Chapter Ten


Brooke came bounding down the stairs with the small carryon case. Her hair was thrown into a makeshift ponytail, she wore no makeup and her complexion was pale and gray looking. Her eyes were red and puffy but they had a strong determination to them.
“You have the keys, you have all the numbers.” She told Donna. “I’m counting on you to make Hope feel okay about this. I’m so sorry Donna, I know I’m putting a lot on your shoulders.”
“Go Brooke, it’s where you need to be.” Donna came up to her and hugged her tightly. “Did you get any more information?”
“No one would tell me anything, I’m not family.” Brooke wrung her hands together.
“So what are you going to do?” Donna frowned.
“I’m going to Massimo and I’m going to make him tell me and then I am getting on the Forrester jet and going to him. Nick needs me, he needs me Donna.” The tears started falling from her bloodshot eyes. “He just has to be alright.”
“He will be honey, he’s strong.”
“And stubborn too.” Brooke tried to laugh through her tears. “He won’t die on me, I won’t let him.”


Pilar walked through the emergency room as if in a daze, people were screaming and crying. Friends and strangers alike reached out to her, asking for help, asking for answers but her only goal was to find him, she needed to find Dominick. None of the doctors or nurses had time for her, there were too many hurt and dying. Finally she saw a familiar face. She ran to the smoke covered man, praying that he would give her the news that she needed to hear.


“I’m not giving up on you Logan, I’m not giving up on us.” Ridge held the photo of Brooke to his chest. Her rejection had hurt but it hadn’t been unexpected. This was merely a setback. They’d be together again, and soon. He looked at the photo once more and smiled. “We’re meant to be Logan, it’s fate, it’s destiny.” Gently he put the picture back down and walked to the bar. He opened the carafe and poured himself a glass of the strong liquor. He brought it to his lips and was about to take the first sip when his doorbell rang. “Logan?” He wondered aloud. Had she come to her senses? With confidence and a hearty smile he walked to the door.


A cloud of chaos was what one could use to describe the atmosphere at Marone. Phones were ringing, people were running all over the place, not seeming to notice what was going on around them. Brooke waded through several reporters and assistants and marched directly into Massimo’s office. She found the man on the phone gruffly shouting orders as well as instructing two women right there in the office. He looked up at Brooke and frowned. “Who let her in here? Someone get her out of here, I don’t have time for her nonsense today.”
“I’m sorry Miss but you’re going to have to leave.” An efficient looking, well-groomed blonde woman told Brooke. She took her arm in an effort to guide her out of the maelstrom.
“No!” Brooke shouted as she pulled free. “I’m not going anywhere. I need your help Massimo, I need it now and you’re going to give it to me!”
“Excuse me one moment.” Massimo said into the phone. He pressed the button to put the caller on hold and then looked at Brooke. “Go home Brooke. Whatever it is that is so important to you is irrelevant to me. Your love life or lack of one is the least of my problems. As you are probably not aware, we’ve had a disaster on one of our ships and that takes priority over everything, even keeping YOU out of my son’s life, so go! Be gone, I have no time for you.”
“Then you’ll make time.” She said with determination. “Because I’m not going anywhere until I have answers.” She walked to the chair next to his desk and sat down, defiantly crossing her arms across her chest.
“Brooke please.” Massimo implored. “Can’t you see something is wrong here? Have you seen the news? I don’t have time to deal with your insecurities about Ridge. Use this time to your advantage, I’ll be out of your hair, maybe you can make some inroads.” He threw up his hands in frustration. “Go for it Brooke, just do it somewhere else.”
“This isn’t about Ridge.” She announced. “It’s about the explosion.”
“What?” Massimo was momentarily stunned. “This has nothing to do with you. If you’re here to donate money or supplies or anything you can see my secretary, if you think you can help don’t bother, we have it all under control.”
“I need to know about Nick.” She stood up and got right into his face. “No one is telling me anything, I don’t know if he’s hurt or, or.” She couldn’t manage to voice the words. “Where is he Massimo? Have you spoken to him?” Brooke could no longer control her emotions as her eyes welled with tears. “Please Massimo, please tell me anything you know.”
“Captain Payne?” He asked. “Well I’ll be.” He rubbed his hands together and for a second a smile crossed his face. But it immediately disappeared. “Sandra.” He turned to his assistant. “Get Miss Logan a glass of water.” Then he turned back to Brooke, giving her all his attention. “He hasn’t been found yet Brooke.”
“Not found? What do you mean not found?” She asked in a panic.
“Some of the men can place him on the ship, yet others swear he was at a local pub. Either way, no one has seen or heard from him since the explosion. I know this isn’t the news you were hoping for, but it could be alright, though I’m terribly disappointed in my own judgment if the man I chose to head my fleet would turn and run at the first sign of adversity.”
“He’d never do that.” Brooke hissed at him.
Massimo scratched his beard. “I don’t think so either Brooke.” He admitted.
“Well where is he?” Brooke demanded.
“I just told you that.”
”No!” Brooke interrupted. “I don’t mean that, I mean where is the ship docked? Where is the hospital? Where should I start? I need to be there, I need to find him. You have to tell me Massimo.”
“The ship is docked in Mexico.” He answered. “There is a local hospital where they’ve taken the injured men. Perhaps in all the chaos they’ve just not located him. He could be part of the rescue mission.”
“Yes, yes.” Brooke sighed with relief. “Nick would do that, Nick would try to rescue his men, he wouldn’t be worried about himself, only others.” She smiled through her tears. “Please, tell me what town so I can arrange a flight down there.”
“You’re really serious about this aren’t you?” Massimo was stunned. He had no clue that she cared this much about his wayward sea captain.
“Nick is, he’s very special to me.” She told him.
“Alright.” Massimo seemed to be taking it all in. “I’m going down there, we’re leaving in about an hour. I’ll make room for you on the jet if you can make yourself ready on such short notice.”
“I’m already ready.” She showed him her small satchel.
“Sandra.” Massimo called out again. “Check on the pilot and take Miss Logan to get something to eat, God knows how long it will be before we can do that in Mexico.”
“Thank you, thank you Massimo.” Brooke took his hand and squeezed it. He looked embarrassed by her show of emotion but just nodded at her.
“Now just go with Sandra. I have a lot to do before we leave.” Then he turned his back on her and went back to his business at hand.


The smile faded from Ridge’s face as he silently let her inside. He walked to the bar and picked up his glass. He was about to bring it to his lips when he remembered. “Oh sorry.” He told her.
“For what?” Macy asked. “People drink, I don’t. I don’t have a problem with it Ridge, I didn’t that night, I don’t now.”
“Can I get you something?” He asked.
“Sparkling water would be nice.” She walked to his couch and sat down. “I thought I’d hear from you by now.” She raised her eyebrows.
“Things have been crazy and well, I guess I’m still trying to piece it all together myself.” He poured her drink and carried it to her. He stood next to her, not quite ready to sit with her. “My life has been a mass of confusion for so long and it seems I’m dragging everyone in.”
“Is that what you call it Ridge? Confusion?” Macy looked up at him.
“We talked, I told you about Massimo and Bridget and Brooke and Deacon and everything else.” He moved to the arm of the couch and sat, distancing himself from Macy without being too obvious.
“You didn’t seem confused when you asked me to come to Big Bear with you. You didn’t seem confused when you took me into the bedroom. You didn’t seem confused when you made love to me.”
“Macy, we were both confused and lost. It shouldn’t have happened, it shouldn’t.”
“We talked the next morning Ridge, you seemed to feel differently then. What happened?”
“We could never have a life together Macy. Too many people would be hurt, we’d alienate everyone and for what? It’s not like we’re in love. We did connect and I do appreciate what happened, but it was once and it can’t happen again. Macy, you love Thorne and I love Brooke. I think it’s best that we forget about it and try to be friends.”
Macy was raging inside, but she wasn’t going to let it show. She had prepared herself for this reaction and she knew it was time for a new tactic. “I am your friend.” She said with a sugary smile.
“So we can just forget it?” He hopefully questioned her.
“Can you?” She asked.
“Yes!” He said too quickly. “I mean, it will always be a wonderful memory. Maybe if things were different.”
“Has Brooke forgiven you?” She asked.
“She’s getting there and I know she loves me, in fact she admitted that she loves me.”
“So you think she still wants to marry you?” Her interest was piqued.
“Oh yeah, I know she does. She’s just making me sweat a little.” He laughed.
“I hope not for too long.” Macy touched his arm gently.
“It won’t be.” He grinned. “And Thorne? Are you two working things out?”
“I’m not sure we can, not anymore.”
“He loves you, I know he does.”
“It would be hard to go back though Ridge.” She looked into his eyes.
“You two have a deep history.” Ridge reminded her. “Just like I have with Logan.”
Macy got up and walked to him. “Sometimes history needs to stay in the past.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and brought her mouth to his, kissing him deeply. At first he was too stunned to react, then he seemed to be fighting her, but finally he gave in and briefly returned the kiss.
“Macy we can’t.” He broke away.
“Once more, just for us, no one will ever know.” She started to unbutton his shirt. “I’m so lonely, so in need of a man’s love.”
“Thorne loves you.” He reminded her, but she just smiled slyly and started on her own buttons.
“But tonight Ridge, tonight I want you.” She opened her blouse, baring her full breasts. “Only you.”



“Oh my God.” Brooke gasped as she stepped out of the car. The devastation to the ship was beyond her wildest expectations. It was hard to imagine anyone had survived, but many had. Massimo was huddled with two men looking at papers and charts. Clutching her bag to her she approached them. “Nick? Has anyone found Nick yet?”
The three men looked up at her. “Brooke Logan, Seth Cahill and Ricardo Gonzales, gentlemen, this is a, er, friend, Brooke Logan. She’s a friend of Captain Payne.”
“Have you seen him? Is he alright?” She looked at the tall, dark haired American man and then at the older Hispanic man.
“I haven’t seen him, not once since he got back.” Seth answered but was speaking to Massimo, not Brooke.
“Ric?” Massimo asked the older man.
“I saw him yesterday afternoon, but a long time before the explosion. I don’t know if he was on board or not.”
“Are you two from the ship? How did you make it off? It isn’t as bad as it looks right?” Brooke’s eyes bore into those of the two men.
“Seth is with another line, not Marone.” Massimo explained with a patience he normally didn’t have for Brooke. “Ric is with Marone, but not part of the crew of the Cortez. Neither man was on board.”
“The hospital. I need to check there.” Brooke looked up at Massimo.
“We’ll go Brooke, but not yet, I have more than just Captain Payne to worry about.”
“Can I have the car take me there then? They can just drop me off. I can’t just sit here not knowing.”
“Alright.” Massimo agreed. “I’ll have the driver take you there. I’ll join you as soon as I finish here. Just leave a message at the desk for me if you find out anything.”
“Thank you.” She looked over at the ship again and her eyes filled with tears. “How, how many men died?” She whispered.
“So far the count is seventeen, but many are unaccounted for.” Ricardo told her.
“Not Nick.” She shook her head. “Nick is fine, I know he’s fine, he has to be.”



Stephanie was lonely and feeling sorry for herself. The life she had once taken for granted was gone. Eric refused to forgive her, Thorne was feeling lost, confused and resentful. Ridge was consumed with his desire to reclaim Brooke and now Massimo had left town. She looked at the now cold cup of tea and wondered if this was to be her new life. “No, no, I will make things work with Eric and with my children. Brooke is out of our lives now, and she’ll stay gone.” But her own words of reassurance felt like a cold and shallow victory. She sighed and walked to the picture window and stared out at the lights of the city. “Oh Eric, I never meant it to come to this. Please come home, please come home to me.”



“You’re here late.” Rick smiled and walked into Thorne’s office. “Burning the midnight oil?”
“I could say the same about you too.” Thorne laughed. “I was working with some messed up orders and I guess time just got away from me. What about you?”
“Amber and Eric are at one of her friends houses so I was just trying to read up on some of the old business here. Have you eaten?”
“Nope, but I’d love to grab a burger with you if you’re interested.”
“Sounds great.” Rick agreed.
”Just give me a few more minutes and I’ll be ready. But maybe you should call Brooke and let her know we’re going out, I know you’re a grown man but she worries about you.”
“I don’t get it Thorne.” Rick sat down next to his half brother. He looked at the collection of photo’s on Thorne’s credenza. “She came home and she seemed to be happy.”
“Your mother?” Thorne asked.
“No, not her, but something is going on there too.” Rick answered. “I mean Macy. You two have been through so much. I was sure that the next Forrester wedding was going to be yours.”
“Oh, don’t count me out Rick.” Thorne smiled. “I know I let her down, I hurt her, but that’s the past and I love her. I’m going to make it up to her.”
“She’s still angry about you and Mom I guess.” Rick picked up a swatch of material and started playing with it.
“I know this is probably hard for you to understand. It’s hard for me too Rick. I did love your mother and I think she loved me.”
“She did.” Rick answered quickly.
“But I guess the odds were always against us. Ridge was always in the middle or in her head and heart. My first instinct was to run, but it’s so hard to say no to Brooke Logan.” He smiled at the memories in his head. “I wouldn’t trade what we had, I just wish we were both smart enough to end it earlier, like we should have. Our marriage caused everyone a lot of pain, and well, it just wasn’t worth it.” He looked at Rick, hoping he hadn’t angered him.
“I was against it Thorne, but Mom was so determined. I just wanted her happy. I think the two of you had about the most normal relationship together that she ever had.”
“That may have been the problem. But it wasn’t all Brooke. I know she made that final move, that confession to Deacon, and it hurt me and I ended it all, but there was more to it. I know that now.”
“What else?” Rick asked. “Mom swears that nothing was going on with Ridge, that it was just her trying to recapture what they had. You’re not saying that they were having an affair are you?”
“Ridge and Brooke are inevitable.” Thorne said with a sigh and a smile. “No matter who comes between them, they always come back to each other.” He stopped and thought about it. “No, they weren’t having an affair, Ridge wouldn’t have done that to Taylor. But he did love Brooke and he did lead her on and when that happened there was no hope for our marriage. But there is more, there was Macy too.”
“And her drinking?” Rick asked. “She’s not drinking now is she?”
“No, she’s sober, but she’s mad.” Thorne grinned. “But not for long if I have my way. I love that woman, I never should have let her get away from me.”
“I hope it all works out Thorne, you deserve to be happy.”
“Thanks Rick.” Thorne grinned “Just thinking about Macy makes me very, very happy.”



“We’re not going to do this.” Ridge pulled away from the kiss.
“You want me as much as I want you.” Macy purred and stroked him through his pants. “It’s just sex Ridge, I’m not asking you to commit to me.”
“Why are you doing this to me?” He took her hand off of him and held it tightly. “You know this is wrong and you know this would kill Thorne.”
“I’m so hot, I’m so ready.” She pushed her blouse off and unbuttoned the snap on her jeans. “Don’t think tonight Ridge, just do.” She let her jeans fall, stunning him by the fact she wore no panties. She kicked them free from her ankles and the guided Ridge’s hand between her legs. “I’m so wet for you. I need you inside me. You’re so big Ridge, so good. F*ck me Ridge.” She got onto his lap and started to kiss him. She moaned aloud when his hand started to stroke her, to pleasure her. “Yes Ridge, yes, that’s so good, so good.” She felt him growing and she knew she had won this round. Her hands reached down to free him from his own pants. Macy maneuvered herself so she was straddling him, but not touching him. She yanked at his pants, pulling them down.
“Macy, Macy we can’t.” He weakly objected.
“But we already are.” She laughed slyly, lowering herself onto him. “We already are.”



Brooke’s frustration level had just about hit the roof. No one could answer any of her questions, most people spoke Spanish and with the few words she knew she wasn’t making much progress. The entire scene at the hospital was more depressing than she could ever imagine. People were shouting and crying and walking around as if lost, but Brooke was determined. If Nick was there, she was going to find him. She turned a corner and found two men, both obviously from the ship, talking softly in a corner. Not wanting to intrude on their pain, but not willing to give up on a chance to find Nick she approached them.
“Excuse me.” She said, clearing her throat. “Are you men from the Cortez?”
“Look lady, we’ve had it with reporters and the rest of you people. Just leave us alone.” The first man answered.
“Vultures, all vultures. You didn’t get enough at the site? You have to come here and harass us too?” The second man said in a very sad voice.
“I’m not a reporter, I’m a friend and I’m looking for a man, a man that I, I love.” She looked hopelessly from one man to another.
“A sailor? Someone from the ship?” The second man asked her.
“Yes. Please can you help me, no one here seems to know anything or even wants to try and listen.”
“Who is he?” The first man asked.
“Cccaptain Payne, Nick Payne.” She shut her eyes for a second, scared to know the answer.
“You’re a friend of Nick’s?” The second man asked.
“Have you seen him? Is he alright? Please, please I’m begging you.” She looked so small and scared that both men were filled with compassion for her.
“Come here.” The second man took her arm and led her to a bench. “Sit down.” He looked at his companion and that look scared Brooke, rocking her to the core.
“Oh no, no, please.” She started to shake.
“They just brought him in.” The man took her hand. “About three hours ago.”
“Is he? Is he?” Her eyes filled with tears.
“He’s in Intensive Care.” He told her. “It’s not looking too good, he was pretty much close to where it all happened.”
“Oh God.” Brooke moaned. “Please take me to him, please I have to be there for him.”



The pain was intense, worse than anything he had ever experienced in his life. Nick struggled to open his eyes, to awaken but it was so much easier to just give in and sleep. He couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t seem to move and every inch of him seemed to be on fire. He couldn’t remember what happened, he didn’t know where he was. His eyes flickered but then the deep, reassuring sleep overtook him once more. Brooke, his final thought before surrender, Brooke.


Pilar called out to the nurse. “He tried to open his eyes, I know he did and his mouth, he tried to talk to me.”
“He’s on a ventilator, he can’t talk.” The nurse calmly explained. “It’s too soon for him to wake up. His body needs to heal, he can’t be fighting the care we’re giving him.” She adjusted the tubes and medications flowing into his body. “This will help him sleep and take away his pain. It’s better for now.”
“He needs to come back to me.” She reached down and gently touched his hand.
“We’re doing all we can. He was hurt very badly.” The nurse was losing her patience with this woman. She had so many more injured men to care for and this man’s chances of ever waking up were slim to none. She could sympathize with the woman, it was hard to see such a young and vital man struck down this way. “I must tend to my other patients. I will be back.”
“But you should be here, isn’t that way he’s in here?” Pilar protested. “How intensive is your care when you’re barely in here five minutes.”
“I’m doing the best I can. This is a small facility and there are more injured today than there have been in an entire year. I will return, I promise.” She gave Pilar a tentative smile and left the room.
“Come back to me Dominick. I will make it right. I’ll be everything you wanted of me before. I’ve learned Dominick, I have and I know what I almost lost. Come back to me and I will be the wife you deserve.” She looked down at the diamond ring on her finger and sighed. He hadn’t put it back on her, but he would have and he will once he recovered. “I love you Dominick.” She said softly.



“Nick?” Brooke whispered. Her voice was soft but the woman at Nick’s bedside turned immediately to face her. “Oh Nick.” Brooke walked up to the man’s bedside and gasped at the sight. He was pale, almost grey. His body was bandaged and wrapped and tubes seemed to be coming from every inch of him, but the most frightening thing was the ventilator. “Life support?” She asked the woman.
“He wasn’t breathing well.” She told Brooke, stroking Nick’s hand. “His lungs were how you say, damaged.”
Brooke reached down and touched Nick’s other hand. “I’m here Nick, I’m here and you’re going to be alright.” She then looked across the bed at the other woman. “I’m Brooke.” She introduced herself.
“You are a friend of Dominick’s?” Pilar asked.
“Yes, a very good friend.” Brooke smiled and reached to gently touch Nick’s face. “He’s so cold.” She herself shivered.
“He looks better than when they first brought him in.” Pilar answered. “Pilar.” She smiled at Brooke. “Dominick’s fiancée.”



“Oh Lauren, this is all so exciting.” Jackie looked around the vast hotel suite.
“It’s going to be hard work too.” Lauren opened up a folder with the agenda. “For the next week we have to meet with five different companies and that’s all before the convention. I’m so glad you were able to join me. Have you ever been to Paris?”
“Yes, but never in this capacity.” Jackie admitted.
“I’m sorry to pull you away so suddenly but when Miranda had to cancel at the last moment I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for you.” Lauren took clothes from her suitcase and put them into the large, walk in closet. “Are you all moved into the beach house? It’s really nice isn’t it?”
“It’s lovely and yes, I’ve made myself at home.” Jackie smiled. “I can’t thank you enough for making everything so easy for me.”
“Well we can thank my friends, the Forresters too. That house belonged to Taylor Forrester and it’s been unused for a while now. She had let Brooke Logan’s daughter and her husband use it but it’s been empty since they split up.”
“Forrester? As in Ridge Forrester?” Jackie’s eyes widened.
“Yes, they’re very good friends and they’ve been letting Fenmore rent the home for our employees to use. You’ve been working with Forrester haven’t you?” Lauren wondered.
“I’ve not personally met them, but yes, I’m working with them. Do you know them well?”
“It’s a long story.” Lauren gave her a throaty laugh. “I know them very well, maybe some of them too well.”
“Brooke Logan? How well do you know her?” Jackie asked.
“I know her quite well.” Lauren admitted. “She’s a very smart businesswoman and very beautiful too.”
“There’s a but in your voice.” Jackie frowned. “Will you tell me why?”



“Don’t lie to the lady Pilar.” The burly man said as he walked into Nick’s room. Brooke looked away from Pilar to the man. “John Harris.” He said to Brooke. “And you’re a friend of Nick’s?”
“Brooke Logan.” She squinted. “Yes, a very good friend and a confused one too.” She looked at Pilar again.
“John has no clue to what goes on between us.” Pilar told Brooke.
“I know that it’s over Pilar, and it’s been over a long time.” John walked up to the bed and looked down at his sleeping friend. “Come on buddy, stay strong, we all need you.”
“We do.” Brooke agreed as she reached down and once more lovingly touched Nick’s face. “Were you on the Cortez?” Brooke asked John.
“I was, but I had just gotten off moments before the explosion. Nick had just been in to see me and I wanted to take a walk to think. The explosion knocked me out for a few minutes and then I was on rescue most of the night. I just needed to come and check on my man here.” He looked down at Nick again. “Come on Nick, you got a lovely lady waiting to see those baby blues of yours.” He smiled at Brooke and then looked at Pilar. “Sweetheart, I think you should go home. You know Nick don’t want you here.”
“No.” Brooke stopped him. “Nick can use all the love and support he can get. Obviously Pilar loves him very much.”
“I do.” Pilar frowned. She didn’t understand this woman and she wanted to know who she was and what she meant to Dominick. “But since he has so much company right now I think I’ll go get some coffee.” She started to leave and turned around. “Can I bring you back something?”
“I’d love a coffee.” Brooke smiled at her. “Thank you.”
“Johnny?” Pilar asked.
“Sure Brandy, I’ll have one too.” He then turned back to Nick.
“Wait a moment.” Brooke pulled a pad and a pen out of her purse and scribbled a quick note. She handed it to Pilar. “Can you please give this to the front desk, it’s a message for Massimo Marone, I want to let him know that I’ve found Nick.”
“You know Mr. Marone?” Pilar asked.
“Yes, and he’s very concerned about Nick.” Brooke answered.
“I’ll bring it to them.” She said. “I won’t be long.”
Brooke waited until Pilar was gone before she turned to John. “She said she was his fiancée, she’s wearing a diamond. Is it true?”
“Would you turn around and leave if it were?” John asked.
“If it wasn’t my place to be here.” She said sadly. “Maybe I should go, I didn’t know that there was someone. I don’t want to be someone who comes between two people meant to be together. I’ve been on both sides of that kind of situation and I know it’s not a good place to be. I don’t want to cause Nick any pain and if he loves this woman I won’t complicate his life. But I don’t think I can just leave, not with him hurt so badly. Please tell me what there is between them. I promise I won’t do anything to hurt Nick.”
“A couple of years ago Nick and Pilar were hot and heavy. I think he did ask her to marry him, but things fell apart. Any engagement now is just in her head. How do you know Nick?” He asked.
“We met in LA, at Marone. He was a friend when I really needed one, I’m, I’m repaying the favor.”
“Is that all?” John raised his eyebrows.
“I don’t know what it is.” Brooke looked at the chair where Pilar had been sitting. “She’s beautiful.”
“Yeah, and so are you. So? Do you see Nick as a shallow man, looking for the winner of some beauty contest?”
“He’s about the least shallow person I’ve ever met.” Brooke smiled. “He sees the best in everyone and to him beauty is what glows from the inside.”
“Now don’t go painting him a saint Brooke, the guy knows a looker when he sees one and he’s been known to take more than a few women to bed just because of that. But he is a good man too. Under his gruff exterior I know he has a really big heart beating, just don’t tell him that.”
“Nick is very special to me.” She looked down at him. “But we haven’t known each other long and I’m learning that maybe we don’t know each other very well either. He indicated that he had never been very close to a woman and then I see her.” Brooke indicated where Pilar had been sitting.
“He doesn’t kiss and tell Brooke.” John said flatly.
“I wouldn’t expect that or want that. But if there was someone this significant in his life, I’d have thought he’d tell me.”
“He didn’t say anything about you.” John started.
“I suppose that’s telling and maybe she is more significant to him that he would admit.” Brooke started but John stopped her.
“He didn’t have to. I knew there was someone and I knew that this was very different for him. It was written all over his face. We could be in the middle of a serious discussion and suddenly he was miles away with a smile on his face that well, only something very important and special could have put it there. He’s been thinking about you Brooke, to the point of distraction.” John gave her a smile.
“I don’t want to have distracted him, what if this accident.” She gasped at the idea.
“It wasn’t an accident and believe me, Nick was all business about this. You had nothing to do with it. I just wanted you to know that he told me there was someone and I am guessing it was you and that he’s going to be really happy to wake up and see you here. So don’t go okay. Nick needs you.”
Brooke looked at John and smiled. “Thank you.” She said softly. She took a seat next to Nick’s bed and reached in to take his hand. “I need you too Nick, so please come back to me.”



‘Needs me, needs me.’ The words swam through Nick’s head but it confused him. He was fighting again, trying to break through but once more the pain was overwhelming. He wanted it to stop and yet something was pulling at him, trying to get pull him into consciousness. His throat felt so strange. He felt confined. ‘Come back to me.’ “Brooke!” He tried to say the word but it was impossible. He heard her. Was she there? Was he dreaming? Was he dead? He fought with all his strength to open his eyes but all he could manage was a slight flutter of his lids. Later. He thought. First more sleep.



“Nick?” Brooke leaned over and touched his forehead. “He’s sweating and his eye lashes fluttered.” Brooke told John.
“He’s a fighter. He’s going to come out of this Brooke.”
“Here?” She asked. “John I need to get him moved home. I need to get him to a good hospital in the States. He needs the best care. This place is almost primitive and very much understaffed. He needs to have someone working towards bringing him out of this. Tubes and machines can’t do it alone.”
“I’m not sure he can be moved while he’s on that.” John pointed to the machine that was breathing for Nick.
“Then I need to bring the best to him. I won’t let him die. I won’t.”



“Brooke has made a few enemies in her time.” Lauren laughed. “Women, mostly women. And I suppose it’s mostly women who love or want to love Ridge Forrester.”
“I’ve heard of her so called obsession.” Jackie sat down on the bed.
“It’s not so called, it’s real.” Lauren answered. “Brooke has had one goal in life since the day she set eyes on him, and that goal is Ridge and to become Mrs. Ridge Forrester.”
“But she had that chance and she said no.”
“That surprised me, but I doubt that that really changed anything. I think she was just frightened that if she went ahead with the wedding at that time that the marriage wouldn’t last. She’s biding her time and making sure that all the paths are clear for her.”
“You seem to have an unkind view of this woman.”
“No, not really. I like her, we’re friends, but just don’t get between her and Ridge. At one point I did and well, it wasn’t pretty.”
“But you get along now.” Jackie made it a statement, not a question.
“Yes. But why are you so interested in Brooke? You probably won’t be dealing with her directly.”
“Oh but I think I will.” Jackie smiled. “You see my son Nicky seems to be quite enamored of her.”
“Jackie stop him, stop him now.” Lauren warned her. “There will never be any man but Ridge for her, she’ll break his heart. If you care about your son you’ll keep him far, far away from Brooke Logan.”



“Here.” Pilar handed John a cup and then gave one to Brooke. “I didn’t know how you liked it so I got it with cream and sugar.”
“Thanks.” Brooke took it and took a sip.
“How is he?” Pilar took her place at his side.
“He was sweating before and he seemed to be opening his eyes.” Brooke informed her. She reached down and gently touched his brow. “But you feel better now don’t you Nick?”
“Ladies, I’m going to go check on some of the other guys.” John announced. “I’ll be back before I leave. Will you be here?”
“I’m not going anywhere.” Brooke told him.
“Okay.” He gave them both a smile. “You tell Nick I was here if he wakes up.”
“I will.” Brooke promised. They both watched him leave, then Brooke went back to her silent vigil. Pilar was watching Brooke as Brooke watched Nick. This was not a casual thing, this woman was more than a little invested in Dominick and that concerned Pilar. She had spent a lot of time thinking about what they had had and where they had gone wrong and her one conclusion was that she wanted it back. She never even considered that someone like Dominick Payne had found another woman, not one that he could ever want to set down roots with.
“Have you known Dominick long?”
“Not really.” Brooke admitted.
“So you’re not close.” Pilar smiled.
“I didn’t say that.” Brooke answered. “It’s complicated. We’ve only known each other a while, but we’re very close.”
“You love him?” Pilar asked.
“Yes.” Brooke answered without a second’s hesitation, surprising even herself. “Yes I do.” She reaffirmed.
“I do too.” Pilar informed her.
“Then we both have to support him and help him come through don’t we?” Brooke sighed.



Ridge leaned against the glass doors to his patio. He was racked with guilt and embarrassed by his lack of willpower. “I don’t deserve you Logan. I don’t.” He stared up at the dark sky. “I’ve lost it all, I have no control of anything in my life. I need help, God I need help.” He turned and watched Macy as she buttoned her blouse. She smiled at him, but he just turned away.
“Don’t Ridge.” She walked over to him and from behind she put her arms around his waist. “It was just fun, just sex. Didn’t it feel good?”
“Go home Macy and please don’t come back.” He told her.
“Ridge?” She turned to face him. “It was wonderful for me.” She kissed him. “Don’t feel so guilty, we’re consenting adults.” She gave him another kiss. “I’ll go now, but please don’t feel this way.”
“Go.” He pushed her away and walked away from her. “Don’t come back Macy, don’t.”
She grabbed her purse and walked out his door. She leaned against it and smiled. “Hopefully I won’t have to, hopefully it took. Hopefully right now, inside me, the newest Forrester heir is forming.”



Brooke awoke with a start. She sat up, having trouble finding her bearings until it all came flashing back to her. She turned on the light and looked around the small hotel room. “Nick.” She said softly. She looked at her wristwatch and knew it was too soon to return to him, but it seemed like torture to just wait. She had fallen asleep at his bedside until Massimo had come in. Though the hospital had been lax concerning visiting hours Massimo had convinced her to go and get a little sleep. She had been pleasantly surprised to find that he had already gotten her a room and had her bag delivered. She had been so tired but she was hot and sweaty too so she had taken a quick shower and then fallen asleep. But the sleep hadn’t been dreamless and it hadn’t been deep. Now Brooke was anxious to return to Nick’s side. Now her sense of time was so confused. She thought back to the day before. She had had dinner with Eric and was preparing for a relaxing evening with Donna when she had seen the news, but before that was what came back to haunt her. She had spoken to Nick on the phone and he had told her he’d be home soon. She replayed their conversation in her head. They had said their hellos and Brooke had told him how much she missed him. Nick had asked about Ridge and again apologized for not being there and then the chilling words, prophetic words, came flying back at her.

“You know you’re a dangerous lady.” He had teased.
“Me? How? Why?” She had wondered.
“I should be thinking about business and sabotage and finding the people who’re stealing from Marone and all I can think about is being in your arms.” His confession stunned them both.
“Please don’t think about me now. I mean you need to concentrate on staying safe and coming home.” She had told him, but had he done that? Had his mind been on her insecurities and rushing back to coddle her? Had she caused this horrible tragedy?

“Oh Nick, what have I done?” Brooke felt the weight of the world on her and she knew she wouldn’t sleep another second. She looked at her watch again. It was early, but not too early, she decided she would go back. She went to the closet and pulled out a pair of white jeans and a turquoise blue top. She put them on the bed and went to the draw for her underwear. And before she jumped into the shower she started a small pot of coffee in the little machine that the hotel had provided. It was going to be another long day.



Ridge had had a sleepless night. He had tossed and turned and finally given up entirely. The thought of going in to work seemed as foreign to him as anything at this point. He was overwhelmed by guilt and he knew the only thing that could ease his pain was a session with Dr. Munoz. He had called the service and left a message, hoping that the doctor would be able to find time to fit him in. In the meantime he had to feign normalcy for his children and his family. He looked at the clock and though it was early he was sure that Massimo would be in his office. He poured his second mug of coffee and picked up his phone to make the call. Taping his fingers as the phone rang he looked at the framed photos of Brooke and Taylor. Two women he loved more than just about anything, one taken from him by death and the other by his sick libido. “I’ll change, I’ll fix it Logan, just believe in me, believe in us.” He told the smiling photo. He was jolted back to reality by the sound of Massimo’s trusted assistant.
“Massimo Marone’s office.” She answered.
“Sandra, it’s Ridge. Is he in? This is important.”
“Haven’t you heard? Where are you Ridge? We need you in here now.” She chastised him.
“Heard what?” He asked. He had been out of touch most of the prior day and he had turned off his phone the night before.
“The Cortez, it was sabotaged. Massimo is down there now. He wanted you with him or at the least he wanted you here to keep things going.”
“The Cortez? I thought Nick Payne, Boy Wonder was going to handle that. Don’t tell me, he screwed up royally this time didn’t he?”
“Ridge this is not a time for infighting.” Sandra said sternly. “Captain Payne was injured very badly, they don’t think he’s going to make it. Massimo is in Mexico with his hands full and he needs you. Are you going to get your butt in here now or will I have to send someone to drag you in?”
“I’ll be there, but I may have an appointment that I have to keep. Get me a number to reach Massimo on okay?”
“I’ll have everything you need on your desk. Just get in here Ridge. Now’s the time to prove you worth.” ‘Or not.’ She added to herself, but she had already hung up the phone.




“Why didn’t she bwing me?” Hope asked her Aunt Donna. She was trying hard not to cry, but the little girl was scared.
“Because they don’t let little girls come to the hospital. But it’s okay sweetie, Mommy will come home soon and I bet she calls you today too.”
“Will she bwing Nick?” Hope asked with wide hopeful eyes.
“I hope so.” Donna answered. “Now shall we have some breakfast? I can make eggs or waffles if you’d like.”
“Mommy makes me pancakes.” Hope told her.
“I could make them, but maybe we should wait for Mommy, her’s are the best. How about cereal? Would you like some cereal?”
“Okay.” Hope agreed.
“Let’s see what we have.” Donna opened up the cabinet and took out several boxes. “Wheaties? Nah, yucky.” She teased Hope. “Corn Flakes? Nah, no fun.”
“Those!” Hope pointed and started to clap.
“Lucky Charms? Yeah, I like them too.” Donna giggled. “Or we have Frosted Flakes and Fruit Loops and look Hope, Cap’n Crunch.”
“Nick.” Hope giggled, pointing at the cereal box.
“You think that looks like Nick?” Donna laughed. “I’m not sure he’d like hearing that.”
“Cap’n Nick.” Hope giggled. Donna put the box down and Hope carefully examined it. “He’s funny. Nick’s funny.” She told her aunt.
“True.” Donna agreed.
“But Nick is pretty.” Hope smiled.
“Yeah, he is.” Donna agreed again. “So you want that sweetie?”
“Yeth please.” Hope held up her bowl and spoon.
“I think you have a real fan here Nick.” Donna smiled as she filled up Hope’s bowl and then her own. “I hope Brooke has found you and I hope you come home real soon.”



Stephanie had had enough of walking around her empty house all alone. She decided to seek refuge the only place that was more like home to her than her mansion. She went to her office at Forrester. Her first stop was Eric’s office, but he wasn’t in yet. She sadly walked into Ridge’s old office, now being used by Amber. “It’s all your fault Brooke, you tore my family apart and I’m not going to let you get away with it.” She declared with a sigh. Then she ventured to the basement, hoping that Thorne had made an early appearance. To her surprise and joy he had. She smiled and walked in.
“Hello honey.” She said, announcing her presence. “You’re in early.”
“So are you.” Thorne looked up at her. “I guess aside from security, you and I are the only ones here.”
“So far.” She walked to his desk and took a seat.
“You look um.” Thorne was at a loss for words.
“Lonely.” She supplied. “Your father is still angry at me.”
“And you expected differently?” Thorne asked her.
“I know I deserved it Thorne, but I hoped he would remember our love. I hoped he could forgive me and fight for us.”
“Give him some time Mom, he got the shock of his life you know.”
“I was shocked too.” She answered.
“But Mom, you had to have known deep down that this might have been true.”
“I was a young girl and I loved your father. I suppose my naivetes may have led to what seems like deception, but I truly believed until the day of the accident, I truly believed that Ridge was his son.”
“Like I said, give him some time.” Thorne got up and gave his mother a hug.
“And how are you honey? It seems with everything that’s gone on lately we’ve all forgotten you, but that’s not true, I hope you know that.”
“I’m just fine.” He told her. “Don’t you worry about me.”
“And Macy?” She asked.
“I’m not sure she’s forgiven me either. Maybe that’s why it’s so easy for me to give out the advice.”
“I’m going to say something, and I don’t want you to take it the wrong way.”
“Don’t!” he warned her. “Please don’t do to Macy and me what you did to Brooke and me.”
“Macy is a hundred times the woman Brooke could ever be.” Stephanie assured him. “But I was thinking about Tricia.”
“Mother.” He moaned.
“You two seemed close and she is a lovely woman. Maybe you threw that away too easily.”
“I love Macy, I’ve always loved Macy. I hope you’ll support us.”
“It that is what you truly want honey, you know I will.” She promised.



“Hey shortie.” Rick ruffled Hope’s hair as he and Little Eric joined Donna and Hope at the breakfast table.
“Where’s Amber?” Donna asked.
“Sleeping in.” Rick answered. “And Mom?”
“Mommy wid Nick in Hexico.” Hope giggled.
“Huh?” Rick looked at Donna with a grin. “What’s going on Donna.”
“Nothing like you think.” She said sadly. “Nick was in an accident and Brooke went down to be with him. I’m surprised you haven’t heard about it, it was all over the news.”
“The Cortez? That’s right, Nick works for Marone, but I thought he was working out of LA.” Rick frowned.
“Can I have Fruit Loops Dad?” Little Eric asked Rick.
“How about oatmeal or Wheaties slugger?” Rick suggested.
“We’re all being a little bad today.” Donna handed Rick the box of cereal. “Come on, live a little.”



Ridge finished reading the accounts leading up to and ending with the explosion. His first reaction was not one of concern but of anger. Massimo had kept it all from him. He was supposed to be a man in charge, a man in the know and he was clueless about this. Yet he had trusted Nick Payne. “Why? Why him?” Ridge growled aloud. He pushed the papers aside and grabbed his framed photo of Brooke. He gently traced the outline of her face and caressed the blonde locks. It had a calming effect on him and when he put the photo down he was smiling again. “Today will be my first step in getting you back. Come on Dr. Munoz, you have to call me.” He said, staring hard at the telephone, willing it to ring and as if by magic it did. Ridge picked up the receiver and put it to his ear.
“Ridge Forrester.” He answered.
“How is everything going.” Massimo demanded.
“I’m getting up to date.” Ridge pulled the files over. “Massimo, why didn’t I know about this mess before? You certainly had to know you could never depend on Popeye to handle this.”
“Enough Ridge.” Massimo said in a gruff voice. “I’m counting on you to keep things running smoothly while I’m away, I don’t have time for this petty rivalry you and Captain Payne have going.”
“Whatever you say.” Ridge sighed. “So what happened?”
“Not now, not over the phone. I’ll fill you in when I return.”
“And when will that be?” Ridge wondered.
“I’m not sure. I need to put someone in control down here but without the information, I’m just not sure who to trust. It’s a lot more complicated than I had imagined.”
“So you DON’T trust Payne, good.” Ridge smiled.
“I trust him implicitly. But Captain Payne was gravely injured. His doctors aren’t giving much hope for his recovery.”
“What a shame.” Ridge couldn’t hide his sarcasm or contempt for the man.
“He’s a good man Ridge and an asset to Marone. I don’t appreciate your attitude.”
“Sorry, I just don’t think much of him.” Ridge answered.
“Enough.” The exasperated man told his son. “I’ve spoken to Sandra and I’m having some information forwarded to her. I want you to work together. I’ll check in again as soon as I can but I’m not sure when that will be. I just want you to be available to me Ridge. I’m going to be relying on you heavily. I know you won’t let me down.”
“I’ll keep my cell on at all times.” Ridge promised.
“Okay, good. Now I have to go, I have to check on the men again and see if they’ve recovered any of the evidence and I have to see if Brooke has any news for me.”
“Brooke? Brooke?” Ridge literally stood up at his desk. “What do you mean Brooke?”



Brooke yawned and stood up to stretch. She kept hoping and prayed that she would see a change in Nick, but he still seemed as weak and fragile as he had when she first walked into the room. It had only been one night and part of a day but it felt like a month. She was scared and tired and just wishing someone somehow would give her some hope. She walked to the cabinet and poured herself some water from the bottle the nurse had given her. It was warm and she frowned with distaste but then felt immediately guilty. Nick couldn’t drink water, Nick was on a ventilator. She felt tears welling in her eyes when the door opened. She turned to see Pilar enter.
“Any change?” The brunette asked.
“No.” Brooke said sadly. “I’m scared Pilar, he looks worse than last night.”
Pilar walked up to Nick and touched his face and his hands. “He’s not as cold.” She commented. “That is an improvement no?”
“I think he has a fever.” Brooke said the words in a sob.
“Oh no, no.” Pilar looked at Brooke and she too had tears in her eyes. “Have you been here long?”
“Hours.” Brooke admitted.
“Why don’t you go and have something to eat, get some air.” Pilar suggested. At another time Brooke would have suspected that her offer was self-serving, but this seemed genuine and Brooke was touched.
“Thank you.” She sighed softly. “I won’t be long.”
“Take your time, it’s important you keep your strength too.”
“If he wakes up.” Brooke looked at the other woman.
“I will tell him you are here.” Pilar promised.
Brooke walked to Nick and touched his face and gently kissed his cheek. “I won’t be long Nick, Pilar is here, she’ll make sure you’re okay. Wake up Nick, please wake up.” She touched him one last time and then reluctantly left his hospital room.



“I thought you knew.” Massimo lied.
“Knew? Knew what?” Ridge angrily questioned the man.
“Brooke, she’s here.”
“Here? What do you mean here?” Ridge shouted.
“With me. She came on the plane with me.”
“Why?” Ridge growled. “Why the hell did she come? You meant Bridget right? Not Brooke.”
“I said Brooke and I meant Brooke.” Massimo said is a cool, calm voice.
“That doesn’t make sense.”
“As soon as she heard about the explosion Brooke came and demanded that I help her. She wanted to go to Captain Payne. So I brought her with me on my jet. She’s here in Mexico with me.”
“Put her on! Put her on now!” Ridge demanded.
“She’s not with me Ridge, she’s with Captain Payne, at the hospital.”
“You did this! You and my mother did this!” Ridge was hysterical in his anger.
“Your mother doesn’t even know I’m gone and as for me, I had nothing to do with this at all. Brooke Logan barged into my office and demanded that I help her. She seemed so frantic about the captain that I relented.”
“Brooke would never do that. She loves me. She wouldn’t take off to see some man she barely knows. That’s insane Massimo, I don’t believe you, I don’t.”
“As you wish.” Massimo chuckled.
“You’re loving this! You’re actually loving this!”
“Just calm down Ridge. Brooke is where she wants to be. I had nothing to do with that.”
“You took her! You confused her Massimo! She doesn’t belong there, she belongs here, with me. You should have told her no!”
“If I had she would have found another way to get there Ridge. The woman cares about Dominick, you need to get that through your head.”
“She pities him!” Ridge spit. “She may find him funny, amusing and now she’s just being a concerned friend, but that isn’t her place. You did this and now you’re going to fix it.”
“And how am I going to do that Ridge?” Massimo was growing weary.
“You’re going to put her back on the plane and send her home to me. Today! Now!”



Brooke had walked around the hospital and finally found the crowded cafeteria. She had bought a sandwich and a cold drink but decided to walk outside and have it in the fresh air. She also wanted to check in with Donna so she pulled out her cell phone and called her own home.
“Hello.” Amber’s bored voice answered the phone.
“Amber? It’s Brooke, is my sister there?”
“Uh, I dunno.” Amber answered. “I just came downstairs. Let me check.”
“What about Rick?” Brooke asked.
“He went to work. Oh yeah, she’s out by the pool with Hope, hold on.”
Brooke waited as Amber brought the phone to Donna.
“Brooke! Brooke did you find him?” Donna asked. “Is he okay? Are you coming home?” She kept shooting questions out.
“Slow down.” Brooke had to smile. It was so wonderful to have the love and support back in her life.
“Okay, just tell me.” Donna pressed.
“I found him, he’s in the hospital. It’s not very good Donna, he’s in very bad shape. I’m so scared.” Brooke admitted.
“Oh God Brooke, I’m so sorry. But I bet he was happy to see you at least. That has to be helping his recovery.”
“He hasn’t seen me yet.” Brooke’s voice turned even sadder.
“What do you mean? They won’t let you in?” Donna was angry at this news. “You need to be more forceful Brooke, think of how you handled Massimo.”
“No.” Brooke replied. “They aren’t keeping me out, I’ve barely left his side, it’s just that he hasn’t regained consciousness yet.”
“Is he in a coma?” Donna gasped.
“Yes.” Brooke sobbed. “He is. The doctors seem to think he could come out of it, but the pain is bad and they’re keeping him really medicated. Oh honey he looked so horrible, I guess he still does but I’m getting used to it. I’m so scared, Donna, he’s on life support. “
“Oh no.” Donna moaned.
“I need to speak to Massimo.” Brooke told her. “He’s so busy though with all the other men and the ship but I need to see him.”
“Why?” Donna asked.
“Because I want to bring him home Donna, I want him being taken care of at home. This hospital is too crowded and too primitive. I know Massimo can help me pull the right strings. It’s hard because I don’t speak Spanish and just about everyone here does.” Suddenly she thought of Pilar and she was silent.
“What Brooke?” Donna noticed the difference.
“There’s a woman, she claimed to be his fiancée.”
“You’re kidding. Brooke no way, that man is not engaged.”
“This woman loves him Donna and well, I have no idea what she means to Nick. But I can’t worry about that now. I just need to get him home and get him well. But I need him to wake up first.” She sighed. “Look, I need to go back to him, but can I say hi to Hope first?”
“Of course you can. The munchkin has been talking about you and about Nick all day. Come here Hope.” She called out. “Mommy is on the phone.”
Hope ran over to Donna grabbing at the phone.
“Calm down cupcake.” Donna laughed as she put the phone to Hope’s ear. “Say hello to Mommy.”
“Mommy!” Hope shouted and giggled.
“Hi honey, I sure miss you.” Brooke’s eyes welled with tears. She hadn’t realized just how much she did miss her child.
“We had Cap’n Crunch.” Hope announced.
“Auntie Donna is spoiling you.” Brooke smiled. And she was happy that she was. There would be plenty of time for healthier breakfasts later. Hope deserved some indulgence right now.
“Cap’n Nick.” Hope giggled.
“Nick?” Brooke was stunned.
“Can I say hi to Nick?” Hope asked her mother.
“He, he’s not here right now baby, but I know he would love to say hi to you too.”
“Come home. We swim.” Hope told Brooke. “Me’n Nick.”
“Oh Hope.” Brooke sniffled again. “Not today sweetie, but Mommy will be home soon, I promise.”
“And Nick?” Hope asked.
“Yes baby, I’m going to bring Nick home too. I promise.”



Ridge was furious and frustrated but when Dr. Munoz called he didn’t abandon his plan. The doctor had a cancellation and Ridge readily accepted it. Sandra had been angry when Ridge left the office, offering no explanation and Ridge was secretly happy that she was. He had had enough of Massimo and his interference. No one was going to keep him from Brooke and Massimo could try and push her towards Popeye but Ridge knew it was only Brooke’s kind, concerned heart that had made her go to him. He had spent his hour being brutally honest to Dr, Munoz. He had told him about the party and about Karen and the two instances with Macy. He had explained his guilt and his confusion and he had begged for help. He had scheduled regular appointments, twice a week to start and Dr. Munoz had told him that this was a good start, admitting to the problems and seeking help. He had discouraged Ridge from acting hastily about Brooke or anything else but that one piece of advice had gone in one ear and out the other. Ridge had already decided that come hell or high water, he and Brooke would be married immediately upon her return. He had left the office feeling better than he had in a long time, that is until he started thinking about Brooke being in Mexico, at Nick Payne’s side again. “Enjoy her now Spongebob.” Ridge smiled to himself. “Because this is the last time you’ll ever see her.”



The next two weeks had both flown by and yet seemed to last forever. Brooke barely left Nick’s side. Pilar was there every day, but not as long as Brooke. She had to work and Brooke really felt badly for her, she knew that her heart was with Nick and that it killed her to leave him. Brooke had spoken to Massimo about moving Nick, but the doctors were adamantly against it and Massimo agreed. During their talks Brooke had learned that Massimo knew Nick’s mother. They had both decided she needed to be told, and she needed to be there but neither of them knew where she lived or worked or how to contact her. Massimo assured Brooke that he had his ways and that he would find the woman. Brooke was terrified that Jackie Payne would be flying to Mexico not to help her son recover, but to say goodbye to him.



“You look like the cat that ate the canary.” Clarke Garrison commented when he found Macy sitting in Sally’s desk, staring off into space. “You and Thorne working things out finally?”
“Hmmm?” She looked up at him.
“You and Thorne.” He repeated. “You look so pleased with yourself. Have you two worked things out?”
“Actually Clarke, things are going better than I could ever imagine.” She smirked.
“I’m glad.” He told her. “You’ve had some bad deals in life, you deserve the best Mace.”
“And I’ll have him too.” Macy said with a sly smile.
“See, everything happens in time.” Clarke smiled at her.
“You’re so right Clarke, it’s all about timing.” She laughed and put her hand on her belly. “And believe me, the timing couldn’t have been better.”



He could smell her and feel her before he saw her. His desire rose and he reached for her, drawing her into his arms. She complied with a giggle that made his heart flip. He was feeling things for this woman that he had never felt before, that he had never expected to feel.
“Kiss me.” She said as she started to pull free from him.
“I want to do more than kiss you.” He answered, pulling her tighter.
“Put we really don’t know each other do we?” She giggled again, teasing him as her soft blonde hair touched his face and his bare chest.
“I know you better than anyone.” He answered. The thought chilled him. He knew that he could not lose this woman, she had touched him deeper than he had ever let anyone. He had let her into places no one had ever gone before, places that he hadn’t even known existed.
“Kiss me.” She laughed again.
He pulled her to him, taking her mouth and her lips, consuming them. It was nothing like the chaste kisses she had been giving him, it was hot and powerful and it promised so much more.
“Nick.” She moaned softly.
“Tell me you want me, tell me you love me.” He demanded.
“I’ll show you.” She got on top of him, kissing, touching, stroking.
“Tell me. I need to hear it from your lips.”
“My lips are busy.” She giggled, kissing him again.
“Tell me!” He said more forcefully.
“You stupid piece of worthless shit!” The man shouted and laughed. “Why the hell would she want a loser like you? No one wants you, I never wanted you, hell, your mother didn’t even want you!”
“No! Go away!” He shouted. But the man came closer, leering at him, taunting him.
“You’re nothing but a toy to her, a plaything. Useless.” The man laughed. “You can’t even move can you? Can you?”
“You’re insane.” He answered. He tried to sit but found he couldn’t, the pain was unbearable. “Brooke! Brooke come back!” He shouted, but the beautiful woman has simply disappeared.
“I told you. You’ll never be good enough for her, she doesn’t want you. She loves the dressmaker. She’s teasing you. You’re a good lay but that’s it. She’s scratching an itch Nicky Boy and I don’t even think you did a good job of that. Go! Run! Run like you always do.”
“I wasn’t the one who ran! You were!” His eyes were like fire as he stared at the man.
“I should have killed you when I had the chance. Maybe I will now. What do you think? Shall I kill the helpless little minnow? What do you think SON?” He spit the last word with disgust.
“Go away! We don’t need you! I don’t need you!”
“On that we agree.” He laughed bitterly. “You were nothing but an accident, spilled sperm that made it between a whores legs. You should never have been born, now I’ll remedy that.”
“You’re dead.” He told him. “You can’t hurt me! You can’t hurt her! You’re dead!”
“And so are you.” The man laughed harder than before and Nick felt a pain so sharp, so hard that he hoped that the man was right, anything to stop the torture.
“I can’t breathe! I can’t move. Help me.” Nick begged the man before he drifted into oblivion.


After another restless night at the hotel and a quick phone call to update Donna and speak to Hope Brooke dressed to return to the hospital. She was at a point when she almost dreaded walking into the room. Every day she feared would be the last day she saw Nick. She and Pilar had been keeping different hours and while supportive of each other, they rarely saw each other now. In a way it was easier but in another it was hard. Though in time they could become rivals, Brooke had grown to respect the other woman and she looked forward to having someone to talk to, someone who not only understood Brooke’s pain but who spoke English. Most of the doctors and nurses didn’t and it was very hard for Brooke to get any information. She walked through the hospital and made the now familiar turn to the Intensive Care unit. She was worried but feeling happy about seeing Nick again. She was going to talk to him, to read to him, to do anything to break through his subconscious and help him come back into the world. She wondered if Pilar had left yet. She still worried about her connection to Nick, but there would be time to deal with it all once he woke up. She forced a smile on her face as she opened the door but what she saw made her heart fall to the pit of her stomach.



Lauren walked across the crowded convention room. She didn’t like being given orders and she certainly had been given one, but she liked and respected Massimo Marone and if he needed to speak to Jackie Payne in the middle of a serious buying trip she knew it had to be important. She watched Jackie as she drew nearer. The woman was clearly in her element. She was schmoozing like a pro. People were eating out of her hands and Lauren was getting some of the best deals Fenmore had ever gotten. She forced a carefree smile onto her face and broke into the conversation. “I hate to interrupt but I need to steal Jackie for a moment.”
“Must you?” The charming French man asked with mock distress.
“I shan’t be gone long Pierre.” Jackie promised. “And remember, I have you locked into those numbers.”
“She is a shrewd operator.” Pierre told Lauren. “And she has equally charmed my friend Jacques too.”
“I promise, I’ll bring her right back.” Lauren smiled and took Jackie’s arm, leading her to a quiet corner.
“What is it Lauren, things were really going well there.”
“I have an emergency call for you, did you forget your phone?”
“I left it in the room.” Jackie confessed. “But who would be calling me? Nicky is in Mexico and you’re here.”
“It’s Massimo Marone.” Lauren said with a frown.
“Massimo? Now what could he want?” Jackie wondered.
“Here.” Lauren gave her the phone. “You find out and I’ll go keep the boys from running off.” She gave Jackie a smile and walked back towards the two men. She had almost reached them when she turned back to look at Jackie. To her shock she saw the woman fall to her knees and scream out he son’s name in horror.



The two doctors spoke softly as they turned off the buttons on the machines. Brooke looked on in horror as the bright lights faded to black. It was over, she hadn’t been there for him and now there was nothing more she could do. Tears streamed down her face. “Oh Nick, Nick.” She moaned. One doctor said something in Spanish and a nurse ran over to Brooke touching her arm.
“Are you alright?” She asked with a heavy accent.
“When?” Brooke whispered. “I left my number, why didn’t anyone call me?”
“Call you?” She asked.
“He shouldn’t have been alone, I should have been with him.” She wiped tears from her eyes. “All his life, he’s spent way too much time alone, he never should have been alone now. Pilar?” She suddenly remembered. “Please, please was she here for him?” Brooke asked with renewed hope. “Please tell me he didn’t die alone.”



Ridge was finding his anger growing by the day. Brooke hadn’t called him, no one could or would tell him where she was and when he suggested to Massimo that he join them in Mexico he outright refused him telling him how needed he was home at Marone headquarters. But that didn’t seem to be true either. Sandra was taking over even though Ridge was her superior. She seemed to be trying to keep him occupied with busywork instead of running the bustling company. If it hadn’t been for his sessions with Dr. Munoz Ridge would have said the hell with all of them and run to Mexico to bring Brooke back, no matter how hard she objected. But his sessions were going well. He was starting to understand himself and make peace with himself too. He had reached out to Karen. He’d called her and asked her to dinner. She had refused him at first but finally relented. The dinner had been difficult but Ridge’s apology had come from his heart. Karen had accepted it, if not exactly forgiven him but it was a start. He had tried the same with Macy, but she still was sure that they could have something together. She had made another attempt to seduce him, but this time he had stopped her and walked out. Things were strained with Thorne, though his brother had no idea why Ridge had become so distant. It was hard for Ridge. He seemed to have lost everyone he loved, Brooke, Eric, Bridget, Thorne and even Stephanie who still resented his preoccupation with getting Brooke to reunite. For the first time in his life Ridge Forrester was alone, and he didn’t like it. He needed a friend, someone to just talk to and he just wasn’t sure where to turn when it suddenly dawned on him. “Taylor, you always knew what I needed.” He smiled and took the card from his Rolodex. Carefully he punched in the numbers and waited for the phone to be answered.
“Hello Tricia.” He said. “It’s Ridge Forrester and if you’re still willing, I’d really like to talk to you.”



“Die?” The nurse looked at Brooke. “Oh no Miss, he hasn’t died.” She smiled. “Come.” She led the frightened woman to the bed. “Doctor just take him off the machine.”
“Oh my God Nick.” A huge smile crossed Brooke’s face. He was alive. He was no longer on the ventilator and she could see his chest gently rising as he breathed. “Is he better?” She questioned the doctors. One spoke in Spanish to the other and the second one turned to Brooke.
“He is breathing on his own now. We are still giving him oxygen.” He pointed to the tubes in Nick’s nostrils. “But his lungs are recovering.”
“The doctors, they have been weaning him off for a week now.” The nurse explained to Brooke.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Brooke looked hopelessly at the nurse. “I guess they couldn’t, we didn’t understand each other did we. Please, can you tell me anything more? I feel so helpless.”
“Of course I will. But you just relax and say hello to him first, I know this was very frightening for you.”
“Nick.” Brooke leaned over and kissed him softly on his parched lips. Then she took his hand in hers, lovingly caressing it. “Thank you.” She told the doctors. “Thank you so much.”
“He is still badly injured.” The doctor warned her. “And he hasn’t regained consciousness.”
“But he will.” Brooke told them.
“With God’s will.” The doctor answered. Then he turned to the other doctor and said something in Spanish. They both looked at Nick and then at the charts and the remaining machines.
“What?” Brooke questioned. “What do you see?”
“His heartbeat is stronger.” The nurse told Brooke. “He is a fighter.”
“You bet he is.” Brooke smiled. She leaned over and gave him another soft, sweet kiss. “You told me to be strong for us Nick and now I’m telling you the same thing. Fight Nick, open those eyes and look at me. I want to take you home Nick so I need you to open your eyes.”
The doctors gave the nurse some instructions in Spanish and then walked out of the room.
“What is the extent of his other injuries?” Brooke asked the nurse. “I was so concerned about the ventilator that I hardly gave anything else notice.”
“Broken ribs, fractured collarbone, fractured ankle, many abrasions and of course a concussion.” She answered.
“None of that seems life threatening.” Brooke’s eyes widened.
“On their own maybe not, but there were so many complications. His lung was collapsed, but it seem to be improving.” The nurse told her. “Some of his organs were bruised, hurt. We have to do more x-rays, more test.”
“Why have you waited?” Brooke demanded.
“He’s not the only man who was hurt Miss. We do the best we can.”
“Maybe you do, but maybe that best just isn’t good enough. I’m going to see what kind of arrangements I can make.”
“He need to come out of the coma.” The nurse checked the bottles of medications going into Nick’s drip. “If he wake up we see how well he do.”
“When!” Brooke corrected her. “Not if, when.”


Lauren ran to her friend and put her arm around her, helping her to stand. “What is it Jackie, what’s wrong?”
“Nicky, my Nicky.” Jackie started to shake. “His ship, there was an explosion, he’s in the hospital, Lauren he’s dying, my son is dying.”
“Oh my God Jackie, we have to get you home, we have to get you home now. Where is he? Tell me and I’ll make all the arrangements for you.” Lauren walked her to a couch and helped her sit.
“My God, I don’t know, I don’t know.” Jackie looked at the phone that she still held in her hand. Lauren grabbed it from her.
“Massimo? Are you still there?” Lauren asked. “Oh thank God, it’s Lauren, now just tell me where he is and I’ll get Jackie to him. What? Oh, okay. No, no it would be easier for me to just make the arrangements. Your plane would have to come from Mexico to Paris, we can just fly right into LA and then catch a plane to. What? Yes, I have that, hold on.” She rummaged through her purse and found a pen and a fashion brochure. She turned it over and started to write notes on it.



Ridge waved at Tricia when he saw her enter Los Olas. She saw him, waved back and walked over to his table. “Sorry I’m late.” She apologized.
“You’re not, I’m a little early.” He admitted. “Tricia, thanks so much for coming.”
“I was hoping you’d call. I know you’ve had a lot to deal with and I really did want to help you.”
“You’re probably not going to be happy with me Tricia.” He gave her a sheepish smile.
“Well you told me you’re still seeing Dr. Munoz and I think that is a wonderful thing. I suppose you’re thinking I will disapprove of Brooke.”
“You do don’t you?” Ridge asked.
“Ridge, it’s not Brooke, it’s the whole history and why and when you turn to her. I don’t think it’s good for either of you, but you tell me, you tell me why you think it’s different this time. Convince me why it’s a healthy relationship this time Ridge. I’m not here to judge you, just to help you. I’m still not sure you’re over your grief you know. It really hasn’t been long enough for that.”
“I’m trying to put all that into perspective now.” Ridge explained. “I know that it was too soon with Brooke in Portofino and I know that because of that I was drawn to Bridget. I don’t really know why I was, I know that people think it was because she was like Taylor or that the kids loved her so much or even that I was trying to regain something we lost when we found out that Dad was her father. But one thing I do know now is that it wasn’t anything Brooke did wrong.”
“But wasn’t it?” Tricia asked. “She had an affair with her daughter’s husband, she had his baby.”
“Brooke’s paid for that. Her life was torn inside out and upside down over that Tricia, and she really grew. She made something better for herself and for Hope. She really did try to do the right thing with Whip Jones, though again it was my mother pushing her. But the thing is that what happened with Deacon was partially my fault. Brooke told me that and I didn’t accept it at the time, but now I know it’s true.”
“And because of that you want to continue your relationship with her?” Tricia asked.
“I loved Brooke from the moment I met her.” Ridge smiled. “But I let others influence me and I let her go, not once, not even twice. I lost her Tricia and it was my own weakness that made that happen.”
“What are you saying Ridge? Are you trying to trivialize what you had with Caroline and with Taylor?” Tricia questioned him.
“No, I loved them both, they both made me happy and if Caroline hadn’t died I’d still be with her and if Taylor hadn’t died we’d still be together.”
“Then what is Brooke? Your go to girl?”
“No. She’s the love of my life.” Ridge smiled. “The one that I never should have let get away and the one I am determined to win back, prove my love to and never ever let her down again.”



Macy turned away and looked at her virgin margarita. Part of her was screaming to replace it with the real thing, but she had too much at stake now. She knew who the woman was. It wasn’t enough that she had designs on Thorne, but now she wanted Ridge too? Well, she could suffer just like Brooke will. Macy smiled and took a sip of her drink. “It’s going to happen Ridge.” She whispered as she watched him. “You may not know it and you may not want it, but you sealed your fate that night. Brooke Logan and Thorne Forrester are going to suffer forever, but if you let yourself you can be happy Ridge. I’m going to be the final Mrs. Ridge Forrester. Oh yes I am.”



Brooke had had dinner with Massimo that night. She was happy that Nick had taken a positive turn but Massimo told her not to get too excited too soon. He told her that he had finally tracked down Jackie Payne and that she would be making the trip to Mexico, most likely sometime tomorrow. Brooke was happy but nervous. She was excited about the prospect of someone else being there to help bring Nick through, but she was scared because she had never met this woman and she knew her reputation always traveled before her. What could Jackie Payne think of her? Would she be horrified to think of her wonderful son with a woman like Brooke Logan? “I’ll make her like me.” Brooke decided. “We’ll be friends and we’ll see Nick through this.”
Now the next day she had her usual nervous reaction. Things had turned out better yesterday but what would today bring? The doctors had warned her that Nick was not out of the woods, but she had to believe that his turn for the better was just the beginning of his recovery. He was off the ventilator and that was a very good thing. She made the turn into Nick’s room and walked in the door. She looked around but Pilar must have left already. She knew she had been there because her lipstick stained coffee cup sat on the counter. Brooke threw it out and then took the seat next to Nick’s bed.
“Hello honey. Hope misses you, and Donna too.” Brooke told the sleeping man as she stroked his hair. “As soon as you’re a little better I’m going to get you home and we can show them how well you are. In fact I’m going to get Massimo to help me get you moved to a hospital back home. I know you’re probably worried about your men, and you should be, but you’ll be a in a lot better shape to help them once I get you all fixed up again.” She looked towards the door. She expected Pilar to return, she knew Jackie was coming and she also was expecting Massimo, but so far no one had shown up. Brooke sighed and pushed a loose strand of hair from her face when she heard a voice that to her was the voice of an angel.
“Water.” He said.
“Nick? Oh God Nick!” Brooke’s eyes filled with tears of happiness. Nick’s eyes were open and looking at her.
“Water.” He repeated.
“Yes, yes, water.” Brooke jumped up and filled a small cup with water. She carefully put it to his lips and tilted it slightly letting the tiniest about dribble into his mouth.
“More.” His eyes bore into hers. “Thirsty, so damn thirsty.”
“I know, I know Nick but I don’t know if you can handle it. Please just a tiny sip.” She let him take a little bit more.
Brooke was stunned by his strength when he grabbed her hand and pushed it down, allowing him better access to the water. His eyes never left hers as he defiantly gulped half the cup. He then let go of her hand and sighed. “Thanks.” He said in a hoarse voice.
“Oh Nick.” Brooke started to cry even harder.
“Woman, that is not my job, it’s Forrester’s.” He forced the words from his aching throat.
“What?” She asked him.
“Cry, making you cry.” He said with a cough.
She leaned over and gave him a gentle hug and a genuine smile. “You had me so scared.”
“Sorry.” He forced a smile but grimaced.
“Are you okay?” She asked.
“I hurt.” He moaned. “How long?” He looked around the room.
“Two weeks.” She explained. “You’ve been unconscious.”
“You came.” He looked at her. “The dressmaker must be mad.” He added with a cough. “Water.” He demanded again.
“I need to get the doctor Nick, they need to know you’re awake.”
“Don’t.” He grabbed her arm. “Don’t go.” He said softly.
“I’m only going to the desk. Don’t worry Nick, wild horses couldn’t take me away.”
“You gonna sing?” He laughed but started to cough again. “Water, please.” He begged.
“Here.” She brought the cup back to his mouth and let him take three small gulps. “Just rest, I’m going to get the doctor.” She told him. She started to walk out of the room when he called her name.
“Brooke?” He said in a hoarse whisper.
“Yes?” She walked back to him. He mouthed something but Brooke couldn’t understand him. “What is it Nick? Are you in pain?”
“Closer.” He whispered so softly that she barely heard it.
She leaned in closer to him. Brooke imagined that it must hurt him horribly to speak after the ventilator. He was trying to speak but she couldn’t understand him at all. She started to turn her head so that her ear was up to his mouth when his hand turned her face back until her lips were next to his and once more shocking her he lifted his head from the bed to capture her lips in a kiss.
“I kept dreaming about that.” He told her. A tear fell from her eye onto his cheek and he smiled. “Go get your doctor.”
“I’ll be right back Nick, I promise.” She touched his lips with her fingertips and smiled.
“Brooke.” He said in a faint whisper. “Thanks for being here.”
“There’s no other place in the world where I would be Nick.” She smiled and squeezed his hand. “I’ll be right back.” And then she happily ran out of the room.


Eric hugged his daughter tightly. It was hard to see her go and even though he had been sickened by her actions, he loved her and he missed her already. “You’ll call?” He asked. “And write.”
“I promise.” She gave him a smile. “But I’ll be busy too.”
“I know and I know how good this is for you, but you can’t blame your Dad for being selfish and wanting his daughter close to home can you?”
“It’s for the best, for everyone.” She hugged him again. She let go and looked up at him. “I called her but she wasn’t home. I tried Dad, I did. I want to make it better between us. I guess she doesn’t want it. She’s changed and sometimes I don’t understand her at all.”
“I don’t know what’s going on with her Bridget. I know she was hurt and I did understand her going away, but she just took off without a word this time. I hope she calls soon and I will tell her that you wanted to say goodbye. If only I knew how to reach her.”
“Then you don’t know.” Bridget sighed.
“No, she said nothing to me.”
“Aunt Donna is there with Hope. She’s angry at me, but she told me that Mom went to Mexico. I assumed she went with Ridge, I thought that was what Mom wanted.”
“I don’t think your mother has forgiven him.” Eric explained.
“Dad, she went because of the Cortez. I don’t know what she thinks she can do. She’s not a doctor or a nurse, she’ll only get in the way, add to that the way Massimo Marone feels about her and it convinces me she lost her mind. But Aunt Donna said something and I just.” Bridget shook her head.
“Dominick Payne.” The light bulb went off in Eric’s head. “I know she was friendly with him.”
“Oh please, he is so not her type.” Bridget frowned but then looked angry. “Do you think she’s started up something with him? After I sacrificed Ridge for her? She just dumped him for Dominick?”



Nick watched as Brooke left the room. His pain was intense but there was something that was scaring him. He noticed it when he had kissed Brooke but he wasn’t sure. He knew he was receiving great amounts of painkillers but it still didn’t explain it. He struggled to move, to reach and his fears sent cold chills through his body. He watched the door as his fears grew, waiting for the doctor, hoping for a plausible explanation, but fearing there would only be one. Finally two doctors came in speaking Spanish. They smiled at him and started to examine him.
“Brooke? Where is Brooke?” Nick said softly.
“Do not try to talk, your throat is very sore. Just pace yourself and rest.” One doctor told him. Then he turned to the other doctor and spoke in Spanish.
“What happened? What’s wrong with me?” Nick demanded.
“Explosion. Boat.” The one doctor struggled to answer him.
“I can’t, I can’t.” Nick started. He struggled, trying to lift himself up.
“No.” The doctor gently pushed him back down.
“Where’s Brooke?” Nick asked. The doctor frowned, not understanding. “La mujer, la mujer rubia.” He told them.
“Ah.” The doctor realized. “Marone, find Senor Marone.” He touched Nick’s chest and Nick winced in pain. “Lo siento.” The doctor told him. “Hurt?” He asked.
“Yeah.” Nick muttered. Every place the doctor touched it hurt.
“Duele esto?” The doctor asked.
“Yes.” Nick moaned. He shut his eyes and sighed when the doctor finally stopped.
“Duele esto?” The doctor asked again.
“What?” Nick asked in confusion. His eyes widened in horror as he saw what the doctor was doing. “Oh my God, I can’t feel it.”
“Qué?” The doctor asked Nick.
“Yo no puedo sentirme las piernas.” Nick answered him. “I can’t feel my legs.”

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