Chapter 19
“Are you going to try him again?” Bridget asked Brooke.
“He’s probably not back yet.” Brooke said in a thoughtful tone. “You know we
really don’t appreciate everything that we have. Being a Forrester or being
connected to them makes all the difference in the world.”
“What do you mean?” Bridget asked.
“I have a private jet come for me. I have a team of lawyers working to make it
all normal for me. I have everything so easy. This house, Forrester, you kids,
limos, maids, you name it. I’m back and everything is here at my fingertips.
It’s not the same for Nick. I didn’t come from this life Bridget. When did I
start taking it all for granted?”
“I don’t think you have.” Bridget sat down next to Brooke and put her arm
around her. “And a lot of what you have has nothing to do with money or fame,
it’s about love and family.”
“I know.” Brooke smiled and kissed her cheek. “That’s something Nick doesn’t
have either.”
“I’m sorry, but it’s not your fault Mom.”
“No, but it was all so easy for me Bridget, I just assumed it would be for him
and now I have to wonder.”
“Wonder what?” Bridget asked.
“Who’s waiting for him? Was there a plane to pick him up? I know that Perry’s
friend didn’t take him all the way home. Maybe he had to drive. Why was I so
selfish? Why didn’t I make sure he was home or at least on a plane there?”
“Mom, please don’t beat yourself up over this. You wanted to get home and you
made it. He’ll get home too.”
“I just need to know that he’s alright.” Brooke picked up the phone but put it
down.
“Call him.” Bridget urged her.
“It’s too soon, I just called.” She looked helplessly at the phone.
“You really love him don’t you?” Bridget crinkled her nose in a style very much
like her mother. Brooke smiled and gave her a tight hug.
“You’re certainly your mother’s girl.” She smoothed her hair and let out a
contented sigh. “Yes, I do love him.” She admitted.
“Can I ask you something?” Bridget looked up at Brooke.
“Sure.” Brooke smiled.
“If you have those kind of feelings for him why are
you going to marry Ridge?”
“Wow.” Brooke took a deep breath. “You know, I wonder about that myself. I’m
not sure if I’m doing the right thing.”
“Do you love Ridge?” Bridget asked.
“Yes.” Brooke answered immediately.
“But?” Bridget wondered. “I sense a
but in there Mom.”
“I’ve changed, he’s changed, things have changed. I can’t go back and be that
naïve little girl I once was honey and I think Ridge still sees me that way.”
Brooke tried to explain. “Once all I wanted was to be his wife.”
“Not anymore?” Bridget asked her.
Brooke sat silently as she thought about the question. She finally spoke. “We
could probably have a happy life, at least for a while. Ridge would try to make
me happy and I’d let him. I’m just not sure I’m ready for that now. As odd as
this is going to sound, to me that would be settling.”
“Wow, Brooke Logan “settling” for Ridge Forrester?” Bridget couldn’t help
laughing.
“I know.” Brooke giggled along with her daughter. “Stephanie would die if she
could hear us now.”
“You’re not going to marry him are you?” Bridget bluntly asked Brooke.
“I don’t know.” Brooke twisted a strand of hair around her finger.
“Mom, if it’s not for love, please don’t do it. Please
don’t marry anyone for anything other than love ever again.”
“Ridge you’re crazy.” Rick shook his head. He couldn’t believe that Ridge was
planning on sweeping his mother away and eloping to
“What would I be joking about?” Ridge returned with a frown. “This is what I
want. This is what your mother wants. You know how long she’s wanted it. I’m
going to make it happen. No joke at all Rick.”
“After everything my mother has been through she just isn’t in the frame of
mind to marry you or anyone. Ridge you saw her at the hospital. I don’t even
know why you’d want to marry someone as confused as she is.”
“The confusion is over now.” Ridge insisted. “Parker is history and there is no
baby. There’s nothing stopping us now. We’re going to get married, no reason to
put it off.”
“Maybe Mom would like a nice wedding Ridge, with family and friends.” Rick
suggested. “But frankly, I don’t think she’s ready for any kind of wedding
right now. She’s not exactly herself you know.”
“You said she was doing better.” Ridge complained. “Make up your mind Rick.”
“She just spent months alone on a deserted island. I think the last thing on
her mind is getting on another plane and taking off to get married. Just give
her some room Ridge.”
“See.” Carla put her hand on Nick’s arm. “She does care Nick.”
“I wonder what she wants. I wonder if she’s calling to tell me she wants to
marry Ridge and they want to adopt the baby.”
“You’re borrowing trouble Nick. Maybe she just wanted to make sure you made it
home safely. Maybe she just wanted to hear your voice.” Carla ran her finger on
the coffee table. “They did a good job cleaning. You’d never know that we’ve
both been gone so long.”
“I wish Dan would care as much about honoring my position with the company as
he does with getting cleaning ladies.” Nick growled. “You know Carla, I’m not
going to take this lying down. I had a job and I did it well, if I wasn’t
working for them I’d never have been on that plane. I bet if I hired a lawyer I
could clean up.”
“Is that what you want?” She asked.
“I want what I deserve.” He muttered.
“And what do you deserve?” She pushed.
“What are you trying to do? Play devil’s advocate?” Nick snarled.
“I’m just trying to get you to see reason about things. I know you got a raw
deal with Dan and I think you SHOULD talk to him, but try that before you run
off hiring a lawyer. That is unless you really just want to as you called it,
clean up.”
“I just want my identity back.” He said softly. “I want my life Carla. I lost
Brooke and my kid, getting my old life back shouldn’t be asking too much.”
“No honey, it isn’t.” She gave him a hug. “Talk to Dan, I bet when he sees you
he’ll regret his decision. It’s a big company, even if you’re not doing the
same exact thing he should be able to find a place for you.”
“I don’t want his sympathy. I earned my position. I worked long and hard for
it.” Nick sat down on the couch and sighed. “Some homecoming huh?”
“It’ll get better.” Carla promised.
“I wonder when she’s going to call back.” Nick stared hard at the phone,
willing it to ring.
“You could call her.” Carla suggested.
“You think I should?” He asked.
“I don’t get it Nick. You’re a take charge kind of guy. You’ve never hemmed and
hawed about anything in your life. What is it you’re afraid of here? She’s
already let you down by leaving with Ridge. It can’t get worse, it can only get
better. You did say you want to fight for her. Have you changed your mind?”
“No.” He sat up straighter. “You’re right. I can’t just sit down and let Dan
walk over me and I can’t let Forrester do it either. This is my kid and even if
Brooke doesn’t want me, he does.”
“Good for you Nick.” She smiled.
“It won’t be easy.” He said thoughtfully.
“Nothing good ever is and you’re not one to shrink from a fight either.”
“How did you get so smart?” Brooke smiled and hugged her daughter.
“I got it from my mom.” Bridget kissed her gently on the cheek. “I hope you’ll
listen to me.” She said in a serious tone.
“I have a lot of thinking to do.” Brooke admitted. “I know Ridge thinks a quick
marriage is the best thing, he thinks it’s what I want, but I just can’t. Maybe
in time.” She said thoughtfully.
“All my life he’s all you ever wanted.” Bridget held onto Brooke’s hand. “I
know that being in the situation you were in changes things.”
“It changed me.” Brooke answered.
“But maybe not in everything. Maybe once everything settles down you’ll see
that Ridge is still the man you love. He gave up so much for you Mom. He wouldn’t
quit even when everyone else did.”
“He does love me.” Brooke wiped a tear from her eye. “Why did it have to take
something like this? Why couldn’t he just love me when we were together?”
“Losing you, really losing you opened his eyes.”
“He’s lost me before.” Brooke said with a squint.
“Not really Mom. He let you go, but he never lost you, you were always there
waiting for him.”
“Wishing, hoping and praying.” Brooke nodded. “And now that he’s saying
everything I always wanted to hear.”
“You’re not sure.” Bridget finished for her.
“You must think I’ve totally lost it.” Brooke smiled.
“I’m just so glad to have you back.” Bridget pulled her tightly into her arms
and let fresh tears fall.
“And I’m so glad to have you back too honey.” Brooke’s tears melded with her
daughter’s.
“Ridge she’s a mess, surely you could see that.” Rick shook his head.
“Marrying me will change that. You know that’s what she wants.” Ridge argued.
“I don’t know if she knows what she wants anymore. I don’t know who this Nick
guy is but Mom doesn’t seem to want to forget him.”
“She will. He’s nothing Rick.” Ridge frowned. “He was just the only person she
saw or talked to or, well, he was it and she thought there was more than there
really was.”
“She thought there was a baby Ridge, she didn’t just imagine that into her
body. You know that she was close to this man.”
“Stop it!” Ridge shouted. “I don’t need you reminding me that she slept with
the idiot.”
“You need to slow down and think Ridge. My Mom has been through hell and I am
NOT going to let you or anyone else push her around!”
Carla put the glass down in front of Nick and took the slip of paper from his
hand. “Staring at it is not going to make the phone work. Pick it up and call
her!”
“I’m scared.” He admitted. “I want to talk to her so badly but I’m really
scared about why she was calling
“Did you listen to the message again?” Carla asked.
“Five times.” Nick admitted. He pushed the button on the answering machine and
the room filled with Brooke’s voice. “Nick, it’s Brooke. I need to talk to you.
I’ll call back. I hope you had a safe flight. I, I miss you. I, well, I’ll talk
to you soon I hope. Bye.”
“What scares you?” Carla asked, putting down the piece of paper.
“The way she said she needs to talk to me I guess.” Nick picked up the numbers
and touched them with reverence. “Maybe she’s just saying goodbye.”
“You already did that.” Carla reminded him. “She said she missed you Nick.”
“What the hell is wrong with me?” Nick reached for the phone but then stopped
before he could find the nerve to punch in the numbers.
“I’ll leave you alone Nick.” Carla gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be in
the kitchen if you need
“Thanks.” He looked up at her and smiled.
“It’ll be okay Nick.” She promised. Then she left the room.
Nick looked at the numbers, took a deep breath and punched in the numbers.
“Want me to get that? It might be the press.” Bridget asked Brooke.
“I’m back and I need to get back into the game.” Brooke said with bravado. “I
can handle the press, besides they won’t be mean this time will they?”
“I sure hope not.” Bridget smiled.
Brooke reached for the phone, put it to her ear, gave Bridget a ‘thumbs up’ and
answered. “Hello?”
“Brooke.” Nick let out a sigh.
“Nick.” She whispered. She had been waiting for this moment, needing to hear
his voice and now she was at a total loss for words. Bridget watched as she sat
in silence for what was mere seconds but felt like hours.
“You um, you called me.” Nick nervously spoke again.
“You’re home.” Brooke said softly.
“Yeah, it took a while but I’m here.” He forced a chuckle.
“Did, um, did the pilot take you all the way to
“He landed in
“A train?” Brooke crinkled her nose. “That must have taken forever.”
“It did, but it was the easiest way. Security is a lot stricter on the airlines
and you know I just had fake ID.”
“Oh Nick.” Brooke longed to touch him, to hold him.
“It’s okay, it’s over, I’m back. I’ll get it all cleared up sooner or later.”
He took a sip of his iced tea. “So how was your trip back? I bet old Ridge had
champagne and caviar and fed you all the way back.”
“Nick.” Brooke said softly.
“Sorry, old habits and all. I’ll lay off him.” He sighed. This wasn’t going the
way he had hoped. Brooke seemed nervous, he knew she had bad news for him, news
he wasn’t ready to hear, news he already knew. “I bet you haven’t let go of
those kids of yours yet.” He changed the subject. “Tell me about it. Tell me
what it was like to see them again.”
“It was wonderful.” Brooke was so appreciative that he had asked, that he knew
her so well that he knew what mattered most to her. “I’ve barely let them go.
I’m sure that they’re going to get very tired of me soon.”
“Never.” Nick answered. “I know how much you love your children Brooke.”
“Seeing them was the most wonderful thing in the world.” Brooke admitted. “I
knew I missed them, but I really didn’t know just how much I did.”
“And they missed you too.” Nick told her.
“They did.” She smiled and squeezed Bridget’s hand.
“You’re a good Mom Brooke. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to raise my kid.”
The smile froze on Brooke’s face and her eyes filled with tears. “Nick, I.”
“I know, I know you and Forrester, but I’ve been thinking Brooke, about what
you said, what you asked of
“Wwwhat?” She asked.
“To think about it, and I have. I know you are where you want to be and I know
Ridge will be good to the baby and I know it will be hard, but I’ve decided
that you’re right.”
“Right?” She barely got out the word. She had to tell him.
“I can’t just give him up, I can’t just sign it all away like it was nothing.
Brooke I need to be a father to him, even if it’s only part time and long
distance.” He waited for her reaction but she was silent. “Brooke? Are you
there?”
“Yyyes.” She stammered.
“I know it’s all scary for you. I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want
to. We can talk it all out, Brooke I’ve been thinking about everything. I just
need some time, time to straighten all this mess out but I will.”
“Nick, I have to.” She stopped. She couldn’t seem to force the words out.
“Brooke it’s okay. I know things are different now but we can work it out. It’s
just so crazy now you know?”
“It is isn’t it?” Brooke sighed. “And I haven’t even been to Forrester yet.”
“I haven’t been into work either, not that I have a, no never mind.”
“What Nick?” Brooke asked with concern.
“It’s okay.” He told her. “It’s going to work out, I am going to make it all
work out. Do you believe me?” He asked.
“I believe in you Nick.”
“Good.” He smiled. “I was so excited to hear that you called, but scared too.
You sounded nervous. You said you needed to talk to me and of course my mind
went in all sorts of directions.”
“Nick I’m sorry, I just needed, I just needed.” Tears poured down her cheeks
but she couldn’t say the words.
“I know, me too. I just needed to hear your voice. I just needed to know you
were safe. And happy. And you have your kids with you Brooke so I know you’re
happy. I miss you but I am so happy for you Brooke. I wish I was there to meet
them but I will, someday soon I will meet them.”
“Yes.” She sobbed.
“You’re crying. Oh Princess don’t cry, it will be okay, we’ll make it okay.”
“I, I have to go. Nick I’m sorry, I have to go. I’ll call you again soon okay?”
“Okay.” He agreed. “Goodbye Brooke.”
“Bbbbye.” She said and then she quickly put the phone
in the cradle.
“You didn’t tell him. Mom, why didn’t you tell him?” Bridget asked.
Eric walked into Stephanie’s office, poured coffee for both of them and brought
the two mugs to her desk. He handed one to his wife with a broad smile. “I feel
like there is nothing in the world I can’t do.”
“The press are swarming.” She said in response. “I wonder who told them, I
wonder how it got out.”
“Does it matter? It’s not a secret darling, Brooke and Ridge are both alive and
safe and healthy. It’s a time for celebration. I welcome them all, I’ll serve
them all champagne. I’m floating on a cloud nine, ten miles high.” He grinned
from ear to ear.
“I don’t want you to misunderstand me. I don’t want you to think badly of me
Eric.” She sipped her coffee.
“I know you’re not happy about the engagement but this is what they both want,
I think they’ve always wanted it. I know it’s hard but try Stephanie, please try
to accept this or else you will never be happy. This is a wonderful thing for
this family and for Forrester.”
“She’s back, she’ll be back in charge.” Stephanie sounded defeated.
“Yes, but it also means that Rick and Bridget will have to rein in their spouses.
I don’t think Deacon Sharpe is going to find Forrester to his liking anymore.”
“So you consider that a victory?” Stephanie scoffed. “We get rid of Deacon
Sharpe, well at Forrester, not from our lives, but our son leaves his wife and
children to marry Brooke Logan. I consider that a horrendous loss Eric.”
“Ridge left
“She would have taken him back, she still loves him Eric, you could see that
last night. That poor woman was so hurt.”
“I feel for her. I love
“Fairytale? Ha!” She put down her cup.
“Are you going to at least try to accept her?” Eric asked.
“It’s not like I have a choice.” She got up and picked up a piece of fabric.
“She’s changed you know Eric. I don’t even know if she can do the job anymore.
She’s distracted, she’s different. She seems so far away, not just from us but
also from the entire world of fashion.”
“She just got home, she needs time to adjust. Stephanie I know you and Brooke
were never friends but surely you’re happy that she survived.” Eric looked up
at her, praying for a positive reaction.
“What happened? What did she say? Is everything alright?” Carla followed Nick
into the bedroom. She watched him as he opened the closet and started looking
through his clothes.
“I’m not sure. She seemed uncomfortable, scared, but she was happy to talk to
me, that I’m sure of.”
“Did she say why she called? What was so important?”
“I think she just missed me. I think she’s having second thoughts. I think we
both are.”
“So what happened? Did you make plans to get together?” She asked.
“I couldn’t do that now could I?” He asked. “I need to get myself legal and
alive first, but I know I’ll call her soon or she’ll call me. I still love her
and I really think she loves me too.”
“So what’s next?” She asked.
“I need to see a lawyer and Dan.” He pulled a suit out. “I need a haircut.” He
held the suit out in front of himself at the mirror. “This one is still okay
isn’t it?”
“Styles haven’t changed that quickly.” She smiled.
Nick unzipped his jeans and slid them off. Carla watched as he slipped on the
pants from the suit. “Hmmmm.” He said with a laugh as
he looked at the waistband, it was swimming on him. “I guess it won’t do after
all. Oh well, maybe the jacket with the jeans for today.” He put the jacket on
but it strained against his back and his arms. It was clearly too tight. “Okay,
now this is weird.” He laughed.
“Your muscles.” Carla smiled at him. “I knew you looked stronger and harder but
I had no idea. You lost weight in your waist but you filled out muscle wise.”
“All well and good, but what am I supposed to do for clothes?” He asked.
“Come on.” She grabbed her purse and threw him the jeans from the floor. “Get
dressed, we’re going shopping.”
“I uh, don’t have any money Carla.”
“I have plastic.” She told him. “I know you’re good for it.”
Nick pulled the loose suit pants off and pulled the jeans back on. He reached
for a tee shirt and put it over his head. “I am good for it.” He confirmed with
confidence. “Carla thank you.” He took her hand. “I know I let you down, I know
I hurt you. I know I don’t deserve any of this but I need you to know how much
I appreciate it. You probably don’t believe me but I love you, I really love
you.”
“I do believe you and I love you too Nick. I wish things were different but now
I just hope we can both be happy.”
“I hope you’ll always be my friend.” He pulled her close.
“I thought it would be too hard, I really didn’t think I could do it, but I’m a
lot stronger than I thought I was.” She kissed him on the cheek.
“You’re the strongest person I know.” He told her.
“Come on, let’s go get you some new clothes.” She took his hand and led him to
the door.
“Coming.”
“Surely you knew I’d be here once I heard. I just wonder why you didn’t call me
yourself.”
“Everything was so crazy James, come in.” She ushered him into the living room.
“Coffee?” She offered before sitting down.
“If you’re having some.” He answered.
“I’m indulging.” She offered a weak smile and a small plate of cookies.
James poured himself a cup and turned to face her. “Refill?” He asked.
“I’m fine.” She showed her almost full cup. “I’m a horrible monster.” She sighed.
“No, no you’re not.” He sat down next to her and took her hand.
“You don’t know the things I’ve thought or even said. I am a monster. I’m
ashamed of myself James and yet I can’t seem to change how I feel.”
“It was a shock. I don’t understand why they had you there in the first place.”
He shook his head. “Highly insensitive.”
“To be fair Stephanie knew nothing and Eric only knew that Ridge was alive. I
think he was thinking it might reunite us if I were there.”
“Would it have?” James asked.
“I’d been missing him so much, second and third guessing all of my choices.
Yes, I think it would have worked.”
“It still may.” James said reassuringly. “You knew all along he was going to
try and find her, well he did and he’s home. Now you need to think long and
hard.”
“No.” She softly replied.
“Did Brooke say or do something?” James asked.
“You might say that.”
“I find it hard to believe that after all she’d been through that her first
thought would be to start something up with you.”
“She didn’t. Oh James, I’m horrible but I just didn’t expect any of this. I
thought I was being asked there to help with the Deacon situation and then
everything changed, everything.”
“What happened?” He asked.
“Well it was all kind of odd, no one really knew why we were there and then
Ridge came in. I’ve never been so stunned or so happy. He was alive, he was
back and I just knew that my life was going to be perfect again. But something
was wrong. He was acting strange; he didn’t even seem to notice me. I just
wrote it off to his experience. I was already planning our future in my head.
All I could think about was bringing him home to our children and to our bed.
I’ve never wanted him more than I did at that moment.”
“I’m not sure I understand.” James said. “What did Brooke do to change it?”
“Brooke wasn’t with him. She was his surprise.” She picked up her cup and took
a sip before continuing. “He brought her in and I felt my heart fall to my
stomach. What kind of monster am I James? She was supposed to be dead and by
some miracle she survived and I resented her. I wanted her gone. Do you have
any idea how much I hated myself for feeling that way?”
“You and Brooke have always been in competition. Even under circumstances like
this that doesn’t change. But what shocks me the most is that she would choose
a time like this to go at you. That isn’t like her.”
“She didn’t.”
“How was he with the children?” James frowned.
“Once he remembered them?” She asked with sarcasm. “Actually he was very good
to them and very excited to see them but it was already ruined by then.”
“How was it ruined?” He asked calmly.
“You sound like you’re my shrink.”
“I’ll try.” He squeezed her hand. “How was it ruined?” He asked again.
“When we were all together Ridge made an announcement and Brooke confirmed it.”
“An announcement?” James raised his eyebrows.
“They’re getting married.”
“Okay Rick, I’ll wait. Shhhesh.” Ridge sighed. “But I
am going to marry her because that is what we both want.”
“Just let her adjust, that’s all I’m asking you Ridge.”
“I still want to take her away, let her relax.”
“She just got home, she needs to be with her family.” Rick was getting annoyed.
“You’ve been with her all this time Ridge, it’s not fair to do this and I don’t
think she’ll go anyway.”
“You don’t know how hard it’s going to be on her with the press and all the
pressures. She’s not ready for regular life. I’ll listen to you about not
running off to get married for now, but I fully intend to protect her from all
the pressure.”
“I think you’re the one giving her the pressure.” Rick said under his breath.
“Excuse me Junior?” Ridge growled.
“I don’t want to start something with you Ridge, but I damn well intend to
protect my mother myself and it’s not the press that I’m worried about.”
“Then what is it?” Ridge frowned at him.
“You Ridge, like it has been for years, the only thing she needs protection
from is you.”
“I couldn’t do it.” Brooke sighed. “I tried, I really tried but I couldn’t make
the words come.”
“Mom he has to know, he has to know that there isn’t a baby.”
“He’s so excited. He wants to be a part of his life Bridget.” Brooke told her
with a sad smile.
“There is no him Mom, there is no life, there is no baby and you have to tell
him.”
“I will.” Brooke moaned.
“When?” Bridget questioned her.
“Soon, I will, I just couldn’t. I need time to digest it all myself.”
“What are you afraid of Mom?” Bridget had to wonder.
“There’s nothing left.” Brooke said sadly.
“What does that mean?” Bridget was instantly offended. “You have your life, you
have your family, you have your business, you have Ridge, Mom you have
everything.”
“There’s nothing left to tie us together. I’ll never see him again, never.”
Brooke lowered her head into her hands.
“Oh Mom, you have me, you have me.” Bridget said sadly. “And if you want to see
him again you need to make it happen. It’s all in your power Mom. It’s all up
to you.”
“
“I’m fine.” She looked up at him. “It’s just overwhelming.” She smiled and gave
him a short kiss. “I’m fine really. I just need to go get dressed.” She
struggled from his grasp.
“Hey, what’s the hurry. We’re not going anywhere, just relax, take your time. I
could make my special blueberry pancakes.” He offered with a grin. “Remember
them Princess?” He turned to Bridget.
“Sure.” She smiled. “Sounds good right Mom?”
“I don’t have time for that.” She shook her head.
“And why not?” Ridge laughed.
“Because I need to get to work.”
“You’re joking. Tell me you’re joking Logan.”
“I’ve been away far too long, it’s time I got back to business.”
“Logan, Dad and I have it all under control.”
“I appreciate that Ridge, but I’m back now and I’m the CEO and I fully intend
to get myself back to business.” She smiled confidently and looked at Ridge and
then Bridget. “Now if you’ll both excuse me, I’m going to get dressed.” With
that she walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
“She’s losing it.” Ridge moaned.
“Why Ridge? Because she still wants her own life?” Rick asked as he joined them
in the kitchen.
“Can you please control your brother.” Ridge told Bridget. “For some reason
he’s painting me as some idiot who’s out to hurt Brooke.”
“That’s silly Rick, you know Ridge loves Mom.”
“I do?” Rick asked. “Remind me of this great love, I tend to remember Ridge
leaving Mom and us for
“I love your mother. I’m going to marry your mother. Rick I promise you, I’ll
never hurt her again.”
“Oh you got that right.” Rick said in a warning tone. “I’ll make sure of it.”
James leaned back and looked at
“You don’t think I should have been shocked do you?” She asked.
“No.” He answered honestly. “He told you when he left how he felt about her.”
“Why are you doing this?” She shook her head.
“I don’t want to see you lying to yourself, I don’t want to see you in denial.
“And your point?” She asked with a pretty pout.
“
“Habit?” She frowned. “He was my husband, how is that habit.”
“Habit of winning, beating Brooke. Habit of what is familiar, Ridge as your
husband. I wonder if you’d even be happy with the man he is now. Why would you
settle for a man who chased across the world for another woman? You deserve
better
Nick looked at his reflection in the window and smiled. His hair was cut neatly
not too long, not too short but it looked styled and clean and his new suit fit
wonderfully. He had a newfound confidence, he was ready to take on the world,
or at least Dan Callahan. He walked into the lobby and smiled at the
receptionist. “Hello Cindy, is Dan in?”
“Nnnnick? Oh my God is that you Nick?” She gasped. “I
thought, I, they, we, they.”
“I know.” He smiled. “But as you can see I’m alive and well.” He held out his
arms.
“Does he? Does Mr. Callahan know?” She stammered.
“Yes he does. I guess he hasn’t decided to say anything yet.”
“How? How?” She asked.
“Look, I’ll can’t wait to tell you all about it, but after I have a word or two
with Dan okay?” He winked. “Just to give you a quick rundown, I survived the
crash, was sort of stranded on an island and Carla, Ridge and Perry found us. I
promise more details later.”
Cindy got up from her desk and gave him a hug. “I’m so happy.” She said
tearfully. “I’ve missed you, we all have.”
“I’ve missed you too.” He squeezed her tightly. “Hey when I’m done with Dan we
can have some coffee and I’ll bring you up to date, but I really need to talk
to him now.”
“Of course.” She let him go and looked at the phone console. “Go on in, he’s
alone and not on the phone.” Cindy told him. “And Nick.” She said stopping him
and making him turn around. “I’m so glad to see you again.”
“Thanks, it’s good to be back.” He grinned and opened the door and walked into
his boss’s office. “Hey Dan.” He smiled at him. “I think we have a thing or two
to talk about.”
“Nick, Nick come in.” He got up from his desk and embraced the man. “You can’t
even imagine how thrilled I was to hear the news.”
“Hmmmm, so thrilled you canned me?” Nick chucked. Dan
flushed with embarrassment.
“Nick, I may have moved too quickly.”
“Well good, because I’m about to let you remedy it. You know how valuable I am
to you.”
“You are Nick, but Steve Taters has been doing an awesome job since you left.”
“Left? I didn’t LEAVE Dan, I was in a freaking plane crash, I was stuck in the
middle of nowhere. The least I can expect is my company and my friends to stand
by me.” He sat down in a plush leather chair. “Taters is good, but he isn’t
even in the same hemisphere with me and you know it. So tell me Dan, what are
you going to do for me?”
“We’ll find a place for you Nick.”
“A place? I hope you mean one equal to the one I had. I don’t mean to press but
I really think it’s only right. I wouldn’t have been on that plane. This all
happened on company time Dan, I don’t deserve to have to suffer more for that
do I?”
“No you don’t Nick, but are you sure you’re ready to be back?”
“Don’t I look ready?” Nick stood up.
“To be honest you look better than I’ve ever seen you look, except a little
thin here and there.”
“Actually I’m invisible.” Nick snickered.
“Nick?” Dan frowned. “Please don’t think that, I meant what I said, we know
your value, I know your value. There’s a place for you. I just have to do some
rearranging.”
“What I meant was that Nick Parker is still dead, I’m up to here in legal mumbo
jumbo.” Nick motioned to his neck.
“I had no idea.” Dan reached for the phone. “Don’t worry Nick, we’ll handle
this.” He punched in a number. “Kat, it’s Dan, I need you down here right away.
Yes, now. Nick Parker is here and he needs your help. Thanks.” He hung up and
turned back to Nick. “Kat’ll take care of it.”
“Kat Rickman’s the best. I know she’ll be able to help.” Nick smiled. “Thanks
Dan, I do appreciate it. This will save me a lot of trouble and grief, not to
mention money that I don’t have.”
“She’ll have it all cleared up today I’m sure Nick. Your money will be back in
your hands and we’ll make sure you have a job to come to.”
They both looked up as the attractive blonde entered the office. “Nick! My God
you’re a sight for sore eyes!” She gave him a quick hug. “You look wonderful. I
was stunned when Dan called me and told me the news. Miracles do happen after
all.”
“Not so sure I’d call me a miracle but I was pretty lucky.” He said with a grin
and an admiring glance. “You look pretty nice yourself Kat.” Nick smiled. “And
thanks, it’s great to be back.”
“So what can I do for you? Are you thinking lawsuit? Not against us I hope.”
“No, no.” Nick shook his head. “All I want is to come back from the dead. I
need my money, my identity, all that. Seems that everything that makes me me is tied up in miles of red tape and I really need to cut
it.”
“That should be easy.” She assured him. “When you and Dan finish, come to my
office and we’ll get started.” She looked around. “Carla?” She asked.
“In her office I think.” Nick answered.
“I’m so glad she didn’t give up.”
“You are?” Nick laughed. “Imagine how I feel. So how is Dennis?” He asked.
“Great.” Kat smiled. Nick and her husband had always gotten along well, they’d
had some fun together at company functions and even gone to some sporting
events together.
“No little Rickman’s yet?” Nick asked.
“You haven’t been gone THAT long.” Kat laughed. “But maybe not too far in the
future.”
“I know you and Dennis will make wonderful parents.” Nick smiled broadly.
“So do you and Carla have something to tell us? By that grin I think you
might.” Kat asked.
“Um, well no, not exactly.” Nick turned away. He didn’t want to embarrass
Carla, but he didn’t want to put her into a difficult situation either. “Things
have changed for us.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Kat told him. “I just thought, well you looked.”
“Ummm, not now, things are still up in the air.” Nick
answered Kat and Dan’s confused looks. “But Carla is a wonderful woman and I
love her to death.”
“Separation can change things but time can heal wounds too Nick.” Kat said with
sympathy.
“Things are different.” He sighed.
“Look, let me start looking into it while you talk to Dan, I have your company
file so I can start on Social Security and the insurance companies. I’ll see
you in my office okay?” Kat got up.
“Thanks Kat, I really appreciate it.” Nick stood as she left the room.
“So you and Carla are no longer together?” Dan asked with a thoughtful look.
“I’m afraid not.” Nick answered.
“Hmmmm.” Dan scratched his head.
“What? Don’t tell me you’re going to hold that against me Dan.”
“Calm down Nick.” Dan pulled some papers from his drawer. “This might just make
it a lot easier. But I have a question.”
“Shoot.”
“Would you consider relocating?”
“Dan?” Nick frowned. “Are you trying to ship me off? Have me fade into the
sunset in some lame half assed imitation of a real job?”
“No Nick, this is NOT a demotion, it’s a very, very important position that
I’ve been tearing my hair out trying to decide who could handle it. I didn’t
even consider you or Carla, not after all that time but this is perfect. Nick
you are someone I can trust in this.”
“What is it and where would I have to go?” Nick questioned with a bit of
concern. He wasn’t sure that this offer was really because of his merits or
because it would be easier to have him gone.
“Oh dear.” Dan stopped. “I’m sure you’re not anxious to get back onto a plane
are you?”
“How do you think I got home? I’m not scared Dan. But where is this?”
“
“Yes, I am happy that she survived Eric. I’m not heartless, I never wished
death on the woman.”
“Never?” He asked with a grin.
“Never seriously.” She reiterated. “But Eric, as happy as I am for her and the
children I am not looking forward to her returning to our company or to our
family.”
“I can understand that but you’re going to have to accept it Stephanie.”
“I know.” She sighed. “At least we’ll have a bit of a respite. Surely she won’t
be returning to Forrester for quite some time. I imagine she will be plotting a
wedding.”
“Plotting?” Eric grimaced.
“Planning.” Stephanie sighed. “It will be a black day for this family when she
walks down the aisle…………….AGAIN.”
“Stephanie! Be kind.”
“I suppose you expect me to help her.”
“It would be nice.” He admitted.
“Hmmm. I could help her find a dress. I think red would be appropriate.”
“Stephanie! I am warning you.”
“Why? What’s really different Eric? Does she deserve my respect just for
staying alive? Am I to forget all the things she’s done to this family like you
have?”
“Well yes, I do think she deserves respect for surviving. It wasn’t an easy
accomplishment you know. She fought hard just to stay alive. Can’t you even
give her that?” Eric wondered.
“Of course I can respect that, but a whore is still a whore at the end of the
day. That woman has done nothing but make my life miserable since the day she
and her mother walked into my house and I don’t see that ever changing. Will
this experience change Brooke? No Eric, she’s still the same and she still has
her claws planted firmly into our son. I’m glad she is alive but I wish she was
gone, gone out of all our lives forever. Healthy, alive, but gone.”
“I wish you wouldn’t do this
“It’s what I need.” She told him and then turned to face Bridget. “Thanks for
coming with me honey but it’s really not necessary.”
“I want to give you support Mom.” Bridget linked arms with Brooke.
“You’ve already given me so much.” Brooke smiled. “But I’m not complaining. I’m
really not sure I’m ready to let either one of you too far out of my sight
yet.” Ridge started to smile but when Brooke reached for Rick’s hand he felt a
deep let down.
“We’re not going anywhere Mom.” Rick assured her.
“Brooke! Brooke!” Came shouts as a group of reporters and photographers ran up
and surrounded her. “What was it like? How did you survive? What happened to
the man? Is it true about you and Ridge?” The questions rang out one after
another and Brooke just smiled and laughed.
“Just leave her alone!” Ridge shouted, pushing them away.
“This is news, we need to talk to her.” They countered.
“Hold it.” Brooke giggled as she stepped between Ridge and the now angry mob.
“You don’t give a person time to catch her breath.”
“Brooke, just a few questions.” The reporter from Eye on Fashion called out.
“I’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.” Brooke promised. “But
please, give me a little time to acclimate myself to things here. I haven’t
even been to my office yet. Let’s let Megan set up a press conference for a
little later today and I promise I’ll have lots of answers for you.”
“Sounds fair.” The LA Times reporter answered.
”Honey, show them to the cafeteria and tell them I want coffee and pastries for
everyone.” Brooke told Rick. Then she turned back to the reporters. “I hope I
don’t keep you waiting too long, but check with Megan for the time and if you
need to you can leave and come back.” She smiled and led her entourage down the
secure hallway towards her office.
“You don’t owe them anything
“They’re only wishing me well Ridge, I like that for a change.”
“I don’t want you answering their questions.” He angrily told her.
“I have nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of Ridge, I welcome them and any
question they have.”
“You don’t know what you’re saying!” Ridge raised his arms in exasperation.
“Are you saying I’m incompetent?” She asked with a squint.
“Ridge Mom is certainly capable of handing a group of reporters.” Bridget
interjected.
“And when they ask about him?” Ridge pointed out with distain.
“Nick is not a dirty word Ridge, he’s a man that I love and admire. I think
you’re the only one who can’t seem to handle that.”
Bridget cringed and then smiled at how quickly and easily Brooke put Ridge in
his place.
“Thank you, I believe this will be a very successful association. Mr. Parker, I
look forward to meeting you in person.”
Nick looked up at the video conference screen and smiled at Prince Omar Rasheed. He was impressed and anxious to start his new
assignment. “It was a pleasure meeting you and I too look forward to meeting
you face to face. Will you be coming to
“My people will make the initial contact with you and your staff but yes, I
will be making a trip in the near future.” Omar confirmed. “Dan, you have done
an excellent job for me and I thank you.”
“It was my pleasure. My best to your family.”
“Good day. And I will talk to you soon Mr. Parker.” He said, and then closed
off the conference.
“That went well.” Dan beamed. “I thought you’d be the perfect fit.”
“It’s a lot different from what I usually do, but I look forward to the
challenge and of course the promotion.” Nick added with a glimmer in his eyes.
“A well deserved one Nick.” Dan assured him. “Now you just need to decide if
you want to bring anyone with you or hire a staff out there.”
“I uh, think I need to wait for Kat to do her magic.” Nick reminded him.
“Oh she will Nick, she will. I have the best legal staff in the state and our
Kat at the helm would put any lawyer to the test. So anyone Nick?”
“Well I’d love to have Carla but I doubt you’d free her.” Nick tested him.
“I’d be willing to let her go to help you set up, but I need her here in the
long run.”
“Fair.” Nick agreed. “I’m not sure how she’d feel but I could really use Cindy
Evans on my team.”
“Cindy?” Dan gave him a strange look. “You want to bring a receptionist all the
way to
“You’re slipping Dan.” Nick laughed. “Cindy is just a few credits away from her
degree. She’s sharp, really sharp. Surely you knew she took this job with hopes
of moving upward.”
“Sometimes I lose touch.” Dan scratched his head. “So you think she’d be
interested in moving.”
“She’s been living alone since her mother died last year, her sister lives in
Seattle, that’s a lot closer to LA than here, yeah, I think she might make the
move, that is unless she got involved with anyone since I’ve been gone.”
“If she’s willing, she’s yours Nick.” Dan agreed.
“With her own promotion.” Nick insisted.
“Your call Nick. This is your baby.”
“Perfect.” He smiled. “I think with Cindy working with me and Carla helping me
get it off the ground I’m set. Do we have an office there?”
“I’ve got some space in a building that hasn’t been utilized in a while. I’ll
send someone out to work with it and have it ready for you. Nick, may I ask you
something?”
“Sure.” Nick looked up from his notes and into Dan’s eyes.
“You seemed immediately excited once I mentioned Los Angeles.”
“Yes I did.” Nick admitted. “Dan between you and me, my life is out there, the
woman that I love is out there and more, a whole lot more. This job is not only
a great opportunity for me, it’s a life saver.”
“Hmmmm.” Dan gave him a look. “Have you been involved
with this woman while you and Carla? Wait, it’s her, the woman from the
island!” He said in a light bulb moment.
“Yup.” Nick grinned.
“Nick, you know that things might be very different now that you’re both home
and back to the lives you’ve left behind.”
“I do but I also know that I love her and that being with them is the most
important thing in the world. Don’t worry about me Dan, I know it can all blow
up in my face but it’s a risk well worth taking. I love her and I will fight my
ass off for her. It won’t compromise my performance though. I know where to
draw lines and I won’t let you down.” He held out his hand to his boss. “You’ve
given me an opportunity that is gold in every aspect, I promise you, you have
made the right decision, you needed the best, and that’s
“What’s this?” Brooke squinted as she held up a folder with notes from her
desk. “And this?” She pointed to the framed artwork on her walls, it was
different from what had been there when she left. “Where did it come from?
Who’s been using this office?”
“Princess, you want to tell her?” Ridge asked Bridget in a deep voice.
“Have you been working here Bridget?” Brooke looked shocked but happy.
“Um, no.” Bridget answered shyly.
“This isn’t Eric’s handwriting, or your brother’s.” Brooke looked at the notes
again. “It doesn’t look like Stephanie’s either. Who is Tatiana?” She asked as
she scrutinized a glossy black and white photo.
“She’s the lead model for the tribute line.” Bridget answered quickly.
“Tribute line? Tribute to whom?” Brooke frowned. “She’s a very pretty young
lady but the only one she bears even the slightest resemblance to is
“She wasn’t meant to look like you Mom, just her style was inspired by you, and
her spirit.” Bridget smiled.
“That’s sweet, but now the idea of that line won’t work. I’m alive.” Brooke
reminded them.
“Brooke we have an entire line ready to go.” Thorne walked in. “Everything is
well into production and the shoots have been done.”
“You can’t pay tribute to my death Thorne, I’m alive.” Brooke shook her head.
“And you can’t just kill this line.” He fired back.
“We’ll have to change it. Let me think about it.” Brooke sat down in her chair
and felt very low. “Okay who has been sitting in my chair?” She demanded.
“You sound like Mama Bear Logan.” Ridge laughed. “You wanna
tell her Princess?” Ridge asked Bridget again.
“Deacon.” Bridget said softly. “Deacon took over your office.”
“Hey.” Nick knocked and walked into Carla’s office.
“How did it go?” She stood up and asked with concern on her face.
“It couldn’t have gone better.” He gave her a hug. “Things are all falling
right into place. Everything Carla.”
“That’s wonderful. Tell me about it.”
“Kat Rickman is working on my personal stuff, she actually thinks she may even
have stuff cleared up today and that’s not even the best part!”
Nick was as excited as a child at Christmas and that made Carla very happy.
“What is the best part?” She wondered. She couldn’t imagine much better than
getting his identity back.
“Dan gave me a job, an awesome job. I’m going to be working for a prince. The
work is challenging and the best part is where it is.”
“You’re leaving the country?” She gasped. She didn’t want to lose him again,
even if all they had now was friendship. “There aren’t any princes in the
“He has holdings here.” Nick laughed. “And a wayward daughter who’s finances
need to be controlled too.”
“In New York?” She asked him.
“In LA!” His smile was so broad, so sincere and so happy. “I’m going to be near
her Carla, I’ll have a chance, I’ll be able to see her and win her. I’m going
to have them both, I just know it.”
Eric and Stephanie stopped in their tracks as they saw some familiar faces
walking down the hallway towards the conference room. “What the?” Eric marched
to Megan, Stephanie right behind him. “What’s going on Megan, who let them in
without my approval?” He gestured to where the reporters had gone.
“Brooke.” She said happily.
“Oh dear Lord, tell me she didn’t actually come in today.” Stephanie looked
towards Brooke’s closed office door. “She’s in there? She’s in there?” She
started to head there but Eric grabbed her arm.
“Wait.” He told his wife. Then he turned back to Megan. “Who’s in there with
her?” He asked.
“Ridge, Thorne and Bridget.” She answered.
“And the reporters?” He questioned.
“Brooke had me set up a press conference, it’s in an hour.”
“Then why are they here now?” Stephanie demanded.
“Brooke invited them for coffee and pastries.” Megan smiled. “She’s very
happy.”
“And what is this press conference about?” Stephanie looked from Megan to Eric.
“I guess anything Brooke wants it to be.” Megan honestly answered. “She didn’t
say, but I know that they want to know about what happened and how she was
rescued and everything else.”
“Not the line I hope.” Eric said nervously.
“She didn’t mention the line.” Megan responded. “I’m not even sure she knows
about it.”
“We have a lot of tinkering to do now.” Eric tried to explain. “We can’t really
have a tribute to Brooke, well not in the way it was originally intended. But I
do have some ideas and I think they’ll work. I just need to make sure she
doesn’t get into that with them.”
“Brooke’s a smart businesswoman Eric.” Megan reminded him. “I doubt she’d get
into something like that, not when this is only her first day back at work.”
“I don’t know what she thinks she’s doing coming back anyway.” Stephanie
scoffed. “The woman needs help readjusting, she can’t try to run a company.”
“Of course she can Stephanie.” Eric quickly disagreed. “She may be rusty but it
will all come back and we’ll all help her too.”
“Help her take over again.” Stephanie said with a sigh. Eric shot her a look
again. “Alright, alright, I give up, uncle, you win, I’ll try and help her, but
so help me if she hurts any of my family.”
“She won’t.” Eric smiled. “Thank you my love.” He hugged and kissed his wife.
“Let’s go in there and see what we can do.”
“Why on earth would someone give Deacon Sharp my office?” Brooke frowned.
“Honey we didn’t think you were coming back.” Thorne said softly.
“I know that Thorne, but why not you? Or Stephanie? Or even Rick? Why Deacon?”
She looked at Thorne, then Ridge and then her children. “Well?” She asked.
“Mother was going to take it but Sharpe got there first.” Thorne explained.
“Deacon’s doing a really good job Mom.” Bridget spoke up.
“We’ll see.” Brooke opened another drawer. “What exactly IS his job?”
“Dad has him overseeing the models.” Thorne explained. “He’s actually not bad.”
“But doesn’t he have his own office?” She asked. “Surely he hasn’t worked
himself into the CEO’s office.”
“It was open.” Bridget told her. “No one wanted to take it except for Stephanie
and I knew you wouldn’t have wanted her there so why shouldn’t he have it? He
is my husband and someone needed to be there.”
“Thorne should have.” Brooke smiled at him. “But I guess it’s water under the
bridge now. Does he still have whatever office Eric gave him?” Brooke asked.
“It’s still there, right next to mine.” Thorne told her. “But he doesn’t like
it.”
“I’ll talk to him.” Brooke opened another drawer. “Is he in?”
“I’ll have Megan find out.” Thorne answered.
“And is Eric in? I’d like to sit with him and go over everything that’s been
going on.”
“Take it easy Logan, nothing has to be done today.” Ridge walked behind her and
started massaging her shoulders. “I want you to relax.”
“I’ve had months of that. I’m back and there is work to be done.” She turned to
her daughter and son. “Bridget, thank you for coming down with me, but I’ve
kept you from your own life far too long already. Go on to your classes and
I’ll see you tonight. Come over for dinner okay?”
“Are you sure?” She asked.
“Positive.” She turned to Rick. “And I know you must have tons of work to do so
you go on. I’ll probably be calling a staff meeting later after your father and
I talk.”
“Okay Mom.” Rick smiled. “But you call me if you need anything.”
“I will.” She promised.
She watched her two children reluctantly leave her office, then she turned to
Thorne and Ridge. “I know you both don’t think I’m up to this, but I am.”
“I know you are Brooke, I just hate to see you buried so badly on your first
day okay.” Thorne answered softly.
“I’ll call you too if I need you. Believe me, I’m not too proud to ask for
help.”
“My help?” Ridge asked.
“Everyone’s help.” She answered. “Now you two go. I need to see Eric before the
press conference.”
“I still think that’s a mistake.” Ridge shook his head.
“And I don’t.” She dismissed his concern. “Go on, I need some time alone to
just get settled.” She gestured them out.
Ridge frowned and hesitated, but finally followed Thorne out. “I don’t like
this.” He told him.
“She needs to feel like she’s in charge Ridge. It’ll get back to normal soon.”
“How so?” Ridge asked.
“Like it was I guess.” Thorne shrugged. “It’s going to be hard though. Dad is
used to being in charge but I’ll tell you one thing. I am sure going to like
seeing Deacon Sharpe put in his place.”
“You got that right.” Ridge agreed.
“You make it all seem so easy.” Nick sat back in the chair, finally relaxing.
“I thought it would take years.”
“If you had to do it on your own it would take a long time, but I know what to
do and for what I don’t know, I have my resources.” Kat assured him. “Sign
these.” She handed him a pile of papers. I’ve made a lot of calls and gotten
just about everything started. The good thing is nothing has been dispersed.”
“I wouldn’t have minded if Carla had used some of the money, hell she must have
put out a lot to go find me. I’m really more concerned about my ID and my
credit.”
“Luckily that’s the easy part.” She smiled. “But Nick, I’m not sure that you’re
aware of what happened while you were gone and while Carla was assumed missing
too.”
“Here?” He asked.
“No, I’m talking about your estate.” She explained.
“Estate.” He laughed. “I really don’t have much of an estate.”
“You have a very valuable condo in a prime section of New York City, you have a
good stock portfolio and you have excellent insurance coverage.”
“Carla owns half of the condo and she is my beneficiary for my insurance as
well as named in my will for most of the stocks.”
“Exactly.” Kat answered. “Apparently you have some cousins who weren’t too thrilled
about that.”
“You’re kidding right?” Nick frowned. “I haven’t seen them in ages. How did
they even know?”
“You did become news Nick.” Kat answered. “And they contested your will.”
“How do you like that?” He shook his head. “Look’s like I’m going to have to do
a better job next time.”
“Most people don’t get a next time.” She laughed. “But you really were very
clear in whom you wanted your things to go to. My only suggestion is that you
stipulate who you are leaving out this time.”
“Can you do that?” He asked.
“I can.” She told him. “Wills are easy and I’d be happy to help you with your
new one, but since you and Carla split up you might want to take more time to
think it over.”
“I don’t have to think at all.” Nick told her.
“No?” She asked.
“Everything is to go to my son.” He said with a broad smile. “And his mother of
course.”
”That went really well.” Eric told Brooke as they walked into her office. “You
were smooth Brooke, just like you were never even gone. They ate you up. I
swear you generated more interest in Forrester with just one smile than our
entire collection could.”
“You’re too sweet.” Brooke leaned over and kissed his cheek. “It was so nice to
have a friendly press conference though wasn’t it?”
“They all seemed so concerned for you and interested in your story.” He
confirmed.
“It’s funny because to me it’s not that much of a story. Would you believe
Oprah Winfrey called me? She wants me on her show.” Brooke giggled.
“Are you going? It could be very good for Forrester.”
“I’m not sure Eric. Things aren’t so black and white. It’s not just about me
and I’m not sure my friend really would appreciate the notoriety.”
“That man? Nick you said?” Eric asked.
“Yes.” She said in a sad, soft tone.
“You became close didn’t you?” Eric asked. “You miss him?”
“Yes.” She answered.
“It’s a normal reaction. You two went through a lot together, all on your own.
But then again I bet you’d like to just forget that island and move on with
your life.” He lifted her hand and smiled down at the diamond ring. “I’m so
happy about this Brooke, it’s what I always wanted for you.”
“Always?” She smiled with a twinkle in her eye.
“Well not exactly always, but once I came to terms with what our relationship
really was, yes Brooke, I knew you and Ridge belonged together and I’m glad you
finally found your way back to one another.”
“When I left for that trip I wasn’t feeling that way Eric.”
“It was a tough time for you and I think a confusing time for Ridge.”
“It must have really upset everyone when he left Taylor.” She looked up at him.
“I won’t lie Brooke, the dissolution of a marriage, especially one with
children is never easy. Taylor and Ridge both tried a long time, but things
just weren’t right between them. She knew how deeply he felt about you. But she
has moved on, I think she’s going to be fine.”
“She seemed upset to me Eric.” Brooke picked up a framed photo of Ridge that
was sitting on her desk. “Who put this here?” She asked.
“I imagine Ridge did.” Eric laughed.
Brooke put the photo down and looked at Eric, her eyes were filled with unshed
tears.
“What is it Brooke?” He asked. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m not sure anymore. I don’t know what to do.” She wiped her eyes and blinked
to stop the tears.
“He loves you Brooke, you can be sure about that.” Eric took her hand and
gently held it.
“I left my heart on that island Eric.” She reached down and touched her empty
belly. “Everything changed and Ridge refuses to see it.”
“Your heart?” Eric asked. “Did you start to fall for that man?”
“I love him.” She admitted. “But it’s not meant to be, he has a fiancée, a very
good woman that he loves. We had our time, I’m just having a very hard time
letting it go.”
“So you’re not ready to commit to Ridge.” Eric said thoughtfully.
“Do you think I’m terrible?” She asked.
“Not in a million years.” He answered with a warm smile. “Do you want me to
talk to Ridge, see if he can slow it down a little? Because I still think once
a little time passes the two of you will see it’s YOU and RIDGE that are meant
to be.”
“You may be right.” She smiled back at him. “But for now let me talk to him. I
do love him Eric, I’m just not ready for a marriage.” A picture quickly flashed
in front of her eyes of herself, Nick and a small baby. It felt so good to her
that she knew her last statement was only partially true. She’d be ready for
the right marriage.
“You’re far away from me.” Eric broke the spell.
“Sorry. So much has been going on.” She smiled again. She cleared her throat
and pulled a folder from her top drawer. “Megan has tried to bring me somewhat
up to date on things here. I do have a few questions for you if you don’t
mind.” She knew she needed to get back to business and put Nick from her mind.
“I’ll always have time for you and I never mind spending it with you.” Eric
squeezed her hand.
“It’ll get old Eric.” She grinned. “Before long you’re going to forget I was
ever gone and you may not think of me quite so fondly.” She opened the folder.
“We can’t do a tribute line, you do realize that.”
“Actually I’ve given that a lot of thought Brooke and I think it’s not only
still appropriate but maybe even more so.”
“You’re kidding.” She laughed. “It’s one thing to glamorize me if I’m dead, but
I’m not Eric. It’s embarrassing to think about.”
“You are the epitome of survival Brooke. You are what strong, proud women are
made of. I say we go for it.”
“We can’t do a tribute to me!” She argued.
“The line is almost ready Brooke, if we pull it we have next to nothing. That
would be suicide. You know I’m right.”
“So just put out the line as a normal Forrester showing, no special pitch, just
a wonderful new line of clothing. I really am uncomfortable with having my name
and image associated with a line just because I was stupid enough to jump on a
broken down airplane.”
“People admire you Brooke, you told me yourself about Oprah.”
“I don’t want to fight with you Eric but I am firm on this. Let’s go on to
something else for now okay?”
“We need a decision soon Brooke.” He reminded her.
“I’ve given you my decision.” She answered softly. “Eric, I need to talk about
Deacon. I need to know what he brings to Forrester, what is his value and why
you gave him this position.”
“Brooke.” He sighed.
“It was for Bridget wasn’t it?” She asked. “Eric I can understand that. She
lost me, then she lost Ridge, she must have been devastated. You did something
nice for her, but at what cost? Is he hurting the company? I’ve asked Megan to
get me figures on anything and everything that he’s had his hands on. I’m
hoping you’ll do the same.”
“What are you planning?” Eric asked.
“It all depends. If he has contributed anything worthwhile I’ll see if I can
find a position for him, but if he’s only been here to entertain our daughter,
well I want him gone by the end of the week.” Brooke announced.
“No wonder you jumped on this job.” Kat was astonished by Nick’s story. “And no
wonder you want me to get your status straightened out as quickly as possible.”
“I can win her back Kat, I know it, all I need to do is prove to her that I can
give her a good life too. I know she loves me but it seemed so difficult being
on opposite coasts.”
“I’m sure your engagement to Carla didn’t help either.” Kat pointed out.
“Or hers to Ridge, but that was a knee jerk reaction. I don’t think she really
understands that Carla and I are really over.”
“Nick I need to ask you.” Kat started.
“No, it wasn’t just an island fling, yes I do realize that we were drawn to
each other because we were all we had but I love her more than anything in the
world and no, it’s not just about the baby. Baby or no baby I’d marry her in a
New York Minute if she’d just say the word.” Nick answered.
“Does she love this Ridge?” She asked him.
“Yes, but she loves me too and I think that our love is more real. Ridge was
always her dream, it was something just out of her reach, now he’s hers and she
isn’t happy Kat, she hasn’t smiled for him like she smiles for me. She loves me
and I love her. I’ll get her back, I know I will.”
“I’ll miss you. Dennis and I both have had a lot of nice times with you over
the years.” Kat said with a touch of sadness.
“We’ll still be working for the same company, even though I won’t live here,
I’m sure I’ll be making a few trips here. We won’t lose our friendship.
Besides, I owe you big time.” Nick laughed.
“I’m happy to help you.” Kat promised. “I hope it all works out for you Nick.”
“It will.” He said.
“But if it doesn’t, if she decides to stay with him LA may be a very lonely
place for you. Think about that too.”
“That won’t happen.” Nick answered. “But if it does I’ll still be okay Kat. I
need a change, I need a challenge and this job and the relocation will do
that.”
“Nick Parker in laid back LA?” She laughed.
“I know, I know, but I’ve slowed down my pace a bit, I had to do that on the
island. I think I’ll be a lot more comfortable in LA than I would have been.
But I don’t need to worry about that, I’m going to be very busy.”
“The job does sound demanding.” Kat agreed.
“And I’m going to have to work hard to win Brooke. I’m going to romance her
Kat. I want to show her that I’m the right choice for her, not just because we
share a child but because we share everything. We really are compatible, we
belong together. I love her so much.”
“I believe you.” She answered.
”Hi Brooke.” Deacon flashed her a grin as he entered her office. “It’s good to
see you back.”
“Hardly.” She said sarcastically. “I’m sure you’re resenting the hell out of
me, sitting here in ‘your’ office.”
“No one claimed it, why let it go to waste?” He pulled a chair over and sat
down.
“I think that was out of respect Deacon, but believe me, someone would have
claimed it, someone who actually earned it.”
“You don’t think I earn my pay?” He asked.
“Oh you may well earn your pay, but you certainly didn’t earn my office or that
cushy position that Eric gifted you with.” She opened his employee file. “I
know this is a family business but even then I don’t believe in nepotism.”
“That’s why Little Ricky is a VP?” Deacon raised his eyebrow.
“Touché.” Brooke gave him a mock bow. “But he is the son of the founder,
president and the CEO. And he works hard.”
“So do I.” He argued.
“You’re good with women, but then that’s always been the case hasn’t it?” She
countered.
“The models like me, they work hard for me. I do a damn good job Brooke.”
“With these?” She dropped a handful of wrapped condoms on the desk and raised
her eyebrows back at him.
“Your daughter and I are careful.” He said softly.
“In the office?” She gasped.
“Yeah, like you and the scarecrow never got it on at Forrester.”
“May I remind you that I am not only the CEO of this company, but your mother
in law. What I do or don’t do at Forrester is not any of your concern!” Brooke
said sharply.
“You need to chill Brooke.” He got up and walked behind her. “After all you’ve
been through you don’t need stress.”
“Then don’t give me any. I’m trying to understand you Deacon, I’m trying to
come to some kind of terms with you. My daughter loves you and because of that
you and I are going to have to learn to coexist, either that or you can just
get out of our lives. I know you thought you were on easy street but that’s all
over now.”
“You’re very sexy when you’re angry.” He touched her shoulders and started to
massage them.
“Don’t touch me!” She said icily. She turned to face him. “Sit down Deacon!”
“Okay, okay.” He moved his hands off of her and retreated back to the chair. He
turned it around and sat down on it, his legs straddled over the seat. “I never
thought I was on easy street, I’ve worked hard here.”
“That’s still to be determined.” She answered. She opened the file and looked
at it. “Creative VP in charge of fashion show entertainment?” She frowned.
“That’s what they tell me.” Deacon answered with a grin.
“Who gave you this job?” She asked him.
“Eric. Why? You don’t think I’m worthy of it? You don’t think I can handle it?”
“Frankly I haven’t a clue.” Brooke pushed a strand of hair back. “I’ve never
heard of this position.”
“I knew it!” Deacon said loudly. He hated being conned and felt stupid letting
lightweights like Thorne and Eric do it to him.
“So what exactly do you do?” She asked him.
“I’ve taken over a lot of the things Thorne did.” He answered. “I coordinate
the shoots, schedule the models, make sure the clothes are delivered where they
belong. I’ve even been looking into hiring the talent. As for the fashion show
aspect, well I’ve gotten the music lined up, checked into location shoots,
hired a new lighting team.”
“You’ve been busy.” Brooke was impressed. She had expected him to be just
sitting in the office counting money but it seemed the man actually did have a
talent. “Maybe the position needed to be created. Eric has always been creative
that way.”
Deacon wasn’t sure if she meant it or if she was letting him save face but
either way he appreciated it. His respect for the woman climbed again. “I did
get them to admit that no one else had had the job before but I wanted to make
Bridget proud. I work hard Brooke.”
“We’ll see.” She told him. “But from now on you report to me. Understood?”
“You got it.” He answered.
“Did they give you an office?” She asked.
“Uh, well.”
“Downstairs?” She asked.
“Yeah.” He gritted his teeth.
“If it’s good enough for Thorne it certainly should be good enough for you
Deacon. Is there something wrong with the office? If you want it painted or something
I can make that kind of an improvement. You just show me that you’re worth the
salary we pay you. I will be watching you. You don’t get a free pass just
because of Bridget.”
“You’re a tough cookie Brooke.” He smiled.
“I may be tough, but I’m fair too. I came from nowhere and I believe I made my
mark in this company, do you think you can too?”
“I’ll do my damnedest.” He replied.
“Then get your things and get back to your office.” She smiled. “I’d like a
small progress report from you by the end of the week.” She looked at the frown
on his face. “It’s not just you, though you do deserve to be tested. I’m asking
this of all my executives. I’ve been gone a long time and I need help catching
up. I’m going out on a limb for you Deacon, the Forresters
don’t want you here but Bridget means the world to me and if she believes in
you I’m willing to give you a chance. Don’t prove me wrong Deacon.”
“Thanks Brooke.” He got up and picked up the box of his things that Brooke had
packed for him.
“Don’t you want these?” Brooke picked up a handful of condoms and let them rain
down onto her desk.
“Nah, you keep them, maybe you can have some fun with Skeletor.”
He winked.
Brooke knew she should be angry but she couldn’t help chuckling at the man. She
hoped she hadn’t made a mistake.
The next few weeks were very busy, both in New York with Nick and in Los
Angeles with Brooke. Brooke had scrutinized all the reports on the showing, the
finances and everything to do with Forrester. She was still at odds with Thorne
and Eric over the tribute line. It didn’t help that Ridge agreed with them and
wanted to go on with it. The designs were good but the idea of a line
celebrating her life embarrassed Brooke. As determined as the Forresters were with continuing the line, Brooke was
adverse. Meanwhile Nick and Kat were working nonstop at getting his legal
issues cleaned up. Already Kat had gotten cleared things with Social Security,
which had in turn made it easy for her to secure his license, passport and
credit cards. The issues with his will had been more complicated but Nick now
had access to his holdings. He was now at a point where he was finalizing his
plans for the move to Los Angeles.
“Hey.” Nick walked up to Cindy with a wide smile on his face. “How does Monday
sound?”
“Oh my God Nick, I have so much to do, how will I ever be ready that soon?”
“I can help.” He volunteered. “What’s left to do? Do you have a list?”
“I thought I had at least a month.” She moaned. “What am I supposed to do about
my things? I have to get everything into storage. It’s overwhelming, and it’s
expensive.”
“No it’s not.” He told her. “I’ll help you get it taken care of so it won’t be
overwhelming. As for expensive, the company is moving you so I’ve negotiated
the relocation for you. The company will pay to store your furniture for up to
a year, at that time you can either come back or they will ship it out to you.
Sound fair?” He asked.
“Wow, very fair. Thanks Nick.” She smiled.
“You should be receiving a check to cover the other expenses and as you know
they’re putting us both up at a really nice hotel until we find new homes. So
what do you need to do? Pack?” He asked.
“Well, yes.” She said shyly. “You’ve done so much for me Nick. How can I thank
you?”
“By doing the best damn job you can.” He answered. “Now what do you say we head
to your apartment and get you packed up.”
“Works for me.” She got up and grabbed her purse. “Three more days. I can’t
believe I’ll be in Los Angeles in three more days.”
“Brooke we need to do something, we need to do it now.” Eric walked into her
office throwing his hands up in the air. “We’ll lose it all if we sit on it.”
“Hmmm?” She answered but she was preoccupied with something she was looking at
in her desk drawer.
“Are you even listening to me?” He asked.
“I’m sorry.” She looked up and smiled.
“We need to make a decision Brooke, we can’t keep putting it off. I know you’re
hesitant to have the line come out but it’s good, it’s damn good. From top to
bottom it’s perfect. Even the model.”
“We need another model.” Brooke told him.
“Brooke she’s good, I don’t want to replace her.” Eric argued.
“Neither do I.” She answered. “But for what I’ve planned we need more than just
one spokesmodel.”
“What do you have planned?” Eric asked.
“I’ve asked Megan to call in Ridge, Thorne and Stephanie, can you wait a few
minutes?” She asked.
“I think I can handle that.” He laughed. “You’re really throwing yourself into
all this. I am proud of you Brooke, even if we don’t see eye to eye on
everything, I am damn proud of you.”
“Thank you Eric but really, I’m just doing my job.”
“That and nothing else.” He took her hand. “Is it getting any easier?”
“On some levels yes, but on some no.” She sighed. “I know it’s hard on Ridge,
he’s been so patient with me.”
“He loves you Brooke.”
“Mom, can we ta, oh hi Dad.” Bridget stopped at the
doorway.
“Eric do you mind?” Brooke asked. “We can meet as soon as Bridget and I are
done.”
“Oh course I don’t mind.” He walked up to Bridget and gave her a hug. “Is
everything alright honey?”
“I just need to talk to Mom.” She told him.
“Okay honey, just know I’m here for you too.”
“Thanks Dad.” She let go of him and walked to Brooke’s desk.
“I’ll let the others know we’re going to be delayed.” Eric told Brooke. “See
you soon.” He walked out, closing the office door.
“What’s wrong honey?” Brooke asked her daughter.
“You have to tell him Mom, he left another message. He’s called just about
every other day for the past two weeks, you can’t keep putting it off, you have
to call him back and tell him.”
“I know.” Brooke sighed. “It’s just so hard Bridget. I know I have to tell him
but I can’t do it over the phone.”
“Then what?” Bridget asked.
“I have to do it in person.” Brooke explained.
“You’re going to New York?” Bridget asked.
“Sunday night.” Brooke confirmed.
“Have you told Ridge?” Bridget questioned with concern.
“Not yet.” Brooke told her. “I’ve been hemming and hawing and I just had to
tell myself that this has to be done. I’m going to tell him.”
“He’s not going to be happy Mom. Is he going with you?”
“I’m going alone.” Brooke told her. “I can’t have Ridge around when I’m doing
this honey. I hope you understand.”
“I’m trying.” Bridget admitted. “But it’s so hard Mom. I don’t know what it is
you want. You finally have Ridge back and you won’t even open up to him and yet
you still won’t tell the truth to this Nick guy.”
“So much has changed Bridget and Ridge just keeps pushing me for something I’m
not ready for.”
“Will you ever be ready?” Bridget asked her. “I can’t believe you’re throwing
this away.”
“I couldn’t believe the times he threw us away Bridget. But maybe now I have a
better understanding. He did love me, but he loved Taylor too. At the time all
I could see was how he was hurting me, hurting us, but now I can see how torn
he was and how hard it is to do the right thing. How hard it is to even figure
out what the right thing is.”
“Do you love him Mom?” Bridget had to know.
Brooke looked at her in confusion. “Ridge?” She asked.
“Yeah.” Bridget sighed. She sensed that she already knew the answer.
“I do love him. I’ll always love him, I just don’t think I’m in love with him
anymore Bridget.”
“And him?” Bridget couldn’t seem to say Nick’s name.
“Honey he’s a wonderful man.”
“You keep saying that. Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?”
“I don’t need to convince myself Bridget. Yes, I love him.”
“Are you ‘in love’ with him?” Bridget braced herself for the answer.
Brooke hesitated and then looked up at her daughter with tear-filled eyes. “It
doesn’t really matter. He’s in love with someone else. But I need to tell him
this news in person, he deserves that much.” Brooke stood up. “Now I need to
meet with the others and let them know my plans.”
“I thought you weren’t going to tell Ridge.” Bridget squinted.
“I’m going to tell him that I’m going away, I’m just not telling him why.”
Brooke smiled and wiped her eyes.
“Mom, I’m so worried about you. You could have it all and you’re going to end
up alone, with nothing.”
“I’ll never be alone as long as I have you and Rick and I have a lot of
wonderful memories, those will have to last me until the next thing comes
along.”
“Maybe it will be Ridge.” Bridget said hopefully.
“Maybe.” Brooke answered softly.
“I just wanted to apologize.” Taylor said with a hug. “The last time I saw you
I was in pretty bad shape and I took it out on you.”
“Oh pish posh.” Stephanie clucked. “You’ve nothing to
apologize for honey. I’m just so glad to see you.”
“I’ve missed you too.” Taylor admitted. “That’s part of what makes this all so
hard. Not only have I lost Ridge but I’ve lost all of you too.”
“You haven’t lost us.” Stephanie argued. “In fact Eric and I both want you to
come back. The job was a good idea and we really do need you.”
“The job was a good idea, but I’m the wrong person for it. I can help you find
someone if you’d like.”
“We want you.” Stephanie adamantly replied.
“I don’t think so.” Taylor laughed. “I’d be very uncomfortable around Ridge and
Brooke.”
“But honey, that may be over anyway.” Stephanie said hopefully.
“What do you mean?” Taylor asked with a frown.
“Ridge isn’t happy honey, not at all.”
“Did he tell you this?” She gasped.
“Brooke isn’t responding to him. She won’t let him move in. In fact she isn’t
even sleeping with him!”
“Oh I doubt that Stephanie, this is Brooke we’re talking about.” Taylor shook
her head. “I think she’s just making sure that he isn’t going to walk out on
her. I hate to admit it but it may well be a smart move. Ridge can’t seem to
resist a woman who plays hard to get.”
“Brooke Logan has never been hard to get for any man.” Stephanie laughed.
“Please Taylor, please come back. I think if Ridge were to see you every day
he’d open his eyes to what he is missing. You can make this work honey, I know
you can.”
“Stephanie, Brooke is ready for us.” Eric said, sticking his head in the office
door. “Oh hello Taylor.”
“I should go.” Taylor told Stephanie.
“Wait here honey, I’m sure it won’t be long. We can have lunch.”
“I don’t know.” Taylor hesitated.
“Stay.” Eric agreed with his wife. “I’d like to talk to you too.”
“Alright.” Taylor agreed with a smile.
“Hey Logan.” Ridge was the first to enter her office. He greeted her with a hug
and a kiss. “Why don’t we close the door and have a private meeting?” He
suggested with a wink.
“I wish I could.” She smiled. “But this is really important.”
“We’re important Logan, we’re very important.” He lifted her hand to his mouth
and kissed it tenderly. “I love you.”
“I love you too Ridge.” She said without much emotion.
“How about after this meeting we just go and have some private time together?”
He suggested. “We really need it.”
“Ridge I’m just too busy. You must be too. I need to try and catch up.” She
started sorting through some papers but Ridge pulled her into his arms.
“Logan the only thing I need to catch up with is you. I need you, I need you in
my arms and in my bed. I need you as my wife. You said yes, you’re wearing my
ring, why do you keep pushing me away?”
“I tried to give you the ring back Ridge, I said I wasn’t ready. Losing this
baby was hard on me.”
“There was no baby!” He shouted. Brooke reacted by gasping and pulling away
from him. “I’m sorry Logan.” He said softly. “I know you know there wasn’t a
baby and I know it hurts you. I was insensitive and I’m sorry.”
“I know there wasn’t a baby Ridge but he was so real to me.” She looked down
and touched her empty belly. “I worked so hard to protect him. He kept me
going, among other things.” She let out a sad sigh.
“I love you so much Logan, why can’t you just believe me? We’ve wanted this for
so long. Let me make love to you Brooke, let me show you how much I love you
and how good we still are. I swear it will take away all your fears.” He looked
intently into her eyes.
“I need more time.” She said softly. “I’m sorry Ridge, I know that’s not the
answer you need but it’s the best I can do.” She fiddled with the diamond no
her finger. “You’re right though, I wanted this so badly, for so long. Part of
me wonders what the hell is wrong with me for not jumping into your arms and
running away to marry you.”
“And the other part?” He asked.
“The other part is still in mourning.” She answered.
“Then I’ll wait.” He said. “But Logan, I’m starting to lose my patience.”
“I may regret this later Ridge.” Brooke admitted. “But I can’t marry you, not
yet.”
They both turned as the door opened and Eric, Stephanie and Thorne walked in.
“Are we interrupting?” Eric asked with a wink.
“Hardly.” Ridge pouted.
“Brooke, what is this about?” Stephanie asked. “I hope you’ve come to your
senses and decided to listen to Eric and Thorne and Ridge.”
“And you?” Brooke smirked.
“We all agree, everyone but you.” Stephanie said. “Frankly I think you’ve been
away from it for a long time and it would be in your best interest, as well as
the company’s, if you would just give in to them this time.”
“I’ve come up with a plan.” She told them. “A compromise. I think it will
work.”
“Do tell.” Eric said with interest.
“I’ve thought long and hard about this tribute line. I know you wanted to honor
me when you thought I was dead, and I couldn’t be more flattered but it just
doesn’t seem right now that everyone knows that I’m alive.”
“What’s wrong with honoring a strong, smart, beautiful woman Brooke?” Ridge
asked.
“One who has made many important contributions to the fashion industry?” Thorne
added.
“Brooke, I’m not going to lie and tell you that I think you are this wonder
woman they’re building you up to be, but you are a role model for what it’s
worth. People look up to you, they are interested in you and more importantly
we need this line. A lot of money and time has gone into it. It’s too late to
stop it now.” Stephanie pressed her. “If I am willing to let my name go on a
line in tribute to you, I just don’t understand why you can’t just let it
happen.”
“I know all the work that’s gone into it and that is why I’ve made the decision
that I have. It’s a good line and like I said, I am so proud that you still
want to honor me but I just can’t have that.”
“Then what Brooke?” Ridge, to Stephanie’s pleasure, frowned at his fiancée.
“You said that part of what you wanted to pay tribute to was my power of
survival.” She started.
“You’re quite the woman Brooke.” Thorne grinned at her.
“Well I think the idea is good, but not just for me. What if the line is a tribute
to all woman and the many things we’ve had to survive.”
“Brooke, we’re a fashion house, we can’t be making political statements.”
Stephanie shook her head and looked at Eric. “Tell her Eric!”
“Let’s hear her out.” He said.
“It’s a tribute to all the strong, smart and beautiful women out there.” Brooke
told them. “You can use me, but you have to find some other women too.”
“We can do that.” Ridge said. “We can do a little research and see who else we
can salute, but we’ll have to get them to agree.”
“I have faith in all of you.” Brooke smiled. “But there is one more thing.
About this model.”
“Brooke she’s good.” Thorne spoke up. “She’s new, she’s raw but the camera
loves her and so does the catwalk, it’s a combination that is rare. Please
don’t ask me to change models.”
“I’m not going to.” Brooke assured him. “But she isn’t enough, she just isn’t
the epitomy of all Forrester customers. I want to use
her but I want to have more models. I want different types and different styles
to represent the different kinds of strong role models out there.”
“It’s going to be hard at this late date.” Eric told her. “But I’ll put Thorne
on it and well, I guess Deacon can help too.”
“No.” Brooke said quickly.
“You decided to keep him on Brooke.” Eric reminded her. “I wanted him gone.”
“Deacon is actually doing a good job.” She said. “But this isn’t against Deacon
or Thorne. I am going to do this myself. I’m taking the jet to New York on
Sunday, I’ve set up appointments with two of the top agencies, I’m going to work
with them and hire at least three more models. I want to do this.”
“You?” Stephanie frowned. “This isn’t your forte Brooke, why not leave it to an
expert?”
“I think it’s a great idea.” Ridge piped up, to everyone’s surprise.
“Thank you Ridge.” Brooke smiled at him. She didn’t expect to get his support.
She thought he’d fight her on this.
“Well, I guess we have our work cut out for us then.” Eric got up.
“I’d like you to get Deacon’s input, as well as Bridget’s and Rick’s.” Brooke
told them. “And don’t be afraid to span the ages, women of all ages are strong
and they are role models too.”
“We’ll get right on it.” Thorne promised.
“Sunday?” Ridge asked her.
“Yes, my appointments are for Monday, but I want to be fresh. I know I can
count on you to keep things going while I’m gone.”
“You can count on me to take care of everything.” He smiled.
“Okay, then let’s all get back to work.” She grinned. Maybe Ridge had changed,
maybe he was going to give her the time she needed.
“Dinner? Tonight?” Ridge asked. “We can go to the Café Russe
and I promise to get you home early.”
“I’d love to.” Brooke answered him. “Now shoo!” She giggled.
Eric and Stephanie headed back to Stephanie’s office but Thorne pulled Ridge
back.
“What goes big bro?” He asked him.
“What do you mean Thorne?”
“Don’t play innocent Ridge, I know you too well, you can’t be happy about
Brooke leaving.”
“I am going to need your help Thorne.” Ridge smiled.
“I knew you had something up your sleeve.” Thorne told him.
“Will you help me?” Ridge asked.
“As long as it doesn’t hurt Brooke okay.”
“It won’t.” Ridge smiled. “Go pack your bags, you’re going to New York.”
“You want ME to go with her?” Thorne was astounded. “I was sure you’d find a
way to invite yourself.”
“I want you to go INSTEAD of her.” Ridge told him.
“She won’t go for that Ridge.” Thorne shook his head.
“By the time she finds out it will be too late. Come on.” He walked him into
his office and shut the door. “Now here’s the plan.”
The flight was a little rough. Brooke’s seat belt was tight and her knuckles
were white as she held onto her coffee cup. “I hope you’ll forgive me for
making you wait so long Nick but I couldn’t just tell you on the phone.” She
said softly. “Maybe I’m being selfish too. I need to see you again, maybe even
hold you one last time.” She sighed and closed her eyes. Soon she would be
there and she needed to plan how to do it. Would she call him or just show up
at his door? And what about Carla? Would the woman spare them a few moments
alone? Brooke thought she would, after all, as far as she knew Brooke was still
carrying Nick’s child. “Not STILL Brooke.” She reminded herself. “There never
was a baby.” She touched her belly. “Oh but I wanted one.” She wiped a tear
from her eye.
“Ms. Logan.” The flight attendant touched her shoulder.
“Oh.” Brooke almost jumped. “I’m fine, no more.” She put her hand over the cup.
“We’re having a problem. I don’t want you to worry, there is no need for
alarm.”
Brooke turned pasty white. She was going to crash again. She dropped the cup to
the floor and it shattered, spilling the coffee. Brooke felt like she was going
to faint and her bladder was close to emptying in an instant. “It, it doesn’t
feel like it.”
“We’re just having instrument trouble and the captain doesn’t want to go on
without checking it out. We’re fine but we’re going to make an emergency
landing.”
“Are, are you sure?” Brooke’s eyes filled with tears. She was terrified.
“I’m positive. Would you like me to stay here with you?”
“Please.” Brooke was embarrassed but she didn’t want to be alone, she didn’t
want to die alone. “Please, please we can’t die.”
“We won’t.” She promised her. The flight attendant sat down in the seat next to
Brooke and buckled up. “We’re fine, we just need a few hours on the ground and
then I’m sure that captain will be ready to continue the flight.”
“Yes.” Brooke whispered, not at all convinced.
“Is Carla coming out with us?” Cindy asked Nick as she took down the last of
her knickknacks and wrapped it in the newspaper. Nick had graciously
volunteered to come over and help her finish up her packing. He had been a
great help.
“No, she needs to finish up a few things here, but she’ll be joining us in
about a week or so. Are you excited?” He asked.
“Oh yes.” She answered. “About everything, the new job, California, working
with you.”
“Kat told me she had someone get your records sent out to UCLA so you can get
those last few credits out there.”
“You’ve all been so good to me. I never expected so much. I know that it was
really you Nick, Mr. Callahan didn’t even remember that I was going to school
did he?”
“I gave him a gentle reminder.” Nick winked.
“I hope Callie likes California.” She said as she petted her calico cat. “I
hope she doesn’t have a hard time flying either.”
“I’m sure she’ll do just fine.” Nick reached over and petted her too. “Right
Callie?” He asked the cat.
“Tell me more about Brooke.” Cindy asked him.
“You’re going to like her.” He smiled. Cindy knew he just couldn’t help but
grin when he thought about her or talked about her. “She’s kind, she’s
beautiful and she is stubborn as hell. Hey, maybe you can help convince her
that I’m a good guy.”
“I’m sure she knows that.” Cindy laughed.
“Maybe she’ll be jealous and come around faster.”
“Don’t play games with her.” Cindy warned. “Just let her know how much you love
her and how much you want to be with her. I think she’s really going to be
impressed that you’d give up everything familiar just to be near her. I know I
would be.”
“I’m counting on it Cindy.” He told her. “I know she loves that guy, but I
really think she loves me more and we do have a baby coming. We belong
together. I need to show her that. And I need to show her that I’m a success
too. I may not have all the money Forrester has, but I will give her a good
life.”
“She’d be a fool to let you get away.” Cindy assured him.
“And Brooke Logan is no fool.” He said with confidence. “Tomorrow Cindy, I will
see her tomorrow.”
“We’re down.” Brooke sighed with relief. “We made it and it was even a smooth landing.”
“I told you.” The flight attendant smiled. “I told you that everything was
going to be just fine. Now let’s just get off the plane and they can start
working on it.”
“Ms. Logan.” The pilot came back. “I’m so sorry for this but I had to be sure before
I went any further. I radioed back to Forrester and they’ve arranged a limo and
a hotel room for you. I’m afraid we may not be able to leave until tomorrow.
I’ll get your bags.”
“Thanks.” Brooke sighed again. “I think after that I’d rather wait till
tomorrow to go up again anyway. Um, where exactly did we land?”
“Look.” The flight attendant pointed out the window. “I hope you brought some
extra money, you might have a little fun gambling tonight.”
“Vegas.” Brooke said. “Oh well, it could be worse. At least I’ll be sure to
have a nice room and a decent meal. Did they get you a room too?” Brooke asked.
“Surely you’ll share the limo with me.”
“Ms. Johanson has a friend in town.” The pilot
quickly interrupted and informed Brooke. “But have no fear, she’ll be ready to
leave first thing in the morning.”
“Oh, okay.” Brooke picked up her purse.
“We’ll be ready to take off at say, eight tomorrow if that’s alright with you.”
“That should be fine, I should still be able to make my appointments.” Brooke
told him. “Okay, I’ll see you both tomorrow.” She waved and exited the plane.
“What was that all about?” The woman asked the pilot. “I don’t know anyone in
Las Vegas. I don’t have a room.”
“Yes you do.” He told her. “Everything has been taken care of.”
“Bob, what’s going on. That poor woman was terrified. There was nothing wrong
with the plane was there?”
“Where are we going?” Brooke asked the driver. “We just passed the Bellagio, I thought I was staying there. Where are we
going?” She waited for an answer but he was silent. “Hello! Where are we, hey,
why are we stopping here?” She frowned as the limo came to a stop in front of a
wedding chapel.
“Because we’re getting married Logan, right here, right now.” Ridge removed the
chauffeur’s cap and sunglasses and turned around, smiling at her. “I love you
and I am not waiting one more second to make you my wife.”