Monday, February 12, 2007, Episode #4996

Nick tells Storm that he made a deal with the devil.

In the darkened warehouse, Nick addresses Harvey Golden over the speakerphone and asks what it will take for them to make a deal. Golden says that the papers are already prepared, and all they need is Nick's signature. The Golden employee who ushered Nick into the room hands Nick a contract; Nick looks it over and says the price is too steep, and he also wants his lawyer to review this. Golden sees no need for that, as the contract is simple and comes with only one condition: if Nick signs, he'll owe Golden. "Owe you what?" Nick asks. "Whatever I want, whenever I want it," Golden's distorted voice replies over the speaker. Nick agrees and signs the papers; Golden's employee than takes Nick's hand and presses Nick's thumb on a fingerprint reader, "for security." Golden then tells Nick that they're done and he'll be in touch. Nick returns to the jet and tells Storm that it's a done deal. Nick then calls Jackie to give her the news, instructing her to start plans to organize all their new stores under the Jackie M name. Jackie asks if this is what he really wants. Nick says it is; he intends to make the Forresters pay for what they did to her by blocking their ability to sell their new collection. After Nick hangs up, Storm reviews the contract and confirms that other than Lauren Fenmore, Nick is the only major buyer in the couture business now. Nick warns Storm not to let word of this leak, as he wants the Forresters to be shocked when they see no buyers in their showroom tomorrow.

Brooke is stunned by Stephanie's accusations.

At Brooke's house, Stephanie is stunned that Brooke can't see anything wrong with Rick and Phoebe having a relationship, Brooke argues that Rick has done something wrong; Stephanie sees that Ridge was right and questions Brooke's intelligence and judgement if she can't see what's going on. Offended, Brooke argues that it's just a crush, and she sees nothing wrong with Rick enjoying the attention. Stephanie points out that Rick and Phoebe are related for all intents and purposes, and that will be even more true once Ridge marries Brooke; that's why she thinks any kind of romantic contact between Brooke's son and Ridge's daughter is inappropriate. Brooke feels like she and the kids are being blamed for something that hasn't even happened. Stephanie replies that the situation is volatile, especially with Rick's anger toward Ridge and her, but Brooke argues that has nothing to do with Rick enjoying spending time with Phoebe. Stephanie reminds Brooke of the difficult year Phoebe has, so she fears where this could lead and thinks Brooke should worry, too. Brooke refuses to see her son as a predator, but Stephanie argues that more than just Brooke's relationship with Rick is at stake. She points out to Brooke how turning a blind eye to this can affect her relationship with Ridge and asks Brooke if encouraging this "crush" is worth jeopardizing that relationship.

Ridge's attitude disturbs Brooke.

Later, Brooke arrives at Forrester Originals with Rick, where they find Ridge fitting a gown on Phoebe in the showroom. Rick and Brooke are both wowed with how good Phoebe looks in the dress. Rick offers to help her practice her walking in the runway in that dress, but Ridge tells Phoebe that they have another gown to fit and sends her to get changed. Once Phoebe leaves, Ridge asks Rick, "What part of stay away from my daughter didn't you understand?" Rick just looks at him and then goes over to the racks to check the gowns. When Phoebe returns, she tells her dad that she can handle things here, so he can go back upstairs. While Phoebe goes over to the rack to talk to Rick, Brooke takes Ridge aside and warns that he can't keep Rick and Phoebe from seeing each other. ""The hell I can't," Ridge replies. Brooke warns that he can't watch every move Phoebe makes, and she frets that this will become a big deal if he makes it one.

Eric tells Jackie how excited he is.

Eric is in his office when he gets a surprise visit from Jackie. Jackie asks if she should close her eyes, but Eric is so proud of his work that he has no problem with her seeing it. He admits he shouldn't say this for fer of jinxing himself, but this is his best work ever, which is why he's more excited about tomorrow's showing than he's been about any showing in years. As Eric stops to tend to something, Jackie feels a pang of guilt from seeing how happy and focused he is. She tells him that she's impressed by all his hard work here, but she thinks it might also bring too much anxiety with it. That's why she wants him to know that he'll always have a place at Forrester Creations if he wants it. Eric asks if that means she's worried about Clarke not being able to measure up as a designer to compete with what she sees here. Jackie replies that Clarke is a competent designer, but competing on the runway is only part of this business, since there are factors like marketing and distribution. Eric takes that to mean that Nick won't let Jackie M carry Forrester Originals; Jackie confirms that, noting that she heard that Eric even increased his production. Eric admits that he doubled it and asks Jackie why it seems like she feels sorry for him. She says that it's just that she knows he wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for Stephanie. Eric reminds her that her son had a hand in this, but she thinks he could learn to work with Nick if he really tried.

Stephanie tells Jackie not to be foolish.

Just then, Stephanie walks in, surprised to find Jackie offering Eric a job. She tells Eric that he's needed in the showroom. Eric offers to remove all the sharp objects before he leaves, but Jackie and Stephanie both say they'll be fine. Alone, Stephanie tells Jackie that the only thing she wants to here from Ms. Marone is "good-bye." She can't believe Jackie is so desperate that she'd come and offer Eric a job. Jackie argues that she's just offering Eric the support he never gets from his wife. Stephanie counters that she appreciates Eric, and she thinks the whole fashion world will join her in that once Eric debuts their first collection tomorrow. Jackie argues that she was talking about Eric as a man, not as a businessman; Stephanie replies that Eric's business is his life, even though Jackie has never gotten that - or maybe she DOES get it, and that's why she had Nicky steal Forrester Creations away. Jackie says that was never her intent. Stephanie states that her family, her new company and her marriage to Eric are all stronger than ever, despite Jackie's revenge plot. Jackie insists she's not the villain here. Stephanie tells Jackie to save it, since she's predicting a huge hit for Eric's collection tomorrow, and she thinks Jackie would be a fool not to see that.

Thorne worries when he finds an empty Golden boutique.

As Eric enters the showroom, he's on the phone with Thorne, who is standing in the show in front of an east coast boutique where he was supposed to meet Harvey Golden's people - but the store is empty! Thorne admits he's worried seeing the empty store, especially since he hasn't been able to reach Arthur Harrison or Yvette St. Julienne, either. Eric is sure the distributors are just busy with the showing tomorrow, so he tells Thorne not to worry. Eric then joins the troops, who praise how perfect their collection is. Brooke asks Eric about his call with Thorne. Eric explains that there was some kind of mix-up with Golden, but he's sure they can straighten it out tomorrow at the showing. He then calls everyone together for a pep talk. He praises the whole family for coming together to make this new venture happen. From Thorne working with their vendors to Felicia handling marketing, Bridget's fresh ideas and Phoebe's enthusiasm, they've all pitched in, and he wants to thank them. He especially wants to thank Rick, since he knows how jaded Rick was after being let go by Forrester International; Rick tells his dad he loves him and gives him a hug. Ridge then clears his throat; Eric realizes he left out Ridge and Brooke, whose passion shows how unbeatable this family is, as well as his inspiration... He looks around and asks where Stephanie is.