Monday, September 11, 2006, Episode #4890

Thorne doesn't appreciate Hector's "advice."

At the Bel Air mansion, Thorne and Taylor are still hugging in the living room when Hector comes in, tapping his cane around to find his way. Thorne and Taylor break their embrace when they hear Hector call Taylor's name. Hector asks if Thorne is still there; Thorne says that he is. Taylor tells Hector that she and Thorne rearranged the furniture to make it easier for him and shows him around, but he tells her to go back to her talk with Thorne - which he presumes is about him. He guesses that Thorne isn't too crazy about his staying here. Thorne replies that he of all people knows what a difference Taylor can make, so he really hopes that Taylor can be as helpful to Hector as she was to Ally and him. Taylor tells Hector that Thorne is only trying to help. Hector says that he needs some rest right now, but with Taylor and Thorne talking... Thorne is stunned that Hector is asking him to leave. He says that he sympathizes with Hector. Hector says that he sympathizes with Thorne, too, since he knows what it's like to be a single father. Thorne agrees that they have a lot in common. Which is why they should try to get along, Taylor suggests. Hector thinks they could, if Thorne would only be open to his advice. And what would that be? Thorne asks. Hector says that Thorne would be better off focusing on Alexandria instead of Taylor; he thinks it's in appropriate for Thorne to be looking for a relationship with a new woman so soon after Darla died, and he wonders how Thorne will explain this new relationship to his grieving daughter.

Hector gives Taylor his opinion of her relationship with Thorne.

Thorne asks Hector who he thinks he is. Hector thinks he's the only one seeing the situation clearly, but Thorne sees a jealous man. Taylor tells Thorne to stop arguing; Hector agrees that there's nothing to argue about, because Taylor shouldn't be seeing Thorne. Thorne has had, since he and Taylor don't need Hector's approval. When he comes over, he states - and he will be coming over - he expects Hector to respect his and Taylor's relationship. There is no relationship, Hector insists, ordering Thorne to leave. "Or what? Will you have the guys from the fire station rough me up?" Thorne asks. Hector says he won't have to, since he'll do it himself; he lunges at Thorne, who steps aside, causing Hector to fall onto the couch. As Taylor helps Hector up, she suggests that Thorne leave; frustrated, Thorne turns to the door and exits. Once he's gone, Taylor tells Hector not to do that ever again! Hector insists that she's in danger every minute she spends with Thorne, but Taylor states that she has every intention of seeing Thorne. Hector asks if Thorne means that much to her that she would put both their freedoms, and her daughter's well being, at risk. He knows how she's battling to keep Thorne from learning how Darla died, and he bets that seeing Darla's face in her mind is eating her up inside. As Hector speaks, Taylor flashes back to seeing Darla's bloody face through the windshield. Hector says that he can help her, but it won't be easy if she spends so much time with Thorne. Taylor responds that she wants to be Hector's friend and help him, but her relationship with Thorne is not up for discussion. Even if it sends her to jail? Hector asks, predicting that Taylor's world will fall apart when Thorne learns the truth. That's why she has to cut ties with Thorne now.

Outside, Thorne peeks through the window, watching as Taylor argues with Hector and walks away out of frustration.

Ridge and Donna go over their travel plans.

In the Forrester CEO's office, Ridge finishes a call to Jarrett. After he hangs up, Ridge tells Donna about a couple of interviews they have to do before they leave for New York and then Europe to promote the Bedroom line. Donna thinks it should be some trip after their kiss on national TV. She asks Ridge if they should be leaving for LAX now; actually, he responds, They'll be taking the Forrester jet from Van Nuys to New York, then Paris, Milan and wherever Donna wants to go. Donna thinks it will be good get away from her sister for a while, so this trip is just what she needs. "You are so naughty," Ridge teases, moving close to Donna for a kiss - just as Brooke walks in. Brooke clears her throat to make her presence known. Ridge asks if she's there to wish them bon voyage. This is a press tour, she reminds him, not a pleasure cruise. Ridge reminds her what they say about :all work and no play," but Brooke thinks there's too much play, like quick jaunts to Paris and London. Ridge explains that he wanted to have time to visit his daughter in London, and to have time free in case a prince offers a dinner invitation. And while he's dining in China, Brooke asks, who will deal with their vendors in China. Ridge says he put China off til next quarter, but Brooke thinks that's unacceptable. Donna asks if Brooke would rather have Ridge go to China instead of taking her to Europe. Brooke angrily replies, "I'd rather he go to Timbuktu with a hooker!"

Brooke tells Ridge that Nick forgave her.

Ridge asks Donna if he can have some time alone with Brooke, so Donna goes to finish packing. Once Donna is gone, Ridge asks Brooke if she's jealous. Brooke reminds him that she's committed to her marriage. Ridge knows that she doesn't want to disrupt her family's life anymore, but he thinks home is where the heart is - and her heart is, and always will be, with him! Brooke tells that Nick forgave her for the kiss last night; she doesn't think she can ask more of her husband than that kind of understanding and loyalty. Ridge points out how she keeps saying that she let Nick down; he points out that Nick's not perfect, so it's only a matter of time before Nick lets her down. Brooke insists that he won't. Ridge hopes that she's right. If it was up to him, he'd have her and their family back. But she's chosen Nick, so he's moving on. He's going to Europe with Donna to have some fun. Then there's nothing left to say but goodbye, Brooke states. Ridge gives her a hug and tells her that he's going to miss her. With that, Brooke turns and leaves, as Ridge watches her go.

As Brooke waits for the elevator, she looks at the photos on the wall. She sees the photo of her crossing the canal in Portofino, wearing the show stopper wedding gown. That sparks flashbacks to happy times she spent with Ridge. She then thinks back to her last Brooke's Bedroom showing, and the runway kiss at the end. As she remembers the kiss, she thinks back to Ridge telling her earlier that Nick is not perfect. "He will let you down," she recalls Ridge warning. Coming back to reality, she says to herself, "No, Ridge, he never has. And he never will."

Bridget tells Nick that his marriage to her mother was a mistake.

At the beach house, Bridget urged Nick not to tell Brooke about last night. She thought he finally knew that her mother could never make him happy, which is why he wound up in Bridget's arms last night. She pleaded for him not to go back down that road with Brooke again, and for him instead to come back to her! Nick tells her that he drank too much and overreacted. Bridget reminds him that her mother was kissing Ridge. Nick tells Bridget that Brooke explained the kiss; Bridget asks how many "explanations" from her mother he's supposed to take, especially when he has a woman who's devoted completely to him right here? She tells him that she'll always love him and hugs him. She tells him that going back to his mother is a mistake; even if they shouldn't have slept together last night, the fact that they did shows how frustrated and angry he was. She then asks Nick why he'd want to be hurt by her mother again, especially after he finally realized that her mother is addicted to Ridge. "I believe she'll stay with me," Nick replies. But for how long? Bridget asks. Nick tells Bridget to stop, but she can't; she refuses to forget what happened last night, and she can't see why he'd want to forget, either. Nick says that he hasn't forgotten, but Brooke wants their marriage to work - and truthfully, so does he.

Nick tells Bridget that he's sorry.

Bridget walks out onto the deck and looks toward the beach. Nick tells her that he's sorry; he knows he's hurt her so many times, and he wishes he could say something to make it better. But he can't. He doesn't know how Brooke will react when he tells her, but... Bridget insists that if he cares about her at all, he won't tell her mother. Nick refuses to betray Brooke again by keeping this secret, especially after they promised not to have any more secrets. Bridget asks if he wants a life with her mother; he insists that Brooke deserves the truth and steps back inside. Bridget follows and asks, "And what do I deserve?" She points out how she opened her heart to him last night, only to lose him again today. After that, she can't lose her relationship with her mother and her family. She can't stand the thought of her family asking her why her mother can't stand the sight of her, so she begs Nick to let her hold on to her dignity. She starts to cry; pacing around the room, Nick stops and says that he's sorry. Bridget asks him to please leave; if he wants a life with her mother, then he should go have it. She just wants him to remember one thing: if her mother learns the truth, they all lose. That's why they need to keep this secret forever.