Wednesday, February 07, 2007, Episode #4993

Pam and Stephanie are stunned by Eric's surprise.

At the Forrester mansion, Pamela prepares to leave, but Eric tells her to wait until her sister gets home so the three of them can chat. Pam frets that the limo is on the way to take her to the airport, and she'll miss her flight if she waits. Eric tells her not to worry. Stephanie arrives after been stuck on the infamous L.A. freeway system; she's glad she got here in time to say goodbye to her sister. As the Douglas sisters say their goodbyes, Eric tries to tell them that they can avoid all this, since Pam is one of the family now and doesn't have to leave. Stephanie reminds Eric that her mother needs Pam in Chicago, and Pam agrees. She admits she had the time of her life here in L.A., but it's time to go home. Eric keeps trying to stall, but while Stephanie and Pam admire his charming attempt, they think Pam's time here is done. When they hear a car door, Stephanie thinks the limo has arrived. Stephanie says her final goodbye to her sister and asks Pam to tell their mom she's sorry, since she called Ann a selfish old witch before she left. As they walk to the door, Pam doesn't think their mom will remember - and as they reach the door, the sisters are both stunned to see their mother standing there! "I'm not at all sure that I'm ready to move to Los Angeles, but since Eric offered, the selfish old witch thought it might be impolite to not come take a look," Ann states.

Ann is intrigued by Eric's offer.

Stephanie and Pam both wonder what their mother is doing here. Eric invites Ann in so he can explain. As they all sit down in the living room, Ann frets about how hard it is to get around on the cold, icy Chicago streets. Pam reminds her that she wanted to get them a duplex in Palm Beach; Ann says those "golden years" places aren't her cup of tea and hopes that isn't what Eric has in mind. Hardly, Eric says as he shows Ann a brochure for a beachfront condo in Santa Monica. Stephanie insists that Ann doesn't want to leave Chicago, but Ann grabs the brochure to look as she asks Pam to fetch her make-up case. Eric then explains his plan; he wants Pam to live in one of his and Stephanie's two guest houses, while he'll hire someone to help care for Ann at her new condo. Ann thinks it's a great idea, since she thinks Pamela depends too much on her. Stephanie, however, seems bothered by all this and asks Eric if they can speak on the terrace for a moment.

Eric explains himself to his wife.

Outside, Stephanie is angry at Eric for making decisions for her family without consulting her. Eric points out that Ann and Pam are his family, too, and he thought it was time for the two of them to step up and provide for Ann's care. Even so, Stephanie argues, it's not his place to invite someone into their home without telling her. He reminds her that Pam will not be in their home, but in the guesthouse. As for why he didn't discuss it with her, he feels she has a blind spot where Pam is concerned. He thinks Pam deserves this. Stephanie thinks she and Pam will decide what Pam deserves between them. She senses something going on that Eric isn't telling her and wants to know what is.

Brooke won't have any threats or ultimatums in her home.

At Forrester Originals, Ridge tells Brooke that he'll have to set boundaries for Rick if she won't. She reminds him that they are living in HER home; he asks if that means she's throwing him out if he doesn't agree with her way of doing things. She tells him to stop that childish talk. She won't have any threats or ultimatums in her home, since they're trying to build a family. Ridge asks why she's not telling Rick that; she reminds him that not everyone will fall for him at first sight. Ridge says that he can live with Rick not liking him, but he will not put up with what's going on between Rick and Phoebe. Brooke sees nothing wrong with Phoebe trying to make Rick feel welcome, but Ridge recalls what goes through a guy's head at Rick's age. He reminds Brooke of how protective she was of Bridget when Bridget was Phoebe's age, but she doesn't think Phoebe needs to be protected from Rick. Ridge disagrees and asks Brooke where this leaves them. "About where we started," she replies.

Ridge has an idea about how to make nice with Brooke.

Ridge tries nuzzling Brooke a little to smooth things over. Brooke protests, telling him that they need to agree about this, but Ridge continues as he reminds her that family arguments sometimes end with the parties disagreeing. He tells Brooke how hot she is when she's angry. Brooke tells him to stop, but he continues his advances. "At least lock the door," Brooke tells him as she finally gives in.

Elsewhere at Forrester Originals, a model named Jenna gives Phoebe some tips. Phoebe points out some things Rick told her. Jenna thinks Phoebe should believe Rick, since she heard from a model friend named Ariel over at Forrester International that Rick knows what he's doing. Phoebe asked if Ariel dated Rick, but Jena doesn't think he's the type to date an employee. Jenna suggests Phoebe try a yoga place she knows about and looks for a pen to write down the address. Phoebe suggests Rick might have one in his jacket pocket. Jenna looks and finds something that will make Ariel happy: a ticket for Rick's flight back to Paris tomorrow!

Rick recognizes the name of the office management rep before him.

Meanwhile, Rick meets with a new paper shredding vendor -- who is none other than Shane McGrath. Rick explains that office products aren't typically his area; Shane says that's why he asked for Miss Forrester, as in Phoebe. Rick wonders why Shane would want Phoebe but then recognizes the name. Shane guesses that Phoebe's dad has badmouthed him to everyone here, which brings him to the reason he came over. He thinks Ridge misjudged him, so he wants to prove that he's changed. Rick says he can understand that. Just then, Phoebe comes in to ask Rick about the plane ticket Jenna found and is stunned to see Shane there. Shane tells her that he's now the assistant manager for a company that does waste consulting and office management - and he'd like to tell Phoebe more about it over dinner at Cafe Russe. Phoebe doesn't see any reason why not and asks Rick if he knows of anything she should be doing tomorrow that would keep her from going out tonight. Rick says he has no life and is working late, but he tells her to have fun. Surprised at the answer, Phoebe agrees to dinner with Shane.

Shane shows Phoebe his new look and attitude.

Over dinner, Shane tells Phoebe all about his new work. The waiter comes to take their order. When Phoebe orders a grilled scallops Caesar salad, Shane tells her she can order more than that, but she says that's really all she wants. Shane asks the waiter if he and Phoebe can have a moment; once the waiter walks away, Shane assures Phoebe that he can afford anything on the menu here, but Phoebe says she always gets that salad here. Shane senses Phoebe is hesitant and s confused; he knows his job isn't glamorous, but it's stable, and he thought that's what Phoebe wanted. It is, Phoebe says, and she's proud of him.