Chapter Eleven


“When is she supposed to arrive?” Brooke watched the doctors and nurses walk past as she spoke into the phone. For the first time in a long time she was not filled with a sense of dread. “I hope we can find her first, she needs to know that he’s alright now. Yes, yes, I will. Are you coming? The doctors are with him now. His throat is very sore and dry but his spirit is wonderful. Massimo we need to get him transferred home, the care here, it’s sparse and that is being kind. Yes, I know, I do understand. I’ll get the Forrester jet then. What? Oh, okay. Yes, we can. I’ll make some calls, I want him home. Yes, I’m sure she’ll agree too. Who? No, I don’t think she can help. Because she’s just a student. No, no this has nothing to do with Ridge. What? Look Massimo. Okay, okay you’re right, this is not the time or place. I do. Yes, and I appreciate all you’ve done too. Alright. I need to get back to him. Yes. Yes. I’ll tell him she’s on the way, I know it will cheer him up. Are you coming too? Good, the more friendly faces he sees the better. Just remember, BE FRIENDLY, I don’t want you throwing blame around or asking him questions that he can’t answer. Thank you. I will. Okay Massimo, I’ll see you later.” She hung up the phone and sighed. “He’s going to be fine and I’m going to bring him home soon.” She promised herself.


“Nada?” The doctor frowned as he touched Nick’s bare foot with the instrument.
“No.” Nick answered. “What is it? What happened to me? Tell me!” He demanded.
“The safe, it was very heavy.” One of the doctors tried to explain.
“The safe.” Nick struggled to remember. “I was getting papers out, that’s the last thing I remember. I had gone to see John and then I went back to get the papers.” He coughed loudly from the exertion of trying to talk.
“La explosión golpeó el seguro sobre.” The doctor explained. “Aterrizó encima de usted.”
“The safe landed on top of me?” Nick asked. “On my legs? God.”
“It is very heavy, very strong. It saved your life.”
“Saved my life? It ruined my life! I can’t walk! I can’t feel anything below my waist. How the hell did it save my life?”
“It protected you from the explosion.” He answered. “If not, you wouldn’t have survived.”
“Maybe that would have been better.” Nick tried to pull himself up but groaned loudly at the pain. “Everything I can feel hurts and the rest. Damn it!” He let go and fell back onto the mattress.
“We don’t yet know the extent of the damage. We could not diagnose until you were out of your coma.” He explained. “You have many injuries Captain Payne, we are doing our best. It is a miracle that you even survived. There is no reason to believe that this condition is permanent. It’s too soon to know how badly you’ve been hurt but you need to remember, you’ve just woken from a coma, these kind of injuries heal slowly.”
Nick frowned but took a deep breath. “Okay.” He answered with a cough. “But this has to be kept here, between us. No one else can know until I know for sure. Do we have an understanding?” He raised his eyebrows.
“We do Captain Payne.” The doctor told him. “What would you like us to tell them?”
“Nothing. Nothing about my legs.” He warned.
“As you wish.” The doctor wrote something in the chart. “But you must do something too.”
“Yes?” Nick asked with a frown.
“Try to refrain from too much talking. Your throat is very sore and you need rest. You still have a very long way to go, so just rest and recover and let us help you.”
“Brooke?” He asked.
“Do you want her to come back?”
“Yes.” Nick coughed and laid back. “Brooke.” He sighed.


“So tell me why you called me, what you want to talk about.” Tricia instructed Ridge. Their dinner the night before had been pleasant and a start, but a slow start. Ridge had revealed little but Tricia could feel that he wanted to confide in her. When he had suggested meeting again the next day for lunch she had agreed. So now they sat at private dining room at the Ocean Club, trying to make some sense of the recent events of Ridge’s life. “Surely not to validate your feelings for Brooke. I know you have others who can do that and I’m certainly going to be a very hard sell anyway. What made you pick up the phone? What do you think you can get from me and not from Dr. Munoz?”
“Taylor trusted you.” Ridge explained. “She thought you could help me.”
“With your loss. Yes, she thought I could do that. And Ridge, I think she feared exactly what’s happening now.”
Ridge looked up at her with a look of fear and shock. “What do you mean?” He asked. Thoughts of Bridget and Karen and Macy flew through his head. How much did Tricia know?
“You look frightened. Did I come too close to something Ridge?”
“I, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Obviously you have secrets, issues you don’t trust me with. But that’s okay, you don’t have to open to me if you can’t, that’s why you have Dr. Munoz. But I don’t know how I CAN help you if you’re not being honest with me.” She picked up a menu and looked at the choices. “Should I bother to order or am I already being dismissed?”
“Oh course not, I respect your opinions, even when I don’t think you’re right.” Ridge reached for his own menu. “Let’s order and then we can talk some more.”


Brooke was about to head back to Nick’s room when the two doctors walked past her. Wanting to know more about his condition she took off after them down the hallway.
“Please, I’d like to ask you some questions.” She said, stopping them.
“Qué?” The doctors stopped.



“I should have asked for more painkillers.” Nick moaned and closed his eyes. Maybe they were right, he hurt too much to not feel anything. All he knew was that he needed to deal with the current pain and once he had more details he would deal with his future. For now he needed to rest and recover. He was happy that Brooke had come, it had shocked him that he was so happy about it. She had commanded all his dreams and that had stunned him but something else had too, something that scared him, something right below the surface. He just couldn’t remember who or what else he had dreamt about. He tried as hard as he could to bring it forward into his consciousness but it just wouldn’t come. “Not important.” He told himself. He groaned loudly and tried to let his body relax. He was thirsty and tired too. He heard the door open slowly, hesitantly. His senses were acute to noise, movement and smell. It wasn’t Brooke, he knew her scent like it was a part of him. He lay still, taking a deep breath. It was a woman, he could tell by the footsteps. She wore perfume, something sultry and musky, not the same nurse that had been there earlier but one who had been there before, the scent was very familiar. Still too weak and tired to even try and move and not even inclined to open his eyes for her, in a cracked voice he called out to her. “El agua, riega por favor.”
“Dominick? Oh my God Dominick!” Pilar gasped. He was awake, he had come back to her. She quickly ran to his bedside, dropping the magazines and bottle of water she had brought in with her.
Nick opened his eyes to a squint and gave her a tentative smile. “Pilar? What the hell are you doing here?”
“Neek.” She gently touched his face. “They said you might never wake up.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Are you in pain? Should I get a doctor? Do they know?” She took his hand into hers, stroking it gently.
“Aqua. Water.” He told her.
“Are you allowed?” She motioned to the tubes that he was still attached to.
“Do you think I care?” He said sarcastically. “Come on Pilar, get me some water.”
She looked down at the floor to where the bottle lay. Reluctantly she let go of his hand and retrieved it. She looked around the room and then saw the plastic cup and straw on the bedside table. She opened the bottle and poured some into the cup and then brought the straw to his mouth. “Not too quickly, you might choke.”
Nick rolled his eyes and sucked down the water. “Más.” His eyes bore into hers, demanding and unrelenting.
“Neek?” She questioned.
“Más.” He repeated, grabbing her hand tightly. “Por favor.” He added with a charming grin. Pilar laughed softly and poured more water into the cup.
“You always could charm me.” She admitted. “I am a, how you say, sucker for you.”
“Mmmmmmm. Sounds good, but right now I’m still not up for that.” He teased.
She raised her eyebrows and then smiled at him. “I knew you still loved me.”
“Damn.” He muttered. “I shouldn’t have said that. Poor choice of words.” He started to cough so Pilar took the cup away and put it on the table.
“Too late, you did.” She said with a sexy frown.
“Pilar, it’s over, it’s been over a long time. I was out of line to ever tease that way. I didn’t mean it.” He coughed again. “But I am grateful that you came.”
“I came because I love you, I came because I know I was wrong and I want to fix that. Give me a chance Neek, give us a chance.”
“Our time came and went Pilar.” He nervously looked towards the door. “I’m sorry, really. I know you care but it’s over.”
“What are you looking for?” She knew that she didn’t have his attention. “Do you want me to get the doctor? Are you in pain?”
“More than you can ever imagine, but no, there’s someone else Pilar and she’s here and I don’t want her to get the wrong impression. She’s been hurt before, she’s been lied to and she’s seen things that upset her very much. I don’t want her to see you and jump to conclusions.”
Her eyes filled with tears, she turned away from Nick but then she fought them back and then turned back to him. “She knows me.” She said softly. “Surely you don’t think this is my first visit.”
“Usted la sabe? Usted sabe Brooke?” He asked.
“She’s very loyal. Ella lo adora Mella también Neek.” She walked to the table and poured more water. “But not more than I do.” She added. “Slowly.” She brought the straw to his mouth.
“I can take it Pilar, at least my arms still work.” He instantly regretted his words.
“What do you mean?” She questioned him.
“I mean I know I was out of it, but I’m not anymore.” He covered as he reached for the cup.
“Stop playing hero, you still need help.” She pulled the chair over and sat down. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
“A painkiller.” He moaned. He looked at all the tubes going into his arms. “I guess one of these has it, but what is all this stuff?”
“Food, medicine.” She answered.
“I need real food, I’m hungry.” He laughed, suddenly feeling more alive than in a long time. “Why don’t you go get me a nice big juicy cheeseburger?” He winked at her.
“Not on your diet.” She chuckled. “But you are showing signs of the real Dominick Payne.”
“I need to eat and I’m not talking Jell-O. Come on Pilar, go get me something.”
“When your doctor comes in we will ask him. What else?”
His eyes lit up. “Get me a cigar.” He asked.
“Neek no.” She laughed. “I cannot do that either.”
“Then what are you offering? No forget I asked, I’m not up to it and you’re not getting that either.”
“Brooke is lucky.” She sighed. “For now.”
“What the hell does that mean, for now?” He frowned at her.
“You know me. I always get what I want, and I want you.” She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. “Remember that Dominick, remember the nights we spent sweating and loving.”
“If that was all that there was to remember you’d have a case.” He moaned and tried to sit.
“Let me get you a pillow.” She went to the small closet and pulled out two extras. Gently and carefully she put them under his back, raising him up. Then she sat down again. “I haven’t forgotten.” She told him. “And I regret my mistakes.”
“My bed Pilar, you brought him to my bed. You didn’t even have the decency to do it in a hotel. Hell, maybe you wanted me to see it, you knew I was coming home, maybe you even wanted me to join in. I guess I was never enough to satisfy you.”
“You were, you are. I was stupid, I was scared.”
“Scared? What the hell did I ever do to scare you?” He angrily grabbed her arm. “Tell me so I never make that mistake with anyone else ever again.”
“I was scared of loving you too much. I was scared to believe you could love me that much. I was scared you’d get on a ship and I’d never see you again. I was scared and I was stupid but I’m not anymore and I love you and I will have you again Dominick, I’ll have you in my life and in my bed and as mi marido. I swear it to you I will!”


Brooke stood tapping her foot as she angrily addressed the doctor and the hospital administrator. The translations were slow and unrewarding. Everything Brooke asked the doctor went through the administrator and then back to Brooke. She knew they were growing tired of her questions but she needed answers.
“I need to get him moved home. His family is there, his life is there. Now tell me, is he stable enough yet?” Brooke crossed her arms across her chest and waited for an answer. “And don’t pretend you don’t understand be because I know you do!”
The doctor spoke Spanish to the administrator who in turn spoke Spanish to him. She then turned to Brooke. “Miss Logan, you are neither Captain Payne’s wife nor his mother. I cannot discuss his condition with you. I’ve told you what his injuries are, I’ve told you that he is slowly recovering, aside from that, you must ask Captain Payne yourself. Now excuse me please, I have many more patients to tend to. And Captain Payne was asking for you, perhaps it would be best for you if you returned to him.” She curtly nodded to her and touched the doctor’s arm. They then walked away from Brooke.
“Damn it this is not going to happen!” She shouted. “I want answers!”


“I’ve been crazy lately.” Ridge confessed. “Since the day Brooke walked out of our wedding I haven’t been able to think straight. I carry on conversations but I don’t hear a word anyone says to me. Forget business, I have no clue what’s going on. And my personal life, my God Tricia, I’ve made such a mess of everything I don’t know how I’m supposed to fix it.”
“But Ridge, can’t you see that this goes back much further, can’t you see what this is really about?”
“Taylor?” He asked.
“Yes, Taylor.” She took his hand. “You haven’t allowed yourself to grieve for her Ridge so now you’re pretending that your grief is over Brooke, it’s easier that way isn’t it? You don’t have to deal with the one thing that hurts the most. Taylor’s death.”
“Death? Why does everyone say that?” Ridge asked.
“Oh Ridge, please don’t tell me you’re trying to be in denial about that.”
“No. I didn’t mean that. I meant the word, death. Death? Like she had cancer or something. She didn’t Tricia, she was murdered, brutally murdered and yet people dance around it like it makes it easier.”
“You’re right. It was murder and it was horrible and that is why this is so much harder. If she had been sick you would have been able to prepare yourself. You’d have some closure, you would have understood it, even if not really accepting it. But she was stolen from you and from your children. You haven’t dealt with that Ridge, instead you threw yourself into something with Brooke that you just weren’t ready for. It was wrong for you and it was wrong for Brooke too. She saw that, she said no, I don’t. She called off the wedding, she walked away Ridge. Maybe she knows better than you do. For once she wasn’t selfish, you need to stand back and think about that.”
“What makes you think you know so much about Brooke? How dare you call her selfish! You don’t know her!”
“I knew of her, from Taylor and from your mother.”
“Mother? Ha!” Ridge said with a bitter laugh. “She’s neutral for sure. My mother has hated Brooke since day one.”
“With good reason.” Tricia told him. “But Ridge, I’m not trying to judge Brooke, I’m just trying to help you. Maybe someday it will be right for you and Brooke, but not now.”
“I love her, I want a life with her Tricia. It may seem sudden to you but I’ve loved her forever, even when I was married to Caroline and Taylor, I still loved Brooke. What’s so strange that now that we’re both free we reconnect?”
“Maybe not Ridge, but your actions didn’t show that did they?”
“Bridget was a mistake, I was confused.” He told her.
“That’s your mantra isn’t it?” She looked him square in the eye. “I’ve been confused many times, but I’ve never done anything like that.”
“It was a kiss, just a few innocent kisses.” But he felt heat rise into his face as he remembered how much further it had gone and how much further he had wanted it to go. “Stupid kisses.” He repeated.
“Not to Brooke, not to Bridget and I think not to you either Ridge.”
“Maybe, maybe at the time, but I’ve got my head straight now.”
“No more stupid actions?” She wondered.
Again Ridge flushed.
“What?” Tricia asked. “Ridge be honest with me. I can’t help you if you aren’t. What happened?”


“Alright, send her in.” Eric instructed Megan. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath to calm himself before the door opened. He gave her a curt nod and gestured towards the chair in front of his desk.
“Must we be so formal?” Stephanie asked. “I’m still your wife.”
“Soon to be remedied.” Eric assured her. “I don’t know why you’re here. I can’t think of a single thing left to say to each other that our lawyers can’t handle.”
“I’m sorry I hurt you.”
“Yes, you’ve said that, but after hiding a lie for forty odd years you’ll have to forgive me for not believing you.”
“I always believed he was yours Eric. I did.”
“I’m really not in the mood to rehash this. What did you want?”
“Another chance.” She looked at him with hope.
“What happened, Massimo start looking at other women?”
“I don’t love Massimo, I love you.”
“Well that’s too bad because I think he’s your best bet about now.” Eric picked up some papers and played with them until they were in a neat pile. Then he looked up at Stephanie again. “Is that it? I’m rather busy.”
“Eric please. I love you.”
“I loved you for so long Stephanie, but the woman I loved doesn’t even exist anymore. It’s bad enough the lies you kept but the things you are doing now for Ridge, they are inexcusable.”
“It was just a party. He needed a chance to see that there are other women out there, good women, desirable women. Surely you can see why I don’t want him with Brooke Logan.”
“But you wanted him with my daughter?” He looked at her with contempt. “Do you have any idea what kind of harm this has done to her?”
“I love Bridget, I’d never want her hurt. I’ll talk to her, I’ll try and help her Eric.”
“Too late, she’s gone.”
“Gone? Where is she? Eric tell me!” She demanded.
“She took the scholarship in Stockholm. We both felt it was for the best.”
“You and Brooke?” Stephanie frowned.
“Bridget and I.” He corrected her. “I would never assume to make that kind of decision for her and I think you only did it to preserve your dirty secret! Bridget was a pawn to you, one you couldn’t afford to have around anymore!”


Pilar watched the expression on Nick’s face change from one of annoyance or anger to almost pure joy. She turned towards the object of his attention as Brooke came into the room. Her eyes lit up too and her smile was broad and genuine. “I guess you found out on your own.” She told Pilar. “I just called your friend Josefina to tell you to come here. Isn’t it wonderful?”
“It’s the most wonderful news I could ever hope for.” Pilar looked from Brooke to Nick.
Brooke walked over to Nick and leaned down and kissed him. “What did the doctors say?”
“That I need to rest and stop talking so much.” He smiled. “One more.” He touched his lips and Brooke happily obliged. “Did you reach Marone?” He asked when the kiss ended.
“Yes, and he found your mother.”
“I hope he didn’t upset her.” Nick looked upset himself. “She worries about me like I was a child.”
“She’s a mother, that never changes, you are her child and she will always worry about you. But she needed to know Nick, she had a right to be here. She’s on her way.” Brooke answered. “Can I get you anything?”
“I don’t imagine you’d be willing to get me that cheeseburger huh?” He looked hopeful.
“The minute the doctors say you can, you’ll have as many as you want.” She promised.
“No cigar either.” Pilar scolded him.
“Oh, is he asking for that too?” Brooke grinned. “You’re naughty Captain Payne.” She ran her fingers through his hair. “And I am so glad to be able to tease you about that.”
“You’re um, all right with this?” He looked from Brooke to Pilar.
“With you having friends who care about you? Why wouldn’t I be?” Brooke asked with a squint.
“You’re an amazing woman Brooke Logan.” He struggled to sit higher but moaned and lay back down.
“Don’t try to do it all in one day. You were very badly hurt and it takes time to heal.” Brooke reminded him.
“Time I don’t have.” He sighed. Suddenly a sad and very serious look crossed his face. “What happened? Do you have any details? And what about the men? Were there many injuries or was I the only lucky one caught up in the blast?”
“It was bad.” Brooke sat down and gently took his hand. “I don’t know how it happened, no one is telling, it’s still under investigation. But it was a very strong explosion.”
“The men?” He asked again.
“There were many injuries.” Brooke said softly. “It was a very bad explosion.”
“Deaths?” He clutched her hand tightly.
“Nineteen died, several more are still very bad. But Nick, so many did make it.”
“Nineteen dead? Who? I need a list, I need to know who!” Nick demanded.
“John is fine Neek.” Pilar spoke up.
He turned his attention to Pilar. “Are you sure?” He asked.
“He’s been here, I will make sure he knows that you’re out of danger.”
“I still need a list.” He seemed somewhat defeated. Brooke saw the change in his attitude and it worried her. “I need to contact their families, I need to tell them how sorry I am.”
“It wasn’t your fault Nick.”
“Oh no?” He asked. “I came down to make sure nothing like this happened and I failed. It damn well is my fault.”
“No Dominick, it’s not.” The booming voice of Massimo Marone rang out as he entered the room. “You uncovered more than I could have expected from anyone. We have a very good idea who is behind this and why.”
“So do I.” Nick looked up at him.
“He wanted you dead, I’m glad he failed.” Massimo smiled as he walked over and offered his hand to Nick. “You can’t know how glad I am to see you awake and off of those machines.”
“I’m happy to oblige.” Nick laughed and shook his hand. “But I’m sorry I let you down.”
“You didn’t, believe me, you didn’t.” Massimo turned to Brooke. “I’ve spoken to the people in charge here, we should be able to move Captain Payne back to LA in a day or two, they just want to be sure he is stabilized.”
“What did they tell you?” Nick suspiciously queried.
“Just that your lungs are weak, you’ve got quite a few fractures and that you’re one of the most stubborn men they’ve ever dealt with.” He grinned. “And Dominick, your mother’s plane is due to arrive in less than an hour. I have a limo waiting for her to bring her right here.”
“Thank you.” Nick told his boss. “I appreciate all you’ve done.” He motioned to Brooke. “You can’t even imagine how wonderful it was to wake up to those beautiful green eyes.” He smiled at Brooke.
“Well you’ll have to thank Miss Logan for that, her coming along was all her idea. Frankly I doubt if the entire US Army could have stopped her.”
“They couldn’t have.” Brooke laughed and smiled at Nick.
“Hope?” He asked. “Who did you leave her with? Is she okay?”
“She’s fine and she’s asking about you constantly. She can’t wait to go swimming.” She laughed softly. “Donna is with her as well as Marta and Rick and Amber so she’s in good hands and has plenty of love.”
“She needs her mom.” Nick told her.
“And in a day or two, when we go home, she’ll have me.”
“I told you she was stubborn.” Massimo chuckled.
“And I am forever grateful to that.” Nick answered.
“Hmmmm, perhaps some day I’ll dance at your wedding.” Massimo c*cked his eyebrow at Nick who momentarily was silent, making Brooke a bit uncomfortable. She was about to say something when Nick spoke up.
“We’d both be honored, but let’s wait till I’ve recovered a bit and Brooke gets over her last wedding before we talk about a new one hmmm?”
Brooke smiled and gave Nick a quick kiss. “Thanks, I owe you.” She whispered.
“And hopefully someday I can make you pay and pay and pay.” He said suggestively.
“Now that would be my pleasure.” She giggled.
“I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure.” Massimo turned to Pilar. All eyes were on her, waiting for her explanation.
“Pilar Hernandez.” She answered. “A very close friend of Dominick’s.”
“Charmed.” Massimo took her hand and kissed it. He raised an eyebrow at the ring. “Ahhh, too bad, you’re spoken for. Lucky man.”
“Yes.” Pilar looked at Nick with a sly smile.
“What?” Nick said and looked down at the ring on her hand. “No.” He shook his head. “No, no, no, no, no.” He turned to Brooke. “Whatever she told you, it’s not true. I think.” He added with a frown.
“Perhaps I should leave.” Massimo smiled at Nick. “Captain Payne, Dominick, I’m so glad that you’re on the road to recovery. I’ll see what we can do about getting you home, and please, don’t blame yourself for anything. You did everything in your power and I thank you for that. I’m going to go say hello to the other men here and I will see you soon.”
“I appreciate it.” Nick told him. “And thank you for helping and for my mother.”
“She will be here soon.” Massimo smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“And I want more details.” Nick said in a no nonsense tone.
“Very well, I’ll supply you with the reports.” Massimo promised. “Ladies, take good care of our captain.” He gave them a salute and walked out chuckling. Once he was gone Nick looked at Brooke and then Pilar.
“I gave her the ring.” Nick explained to Brooke. “But the engagement is long over. I have no idea why she is wearing it. The last I saw of it she threw it at me and I told her to keep it and everything else I might have given her. What we had is over done and long forgotten.” He turned to Pilar. “What the hell kind of games are you playing Pilar?”
“I told you what I want.” She said in a soft but stubborn tone.
“And what I want doesn’t matter? Go home Pilar. I appreciate your concern but I’m in good hands now. Please go home.”
“Neek.” She pleaded, looking at him and then at Brooke as if for backup.
“Nick, she’s been here every day.” Brooke took his hand. “No matter what happened in the past, she cares about you and she’s been worried about you. Don’t ask her to leave now that you’re finally awake.”
“I don’t get it.” He muttered. “You want her here?”
“I don’t have any insecurities with you Nick.” Brooke smiled at him. “I know you’re a man of honor and I know how you feel about me.”
“Hmmm, I don’t know if that’s good or bad.” He looked at her curiously.
“Oh it’s good. For so many years all I did was look behind me and wait for the other shoe to drop. It’s nice to be able to be with someone that I care about and be able to just relax and enjoy myself. You can’t begin to imagine how hard it is to live with the fear that there is always someone waiting in the wings.”
“I’d never put you there Brooke.” Nick promised.
“I know.” She said softly. “What we have is good, it’s new but it’s good. I don’t expect you to forget everyone you’ve ever known to make me happy, and that wouldn’t make me happy anyway.”
“I just want you to know how it really is Brooke. I want you to hear it from me and never doubt my words.”
“I don’t doubt you.” She assured him. “So can she stay?” She looked at Pilar and smiled.
“I wonder if I’ll ever understand women.” Nick sighed and lay back.
“Probably not.” Brooke giggled. “Now you and Pilar have a nice talk and I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Nick grabbed her hand. “You’re not going anywhere Brooke.” He told her.
“I want to talk to the doctor about food, I know you’re hungry and I want to see what we can get you. And I also want to call Hope, she misses me and I try to talk to her at least twice a day. I won’t be long, I promise.” She kissed her fingers and touched them to his lips.
“Don’t be.” He said sternly then broke into a grin. “Please.” He added with a wink.
“Don’t let him talk you into anything he shouldn’t do.” Brooke warned Pilar. Then she waved and left the room.
“I can see why you love her.” Pilar told Nick.
Nick nervously turned away. Love was something he rarely voiced to anyone and not something he wanted to talk about with a woman from his past. Did he love Brooke? Well if he did he had no intention of telling Pilar. “I don’t know why you think you want it back. It wasn’t that great to begin with.”
“Do not lie, it was great and you know it. Would you have asked me to marry you if it hadn’t been?”
“We both know that was a mistake. I think we both confused passionate sex for passionate love. We wouldn’t have made each other happy. Hell, I wasn’t gone a week before you had someone else in my bed.”
“How many times must I say I am sorry?” She asked him.
“Till I believe you?” He shrugged. “Honestly Pilar, I am beyond caring. I don’t hate you, but I certainly don’t love you. I’m not sure if we can be friends now because frankly I don’t think we ever were friends. We were good in bed, I’ll give you that much.”
“Will you?” She smiled and moved closer to him. “We were better than good, and we will be again. I doubt you can resist me, even for Brooke.” She leaned down and kissed him, forcing his mouth to open and let her tongue explore.
“Ouch!” He pushed at her.
“I’m sorry.” She jumped back. “You have a lot of pain and I forget. I’ll be gentle.”
Nick reached up and touched his shoulder and chest. “They told me I fractured my collarbone.” Nick explained. “And some ribs and my ankle.”
“Good.” Pilar purred. “Then I know what I can and can’t touch. And these.” She leaned and kissed him again. “These lips are just the beginning.”



“I’m sorry Eric, believe me I’m sorry about everything. I know you don’t believe me but I never thought he was anything but your son, I was shocked when I learned he wasn’t.”
“You knew you slept with him!”
“I was young and stupid and I loved you, I never imagined that it could be any other way.”
“You know I was in love with Beth then, you knew it and you trapped me with a baby, a baby that you knew might not be mine. How can you say you loved me and then do that to me?” Eric was enraged.
“I can’t go back in time, I can’t go change it. But Eric, you were happy, we were happy, we had a good marriage. I know you loved me.”
“I learned to love you, and I loved our children, but damn it, you let me raise another man’s son as my own! What other things have you lied about? What other secrets are you hiding? It seems that every single time I think we’ve turned a corner something new happens. I don’t even know what you expect me to do now. What is it Stephanie? Tell me!”
“I want you to forgive me, I want you to love me. I want our family back.” She pleaded.
“You took our family and tore it apart Stephanie.”
“I’m sorry, I am so sorry. Ridge loves you Eric, he thinks of you as his father, even knowing about Massimo he still thinks of you as his father. He’s forgiven me, why can’t you? All I want is our family back.”
“You’ve destroyed our family. We don’t have a family anymore.” He said sadly. “Go Stephanie, please go before I say something I might regret.”


Brooke left a message that she wanted to speak to Nick’s doctors and then went outside to use her cell phone. She was excited, this was going to be the best news that she’d been able to give Donna. She couldn’t seem to wipe the smile off of her face as she punched in the number.
“Hello.” Donna answered.
“Donna, it’s Brooke.”
“Hi honey.” Donna answered. “If you want to speak to the munchkin I’m going to have to disappoint you. Amber and Rick took the kids to Disneyland. I’m sorry, I didn’t expect to hear from you until tonight.”
“It’s okay Donna, that’s good for Hope and good for you to have some time to yourself. What are you doing staying home? Why don’t you go out and do something?”
“Actually I’m having dinner with Megan.” Donna informed her.
“My Megan?” Brooke smiled to herself.
“Yeah, I’ve been talking to her a lot lately, she’s getting me set up for starting work once you come back, and I am NOT rushing you.” She assured her sister. “Anyway, we’ve sort of become friends and we’ve gone for drinks a couple of times. She’s really nice.”
“Yes she is and I’m glad you’re going to have some fun.”
“So how are things today?” Donna asked with trepidation.
“Oh Donna, it’s wonderful.” Brooke gushed.
“Brooke? What happened?”
“He woke up.” Brooke said happily. “I was sitting there talking to him and I turned to look at something and suddenly he was asking me for water. Donna he’s really doing well, I think he’s going to be fine.”
“Oh Brooke, that’s fantastic! Was he happy to see you there?”
“He was pretty confused at first, he remembered the explosion but not the details. He’s in a lot of pain and he’s more than a little grumpy, but yes, he’s glad I’m there and so am I.”
“So what did the doctors say? Can he come home soon?”
“It’s so hard, everyone speaks Spanish. I called Massimo and he did some of his pushing and we think Nick can be transferred home in a day or two. He’s found Nick’s mother, she should be here very soon too.”
“I guess the jerk’s good for something then.” Donna said with an unseen frown.
“He seems to care about Nick so I can put my own personal feelings for him aside.” Brooke told her.
“Has he given you a hard time? Has he tried to insult you around Nick?” Donna wondered.
“No.” Brooke laughed. “I think he’s more than happy to throw me at Nick if it keeps me away from Ridge.”
“Speaking of Ridge.” Donna sighed.
“What? Is he bothering you?”
“He calls about fifty times a day and he’s come over a few times too. He’s been trying to suck up to me and when that didn’t work he started on Rick and Amber.”
“I bet that didn’t go over well.” Brooke smiled thinking about her overprotective son.
“Rick pretty much told him where he could shove it and Amber, well if she keeps acting this way I might start to like her.”
“What?” Brooke asked.
“She called him on everything. The girl isn’t one to hold her tongue, that’s for sure.”
“I don’t want to make things worse Donna.” Brooke told her.
“Ridge has no reason to be here Brooke, oh and get this. Yesterday I came home and found him schmoozing with Marta and Hope.”
“Hope? What was he doing to Hope?” Brooke almost shouted.
“Whoa girl, I don’t think he’s looking at her like your other daughter.” Donna laughed. “He brings her toys and candy and basically is trying to win her over.”
“Is it working?” Brooke wondered. She didn’t want to have to come home and deprogram her daughter.
“She’s a kid, she likes toys and candy, but I think he scares her a bit.”
“Ridge may be a lot of things but he isn’t scary Donna.”
“Maybe it’s his voice, he’s loud and he doesn’t seem to realize it. Anyway, the funniest thing happened.”
“What?” Brooke squinted and looked towards the door, not wanting to miss Nick’s doctors if they were leaving.
“He gave her this doll, very pretty, very expensive.”
“Okay.”
“And she thanked him and played with it for a bit but then she ran inside to that old toy box of Rick’s.”
“She’s always liked Rick and Bridget’s old castoffs.” Brooke smiled. “But over a new doll?”
“Well she came down with a toy boat. We followed her and she went to her little wading pool and put it in and started playing. She was talking a mile a minute and the one thing we both heard was the name Nick. Ridge was so mad Brooke.” Donna laughed. “He was muttering Popeye and stuff but Hope was just having the time of her life. That girl is in love.”
“I worry about that a bit.” Brooke confessed. “I care so deeply about Nick, but it’s so new and I don’t know where things are headed. She’s so attached to him already, It would break her heart if this doesn’t work out.”
“Do you think it won’t?” Donna wondered.
Brooke was silent for a moment. “Every day that I watched him sleeping I’ve grown closer and closer to him. Donna, I’m not just worried about Hope, I’m worried about me too. I think I’ve fallen in love with him.”


“With Bridget?” Ridge hemmed.
“I know about that.” Tricia frowned. “Something else is bothering you.”
“I’ve been a bit, ahhhhh indiscreet lately.” He admitted.
“A new woman?” She asked.
“You know that party.” He looked down in embarrassment.
“Quite well.” She laughed. “I don’t know who’s worse, your Mother or Massimo Marone.”
“It was a mistake, I should have stuck to my guns and not gone.”
“Then why did you go?”
“Just to get them off my back I suppose, maybe to make Brooke jealous.”
“Maybe you liked the attention?” She suggested.
“Whatever.” Ridge growled. “I just shouldn’t have gone.”
“So what happened? Did you inherit a new stalker?” She laughed.
“Not funny, not funny at all.”
“I guess after that Morgan woman it’s not, but Ridge, you do attract that. So seriously, what happened that you feel it was all such a big mistake?”
“I used a very good woman, I used her and tossed her aside and I’m ashamed of myself.”
“Used her how?” Tricia was almost afraid to ask.
“Oh, I think you know.” He ran his fingers through his hair and sat back. “But it gets worse, much worse.”


“Don’t do that again Pilar, don’t ever do that again.” Nick pushed her away.
“It was just a kess.” She frowned and laughed. “We’ve kessed many times, we’ve done more than kess.”
“You gave up those rights a long time ago.” He told her. “I appreciate your concern, but I’d like you to leave. Please.”
“You’re fighting too hard. You still want me, I can prove it. Your mouth may say no but your body will say yes.”
Nick rolled his eyes and put his head back against the pillow. “What does it take to get through to you? Damn it I wish Brooke wasn’t so good natured, you should have been shown the door the minute you tried to walk in.” He closed his eyes and waited. He expected a reaction, some kind of comeback from her but she was strangely silent. Finally she spoke softly.
“Am I losing my touch? Not a flinch? Nothing?” She asked.
Nick’s eyes flew open and he looked down. She was stroking his legs, his thighs, dangerously close to his groin. “Don’t!” he told her.
“It felt good, I know it did.” She insisted.
“Just go.” His eyes shut to angry slits.
“My God Dominick, you didn’t feel it did you?” She gasped.


“Is that such a bad thing Brooke?” Donna had to ask her. “He’s such a nice man and so sexy and so different from Ridge. Is there really anything wrong with you falling in love with him?”
“I barely know him.” Brooke felt the heat in her cheeks as she blushed. “You know what I mean.” She clarified.
“He was there from the moment it all fell apart with Ridge, he was a loyal friend to you Brooke and now you’ve brought it to the next level.”
“Boy did we ever.” Brooke sighed. “But Donna, am I confusing great sex with love?”
“I think you know what love is Brooke. So think about it. What do you feel when you’re with him? When you see him?”
“My heart beats faster and I almost can’t breath. I look at him and I just don’t want to look at anyone or anything else. When he looks into my eyes I want to drown in his and when he says my name, God Donna I just melt. You can’t even begin to understand how the affects me.”
“Maybe you’re just plain tired of being called Logan.” Donna was half-joking and half-serious.
“I loved it Donna, I loved Ridge and I loved his name for me. At one time there was nothing sexier than to hear him call me Logan, but things are different now. Nick is so different and a part of me thinks maybe, just maybe I’ve found the man that I’m really meant to spend the rest of my life with and it’s scary, it’s really scary. Yes, I love being called Brooke and I love the way his eyes light up when he says my name. I love him Donna, I really love him. But I’m scared.”
“Don’t be scared Brooke, grab it, grab that brass ring and hold on for your life because I think you really deserve this.”
“Thanks.” Brooke smiled. “What should I do? What should I say to him?”
“That’s up to you Brooke, play it by ear, but don’t play games, be honest. He needs to know that you’re not just using him to get over Ridge, he deserves to know that and you deserve to have a real chance at this. Don’t let Ridge ruin this one too.”
“If I haven’t told you lately, I love you Donna.”
“I love you too Brooke, now go back to your man and help him heal and get him home. For my sake Brooke! Hope is driving me crazy and I swear, I don’t think I can stand another week of eating Cap’t Crunch.”
“Okay.” Brooke giggled. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Or tomorrow.” Donna laughed. “Enjoy him Brooke, enjoy it all.”


“You’re sure full of yourself Pilar.” Nick pushed her hands off of his legs. “You think I’d actually react to your touch? After what you did to me? Get over it.”
“Even if you hated me, and I know you don’t, you would react to me, any man would.”
“I’ve never found whores attractive.” He said angrily, instantly regretting it but not saying a word, even when the hurt came over her face. “I’m in pain Pilar.” He finally said in a calm, soft tone. “All I feel is pain, no pleasure, just pain. I asked you to leave, I told you I didn’t want to hurt you but you pushed me till I did.”
“Neek I’m sorry, please forgive me.” She begged.
“Maybe I can forgive you Pilar, but I’ll never forget.” He grabbed her hands and held them. “I know Pilar, I know it all. I know what you did.”


“And you never once thought about Thorne?” Tricia asked. Ridge sheepishly shrugged and looked down at his water glass. “You’re in worse shape than I thought.”
“I warned you.” He answered. “And when I told you I was confused I wasn’t kidding. I’m messed up Tricia, I’m making one mistake after another and I can’t seem to stop, but I have to, I have to.”
“He loves her and you slept with her and not just once. And what now? Macy seems to think you have a future? Can you really hurt your brother that way?”
“No, I won’t do that. I don’t want Macy or a future with her, it was a drunken mistake, another stupid mistake. Thorne can never find out. Brooke can never find out. Tricia I promise, I’ll never do anything like that again, just help me, please help me.”
“I’ll help you, if I can.” Tricia told him. “But Ridge, we have to worry about Ridge, not Brooke and Ridge. Are you okay with that? We have to fix you or else you’ll be no good to anyone.”
“Fixing Ridge will lead me back to Brooke, yes Tricia, I’m okay with that.” He took her hand. “Thank you.”


Brooke was about to head to Nick’s room when she spotted one of his doctors. She made a quick turn and ran down the hallway towards him, missing the attractive brunette who had just walked up to the desk.



“Hello.” She nervously approached the receptionist. “I’m Jackie Payne, my son, my son Nicky is here. Captain Payne, can you tell me where his room is please.” She looked frantically around, hoping to see Massimo. She had run off the plane, her carryon bag in hand, right past the man with the sign with her name on it. She’d grabbed a taxi and headed straight to the hospital, no need for a hotel room, she had no plans to leave her son’s side at all, not with him so critical.
“Captain Payne?” The girl crinkled her nose. “Ah, Dominick Payne.” She looked up at Jackie and the pointed up at a sign. “Cuidado Intensivo.” She told her.
“Intensive Care, oh Lord.” Jackie gasped. “Thank you.” She walked away down the hallway, looking into each room at the sick and injured, praying that Nick was still alive.


“What did I do? What do mean Dominick?” Pilar asked. “I know you saw me in bed with Juan but it meant nothing, nothing at all.”
“I don’t want to talk about it Pilar, it took me a long time to get over it and I don’t want to go back there, now be a good girl and go home before Brooke gets back will you.”
“No. No Neek, we have much to fix and I will not run away from it. I was wrong but it can be fixed, I didn’t love him, I loved you.”
“Too late! I don’t love you, maybe I never did. God knows I never knew you!” He shouted at her.
“Neek.” Pilar gasped and sat back staring at him in silence.
“Go home Pilar, it’s over. Go home.” He sighed and looked up at the open door. “Mom!” He smiled.
“Nicky! Oh Nicky! I was told, I thought, oh Nicky!” Jackie Payne ran to the bed and gently hugged her son, kissing him softly on the lips and then the cheek. “You look okay, are you okay? Nicky?”
“I’m alive.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m sorry they scared you. I thought the driver would have told you that I was okay.”
“The driver?” She questioned.
“Massimo’s driver, the one who picked you up at the airport.”
“I took a taxi.” She informed him. “I was so anxious to get here I just jumped into the first cab that I saw. Massimo sent a driver for me?”
“Oh yeah.” Nick smiled. “I bet he’s tearing his hair out wondering what happened to you. Massimo too.”
“I’m sorry, I just didn’t even think.” She reached up and smoothed his hair and touched his cheek. “You look like that gruff old sailor again.” She teased him.
“I wasn’t exactly in the position to shave or groom.” Nick laughed. “But you’re right, I’ll have to remedy that.”
“No darling.” Jackie touched his cheek gently. “I’ll never complain again, if you want a beard, you grow a beard.”
“Grow it back Neek.” Pilar spoke up. “I love your beard, you look naked without it.” She reached over and lovingly stroked his other cheek, kissing him softly on the lips to Nick’s displeasure.
“Pilar Hernandez, my mother, Jackie Payne.” Nick introduced them. “Pilar was just leaving.”
“Not on my account darling, I’m so happy that you already had someone taking care of you. Hello Pilar.” Jackie reached her hand across the bed.
“Mom, no.” Nick warned her. “The ribs, watch the ribs.”
“Nicky I’m sorry.” Jackie got up and walked over to introduce herself to the woman. “Hello Pilar, it’s wonderful to meet you.” She warmly greeted the girl.
“Mrs. Payne, it is a pleasure. But you cannot be Dominick’s mother, you’re far too young.”
“Give it a rest Pilar, you’re not going to worm your way back in through my mother.” Nick shook his head. “Now do me a favor and go on home like a good girl.”
Pilar was embarrassed but determined. She looked up proudly. “He’s a stubborn man, but I love him.” She told Jackie. “You’re right, I must go to work, but I’ll be back tomorrow.” She promised Nick. She walked over and planted a kiss on his lips. “You’re mine sailor, remember that.”
“In your dreams.” He laughed. He watched her leave and then turned to Jackie. “Ignore her.”
“Obviously there is something between you, but the ring.” Jackie frowned. “I hope you’re not getting involved with a woman who’s committed to another man.”
“She should be committed alright.” He mumbled. “I gave her the ring.” He told his mother.
“Oh?” She smiled as the wheels started turning in her head.
“Two years ago.” He added. “We broke up about a week later. I haven’t seen her since until I arrived in Mexico. There is nothing between us, no matter how much she wants it.”
“Alright.” Jackie answered softly. “I’m more concerned about your health anyway darling.” She leaned in and hugged him again. “Tell me about the accident, I’ve been so worried.”
“Well it’s not a cheeseburger but it’s a start, oh excuse me.” Brooke said as she walked in with a small tray.
“Hey! I said hurry back!” Nick grinned at her. “You took way too long.” He gave her a forlorn look.
“Sorry.” Brooke giggled softly and looked from Nick to Jackie. “Hi, I’m Brooke.”
“And I’m rude.” Nick laughed. “I was just so happy to see you again. Mom, this is Brooke Logan, Brooke, my mom, Jackie Payne.”
“Brooke Logan.” Jackie looked her up and down.
“Looks like my reputation precedes me.” Brooke blushed. “But please, don’t believe all you read.”
“Yeah, she’s even wilder.” Nick teased.
“Nick!” Brooke turned to him.
“I’m kidding.” He winked. “Sort of.” He crooked his finger at Brooke. “What do you have for me?”
“You’re probably not going to be too happy.” She told him. “Broth, juice, Jell-O.”
“I need to chew.” He moaned.
“Not yet, you’re lucky you got this.” She walked to the bed, put down the tray and sat.
“Um, aren’t you forgetting something?” Nick asked her. Brooke looked at him and frowned until he touched his lips.
“Oh.” Brooke smiled and blushed. She leaned over and kissed him. She tried to make it a quick, friendly peck but Nick was having none of that. He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss, finally freeing her when she was breathless. “Hi.” She said softly.
“God you’re a great kisser.” He smiled. “How’s Hope? Donna?”
Jackie looked at him, questioningly.
“Hope is Brooke’s daughter and Donna is Brooke’s sister. They are waiting patiently at home in LA while Brooke has been tending to some injured sailor. I’m sure they’re really starting to miss her too and probably resent the hell out of me.”
“You’ve been here awhile?” Jackie asked Brooke.
“Since I heard about the explosion.” She explained.
“I think she might have beaten me to the hospital.” Nick teased.
“Almost.” Brooke admitted. She looked around the room. “Pilar?”
“I sent her home.” Nick told her.
“Nick.” Brooke chastised with her tone of voice and a look.
“Stop getting into something you don’t understand Brooke. I don’t want her here.” Nick made his feelings very clear.
“Okay. I get it.” Brooke smiled. “So would you like some of the broth?”
“I’d rather have a pizza.” He sighed.
“Broth.” She told him with a touch to his nose.
“Broth it is. Is there at least some noodles or something in it?” He asked hopefully.
“Broth, just broth.” Brooke frowned and shook her head, then started to giggle.
“See what I have to put up with.” Nick told his mother. “And you know as soon as she leaves here she’ll probably go out and have a steak and potatoes.”
“And I’ll join her.” Jackie smiled.
“Broth.” He frowned but took the small container from Brooke. He put a bit on the spoon and brought it to his mouth. “It’s cold.” He grimaced.
“It’s warm.” Brooke answered. “Your throat is still very sore, you couldn’t handle hot soup.”
“Now I know what prison feels like.” He sighed.
“I don’t think you’d get kisses like you just got in prison.” Jackie told him. “At least not from someone who looks like Brooke.” She added.
“You made your point.” He said. “No more complaining.” He tried to sit higher but moaned loudly. “Sorry.” He said.
“You can complain about the pain all you want.” Brooke promised him. She walked behind him and adjusted the pillows. “Better?” She asked.
“Much. Thanks.” Nick smiled and took another taste of the broth. “I hate to admit it but you’re right, my throat hurts with this. I guess I’m not really ready for more.”
“Soon.” Brooke promised him with a smile. “You’re a very impatient man you know.”
“He always has been Brooke.” Jackie informed her. “But you seem to be able to handle him quite well.”
“I’m not so sure about that.” Brooke answered. “I’m trying to make things better for him. He’s been through a horrible ordeal.”
“I’m glad you were here for him.” Jackie told them both.
“You must have been relieved when you got here and found out Nick was off the ventilator.” Brooke told her. “I’m sure the ride over became a lot more relaxing than your flight.”
“It would have been if I had known.” Jackie got up and walked to the table and put a straw into the juice Brooke had brought Nick.
“You didn’t know? Why?” Brooke asked.
“She didn’t see the limo, she took a cab.” Nick coughed and put the broth down. “Enough.” He said unhappily.
“You’ll be better soon.” Brooke wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Would you like some water?”
“Or juice?” Jackie added. “You know, I really should try and let Massimo know that I’m here shouldn’t I?”
“Let me.” Brooke got up. “You spend some time with Nick, I’ll go out and call him and bring him up to date.”
“You’re not leaving again are you?” Nick pouted which made Brooke and Jackie both start to laugh.
“Just to make a phone call.” She told him. “I won’t be long.” She started to leave but Nick loudly cleared his throat.
“I think he wants another kiss.” Jackie said with a charming laugh.
“Insatiable.” Brooke laughed and went back to his bedside. She took his hand and leaned in for a kiss. “I won’t be long.” She whispered.
“I know.” He smiled at her. He watched her as she left and then turned to Jackie. “You look like you want to say something.”
“She seems lovely.”
“She is.” He answered, but seemed oddly distracted.
“But?” She frowned and stopped.
“No buts about it, she is. You were all for this back on the Shady Marlin, what changed?” He asked.
“You seemed to have some kind of connection to that girl.”
“Pilar? No, that’s over.”
“You keep saying that, but I wonder.”
“Nothing to wonder about. So if that’s it.”
“I don’t want to upset you.” Jackie hemmed and hawed.
“Mother, what is it? Just say what you have to say.”
“I’ve been ah, warned.”
“About Brooke?” He asked with a frown.
“Yes.”
“By whom and what did you hear?”
“Well she seems lovely, but I’ve heard that she’s a little obsessed.”
“Does she LOOK obsessed? Does she act obsessed?”
“Not obsessed with you.” Jackie clarified.
“Ridge.” He sighed. “Okay, who was it?”
“It doesn’t matter who, obviously this is a sore spot for you.”
“Ridge? Yeah, he’s a sore spot, but not just for me, for Brooke too. But if you’re talking obsessed you’re talking about the wrong person. It’s Ridge who’s obsessed, not Brooke. She’s moved on.”
“I hope so darling.”
“She has.” Nick said sharply.
“You love her.” Jackie stated.
“Enough Mother.” He told her.
“Do you?” She pressed.
“It’s too soon.”
“Do you?” She asked again.
“It may be a moot point anyway.” He sighed and looked at the door making sure Brooke wasn’t there.
“Because of her feelings for Ridge.” Jackie said sadly. “That would be hard.”
“Would you forget about Ridge!” Nick shouted.
“Then what is it? Pilar?” She asked.
“No Mother! It’s me! It’s me!”
“What about you?” She moved her chair closer to him. “You aren’t sure of your feelings darling?”
“I need to tell you something, but I don’t want you to tell Brooke, I don’t want you to tell anyone. Can I count on you?”
“Of course you can. What is it Nicky? Tell me.”


“Thorne, hello son.” Eric stood and greeted Thorne. “What’s up?”
“I saw Mother leaving the building. Was she here?” Thorne asked.
“She was. She made another attempt to get me to take her back. She also wanted to know about Bridget.”
“Did you tell her?”
“It’s not a secret.” Eric picked up his pad. “What do you think of this?” He showed Thorne a sketch. Thorne took the pad from him and carefully inspected it. “Not so good huh?” Eric sighed. “Seems I have no inspiration anymore.”
“It’ll come back.” Thorne smiled.
“I wish she would.” Eric let the words escape.
“She?” Thorne squinted. “Dad if you want to forgive her I would understand, I’d support you.”
“No, that isn’t going to happen. Maybe someday we’ll be able to find some common ground but the marriage is over, I’ve already contacted an attorney.”
“I’m sorry.” Thorne shook his head. “For both of you.”
“I can’t live with a woman who knowingly deceived me for over forty years Thorne, I can’t.”
“So who is it you want back?” Thorne asked but he seemed to figure it out himself. “Brooke?”
“You can’t blame a man for having hopes, but Brooke told me that there’s someone else.”
“Huh? She just left Ridge at the altar a few weeks ago, how did she meet someone else? Or is it Ridge? Did he get through to her?”
“I don’t think so, not from the way she was talking. I just wish I knew where she was. When she went to Ojai she let me know from the start. I know she came home, Donna was with her, but she took off the same day, she never even came to the office.”
“Did you ask Donna?” Thorne wondered.
“I did but she was acting oddly about it so I let it go. Apparently Brooke doesn’t want anyone to know where she is. I guess she’s with the new man.”
“Who could he be?” Thorne wondered. “I remember before the wedding she was flirting with that new buyer, what’s his name? Larry?”
“He’s married with a baby on the way, that’s not Brooke’s style.”
“Taylor wouldn’t have agreed.” Thorne laughed. “Or Macy for that matter.”
“How are things going with you and Macy?” Eric asked.
“She’s still playing hard to get, but I know she loves me Dad. I promise you, I’m going to get her back and this time I’m never going to disappoint her again. By the end of the year there will be another Forrester wedding and I’m going to ask you this right now.”
“What’s that son?” Eric asked.
“Will ya be my best man?”
“I’d be honored.” Eric smiled and gave him a hug.


“Oh God.” Donna moaned as she looked at who was insistently ringing the doorbell. She opened the door to address him. “Don’t you ever work or anything?” She asked Ridge.
“I could ask the same thing of you. Why are you still here?”
“Because Brooke wants me here.” She answered.
“Where is she? Is she home?” He demanded.
“Not yet Ridge, just like I told you yesterday and the day before.”
“Where’s Hope?” He pushed his way inside and looked around.
“She’s out with her brother. Ridge she is not your responsibility.”
“I love her, just like I love her mother.” Ridge growled. “When is she coming home? I know you know. Where is she staying? I’ve tried every hotel and I can’t find her.”
“Maybe she doesn’t want to be bothered by you Ridge. Doesn’t the fact that she’s taken off to be with another man show you anything?” Donna frowned.
“She feels sorry for him, she thinks he’s her friend or something. That’s Logan for you, she always was good for taking in the weak strays.”
“Nick Payne is as far from a weak stray as there ever was.” Donna laughed. “Face it Ridge, this time you lost. She cares about him and she went of her own free will. She wants to be with him. Move on.”
“Not in a million years Donna. She loves me, even if she won’t admit it. I’m going to make her see that, I’m going to marry her and you better get used to that. You like Popeye so much you take him.”
“You wish.” Donna laughed. “Sorry Ridge, as much as I’d love to oblige you, I think my sister has claims on the charming Captain Payne.”
“She’ll come back Donna, she’ll never love another man but me, she’s angry but she’ll come back, she always does.” He said with confidence.
“I wouldn’t count on it this time, I think she’s seen the light and Nick or no Nick, she’ll never come back to you Ridge, never.”


Tears streamed down Jackie’s face as she clutched tightly to Nick’s hands. “Are you sure? Are you sure darling?”
“I think that’s something someone would know without a doubt.” He said sadly. “I don’t feel anything, nothing at all.”
“Wwwhat did the doctors say?” She was frantic for an answer, a cure, anything to make it go away.
“They don’t know if it’s permanent, they’re not sure about anything.” He admitted.
“Then it’s temporary we have to believe that. You’ll walk Nick, you will, I know it.”
“And if I don’t?” He asked.
“You will.”
“I have to deal with reality Mom, not hopes. I may never walk, I may never, never.” He shook his head. “I’m not a man anymore. Do you understand that? I’m not a man.”
“Don’t you dare talk like that! Don’t you dare!” She shouted. “You are a man, you will always be a man and you will walk again, you’ll do everything, I promise you that you will.”
“We don’t know that and I can’t delude myself. I’m going to stay hopeful but I don’t know what’s going to happen. Until I do, I don’t want Brooke to know. You can’t tell her or anyone else. Do you understand me Mother?”
“But if she loves you.” Jackie pressed.
“No one.” Nick repeated.
“She’ll suspect, she’ll know something is wrong.”
“She knows I’m in pain, she knows I have broken bones, for now she’ll question nothing, not if you don’t give her reason to.”
“But Nicky, it’s only temporary, I know that.”
“If it is then fine. But if it’s not I won’t become a burden to her. I won’t drag her into this. For now I will cherish the time I have with her. It may be all I have.” He turned away, not wanting his mother to see the tears that welled in his eyes.
“The doctors here, they’re not as good as at home. We’ll move you home and get you the best help in the world, they’ll fix this Nicky, they will.”
“Maybe.” He said softly. He pulled her into his arms and held her, comforting her about his own sorrow.
“Jacqueline.” Massimo’s loud voice broke the tender moment. Nick released Jackie and they both looked up at him.
“How long have you been there?” Nick asked angrily. “What did you hear?” He demanded.
“I already knew.” Massimo told him. “I’ve made arrangements to get you home, I’ve gotten the best doctors and physical therapists waiting your arrival.”
“Why?” Nick asked. “I’m just an employee. Why would you do all this?”
“You risked your life for Marone.” Massimo told him.
“Believe me, I never thought this would happen.” Nick said with a bitter laugh. Suddenly his eyes lit with anger. “Did you tell her? You better not have!”
“I’ve told no one.” Massimo answered.
“I’m sure it was for your own selfish reasons.” Nick muttered.
“Nicky!” Jackie gasped.
“He’s afraid she’ll do a complete about face and run back to Ridge. Right Massimo?” Nick challenged the man.
“I wouldn’t put it past her, I wouldn’t be at all surprised, but I didn’t tell her because it was none of her business.”
“Where is she?” Nick asked.
“How should I know?” Massimo frowned.
“Because Brooke went off to find you, to tell you I was here.” Jackie explained.
“My driver told me you didn’t come to him. I found out you were on the plane and I tracked the taxi down, I found you were here so I came to apologize.” Massimo walked to Jackie. “I meant for you to be greeted. I’ve secured you a room at the hotel.”
“Thank you Massimo.” She smiled. “For everything.” She grabbed Nick’s hand and squeezed it.
“Who told you?” Nick asked with a scowl. “I’ll see that they’re fired. They know I wanted no one told.”
“Dominick, I have my ways, I always get what I want. Don’t pursue it, it will get you nowhere. Just realize I did it for your own good and I’m going to make sure you get the best care.”
“It’s still wrong.” Nick complained. “They were told not to say anything. I want to know who it was.”
“Darling it’s not important. Massimo is right, in the end it’s going to help you. We can bring you home.” Jackie smiled and kissed his cheek. “Now why don’t I see if I can get you cleaned up before Brooke comes back?” She suggested.
“Cleaned up?” Nick gave her a look. “I’m not exactly up for a shower yet.”
“But we can get you washed and shaved, it would make you feel more comfortable and I know Brooke will be impressed.”
“Brooke huh?” Nick smiled and rubbed his face. “Yeah, I guess she must be tired of looking at my ugly mug.”
“I’ll speak to the nurses and then Jackie, why don’t I take you for some dinner and get you settled in at the hotel?” Massimo suggested.
“And leave Nicky?” She was aghast.
“He won’t be alone.” Massimo winked.
“Brooke, yes.” Jackie smiled. “But I’d like to come back before the night ends.”
“Of course.” Massimo walked over to Nick. “Don’t be angry Dominick, I promise you I meant no harm.”
“Well Brooke is out there somewhere trying to track you down, so make sure you find her before you leave.” Nick instructed him. “And not a word, I warn you Massimo, not a word to anyone.”
“Not a word.” Massimo promised. He turned to Jackie. “I’ll make arrangements with the nurse, you say your good-byes and I’ll be back to get you in a few moments.”
Nick watched as Massimo left then he turned his attention back to Jackie. “Be careful with him, I know he can come off as charming but I don’t trust him.”
“He’s a good man Nicky and he cares about you.”
“Hmmmm, I think he’s protecting his interests, he doesn’t want a lowly sea captain to end up owning a piece of Marone.”
“What do you mean?” Jackie looked shocked.
“Lawsuit, he knows I could get a lawyer to get me a piece of him if I wanted to. I just have to decide if I want to.” He looked towards the door. “Where the hell is she?”
“She’ll be back.” Jackie smiled. “What are you going to tell her?”
“Nothing. Until I know differently I’ll believe that eventually I’ll get better. I want to be with her, she’s very important to me. But don’t think that I don’t mean what I said before. If this is permanent I won’t drag her down with me. I won’t have her staying because she feels sorry for me. If I find out it’s permanent I’m going to make her leave, on her own.”
“I don’t think you’re giving her enough credit darling. If she’s half the woman that you think she is I know she would never walk away from you even if you are, are, are.” She couldn’t seem to voice the words.
“Say it Mom, paralyzed. I may well be paralyzed.”
“You won’t be! I refuse to believe that! But even if you were, she wouldn’t turn from you.”
“I know.” He said softly.
“Then why won’t you be honest with her?” Jackie pushed.
“Because if I do get the news we hope I don’t, I’m going to make her leave, and I’m going to make her want to leave me.” He vowed. “I won’t ruin her life. I won’t tie her down to life with a cripple, life with a man who can’t, who can never make love to her. I won’t Mom, I won’t.”


“Massimo!” Brooke called out and ran up to the man. “I’ve been trying to call you.”
“I know.” He told her. “I found out what happened with Jacqueline and I came here to make sure she arrived safely. I must have arrived just after you left.”
“I’ve got people looking all over for you.” She pushed back a strand of hair.
“I’m sorry Brooke, I’m a busy man who’s sometimes hard to track down.”
“Well I have to get back to Nick. Did you speak to the doctors at all?” She asked.
“I think we can take him home soon, I’m working on arrangements. I’m sending for a doctor to come down and accompany us back on the plane.”
“Wonderful.” She smiled. “I bet Nick is thrilled. I know I am. I’m very grateful for what you’re doing for us Massimo, and how supportive you’ve been too.”
“Well Brooke, I’m doing it for Dominick, he’s a valued employee.”
“I know I mean nothing to you, but you’ve been kind to me and I appreciate it.” She looked away. “Anyway, I’d better get back in there.”
“You better wait, I just send the nurse in to clean him up.”
“Is he up to that?” Brooke wondered.
“It was his suggestion.” Massimo assured her.
“Massimo how does he seem to you? I know he’s putting on a brave front for me but I’m worried. He’s in a lot of pain. I’m not sure if he’s up for the trip home yet.”
“Are you a doctor now Brooke?” Massimo shook his head.
“Don’t talk down to me.” Brooke demanded. “I’m not claiming to be a doctor, I just wanted to know what you thought. Never mind, don’t do me any favors.” She turned to walk away.
“Brooke.” He stopped her. “He’s worse than he’ll admit to, but I think it’s in his best interest that we get him home. I wouldn’t compromise his health, believe me.”
“Okay.” She nodded. “I’ll trust you and what the doctors tell you, obviously you demand more respect from them than I do. I can rarely get a straight answer.”
“Be patient, that’s all I can suggest.” He told her. “I’ll see you in a bit, I’m going to take Jacqueline to dinner. I’d ask you to join us but I’m sure you’d rather spend time with Dominick.”
“Thank you, I do appreciate the offer but yes, I want to spend as much time with him as I can.”
“We’ll get out of your hair tonight.” Massimo chuckled.
“I know you’re only doing this to keep me away from Ridge, but it’s very good for Nick and I do appreciate that.” She smiled.
“I honestly think you’re good for each other Brooke, I wish you both well.”


Ridge was angry and frustrated after his visit with Donna. He didn’t want to hear about Brooke and Popeye. He refused to believe Donna. She never supported his relationship with Brooke and now she was trying to undermine it. He wasn’t going to let that happen. “I need to talk to her, I need to hear her voice and she needs to hear mine.”
He rummaged through his desk at Marone, pulling out files, work, anything to distract him, but his head wasn’t into it and neither was his heart. He needed to speak to Brooke. He slammed the drawer shut, got up and walked out to Sandra’s desk. “I need the hotel where Massimo is staying.” He told her.
“I doubt he’s there Ridge, he only goes there to sleep, he’s been working with the lawyers and the crew and spending his spare time at the hospital. What do you need from him? He’s sure to check in with me and I can pass him through to you or take a message. Or leave him an email, I know he checks that too.”
“I don’t want to talk on the phone or send an email, I want to go down there. Now where is he?” Ridge demanded.
“Ridge you know Massimo needs you here, he’s given you more than enough to keep busy. Prove your worth, prove you can step into those shoes he’s given you. Now is your chance, don’t blow it.” She warned him.
“Brooke is more important.” He muttered.
“Marone is your legacy.” She reminded him. “Don’t do anything that you’ll regret later. Listen to me and get back to your office and start doing some of the Marone business that needs your attention. I promise when Massimo calls that I’ll put him through to you.”


Brooke could sense the tension as she returned to Nick’s room. She looked at Jackie, but she just looked down. With a squint she turned to Nick. “Is everything okay?” She asked.
“It is now.” He smiled at her.
“Mrs. Payne? Is everything alright with you?” Brooke asked.
“Please call me Jackie.” Jackie put on a smile. “Everything is fine, I’m just tired and Nicky and I had a little disagreement. It’s not important, I promise.”
“Nick? Are you giving your mother a hard time?” Brooke questioned him.
“It’s okay Brooke, we argue all the time.” He teased Jackie. “But I still love her.”
“Good.” Brooke walked over and took her seat next to Nick, opposite Jackie. “I found Massimo, he said that he’s taking you to dinner.” She smiled at Jackie.
“Would you like to join us Brooke?” Jackie asked. “I’m sure you could use some rest.”
“I’m fine.” Brooke assured her. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this guy to wake up. I’m not about to leave now.” She blushed and looked at Jackie. “I didn’t mean that like it sounds. I’m not saying anything about you.”
“I know.” Jackie assured her. “You two want some time alone I’m sure. And I am tired, I’ve been on and off of so many planes for so many hours I can’t even begin to count. I’d like a nice meal and some sleep and maybe tomorrow we can make plans to get Nicky home.”
“I really don’t think I should go until I know how the men are doing.” Nick objected.
“You’re in no shape to help right now.” Brooke took his hand. “We take you home, get you better and then you can come back. But I’m sure that you can talk to Massimo and the others and help from home. Nick, your health has to come first and I really think you’ll get better care at home.”
“You’re probably right.” He reluctantly agreed. “But I’m not going anywhere until I talk to John.” He gave Brooke a sharp look.
“Deal.” She smiled. “And he’ll be back, he comes in every day. I bet he comes tomorrow or maybe even tonight.”
Jackie stood up and stretched. “I’m going to go find Massimo and check into the hotel. I’d like to take a nice hot shower and change my clothes.” She leaned over and kissed Nick. “You’re in good hands darling. I’ll be back later, after dinner.”
“I’m in great hands.” He smiled and squeezed Brooke’s hand. Then he turned back to Jackie. “And I don’t want to see you until tomorrow. Go get some rest.”
“Alright darling, you’ve convinced me.” She turned to Brooke. “Make sure he gets some rest himself.”
“Oh I will.” Brooke promised. “I won’t stay too late.”
Nick frowned but didn’t say anything. He looked at Jackie and smiled. “I’m glad you came Mom.”
“Where else would I be?” She asked. “I’ll see you in the morning.” She kissed him again. “Goodnight Brooke.” She smiled at Brooke and then left.
Nick watched the door close and then grinned at Brooke. “Alone at last.”
“It’s been quite a day.” Brooke smiled broadly at him. “I still can’t believe you’re awake.”
“Sorry it took so long.” He reached for the juice.
“I’ll get it.” Brooke got up and got the juice and put the straw to his mouth. “Slowly.”
“I know, I know.” Nick complained. He took a sip and then another. “Enough.” He told her. Brooke put it down. “You didn’t say anything.” Nick rubbed his now clean cheeks.
“You’re as handsome as ever.” She laughed. She leaned down and kissed him. “Mmmmmm. And minty fresh too.”
“Ouch.” Nick laughed. “Is that your subtle way of telling me I had bad breath?”
“Weeeeeeeell.” Brooke giggled. “I didn’t mind, just having you awake was all that mattered.”
“I guess I must have tasted pretty bad.” He grimaced. “You should have said something.”
“I never tasted anything better in my life.” She leaned over and kissed him again.
“Well I feel better, though I wish I could take a shower. I still feel grungy.” He sniffed and laughed. “Do I smell bad?”
“No.” She told him.
“Then lie down with me.” He tapped the bed.
“Nick you’re connected to all kinds of machines and tubes.”
“I really would like to just have you in my arms. I’m not asking you to have sex or anything.”
“Um, I don’t think that would be possible anyway.” Brooke said softly.
Nick’s mouth was open. He couldn’t seem to form the words. She knew. How did she know and why was she so calm about it? He gave her a questioning look.
“Well aside from your broken bones and the fact that you just woke up and probably don’t have the strength, that catheter would make it a Herculean feat.” She giggled.
“Catheter? Oh right.” Nick sighed. “I guess I wasn’t thinking about that.” He covered. In truth he didn’t know he had it because he couldn’t feel it. He looked down and frowned. This wasn’t something he wanted to have to deal with or something that made him feel comfortable about around Brooke. It was downright embarrassing. Brooke noticed his discomfort. “Maybe we can uh, cover it up.” He pushed the blanket down the side of the bed, covering the receptacle.
“Nick! Don’t be like that, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Brooke pulled the blanket back over him. “I’m sure they’ll take it out soon. I’m sure it’s uncomfortable but it’s probably easier than you trying to move too much right now.” Brooke smoothed back his hair and kissed his forehead. “But I wasn’t thinking about sex, I just didn’t want to do anything that would hurt you.”
“You won’t.” He looked around at all the tubes. “If you just lie down right next to me I can hold you and believe me, that would be just about the best medicine I could get.”


“Mother.” Ridge looked up from his pile of papers. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought you might like to take your mother to dinner.” She shut his office door and came in. “You look busy. Are you?”
“I suppose.” He put down his pen and sighed. “I’m not sure I’m good company tonight.”
“What’s wrong?” She asked.
“She’s with Popeye. She won’t call me and I don’t know what the hell to do about it.”
“Wasn’t he hurt? On that ship of Massimo’s?” Stephanie scratched her head.
“Yeah, and Logan went off to see him. I don’t get it. I know she has a big heart, I can understand her being worried about him but she had no reason to go down there.”
“I’ve warned you about her, maybe now you’ll listen to me.”
“Now Mother.” Ridge moaned.
“Never mind about that guttersnipe, I’ve got better things to think about and talk about. So how about dinner? I’m starved.”
“Not if you insist on talking that way about the woman I love.” He frowned at her. “She’s going to be my wife, your daughter in law, remember that.”
“Don’t remind me.” Stephanie scowled. “I wish you’d open your eyes to that woman.”
“I could say the same thing.” Ridge suggested. “But can we please not fight about Brooke? Can you forget your hatred just for a little while?”
“I’d like to forget her forever.” She said with a laugh. “Okay, no more talk of Brooke, how’s that for a compromise? At least we can have a pleasant dinner.”
Ridge looked down at the piles on his desk. “I’m swamped.” Ridge sighed. “I’m just not sure I can get away.”
“Surely Massimo doesn’t expect you to do his job and your own while he’s away.” She walked closer to the desk and looked down at the papers. “Don’t you have an assistant? Ridge you need some time to yourself too. You deserve a break you know.”
“I’m not doing it alone, I guess I’m behind because I’m so preoccupied.” He admitted. “But you’re right, I need to consider myself and my family.” He pushed the piles together. “This can wait, let’s go to dinner. Where do you want to go?”
“Café Russe?” She suggested with a smile.
“Sounds good to me.” He took her arm. “Shall we?”


Brooke carefully lay down besides Nick on the bed, making sure not to touch him or any of the tubes.
“Now that’s not what I meant.” Nick pulled her closer. “I need to hold you, or do I really smell?” He teased.
“I’m so scared that I’ll hurt you.” Brooke protested.
“It hurts more just to look at you and not touch you. Just relax, I promise if I’m in pain you’ll be the first to know.”
She gingerly put her head on his chest and let out a contented sigh. It felt so good, so right. She smiled and lightly kissed him. “This is nice.” She admitted. “Just promise you’ll tell me if I hurt you.”
“I dreamt about this. I think it kept me going.” He told her.
“Did you hear me talking to you? I did you know. I was here every single day.” She explained. “I talked to you and read to you and held your hand and I kissed you too.”
“Not like this.” He pulled her tighter and claimed her mouth with a deep, intense kiss.
“No, not like that at all.” She said breathlessly when he finally ended the kiss. “But you better slow down, you need to conserve your strength.”
“For what?” He asked. “Right now I can’t think of a single thing I’d rather be doing.”
“Oh Nick, I’ve missed you so much.” She cuddled into his arms. “I prayed so hard for you to come back to me. I was so frightened, I wasn’t sure you’d ever open your eyes. The doctors weren’t giving me much to hang onto so all I really had was my own faith.”
“I’m sorry I scared you so much. I wish I had woken up sooner.” He gave her a quick kiss and then started to cough.
“Want water?” Brooke struggled to sit.
“I’m okay.” He pulled her back. “I’m getting better by the minute, I promise.”
She relaxed again in his arms. “Do you remember anything about the explosion? It must have been horrible.”
“I don’t know.” Nick scratched his head. “I remember going to open the safe and suddenly there was a bright light and a boom. I don’t even know where it was and what set it off.”
“Donna and I were watching the news and the report came on.” Brooke remembered. “My heart jumped into my throat and all I could think of was getting to you. I grabbed a bag and went straight to Marone. You should have seen Massimo.” She laughed.
“I bet he was sitting there giving out commands and having people run all over the place for him, but you gotta give it to the guy, he gets things done.”
“He wasn’t very happy to see me.”
“I’ll bet.” Nick smiled. “But I am.” He pulled her tightly into his arms.
“Mmmmmm.” Brooke kissed him again. “I could stay here forever.” She sighed and let him hold her.
“I’d rather be in your bed than this one.” Nick admitted.
“And you will be.” She promised. “Soon, very soon.”
A black cloud came over Nick as he thought about the possible future he faced but he shook it off, hoping for he best. “So did he try and throw you out?” He asked.
“You know him so well.” She giggled. “Yes, he thought I was there about Ridge.”
“Arrgghhh. Did you have to say THAT name?” Nick teased.
“Sorry.” She laughed. “But that is what he thought. I set him straight pretty quickly.” She ran her fingers lightly up and down his chest. “I think he was relieved and maybe a little impressed too.”
“How?” Nick wondered.
“Because he knew how determined I was to get to you. He really respects you Nick. He admires you and I think he likes that I do too.”
“Oh is THAT how you feel about me? Respect? Admiration?”
“Yes.” She said in a serious tone. “Oh and some heavy duty lust too.”
“Lust?” He frowned.
“I keep replaying our day and our night. It was one of the best times in my life. I was so scared that it was just going to be a sad memory.” Tears filled her eyes. “I so want to go on and discover where it can lead.” She looked at his solemn face. “That is if you do too.”
“Let’s see about getting me out of this bed first before we start planning the future.” He knew he had to start distancing himself. He had to do if for Brooke’s sake. He was already in too deep and letting her go would kill him. He couldn’t let her get that far too. For her sake he’d free her when the time came, if the time came.
“I’m sorry, I guess that was presumptuous of me.” She freed herself from his embrace and sat up. “Maybe I’d better get back to the hotel. It’s late, you need to sleep.”
It wasn’t what he wanted but he knew it was probably for the best. He struggled with his inner demons and finally pulled her back to him. “Don’t go, I’m just not sure about anything right now. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“I really should go.” She argued. She was confused and embarrassed and just wanted to get away before she stuck her foot in her mouth again. Obviously what happened between them meant more to her than to him. She knew she should stop confusing sex with love but to her they went hand in hand. She never gave her body to a man she didn’t love. Her eyes filled with tears again. “How could I have been so wrong?” She whispered and then gasped when she realized she had voiced her concerns.
“You’re not wrong.” Nick gently caressed her. He couldn’t do this, he couldn’t lie to her. “I told you before Brooke, I’m new at this. I don’t know how to do this. I have a habit of pushing the good things away. I guess I’m too scared to believe in them so I push them away before I let myself get hurt.”
“That’s a lonely way to live.” She said softly.
“It’s the only way I know.”
“Who did this to you Nick? Was it Pilar?” She asked.
Again he saw a door open. He needed to decide quickly if he would take it. “Pilar? You sure have a lot of interest in her.”
“She seems so devoted. She claims to be your fiancée. You react so strongly to her. Can you talk about her?” Brooke wondered.
“I was lonely.” He admitted. “I met her and she was so pretty. She clung to me like a lost puppy.” He smiled. “It was different for me. I’d been with a lot of women but never more than a passionate affair or a quick fling. Pilar grabbed at my heart and it scared me.”
“You love her.” Brooke was frightened to hear his answer.
“I thought I did. Maybe I just wanted to be loved and to love. She was different than most women I met.”
“How?” Brooke asked.
“Usually the women and I mutually used each other. We scratched each other’s itches. I never wanted to get emotionally involved and I gravitated to women who felt the same. I had fun with women, I enjoyed them. I’m not saying I just had sex and tossed them aside. I’ve met some fascinating women, women I’ve loved talking to and debating with, but never one that I couldn’t let go of, never one I could even imagine settling down with.”
“Until Pilar.” She sighed.
“She made me laugh, she made me want something more. I don’t know Brooke. I just thought maybe it was time I tried to do what other men did.”
“Marriage? Family? Roots?” She asked.
“I suppose.” He thought about it. “Pilar acted like I was the only other person alive, at least I thought so. I liked it. I’d never had anything like that before. Even as a child I never had that security, I never even had a devoted pet.” He shuddered.
“What?” Brooke’s eyes widened. “Nick what?”
“My mother is wonderful Brooke. She did all anyone could ask and she loves me unconditionally, but I didn’t have a very happy childhood.” He started to think and soon was lost in his memories.
“Tell me.” Brooke pressed. “That is if you want to talk about it.”
“My father. I dreamt about him too. Hell, I barely remember the guy but it was him, it was so real. He laughed at me, called me names, told me that you, that you. No.” He stopped.
“Where is he now?” Brooke asked.
“Dead.” Nick let out a deep breath. “Wow, I didn’t even remember that until just now. Frank Payne was a Grade A bastard. He abused my mother, he scared the crap out of me. But he’s dead, he can’t hurt anyone anymore. I don’t know why I thought of him. Maybe the pain. He used to hit me, he used to hit me hard.”
“How old were you?” Brooke touched his arm gently.
“Young, just a kid.” He shook his head. “I don’t want to think about him Brooke, I don’t want to talk about him, not now.”
“You don’t have to.” She assured him. “You don’t have to talk about anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
“I guess talking about Pilar brought it all on.”
“You don’t have to talk about her either, not if it upsets you.”
“You need to know.” He told her.
“Only if you want to talk, you don’t owe me anything.” She said in a soft, sad voice.
“That’s where you’re wrong.” Nick told her. He groaned as he pulled himself up against the pillows.
“Nick don’t!” Brooke grabbed him.
“I need to tell you this. I need to stop hiding Brooke. You need to know the whole truth about everything.”


Ridge put down his salad fork and looked across at his mother. “Are you and Dad talking at all?”
“I wish I could say yes.” She said. “But no, I talk and he pretty much refuses to listen. Ridge you must understand that I didn’t know and I never meant to lie. I love your father, Eric I mean.” She added with an uncharacteristic blush. “I could never have lived with that secret all these years if I even had a thought that you weren’t his son. I’ve done you all an injustice and I am sorry. I’m sorry for you and for Eric and for Massimo but I can’t go back and fix it. I have to go on and if your father won’t forgive me then I suppose I have to go on without him, as hard as that is.”
“I think he’ll come around. He does love you, but he’s angry. I wish I could talk to him for you but he’s mad at me too, not that I blame him.” He picked up his wineglass and took a sip. “I was so stupid to do that with Bridget.”
“You’ll get no argument from me.” Stephanie answered. “You know she’s gone don’t you?”
“Yes.” Ridge said sadly. “I called her before she left but she didn’t really talk to me. I hurt her. I don’t think she’s even aware of just how badly I did. I hurt her and I hurt Brooke and I hurt Dad and for what?” He threw up his arms in disgust. “I still don’t understand how it happened in the first place. I don’t know why I let it happen or why she did either.”
“You were hurting so over Taylor.” Stephanie patted his hand. “Bridget is so much like her, so unlike her mother, it’s not surprising you reached out to her, it’s just that you did it in the wrong ways.”
“I’m just glad it came out when it did. I’m not sure I would have ever been able to stop it from crossing that line.”
“I know there is no blood, but you’ve always been family.” Stephanie concurred. “I’m glad you’re seeing straight about that. Now if only I could get you to forget about Brooke Logan.”
“That will never happen Mother. I love her and I am going to get her back. In fact, I am going to head to Mexico tomorrow or the next day to bring her home.”
“Do you think she’ll come?” Stephanie c*cked her eyebrow. “She did go down to be with Captain Payne.”
“Well Popeye is going to have to live without her.”
“How is he Ridge? I’ve heard talk that he wasn’t doing well at all.”
“I really don’t know. He’s not the one that’s my concern Mother.”
“He works for Marone, as an officer of the company.” She stopped.
“My mind is not on Marone right now, it’s on Brooke and getting her back. I don’t like the guy, but I don’t want him dead. I just want him to leave Brooke the hell alone. I don’t know why Brooke felt she needed to be there for him. She’s always had such a big heart and she’s always taken in strays. He’s no different, once she knows he’s okay or if he dies, God forbid, it will be over and she can get back to the important things, like planning our wedding.”
“I think you should get your mind back on Marone honey. Massimo counts on you, he’s given you such a wonderful chance. Don’t compromise it because of this.”
“If she’d just come home I’d have it all.” He said with a growl. “She needs to remember what we have. She doesn’t love him, she’s doing this to make me crazy, and it’s working. But Mother, she is going to be really glad when I come down there to bring her home. I know she will.”


“As soon as we were engaged I started wondering if I was doing the right thing, but Pilar was so happy I guess I decided it had to be right. I don’t know if I’m the marrying type, I don’t know if I’d ever make a good husband. I like to be able to take off, I like my freedom you know?” He looked up at her for validation.
“Is that why you ended it?” She asked. She looked concerned and Nick knew she was thinking more about their relationship than his with Pilar.
“I ended it because she was unfaithful to me.” He answered. “Ready or not I was going to keep my word and marry her, but then I started to hear the rumors. It seems that the entire time I thought we were committed to each other she was seeing other men, men Brooke, not just another man but men. She was sleeping around. I pretended not to believe it, I pretended that it didn’t hurt, but damn it it did. She seemed so in love when we were together that I believed her, I believed there was no one else. I knew the truth but I hid from it. I’m good at that you know, hiding.” He clarified.
“You’re not hiding now.” She gently ran her hand down his arm.
“I’m tired of hiding.” He confessed. “I’m tired of fighting demons, I’m tired of running. But I don’t really know any other way.”
“I’ll help you.” Her honesty startled them both.
“I believe you will.” Nick kissed her hand and clutched it. “But I’m not so sure you’re getting much in return.”
“I know I am.” She smiled warmly. “So why did you break it off? Did it become too much for you?”
“I went out to sea, it was a short trip but on my first stop the rumors had already started. Too many rumors, too many men. I called someone, someone I trusted and he confirmed it. He’d seen her, she wasn’t even trying to hide it. I was going to go home and confront her, it had to stop or it was over.”
“You did love her Nick, if you were still willing to give her another chance you had to have loved her.”
“I think it was more about my being stubborn. Believe me Brooke, I wasn’t all that hot on the marriage thing, I just didn’t want anyone or anything to change what I started. I didn’t want anything else taken away from me. So I went home, I got home a day early.”
“Oh dear.” Brooke already suspected what he was going to tell her.
“Oh yeah. I was excited about my homecoming. You see when I commit to someone, it means something to me. I raced home, anxious to see her. I wasn’t even thinking about confronting her, I just wanted to see her. Maybe I still wanted to live in denial, but that ended when I opened the door.”
“Nick I’m sorry.” Brooke squeezed his hand.
“She had him in my bed. She didn’t even take him to a hotel. She had him in my bed and she was enjoying it. She was screaming and moaning like she never had with me. I don’t know how long I stayed. I was mesmerized. I stood and watched them like it was a movie or something. I watched him pounding in and out of her body. I was detached. I don’t know what happened or what came over me but suddenly I just didn’t even care. I was relieved. I had my out.”
“Oh Nick.” She said sadly.
“She came first. I saw it in her eyes and I watched her stop and convulse. Then he came. Actually that was funny. He let out a growl and grabbed her breasts and God strike me dead if I’m lying but he farted.” Nick looked at Brooke and laughed. She was so sad for him, her eyes were filled with tears but still Nick laughed. “And I laughed Brooke, I just started to laugh. Pilar looked up and tried to cover herself or something stupid like that. She was riding the guy but she still was playing the sweet innocent act. He just looked at me like he wanted to kill me. I walked to the dresser, grabbed a few shirts and a pair of jeans, threw them in a bag and turned back to them. I told them not to let me stop them. She suddenly realized I was leaving. She jumped off him. It was so quiet that I could hear the suction noise as she pulled him out of her. I looked down, saw his semen dripping from between her legs and all I could think of was, wow, she didn’t even use a condom. She ran to me and said she was sorry, it was a mistake, it would never happen again, she loved me yada yada yada.”
Brooke just waited in silence. She had no words.
“I pretty much told her where she could shove that love.” He went on. “Told her in English and in Spanish, just to make sure she knew. She got mad at first. She pulled the ring off and threw it at me. Said I was a lousy f*ck and she was glad to be free of me. I told her to keep the ring, keep the apartment and keep everything else. I was getting out with my life and that was all that mattered. Then she started to cry and beg again. I walked out, I walked away and until I got back to the Cortez this time I never saw her again. But I heard about her. I heard a whole lot.”
“What did you hear?” Brooke asked.
“A month or so after I left she had an abortion. Was it mine? I don’t know, I’ll never know. I don’t think she even knows that I know. I don’t think she knows who’s it was. I wonder about it though. I wonder about who that kid would be. Would it be a boy or a girl? Was it mine? Did it even matter to me? What would I have done if I had known before she did it? Would I have come back? Would I have married her? Would I have taken her to the clinic?” He let out a deep sigh. “Part of me is relieved she did what she did and I never have to wonder if it’s my kid or not, and then I see Hope and all I want to do is cry for what could have been. More hiding, more running, story of my life.”
“No wonder you’re so bitter about her.” Brooke said softly. “She hurt you deeply.”
“Maybe, maybe not. Brooke I know one thing.”
“Yes?” She asked.
“I didn’t love her.”
“I think that’s your anger, you’re trying to protect yourself right now. Maybe part of your hiding.” She told him.
“No.” He shook his head. “I know I didn’t love her because I know what love is now.” He pulled her to him and kissed her very softly, very gently. “I know what love is now because for the first time in my life I love someone, I love you Brooke, I love you.”


“I’m just glad you didn’t suggest The Café Russe.” Donna laughed as she and Megan were seated at the restaurant.
“That’s never been my style, not that I have anything against it.” Megan admitted. “I’ve gone there with Brooke, but never on my own or with a date.”
“I used to like Mannequins.” Donna laughed. “Too bad that’s gone now.”
“I heard that someone bought the place and they’re going to reopen soon, I think it’s going to be Italian, we should give it a try.” Megan picked up the menu. “And there’s always Los Olas too.”
“Great Margaritas.” Donna agreed. “But this place is really nice.” They had decided on an upscale steak and seafood house. One that they were both pretty sure they wouldn’t run into Ridge or any of the other Forresters at.
“I’ve always liked it. I used to go here with this guy I was seeing, we split up but I still like the place.” Megan explained. “So how was Brooke today? And Captain Payne?”
“Oh that’s the best news.” Donna smiled. “He woke up and he’s doing really well. In fact Massimo Marone is going to make arrangements to transfer him back to a hospital here in LA.”
“So Brooke’s coming home.” Megan deducted. “Does Ridge know?”
“Hell no.” Donna laughed. “I didn’t say a word when he came over on his daily terror trip. Sometimes I wonder what she ever saw in him.”
“Your feelings are colored by what happened with Bridget.” Megan shook her head. “I guess mine are too, but I still like him. He’s a nice guy, he’s just in a really bad place right now.”
“Well he won’t take no for an answer and he won’t leave my sister alone so to me he’s a terrorist and he needs to be annihilated.” Donna laughed. “I really hope he starts to leave her alone soon. Brooke has something really nice with Nick.”
“Do you think it’ll last?” Megan wondered.
“I know, nothing ever seems to with her, she always turns back to Ridge, but this is different. I really think she feels something more for him that she never felt with any other man, maybe even Ridge.”
“Well it does say something the way she took off like that to be with him. But I bet she misses Hope and Hope misses her too.”
“That little monster misses Nick more than anyone.” Donna laughed. “She plays with toy boats, eats Cap’t Crunch talks of nothing but Nick, Nick, Nick. Yeah, she misses her mommy a lot but I have never seen a child so taken with someone so fast.”
“What about Nick? Does he care for Hope or just put up with her cause she’s Brooke’s kid?” Megan asked.
“From what I saw it’s a mutual love society.” Donna answered. “Brooke’s a little scared. She doesn’t want Hope to get so attached in case it doesn’t pan out.”
“I can see that.” Megan frowned. “Rick and Bridget had to do a lot of adjusting in their lives.”
“And that was all Ridge’s doing.” Donna picked up her menu. “Sometimes I wish we never heard the name Forrester.”
“Even the name THORNE Forrester?” Megan teased.
“Well him I like.” Donna admitted. “Did Brooke tell you about that? It was a long time ago.”
“I bet you’d still be a cute couple.”
“No way, first off he loves Macy, second I am just not looking right now and third and most importantly he IS a Forrester.” Donna laughed. “Now if Nick Payne has a brother, that’s a whole ‘nother story.”


“Oh no, not allowed, must stop.” The nurse walked into Nick’s room finding Nick and Brooke embracing in a passionate kiss.
“Oops.” Brooke jumped back and blushed as she pulled her open blouse back together. “I’m sorry, we were just.”
“Talking.” Nick supplied. Brooke got off the bed and collected herself. She looked at Nick and grinned and he shrugged at her. “Good therapy.” He told the nurse. “You can’t deny me a chance to hold my girl after all that time in a coma can you?”
“Late, you sleep.” She started changing the bags of medications.
“What’s that?” Brooke asked as she put a fresh bag of liquid and checked the tube.
“Alimento.” She answered.
“Food.” Nick translated for Brooke.
“And that?” She asked as she put another bag on.
“Medicina.” She answered. “Para ayudar el dolor.”
“For the pain.” Nick told her.
“You Payne or your pain?” Brooke laughed.
“Both.” He grinned. After a few moments he already felt the effects. It was already easing his pain and making him feel better. “Oh yeah. I needed that.”
The nurse walked to his bedside and checked the other tubes, giving him more medication with a syringe.
“Qué es eso?” He asked.
“Sueño.” She answered. “Soon, now.”
“Oh.” Nick looked at Brooke. “Something to help me sleep.”
“On top of the pain meds?” Brooke frowned. “You’re going to be out like a light.”
“It’s starting already.” He admitted.
“You go now.” The nurse looked at Brooke.
“You stay.” Nick instructed Brooke.
“Maybe she’s right. You do need rest.”
“I need you in my arms. Stay Brooke, please.”
“Nick she’ll get mad.”
“Sue me.” He sighed. “Please Brooke, I need you with me and I need to tell you something more.”
“You sleep now. Sueño.” The nurse instructed Nick. “You go.” She told Brooke. She looked back at both of them, shook her head and left the room.
“Come here.” Nick held out his arms, but his eyes were growing very heavy. He yawned and looked at Brooke. “Brooke?”
“Okay.” She got back on the bed and snuggled into his arms. “But you need your rest.”
“This is strong stuff.” He said with another yawn. “Not sure how long I can stay awake. Stay with me?” He looked at Brooke.
“I’m here.” She assured him.
“All night, please just stay. I need to tell you.”
“Shhhhhh.” She gave him a gentle kiss. “Rest, we can talk later.”
“I need to tell you what’s wrong with me.” He could barely get the words out now. He said each one slowly and separately, as his eyelids grew heavier and heavier.
“There’s nothing wrong with you.” She whispered.
“I run, I hide, I can’t.”
“You’re not running now.” She smoothed his hair and kissed him.
“Need to know, you might want to.” He couldn’t keep his eyes open any longer. “Can’t.” He said.
“I know honey, just sleep, it’s okay, we can talk later.” Brooke assured him.
“Feel.” He finished, but it was lost on Brooke.
“It’s okay.” She cooed.
“Love you so much.” He said before sleep overtook him.
“I love you too.” She told the sleeping man with a kiss. “I love you Nick.”


“Thank you Massimo, thank you for everything.” Jackie hugged him as she stood in front of her hotel room. “I can’t wait to tell Nicky that he’s going home tomorrow. Thank you so much.”
“He’s a good man.” Massimo nodded. “And he’s your son Jacqueline, you know I’d do anything in my power to help him for you.”
“Oh Massimo.” She reached for his hand. “I’m so frightened.”
“He’ll be fine, he will.” He put his arms around her and held her.
“The doctors.” She protested.
“I’ve gotten the best at home for him, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, they know more than anyone here does.” He promised.
“How can I ever repay you?” She asked.
“Oh that’s simple.” He said with a sly smile. “We’re going to finish our conversation and then we’re going to see about finishing other things we started. I’ve missed you Jacqueline and I don’t think I want to let you get away from me again.”
“Now is not the time.” She tried to pull from his arms.
“Now IS the time.” He said in a booming voice. “Invite me in Jacqueline. Invite me into your room and back into your life.”
“You’ve always been in my life.” She whispered as she inserted the key to her door. She left the door open after she walked inside. “More than you’ll ever know.”

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