At the Jackie M Boutique on Rodeo Drive, Heather's in the kitchen, cleaning up after making another protein shake for Deacon. Happy hour's just begun, she says as she looks at the bottle of refined alcohol.

Jackie and Deacon look over the sales reports.

Jackie and Deacon are in their office kissing. Deacon thanks her for believing he won't drink again. Jackie says he's proven that he's a changed man. They check the sales reports and see that Spectra's profits are up again. Jackie says that's good for Spectra and Jackie M. Deacon tells her not to say that, since she'll jinx them. He asks why he's so superstitious. It comes from years of seeing things not working like he wanted, he explains. She thinks he's just feeling sorry for himself again. Massimo called him a "disaster waiting to happen," he reminds her. She tells him again that he's changed, no matter what Massimo thinks. He guesses a low blow's better than a bullet to the head. She tells him not to say that, Now who's being superstitious? he asks. She says she's just being silly and is actually surprised at how well Massimo is taking this. Maybe too well, Deacon suggests.

Jackie goes to leave and asks Deacon to come with her, but he still has work to do. Jackie hands him his protein shake and tells him to keep his strength up and not be late, since she'll be at home waiting for him. She passes Heather on the way out, and they exchange good night's. Heather tells Deacon they had a great take today. Deacon says that's music to his ears and compliments her on her protein shakes. Heather says that's music to HER ears.

Ridge comes by as Massimo returns to work.

At Marone Industries, Ridge and Nick escort Massimo to his office - or as Nick puts it, the bridge of "the S.S. Marone." Mass thanks Nick for keeping the ship afloat while he was gone, but Nick's happy to have their skipper back at the helm, As Mass gives the order to "hoist anchor", Nick calls out for their crew, aka Mass's assistant Shelley, Nick's assistant Andrea and a pair of other employees who cheer the return of their leader. Shelley brings champagne, so Mass thanks them all and offers a toast to his return with a vengeance. With that said, Nick and Ridge tell the employees to get back to work before they wear out the boss's welcome, so the "crew" exits.

Nick comments on Massimo's "luck."

Alone with his sons, Massimo thanks them for being here. Ridge says he wouldn't be anyplace else now. Mass offers to make that permanent and tells Ridge that is office his just as he left it, but Ridge isn't ready. Mass agrees to leave the offer open and just enjoy how lucky he is. Nick says it's not luck, as you reap what you sow. Mass thinks that's something some people have to learn the hard way. Nick guesses Mass is referring to his mom. Yes, Mass says, poor Jacqueline has some painful lessons ahead of her. Ridge can't believe Mass called her "poor Jackie." Mass has pity for anyone who could fall under Sharpe's spell. He's sure Jackie will see the true Deacon in time. When Mass's phone rings, Nick and Ridge leave. Mass then takes the call: it's Heather, reporting that Deacon still isn't craving alcohol. Mass has an idea how to test Deacon and instructs Heather on what to do.

Heather slips Deacon a surprise.

Deacon sits in his office drinking his protein shake when he starts feeling the urge to drink again. Why is this happening again? he asks himself. Meanwhile, in the boutique, a delivery man arrives with a bag for Deacon. Heather says that her boss is in back but asks if the delivery man can help her move a heavy box first. He says he will; while he's moving the box, Heather slips a bottle of vodka into the bag. The man returns from moving the box; Heather gives him back the bag and sends him in back. The man delivers the bag to Deacon and leaves. A hungry Deacon anxiously opens the bag and is stunned to find the vodka. What's this? he wonders. He puts the bottle on the desk, but then picks it up, opens it and inhales.

Sally thanks her crew for their latest sales surge.

At Spectra, Sally, Thorne, Clarke and Darla anxiously await the arrival of their employee Bob, with the latest sales reports and graphs. Thorne and Clarke fear they may be let down after that 23% increase over the holidays. Bob comes in and Sally looks at the results - and she's pleased to say they're up another 20%! Everyone cheers the little engine that could, Spectra, that is leaving Forrester in its dust. Sally then thanks everyone for their part in this success: Bob and the crew stoking their engines; Clarke and their designers turning their old caboose into a real train; Darla, the "clang of their trolley and the ding of their bell"; and most importantly, their conductor, Thorne, who strung their cars into a real railway.

Thomas, Samantha and Caitlin anxiously wait for Eric to read the sales report.

At Forrester, Samantha and Caitlin show off some design changes to Eric and Stephanie. Eric is pleased with their ideas; he thinks both women are learning, which is helping them fill the void left by Ridge's absence. Sam hopes he's as confident after their previews. Stephanie says they'll do fine. Eric agrees and tells the crew to get out there and knock 'em dead. With that, Thomas gets off the phone and says they heard the man: they have a deadline to meet! As Caitlin, Sam and Thomas work, Stephanie senses some reservations from Eric. He shows her Spectra's latest ad and tells her how Sally did that without Thorne knowing. He explains to his wife that he confronted Thorne, who put a stop to it, but he wonders if the damage has been done. Megan then arrives with the latest sales figures: everyone waits anxiously as Eric looks them over.

Stephanie listens as Eric congratulates Thorne.

Stephanie asks if it's positive. Very, Eric says - up 20%. Stephanie thinks that's wonderful, but Eric then tells her that those are Spectra's numbers. They only did 5%. Stephanie says that's still respectable, but Eric says that's a 5% decrease. Stephanie, Sam, Thomas and Caitlin try to encourage Eric that it's only one week. He says he's sure they'll bounce back, but he doesn't seem like he believes that.

Stephanie asks Eric if he's all right. The phone rings: it's Thorne. He's calling because he saw the sales reports and... He doesn't know what to say. Eric says he does and congratulates his son. Thorne thanks him, but he assures Eric that he didn't want to be successful at Forrester's expense. Eric tells him not to feel that way, as he earned this. Thorne feels like Sally's logo stunt played a part in this. Eric reminds Thorne that he promised that won't happen again, so the matter's closed. Right now, he just wants Thorne to enjoy his victory. After Eric hangs up, Stephanie commends him for being so gracious. He says he really is happy for Thorne. But he wishes Thorne was here, Stephanie guesses, along with Ridge. Eric has to wonder: without his sons, is his career a success or a failure?

Thorne considers Ridge's proposal.

Thorne is alone in his office when Ridge stops by to congratulate him. Thorne guesses he saw the sales report. Ridge says he saw it at Marone, while he accompanied Massimo on his first day back at work. Good for him, Thorne says. Ridge says Massimo thrives on his work, just like Eric does. Thorne hopes Ridge isn't trying to make him feel guilty. Actually, Ridge says, he's complimenting Thorne on doing what he couldn't, transforming Spectra into a real fashion house and getting classy designs from the likes of Clarke and Amber. Thorne says they just needed encouragement. Ridge thinks Thorne knew how to offer that after years putting up with his [Ridge's] artistic ego.