stress going on for the children. We need to make them
understand that no matter what we both love them and that we’ll both always be
there for them.”
“That would be a lot easier if you’d just let me stay in here.” Ridge smiled at
her. “I promise I won’t make you do anything until you’re ready.”
“You just don’t get it do you?” She threw up her arms in disgust. “I haven’t
stopped the divorce Ridge, I just wanted to give the children more time to
adjust and for us to assure them that we will stay friends and that they would
always have both of us. Not together Ridge, just two parents who live apart but
love them all just the way they always have.”
“I thought.” He started but then just stood with his mouth open. “
“They added to them but they aren’t everything. My reasons for ending this
marriage are all still there and I have no intentions of changing my mind.”
“Won’t you even give me a chance to try and change it?” He asked her. “Doc, we
worked so hard to get this back.”
“The last thing on my mind right now is our marriage Ridge, not with everything
else going on.”
“I can’t believe that they didn’t arrest that bum.” Ridge growled.
“Which one?”
“Both of them, Blake and Mike’s brother.”
“Well this is one thing we agree on.” She sighed. “When I think of everything
that they did to me and for so long.” She shook her head. “So many things would
be different.”
“If we work hard enough we can make them all better Taylor, they won’t be the
same but I swear they can be better.”
“I thought I was crazy, I thought he thought I was crazy, everything fell
apart, but that was Blake’s plan wasn’t it? He just didn’t count on you.”
“What are you getting at Doc?” Ridge asked.
“
“Where ya been?” Adrienne asked as Joey tried to
quietly sneak into the condo. She turned on the light and sat up on the couch.
“Sorry.” He said with a sheepish grin.
“You been with the police all this time?” She wondered.
“I went to Insomnia.” He explained. “Then I drove by Mike’s on the way home.”
“Why do you keep torturing yourself Joey.” Adrienne tapped the couch next to
her. “Come sit.”
“No lectures. I’ve had enough of those to last a lifetime.” He walked to the
couch and flopped down.
“And whose fault is that?” Adrienne challenged.
“I am trying, I am really trying to fix things but what’s the point if no one
will talk to me anyway.”
“It’ll come in time Sugar, you really are gonna have
to do a lot to get their trust back.”
“I want to meet my niece.” He said sadly. “I want to talk to Mike, I need for
him to know how sorry I am.”
“You got me, you got your sister, consider yourself lucky.”
“I know I’m lucky, I could have ended up getting the blame for everything. But Ade, I gotta get out of here,
it’s not safe for you.”
“Blake Hayes is not going to hurt anyone, he’s scared shitless himself. As for
his goons, you said it yourself Joe, they are long gone, they’re not gonna take the fall for him either. I think that’s the
biggest part of the problem, no one is paying and Mike wants someone to pay, so
do Ridge and Taylor I’m sure.”
“When Mike brought me over to see them, shit Ade, I
can still see those looks. They both wanted me dead. I wish I could have
assured them that nothing more was ever going to happen but I know there were
more tapes and I don’t know who has them.”
“Blake probably destroyed them.” She put her arm around him. “We got rid of the
ones you had. No one would be stupid enough to use them for anything.”
“I hate myself Ade, I really hate myself. When am I
ever going to grow up? When am I ever going to realize that no one owes me a
living. I was so freaking stupid and selfish to even think about using those
tapes, even if I didn’t know who the people were.”
“Joey, what you planned to do was wrong, but you never did it and you decided
not to do it right?”
“Tell that to Mike.”
“I will, but it’s going to take time. But my point is that you knew it was
wrong and you stopped. But honey, this wasn’t Blake’s plan at all was it?”
“No.” Joey frowned. “No, he’d never do that to Taylor or even Brooke I’m sure.”
“He was taping to watch her, to be able to mess with her, not to sell porn
tapes.”
“You’re right. He wanted to catch Ridge and Brooke and he did ask me to doctor
some things to make it look worse, but that was only to show Taylor.”
“Exactly.” Adrienne smiled. “So even if he still has any tapes, he probably
only keeps them to watch the woman he can’t have. But seeing how he has been
acting, my guess is he destroyed everything. The cops claim they found nothing
at all once they got that search warrant.”
“I’m not going to rest until I know what happened to them Ade,
I owe that to Mike and Brooke, even if they never talk to me again.”
“They have more important problems than you right now Sugar.” She pointed out.
“So why the stop at Insomnia?”
“I was hoping to see Sara.” He explained. “I thought that since things are
slowing down with the cops over all this I could try and help find Bridget. I
think Sara knows more than she’s telling or maybe more than she thinks she
knows. I tried to get Mike to give me details but he doesn’t trust me, he
thinks I have ulterior motives about Bridget.”
“Can you blame him?” Adrienne asked.
“Nothing ever happened, I like her but I knew she was too young. I really wanted
to be a friend to her, we are all family you know? Anyway, Mike won’t tell me
anything about what Sara told him so I’m going to have to find out on my own. I
think he really does blame me for her leaving too. Ade
I didn’t do anything, I swear.”
“I think Mike and Brooke think she might have left to help get over you.” She
ran her fingers through his hair. “You’re a hard one to get over you know.”
“Felicia didn’t have too much trouble.” He mumbled.
“You turned her whole world upside down, you scared her, she couldn’t deal with
it but at least you know she’s safe. Honey, you didn’t really want to be with
her, I know that.”
“Still hurts that she was so anxious to cut me loose. But you’re right, I don’t
blame her either. Shit, why do you even stay? Annie I can see, but you?”
“I love you Sugar, you know that.” She leaned over to kiss his cheek but he
turned his head slightly and their lips met. They both jumped back as if they
had been given an electric shock. “Joe.” She softly whispered. “We can’t.”
“This time I don’t agree with you.” He smiled and pulled her closer, their lips
locking once more.
Brooke moved her fork around on her plate one last time and put it down. “That
was very good.” She forced a smile. “Thanks.”
“You didn’t even touch it. I’m really getting worried Brooke, you’ve lost
almost ten pounds, you’re run down, you’re worn out. None of this is going to
make her come back and when she does come back you’ll be too sick to even help
her.” Michael told her as gently as he could. “We need you too Brooke, Bethany,
Rick, me. I know you’re suffering but you need to stay strong.”
“I know.” She sighed and picked up her fork. “I’m not doing it on purpose, I
just can’t seem to find any reason for anything.”
“We’re not enough?” Michael was noticeably hurt.
“Of course you are, but you don’t just expect me to forget her do you?” Her
voice seemed to turn louder and shriller at the end. “Do you?” She repeated.
“You know I don’t. You know I am not forgetting her.” He sighed and looked down
as his cell phone went off. “Sorry.” He told his wife as he opened it and
answered. “Dr. Copeland. Yes, yes. No, not until I’ve seen her. What? And her
BP? No, that’s too low. Okay, I’ll be right there. No, it’s okay, I’m glad you
called me. I’m sure she’s fine but I won’t feel right until I examine her. Pam,
I told her she was too old, I don’t know why I agreed. I know, I know. Okay,
I’ll see you in a bit.” He closed his phone and turned to Brooke. “I got an
emergency. I’m not sure how long I’ll be, I have a feeling this one is not
going well.”
“See, see.” Brooke shouted. “You tell me to be strong, you tell me everything
but you’re never here, never.” She looked down, her eyes welled with tears.
“You married a surgeon Brooke, you knew that sometimes there would be emergencies.
It’s not like I’m always running to the hospital, I’m not, you know that.”
“I just wish.” She looked up then stopped, stood and walked over to him. She
put her arms around him and he held her tightly. “I’m so lost Michael, so lost.
What did I do wrong? Why is she punishing me this way? Why does everyone leave
me?”
“Oh Brooke, oh sweetheart.” He kissed her gently on the forehead. “You didn’t
do anything wrong and I haven’t left you. Look, let me call and see if I can
get someone to fill in for me and.”
“No.” She touched her hand to his lips. “I’m sorry. You go on, I’ll be fine.
I’m just overly emotional tonight.”
“You know how much I love you don’t you?” He asked.
“Yes.” She pulled his head to hers and kissed him on the lips, hard and strong
and deeply. “I’d never have survived this without you Michael.”
“You rest, relax and I promise you, I won’t be late.” He kissed her again.
“I love you.” She whispered softly.
Bridget turned from the screen and watched the man sitting next to her. He was so
nice, so handsome and so much fun. She was glad she had come, even though she
knew that there could never be more than a casual friendship. At least for the
moments with him she could forget about her problems and try to feel normal.
Jacob sensed her eyes on him. He turned to her and smiled.
“Bored?” He asked softly. “Sometimes I forget not everyone is into the old
movies like I am.”
“Oh no.” Bridget blushed. “I’m having a good time, really.”
“Okay.” He reached over and took her hand into his. His fingers entwined with
hers and when he placed their joined hands on his lap Bridget felt a sense of
happiness and contentment that she hadn’t felt in a long time. He looked at her
and smiled again. “Are you SURE you’re liking this cause we can do something else.
I’m starved, we can go get something to eat.”
“The movie is almost over, let’s watch the end.” She told him.
“When it’s over we’ll go to the diner so something.” He suggested.
“Okay.” She agreed. She was enjoying his company far too much.
“I can’t believe you’re still worried about HIM!” Ridge said with disgust.
“The world must revolve around Ridge Forrester right?”
“Coulda fooled me. If I’m not mistaken you never
turned down a chance to jump into my bed.”
“I believed you, I believed things could be different but they never will be
Ridge. I threw away a man who loved me, I hurt him, I tore my whole family
apart and for what? Nothing will ever change. Even after you swore to me that
there was nothing you ran to her. You ran to her the day she gave birth. How
the hell does that look Ridge? What the hell did you think the press would say?
You made a fool out of me again and I’m sure Brooke wasn’t happy either. Half
the world, including your own mother, thinks you’re the father of that child!”
“You know I’m not!” Ridge protested.
“But you wish you were!” She shouted at him. Ridge was stunned, he opened his
mouth to reply but then said nothing. “You can’t even deny it can you?” She
asked softly. “And you wonder why things with Brooke are strained. It has
nothing to do with Michael’s brother, it’s all the same thing. You have no clue
how much I resent what you’ve taken from me Ridge. She was my best friend and
now it’s ruined! I need her! She needs me but you killed it all! Ridge
Forrester the King of the Studs! Has to have every woman lusting for him! Well
go find a new court because I’m just not interested in bowing down to you
anymore!”
“I don’t want that
“But that’s the difference Ridge, I don’t. I know it’s too late for
Michael wrote instructions down and gave the file to the nurse. “If her fever
spikes you call Dr. Dawson, he’s her family physician and he has her history.
The incision is clean, no infection, I’m satisfied with my work, she should be
fine. I’ll check on her again tomorrow.”
“Alright Dr. Copeland.” She looked down at the chart.
Michael was dead tired as he walked into his office. He was surprised to see
his assistant still there. “Pam, go home. It’s late, why are you still here?”
“I thought you might need me and I’m sorry to say, I have someone who wants to
see you tonight.”
“No, not now, Pam I’m beat. I left my wife and baby alone and I know Brooke
isn’t happy with me. Oh hell, why did I ever go into medicine?” He stretched
and rubbed his eyes. “Who is it? What kind of emergency this time?”
“Not an emergency this time.” She opened the door to his consulting room.
“Christopher Turner!” Michael smiled and greeted the man with a friendly hug.
“My God Chris, how long has it been? Five, six years?”
“Closer to ten.” The handsome man replied. “But who’s counting?”
“What the hell are you doing here?” Michael asked him.
“You mean LA?” Chris asked.
“LA, the hospital, my office, everything.” Michael laughed. “Last I heard you
had the busiest practice in all of Houston going.”
“That I did, but when Cheryl and I divorced and I moved out of the house, well,
Houston was always her home anyway.”
“Hey I’m sorry about Cheryl, I never met her but I had hoped you were happy.”
“I left LA when I spilt with Shauna, moved to Houston with Rhonda but ended up
meeting Cheryl and marrying her. No more moving for women, I’m home to stay
now.”
“You’re back? That’s great! Chris you have to come to dinner, meet my wife. I’m
a dad, can you believe that?”
“I saw.” He held up the framed photos that Michael proudly displayed on his
desk. “She’s a looker.”
“They both are.” Michael grinned.
“This one’s different isn’t it?” Chris asked him.
“Yeah. I loved Ade, but we did it all for the wrong
reasons. We never should have gotten married, we made better friends, still do
in fact. But Brooke, she’s special, so damn special Chris. She turned my world
upside down from the moment I lit eyes on her and I never looked back.”
“I’m glad you found that Mike, I always thought that someday you would. You
always denied it but you’ve always been the most grounded one of all of us. You
just needed the right incentive to set down those roots.” He looked at the
photo again. “Your baby is cute too.”
“She’s amazing, I never thought I’d be a dad, never thought I wanted to be,
now, hell, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world and I’d fight to the
death anyone who ever tried to take it away from me.”
“Who’s this girl?” He held up a photo of Bridget. “You have a kid with Ade?”
“That’s Brooke’s daughter Bridget, she also has a son, Rick.” He handed his
friend another photo. “I love those kids too Chris, I signed on for the whole
nine yards. How about you? Aside from the divorces I mean.”
“Shauna and I have a son, I’m sure you remember Ben though he’s grown up now.
He’s back east, going to Harvard, smart kid, really smart.”
“Takes after his dad.” Michael grinned.
“Hmmm, not really.” Chris laughed. “Cheryl and I have two girls that you
probably don’t know about. Michelle is a freshman and
“Must be hard on you, being so far from them.” Michael commiserated.
“I’ll go see them and have them come here to see me. Cheryl and I are on
speaking terms so it’s not a real problem, that is as long as she gets her
money.”
“Been there, done that.” Michael laughed. “But Ade
and I settled, that’s all done. So your son is in school, once he graduates one
less support payment anyway. What’s he studying?” Michael asked.
“He wants to go into entertainment law or something crazy like that, but his
mother seems to think he’ll be great at it. I guess we need lawyers but damn if
I trust the bastards.” Chris laughed.
“Hey watch it, my brother in law is a lawyer and I have a couple of really good
friends who are too.” Michael warned with a smile. “So Chris, you working here?
You have a private practice? Still deciding? How long have you been in town?”
“I got here about a week ago. I’ve been just settling in. As for work, I’m here
looking in on a former patient. I had worked on her in
“Yeah, I see him around here but we never ran in the same circles.” Michael
answered.
“Nah, me either but he told me you were working here and that you had a really
successful practice and a huge clinic on your own property. What really
surprised me was when I spoke to your assistant Pam and she told me that you’re
doing it all on your own, just have a couple of anesthesiologists and nurses on
call. How do you manage it all?”
“I’m starting to wonder myself.” Michael sighed. “Right now I wish to hell that
I had a partner or something. My wife is going through something pretty bad and
every moment away from her is killing me, these emergency calls aren’t making
her happy either. Not only that Chris but to be honest, I’m starting to just
lose the drive. I’m sick to death of dealing with a bunch of selfish old women
who want to look 20 when they should be happy that they look 40. Rhinoplasty and augmentations just don’t do it for me
anymore. I’ve done a lot of pro-bono work recently and it’s just so damn
rewarding. How can you even compare improving the life of someone born with a
disfigurement or helping an accident or crime victim to catering to a bunch of
bored rich women who look at surgery as a recreational sport. I’m this close to
throwing it all in.” Michael gestured holding his two hands together. “Hell
Chris, I have more money than I’ll ever need. Why do I do it?”
“Because you’re good and there are people there who really do count on you, but
Mike, if you want to spend more time doing the other stuff you should. Me?
Personally I just can’t get into that. I do my share of community service, but
I like what I do, I like the hours, I like the way the women look when I’m done
and hell yeah, I like the money, and with the alimony and support I’m paying, I
need the money.”
“Like I believe that.” Michael laughed. He looked up at him, started to speak,
stopped, then shook his head.
“What?” Chris asked.
“You’ll probably think I’m crazy.” Michael told him.
“I already do, so what’s new?” Chris joked.
“How about us? You and me? We’d make a good team. You could do the things you
like, it would free me to get more involved with the things I want to do, the
pro bono stuff, the doctors without borders.”
Chris let out a long, slow whistle. “You’re thinking of that?”
“Big time.” Michael admitted. “I told you, my priorities changed. Once things
straighten out at home I want to volunteer a bit. I don’t want to be away from
my family for a long time, but one night Brooke and I were watching TV and they
showed this kid with a cleft lip, Brooke started crying and it really got to
me. I’d like to go down to South America and help him or someone like him, not
only that, if I have a partner to take over some of the stuff it will give me
more time to spend with my family.” He looked at his friend. “I told you it was
crazy.”
“It’s not, in fact it sounds great. The last thing I want to do is start from
scratch and in a place like LA where everyone already has an allegiance to
someone. You and me? Hell Mike, that sounds perfect!”
“Are you sure? I mean I don’t want you to feel obligated. I know you’d get a
fine practice on your own.”
“You don’t want me?” Chris teased.
“Oh I do, I really do. You wanna come over now and
see the place, meet Brooke and Bethany?” Michael suggested.
Chris looked at his watch. “It’s getting late, you go home to your family, we
can do it tomorrow.” He grabbed a piece of paper and wrote on it. “My address,
phone and cell. Pam gave me your card and your home address and number. Glad I
didn’t have any printed yet.”
“This is going to be great Chris.” Michael grinned. “I am psyched. You come over
tomorrow and I’ll give you the whole tour, we’ll set up an office and get
things started. You’ll love Heather, she’s a real doll and she literally runs
my office. This is so great.” He couldn’t stop smiling. “I don’t know how to
thank you.”
“I should be thanking you. Hey, coming to check on Maris
Younger was probably the best decision I’ve made in a long time.”
“I’ll walk you to your car.” Michael gave him another hug. “I’m so excited.”
“So am I Mike, so am
“You don’t eat.” Jacob laughed as Bridget took a bite of her salad.
“I’m eating right now.” She protested with her own laugh. She hadn’t expected
to have so much fun.
“Rabbit food and bait.”
“It’s salad and sushi.” Bridget giggled. “Sorry but I prefer it to eating a cow
that’s still mooing!”
Jacob looked at his rare hamburger. “This is real food, for a real man.” He
teased and beat on his chest in caveman style. “But seriously, you don’t eat a
lot.”
“This is a lot.” She argued. “And it’s really good too. And if it makes you
feel better I’ll have some cheesecake too.”
“Now that will make me feel much better.” He took her hand into his own again.
He looked into her eyes with a very serious expression. “What’s your story
“Why did you have to spoil this?” She let go of his hand and pushed her plate
away. “I gotta go.” She started to stand.
“Don’t.” He reached for her. “I just want to get to know you better.”
“Well you can’t, no one can.” Bridget shook her head. “I knew this was a
mistake.”
“What are you running from? I can help you. I promise I won’t tell anyone.”
Jacob looked so sincere that Bridget really wanted to trust him. “I can’t.” She
said sadly. “I shouldn’t have let you get this close. I’m going to have to move
on. I’m sorry, but it’s for the best.”
“
“You don’t understand.” She argued. “No one does.”
“But I want to. No one should have to be alone. I don’t want you to be alone.
Trust me, I won’t hurt you, I won’t betray you. I don’t care what you did, I
like you. Let’s just forget I asked and start over.”
“It’s too late to start over.” She shook her head. “It was nice knowing you
Jacob, you’re a really great guy, I hope you have a wonderful life.” She picked
up her purse and walked out of the diner. Jacob struggled to pull his wallet
from his pocket, he threw down a bill that was far too large for their small
meal and ran after her down the street. Bridget was walking fast, fighting the
tears when he caught up to her and grabbed her arm.
“You can’t run forever. Whatever it is you can deal with it and make a life
here. I’ll help you.”
“You have no clue Jacob. I can’t, I can never make a life, not here, not
anywhere. Never.”
“He must have been a real bastard.” Jacob said softly.
Bridget immediately pictured the man from the bar. A look of anger then fear
then intense sadness came over her face as the tears that had been threatening
to fall finally came. “He was, but it was my fault.”
“I doubt it.” Jacob said as he gently took her into his arms. “I doubt it
seriously that you could do anything to make someone hurt you this badly.”
“You don’t know me.” She argued. “You don’t know anything about it. Please
Jacob, just don’t get involved, I’m not worth it.”
“You are.” He touched her face and smiled. “Talk to me
“I can’t. There’s nothing I can say, nothing.”
“You can start by telling me your name.” He said. She looked like a deer in the
headlights. “You really didn’t think that I didn’t know it was a fake name? I
figured you walked past Logan Drugs and that was the first thing you thought
of.”
“Lllogan Drugs, yes.” She lied.
“
“The girl I used to be doesn’t exist anymore.” Bridget told him. “I’m Logan.”
“Do you have a family?” He asked.
“I wasn’t hatched if that’s what you mean.” She answered with anger.
“I bet they miss you.” He said softly.
“They’re better off without me around.”
“You didn’t get along?” He asked.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Bridget’s protests were getting weaker. She
did want someone to talk to. She was so tired of bring alone.
“Sometimes we think things are impossible but they aren’t as bad as they seem.
Are you sure you can’t work it out with your family? Is it your parents?
Siblings? Are you married?” He added with a frown. “Evil step parents? Talk to
me
Adrienne moaned as Joey pulled her blouse open, exposing her bare breasts. Her
eyes were glazed as she looked up at him. “We have to stop.” She pulled at the
blouse, trying to close it as his mouth took one of her nipples. “Joey we can’t
do this.”
“We already are.” He muttered.
“Sugar no! I’m practically your mama!”
“Then come to papa.” He laughed suckled her other nipple.
“Joey this is wrong, you know it is.” She forced herself back into a sitting position.
“You know I’m turned on by you but this just isn’t right, we’re family.”
“You and Mike have been divorced a long time Ade, and
you ain’t my mother.” He pulled her blouse open
again. “God you have great tits.”
“Stop it.” She laughed and pushed his hands away. “You know we can’t do this.
You need to find yourself a girl who has nothing at all to do with Mike. You
know I’m right.”
“He f*cked half of
“I’m not going to throw away everything we’ve built for a fast f*ck Joey.” She
answered.
“We’re not throwing anything away.” Joey kept kissing her face, her neck. “Come
on Ade.”
“Slow down tiger, I need time to think about this.” She straightened up again
and buttoned her shirt. “Besides, you said you wanted to go talk to Sara.”
“Yeah.” Joey said reluctantly. “I do need to do that. I gotta
help them get Bridget home, maybe they’ll see that I’m not such a bad guy
then.”
“You’re not, they know it sugar, they know it.” Adrienne stood up. “You go on
Joey.”
“You’ll really think about us?” He asked.
“I doubt if I could think about anything else if I tried.” She laughed. “You
put a spell on a gal Joey.”
“You seem to be pretty good at avoiding it.” He pouted.
“Sugar, everything is so confusing. I know I’m attracted to you, but I’m not
sure if it’s all about fixing my bruised ego. It’s really flattering having a
hot young stud sniffing around me, especially when I’ve been turned down for
another man.”
“Another man?” He asked with a frown.
“Years ago I had a one night thing with Storm Logan.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Joey asked her.
“I guess you’re really out of the loop aren’t you.” She said with a sigh. “I
really had a thing for Storm. I don’t know what it was about him. I should have
known something was wrong, but I was young and impetuous and well, wild. It
wasn’t drugs for me, it was sex.”
“Storm Logan is Brooke’s brother?” He wondered.
“One and the same. I was wild then Joe.”
“Like you’re not now?” He asked and reached for her breast through her blouse.
“Wilder, a lot wilder.” She pushed his hand away. “I did an all night sex thing
with him.”
“Doesn’t sound all that wild to me.” Joey replied with a laugh.
“Him and another guy.” She added.
“Wow. Mike?” He asked.
“Yeah right. Your straight-laced brother would never do something like that.
You know that Joey. No, it wasn’t Mike. ” She shook her head. “Now, in
retrospect it’s all clear to me, but back then I was young and I was high and
he was hot and I really liked him. Little did I know in years to come he’d
marry the guy and not
“What the hell are you talking about Ade? Are you
telling me her brother is gay?”
“I should have seen it Joe. I should have realized that the odd man out, so to
say was
“You and two guys?” He laughed. “You and two GAY guys?”
“I didn’t know they were gay, I thought they both wanted a taste of old Ade. But seems like I was just the experiment they threw
in.”
“Okay, so how does this all play out? You did it with them and didn’t realize
they were gay till that night?”
“Sugar, I didn’t know they were gay till Storm told me a coupla
weeks ago.” She answered with a shy laugh.
“Okay, why after all this time did he decide to tell you?” Joey was interested
but very confused.
“When Storm came back to town I recognized him. I was pretty down and out since
Connor had dumped me. So anyway, he was still attractive and I really wanted to
know why he had taken off and avoided me after that night, because to me it had
been hot and fun and I really liked him.”
“So he never told you he was gay?” Joey asked again.
“I’m not sure he was even admitting it to himself then. I think the threesome
itself scared him. Maybe that was the first time they slept together too. I was
thinkin’ about that. Maybe they wanted each other
real bad but couldn’t get the guts to do it and figured with me in the middle
if it didn’t work they could write it off as one wild old crazy night.”
“But they got together instead?” He asked.
“Apparently yes. And so when I came on to Storm, he first pretended he didn’t
know
“Yeah right, I’d have a threesome and forget one of the participants.” Joey
snorted.
“I guess I was the least impressive one.” She shrugged. “But seeing him again
made me want to try again. He was like the one that got away to me. I had him
stuck way deep in my memories and I don’t like lettin’
go.”
“Mike’ll back you up on that.” Joey smiled.
“Stop!” She protested. “Mike and I had something real, we both hung on long
after it was over so don’t you dare blame me!”
“Fair.” Joey agreed. “So what about Storm? You were all into the memory thing
but what about him? Did he admit to the threesome or anything?”
Adrienne thought and smiled. “Yeah, he did. I was pestering him every time we
were in the same room and with all the crap going on with Mike we were together
a lot. So he finally admitted he remembered me. We even went on a date, but
nothing happened and he stayed away again.”
“You keep pushing?” Joey asked.
“Not really. I was satisfied that he at least admitted what had happened. The
date was a let down, whatever sparks I thought I’d see were gone, but still I
didn’t know why he did the mysterious disappearing act again.”
“So he told you he was gay?” Joey wondered where this was all heading.
“I went to see the baby and he was there. I’m an observant woman Joe. I saw the
band on his finger.”
“Wait, you said he was gay. He got married? You’re losing me Ade.”
“I was pretty stunned myself. I’m not shy either you know.”
“Hardly.” Joey laughed.
“So I asked him. I said, something like, oh so this is why you took off on me.
I asked who she was. I wasn’t prepared for his answer, that’s for sure.”
“Who? Someone we know?” He sat straighter.
“Oh yeah, someone we know. Someone I slept with.” She laughed.
“You slept with a chick? Now this is getting good and why wasn’t I invited?” He
chuckled.
“Not a chick Joey.”
“Fine, woman, I’m a chauvinist, just tell me who she is!”
“She is a he. He married a man Joe, he married the other guy!”
“The other guy? What other guy?”
“The guy in my threesome, he married him.”
“And I know him? Who?”
“Colin Graham.” Adrienne answered.
“Colin?” Joey laughed. “You slept with Storm AND Colin? And he married Storm
Logan?”
“Yup. That’s what happened. So you see why it’s all so weird for
“How can a man marry another man? Shit, never mind, I don’t think I want to
know. But they’re both lawyers, they have to know how to do it I suppose.”
“I’m not sure how legal it is sugar, but they are committed.”
“Maybe they should be.” Joey snorted.
“Alternative lifestyles babe, you know it happens.”
“Yeah, and I like Colin, he was pretty fair to me with everything that happened
with Mike and then with Blake too. I guess it’s just so foreign a concept to
“Well imagine how I feel. I was with them both.” She laughed.
“So does Colin have a problem that you and he and Storm and all?”
“I don’t even think Colin remembers that it was me, or if he does he’s too
embarrassed or maybe has too much class to say anything. But anyway, like I
said, when Storm came back into town I chased him big time, trying to recapture
something that left such a huge impression on me. He didn’t want me, not one
bit. Then Connor dumped me and even with all my flirting Mike seemed immune to
me. My ego took a nosedive. So you see Joe, I don’t want to hurt you or us or
what we have just cause it feels good to have you want me. Do you think you can
understand even a little bit?”
“You need to understand something Ade. I want you
because you’re beautiful and kind and sexy and probably the best friend I’ve
ever had. I want you because you’ve been right here under my nose all this time
and I was too stupid to see it. I want you because when I see you all I can do
is smile, even when the whole world is out to get me. You’ve never given up on
me Ade and I know you love me too. I love you and
maybe I’m falling in love with you too.”
“Joey no, don’t say that, please don’t say that.” She begged.
“But I did and I think you may be too. Think about THAT while I’m gone.” He
grinned, kissed her and left.
The house was dark when Michael returned. He tiptoed into the bedroom and went
directly to the crib.
“Michael?” She opened her sleepy eyes.
“Who else were you expecting?” He teased.
“What time is it? I didn’t mean to fall asleep, I wanted to wait up for you but
I was so tired.”
“Not too late.” He answered. “But I know you’re beat, I’m tired too.”
“Is she okay?” Brooke asked. “Your patient?” She clarified.
“Yeah, she’s fine.” He pulled her tighter into his arms. “Hey, when do you see
Dr. Morton again?”
Brooke opened her eyes and rolled onto her back. “I saw her today.” She
admitted.
“And?” He asked with widened eyes.
“Michael, I just can’t, I can’t think about that, not with Bridget gone.”
“So until Bridget comes home our sex life is over?” He sat up. “Go on Michael,
the bathroom’s all yours. You got two good hands, get to work.” He said
angrily.
“You don’t have to be so crude.” She reached for the light and turned it on.
“I miss you, I miss us Brooke. I’m not trying to pressure you. I just want
things back like they were.”
“Nothing will be as long as she’s gone.” Brooke pouted.
“You know that this isn’t what she’d want.” Michael protested. “Look Brooke, I
can understand if you’re not ready physically, I even understand if the
emotional side of the birth is making you uncomfortable too, but, awh shit, no matter what I say I come off sounding like a
selfish prick.”
“I feel like the selfish one.” Brooke told him. “Michael I love you and I know
I’m disappointing you, but my heart just isn’t there. I feel like I’m just
forgetting her. I can’t just pretend everything is fine when it’s not. I can’t
use sex as a Band-Aid. I can’t do that to us.”
“Come here.” He pulled her into his arms and held her. “I know I haven’t been
here for you like I should be. I’m going to fix that. And I’m not going to rush
you or pressure you. I don’t want to have SEX with you Brooke, I want to make
love to you. Yeah, sometimes I love to just f*ck our brains out, but that’s not
what this is about, this is about us and how much I love you and need you.
Hell, I don’t think I’ve ever gone this long except when I was recovering, but
I’ll wait forever for you. I just hope you don’t make me have to.”
Brooke looked at him and a small smile covered her face. “Every time I look at
you I remember how lucky I am to have you and how much I love you. I know I
seem crazy, but please bear with me just a little longer. I do want you, I want
you so badly Michael, I just, I just can’t.”
“We’ll get through this, together.” He promised. He brought his lips to hers
and kissed her tenderly. “Let’s get some sleep, things will look better in the
morning.”
“Will you hold me?” She asked after she shut off the light.
“Try and stop me.” He smiled and cradled her in his arms.
“There’s so much, so many things, so much hurt.” Bridget picked up her bottle
of water and took a gulp. “It wasn’t about my family, it was to protect them,
that’s why I can’t tell you my name or anything. I know you mean well but I
think you’d think it was right to contact them, and it isn’t. I have to make a
new life Jacob and if it’s not here it will be somewhere else.”
“I want to help you
“I want to, I really do.” She nervously bit her fingernail. “But I don’t want
to talk about it now, maybe not ever. I miss my family, I love them, but it’s
better for them. They can be happy Jacob, they don’t have to worry about me.”
She smiled.
“Don’t you think they already are?” He wondered.
“I had someone tell them I was okay.” She answered.
“You didn’t tell them yourself?” He asked her.
“I, I couldn’t.”
“I think you should. At least if they hear your voice they’ll know for sure. If
you give them that much they won’t worry as much. At least they’ll hear your
voice and know that you’re alive.
“It’ll bring it all back, they may be starting to get past it, I’m sure they
are.”
“You don’t just get past worrying about someone you love. They’re in limbo, you
can help them. You can use my phone.” He handed her his cordless phone. “I’ll
go check on the pizza, give them a call.” He nodded and rubbed her back. “It’ll
make you feel better.” He gave her a smile and walked into the kitchen. Bridget
stared at the phone in her hands as tears filled her eyes. She hesitated but
finally punched in the numbers.
“The phone?” Brooke moaned as she reached for it.
“I hope it’s not another emergency.” Michael sighed. “This is getting old.”
“Hello. Hello?” Brooke answered. “Is anyone there?”
“Who is it?” Michael asked.
“No one is there, I thought I heard breathing.” Brooke told him. “Hello?” Suddenly
she felt like a shot to her heart. “Bridget? Bridget is that you?” She
whispered.
“Mom?” Bridget answered.
“Oh my God, oh my God, Bridget, Bridget it’s you, it’s you.” Tears streamed
down her face as Michael held onto her. “Where are you baby, we’ll come get
you, just tell us where.”
“Mom I’m okay.” Bridget answered her. “Really, I am. I just wanted you to know
for sure. Did Sara call you?”
“She told Michael. Oh Bridget, baby whatever I did I’m so, so sorry, please
come home, we can work it out, I promise you I’ll do anything, please just come
home.”
“I can’t Mom, I just wanted to let you know I was okay. You didn’t do anything,
I did. I love you but I really have to go.”
“Bridget no, no please don’t hang up, please!” Brooke begged and grabbed Michael’s
hand. “She won’t come home Michael. She said we didn’t do anything but she did.
Please, I need her home.”
“Let me talk to her.” He said and Brooke reluctantly handed him the phone.
“Bridget, it’s Mike. Honey, whatever it is we can work it out together. We love
you and we want you home. Why don’t you tell me where you are and I’ll come get
you. Please honey.”
“Mike.” Bridget wiped her eyes. “Take care of Mom, she loves you so much.”
“She loves you Bridget, we all do. We don’t care what happened, we’ll work it
out together, we’ll help you deal with it. No one blames you honey, we love
you. Please listen to me. We need you, come on home honey, please.”
“I love you too Mike, please put on Mom so I can say goodbye, I’m sorry.”
“No, no you can’t say goodbye Bridget.” He begged her.
“Give it to me.” Brooke took the phone back. “Bridget Forrester you listen to
your mother! I want you home now! Do you hear me! Bridget I want you home this
minute!”
“I love you Mommy, take care of Mike and the baby. I love you.”
“Bridget, Bridget no!” Brooke screamed. But her daughter had already hung up
the phone.
The next morning Michael brought a cup of tea and some toast to Brooke in bed
after he had changed
“No more than you did.” Brooke answered with a sigh. “Thanks for taking care of
Bethany.”
“You got her twice last night, it was the least I could do.” Michael answered.
“I suppose we should be relieved that she called.” Brooke’s thoughts went back
to her older daughter.
“I am, but I’m so angry. God Brooke, I let you down, I was so sure I could get
through to her.” Michael took her hand. “But she called and she’ll call again.”
“You don’t know that.” Brooke said with sad resignation. “She said she was only
calling so we knew she was okay.”
“She misses us Brooke, she sounded sad and lonely. She’ll call again, but we’re
not going to wait for that.”
“What else can we do?” Brooke asked.
“I did something that I swore I’d never do.” He said. “I called Joey.”
“Joey?” She squinted.
“I wanted to trace the call but the phone company gave me a hard time, handed
me a line of bull. I know that we were stupid not to have the phone wired, but
with Joey’s expertise, I thought maybe he could do something.”
“What did he say?” She asked.
“He wasn’t home, I left him a message, asked him to come over, told him I
really needed his help.”
“You’re a good man Michael, I know how hard that had to be for you.”
“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for Bridget Brooke, you know that.”
“I hope he can help.” She hugged herself as she shivered.
“If he can’t I’ll find another way. I am bringing her home to you Brooke, so
help me God I am bringing her home.”
“You got in late.” Adrienne came into the kitchen where Joey was sitting at the
table. “Did you find Sara?”
“She was at Insomnia.” He said with a yawn. “She didn’t know anything more
about where she is, but I have a clue about the
“You know him?” Adrienne asked.
“He was at Latrell’s bar, unfortunately since it’s
gone, I don’t know where to find Latrell, but I will.
He may know who this guy is.”
“Do you think Bridget is with him?” Adrienne asked.
“I don’t know, but I can’t just ignore it, I have to check it out.”
“Joey, about last night.” She started and hesitated. “I just don’t think that
we.”
“Stop!” He held up his hand. “I’m not going to accept that answer. You’re going
to have to let me win you over on this, but right now I have to concentrate on
Bridget.”
“I just.” She started then stopped. “You’re right Sugar.”
“Coffee?” He got up and picked up the pot.
“Okay.” She went to the counter for her mug and saw Joey’s cell phone. “Looks
like you have a message or two. Maybe something about Latrell?”
“Thanks.” He poured coffee into her mug and took the phone. His expression when
from curious to stunned as he listened. “It’s Mike.” He told her. “He says he
needs my help.”
Bridget was disoriented when she opened her eyes. The room was unfamiliar, the
bed was unfamiliar, even the smells were unfamiliar. She let out a scream when
a cat jumping on the bed startled her.
“Logan, you alright?” Jacob came in at the sound of her distress.
“I forgot, I forgot where I was.” She told him. “I scared your cat.”
“He scared you.” Jacob laughed. “Come here Whiskers.” He called to the cat.
“Come meet
“Yes.” She smiled and started to pet the feline. “We have, had a cat at home.”
She corrected herself. “Thanks for letting me stay, thanks for everything last
night Jacob.”
“I’m glad I could help.” He smiled. “It was nice to have company too.”
“I put you out of your bed.” She told him.
“It’s okay.” He shrugged. “I hope I convinced you to stay.”
“You did, for now anyway.” She smiled again. “But please, can we just forget it
all now?”
“Okay.” He promised her.
Colin had just grabbed his keys and was about to leave when the phone rang.
Knowing Storm had already left he turned around and returned to the apartment.
Impatiently, he picked up the phone. “Hello?” He answered.
“Colin, Bryan Jackson, I have good news for you.”
Relieved that it was a friend and not another tragedy he let out his breath and
smiled. “I could use some.” He answered. “Tell
“I got through to her, I think she may be on your side, she’s agreeing to a
meeting to talk about the arrangement, I’m going to work on finalizing
everything today. I’m sure we’ll have it all in motion by the end of the week.
After that, if it goes well, well it shouldn’t take too long.”
“Janet Wells?” Colin asked. “Are you serious?”
“She realized that she made some mistakes and she knows that the system is
flawed. She realizes that she misjudged Michael and that things got way out of
hand. I think she decided this was the best she could do. She knows that things
didn’t work out with her initial recommendation and I know she wants to make
amends for that somehow. That way is with you two. But Colin, please reassure
me, you and Storm are sure you want to do this? It’s not going to be easy and
no matter how important he is to Brooke and Mike, he’s going to be your
responsibility. I don’t want to go ahead if you’re not, it wouldn’t be fair to
Jason to get his hopes up.”
“We want him, but of course if there’s a way for Brooke and Mike.” Colin
stressed.
“At this juncture that’s still an impossibility, but at least this way they
will be able to see him. But Colin, you and Storm will be the legal foster
parents. You have to want this for yourselves too.”
“We do.” He assured
“This is just about fostering so far, I can’t make any adoption promises and
maybe in time we can clear the way for the Copelands.
It’s still an issue for a lot of people placing a child with a gay couple, but
I think Janet wants this, she wants to do right by Jason, she knows she screwed
up before. But again, it’s important that you all know his home is with you,
not Brooke and Mike but you.”
“We’ll give him a good home, and he can get to spend time with them, this will
work
“Do they know that you’ve been looking into this?”
“We didn’t want them to have to deal with another disappointment.” Colin
confessed. “It’s hard for Storm and he’s only her uncle. Brooke is a wreck and
if we got them excited and it was all pulled away again, well we just couldn’t
do it. Now it looks like we’ll finally be able to give them something to smile
about.”
“I’ll be in touch with you both later, I’ll need you to come to my office and
sign some papers. I’m really glad that this is all working out. But remember,
nothing is final till it’s final. We could still hit a glitch so be prepared.”
“The search?” Colin asked. “What about that? Is it going to be called off now?”
“I guess that’s Mike’s call.”
“I think he’ll want to stop it.” Colin said thoughtfully. “At least as soon as
we know we have Jason. I just don’t think he’d want to chance losing him at
this point. I mean what if some distant relative shows up?”
“Once we get all the paperwork done we call all talk about it.”
“Thanks
“Brooke, first I just wanna tell you I’m sorry, I
swear I’d never want to hurt you.” Joey said as Brooke let him into the house.
“I know what I did was wrong and stupid and I’m really sorry for any pain it
caused you.”
“Michael is in the kitchen.” She said in a sad and tired voice.
“I understand. I know you still hate me, I just hope that in time.” He looked
up at her.
“I don’t hate you. I hate what you did and I hate that my husband is so at odds
with his brother. It’s going to take time, don’t push him Joey, Michael hates
being pushed.”
“I’ll do anything he wants. What does he want Brooke? Why did he ask me here?”
“Come on, let’s go see him.” She walked on, gesturing Joey to follow her.
Michael stood up as his wife and brother came in. “Thanks for coming Joe.” He
walked to Brooke and put his arm around her.
“Mike, I just wanna say I’m sorry and that I’ll.”
Joey started.
“I need your help.” Michael stopped the apology.
“You got it, just name it, anything.” Joey seemed relieved that Michael was
even talking to him. Maybe if he could help him somehow they could fix their
relationship.
“Bridget called last night.” Michael looked at Joey.
“That’s great! Where is she? Is she coming home?” Joey asked them.
“She wouldn’t tell us and no, she isn’t coming home.” Brooke supplied.
“This is about Bridget right?” Joey asked. “You want me to go looking for her?”
“I know you had us wired Joey and I know I told you to get the wires out. I
know you swore they were gone.” Michael looked him straight in the eye. “I also
know that you rarely do anything you say.”
“Mike I.” Joey looked down. “I’m trying, I swear I am.”
“I’m hoping this time you were true to form Joe. Please tell me you still have
us wired. Please tell me you can tell us where Bridget was calling from.”
“I hope it’s not a bad time.” Stephanie stated in a tone that defied
“Ridge isn’t here.”
“I came to see you.” Stephanie confirmed.
“I hope you’re not going to try and talk me into anything Stephanie, my mind is
made up.”
“I don’t blame you, he betrayed you in the worst way, but I know he loves you
and I know you love him. I don’t know how you could ever get past this but if
there is any way don’t you think you and your family deserve a chance?”
Stephanie took her hands into her own. “I warned you Taylor, I warned you not
to trust that bitch.”
“Brooke?”
“It always is isn’t it?” Stephanie said with a sad smile. “Ridge won’t marry
her, he loves you and he has a family with you.”
“It’s not his baby, how many times do we have to tell you that?”
“What is THAT supposed to mean?” Stephanie was angry now. “And don’t play me
for stupid, I know that whore has his child. Pretending otherwise won’t help.
We need to band together, deal with this and be done with it.”
“I’ve been going crazy. I’ve been lonely and hurting and the crazy thing is I
didn’t have to be. I never had to be.”
“Of course not.” Stephanie smiled. “We’re family and we will stick together. We
can handle Brooke, we can get through to Ridge. You know you have me Taylor, I
love you honey.”
“You don’t get it do you? Brooke did nothing wrong. Brooke is the innocent one
here. You have done nothing to help her with all this crap in the press. She has
a beautiful little baby girl and you’ve let people believe that her daddy is
not her daddy. And I let you! I just sat here feeling sorry for myself that all
this scandal was hurting me and my perfect life and my perfect family. I just
sat here and let my anger fester and let the blame fall on someone who was
trying so hard to reach out to
“Then you and Ridge will fix it? Oh
“Oh God I wish I could Mike, for once I wish I had defied you and kept it
wired, but I didn’t want to do that to you. Blake was furious but I tore it
out, I tore it all out myself. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”
“Well there goes that.” Michael sighed in disappointment. “But at least you
were trying to do right by us.”
“I was, I swear I never wanted to hurt you.”
“Just get my money.” Michael frowned.
“Maybe at first.” Joey said softly.
“Well, thanks for coming.” Michael dismissed him.
“I really need to talk to you Mike, please.” Joey begged. They all turned at the
sound of a crying baby.
“That’s my cue.” Brooke smiled. “I have to change her and feed her. So I’m
going to leave you two men alone. I want you to talk to each other. No matter
what’s happened, you’re family and you need to work this through.” She gave
Michael a kiss on the cheek and gently touched Joey’s arm before leaving the
room.
Sam grabbed Jacob’s arm as he started into his office. “I called you last
night.”
“I was out.” He answered.
“I thought we could go see that movie you wanted to see. I was disappointed
that I couldn’t catch you. How about tonight?” She asked him.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea Sam. I don’t really think we should take
things beyond here you know?”
“A little late for that isn’t it Jake?” She folded her arms across her chest.
“We both said no strings. It never was serious Sam, you know that.”
“I thought maybe it could be. It’s her isn’t it?” She looked over at Bridget
and Mary who were talking by the counter. Jacob’s eyes followed hers.
“I’ve been helping her.” He admitted.
“Oh is that what they call it now?” Sam sarcastically challenged him.
“What are you asking me?”
“I know she spent the night.” She said with a touch of sadness and more of
jealousy.
“Not that it’s any of your business but nothing happened, we stayed up late
talking, she was tired so she spent the night. I slept on the couch.”
“There is something strange about her Jake, I just hate seeing you get
involved. You ask me she’s going to run again, she’s hiding from someone or
something. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I like her Sam. And she needs all the friends she can get. I hope you’re not
going to turn on her because of something that never was between us in the
first place.”
She looked over at them again and then back at Jacob. “I think you’re making
the wrong choice. I think you’ll live to regret it, but I am not interested in
a man who I have to beg to be with. You go for her if that’s what you want. But
remember I was the one who warned you.”
Brooke squinted as she came into the kitchen and looked around. Joey sat at the
table, staring into a now cold cup of coffee. He was alone. “What happened?
Where is Michael?”
“Oh.” Joey looked up. “No, it’s okay, we’re not fighting. He had a call, he
went to his office to look something up. Is she, uh, the baby okay?”
“Just hungry,” Brooke smiled. “Would you like to meet her?”
“I don’t think Mike would like that.” Joey looked embarrassed.
“You’re her uncle, she needs to know you. Come on.” She motioned him to follow
her. “Don’t worry Joey, I’ll tell Michael it was my idea. Come meet Bethany.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Bridget tried to brush off Mary.
“I know you didn’t come home. I came over to ask you something and you weren’t
there. And then you and Jacob come in together. I just hope you know what
you’re doing. Sam is going to be showing her claws.”
“We’re just friends, that’s all we will ever be. If he and Sam want something
they can have it, it has nothing to do with
“Then why did you stay with him?” Mary asked. Bridget blushed and looked down.
“I knew it!” Mary laughed.
“We just talked Mary, I swear. And then I got tired so he told me to stay. I
know I shouldn’t. He’s a nice guy but nothing can ever come of it.”
“What’s this?” Michael frowned as he watched Joey holding
“I thought it was about time
He looked from Brooke to Joey and his daughter. “Don’t push it Brooke.”
“Baby steps.” She smiled and kissed his cheek. Then she let go of him and took
Michael waited until Brooke and
“She’s a beautiful baby Mike.” Joey sighed. “And I won’t bother you, or hurt
you, I won’t do anything without your okay.”
“Yeah, well.” Michael was suddenly at a loss for words. “So what next?”
Joey knew it was back to business. “I have a contact or two who might be able
to help. I’m not sure if we can get the exact location but I’ll see what I can
get.”
“For the first time in my life I’m sorry you listened to me.” Michael scratched
his head.
“Trust me Mike, I’ll come through for you.” Joey promised.
“There’s something you’re not telling me isn’t there? Come on Joe, I can see it
on your face, you were never able to lie to
“Don’t get involved Mike, I need to do this on my own, this is the only way I
can prove myself to you. Trust me, I won’t let you down, I won’t.” Joey turned
towards the door. “You have a great family Mike. I will never hurt them. Maybe
someday. No, whatever happens happens. I did this
myself and I need to get out of it myself. I’ll be in touch. I’ll find her for
you Mike, I will.” He walked to the door and opened it. He turned back once
more with deep regret. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am.” He started out the
door.
“Joe.” Michael called out.
“Yeah?” Joey turned back to him.
“Be careful. Be safe.”
“Thanks.” Joey smiled and left.
“Brooke? You want to fix things with Brooke? Are you insane? That woman slept
with your husband! She’s parading his child around for the world to see and you
want to be friends with her?
“I’m fine Stephanie and I am going to fix things with Brooke. I haven’t even
seen the baby, what kind of friend am I? I haven’t been there for her when she
needed me. She must be going out of her mind about Bridget. I’ve been wallowing
in my own misery and thanks to you I finally can see that. So thanks, but no
thanks Stephanie.” She got up and walked to the mirror. Using her fingers she
smoothed her hair. “Katherine!” She called out. “I’m going out, make sure
Thomas gets to Robbie’s house for that party. I’m not sure how late I’ll be.”
She turned to Stephanie and smiled. “Visit with the children, I know they’ll be
so thrilled to see you.” She gave her a kiss on the cheek, grabbed her purse
and left the woman standing in a state of shock.
“Joey left?” Brooke asked when she rejoined Michael.
“Yeah, he has something going but he doesn’t want to say yet. I just hope he’s
careful.”
“I knew you cared.” She smiled and gave him a hug.
“Brooke, I do care about him, but I don’t trust him and I don’t want him around
and.”
“Shhhhh. You can’t fool me.” She covered his mouth
with her fingertip. “You love him and you’re worried about him. Oh Michael, he
was so good with
“I know he wouldn’t hurt her.” Michael admitted.
“Of course not.” She smiled. “Oh Michael, thank you.”
“For?” He asked.
“For putting your anger aside for Bridget. Do you think he’ll be able to help?”
“I don’t want you to string too much hope on him sweetheart but maybe, just
maybe.” He sighed and held her closely. She kissed his neck and then let her
lips travel to his.
“I love you.” She whispered. “And I’m sorry about last night.”
“Nothing to be sorry about.” He assured her. Then he let their mouths meet
again. Her hands explored his back, his waist and then they moved lower to his
butt.
“
“I told Heather to reschedule me for today.” He murmured into her mouth. He
pulled her closer against him.
“Am I horrible for wanting you? Am I selfish? A terrible mother?” Brooke’s eyes
filled with tears as she clung to him. “How can I feel these feelings when my
baby is missing?”
“Okay sweetheart.” He kissed her softly and lifted her into his arms. He
carried her to the couch and sat down with her cradled in his lap. “When it
feels right you’ll know it.”
“That’s the problem, it does feel right. I just, I.” She held onto him. “You
must think I’m insane.”
“I think you’re wonderful.” He smiled and kissed her. “You’re kind and loving
and thoughtful and sexy as hell.”
“I shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting to make love with my husband.” She sighed
and rested her head against his chest. “And I do Michael, I want you so badly.”
“You have me sweetheart, body and soul.” He kissed her again. “No guilt Brooke,
there can’t be guilt in our love. You feel guilty for eating, sleeping loving
me, being happy about Bethany and you just can’t. I know why you feel that way
and part of me does too, but.”
“It’s wrong, I know it is and yet I can’t seem to push it away. I know I’m
disappointing you, I’m disappointing myself too. And I know Bridget doesn’t
want this from me or expect it from
“You’re not disappointing me honey, really you’re not.” He kissed her tenderly.
“When it feels right to you, guilt or no guilt it will happen and I’m more than
willing to wait. You’ve waited long and hard for me more than once.”
“I don’t want to wait, I don’t want to make you wait, I just want to be with
you. Make it go away Michael, even just for a little while, please make this
pain go away.” She pulled him to her and kissed him hard on the mouth.
“Are you sure?” He gasped.
“I’m positive.” She smiled and touched his face. “I adore you Michael
Copeland.”
Michael smiled and gently started to lower the straps of her nightgown. “If you
need to stop, it’s okay.” He leaned over and kissed her neck.
“Don’t stop, don’t stop anything.” She begged. She reached down and pulled his
shirt out of his pants. Then she started on his belt buckle. “I was silly to
say no, I love you so much, I need you so much, I’ve missed you so much.”
“God Brooke I love you too.” He said through his kisses. “Are you sure?” He had
to ask again.
“Oh yes.” She moaned. “I need you right here, right now.”
Michael moved her off of his lap and stood to take his pants off. I look of
annoyance crossed his face at the sound of the doorbell. “Let them go away.” He
muttered to Brooke.
“Michael, what if it’s Joey about Bridget?” Brooke’s fear got to him.
“Okay. But hold this thought.” He kissed her deeply and then rezipped his fly and pulled his shirt closed again. “If
it’s NOT about Bridget, I’ll get rid of them.” He winked.
“Quickly.” Brooke said with a smile as she adjusted her own clothes.
Michael went to the door muttering under his breath. “This better be good.” He
mumbled as he opened the door. “
“Is this a bad time?” She asked.
“No.” He lied. “Come on in.”
“Is Brooke here?” She asked.
“
“Brooke, I’m so sorry that I haven’t been here sooner. It was wrong of me. I
hope you’ll forgive me. You too Michael.”
“We understand
“But it was wrong to blame either of you, and it was thoughtless of me not to
be here for you with what happened with Bridget or for me to not even meet that
baby of yours.”
“I thought maybe you did believe that she was Ridge’s.’ Brooke said sadly. “I
know you were hurt about Joey, we were too, but I hated that you blamed us.”
“I hate that I did too Brooke and I am so sorry.”
“Tense times all around.” Michael added. “No hard feelings here Taylor, not to
either of you.”
“Would you like to meet Bethany?” Brooke shyly asked her friend.
“Oh yes, I’d love to meet her.”
“Michael, make some coffee please.” Brooke asked her husband. “I’ll go get
dressed and get Bethany.”
“Brooke, if I’m disturbing you.”
“No. I’ve had a hard time getting started every day since Bridget left. I know
I need to start getting dressed sooner and making myself more presentable. I
know I have to try harder, you’ve just given me some incentive. I’ll be right
down.” Brooke promised with a smile. “We have a lot of catching up to do.”
“Not too well.” He admitted with a grimace. “She’s trying but Bridget taking
off has taken it’s toll on her, on all of us but especially Brooke. I’m glad
you’re back, she needs you Taylor.”
“I’m so sorry.” She walked up to him and hugged him. “I let her down, I let you
all down.”
“No, I was the one who let you down.” He wiped a tear from the corner of her
eye. “I never should have let that brother of mine come anywhere near anyone I
cared about.”
“Brooke was very defense of him.”
“How could he do that? How could you let him do that?”
“You have to understand
“I don’t know how you can defend him Brooke. He did horrible things to me and
to you too. He invaded our privacy in the most horrible ways and he wanted to
profit off of it!”
“But he didn’t. He stopped
“It didn’t seem to make Mike or Anne crazy did it
“Brooke, you grew up without a father, surely you can’t justify what he did to
us!”
“Because he is family.” Brooke said softly. “And family sticks together in good
and in bad. Joey was crying out for our help. Can’t you see that
“I’ve seen just about all I need to see from any of you!”
“I was so angry.”
“You had a right to be.” Michael wanted to ease her guilt.
“I shouldn’t have turned on you, it wasn’t your fault.”
“I’ve tried just about everything. She needs a friend, she needs someone who
will just listen to her. I’m really glad you’re back.” He said again. “I’ll go
make that coffee. Sit down, relax, cause you’re really in for a rough time with
her.” He gave her another hug and headed out to the kitchen.
“Come home honey, everyone misses you so much.”
“You’ve got that right.” Brooke said as she came down the stairs carrying her
baby.
“She’ll come home Brooke, I just know she will.”
“Of course.” Brooke carefully transferred her into
“Hello Bethany, hello.”
“No, and I doubt she ever will.” Brooke said angrily.
“She really ought to. It would show her once and for all just whose baby this
is.” She cooed down at
“She does look like Michael doesn’t she?” Brooke grinned.
“She has his eyes and his dimples. But it’s more, she just has so much of him,
not that she doesn’t look like you too Brooke.”
“She doesn’t.” Brooke laughed. “But that’s okay, I think her daddy is very,
very good looking.”
“That he is.”
“You know I do.” Brooke was still hugging her when Michael came in carrying a
tray with coffee and pastries.
“We’re sure a huggy bunch, but I’m feeling
outnumbered. Maybe we should call Ridge over.” He laughed.
“Is he at work? I’d love to see him again too. Or is he still angry at us?”
Brooke asked
“We both were.” Michael confirmed. “I’m just sorry for any role we may have
willingly or unwillingly played in your troubles.”
“We’re not together. We haven’t worked anything out.”
“But you’ll try right?” Brooke looked hopefully at
“Sometimes love just isn’t enough.”
“What?” She gave her characteristic squint.
“Ridge loves you. He loves me. He loves being loved, being adored. He will
never be satisfied with just a wife and children and I just can’t do it
anymore. The divorce is still very much on.”
“I’m sorry.” Michael said honestly. “
“That’s part of Ridge’s problem too.”
“Bryan?” Brooke asked.
“It’s too late for us. I hurt him badly and I know he’d never really trust me
again. I threw away something wonderful. I will never regret loving
“Hey girlfriend, can I get a quick to go order?” Lenny called out as Bridget
headed to wait on a table.
“Go over to the counter and I’ll be right with you!” She told him.
Lenny walked to the counter and picked up a menu. He knew what Marcy wanted and
had pretty much decided on his own order, but he was bored. He watched the cute
strawberry blonde again. “So familiar. How so I know you?” He asked as he tried
to jar his memory, but the entrance of a sexy blonde man pushed the thought
right out of his mind. “Umm and I will have a piece of THAT!” He said with a
laugh.
“Sorry, not on the menu.” Bridget teased as she came back to him. She pulled
out her pad. “What can I get you?”
“Double Decaf Latte, though why bother if it’s decaf I’ll never know.” He
sighed. “And one of those yummy nutty cappuccino with the caramel and whipped
cream.”
“Large?” She asked.
“Is there any other?” He laughed and touched her arm. “And you pick out something
sweet to go with them. My friend is PMSing all over
me and I need to tame that tiger.”
“I’ll be right back.” She smiled.
“Oh and can I get a receipt, I’ll be damned if the company doesn’t pay when
they send me out to take a deposition halfway to nowhere.”
“You got it.” Bridget smiled. “Be right back.”
Lenny drummed his fingers on the counter and checked out the customers while he
waited for his order. Bridget was fast and came with the drinks and a small
white bag. “These are the best brownies you’ve ever tasted. If you don’t like
them, come back and I’ll pay for them myself.”
“Can’t beat that offer.” He handed her a bill. Bridget pulled change out of her
pocket and handed it to him with the receipt. “Here you go.” He gave her a
large tip. “Thanks for taking care of me so quickly.”
“You come back soon.” She smiled and walked away.
“Somewhere, I know her from somewhere.” Lenny muttered as he walked out.
“Who what?” Marcy asked as he got into the car still mumbling.
“That girl we saw the other day. She was there again and I just KNOW her
somehow. You know it’s like a song in your head. I need to figure it out.”
“We need to finish this deposition, that’s what we have to do.” Marcy reminded
him. “Let’s have our coffee and get back to work or we’ll be stuck all day.”
“How did it go?” Adrienne was anxious for answers the minute Joey returned.
“What did he want? Are you two speaking? Was Brooke there? Did you say you were
sorry?” She bombarded him with questions.
“Slow down.” He walked past her and plopped down on the couch.
“Well?” She followed him and sat. “Come on Joe, I told you my deepest, darkest
secrets. Spill!”
“It was about Bridget. She called last night and Mike wanted to know if I still
had his house wired. And before you ask, no, I tore them out as soon as I
could.”
“Damn, too bad you had a conscience.” Adrienne ruffled his hair. “But at least
you’re talking a bit huh? Maybe we can go looking for her huh? I’m up for a
road trip.”
“I’m thinking I need to check things out again. I’m thinking since Blake got
his own goons he might have rewired them. I need to get into his place. And I
am going to need your help Ade.”
“Joe you know the police checked it out, he didn’t have squat.”
“But he did Ade, and I need to find where he stored
it all. I’ll never believe he gave up on
“So what are you going to do?” She asked.
“This is where you come in.” He explained. “I know his routine to a tee.”
“And?” She frowned.
“I need him out of his house, I need to know he’s distracted. No one can
distract a man like you Ade, and he doesn’t know
you.”
“Hmmmm. You don’t think he’ll smell a rat?” She
asked.
“All he’s gonna smell is your Chanel
Number Five. Please Ade, for Bridget?” He begged.
“Sugar I’m with you all the way, I’m just not sure he’ll fall for it, but I’m
up for anything. What do I do?” She asked.
“Here is the plan.” Joey smiled as he moved closer to her on the couch.
“I don’t think you’re ready for that yet
“It’s all pretty fresh and you and Ridge are still married after all.” Michael
agreed.
“Oh, I’m not talking about now, I just meant that I’m through sitting and
pining for Ridge and what we had. I AM going to move on and I AM going to be
happy.”
“Are you SURE that you and Ridge can’t patch things up?” Brooke asked her.
“I know we could Brooke, but how many times am I supposed to just keep
repeating the same old history? He won’t change, I won’t change, we’ll be back
at this point before we know it and I’ll wonder why I wasted so much time and
so many opportunities. I need to break free, it not I’ll spend the rest of my
life looking over my shoulder. I don’t want that. You don’t want that for me do
you? Brooke, I want what you found. I want a Michael of my own.”
“He’s one of a kind.” Brooke smiled and took her husbands arm. “And I’m never
giving him up.” She giggled.
“You can do better.” Michael laughed. “So can Brooke, but I won’t let her.”
“I’m just so sad about this. I really wanted you two to make it.” Brooke sighed
and leaned against Michael.
“Some things just aren’t meant to be.”
“We did.” Brooke agreed with a smile. “Why don’t you stay for dinner? I’m sure
I can whip up something nice.”
“I have to be home for the kids, it’s a tough time for them.”
“We may just take you up on that.” Michael told her. “Once we think of
anything.”
“You two have a beautiful little girl. I’m so happy for you.”
“Please don’t be a stranger.” Brooke said as her eyes filled with tears. “Come
back if you can, I’ve really missed you. The invitation is open all night and
any other day for that matter.”
“I’ll call you later.”
“Well that was a mess.” Lenny said with an exaggerated sigh as they walked out
of the office. “Maybe LA is looking better.”
“Do you mean it?” Marcy was hopeful as she looked intently into his eyes.
“Sorry, you know me. I just can’t believe how that deposition went. So do you
think we need to check in at the office or can we just take the rest of the day
off?”
“We have to go back, I have an inbox ten miles high and I know yours is no
better.” Marcy pulled her keys from her purse. “But I really want to talk to
you about LA.”
“Let it go Marcy, LA is not for me. I thought we’ve been over this.”
“Not till I get through that thick skull of yours.”
“Oh here.” He pulled a receipt out of his pocket and handed it to her.
“What’s this?” She frowned.
“For the coffee. Let the firm pay for it.”
“It’s just coffee Lenny, sometimes you’re so damn cheap.”
“Frugal, I’m frugal.” He grabbed it from her. “And if you’re not submitting it
on your expense report, I am. I’m getting everything I can from those
tightwads.”
“Cheap.” She muttered as she got into the car. She waited until Lenny got in and
buckled his seat belt before the turned on the ignition.
“Well the damn coffee isn’t cheap.” He looked down at the receipt as she pulled
into the traffic. “But they’re so much better than those big chains.”
“I can’t believe we’re talking about coffee when we have this whole LA thing to
work out.”
“Nothing to work out.” Lenny shook his head. “You’re going, I’m not. Oh. My.
God!” He said each word as it’s own sentence.
“What?” Marcy momentarily turned her attention from the road to him.
“I know, I know who she is. Look! Look at her name!” He waved the receipt back
and forth in front of her.
“I can’t see it. Would you stop waving it around!” She complained. “Just tell
“
“What’s her first name?” She asked.
“
“Logan Logan?” She frowned. “I don’t think so Lenny.”
“Noooooooooo.” He was getting annoyed. “Remember
Storm said her husband or ex husband called her
“That little redhead?” Marcy asked. “Isn’t she a little young to have a husband
or ex husband?”
“Oh I don’t know, but I think I saw her picture on his desk. Don’t you
remember?”
Marcy was silent for a moment and then she looked at him like a light had just
gone on. “It’s not his sister, it’s his niece. I remember her now. His sister
has a couple of kids. Okay Lenny, mystery solved. Let’s get back to work shall
we?”
“So where were we?” Michael took Brooke into his arms after
“I think the mood’s been broken.” She sighed and gave him a kiss. “But I
promise, I’m going to make it up to you later.”
“What if I try and bring the mood back?” He grinned and ran his fingers up and
down her bare arms.
“Mmmmmm. It might just work, but speaking of work
don’t you have to go in?” She asked, yet she felt herself relaxing in his
embrace. She sighed contentedly as his lips covered hers in a sensual kiss. “Mmmmmm, you’re so convincing.”
“I told you, I cancelled my appointments, I’m yours.” He murmured. “Let’s get
naked.” He whispered as he kissed her neck.
“
“A little?” He asked, his hand slipping under her shirt, caressing her breast,
and turning her nipples instantly hard.
“Okay, a lot.” She giggled. “I’m feeling guilty again.”
“Nah, you’re just feeling good.” His other hand slid down her leg, stroking her
inner thighs through her jeans.
“We’re wearing far too much clothes.” She started on his buttons again. “Didn’t
I just do this a little while ago?”
“Some things get better each time.” He moaned as her hand explored his bare
chest.
“Do you think
“I can’t believe you’re talking about them right now Brooke.” He pulled her
tighter against him. “I must be losing my charm.”
“Never.” She sighed. “I’m sorry, I guess I just have them on my mind.”
“Just me Brooke, think of nothing but me and I promise, I’ll think of nothing
but you.”
“I can do that.” She reached for the snap on his jeans. She slid down the fly
and slipped her hand inside the jeans, inside his shorts, skin to skin. She
grinned, as he grew hard in her hand. “Only you, only us.” She whispered.
Michael reluctantly moved her hand away, but then led her to the couch. He
gently laid her down and then unsnapped her jeans. Brooke lifted her butt up so
he was able to slide them off. He stroked her through her panties. “You’re
already ready for
“I’m a little scared.” She admitted.
“I’ll be gentle, I know it may hurt. We’ll take our time, I promise.”
“Like riding a bike.” She laughed.
“Hopefully better than that.” He laughed with her. He stood up and was about to
let his own jeans fall when the doorbell rang again. “I’ll f*cking kill whoever that is.” He growled.
Brooke frowned as she pulled her jeans back on. “Fate seems to be against us
today.” She said sadly. “But it could be important, maybe it’s about Bridget.”
“You’re going to have to get it Brooke, I need to go out of the room and count
elephants or something.” He said, gesturing to his erection.
“Okay baby.” She smiled at him and adjusted her clothes. “If it’s not about her
I’ll get rid of them.” She gave him a kiss and waited until he was safely
inside the bathroom. She smoothed the legs of he pants tugged at her shirt
again and walked to the door. When she opened it she was greeted by a man she
had never seen before. He was tall, dark and very handsome. He wore crisp tan
slacks and a well fitted baby blue shirt. He gave her a smile that showed off
his bright, white teeth. “Hello?” Brooke said with a tentative smile.
“Hi. I’m Chris.” He told her.
“Uh huh.” She said softly with a confused squint.
“I take it Mike didn’t tell you I was coming by. Is he home?”
“Uh yes and no, he didn’t say anything.”
“Is this a bad time?” He asked her.
“No, not at all.” She lied.
“Okay.” He scratched his head. “Are you sure he didn’t tell you I was coming
by? I can’t believe he wouldn’t mention it.”
“We’ve both had a lot on our minds.” Brooke wasn’t sure what to make of his
attitude.
“Well perhaps he can answer me.” He walked inside the house. “He is coming out
isn’t he?”
“Let me go get Michael, sit down.” She led him to the couch. “I’ll be right
back.”
Chris sat down and Brooke walked out of the living room to the bathroom. She
opened the door a crack and slipped in.
“You’re not going to help my problem, unless you got rid of them.” Michael told
her.
“It’s someone for you, someone named Chris. He said you were expecting him. He
seemed surprised that I didn’t know who he is. He’s a nice looking guy but a
little cocky.”
“He’s an old buddy, we worked together years ago. I meant to tell you but I
guess I just forgot. We’re talking about working together again, I asked him if
he’d like to partner with
“You what?” She gasped. “I had no clue you wanted a partner.”
“Me either, it just came up and I thought that, well let me go see what he has
to say and I’ll tell you all about it later.” He looked down at his crotch. “I
guess I’m okay to go out now.”
He started to open the door but Brooke grabbed his arm. “Michael why are you
doing this? Please don’t do it if you think you have to take more time off for
me or anything. I don’t mean to complain and I know how much you love your
career and I’m happy about that, I am. We can work out our schedules better so
if this isn’t what you really want.”
“It is.” He smiled and kissed her. “I want more time to do the important
things, not just with you and Bethany but with my work too. Believe me Brooke,
this is something I’ve been thinking about a long time, but when this fell into
my lap yesterday I just had to grab it. It’ll be fine, I promise. I have a lot
of ideas, I’ll tell you all about them, but first lets see if Chris is ready to
make this move. You’re going to like him Brooke, he is cocky, but hey, so am
I.” Michael laughed. “And he is a really great
“Let’s go see him then.” She took his hand.
“You’re back quickly, it that good or bad?” Adrienne asked as Joey closed the
door to the condo. She watched as he pulled out one of his bags and rummaged
through it. “Hello! Earth to Joey!”
“Sorry.” He looked up. “It’s good, sort of, I guess. Well yes, it’s good.”
“Oh that makes a lot of sense.” She rolled her eyes.
“Blake still has the place wired. Not as good as I had it, it was easy to
find.”
“Pig.” She muttered. “But yes, it’s good if you can get back into Blake’s and
get what we need.”
“I need to get into Blake’s and then wherever the hell he has his new set up. I
just hope he left some kind of trail for
“Me too.” She agreed. “So do you need me to do my thing?”
Joey looked at his watch. “Yeah, he should be going to his regular bar for his
two
break before he eats. But that’s where we’re in trouble. He eats in and he eats
out. I have to plan on just the drinks, but I want you to see if you can engage
him, maybe slow him down a bit.”
“Maybe I can get him to take me to dinner.” She suggested.
“No!” Joey shouted. “No way babe.” He softened his tone. “I don’t want you
spending any more alone time with him. Just keep him occupied for at least a
half hour and I should have what I need.”
“What if he has his men at his house?” From her tone of voice Joey could tell
just how scared she was.
“I knew you cared.” He smiled at her. “I’ll be fine Ade.
They won’t be there. He may be stupid, but they aren’t. In fact I bet he hasn’t
even been looking at his tapes or listening to the calls. He needs help for
that and those guys are long gone.”
“I hope you’re right.” She didn’t look convinced.
“For Bridget, for Mike, for Brooke, we’re doing this for them Ade. I gotta take chances, but
you don’t, so if you want out.”
“No way Jose, I’m as in as you are.”
“Okay, you know the place, just get his attention and give me at least a half
hour.” He threw things into a small sports bag.
“Joey, be careful.” Adrienne reached out and grabbed his hand.
“You too.” He leaned in and stole a quick kiss. “Hasta
la pasta and all that.” He laughed and grabbed his keys. Then he grabbed hers
and threw them to her. Adrienne caught them with one hand and a grin. “We’re a
good battery.” Joey told her. “Tonight Ade, it’s gonna happen tonight.”
“Keep dreamin’ junior.” She laughed, but part of her
thought he might just be right.
“It’s all perfect.” Chris exclaimed as he and Michael returned to the house.
“With that other office it’s almost like you had it planned all along.”
“Well, I always thought it might be a good idea some day, so I had it built
like that from the start.” Michael walked up to Brooke and put his arm around
her waist. “Chris wants in sweetheart. Looks like it’s going to be Copeland and
Turner from now on.”
“Uh, Turner and Copeland.” Chris said in a tone that might or might not be
joking.
“Aside from the fact that alphabetically Copeland comes first, you’re coming
into my established practice Chris.” Michael reminded him.
“Good points, both of them. Copeland and Turner it is. Now how about I take you
both out to celebrate?”
“You go honey.” Brooke told Michael. “I’m really not up to it.”
“Don’t be a party pooper Brooke.” Chris pushed. “In fact, if you have a sister
you can bring her along too. I’m new in town and I don’t know anyone.”
“Poor, poor Chris.” Michael laughed. “You wait Brooke, give him a week and
he’ll have a harem.”
“Hmmm, sounds familiar.” She giggled softly. “But really, I’m really not up to
it and it’s late to get a sitter anyway.”
“She’s right.” Michael agreed. “But we can compromise. There’s an awesome
French place that has take out. Why don’t I get some stuff, Brooke can find a
nice bottle of wine or two and we can celebrate here. If that’s okay with you
Brooke.” He looked at his wife.
“Sounds like a wonderful idea.” Brooke agreed.
“You wanna come with me Chris?” Michael asked his
friend.
“Sure.” He answered.
“Brooke? You want that lobster thing you like?” Michael queried.
“The cassoulet? Oh yes.” She smiled. “And get some of
that wonderful bread.”
“Halleluiah.” Michael grinned. “Maybe your appetite is going to come back after
all.”
“Stop.” She smiled and gave him a playful punch. “Hmmm, maybe the Pork Paillardes with Camembert Sauce.” She looked pensive.
“Sweetheart, I am so happy to see you hungry I’ll get you both.” Michael
grinned.
“Michael! I can’t eat two dinners!” Brooke gasped.
“Then Chris or I will eat whatever you don’t. You can have some of each, I’m
just so thrilled to see you interested.”
“It all sounds interesting.” Chris told them. “I haven’t had French food in
eons.”
“Chris, they make a fantastic Boeuf Bourguignon if
you like that. The Chicken and Tapenade en Papillote is fantastic too if you’re not in the mood to
hoof it, and the Fricassée de Mer
et sa Julienne de legumes is great too, but you can
decide once we get there.”
“Mike, I just spent years in
“Surely they have good French restaurants in
“Of course they do, but well, I guess I never got around to them. So Mike, I’m
in your well-qualified hands. Let’s go.”
“We won’t be too long sweetheart.” Michael gave Brooke a kiss.
Chris turned to Michael after they closed the door behind them. “I never
thought I’d see the day. She sure does have you under her thumb.” He laughed.
“Actually Chris, it’s about mutual love and respect, but if I’m under her
thumb, there’s no place else I’d rather be.”
“Hey, I didn’t mean it in a bad way, really. She’s gorgeous and I’ve never seen
you happier or more content. No wonder you want to make these changes.”
“There’s a lot more behind it all, and I promise, I’ll bring you up to speed.
But let’s just try and have a little fun tonight. Brooke and I could sure use
it.”
“I hadn’t counted on Stephanie taking the girls too.”
“Are you at loose ends?” Katherine asked.
“Actually, I have a dinner invitation and I think I just might take it.”
“A date?” Katherine seemed both shocked and concerned.
“Heaven’s no.”
“I’m still crossing my fingers about you and Ridge.” Katherine told her.
“Oh Katherine.”
“Never say never.” Katherine reminded her. “I know how much he loves you and I
know how hard you’ve both fought to get where you are. Don’t like Morgan or
Blake win.”
“They haven’t. I’m just hoping that I win for a change. Anyway, I think I’ll
change and then head over to Brooke’s. A nice friendly meal with them is just
what the doctor ordered.”
Adrienne spotted him right away at the bar. He was an attractive man, one she
wouldn’t be averse to meeting if she didn’t know better. But with knowing what
she did she was a little scared. “For Bridget, for Mike, for Brooke.” She
softly reminded herself. “For Joey.” She added, then she walked to the bar and
took a seat two stools down from him. “Manhattan please.” She told the
bartender. “Up, no cherry.”
Blake looked over at her, obviously interested.
“Haven’t had mine for years.” She told him with a wink. “Why play games now?”
“Why indeed.” He smiled.
“A, Andrea Mitchell.” She gave him her hand.
“Blake Hayes.” He took her slim hand into his own. “I’ve not seen you here
before.”
“Your regular joint?” She asked.
“Like Metamucil.” He laughed. “Your first time here?”
“Just ended a loooooooooong relationship.” She
exaggerated the word. “Not all good, not all bad, but he was a real homebody.
I’m ready to put my dancin’ shoes back on so to
speak. So I’m taking tiny steps, getting’ my feet wet. I heard from a gal pal
that this place is nice, that you meet quality people. Seems she was right.”
She smiled at him.
The bartender brought her drink and put it in front of her. “Would you like to
start a tab?” He asked her.
“Put it on mine.” Blake grabbed the check.
“Thank you kindly.” Adrienne smiled.
Bridget stuffed the last of her things into the small bag and opened the door.
She let out a scream and jumped. “Jacob!”
“I knew it, I just knew it.” He took the bag from her hands. “You were just
going to take off weren’t you? All those promises and you didn’t mean a word of
it.”
“You can’t stop me!” She grabbed at the bag. “You or no one else can make me do
anything or stay anywhere if I don’t want to. Now give me my bag and get out of
my way!”
“
“Leave me the hell alone.” She tugged hard and the bag. Jacob finally let go.
He threw his arms up in disgust.
“I give up. I tried, I really tried.”
“You don’t have to save the world Jacob. Sometimes you just need to live your
own life.” She told him.
“I just wanted to help you.” He walked to the bed and sat down. “I didn’t want
to hurt you, I didn’t want to uncover your deep dark secrets, I just wanted to
help you. You can’t live your whole life alone
“Michael are you crazy? It’s only the three of us!” Brooke had to laugh when
she saw all the bags and containers that Michael and his friend Chris returned
with.
“I thought maybe Rick and Amber will come home and if they do we have to feed
them don’t we?” Michael put his packages on the table. “Put them right here.”
He told Chris as he cleared a place.
“Your husband is insane.” Chris told Brooke. “I swear he bought one of
everything.”
“He always does that.” Brooke laughed. “Then we end up throwing half of it away
and he KNOWS how I hate waste.” She looked sternly at Michael.
“Guilty.” He admitted. “But cut me some slack tonight, it’s been a long time
since either one of us smiled.”
“Mike told me about Bridget.” Chris said in a sympathetic tone. “I’m sure
she’ll come home soon. Kids, they need to think they’re in control.”
“Do you have children Chris?” Brooke asked, thinking that he couldn’t possibly
know what it was like to raise children.
“Two girls and a boy.” He admitted. “Ben is in college, Harvard.” He said with
fatherly pride. “Michelle is a freshman in high school and
“Then you DO understand.” Brooke sighed. “I just wish I knew why. She just
won’t tell us why.”
“Brooke, let’s try not to think about that right now. I know she’ll be back and
in time, she will tell us.” Michael gave her a hug. “Sooooooo,
did you find some wine?”
“Like the song says, I got a bottle or red and a bottle of white.” Brooke sang
in her cute little out of tune voice.
“Well we have beef, chicken, fish, pork so either is good. Chris?”
“
Brooke handed Michael a bottle. “He read my mind.” She told him.
“Mmmm, this is Baron Phillippe
de Rothschild 1999 Baron'arques.” Michael told Chris.
“Brooke and I had it at a function at Forrester and we both loved it.”
“Sounds great.” He told them.
“Brooke?” Michael asked his wife as he opened the bottle. Brooke got out two
red wine glasses and handed them to her husband.
“
“Thanks sweetie.” Michael gave her a kiss. “This is good too Chris. Ridge and
“And we’ve only used one bottle.” Brooke giggled. “Michael and I aren’t really
drinkers, but a nice glass of wine with a special dinner is always nice.”
Michael turned at the sound of the doorbell. “See!” He told Brooke. “I bet it’s
Rick and Amber.”
“I hope so.” Brooke told the men. “Otherwise we’re going to have to open a
French food stand on the corner.”
“Let’s take it into the living room and I’ll get the door.” Michael led them
all out and happily went to the door. To his surprise
“Hope the invite is still good.” She let go and looked over at Brooke who was
standing next to a man she didn’t know. “Oh, I’m sorry, you have company.”
“And now we have even more.” Michael took her arm. “Come meet my friend and new
partner Chris Turner. Chris, our very good friend, Taylor Forrester.”
“Hello Chris. It’s nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” His eyes took her in from her head to her toes and
it was obvious, he liked what he saw. “All mine.” He smiled.
“Bingo! I found you Bridget! I found you!” Joey grinned and grabbed the print
out. He thought about disconnecting the wires but stopped. “No, I may need it
again.” He then did a quick check of all the cameras. Satisfied that he had all
the information he needed as well as a good idea of the layout he quietly made
his way out. “I’m going to make your day Brooke, I am going to give you a
reason to smile again.”
“Lenny, tell me if I’m wrong before I call and make a fool out of myself.”
Marcy walked into his office. “That girl, Storm’s niece. Didn’t Gloria tell me
that she was missing? That Colin called her and told her. She ran away or
something?”
“You’re right!” He gasped loudly. “Storm was frantic, that’s what she said!”
“Lenny, we have to call Storm and Colin and tell them that we found her.”