Chapter 9

 

 

“Hi honey.” Amber said with a grin as she walked up to Rick.  He had been sitting at his desk at Forrester looking at reports from the last showing.  He smiled and looked up at her.

“Amber.  I didn’t expect you here.” 

“I was so bored.  I called Bridget but she wasn’t home.  I hope I’m not bothering you.”

“How could my wife ever be a bother?” He asked.  He got up and walked over to her and hugged and kissed her.  “It’s a little early but I could break for lunch.  Would you like to go out?”

“I just want to spend time with my handsome husband.” She said as she wiped a bit of her lipstick from his face.  “You look busy.”

“I am, it’s amazing the things I’m learning.  I was really apprehensive when Mom put Carlos in charge but he’s been great.  He’s been showing me so much about the business.  I’ve learned more in the last three weeks than the last three years at school.”

“It has been three weeks hasn’t it?”  She asked him.  “When is she coming home Rick?”

“I dunno.” He admitted.  “When I spoke to her last week she seemed to be doing really well.  She seemed happier.  But she said she still had no plans on returning.”

“What about Bridget?” Amber asked.

“What about her?”

“Did she call her too?”

“Yeah, she’s been keeping in touch with both of us and Carlos too.  Mom is fine Amber, she’s just taking a well earned vacation.” He said as she closed the ledger.

“Where is she then?” Amber asked.

“The Caribbean.” Rick answered.

“But where Rick? What if we need her?”

“Now why would you need her Amber?” Rick laughed.  “Anyway she was in St. Lucia last week but she said she was going to go somewhere else this week.  I think she’s playing it by ear.”

“She really should be letting someone who where to find her.  It’s irresponsible of her not to.”

“If you’re worried about Ridge don’t be.” Rick told her.  “I know he’s annoyed but he’ll survive.”

“He and your father are both annoyed.” Amber giggled.  “Your mother really put it to both of them.”

“That wasn’t her intention.  She knew Ridge and Dad would be busy with the designs.  She felt Carlos would be able to step in for her without disturbing the flow of things and she was right.  In fact I wouldn’t be surprised at all if she asks him to stay.” Rick told her.

“Do you think he and your Mom um.”

“I don’t think so.  Why would she go off to a romantic island without him if she was?” Rick asked.

“That’s what I don’t get either.  Why would she go to a romantic island all alone Rick?  Are you sure she’s alone?”

“Now who do you think she has with her Amber?” He laughed.

“I have no idea.” She said. But her mind was starting to spin with memories and clues.  Could it really be? She wondered.  No, Brooke would never do that would she?

 

 

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Bridget shouted to the ringing phone.  She threw her books on the table and grabbed the phone.  “Hello?” She said as she caught her breath.

“Is this Bridget? Bridget Sharpe?” A woman’s voice asked her.

“My name is Bridget Forrester again, but yes, it’s me.  Who is this?” Bridget asked.

“It’s Alex, Alex from the Lair.”

“Deacon left Alex, we aren’t married anymore and I have no idea where he is.” Bridget told her. 

“I’m really not looking for him.  I know he left and I’m sorry Bridget, I thought you two were a really sweet couple.” She said apologetically.

“Thanks but that is all over Alex.  What can I do for you?” She wondered.

“It’s what I can do for you, at least what I think I can do.” Alex started. 

“I don’t really understand.” Bridget said as she sat down to listen.

 

 

“I’m going to get another drink, you want anything Brooke?” The pretty young brunette asked her. 

Brooke Logan sat up and pulled off her sunglasses.  She looked out to the bright blue water of the Caribbean and smiled.  She was finally relaxing. She had met her that morning at the hotel at breakfast and the two women had decided to spend the day together at the beach.  It was a pleasant distraction for Brooke, one she really had needed.  She sighed and looked at the girl.  “I’d love another lemonade.” 

“Ugh, more kiddie stuff.” She laughed.  “Come on Brooke, it’s almost happy hour, live a little.  Why don’t you come with me?  There are some really hot guys at the bar.”

Brooke followed the younger girl’s eyes and saw that indeed there were many young, tall, tan sexy men.  But Brooke wasn’t looking for a man.  She was here to forget a man, not replace one. But still, this was a vacation and a tropical drink wasn’t going to kill her.  “Sure, why not.” Brooke smiled.  She got up and wiped the sand off her body.  As she did men on the beach were looking at her.  She had at least ten years on the younger woman but she had a body that wouldn’t quit and the men sure seemed to appreciate it, as well as her tiny aqua bikini.  She leaned over to pick up her wrap and her beach bag, revealing her perfect butt.

“You’re giving me way too much competition for a woman who isn’t interested.” The brunette laughed.  “You know Brooke, you’re gonna have to tell me your story sooner or later.”

“I will Sabrina, but not today.” She smiled. “Today I am going to have a Strawberry Daiquiri and listen to the music and lie in the sun and not worry about any of my problems.” She wrapped her sarong around her hips and put her glasses back on. 

“Uh huh.” Sabrina said with a laugh.  “Come on, let’s go.”

 

 

Ridge slammed down the phone and got up quickly from his desk.  Carlos Caicedo was going to be his undoing.  He hated the man and he hated that Brooke had left him in control of his company.  “Damn her.” He shouted.  “It should have been me, or Dad or even Thorne damn it but not that slimy bastard.”

“Ridge? What’s wrong?”  Stephanie said as she walked into his office, closing the door.

“What has it been for three weeks, Caicedo.  I hate that bastard.”

“Put the blame where it belongs Ridge, it belongs on the slut that hired him.” She said.  She picked up the sketch that Ridge had been working on.  Carlos had written suggestions all over it.  “How dare he? He’s a businessman, he knows nothing at all about fashion.”

“Tell me about it.” Ridge groaned. “He comes from nowhere, knows squat about the business and has the nerve to try and change my work! My work! Well he’s not going to get away with it. Brooke told me that he was in charge of the business, not the creative end and I am not going to put up with it.  When the hell is she coming back anyway?”

“My wish would be never, but then we’d still have to deal with Carlos.” She said. 

“I just want things back to normal, whatever her problem is I want it over and I want her back and I want him gone.” Ridge complained.

 

 

“What is it Alex?” Bridget asked.  She was very curious at what Alex could possibly have that would interest her anymore.

“Well you know I took over as manager when Deacon left right?” Alex started.

“No, but congratulations. What does that have to do with me?”

“I also got the apartment.” She continued.

“If you have Deacon’s stuff I really don’t care Alex.  It’s over, he’s gone.”

“I think I found something of yours Bridget.”

“Mine?” She asked.  “What did you find?”

“A small blue stoned ring.” Alex said. “Aquamarine or Blue Topaz or something. It has diamonds on either side.”

“My ring.  My Mom gave me that when I graduated eighth grade.” Bridget told her.  “I thought it was lost forever. Where was it?”

“Under the bed, stuck under the corner of the rug.” Alex explained.  “Anyway it didn’t look like anything of Amber’s and I knew it wasn’t Carmen’s so that left you.”

“Me and the ten thousand other women he slept with.” Bridget said.  “But yes, it is mine.”

“Why don’t you stop by the Lair and pick it up?  We’re not open but I’m doing inventory, you can just come in.”

“I have a ton of homework, but yeah, I miss that ring.  I’ll be right down and thanks Alex.” She said.  Bridget hung up the phone and scribbled a note for Vincent and Betsy.  She grabbed her purse and her keys and went back outside.

 

 

“Damn.” Alex said as she tried to reach for the empty bottle on the top shelf.  It was just too tall for her, even on tiptoes. She was about to get the footstool when a large, masculine hand reached over her and took the bottle down.

“Here you go.” He said with a smile.

“Deacon!” Alex gasped. She hugged him and gave him a quick, friendly kiss.  “When did you come back?”

“I’ve been back a few weeks.” He admitted.

“And it took you this long to look up an old friend like me?  Shame on you.”

“Well I’ve been sorting things out.” He told her.  “Place looks good.”

“You’re not after your old job are you?” She asked him.

“Nah.” He smiled.  “It’s yours now Alex.  I just wanted to say hello.”

“Are you working Deac?”

“Yeah, I got a gig at a bar down by the beach. Not much but it pays the bills.”

“Where are you living?” She asked him.

“I got a studio apartment.” He told her.  “Look, it’s nothing but once I find something better I’ll move on.  The hotel thing was getting too expensive ya know?”

“You could come back here Deacon.  I don’t need to manage, it really ran a lot better when you were in charge.” She told him.

“And put you out of a good paycheck and an apartment? No Alex, I’m not desperate.  I’m just doing this temporary.  I have some feelers out, really.”

“Well I’m serious Deacon.  They’d take you back in a minute, and as for the apartment, we could share it till one of us found something better.”

“You’re an angel Alex you really are.” He said.  “But how about a shot instead?”

“You got it.” She grinned.  She handed him the bottle of his favorite whiskey and a glass. “Oh shit.” She muttered.

“What?” He asked.

“You gotta get out of here Deacon.”

“After your loving offer?” He teased.  “What’s going on?” He asked.

“Deacon?” Bridget’s voice stopped them both as she walked inside.  “Oh my God, it is you.”

 

 

Brooke and Sabrina were surrounded by men.  It was a heady feeling but one Brooke wasn’t quite sure she was ready for.  She sipped her drink and turned to her new friend. “Are we the only women in this place?” She laughed.

“I’m liking it.” Sabrina grinned.  “You see anyone you’d like to take home yet?”

“Not looking Bree.” Brooke smiled. 

“Are you married?” Sabrina asked.

“I have been, I’m not right now.  I just ended a rather intense relationship, if you can even call it that.  Anyway, I am sworn off men for now.  I just want to relax, get my head together and then get home and start my life again.  It’s just so hard sometimes.  Have you ever been married?”

“I came close once, but I escaped in time.” Sabrina answered with a laugh.

“Marriage can be wonderful.” Brooke said in a dreamlike voice.  “But then it just ends.”

“Sounds like you had a bad one.”

“Marriage or life?” Brooke smiled.  “Actually I’ve been married more than once but it never seemed to last. I don’t know what I keep doing wrong.”

“And this guy you’re trying to forget, was he your husband?”

“No, not mine.” Brooke answered sadly.  She twirled her straw around her drink.  “I really don’t want to talk about this.  I came to forget and that is what I intend to do.” She took a sip of her drink.  “You know, this wasn’t such a great idea.  I’m going to go back to the beach.  Sorry.” Brooke grabbed her purse.

 

“Bridget.” Deacon said with an intake of breath.  “Oh baby how are you?”

“Why?” Bridget said to Alex.  She was obviously dismayed.  “Why did you do this to me? What did I ever do to you?”

“I didn’t know, I swear I didn’t, he just showed up.” Alex said apologetically.

“She didn’t Bridget, I just came in, I never called her I swear.” Deacon said as he walked over to his former wife.  “I’d never try and hurt you, not for anything in the world.”

Bridget rolled her eyes at him and then squinted.  To Deacon she looked just like her mother and he had to laugh.

“I’m so glad you find me so funny.” Bridget said.  “I’m leaving.”
“Wait, I really did find your ring.  Let me go get it.” Alex said.  Bridget was torn.  She wanted to be as far away from Deacon as possible and yet she wanted her ring.

“Hurry.” She simply said.  Alex looked at Deacon.

“Leave her alone while I go get it Deacon.”

“You think I’d hurt her?” He asked. He was insulted and hurt.  He tried to touch Bridget’s face with his hand but she pushed it away. “I deserved that.”

“You deserve so much more.” Bridget told him with a scowl.

“You look good baby.” He told her.

“Don’t ‘baby’ me you bastard.”

“I never wanted to hurt you Bridget.  I want you to be happy, I want you to have everything in life that I could never give you.” He pleaded.

“I gave you my love, I gave you my heart and your just tore it out and threw it away.” She said angrily.

“I hurt you so badly and I am so sorry.  Bridget I was never the right man for you.”

“You got that right.” She said.  “You aren’t even a man!”
“I deserve all you have to give Bridget.” He said. “But I really am sorry.”

“Why are you back?” She asked.

“I don’t know Bridget.  I left, I tried other things but nothing seemed right.  I promise I won’t interfere in your life though.”

“Like you could.” She said.  “Deacon I am so over you.  You can still make me mad, but you can’t make me cry anymore.”

“I’m glad.” He said honestly.  “I’m tired of making women cry.”

“So you’ve moved on to terrorizing someone else?” She asked.

“No, I’m alone Bridget.  How about you?  Have you met someone?”

“As a matter of fact I have.  He’s everything that you aren’t and I couldn’t be happier.  He loves me, he respects me and he’d never cheat on me.”

“I’m happy for your Bridget, really I am. All I wanted was for you to be happy.” He said.  “So you’re happy? You got a new guy?”

“That’s what I just said.” She said impatiently.

“I know you hate me Bridget.”

“I don’t hate you.  I don’t even think about you.”

“I think about you.  I’ve been worried, but now I’m not.  Now I can be glad that you’re okay.”  He walked to the bar and poured himself a shot and drank it.  “So, um, how’s your mother?”

“My mother?” She asked.  “You know she hates you Deacon and you hate her.  Why do you even care?”

“She loves you Bridget, she’d do anything in the world for you.  I just hope she’s um happy too.”

“Happy? No, she’s not happy.  But I’m sure she’ll be even less happy when she finds out you’re back.”

“Maybe.” He said.  He fidgeted with the bottle and then the barstool. It was obvious to Bridget that he was very uncomfortable and she was pleased.

“What’s wrong with you?” She asked him.

“Nothing Bridget.  I’m just sorry I caused problems in your life and in your mother’s too, that’s all.”

“Are you staying in town?” She asked.

“Would it bother you?”

“I really don’t care.” She said as she looked towards the staircase. She was anxious for Alex to return so she could leave.  She didn’t want Deacon to have the satisfaction of knowing he was getting to her.

“I think I may, at least for a while.  I do want to see Little D.”

“His name is Eric.” Bridget corrected him. 

“Yeah.” He sighed.  And to his relief Alex came down the stairs. 

“Here it is.” She said handing Bridget the ring.

“That’s mine.” She said.  “Thanks Alex, thanks for calling me.”  She looked at Deacon.  “Good-bye Deacon.” She said.  She turned and walked out.

“I’m sorry Deac.” Alex told him.  “I was so stunned to see you I forgot she was going to come in.”

“It’s okay.  I would have seen her eventually.  I guess it’s best I got it over with.”

“So what do you say Deacon?  Any chance you’ll come back here?”

“I appreciate it Alex, but I think it’s best I make a new start.” He drank one more shot.  “I’d better leave.”

“She still gets to you doesn’t she?” Alex asked him.  “You really loved her.”

“Yeah.” Deacon admitted.  But it wasn’t Bridget who he was thinking about at all.

 

 

Brooke stepped off the plane onto the hot blacktop.  Another day, another island. She thought.  After the last stop she had decided it was best not to make friends.  She wanted to be alone, to think, to recover, not to socialize.  She walked into the antiquated airport and waited at the carousel for her bags.  She had two small ones.  She quickly retrieved them and then went out to catch a taxi. “Wyndham El Conquistador Resort.” She told him.

“Welcome to Puerto Rico.” He said as he took off towards her destination.

 

 

Bridget was tossing and turning.  She had been all night.  Vincent had tried to talk to her but she had been uncharacteristically quiet.  He didn’t want to push.  He had assumed it was some kind of anniversary.  His suspicions had been confirmed when she had cried out Deacon’s name in her sleep.  He sat and watched her and finally could stand it no longer.  He gently shook her.

“Bridget? Hey, are you okay?” He asked.

“Huh?” She jumped up.  “Oh Vincent.”

“Who were you expecting?” He asked, a little afraid of her answer.

“I had a nightmare.” She said as she rubbed her eyes. 

“You want to talk about it?” He asked.

“I dreamt that I was still with Deacon and I couldn’t get to you.  Vincent it was so terrible.”

“Do you dream of him often?” He asked her. He took her hand into his and kissed it.

“Not anymore, I did all the time at first.  But ever since you I haven’t.  But, well, I saw him.” She admitted.

“Where? When?”

“Vincent I really don’t want to talk about it okay? He doesn’t mean anything to me, but it was upsetting.” She said.

“Bridget you know you can always talk to me.”

“I know.” She kissed him.  “And I will, I just want to forget Deacon okay?”
“Okay.” He reluctantly agreed.

 

 

It had been two weeks since he had run into Bridget.  Since then he had been by Brooke’s house every day but her car was never there.  He knew he had to forget her but he also knew he just had to see her, to see her beautiful face one more time.  He had been working hard.  He had even dated.  He’d bedded two women, both beautiful, both interesting and both totally forgettable.  There was only one woman he desired.  He had to get her out of his head. But he couldn’t.  Deacon slammed his fist on the steering wheel. He had ended up where it had ended for them, Forrester Creations.  Was she there?  Would she just see him one last time? He had to find out.  He pulled the car into the visitor’s parking and walked to the gate, with a wave to the guard he entered the building.  It had been easier than he had expected.  The old guy must have thought he was still with Bridget.  But the Forresters would know better.  He hoped he could avoid them all until he found Brooke.

He made his way easily past Eric and Stephanie’s closed offices and he was beginning to feel confident. He was thinking about what he would say to her when a man pushing a rack of dresses came by.  Deacon gave him a casual wave as if he truly belonged there and kept walking.  To his amazement it worked and the man waved back and passed him by without a thought.  He spotted Brooke’s office and luck was once more with him.  Megan was not at her desk.  He was going to be able to get there unnoticed.  Deacon smiled to himself and took a step closer when a hand grabbed his shoulder and turned him around.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing here?” An angry Ridge Forrester asked him.  “I could tear you apart for showing your face here, in fact I think I’ll call security and have them call the police.  What do you think of that Sharpe?”

“I think as usual you are a buffoon.” Deacon laughed and pushed Ridge’s hand off him. 

“Oh you think you’re smart huh?  You think you’re tough?  You have no business here Sharpe, none at all.  So who is it you’re trying to terrorize this time?” Ridge practically spit at him.

“My business here doesn’t concern you Ridge so if you don’t mind, I’ll be seeing you.” Deacon smiled at him again and started to walk when Ridge roughly grabbed him and pushed him against the wall.

“You think I’m kidding?” Ridge said through gritted teeth.  “I’ll see you in jail for trespassing on our property.”

“Little man, you don’t scare me for a minute.” Deacon said as his eyes narrowed and he stared into Ridge’s own eyes.  “Now you take your God damn hands off me or I’ll be the one pressing charges.”

Deacon once more tried to push Ridge away from him but this time Ridge would have none of it.  His fist seemed to take on a life of it’s own and the shock on Deacon’s face was more of surprise than pain when it connected with his eye.

“Ridge! Deacon!” Megan shouted as she made the turn down the corridor.  She dropped the papers she was holding and ran two the two men.  By this time Deacon had grabbed Ridge and had his hands around his neck.

“I’ll break it like a chicken bone Forrester.  You are messing with the wrong man this time.” He warned him.

“Stop it! Stop it both of you!” Megan screamed. 

“Call security now!” Ridge instructed her.  “And the LAPD too.” He added.

“What do you want Deacon? Why are you here?” Megan asked him, ignoring Ridge.

“I want to kill this piece of shit right now.” He said as he loosened his grip on Ridge. 

“Stupid move Sharpe.” Ridge said with a laugh.  He pulled loose of his opponents grip and delivered another punch to Deacon’s face.

“What the hell is going on?” Carlos said angrily as he came out of Brooke’s office.  He quickly walked past the still stunned Megan and pulled Ridge away from Deacon. “I asked you a question!” He said loudly.

“This is none of your concern Caicedo, this is family business.” Ridge growled.

“You tell him big man.” Deacon laughed.

“Anything that happens in this building is my business Ridge, and you’d better get used to it.”  Carlos told him.  Then he turned to Deacon who was laughing at the whole situation.  “Who are you and what are you doing in this building?” Carlos asked him suspiciously.

“I’m leaving.” Deacon said.  “Obviously this was a big mistake.”

“Your mistake was coming back to LA Sharpe.” Ridge said as he lunged at him again.  Carlos jumped between the men and grabbed Ridge.

“That’s enough.  You have work to do, go to your office and do it!” He turned to Megan.  “Please have an ice pack brought to my office for Mr. Sharpe.”  He looked at Deacon.  “Come with me please.”

“Who the hell are you?” Deacon squinted.

“Perhaps your guardian angel no?” He smiled.  “Come, please.” He walked towards his own office and the curious Deacon followed while a confused Megan and an angry Ridge looked on.

“The man is an idiot.” Ridge muttered as he walked away.

Brooke walked in from her deck into the elegantly furnished room and again decided how happy she was that she had upgraded to the private bungalow.  She didn’t have to deal with many other guests, her private butler took care of all her wishes.  All she had to do was relax.  She had been to the spa for a massage and a facial and then she had taken a walk alone along the beach.  She picked up the room service menu and looked at the entrees.  She had no desire to go to dinner alone again.  She could sit on the deck and breathe in the warm Caribbean air and let it calm her.  Deciding she still had plenty of time to choose her meal she went to the bedroom to change her clothes.  It was then she saw the red light on the phone. 

“What now?” She asked aloud.  Only Megan and Carlos knew where she was and Megan had promised only to call if it were an emergency.  Carlos had called several times to try and cheer her up but she just wasn’t in the mood. Reluctantly she picked up the phone and called in for her message.  A smile crossed her face when she heard the voice of the concierge confirming her rental car had been delivered that morning.  She had forgotten her plans to explore the island.  Yes, she was starting to feel better, but still she saw his face every night when she went to bed and every morning when she woke up.  “Oh Deacon, why can’t I forget you?” Brooke asked.

 

 

“Please sit.” Carlos said graciously to  Deacon.  “May I offer you some coffee, a drink perhaps?”

“Who are you?” Deacon asked suspiciously.

“Excuse my rudeness.” Carlos said with a laugh as he extended his hand.  “My name is Carlos Caicedo and I am acting CEO of Forrester Creations.”

“Brooke is CEO.” Deacon said.

“Of course she is, but she asked me to run things while she is away.  But don’t you worry Mr. Sharpe, I have no intentions of doing a thing that will hurt Brooke or her company.” He assured the dubious man.

“So you know who I am?” Deacon asked.

“I’m afraid I have the great advantage over you Mr. Sharpe.  Brooke is a trusted friend and she has told me much.  Now I must ask why you are here.  You knew she was away no?  Are you looking for your former wife perhaps?  And when did you return to town?”

“You do know a lot.” Deacon said.  The two men turned at the knock at the door.

“Come in Megan.” Carlos said. 

Brooke’s trusted assistant entered and gave Deacon the ice pack.  He put it on his eye and looked up at her. “Thanks.” He mumbled.

“Can I get you anything else Mr. Caicedo?” She asked Carlos.

“Just make sure we are not disturbed, especially by Ridge.” He told her. Megan smiled and left, closing the door tightly behind her. 

“As I was saying, you do know a lot about me.” Deacon continued. 

“I do, but I am still waiting for some answers.”

“I don’t owe you anything Mr. Caicedo.  I could certainly hold my own with Ridge, not that I don’t appreciate the support.  But I want to know what it is you want from me.”

 

 

“Ridge what happened?” Megan asked him when she came out of Carlos office and found him still steaming as he paced up and down the hall.

“You know what that jerk did to Bridget Megan, how can you possibly defend him?  Now tell me, do you have any idea what he is doing here?” Ridge demanded.

“I haven’t got a clue.  But Ridge, you shouldn’t have hit him.”

“I should have done worse.” He told her.  “Logan would have a fit if she knew he was here.  He wants something, probably money.  I thought he had left town anyway.”

“I did too Ridge, at least that was the scuttlebutt around here.”  Megan said. 

“Well I want to know what he wants and what the hell Caicedo wants with him.  Unless.” Ridge said as a light bulb went off in his head.

“Unless what?” Megan asked him.

“Brooke may have mentioned him to Carlos.  Maybe, just maybe this time Caicedo is going to be useful.”

“I promise if I find out anything I’ll let you know.” Megan assured him. “There’s no point in you standing out here.  Why don’t you go to your office?  I will call you when he leaves.”

“Dad is across town at a meeting.  Brooke is God knows where, someone has to worry about Bridget.”

 

 
The sound of the doorbell disrupted Vincent from the world of his characters that he was creating.  He frowned, saved his document and got up to answer the door.  Bridget’s brother’s wife Amber was standing there when he opened it.

“Hi Amber.” He said politely.

“Vincent. Are you always here?” She asked.

“I’m here a lot. Come on in.” He said opening the door wider.  “I’m working on my novel and Bridget isn’t home.  She doesn’t have too many classes today so she should be back soon, so make yourself at home.”

“Actually I’d really like to talk to you if you have time.” She said.

Vincent looked at his open laptop on the couch.  He had been inspired today and he really wanted to get back to it but Bridget’s family was important to him.  Besides, maybe Amber could shed some light on Bridget’s moods lately.   He reluctantly powered it down and sat.  “Sure, we can talk.” He told her.

Taylor walked into her husband’s office and stopped short.  Ridge was wrapping a cloth around his hand and she could see blood.  “Ridge, what happened?” She asked in horror.  “Please don’t tell me you got into it with Carlos Caicedo.”

“No Doc, worse than that.  I got into it with Deacon Sharpe.” He answered her in a sarcastic tone.

“Deacon Sharpe?” She questioned.  “What?  When did he come back?”

“You got me Doc but he’s here to make trouble, that I am sure about.  Now with Brooke out of town and Dad tied up in meetings it was up to me to get rid of the punk.” He explained.

“You hit him?” Taylor was flabbergasted.  Her husband wasn’t normally a violent man.  What had Deacon said to provoke him?  Was it about Brooke again? Taylor was livid before he could even answer her.

“Damn straight I hit him, I hit him twice but then Caicedo stuck his nose into it and pulled Sharpe into his office.  I’m sure he thought I’d kill him.  Maybe he was right.” He laughed.

“Why did you hit him?” Taylor said in a clipped tone.

“Now don’t go getting jealous on me Doc.  It had nothing to do with Logan, uh Brooke.  It was about Bridget.  Damn it, someone has to look out for the kid.”

“And you felt it was your place to hit Deacon?  Ridge you are not married to Brooke anymore.” She said angrily.

“It had nothing to do with Brooke Taylor, this was about Bridget.” He protested.

“Did he threaten her?  What did he want?” She asked.  She still wasn’t calm and she didn’t like his explanations at all.

“Sit.” He said as he led her to his couch and sat her down.  He then sat next to her.  “I know I probably overreacted but all I could think when I saw him nosing around here was the look on that kid’s face when he left her.  Now I know it was the best thing in the world that he did leave, but why the hell is he back?”

“Did you ask him?” She said as she started to relax.  She now realized that this truly was about Bridget.  Ridge wasn’t lying.  But she doubted Deacon’s return had anything in the world to do with the girl.  He was back because he wanted something, probably something from Brooke.  Taylor was glad that Brooke was out of town.  It would be suicidal if she saw this man in the state she had been in when she left.

“No.” Ridge said sheepishly. 

“So you just hit him?”

“He grates on my last nerves Doc.  Believe me the man is nothing but trouble.”

“I have to agree with that Ridge, but your hitting him isn’t going to help matters.”

“What do you suggest?  The family already tried to buy him off once and he didn’t bite.”

“Maybe I could get through to him.” She suggested.

“No way Doc, I don’t want you anywhere near that sleezeball.”

“I just thought a calmer person might be able to get through to him.” She sighed.  “I am a psychiatrist in case you’ve forgotten.”

“I’d never forget that but you are my wife first and I don’t want you alone with him, he’s nuts Doc and he’s dangerous too.”

 

 

Carlos got up and poured himself a glass of ice water.  “Can I get you something?” He asked again.

“Answers.” Deacon simply said.

“Perhaps you are the one who owes answers.  You came into this building uninvited, you fought with my head designer and now you are not giving me the simple answer I request.  Why are you here Deacon Sharpe?”  He walked back to his desk and faced Deacon. 

“It’s personal.” Deacon answered.  He moved the ice pack off his eye and Carlos looked at him.

“He isn’t much of a fighter, luckily for you.” He laughed heartily.  “I suspect you held back.  Was this because of Bridget and Brooke?”

“I’d never hurt either one of them, not intentionally.” Deacon said. 

“But you married the girl and left her.  Perhaps you’ve changed your mind.  Are you back to get the family’s approval?” Carlos grilled him.

“No Mr. Caicedo, what Bridget and I had is over.  She’s a sweet girl, a kind girl but we never should have married.  I did it for all the wrong reasons.  I hurt her and I hate myself for it.  But I saw her and I think she’s okay now.” Deacon explained.

“So you’ve already seen Bridget.” Carlos repeated.  “Then I can only assume you are here to see Brooke.  Am I correct?”

“This really isn’t your business.”

“Good, you are not a man to betray a trust.  I admire that.” Carlos said with a smile.

Deacon looked at him in confusion.  “What did she tell you?  How well do you know Brooke?”

“We have been friends for years, but we only recently met face to face.  Brooke has trusted me with things dear and precious to her and I too will not betray her.  But, perhaps I can fix a mistake no?”

“A mistake?” Deacon asked.

“A misunderstanding?  An error in judgement?”

“I know about you and Brooke.” Deacon told him. 

“You know what of us Deacon?” Carlos questioned him.

“Do you love her?  Do you make her happy?” Deacon asked with hope and yet with intense regret.

“I have no idea how these rumors have started.  Perhaps Ridge or Stephanie.” Carlos said with a chuckle.

“Not a rumor man, I saw with my own eyes.”

“What is it you saw Deacon?” Carlos asked him.

“I’m not here to make trouble.  I just wanted to talk to her.  If she loves you I won’t do anything to try and change that.  I swear I won’t.” Deacon promised.  Carlos smiled again and his eyes lit up.

“You love her very much no?”

“Yes.” Deacon said in a near whisper.  “I love her more than anything in the world.”

“Yes you do.” Carlos said. He opened his drawer and took out a pad and pen.  He tore off a page and copied something onto the page and put it down.  “Deacon, please get something to drink, this may take a moment or two.”

“What are you talking about?” Deacon asked.

“There is water, whiskey, coffee, soft drinks, whatever is your pleasure please.” Carlos said as he reached for the phone.  He opened the company phone directory.  “Pardon me but I am still unfamiliar with some of the extensions here.” He smiled again.  Deacon got up and went to the bar.  He poured himself a shot and came back to the desk with it. 

“It’s decaf.” Vincent assured Amber as he handed her the steaming mug of coffee. 

“Thanks.” She smiled.

“So what’s on your mind?” He asked.
“The last couple of times I spoke to Bridget, well she seemed weird.  Vincent is something wrong? Are you two having problems?” Amber inquired.  She took a sip of the coffee and peered over the mug waiting for an answer.

“I guess she didn’t tell you.  Maybe it really should be up to her.”

“Come on Vincent, I’m her sister in law and I care about her.  Rick is worried too.  If you know something you have to tell me.  What happened?” She demanded.

“Her ex-husband is back in town.”

“Deacon?” Amber gasped as her eyes widened in surprise.

“She saw him, they talked and she’s been a bit strange since.” He admitted.  “But she’s getting better, I’m seeing to that Amber.  I love her.”

“What did Deacon do? What did he say? Where is he?” Amber threw the questions so hard and fast that Vincent had to laugh.  “What’s so funny? This isn’t funny Vincent.” Amber protested.

“This has nothing to do with Bridget and everything to do with Deacon doesn’t it Amber? You have it for him don’t you? Bridget told me about how he wanted you at one time but she really thought that was all over.” He laughed again. “I guess she was wrong.”

“It is so over.  I love Rick, I’m just really curious as to why he’s here.  He said he was never coming back.  Did he ask Bridget to take him back?” Amber asked him.

“As far as I know he apologized to Bridget and told her he’d never bother her again, and he told her he cared about her.  Sorry to say Amber, I don’t think he asked about you.  But he did ask about Bridget’s mother.”

“Brooke!” Amber said loudly.  “I knew it! I knew it!”

“You knew what?” Vincent asked.

“Tell Bridget I was here, I have to go.” Amber put her mug down, grabbed her purse and was gone as fast as she had arrived.

 

 

Brooke stepped out of her bungalow into the bright sunlight.  She adjusted her glasses and felt inside her pocket for the car keys.  She was going to do some exploring today.  She had a map in her bag as well as several bottles of water. She carried a camera and a swimsuit and towel. She was set to enjoy herself if it killed her.  She waved at the housekeepers as they headed towards her room. Then she got to the car.  Once inside she decided to enjoy the warm, island air so she opened the windows and kept the air conditioner off.  Brooke took off with a good attitude and all the best intentions, but with thoughts of Deacon Sharpe still filling her head.

 

 

Deacon frowned as Carlos gave instructions to someone in Spanish.  He knew a bit but not enough to figure out the conversation.  He did catch a few words, today, leave, plane but not much else.  He stared at Carlos as he hung up the phone.

“Did that concern me? Because if it did it was rather rude to speak in a language that I don’t understand.” Deacon told him.

“Mr. Sharpe, you disappoint me.  I thought we were establishing a trust.”

“A trust? I don’t know a f*cking thing about you.  I don’t even know why I admitted what I did to you but trust? I don’t think so.”

“She loves you too.” Carlos said softly.

“What?” Deacon coughed.  He was stunned.  “She told you that?  When?  Why?  And if she does then why the f*ck was she kissing you?”

“Kissing me?  You must be mistaken.”

“I’m not.” Deacon shook his head.  “I came to talk to her but she was already out in the parking lot.  She was with you.”

“And I held her and kissed her.” Carlos said.  “Yes, that is true.  But you see I was kissing her goodbye and wishing her well.  I was holding her to stop her tears.”

“Tears?  Why was she crying? Where was she going?” Deacon demanded.

“She was leaving to forget you.” Carlos explained.  “But she won’t.  I know about love, you never forget your true love.  Is she your true love too Deacon?”

“God yes.” He said.  “She loves me?  She really loves me?”

“Are you employed Deacon?” Carlos asked instead of answering his question. 

“Yeah, I have a job.  Why?”

“You’ll need to make arrangements then.  You must leave today.”

“Leave?  Leave for where?”

“Why to go to Brooke of course.  I have the jet ready to take you to her.  I suggest you go pack and get to the airport immediately Mr. Sharpe.  Here is where she is, though I can’t promise how long.  She moves around a lot.”  He handed him the piece of paper.  “My number is at the bottom.  If she has already moved on she will tell me.  You call and stay put until I can guide you to her, but I think you will find her if you leave today.”

“What if she doesn’t want to see me?” Deacon asked.
“And what if the sun doesn’t want to rise in the morning.  It is not a case of want, it is need Deacon.  She needs you and you my friend need her.”

“Shit, holy shit, why are you doing this for me?” Deacon asked.
“I am doing it for Brooke, and for love.” Carlos smiled.  “Go get your woman and bring her home.  It is time for the secrets to end.  You and Brooke must make a life together in the open if you want it to work.  You do want it to don’t you?”

“Yes.” He whispered.  “Yes.” He repeated.

Bridget slipped inside quietly.  She smiled seeing Vincent hard at work at his laptop.  She put down her textbooks and walked up behind him kissing him on the forehead.

“Hey pretty girl.” He said pulling her down until their mouths met in a more traditional kiss.

“I didn’t want to disturb you.” She told him.

“I need a break, I’ve been at it all day.” He told her. “Just let me finish this last thought.” He kissed her once more and typed in a few last words, then he saved and closed the machine.  “Whew.” He smiled.  “I think I’m making progress Bridget.”

“But you still won’t let me read it will you?” She asked.

“I don’t know, you know I’m funny about that.” He said. 

“I know I’ll love it.” She assured him.

“You’d say you did even if you didn’t.” He laughed.  “So how were your classes?”
“Long.” She said.  She saw two mugs on the coffee table and frowned.  “Who was here?”

“Can’t get anything past you huh?” He grinned.  “Amber stopped by to see you.”

“Amber? Oh no, she must have found out about Deacon.”

“I’m the guilty party.  I told her.” He admitted.

“Why did you do that?” Bridget asked.  She sat down next to him with a pout.

“Was it a secret?” He asked.

“No, but she’s so nosy.  What did she say when you told her?”
“She asked when he got back and what he wanted and then she just ran out.”

“Probably looking for him.” Bridget said angrily.  “If she cheats on my brother with him I’ll kill her.”

“She did seem pretty interested.” Vincent admitted.

“Well since I have no idea where he is I guess she doesn’t either.”

“Bridget can we talk about him?” Vincent asked her.

“There’s nothing to talk about.  I was shocked he was back, that’s it.  I really don’t have feelings for him at all anymore.  I wish he’d just leave and that I never had to lay eyes on him again.”

“If you didn’t have feelings then you wouldn’t feel that way.” He told her.  “It’s okay Bridget, he was your husband, you’re allowed to have some unresolved feelings. It doesn’t threaten me, I know what we have is real.”

“It is.” Bridget said.  “You’re everything he could never be Vincent.  Please just be patient with me.  It’s hard to really commit to the whole thing after getting burned.”

“I thought we were committed.” He said.

“We are.  But you know what I mean.”

“You trust me don’t you?  Cause if you don’t Bridget, maybe we should slow things down a bit.”

“Too late silly.” She smiled.  It was a genuine smile, the first one he had seen on her since she had seen Deacon again.

“And why is that?” He asked.

“Because I already love you.” She confessed.

 

 

“Hi Megan, is Stephanie here?” Amber asked.

“Look at you!” Megan proclaimed as she got up from her desk.  “Amber you’re really showing.  How are you feeling?”

“Really good.” She smiled and patted her belly.  “We’re both so happy.”

“I’m glad.  I haven’t seen you or Rick in ages.”

“I know, we’ve been pretty much staying in.  Anyway is she here?”

“Sorry.” Megan said.  “She went to visit her sister.  In fact she left about an hour ago.  I’m not sure when she’ll be back.  Is there something I can do for you?”

“I just wanted to visit.” Amber said.

“Megan, is he still in there?” Ridge asked as he stormed up to her desk. “Oh, hello Amber.”

“Hi Ridge.  I just came to see your mother.”

“And you just missed her.” He told her.  He then turned to Megan.

“He left Ridge.  Carlos walked him out of the building.”
“Damn it Megan, you were supposed to tell me.”

“Carlos didn’t come back yet Ridge.” She explained.

“So he’s not in there? Good, maybe I can find out what the hell was going on.” He started towards the closed office door.

“You can’t go in there!” Megan protested.

“The hell I can’t.  This is Forrester Creations Megan and my name is Forrester.  I can go where ever the hell I want to go.” He reached for the doorknob as Megan looked on in shock.

“Who is Carlos?” Amber asked.  Suddenly Ridge realized he had an audience, and one that he didn’t fully trust.  He turned back and walked to Megan’s desk and to Amber.

“What did you want with my mother?” Ridge asked her.

“Just to talk.  I wanted to ask her something.” She said with a frown.

“Do Rick and Bridget know that Deacon is back in town?” Ridge asked Amber.

“I didn’t know that you knew.  How do you know Ridge?”

“He was here.”

“Oh.” Amber said with a sly grin.

“Do you have any idea why he was here Amber?” Ridge asked.

“No, not at all.” She lied. 

“Why don’t you come to my office and we can have a little chat?” Ridge suggested.  He took her arm.  “Megan, I don’t want to be disturbed but I want to know when Caicedo gets back.”

“Yes Ridge.” She agreed.

 

 

Deacon couldn’t believe everything that had happened.  He looked out the window of the private plane, shocked that he was about to land in Puerto Rico.  In no time he would be with Brooke, he would tell her that he loved her and then he would never let her go again.  He smiled to himself at the luck that had led him here and he smiled harder when he pictured the woman of his desires.  “Yes Brooke, tonight you will be mine again and this time I won’t take no for an answer.”  When the pilot announced to buckle his seat belt Deacon knew that his life would never be the same again.

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