Friday, January 26, 2007, Episode #4985

Jackie worries about Nick's actions.

At Forrester Creations, Nick's new assistant - they have yet to give her a name - brings Nick some designs from Clarke and is surprised to find him shirtless. Nick explains that he spilled some coffee on his shirt and had to change. As the assistant takes the shirt fro dry cleaning, she watches Nick put on a new shirt and notices his St. Christopher medal. Nick explains that it was a gift, and it's supposed to keep a man safe at sea. As the assistant leaves, Nick looks at the medal and remembers when Brooke gave it to him as a sign that she'd aways be there for him; he recalls promising never to take it off. Jackie comes in; Nick tells her that he's contacted all the Forresters' distributors except Harvey Golden. Jackie tells him that she never met the mysterious Mr. Golden. She frets that Nick's buyout plan will be too expensive. Nick tells her that Arthur Harrison is flying in from San Francisco this morning, and he has also made offers to the distributors in Europe and Asia. He plans to combine those three with his mother's boutiques under the Jackie M name. Jackie frets that they will be up to their necklines in debt. But the Forresters will be out of business, Nick predicts.

Brooke talks with Ridge about her conversation with Rick last night.

In his office at Forrester Originals, Ridge is distracted from work by the presence of Brooke, although he claims she's "inspiring" him. Brooke asks if he got in here early to avoid Rick. Ridge says that Rick is a good guy, but Rick doesn't feel the same way about him. Brooke thinks Rick is just concerned about how Ridge and Stephanie treated Jackie. Ridge admits that he overheard Brooke's conversation with Rick last night, and he thinks Rick would rather she was still married to Nick. Brooke argues that Rick just wants her to be happy and is being cautious because of her history with Ridge and thinks her older son just needs time. Ridge admits that he can't expect Rick to change his mind overnight, just based on his promise to do better. He supposes he'll have to prove himself to Rick, as he did to Brooke.

Rick pays Nick a visit.

Meanwhile, Rick drops by Nick's office at Forrester. After Rick greets Jackie, Nick asks his mother for some time alone with his former stepson. Jackie understands and leaves. Nick assumes Rick blames him for the loss of his job in Paris at Forrester International and explains that he needed to trust everyone working in the international division. Rick admits he would still be over there had Nick not bought Forrester Creations, but he concedes that he would have done the same things Nick did if he as in Nick's position. Rick then hands Nick a list of valuable employees at International who fear for their jobs and explains that he told them all to all to cooperate with Nick. Nick wonders why Rick would do that. Rick asks if he's speaking to the man or the money. When Nick admits he could ask the same thing, Rick admits that he's worried that Stephanie is bound to turn on his mother eventually. He thinks Ridge will hurt his mom again when that happens, even though his mom says things are different now. Frankly, he thinks the only time things were different was when his mom was married to Nick. Jackie interrupts and tells Nick that his 10 AM appointment from San Francisco is on his way. Nick excuses himself to take the meeting. Rick remarks, "I know you love your mother and you would do anything for her. I feel the same way about my mother." Rick leaves.

Storm wonders what Nick is up to.

Elsewhere at Forrester Creations, Storm preps Donna for he first public appearance for the company since Forrester Originals debuted. He warns Donna not to say anything to defame the Forresters, since they can't afford a lawsuit now thanks to Nick's latest moves. Donna asks what moves he means. Storm admits he doesn't know the details, but he thinks Nick is expanding the company, since Nick has taken out loans and rounded up capital, even using Forrester Creations itself as collateral. he was actually hoping Donna knew what Nick was up to, since it's a huge risk. Donna says she doesn't know, although she admits Nick is a risk taker. Storm just hopes Nick doesn't break his neck by jumping into this expansion head first.

Bridget, Felicia and Phoebe are glad to see Rick.

At Forrester Originals, Felicia and Bridget help out as Eric fits a gown on Phoebe, who feels like a princess. And she looks like one, Felicia remarks, noting that a real princess might even buy this gown. Eric is enjoying this time with his girls. Bridget comments that it's some of her dad's beast work. And his quickest, Felicia adds. Eric thanks them both, but he knows he and Ridge still have a lot of work to do to complete this collection before their showing. Felicia wonders where Ridge is, anyway. Before long, Brooke and Ridge join the others and add their approval of Eric's work. Ridge predicts an amazing showing. Felicia is glad that Lauren Fenmore agreed to carry their new designs sight unseen, and Ridge adds that they have a handshake deal with Harrison's. Now they only have to get the collection on the runway, Eric says. Just then, Rick comes in; Eric and Felicia greet him as he looks to Phoebe and how grown up she is. He thinks that shows how long it's been since he saw her. Eric says Rick will see even more of Phoebe if he helps out with their new collection, since Phoebe will be modeling for them.

Eric tells his brood to focus on their first collection.

Rick is surprised they are doing a full collection and wonders if a few select designs might be better suited to generate some buzz, especially since Nick is determined to beat them. Ridge predicts that the new designs will make everyone forget all about Forrester Creations, since Nick has neither the talent or the know-how to best them on the runway. Rick argues that Nick knew enough to take Forrester away from them. Eric tells the two of them to stop, since they need to have this collection ready for the runway in two weeks. Brooke senses some concern from Ridge, who says that he he is confident they can beat Nick. He just wishes her divorce from Nick was final, so they can celebrate with a big wedding and an extended honeymoon.

Arthur Harrison makes Nick a counteroffer.

Back at Forrester Creations, Nick, Jackie and Storm meet with Arthur Harrison and his attorney, Anthony. Nick asks if they have a deal. Arthur says that neither he nor his sisters want the business to consume their lives, as it did their father's. However, he wants to put forth his counteroffer for what the company is worth. Nick looks at the figure and says it's quite a jump. Arthur asks how badly Nick wants these boutiques. Jackie thinks they could be ruined by the steep counteroffer, but Nick disagrees. As he signs the papers, Nick asks Arthur why he didn't see any contracts between Harrison's and Forrester Originals, since Arthur said he agreed to carry the new company's line. Arthur says that a handshake from his family is all Eric Forrester ever needed, and he hopes Nick will honor that commitment. Nick respects the way the Harrisons did business but asks for Arthur's signature. Arthur signs and leaves. Storm asks Nick what's going on; Nick orders him to just make sure this contact is iron-clad.

Donna brings news of the Forresters' plans.

Jackie frets to Nick that they have overextended themselves on just one distributor. Nick thinks they can make it up, but Jackie worries that he is becoming consumed on getting revenge on the Forresters, all because she encouraged him to take Forrester Creations away from the family that built it. Just then, Donna comes in and tells them that the Forresters announced the debut collection of Forrester Originals, to be unveiled in two weeks. Jackie thinks they will lose everything if they buy five distributors in two weeks, but Nick thinks the Forresters will be the ones ruined, since they won't have a single major buyer to move their designs. He's sure it'll be a complete debacle. Jackie worries about Eric, but Nick tells her that whole family had this coming. And in two weeks, the Forresters will be completely wiped out of the fashion business.