Thursday, August 03, 2006, Episode #4865

Thorne tells Taylor that he and his daughter need her.

At the AA meeting, Taylor tells the group how she didn't want to face her drinking problem. Drinking deadened the pain of her divorce, she recalls. Friends tried to help her, but she wouldn't listen. She promised her son that she'd get rid of all the alcohol in the house, and she did. But there was one last bottle of wine, and she couldn't resist taking a drink. Then her daughter called and needed her help. Before she can continue, Taylor breaks down and cries; Thorne steps up and hugs her. Lisa, one of the group leaders, tells the members that they can't change the hurt that's been caused, but they can change the future. The group applauds her. As everyone gets up to leave, Maggie, the member who spoke earlier, encourages Taylor to come back. Stan, the other leader, offers Taylor his card if she wants to talk. Lisa tells Taylor that sobriety will open up new doors for her and all the people who need her, like her children. A member approaches Taylor and encourages her to come back. The facilitators also show support. Stan offers her his card and Lisa tells her that her life still has value and she has so much to contribute to the world. Thorne agrees, as Taylor's kids need her, Alexandria needs her - and so does he.

Taylor helps "tailor" a dress for Alexandria.

Taylor and Thorne return to his house, where she asks how he found the strength to help her. He says that it's what Darla would have done. Taylor starts to cry, because she doesn't feel like she deserves Thorne's kindness. Phoebe and Alexandria come out from the bedroom; Alexandria asks Auntie Taylor if she's sad because she misses Mommy. Sobbing, Taylor hugs the girl and says that she misses Alexandria's mommy, who was her friend. She's in heaven, Alexandria says. Phoebe says that Alexandria got sad when they came back from the beach and played dress-up with Darla's clothes, especially the dress Darla wore to the birthday party. Thorne thinks he should box Darla's things, but Taylor has an idea first. She asks Alexandria if she wants to wear Mommy's party dress. Alexandria says it's too big, but Taylor says she can fix that. Breaking out a sewing machine, she remakes the dress to fit Alexandria. Phoebe is surprised that her mom could sew; Taylor explains that she picked up a few things being married to a fashion designer. Alexandria tries on the dress and loves it. Taylor tells her to wear the dress whenever she feels sad, so she can remember the good times with Mommy. The two hug as Thorne looks on.

Eric worries about Thorne.

In Thorne's office at Forrester, Eric talks with Ridge about how Thorne's handled Darla's death. Ridge is sure Thorne will get through this. Eric mentions that Stephanie told him how Taylor is helping Thorne and Alexandria. Ridge is glad that Taylor has regained some focus, since she seemed so lost lately. He thinks she's best when she's helping people. Eric changes the subject and asks about Donna's photo session; Ridge doesn't want to talk about it, since he can't understand why Stephanie and Brooke don't get what he's trying to do. Eric asks Ridge if he believes in what he's doing; when Ridge says yes, Eric tells him to ignore Stephanie, like he always does. Ridge says he plans to; in fact, he has a fashion preview planned for tomorrow that will prove that Donna is the perfect replacement for Brooke.

Brooke tells Donna not to kiss Ridge.

In the photo studio, Brooke orders Donna not to kiss Ridge again. Donna says the kiss was just meant to make her feel like she can do this job, but Brooke doesn't buy that it was a kiss of gratitude. Brooke tells Donna that this is a serious job, so Donna can't just make a play for the lead designer. Donna says that she was just thanking Ridge for his support, and nothing more. She asks why this bothers Brooke. Brooke retorts that Donna knows how hard it was for her to give up the line. Donna accuses Brooke of taking that out on her by making it personal and saying she was acting unprofessionally -- unless Brooke wants to be with Ridge? She thinks Brooke should be Ridge's muse, not her. She only said yes to the job offer because Brooke and "Captain Control" double teamed her. She tells Brooke that Nick is attractive enough, and he's safe and dependable, but he also wants to control Brooke's life. Brooke argues that this was her decision. And it was a bad one, Donna argues, just like it was when Brooke married Eric and Thorne when she really loved Ridge. She doesn't history to repeat itself, so she urges Brooke to accept her destiny and be with Ridge. Brooke agrees that Nick is dependable and asks what's wrong with that. She points out that Bridget gave all that up so she could be with Nick, and Hope and RJ love Nick. Donna asks, "If you're so happy with Nick, why are you telling me to keep my mitts off Ridge?"

Donna thinks this is all about her keeping her hands off Brooke's man, but Brooke says her man is at Marone Industries. Donna tells Brooke to admit that she doesn't love Nick like she loves Ridge, who is right there for Brooke to take. Brooke says it's not that simple. Donna asks her sister why she always complicates things by jumping through hoops to please people. Brooke argues that compromises are part of life, but Donna insists that Ridge is, and always has been, the man for Brooke. Just then, Ridge comes in and calls out, "Logan." Brooke and Donna both look, and Ridge laughs at how one word got the attention of two beautiful women. Brooke asks to speak to Ridge alone, so Donna leaves.

Ridge asks Brooke what's going on.

Ridge asks what's going on; Brooke replies that she saw him kiss Donna and won't put up with that. Confused, Ridge asks if he should be flattered or offended that Brooke doesn't want him kissing Donna. Brooke thinks they should act professional, but Ridge says he only kissed Donna to help her gain confidence. It was completely innocent, he insists. Brooke reminds him how hard it was for her to walk away from modeling for Brooke's Bedroom, but he points out that it was just as hard on him. He asks Brooke why she's worried about him and Donna if she married Nick. He then points out that Donna has been his inspiration and has given him a new reason to come to work; he's sorry if that's hard for Brooke, but he pleads for her not to take that away from him. Brooke gets a call from Nick; she tells him that she'll be at Marone once she puts out some "fires" here. Ridge comments that it seems like Nick doesn't trust her to take care of herself; she asks Ridge if he blames Nick. She turns to leave, but he stops her and asks if she'll be at the preview tomorrow. When she says she won't be, he asks if that was her decision or Nick's. Brooke says he has everything he needs and turns to leave again, but he stops her and says he needs her and RJ. Brooke believes him. Ridge then says that he still loves her and always will. Brooke says she never meant to hurt him. Ridge says he knows as he hugs her, while a tear rolls down her cheek.