Chapter Nine


“You shaved.” Ridge announced as he walked into Nick’s office.
“And hello to you too Forrester.” Nick continued writing without looking up.
“I thought you were supposed to be off on a ship somewhere.” Ridge gruffly replied.
“You’d like that wouldn’t you.” Nick looked up at him. “And yes, I’m leaving soon, but don’t worry, I’ll be back before you have time to miss me.”
“Oh joy.” Ridge walked to the coffeepot and sniffed. “Is this stuff fresh?”
“I just made it about ten minutes ago, help yourself.” Nick folded the piece of paper and put it into an envelope. He watched as Ridge poured milk into his coffee. “So can I do something for you or are you just here for a caffeine fix?”
Ridge turned around and pointed at him. “Leave her alone Popeye.”
“Oh, and who would that be?” Nick suppressed a smile as he taunted his nemesis.
“You know damn well who I mean. I don’t know why Logan thought she knew you well enough to call you, but it was a big mistake and it’s not gonna happen again, just leave her alone.”
“I’m really busy here Ridge and I just don’t have time for your crazy ranting.” He got up, walked to a cabinet and took out several charts. “By the way, what IS it you do here anyway?”
“A lot more than you ever will.” Ridge muttered. Ridge sipped his coffee and put the cup down. “You shouldn’t have bothered Popeye, you look better with it, it fits your image more.”
For a moment Nick was confused, then he rubbed his bare chin and smiled. “Ya think?” Nick laughed.
“You’re the pirate type, that’s for sure.”
“Hmmmmm, maybe so.” Nick put down his charts and took a long, slim cigar out of a humidor. “I remember from an old girl friend that those romance novels all have the girls swooning over pirates so maybe you’re onto something. But I was tired of the beard so it’s gone.”
“She doesn’t care, she won’t even notice.” Ridge growled. “She has no interest in someone like you. She has only and will only ever love one man, and it ain’t you.”
“Ahhhh, so that’s why the sudden interest in my appearance.”
“I could care less about the way you look, though you’ll always be scruffy and uncouth. Logan would never give you a second glance so just forget any ideas you have forming in that so called brain of yours. And she hates people who smoke too, so strike two. Care to go for three?”
Nick smiled at him again. “Don’t you worry about me Dressmaker, I know how to play this game, I know it well.”
“And that is your fatal mistake.” Ridge pointed into Nick’s face. “Logan is not a game, not to me.” He looked Nick up and down. “I think your wardrobe may well be your last strike. Brooke places a lot of importance on grooming, too bad that’s a subject you know nothing about. No, you’d never even make it off the plate let alone get to first base with a lady like Brooke. Not that I’d ever worry about the likes of you.”
“Have you discussed this with her or are you just projecting your thoughts into her subconscious here Forrester?”
“What goes on between me and Logan is none of your business Payne.”
“Fine.” Nick put down the cigar and picked up a baseball cap from the top of a cabinet. Then he threw away an empty beer bottle.
“She doesn’t like drinking either.” Ridge laughed.
“You sure do know a lot about what she does and doesn’t like don’t you?”
“More than you’ll ever know.” Ridge assured him. He dumped the rest of his coffee into the sink and then turned to face Nick again. “She’s mine Popeye, just remember that, she’s MINE!”
“A caveman I see.” Nick continued his straightening of the office. “I can see how you’re such a hit with the ladies. I know how most women just love to be treated like possessions. Yeah, a woman sure loves that kind of respect.”
“I know more about respect than you ever will. Just get any ideas you have out of your head. Brooke may feel sorry for you, new in town and all and just having screwed up your ship and all, but that’s all it will ever be. She’s not your friend and she sure as hell will never be your lover so move on Popeye, for your own good move on.”
“Look, I’d love to stay and chit chat all day with you Forrester, but I have a fire to go put out. You must know what that’s like huh? Sort of like when you cut a pattern crooked or something.”
“Cute Nick, very cute.”
Suddenly with a flurry the door opened and Jackie breezed in. “Nicky darling, I’ve been trying to catch you since noon yesterday. Where have you been?” Suddenly she spied Ridge and smiled. “Oh. Hello.” She said to him.
“Forrester, this is my mother, Jackie Payne, Mom, this is Ridge Forrester.” Nick introduced them.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you. I’ll go. Stop by as soon as you get out of work alright darling?”
“Sorry Mom but I’m heading out to sea.” Nick informed her.
Ridge watched with interest, as the happy woman seemed to deflate as she digested this news.
“Nicky no, you can’t, you just can’t.” She grabbed his arm.
“It’s only for a week or two. There’s a ship out there that needs me.” He reached for his sunglasses. “I was going to call you and explain but seems you solved that problem for me.”
“You promise, you promise it’s only for a week or two?” Jackie pressed him.
“You have my word. I fully intend to come back. I like it here.” He smiled.
“Oh?” A smile crossed her face. “Does this mean?” She looked hopefully into her son’s eyes.
“It means I’m happy here, I like my job, I like the Shady Marlin and I like being around you.” He walked up to her and hugged her. “Don’t press mother, not now okay?” He whispered in her ear.
She then remembered that they weren’t alone and smiled. “I want all the details later Nicky. I know you can find some time to call me.”
“I’m not sure how much time I’m going to have. There’s some major fires I have to put out, but if I get a chance I will give you a call, just so you know I got there alright.”
“Alright.” She hugged him again. “Then I’ll get out of your hair. Have a safe trip darling, be careful.”
“What is it with you women?” Nick laughed. “You’d think I was some kind of klutz or something.”
“I just worry, you are my son you know.” She reached over and wiped a trace of her lipstick from his cheek. “I love you darling.”
“I love you too Mom.” He took her arm and walked her to the door.
“You saw her didn’t you?” She whispered.
“I’ll tell you all about it some other time.” He gently prodded her.
“Oh Nicky, I just knew it, I knew it.” She said with a gentle laugh. “Call me darling, call me.” She waved and turned to Ridge. “Nice meeting you Ridge.”
“Yeah.” Ridge said as he watched the two very closely.


“Okay, we’re all checked out. All we have to do now is load the car and we’re off.” Brooke announced as she came back into the room and assessed the luggage. “Did you make your call?”
“I can’t believe I just did that.” Donna laughed.
“It will be an adventure.” Brooke promised.
“You got that right. Forrester was always that wasn’t it?”
“Oh Donna, I didn’t mean to pressure you, I just love having you around and San Francisco is so far away. I’m sorry, it was selfish of me.”
“No.” Donna stopped her. “I like being around too and I hated that job. But I will have to go and get the rest of my stuff and I do need to find my own place to live.”
“I have more than enough room.” Brooke told her. “We’re family.”
“We’ll get on each other’s nerves. Nope, I’ll take the job at Forrester and I’ll move back to LA, but I need my own apartment. Otherwise the deal is off.”
“Okay, okay, you win.” Brooke laughed. “But you’ll stay a week or so right?”
“I think we can handle another week.” Donna agreed. “So did you turn in the car?”
“Yup. I’m glad I took a rental instead of my own.”
“Why did you do that anyway?” Donna wondered.
“I didn’t want Ridge to try and track me down.” Brooke giggled. “I guess I was pretty paranoid wasn’t I?”
“Yes.” Donna laughed. “But it worked out cause now we can drive back together. Did you call anyone to say you’re coming home?”
“They’ll see me when they see me. We’ll see Rick at home and frankly there isn’t anyone else I even care to inform, well except Megan and Eric, but I’ll call them from home.”
“Are you going back to work right away?” Donna asked.
“Tomorrow, maybe not for the whole day, but I want to check up on things. Then maybe I’ll come with you to San Francisco and help you move.”
“Trying to keep busy?” Donna asked.
“I have plenty to keep me busy, I just want to help.” Brooke gave her a hug. “Now if only we could get Stormy and Katie back too.”
“Hmmm, next thing you know you’ll want to buy back the old house.”
“Wouldn’t be that bad an idea. I’m getting tired of living alone in that big old mausoleum of mine. Even with Rick and Amber staying it just feels so large.”
“Maybe you won’t be alone too much longer.” Donna suggested.
“Donna!” Brooke gasped. “Don’t make more of things than there was.”
“You seem rather fond of the man Brooke.”
“I do like him, but Donna, things really went a little crazy. Nick and I barely know each other, I know it got intense, but we’re certainly not at the moving in together stage or anything like that.” Brooke squinted but then a sly smile crossed her face.
“You’re thinking about him.” Donna teased.
“I am heavily in lust.” Brooke admitted. “But Donna, I need to slow things down and get things into perspective. I’m just not sure either one of us is ready for any kind of relationship, other than friendship at least.”
“Close friendship.” Donna laughed.
Brooke blushed and hugged herself. “It felt good, it felt really good, but Donna, I am not going to jump from intense thing to another.”
“You’re not going to see him anymore?” Donna asked with a frown.
“I didn’t say THAT!” Brooke giggled. “I’m not that crazy!”
“But you want to cool it down?” Donna asked with a confused look.
“I think we need to get to know each other better.” Brooke answered.
“Um, I think you got to know each other pretty well yesterday and this morning.” Donna said with a wink.
“Yeah.” Brooke smiled. “But we really do need to know each other on other levels. I’m not saying I don’t want a physical relationship, I would be lying, but I think things got sort of out of order. I’d like to go back a step or two, you know, go out to dinner, a movie, talk.”
“And if he wants to spend the night?” Donna wondered.
“I guess I’ll have to see what happens won’t I?” Brooke laughed. “But don’t worry Donna, I am not saying that I want it over, I’m saying, I want it to begin.”


“We need to talk.” Stephanie stood at the door to Eric’s office. She stopped short of going in but she was determined to do this.
“I’ve nothing to say to you Stephanie, in fact I don’t even know why you’re here in the first place.”
“This is my company too Eric.”
“Is that so? I thought you’d be more comfortable at Marone.” He looked at her with disdain. “I can’t believe you went through with that farce of a party last night. Apparently you have no concern for me or this company or for propriety, but I thought you cared about Ridge.”
“I do! I do Eric and this was good for him. He needs to move on, he needs to forget about Brooke and about Bridget.”
“So you’ve come around have you? You don’t want Ridge to fall for his sister?” Eric angrily addressed her.
“I never wanted that Eric, never. But I DO understand how he could reach out to her. She’s so much like Taylor, Bridget is a good, kind woman, nothing like that slut of a mother of hers.”
“Enough!” Eric shouted. “I will not have you bad mouthing Brooke. Now say what it is you have to say and go. I don’t have the patience to deal with you today.”


“So what was that all about?” Ridge scowled, looking at the door Jackie had just walked out of.
“Mothers worry, you should know that Forrester.”
“Seemed to be more to it than worry.” The crease in Ridge’s forehead seemed to grow with his anger.
“Again you’re interested in my personal life? What’s with you? Why do I fascinate you for some reason? Perhaps you have a hidden attraction to err, gruff was what you said hmmmm, sailors?” Nick laughed.
“That’s disgusting.” Ridge growled. “And no, I could care less about your personal life, or lack of one. Just remember one thing Payne, and never forget it.”
“Oh? And what would that be?”
“You work for ME! I’m your boss! You got that? I run this company, you may be in charge of a fleet, but I am in charge of you and I can see your ass out of here any time I want to!”
“In your dreams.” Nick shot back. His easy humor was replaced by a deep seeded anger. “I work for me and for me alone!”
“Maybe it’s time you cleared outta here Nicky boy. I think I can find a much better qualified captain anyway.”
“Where would you look Dressmaker? On a cereal box?” Nick chided.
“That’s where they found you isn’t it?” Ridge taunted and laughed.


Jackie pushed the elevator button again, frustrated at the slow time it was taking to arrive. She gently started tapping her foot in frustration.
“It’s jammed downstairs.” Massimo’s strong voice seemed to fill the entire hallway. “I have men working on it, it should be fixed shortly. Come Jacqueline, come have some coffee with me while you wait.”
“Massimo.” She felt flustered as she turned to him. “We must stop meeting this way.” She tried to joke.
“I was going to suggest the very opposite.” He smiled and took her arm. “So are you here looking for Dominick? I haven’t seen him and I’m more than a little angry about that. He was supposed to be helping a distressed ship.”
“He’s here and getting ready to leave now.” Jackie informed him. “I was just saying goodbye.”
“And did he happen to tell you where he was all day yesterday?” Massimo asked with an angry frown.
“He was visiting a friend, a friend very much in need.”
“He needs to set his priorities straight. I didn’t hire him to a job of such importance to have him take off on a whim every time one of his old sailor pals gets into a drunken brawl or has a wife run off. This won’t do. Not ever if he is your son Jacqueline. I’ll cut him slack this time, but not again, not again.”
“Massimo you must remember what it was like to be young and in love.” Jackie smiled at him.
“In love? It was a woman? Was it?” He stopped and smiled. “Well I’ll be damned, it worked.”
“What worked?” She asked. “Massimo, did you encourage him to do something?”
“Just a gentle push.” He laughed. “Well, well, seems like your son may be an even more valuable employee than I ever imagined. So you say love? Did he say that?”
“A mother knows.” She said with a coy smile. “Do you know her? Is she as special as Nicky seems to think?”
Massimo seemed to consider her question. He had no love for Brooke Logan, but he could see that a man could desire her. He’d gladly let her warm his bed, as long as she got out before she caused him the kind of damage that she had caused the Forrester family. He didn’t wish her on Jackie, but if Dominick could turn her away from Ridge he’d do anything in his power to make that happen. “She’s a beautiful woman. Sexy, smart. But she’s made some bad mistakes in her life. I think she needs a new direction and perhaps Dominick is that direction for her. Have you met her?”
“Not yet, but I will.” Jackie told him. “I’ve seen her picture and I agree, she is beautiful.”
“And her history? Her past? I hope you’re not letting that worry you?”
“Nicky can handle that. He hasn’t led a sheltered life by any means. His own love life could more than rival hers I’m afraid.” Jackie admitted. “They seem to be two people in need of grounding. I wasn’t always sure that that was the kind of woman that I’d want for my son, but he seems so taken and she is lovely and I won’t judge her because of silly gossip mongers. Nicky is a very good judge of character and he finds her captivating.”
“Alright, enough about Brooke Logan and Dominick Payne, let’s go talk about Jacqueline shall we? I think we have some catching up to do and believe me, I have more than a few questions.” He turned them towards his massive office and led her inside.


“I love you Eric. I do. I want things back like they were and now that the slut is out of our son’s life maybe we can get it all back. If we work together we can rid ourselves of Brooke Logan in every facet of life, I know we can..”
“OUR son? Are you forgetting something Stephanie? Are you forgetting that I know your dirty little secret?”
“He’s your son Eric, in every way that matters. YOU are the father who raised him! YOU are the father who loved him! YOU are the man who dried his little boy tears and taught him how to play baseball and showed him how to grow up to be the fine man that he is today. YOU Eric you! Yes, I know that it has to hurt. I wish that things were different but he is your son.”
“Apparently Ridge doesn’t feel that way. He’s working with Marone now isn’t he? He’s abandoned the life and the values that I tried to instill in him. I will always love him and he will always be my son, but he doesn’t feel that way anymore. You cheated and lied to us Stephanie. For years! For years! And all you can do is try to find ways to twist it to blame Brooke! Now you tell me that you love me. Well frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn! I don’t love you anymore. I don’t know why I ever did.” He threw down the charcoal that he had been drawing with. “Now get out of here before I have you thrown out!”


“Well Forrester, as pleasant as this has been I have to bid you adieu. I have some real work to do, maybe some day you may try it.” Nick put his cap on and stuck his cigar in his mouth. “Don’t miss me too much huh?”
“No danger of that happening Popeye.” Ridge answered with a scoff. “And please, take your time, Marone is so much more pleasant without you around.”
“Awwww, I know you don’t really mean that.” Nick smiled, picked up his charts and the envelope he had just sealed. “Close the door where you’re done in here will ya?” And with that he walked out of the office. He went up to the secretary and handed her the letter. “You’ll make sure this gets there right away?” He asked her. “It’s very important.”
“I’ll take it there personally.” She promised with a smile.


Brooke turned around and smiled at Hope. “You okay back there sweetie?” She asked.
“Yes Mommy.” Hope giggled from her child seat. Then she started to play with her toys again, effectively dismissing Brooke. Brooke looked at Donna and winked, then turned back to Hope.
“What do you say Hopealula?” Brooke teased.
“I love you Mommy.”
“Good girl, I love you too babydoll.” Brooke smiled and turned back to Donna. “I need to make some changes in my life.” She announced.
“I think you just did.” Donna smiled and looked at her sister. “Are you sure you want to bite off more?”
“It’s the right time. I’m not sure what but I am tired of everything being so routine. It’s no wonder I always look towards the Forester’s, who else do I see?”
“Okay, fire them all.” Donna suggested.
“Oh that would work.” Brooke said with a sarcastic laugh. “The company would go belly up in a week, I would be persona non grata with all of them, yup, that would end the connection wouldn’t it?”
“I suppose that’s a bit drastic.” Donna agreed. “But what do you have in mind?”
“Stop!” Brooke called out.
“What?” Donna slowed the car down.
“Pull in there.” Brooke pointed to a small store. “I’m dying of thirst.”
“Oh my God, you almost gave me a heart attack.” Donna frowned but pulled into the parking lot.
“I’m sorry. I guess I’ve been thinking about something cold to drink for so long that I expected you to know what was on my mind.” She looked back at Hope. “Okay honey, we’re going to go in and get a snack. Would you like that?”
“Yes Mommy.” Brooke and Donna got out of the car and then Brooke got Hope from the back seat. They went into the store and Brooke and Hope headed to the coolers. Brooke grabbed a container of chocolate milk for Hope and a Diet Pepsi for herself.
“Donna!” She called out. “What would you like?”
“Coke!” She answered,
“Diet?” Brooke asked.
“No! Leaded.” Donna said with a laugh. “And let’s get some chips too.”
“Oh yeah, let’s just put on ten pounds on the ride back.” Brooke laughed softly. But she grabbed a couple of different kinds of chips. She walked up to the counter where Donna was piling up magazines, gum and candy. “We’ll be home soon honey, do we really need all that?” Brooke giggled.
“Humor me, I’m PMSing.” Donna countered.
“And that’s why you’re buying all these?” Brooke held up People, US and several other gossip magazines.
“I’ve been out of it since getting to Ojai.” Donna laughed.
“Okay.” Brooke said in a sing song style, adding an LA Times to the pile. “I’ve been out of touch myself. I’m going to take Hope to the little girl’s room and then we better hit the road.”
“I’ll pay and wait for you in the car.” Donna told her with a grin.



“I just don’t understand why you left. I thought we had something important Jacqueline. You tore my heart out. I tried to find you and I did, but you never answered my calls or my letters. You at least owed me an explanation why.”
“I couldn’t Massimo, you can’t even begin to understand what it was like for me. Frank found out about us, he threatened to kill me or to kill you. I had no choice but to do as he asked. We moved away and I tried to live with everything. I thought of you, I missed you, I did, but I was frightened.”
“But why did you ignore my letters? Just a note Jacqueline, that is all I needed and you did nothing.”
“I never got letters.” She said sadly. “Nor phone calls. I suppose I believed Frank when he said that it was over and you didn’t care. I had to move on, I had to find a way to survive, not just for me, but for my baby too.”
“Are you still together?” Massimo asked.
“No, I tried to leave him, several times, and then well I suppose my prayers were answered. He died.”
“I won’t say I’m sorry.”
“Neither will I.” Jackie said with a sad smile. “It was like a jail cell finally opening, and yet it was sad, the saddest day of my life.”
“You still loved him? After all he did to you?” Massimo couldn’t believe his ears.
“I loved Nicky, and once he felt that I was safe, he left. He went off to sea, just like his, just like you and so many other men I knew.” She stopped herself.
“But he was still in your life, I can tell you have a very close relationship.”
“He was, he is, but the times on shore got fewer and further apart. A part of me died each time he sailed off, but he was happy at sea. But Massimo, it’s such a lonely life. I want him to have roots, a family. Is that asking too much? Didn’t you ever want more? Didn’t you ever want to settle down?”
Massimo’s eyes suddenly turned cold. He stared at her. “You know I did.” He said in a calm, yet angry voice.
“You didn’t need me Massimo, you had so many beautiful and suitable women, I was married. I wouldn’t have been what you needed.”
He walked to the window and peered out. “We’ll never know now will we?” He said without facing her.
“Why did you never marry?” She asked.
“I’ve loved two women, both chose different paths.” He said softly.
“But you’ve been happy. Haven’t you?” She asked.
“I am a wealthy and successful man.” He told her, finally turning back to face her. “And I have an heir now. A son I never knew.”
Jackie felt her heart drop to her stomach as she stared at him. “How, how did you know?” She stammered.


Brooke flipped through the People magazine, not reading, just skimming and looking at the pictures. “Nice dress.” She held up the magazine showing Donna a picture of Sharon Stone. “We could do well with a more adventurous line like that.”
“It’s hot, but do you really think that’s Ridge or Eric’s style?” Donna wondered.
“I guess not, but what’s wrong with change? Hell, they’ve both fought me tooth and nail with every change I’ve tried to make. Sometimes I wonder why I stay.”
“You’re not serious are you?” Donna asked.
“I’m just tired of all the fighting, but no, I also think I make an important contribution and I’ll be damned if they make me insecure in any way.”
The sound of soft musical chimes made Donna look up. “That’s your cell.”
“Hmmmm.” Brooke grabbed her purse from the car floor and pulled out the phone. A smile came over her face. “Nick.” She said with a squeal. Then she hit enter. “Hello.” She said, somewhat tentatively.
“How do you like that, she actually did answer.” Nick’s cheerful voice made the butterflies start swarming in her stomach.
“I said I would.” She turned and winked at Donna.
“You in a car?” Nick queried, hearing the familiar sounds of traffic.
“We’re on the way home. Where are you?” She asked.
“On a boat, on the way to the Cortez.” He answered. “I miss you.” He said in a tone that conveyed a sweet shyness.
“I miss you too.” Brooke confessed.
“I um, wanted to warn you.”
”About?” She asked with an unseen squint.
“Forrester, I saw him, he’s more determined than ever. Be careful Brooke, be strong.”
Brooke sighed. “I guess I should have known he’d not have given up. What did he say to you? Did you tell him you saw me? Did he know you were even coming?”
“Am I a secret Brooke?” Nick’s voice had the same hesitance as the night before.
“No Nick, no.” She tried to reassure him. “It’s just that sometimes you have to deal with Ridge differently. It’s not exactly like your average relationship. He’s very um.”
“Possessive.” Nick supplied.
“Yes.” Brooke softly agreed.
“Well don’t worry, I didn’t say a word, but that was to protect you. I don’t want you to have to deal with all that while I’m away. But I didn’t like lying and I don’t like the idea of him getting the idea that you’re his, and believe me Brooke, that arrogant SOB sure does believe that.”
“I’ll set him straight.” Brooke promised.
“Brooke do you regret what happened? I need to know.”
Brooke closed her eyes and thought for a moment. The silence felt like hours to Nick and he already anticipated her answer. “Oh, I guess that’s my answer.”
“The only thing I regret is not being on that boat, in your arms right now.” Brooke said softly.
“Good, good.” The smile came back into his voice. “I’m sorry Brooke, I’m new at all this so you’re going to have to cut me some slack and deal with a guy with some insecurities.”
“That will be quite a change from a man like Ridge.” She giggled. Then she turned serious. “Nick I wish you were already back.”
“Me too.” He laughed. “And this is new for me too. I’ve never gotten on a boat before and wished I was dry docked.”
“Are we crazy?” Brooke wondered.
“I don’t think so.” He told her.
“Nah, me either.” She agreed.
He laughed heartily, bringing a smile to Brooke’s face. “Hey, I can’t stay on long so can I say hi to the munchkin?”
“Oh Nick, that’s so sweet.” Brooke was deeply touched. “I’m sure she’ll love it. Hold on.” She turned to Hope. “Honey, Nick wants to say hello to you.”
“Nick.” She giggled. “Nick is cool.”
“Yes he is.” Brooke laughed and held the phone to Hope’s ear. “Say hello sweetie.”
“Hello.” Hope said in her sweet little voice.
“Hi Hope. Do you remember me?” Nick asked.
“Nick!” Hope smiled and giggled and looked at Brooke.
“I miss you pumpkin. Are you being a good girl?”
“No.” She answered. “Are you coming to my house?”
“Soon.” He told her. “Would you like that?”
“Yes please.” She said politely. “Can you marry my Mommy?” She asked with the innocence that only came from a child.
“Um, well, we’ll have to think about that later Hope.” He laughed with a glimmer of embarrassment and with a touch of a smile too. “Is that okay?”
“Will you buy me a toy on your trip?” She asked, relieving the tension a bit and bringing a chuckle to the man who until recently had thought he was too tough to be touched.
“I’m going to be very busy, but if I get to a store you bet I will sweetie.”
“Okay.” She easily acquiesced.
“I’m sure I’ll be able to find something on the boat to bring you though.” He didn’t want to disappoint her. “Okay honey, let me say goodbye to Mommy now.”
“What do you say Nickalula?” She asked with a giggle.
“Nickalula?” Nick laughed. “Now where’d you come up with that?”
“Tell Mommy that you love her.” Hope instructed him.
Brooke blushed and took the phone back. “Sorry Nick.” She told him.
“Hey, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.” He cleared his throat. “Brooke be strong, for us.”
“I will.” She promised.
“Brooke, I do you know.”
“Do?” She asked.
”Love you.” He answered quickly, almost embarrassed by his confession but glad that he had found the nerve to voice the words. “I’ll talk to you in a few days okay?”
“Hurry home, please hurry home and be careful Nick.”
“Bye beautiful.” He said, clicking off the connection.


“Hello Mother, I’ve been expecting you for hours.” Ridge looked up as Stephanie entered his office. “What kept you?”
“Don’t be smart with me.” She told him. “I’ve had a difficult day and I don’t need your sass.”
“Okay, then what can I do for you?”
“What happened last night?” She asked. “Karen ran out, you ran out, we never heard another word from you. Did you two have an argument?”
“Look Mother, I know that you know perfectly well where we were. Things just didn’t work out. I didn’t feel like dealing with your little party anymore. I left, end of subject.”
“It was a nice party. I’m sure it helped you see that there is more to life than Brooke Logan.”
“It only made me more determined than ever to have her.” Ridge gloated. “So I guess it backfired on you didn’t it?”
“I’m not so sure about that. You seemed to have a nice time with Tricia and you and Karen did share that room.”
“You achieved your goal, it shocked me and I had that initial attraction. But I acted wrong and I need to clear that up with Karen. And I will.”
“Don’t burn your bridges Ridge.”
“The only Bridge I am interested in is Brooke and Ridge.” He smiled as he gestured with his hands the coming together of the two names. “I’m going to marry her, as soon as she comes home I will get through to her and she will be my wife. She and Hope belong with me and the children and nothing you can say will change that.”
“Not if I have a say.” Stephanie growled.
“But you don’t Mother, you don’t at all.”


Macy looked down at Thorne and Brooke’s wedding photo. No longer did it bring tears to her eyes, only anger. “You thought you could live happily after ever. You both thought it was fine to walk all over me to get what you wanted and now look, it was all for nothing, just like I warned you Thorne. It was always Ridge for her and it always will be. I’m banking on that.” She smiled to herself like the Cheshire Cat. “And I end up with the prize too. I will be the star of Stephanie’s family, I will be the woman who finally got Ridge over Taylor.” She laughed softly. “And you’ll both be on the outside, looking in and wishing for what you once had.”


“It was an accident, a freak accident.” Massimo told the confused Jackie. “He was hurt and he needed blood, Eric wasn’t a match. I always thought that I felt a closeness to the man, but I finally understood. I had a son Jacqueline, one I had never known, but a son.”
“E E E E Eric?” She stammered.
“You didn’t know? I thought everyone did by now. Eric Forrester.”
“Ridge? Ridge Forrester is your son?” She gasped.
“Yes he is.” Massimo said proudly. “And now that it’s all out in the open everything is going to be different. Ridge and I will have the relationship that Eric Forrester stole from us. A father and son is a strong bond Jacqueline, an important one and I will never forgive anyone who spoiled my chance to be a father, never.”


“Almost home sweetie, just a couple of blocks away, are you tired?” Brooke asked Hope.
“Is Nick dere?” Hope asked.
“No honey, Nick is on a boat right now. But Uncle Rick is there and Marta will be there.”
“And Amber?” Hope asked.
“Yes, and Amber and Little Eric too.” Brooke smiled. She turned back to Donna. “Amber.” She sighed.
“She’s been okay to you hasn’t she?”
“Surprisingly yes.” Brooke laughed. She picked up the magazine and started skimming through it again. “Wow, did you hear this?” She asked Donna.
“Hear what?”
“Brad Bell died, he was pretty young too. Oh Donna, this is horrible, he was murdered.”
“Who is he?” Donna frowned.
“He was a soap opera writer, had a pretty popular soap, world wide and all that. Mom used to watch it if I remember correctly. She thought one of his heroines reminded her of me.” Brooke giggled.
“So how did he die?” Donna asked.
“Oh this is terrible. It was an obsessed fan, apparently she was upset that she didn’t get her favorite pairing. When they dragged her off she was screaming about waiting seventeen years and how he screwed her over again. Can you imagine that? She shot the poor guy.” Brooke turned the page. “Pretty depressing. The guy had kids, a young wife. You never know about people do you.” She put down the magazine. “I can’t wait to get home.”
“So what did Nick say?” Donna asked. “Did Hope embarrass him?”
“A little.” Brooke admitted. “Donna I really wish he hadn’t left.”
“He won’t be gone long.”
“He’s worried about Ridge, he saw him at Marone, and apparently Ridge is not ready to give up yet. I don’t know if Nick thinks he’s dangerous or what. He asked me to be strong for him and for us and I will Donna, I swear I will.”
“I think Nick knows about the hold the man has on you. You need to reassure him next time Brooke, you need to let him know that you are moving on, you have moved on. That is if you’re really serious about him.”
“I am.” Brooke smiled. “Every time I talk to him I’m more sure.”
“I’m really happy for you Brooke, I’ve always wanted you to find a guy who made you this happy and who didn’t have someone else too.”
“It does get tiring always looking behind me. I thought this time was different, I really did.”
“Oh boy was it different.” Donna said through gritted teeth. “I still can’t get the image out of my head, it makes me sick Brooke, it really does. Ridge and Bridget.” She shook her head.
“It pretty much marked paid on us didn’t it?” Brooke sighed.
Donna made the turn onto Brooke’s street. “Home sweet home.” She said.
“For now.” Brooke said with a new determination.


“Stop being so dramatic Ridge. You know I’m right, you wouldn’t have turned to Bridget if you ever thought Brooke was right for you.”
“That was wrong, I was wrong. I know what’s right and that is Logan. I’m going to marry her Mother, it’s going to happen, in fact it’s going to happen as soon as she gets home.” He smiled broadly and then raised his eyebrows as his cell phone went off. “Hmmmm.” He grinned as he answered it. “Talk to me. When? Where? Are you sure? Great, thanks.” He turned off his phone.
“She’s back isn’t she?” Stephanie scowled.
“You’re very perceptive Mother.”
“Don’t do anything stupid Ridge, please don’t do anything stupid.”
“I’ve already done enough stupid things Mother, from now on all I do will be smart.” He got up from his desk. “Sorry to cut this short, but I have a fiancée to get back!”


“I’m way too tired to worry about cooking tonight, how does a pizza out by the pool sound?” Brooke asked Donna as she sorted through the mail.
“Sounds good, but this may make you lose your appetite.” Donna walked over to her with the newspaper. “Seems Ridge had a little coming out party.”
“A what?” Brooke squinted and took the newspaper from Donna. “Oh for God’s sake, what do they think he is, a debutante? This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m shocked they didn’t call it a ‘Brooke is out of his life party’. And he actually went. I guess Nick was wrong about him. He couldn’t possibly go to this farce and then claim he still wants me could he?”
“The old Brooke would have taken him back in a second, and been thankful that he gave her the time of day too.” Donna reminded her.
“Was I that pathetic?” Brooke asked.
“You were in love honey, not pathetic, well, maybe a little bit.” She laughed.
“Look at this guest list, all women except for like five men.” Brooke laughed. “I guess they were more than determined to hook him up with someone. They even invited Karen Spencer. I didn’t even know she was back in town.”
“You’re not jealous are you?” Donna worried.
“Hurt, a little hurt that they’d go through all this to rid themselves of me, but not jealous. Sad maybe. An era has ended. I’ll tell you one thing though, I sure would like to hear Nick’s voice about now.”
“Just think about him Brooke, do like he asked you to, be strong for him, for both of you.”
“I guess Nick knows the situation better than I thought. It’s going to be harder than I imagined. Please don’t let me backslide Donna, help me if you see it happening.”
“That will be my pleasure honey.” Donna said with a hug.
“What’s this?” Brooke crinkled her nose in a squint at the plain envelope with just her name on it. She turned it over, but there was no stamp or postmark on it. “If this is Ridge.” She muttered but she opened it anyway. A smile crossed her face and she looked at Donna.
“Is it?” Donna asked. “What did he say?”
“It’s from Nick.” Brooke sighed. “It’s so sweet, would you like to read it?”
“Are you sure it’s not too personal?” Donna asked.
“I won’t tell if you don’t.” Brooke gave her the letter. Donna opened it and read it.

Brooke,

I’m ready to leave and for the first time in my life the thought of being at sea depresses me. I’ll be counting the minutes until I can come back and see your beautiful face again. I know what we have is new and I know it can be scary but I think it’s really good. I miss you already. I keep replaying our day and our night and the one thing that I know is that I want, no, I need more of them Brooke. I can’t wait to start the new chapter in my life, in our life. You’ve brought me something I never thought I’d ever experience. Wait for me, please wait for me because I promise you, we are going to be worth it.

Love,

Nick.


Donna wiped a tear from her eye and handed Brooke the letter back. “He’s a keeper Brooke, please, please don’t let him get away.”
“I have no intentions of letting that happen.” Brooke smiled through the happy tears in her own eyes.


The men all shouted loud greetings as Nick walked onto the Cortez. He smiled at the warm reception, but noticed that one man, the new captain, wasn’t happy at his appearance.
“Captain Payne, it’s good to have you back, you’ve been missed.” One man announced.
“Nick, you’re naked.” His old friend John grinned and rubbed his own chin. “Not much of an improvement though, I think you better hide that ugly mug of yours again.”
“Ah, thanks John, you handsome dog you.” Nick teased.
“Are you back for good, we sure can use you, things have been falling apart since you left.” A young sailor announced.
“Just a fireman now Freddie.” Nick told him. “I’m commanding the fleet for Marone now.”
“Landlubber.” John teased.
“Ouch.” Nick said, showing mock pain.
“No need for the appearance Payne, I have everything under control.” Captain Jed Standard told him with a frown.
“Not what I heard, but don’t worry, I’m just here to make sure things are running smoothly and then I’ll be out of your hair. I need to see the reports. Seems like we’ve had some sabotage going on.”
“Not my assessment.” Jed told him.
“Well, it’s my job to look into it, put out the fires and get you on your way, so what do you say you help me out Jed? Show me what you got and we can work together on this huh?”
“Does Marone know you’re here?” Jed asked him.
“He does, but that is irrelevant because it’s MY job to make these decisions. Now I just cut off a very pleasant vacation to come down here so what do you say you cut me some slack and work with me?”
“Fine.” Jed said angrily. “I suppose you’ll be wanting to take over my cabin too?”
“I’ll bunk with the men, I’m not here to undermine you, I’m here to help. You get the things together and I’ll meet you in the office okay?”
“Give me a couple of hours, things are a little busy right now.”
“I’ll give you one hour.” Nick said with authority. “Right now I could do with some grub. John, wanna join me?”
“Don’t mind if I do, we got some catching up to do.” John patted Nick on the back. “I have some very interesting news.”
“Hmmmm. Now what could you have to say that would interest me?” Nick teased.
“I’ll tell you over dinner.” John said.
“I’ll see you in a bit.” Nick turned to Jed.
“Yeah.” Jed growled and walked away.
Once he was gone Nick turned to John. “What can you tell me? What’s going on? I don’t like the sound of anything I’m hearing.”
“We need you back buddy. You’re not the corporate type. You must be pulling more hair out than that beard of yours sitting in an office sipping coffee all day. You need the sea like the sea needs you. Come back huh?”
“I’ve made a commitment John. Believe me, it wasn’t an easy decision but I really think it was the right one. I can help a lot more people this way, and I still get out to sea once in a while too. Best of both worlds ya know?”
“I suppose so, but still we need you Nick, I’m not sure Jed can handle this, to be honest I’m not sure of Jed himself.”
Nick looked around and there were too many people around. “Not here John, not now okay?”
“You got it boss.” He grinned at Nick. “So you wanna hear the news?”
“What news is this?” Nick asked. The two men started walking towards the galley.
“Brandy, she’s back in town.” John laughed.
“Give me a break.” Nick moaned.
“Come on Payne, you two were hot and heavy there.”
“That was a long time ago.”
“She’s been asking about you.”
“Hmmm. I can just imagine what she’s been asking.”
“Seriously Nick, and when we heard you were coming here.” He stopped and grinned.
“No.” Nick said flatly. “That is over and done with.”
“Are you sure?” John asked.
“I’ve moved on, it took a long time, but I did and I’m at a good place right now, so thanks, but no thanks.”
“You know you won’t be able to avoid her.”
“I’ll do my best. I’m here to work, not to get laid.”
“Awwwhh Nick, it was more than that. I know it was.”
“To me, not to her. Enough, I don’t want to talk about her. Pilar Hernandez is history, ancient history.”
“You know she’s going to make sure she sees you Nick.” John smiled. “And I think you want to see her too.”
“I’m here to put out the fire and then I’m heading home.”
“Seattle.” John said with a sigh. “I do miss it. I guess I can’t blame you for wanting to spend some time there.”
“I live in LA now.” Nick informed him. “I have a boat, I live on her.”
“You live in LA? Why?”
“Marone is in LA.” Nick laughed. “Things are different John.”
“I can’t see you landlocked Nick.”
They made the turn into the mess. Two sailors were sitting drinking coffee. “Anything to eat around here?” Nick asked.
“Captain Payne!” One man jumped up and ran to Nick. “Hey man, it’s great to see you back.”
“Thanks Adam, it’s good to be here.” Nick shook his hand.
“There’s some chili still in a pot.” Adam told him.
“Sounds good.” Nick winked. “Come on John, like I said, I’m starved.”


“He went to her, after all we did he went to her! He actually is on his way to that whore’s house right now!” Stephanie angrily announced as she stormed into Massimo’s office. “Oh, excuse me.” She stopped her tirade seeing Jackie there. “I didn’t meant to interrupt.”
“Stephanie Forrester, Jacqueline Payne.” Massimo introduced them with a bit of annoyance.
“Payne?” Stephanie asked. “Are you related to Captain Payne?”
“I’m his mother.” Jackie informed her. “And you must be Ridge’s mother.”
“Yes.” Stephanie smiled proudly. “Anyway, I’m sorry to interrupt, I’ll come back later.”
“No need, I was leaving anyway.” Jackie told her with a smile. Then she turned to Massimo. “It was nice seeing you again, please let me know if you hear any news on Nicky.” She handed him a card. “This is my cell phone and email.”
“I’ll call you, we have more to discuss.” He said in an authoritative fashion.
“As you wish.” Jackie smiled. “Goodbye.” She said politely to Stephanie and walked out.
“I’m sorry Mass, I really am.” Stephanie apologized. “But I was so furious.”
“When did she get back?” Massimo asked.
“Just now, just a while ago and he’s already on his way to see her. I guess Captain Payne didn’t distract her much.”
“And neither did Karen Spencer distract Ridge.” He growled. “What is wrong with that son of ours? What? Why does he keep running back? Does the woman have gold between her legs?”
“Well that was crude.” Stephanie laughed. “Though I often wondered the same.”
“Perhaps I should ask Eric.” Massimo raised his eyebrow.
“And that was unnecessarily cruel.” Stephanie turned away.
“I’m sorry, I am just not in a good mood. Things seem to be going wrong on all fronts today. I just hope that Dominick can handle this problem for me.”
“Seems he’s already failed.” Stephanie reminded him.
“Not Brooke Logan, something more important.” Massimo looked down at some papers on his desk. “Something very important.”


“He’s here Brooke. Do you want me to get rid of him?” Donna peaked out the front door.
“That didn’t take him long did it.” Brooke sighed. “No honey, I’ll handle it, you just take Hope out back, I don’t want her getting involved in all this and I really don’t want her setting Ridge off by talking about Nick either.”
“Serve him right.” Donna muttered.
“Maybe, but I don’t want him to turn on Hope over it.”
“Are you sure you can do this alone Brooke? Are you sure that you can stay strong?”
“Trust me Donna. I can’t avoid him forever. It’s better that I do this now and get it over with. I can handle him.”
“I just worry Brooke.” Donna tried to smile but she just looked sad. “I don’t want him pulling you back in to that abyss. I’ve loved seeing you the last few days, I’ve loved having my sister back.”
“Your sister isn’t going anywhere.” Brooke promised. “Now please, just take Hope out back for me.”
Donna hesitated but she finally acquiesced and brought her niece outside. Meanwhile Brooke nervously rubbed her hands together waiting for the doorbell to ring.


Nick locked the files away in the safe, he had changed the combination and put an extra lock on it, trust was an issue and aside from John and a couple of others Nick didn’t trust anyone. There was something going on, something bad and he needed to get to the bottom of it. But he needed to reestablish a rapport with the crew and the whole life. He ran his fingers through his hair, he was amazed at how quickly everything had changed for him, how quickly he had changed. He had to wonder if he could even be the same Captain Payne he had been such a short time ago. He walked to the table and poured a shot of whiskey, but before he could bring it to his mouth he had a different thought. “Not here.” He said. “It has to be there, it has to be.” He poured the shot back into the bottle, spilling some on the table but not caring. Then he got up and walked out of the office.


“I’m so glad you’re back.” Ridge smiled and pulled Brooke into an awkward hug. “I’ve missed you. We have so much to talk about.”
“You didn’t waste any time getting here did you.” Brooke let go of him. “Were you having me followed?”
“I had someone watching out for you. Logan I needed to see you, I need to fix this. We need each other, we can make it right again, now that you’re back we can.”
“Sit down.” Brooke walked to the couch and sat. Ridge came and sat next to her, taking her hand. “Ridge please.” She pushed his hand away.
“I know you’re angry and you have a right to be. I was so wrong, what I did was so wrong.”
“Yes it was.” She told him plainly.
“But I learned a lesson Brooke, I really did. I never thought I could ever lose you, I took you for granted. You’ve taught me just how it would feel if I did lose you and believe me, I don’t like it, I don’t like it one bit. Thank God you’re back. Now we can make it right again, starting with this.” He pulled the ring out of his pocket and brought her hand to his lap. “There.” He put the ring on the stunned woman’s hand. “See, it’s back where it belongs, and so are you and so am I. I love you Logan, God how I love you.”



The bar was dark and dinghy and just what one would expect for a rough sailor hang out. John and Nick were greeted as they made their way to a table. It felt familiar to Nick but not comfortable. There was an air of danger and he knew it was his job to find out just what it was. The barmaid came over and placed a bottle and two glasses in front of them. “From Al.” She told them, pointing to a man behind the bar. Nick gave him a salute and a smile. “Nice to see you back Nick.” She told him.
“Thanks Maria.” He answered. “Place seems the same.”
“Did you think we’d change?” She asked him.
“Hoped not.” He grinned and pulled a cigar out of his pocket, putting it in his teeth. “Seth around?” He asked.
“Not since last what Wednesday? Thursday?” She answered. “But he’ll be back, he’s not out or anything.”
“Good.” Nick told her. He lit the cigar and savored the first drag. “Good to be back.”
“You stayin’?” Maria asked.
“We’ll see.” Nick said, dismissing her. She shrugged and walked on to another table.
“Playing it cool I see.” John told him.
“I looked at the papers. Things have been going missing for a long time. Even before I left. I wasn’t careful then, I will be this time.”
“You thinking Seth?” John asked.
“If someone has a hand in it, it would be Seth, but no accusations yet.” He poured a shot, brought it to his mouth and drank it down.
“This can’t be a game Nick, it has to be real.”
“It is real.” Nick assured him.
“Seems to me that a piece of you isn’t here right now. Am I wrong?”
Nick’s thoughts immediately flew to Brooke and Hope, laughing and smiling at him, playing in the pool and a smile crossed his gruff face.
“Holy shit.” John gasped. “Who is she?”
“You don’t wanna know. And I need to leave her behind right now, she will only distract me and I can’t afford that kind of distraction.”
“Well here comes some more distraction.” John’s eyes went to the door and Nick’s followed his.
She walked in and while she did fit in she didn’t. She was beautiful. She had long, silky dark brown hair, wide brown eyes and a sultry smile. She wore an inexpensive dress that clung to her with a look that the rich women who bough Forrester Originals would have given their eyeteeth for. Her long legs were bare and alluring, not just to Nick but to most men in the bar. Her eyes lit on Nick’s and she smiled coyly. Then she started to approach his table. “You’re in for trouble now boss.” John laughed.


Brooke looked down at the ring on her finger. She was stunned but she couldn’t seem to move to remove it or to say a word. She looked up at him with intense pain in her eyes.
“See.” Ridge smiled. “Everything is back like it belongs. If I had my way I’d take you away and finish that ceremony right now, but I know you’re tired and you need to think. So how about Saturday?” He grinned. “Sounds like a nice day for a wedding to me.”
“And who would you be waiting for at the end of the aisle this time Ridge?” She finally found her voice.
“It was always you Brooke, it was only you. What happened with Bridget was wrong, I was confused, I was hurt, Brooke I just couldn’t deal with Deacon, but I’m okay now, I’ve forgiven you and I love you and.”
“You’ve forgiven me?” She asked softly. “You’ve forgiven me?” She repeated in a loud, strong voice. “Excuse me Ridge, but did I just hear you correctly? YOU’VE forgiven ME?”
“It’s over, it was a mistake.” Ridge looked around uncomfortably.
“The only person who had a right to forgive me or that I needed forgiveness from was Bridget and myself. What happened with Deacon didn’t concern you Ridge. Well, maybe it did, maybe in a way it did. When you threw me aside after Paris I was so low, so alone and so depressed that I did reach out to a man who wanted me, who showed me compassion and who looked at me like I was a prize, like I was someone worth fighting for, so yes, in that instance you had something to do with it, but other than that how?”
“Bridget.” Ridge argued. “You hurt her and she was my sister and it hurt me too.”
“Your sister, oh yes Ridge, your sister.” She laughed. “So it was all brotherly concern.”
“Yes.”
“And when you kissed her? And declared your love for her, that was brotherly love right?”
“Brooke I’ve tried to explain, please, you need to listen to me.”
“That’s where you’re wrong Ridge.” She got up and looked down at her hand. With a frown she reached down and pulled the ring off of her finger. “I don’t have to do anything where you’re concerned. You had your chance Ridge, I was yours, I adored you, I would have gladly died for you, but it was never enough.”
“It was! It is! I was wrong!” He protested.
“I’m sorry Ridge, but you’re not enough for me.” She took his hand and placed the ring in it. “Go home, go to Bridget, go to hell, I don’t care. Just leave me alone Ridge, just leave me the hell alone!”


“Oh Dominick.” The woman stroked his bare chin and laid a deep kiss on him. “You need to do something about that right away, you look naked.” She sat down, pulling her chair close to him.
“Well sweetheart, the days of me doing anything to please you are long over.” Nick picked up the bottle, poured another shot and drank it. He looked at her again. “Why are you still here?”
“Don’t be cruel.” She pouted. “We all make our mistakes. You’re back, I’m back, it’s time to see if we still have it. And darling,” She ran her hand on his thigh. “I think we do.”
“You’d think she’d get a hint huh?” Nick turned to John. “But I guess it was never her brain I was attracted to was it?”
“That’s cruel.” She said. She stroked his chin again. “I suppose I could get used to it, though it does make you look a little exposed. So where have you been? I’ve tried to get in touch with you.”
“And I’ve tried and succeeded in forgetting you.” He answered. “Go on home Pilar, I’m not in the mood for your games.”
“I’m sorry.” She touched his arm gently. “There, I’ve said it, and I meant it. I was bad to you and I’m sorry.”
“Bad to me?” Nick looked at her with contempt.
“I uh, I think I’ll go talk to the boys.” John started to get up.
“Stay!” Nick ordered. “I didn’t come here to see her.”
“It’s okay John.” Pilar told him. “I owe Dominick an apology and I don’t mind if his friends hear it too. Perhaps I can stand on the bar and announce it to all? Then will we be okay?” She asked Nick.
“Hey Brandy!” Two men walked up to the table. “Lookin’ good baby.” The first man told her.
“Lucky Captain Payne, back less than a day and he already has the girl back.” The second man patted Nick on the back. “Good to see you Nick, I heard you might be in here.”
“Hello Hank.” Nick smiled and shook the man’s hand. “Good to be back.”
“Stop calling me Brandy Hank.” Pilar complained.
“Yeah really.” Nick said with a sarcastic laugh. “It doesn’t really fit her now does it? She wasn’t ready to play that good wife for me after all.”
“Dominick, let’s go for a walk, please, you owe me that much.” Pilar looked hopefully into his eyes.
“I owe you?” He asked. “Wow, is my memory fading or does absence make the brain grow smaller? You walked out on me Pilar, you slept around on me, but then I guess I must owe you huh?”
“I never stopped loving you.” She said softly. “Never.”
“Nice way of showing it.” He spit. “But then again I really don’t care anymore Pilar.” He said more calmly. “Though you are looking lovely.” He gave her and admiring glance.


“You don’t mean that Logan, you love me, you know you love me.” Ridge grabbed her and pulled her to him.
“Stop it Ridge.” She struggled from his grasp.
Ridge reluctantly let her go, but softly stroked her arm and then her hair. “I love you so much. Please tell me you love me too.”
Brooke looked at him with sadness. She was silent for a while and then she spoke. “You and I have been connected for so long Ridge. We’ve been through so much together, good and bad. The one constant was the love I had for you. It never wavered, not once.”
“Our love has always been there Logan.” He smiled.
“No Ridge, I was talking about MY love for YOU. My unrequited love.”
“No, no you know I love you.”
“Today, but where was that love when you were giving it to Caroline, or Taylor or Bridget?”
“It was still there. I’ve always loved you. I will always love you, never stop loving you. I know you feel the same. This is our chance Brooke, the chance we’ve both wanted for so long.”
“I think I may always love you.” She sighed. Ridge smiled and tried to reach her but she stood up. “But I am not IN LOVE with you anymore Ridge and to be perfectly honest, I don’t think I even like you.”
“Logan!” He grabbed for her.
“Go home Ridge, I don’t want to say things that will hurt you more than necessary. Go home and just leave me alone.” She got up and walked out of the room, leaving him stunned and alone.



It had been a week and Nick has spent his time investigating the missing items and the new captain. He had also spent a lot of time and effort avoiding Pilar. She was persistent. She wanted to rekindle what they had once had. His friends seemed to wonder what had happened to the old Nick. That man would have spent his nights with his legs wrapped around her sexy body, would have enjoyed the company of a woman who once seemed to captivate him. But Nick’s thoughts were on business, at least most of the time. He felt and heard his stomach rumble and he looked down at his watch, it was late, he should eat, but he was getting closer. Then her face flashed in front of him again. “Damn it woman, you’re so under my skin.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and stared at it. He didn’t need the distraction, but it would probably be harder to try and ignore his desires than to give into them and just make that call. “I wonder if you’re thinking of me at all.” He sighed. “Do it Nick, do it.” He forced himself to turn on the phone and then press her preprogrammed number.



Brooke sat at her desk at Forrester. She was waiting for Eric, he was on the phone with a buyer in New York and then they were going to have dinner together to talk about Bridget. Brooke had been stunned to return and find out that her daughter was planning to go to Copenhagen after all. She hadn’t seen her yet, Bridget kept putting it off and Brooke wasn’t sure if she was relieved or saddened or both. But she knew that she and Eric had to talk about it and make some decisions about their family. Things with Ridge were very strained. He was still insistent, even after her refusals. He called her constantly and showed up at her door. Donna had agreed to stay on until things calmed down but it didn’t seem like that was going to happen. And through it all Brooke’s thoughts kept returning to Nick and the time they had spent together. She was worried about him, anxious for his return. He hadn’t called since the first day, but she hadn’t really expected him to. Hope spoke of him all the time and Brooke worried about that. If Nick was having second thoughts or if things didn’t work out it was going to hurt her daughter. Yet she couldn’t stop smiling when she pictured his face. “I wish I had your photo.” She said softly. The sound of her cell phone made her jump. She reached for it and a broad smile come onto her face when she saw his name.
“Nick.” She greeted him.
“Hi beautiful.” His voice seemed to smile right up at her, but he also sounded tired.
“Where are you?” She asked hopefully.
“On the Cortez.” He said.
“Are you, did you, are you coming home soon?” She asked.
“Things are starting to come together, but it’s going to be a few more days at least. I’m sorry, I know I said I’d try to be back sooner.”
“I understand Nick, you have responsibilities.”
“Is everything okay? You sound stressed.” Nick asked.
“Tired, it’s hard to get back into the swing. But I’m getting there.”
“Don’t overdo it.” He instructed her. “So uh, what happened with Ridge?” He seemed hesitant to ask, but he needed to know.
“Ugh.” She said with a giggle. “Nick don’t worry about Ridge, I’m handling him, really.”
“I’m trying not to think about him at all.” Nick confessed. “But I feel like I stuck you in a situation and then just dropped the ball. I should be there, I should be supporting you.”
“You are.” She told him. “This call proves that Nick and it’s all I need.”
“It is?” He asked suggestively. “And I have so much more to offer.”
“I need that too.” Her honesty surprised her.
“I just don’t like you being alone.” He was getting more frustrated. He needed to make things happen and happen fast, he needed to get home to Brooke.
“Donna is staying with me. She’s moving to LA and she’s staying at my house until you get, um, until she finds an apartment.”
Nick smiled at her faux pas. She hadn’t meant for him to hear it but knowing how important his return was to her made him want to speed it up even more. “You know you’re a dangerous lady.” He teased.
“Me? How? Why?”
“I should be thinking about business and sabotage and finding the people who’re stealing from Marone and all I can think about is being in your arms.” His confession stunned them both. He hadn’t meant to make it, in fact he hadn’t known how strongly he felt until the words escaped from his mouth.
“Please don’t think about me now. I mean you need to concentrate on staying safe and coming home.” She smiled to herself.
“When I get home Brooke, what do you want to do first?” He asked. Then he laughed. “Well, let’s make that second.”
“You devil.” She giggled.
“Just tell me and I’ll make it happen.” He promised.
“I’d like to just take a ride on The Shady Marlin with you.” Brooke answered.
“Sounds sort of tame.” He told her.
“It sounds like heaven to me.” Brooke assured him. The phone on her desk rang and she cringed at the thought of ending this call.
“I guess you’re busy.” Nick seemed reluctant to end the call too.
“He’ll call back.” She said.
“No, it’s okay, I need to go anyway.”
“A week?” She asked.
“Maybe sooner.” He told her.
“I miss you Nick, I really miss you.” Brooke confessed.
“I miss the hell out of you too Brooke. Give that little sweetheart a kiss for me.”
“Ridge?” She teased.
“Don’t you dare!” He laughed.
“The only man I want to kiss is away on a boat.” Brooke softly informed him. “And I hope he feels the same way.”
“He does.” Nick answered. “See you soon gorgeous.” And then he broke the connection.


“I wish you had turned to me Brooke, you know that I am always here for you, always.” Eric took Brooke’s hand and gave it a hard squeeze.
“How could I really?” She asked him. “I couldn’t blow your world apart, I couldn’t and I really thought that it was nothing, until the wedding.” She looked down at her lap as if in shame.
“You did nothing wrong Brooke.” He put his hand under her chin and held her head up to look at him.
“I started the whole avalanche though.” Brooke admitted. “If I hadn’t slept with Deacon.”
“That was a mistake, but that was no reason for Ridge to do what he did.”
“You always defend me.” Brooke smiled. “I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful friend.”
“We were once more Brooke, much more.” Eric reminded her.
“And I cherish my memories.” She told him.
“I know it’s too soon, too soon to think about anything but Brooke, we were always good together. Maybe the time was wrong then, but it could be right now. And we could reunite our family.”
“I doubt Bridget will ever forgive me and Eric, I just have such resentment for what she did. I know it’s wrong and it makes me a horrible mother, but I can’t seem to get over my own anger.”
“You think she did it just to get back at you?” Eric wondered.
“I’m not sure.” She told him. “Sometimes I think that and other times I think she really was confused. I haven’t always been there for her and finding out about Deacon and Hope was so horrible for her. I’d like to think we could get it back. At least I have Rick and you.” She smiled.
“You will always have me.” Eric promised.
“So you and Stephanie are over?” Brooke took a sip of her wine and looked up at him.
“She lied to me for over forty years, I deserve better.”
“But you loved her. Can you just toss that aside?” Brooke c*cked her eyebrow.
“I could ask the same of you and Ridge.”
“I suppose you could.” Brooke laughed softly.
“You seem to be dealing with that so well, to be honest I thought it would just about kill you.”
“I did too, but something surprising happened.” Brooke smiled to herself as she thought once more about Nick and their magical day and night.
“You grew up, you opened your eyes.” Eric guessed.
“Yes, and I saw that there was a world without Ridge.”
“And now maybe I can open those beautiful green eyes of yours a little wider?” Eric suggested.
Brooke blushed and smiled. “I’m flattered Eric, but.”
“Don’t count it out Brooke, I know you need time and I want to give you time.”
“I, there’s, Eric, there is someone else.” Brooke blushed again.
“You’ve met a new man?” Eric was stunned and saddened but seeing the light in Brooke’s eyes he had to feel happy for her.
“It’s new, I’m not sure what is going to happen but it feels good Eric, it feels right. Please keep this between us. Nothing is really out there and I just need to take it slowly.”
“Are you going to tell me who he is?” Eric asked her.
“Soon.” She promised. “But let’s talk about Bridget now okay? I need to know where we both stand.”



“Are you sure?” Nick asked the shadowing figure. “I need to make the move right now if you are.”
“I am.” He answered. “And he’s onto you Captain Payne, he’s going to do something big and people could get hurt. He needs to cover his tracks.”
“Seth Cahill, I trusted him and I thought I could trust Jed Standard too, I knew he wasn’t up to the job, but I believed he would stand by the company. Thank you for all your help.” Nick said sadly. “Looks like I’m going to be able to put this all to bed tonight.”
“Just be careful. Jed isn’t dangerous, but Seth is.”
“I’ll be on my toes.” Nick assured him. “Thanks again.”
He walked away, towards the dock. Before he got to the ship he pulled out his cell phone and punched in a number. “It’s me.” He announced. “I know what’s going down and I’m going to stop it right now. Yes, that’s right. I’ll be home tomorrow. No, we have a good crew, I got someone to put in charge immediately. Yeah, yeah I know. Did you get my fax? Okay. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. I’ll do that. Okay, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Thanks.” He shut off his phone and quietly walked to the ship.



“How did it go?” Donna asked her very tired looking sister. “What’s wrong?” She saw the resignation on Brooke’s face. “Did Ridge show up again?”
“No. Eric and I had a pleasant dinner but Donna, it’s all spiraling out of control. It’s Bridget.”
“What did that niece of mine do now? I swear, she is not too old for me to put her over my knee!”
“She’s going to Copenhagen. Remember that program that Stephanie wanted to get her into a while back?” Brooke reminded Donna.
“Yes. Maybe this is a good thing Brooke, it will give her time alone, time to think. I know it’s been difficult for the two of you and I know you miss her.”
“She doesn’t even want to say goodbye to me. I don’t know if she’s angry or embarrassed or what?”
“Oh honey I am sorry.” Donna gave her a hug. “Maybe I could talk to her.”
“I just wish she’d at least say goodbye. But I gave in and I told Eric to tell her that I loved her and wish her well. Do you think she’ll call me?” Brooke’s eyes filled with tears.
“The little twit better.” Donna said angrily. “Oh Brooke, it will work out, it will. At least she isn’t still trying to see Ridge, or is she?”
“Eric says no, but I’m not sure. I know before I left for Ojai she was.”
“But Ridge apparently doesn’t want her anymore, so I don’t think you have to worry about that.”
“Eric upset me too.” Brooke admitted.
“How? What did he say?”
“He wants to try again.” Brooke smiled weakly. “I was flattered, and I didn’t want to hurt him.”
“Did you tell him about Nick?” Donna wondered.
“I told him there was someone else. I didn’t say who, it’s not fair to do that to Nick while he’s gone. I mean what if he changed his mind?”
“Yeah, like that will happen.” Donna laughed. “So how was dinner?”
“I barely ate, I was so nervous.”
“Them let’s make some popcorn and watch TV before bed.” Donna linked her arm with Brooke’s.
“I need to go kiss Hope goodnight.”
“Well put on your PJ’s and kiss her and I’ll have the popcorn ready and the TV warmed up by the time you get down.”
“Perfect.” Brooke smiled. “Did I ever tell you how glad I am that you’re here?”
“Yeah, but say it again, it’s good for the ego.” Donna grinned at her.



Nick stopped at John’s cabin. He knocked softly and then snuck in. “You awake?” He whispered.
“I am now.” John sat up. “What’s up?”
“I just wanted to tell you congratulations, Captain Harris.”
“Excuse me?” John yawned and frowned.
“It’s going down tonight and I’ve decided to put you in charge. I’ll announce it to the crew tomorrow.”
“Whoa, what’s going on?” John was fully awake now.
“It’s Jed, he’s in on it all. I’ll explain it all later.”
“Nick, are you sure?”
“About Jed?” Nick asked.
“And about me. Did you ask Marone?”
“I’m commander of the fleet John, I make this decision and you’re the right man. But I did tell Massimo and he’s 100% behind me.” Nick grinned. “You’re going to be a busy man.”
“Hey, do you want me to help you deal with this?”
“I need to confront him alone, but yeah, come down in about an hour and we can smooth things out.”
“Be careful Nick, he isn’t going to like this.” John warned him.
“Now why does everyone keep telling me to be careful? I’m going to get a klutz complex.” Nick laughed. “See you in a few.”



“He’s not here.” The two men teased Pilar when she walked into the bar, obviously looking for someone.
“Has he been?” She asked.
“Not tonight, not yet anyway. Come on, join us.” The one man stood and held out a chair for her.
“Okay.” She smiled and sat down. “Do you think he’ll be here?” She asked.
“He’s been here every night.” The second man informed her.
“Thanks.” She smiled and picked up his long neck beer and took a gulp.



Nick opened the door to the office and stopped to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. He needed the final files from the safe and then he was going to make the calls and end the nightmare that Jed and Seth had started. Slowly he put his hand on the lock and started to turn the tumblers.



“I’ll take another.” Pilar waved to the barmaid, showing her the empty beer bottle. “And two for my friends too. And bring a bottle for Dominick, he should be here soon too.” She turned and smiled but suddenly was knocked into the arms of her friend as bottles shattered around her and a bright orange glow covered the dark night sky outside.



“This is boring.” Brooke reached for the remote. “Let’s see what else is on.”
“Can we catch the score for the Dodger’s game?” Donna asked her. “That guy I met today is a big fan and I can score points if I know what I’m talking about tomorrow.”
“Sure.” Brooke giggled and turned on the local news station. She reached for her iced tea but stopped as the pretty anchorwoman read the terrifying story.
“For the second time in less than a year a major cargo ship in the world famous Marone line has suffered major damage in suspicious circumstances. Our correspondent reports that a huge explosion has hit the small sea town rocking the crewmen and residents alike. The shipping vessel Cortez has been under heavy investigation for several weeks by both the local authorities and by Marone Shipping. There is no confirmation if the explosion has any relation to the allegations. Several deaths and many injuries have been reported but so far there is no comment from Marone Shipping. All names of victims are being withheld for notification of next of kin. Stay turned to KCSB, channel 2 for updates on the breaking story. And now for sports scores.”
Brooke’s heart fell to her stomach as she grabbed Donna’s hand. “Nick. Oh my God, Nick is on the Cortez.”

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