Friday, February 09, 2007, Episode #4995

Phoebe doesn't want Rick to leave just yet.

At Brooke's house, Phoebe goes to wake Hope and flashes back to her chat in the garden with Rick last night. Downstairs, Rick also flashes back to that chat as he help Brooke set the breakfast table. He asks where Catherine and R.J. are; Brooke replies that R.J. had a play date, but she has an all-American breakfast for the rest of them, since she figured Rick's used to European fare now. Ridge echoes that sentiment as he comes down. As they sit down to eat, Ridge asks Rick if he still has his place in Paris; he figures Rick will need it, since they'll need an international branch of Forrester Originals if their first collection takes off. Hope doesn't want Rick to go. Phoebe agrees, since Rick just got here. Brooke agrees that it will take months to start a European division. Looking like he's not happy with how the conversation is going, Ridge tells Phoebe to get Hope ready for pre-school so they can drop her off on the way to work. Phoebe wants to finish eating and suggests she grab a ride with Rick; Ridge reminds her that she has a fitting today, so he tells her to grab a muffin and get moving. Phoebe tells Rick she'll see him there and leaves.

Ridge confides in his mother.

Later, Stephanie finds Ridge hard at work in his office, preparing for the showing. She asks why he looks so stressed if everything is set. Ridge tells her that he's worried about the bond that's growing between Rick and Phoebe, one that can be an even bigger problem if they're not careful. Stephanie remarks that Rick seems to be encouraging Phoebe. Ridge admits that's what bothers him. Stephanie sees no issue with Rick giving Phoebe some advice, since Phoebe is only a novice at modeling, and she thinks Phoebe is too smart to be swayed by Rick's angry attitude. Ridge is more concerned that Phoebe's getting along with Rick will become something more than just "getting along," since that's what his gut thinks is happening. Stephanie thinks Phoebe just has a cute crush on Rick, but Ridge sees nothing cute about it. Stephanie thinks it's natural that a girl Phoebe's age would be attracted to someone with Rick's experiences in Europe, and she's sure Brooke wouldn't let things get out of hand. Ridge tells her that Brooke sees non danger in Rick and Phoebe getting close, but he fears things might get sexual between his daughter and Brooke's son, and he wants to stop things before they get that far. Stephanie offers to talk to Brooke; she's sure Brooke will do the right thing once she understands Ridge's fears.

Eric has a heart to heart with Phoebe.

Meanwhile, Phoebe arrives for her fitting with Eric and finds him making last minute design checks and arrangements for their loyal distributors to be up front for the showing. She remarks how crazy things seem; that includes getting her fitted in that dress, Eric comments. Phoebe admits she's a bit nervous about being on the runway tomorrow; Eric's sure she'll be fine, since she's a Forrester and fashion is in her blood. As they finish up, Eric commends Phoebe on the positive change in attitude he's seen lately; he admits that she and her sister have always been beautiful, but she seems radiant lately. He asks if there's anyone responsible for that change. If he's asking about Shane, Phoebe replies, it's over between them. Eric is glad since he knows she could do better than Shane. Phoebe notes that she's not the only one happy around here; Eric admits that he's excited about having her and her father and aunts and uncles around here. And Rick, Phoebe adds. Eric agrees, remarking that he couldn't be happier. Phoebe knows what he means.

Nick prepares for his meeting with Harvey Golden.

Elsewhere, Nick and Storm are on a jet, heading for a meeting in the middle of nowhere with Harvey Golden. Storm is worried, sine they're not in L.A. Nick comments that Golden must enjoy being on his own turf, which Nick takes a sign that Golden wants to due business. Storm is still concerned. He worries that the eccentric distributor might be loyal to the Forresters, even though he took this meeting with them. Nick reminds Storm that Golden is the key to controlling all the distribution besides the Midwest. Storm frets that Nick will have maxed on debt to get there, and he also points out that the government might frown on Nick's monopoly on couture distribution. Nick thinks everyone in the business besides the Forresters will call them heroes if they do this. When they arrive, Storm gets ready for the meeting, but Nick reminds him that Golden wants to meet him alone. Storm doesn't like that idea, but Nick wants to do things Golden's way. He leaves the jet and arrives a darkened warehouse where a man commends him for his punctuality. Nick asks the man, who stands in the shadows, if he's Golden; the man tells Nick that Mr. Golden will join them soon.

Golden speaks to Nick over a speakerphone.

Soon after, the shadowy man turns to a speaker phone and tells Mr. Golden that Nick is here. Golden greets Nick, calling him by his first name if he may. Nick asks why they're not meeting face to face. Golden imagines that Nick is surprised right now. Nick says he wants to do business. Golden says he knows all about Nick's business, including how Nick has bought out all his competitors except Fenmore's in the Midwest. He also realizes that Nick will only control half the market without his company, and that won't do with the Forrester Originals showing tomorrow. He knows Nick wants to control all markets but the Midwest. Nick says that Golden seems to know a lot; he tells the elusive distributor that he's prepared to offer a nice price for his boutiques. If they come to an arrangement, Golden notes, Nick will owe him a lot more than money.

Back at Brooke's house, Rick seems tired as he finishes breakfast. Brooke asks if he's tired since he was up half the night with Phoebe. Rick admits that he and Phoebe like hanging out together, but Brooke asks if there's anything more, since Ridge thinks... Rick doesn't care what Ridge thinks; he points out that marrying his mom doesn't give Ridge the right to choose his friends. Brooke reminds him that Phoebe is Ridge's daughter, but Rick counters that Phoebe is an adult who doesn't need her dad to play guard dog. Brooke doesn't want to seem like she's prying, but she wonders if he saw any women in Paris. Rick admits that Amber left him gun-shy, although even with her stunts, he owes Amber for saving his life by giving him a kidney. Brooke comments that Amber owes him even more that that. Rick quips that there are two insanely protective parents in this house now; he thanks her for her concern, but he thinks it's hard for him to get close to people, like the only way something good will happen is if it sneaks up on him. Brooke wonders if perhaps the right girl has already snuck up on him given how he acts with Phoebe.

Brooke talks with Rick about Phoebe.

Rick tells Brooke that he just likes hanging out with Phoebe, despite her father's threats to kill him if he crossed the line. Brooke assures him that Ridge wouldn't kill him, but Rick knows Ridge doesn't want him around. He finds Ridge to be a hypocrite, recalling what Ridge did with Bridget. He remarks, "I don't care what Ridge wants, and after everything he's put you through, you shouldn't care, either." Brooke tells him that she doesn't agree with Ridge, but she understands his concerns, and she thinks Rick is being just as judgmental of Ridge as Ridge is of him. Ridge thinks Ridge has a lot to be judged for, but Brooke thinks Rick does, too. Rick tells her that he and Phoebe are just becoming good friends because they've both been through so much. and if Ridge has a problem with that... Brooke thinks Ridge will come around, but Rick is skeptical. She doesn't want to take sides because she wants peace in her house, but she doesn't see anything wrong with him spending time with Phoebe. As Brooke says that last part, Stephanie arrives at the front door and overhears as she's about to knock. She listens as Rick thanks his mom and goes to get ready for work.