Monday, January 29, 2007, Episode #4986

Ridge makes out with Brooke in his office at Forrester Originals. Brooke warns that he won't get much work done on their collection if they keep this up. Ridge concedes that this first showing will be the most important of their lives. Brooke reminds him of one other upcoming important event: the engagement party his mother is planning for them, all the way from Chicago. Ridge tells her not to make too much of those plans since his mother, unlike his Aunt Pam, just calls the caterer instead of whipping something up in the kitchen. Even so, Brooke wants to get to work now, since she doesn't want their wasting time now to take away from their party. Ridge comes close to her and is all for finishing, but Brooke tells him that she was talking about work. Even so, she can't believe the whole family is behind them. Except Rick, Ridge reminds her. Brooke reminds him how much Rick gave up by leaving Forrester International. Ridge just hopes Rick will love them as husband and wife. Brooke likes the sound of that. They're about to kiss when Phoebe stops in. Brooke tells Ridge that Eric has some sketches for him to look at; at first, Ridge is clueless about what she means, but he then gets the hint and turns to leave. Before he goes, he asks Brooke if her brother or sister gave her any hints about Nick's plans. Brooke says they didn't. Phoebe asks if Nick would sue them for using the Forrester name, since she thinks that would just create publicity for them. Exactly, Ridge says as he leaves.

Phoebe asks Brooke is Nick is still trying to hurt their family. Brooke tells Phoebe not to worry about that. She's sure Forrester Originals has a bright future ahead, since the whole family is pitching in. She then compliments Phoebe on the modeling work she's done and says that she'd like Phoebe to step into her shoes someday. She admits that she wants to spend more time with Ridge, Hope and R.J., and she won't be able to model forever. That's why she'd like Phoebe to take her place in the future as the face of Forrester Originals. She thinks Phoebe has everything she needs to represent this company. Phoebe is flattered by her once and future step-mother's praise. Brooke says that she means it; she thinks Phoebe is an amazing young lady who will make some lucky young man very happy some day.

Rick blames Ridge for the loss of his life in Europe.

Rick works with one of the models, Ciara, in Eric's office. Ciara listens as Rick assures one of his European contacts on the phone that Forrester Originals will be in the European markets. As he hangs up, Ciara asks if he's glad to be back in L.A. Rick admits he's glad to be working with his dad again. Ciara offers to show him some hot spots in L.A. since he's been away for a while, but Rick wants to get back to work. Ridge walks in and asks Rick what he thinks of the design; Rick says he loves it and sends Ciara on her way. Ridge then asks Rick if they can put their differences aside for the sake of the company. Rick says it's hard to do that; for one thing, he's Eric Forrester Jr., so Forrester Creations meant as much to him as anyone. On top of that, he had to let most of his 200 employees at International, people who trusted him, go, and the remaining workers were unsure about their futures under the Marones. Ridge tells Rick to be pissed at him if he needs someone to blame. Ride says he does blame Ridge, since Ridge's actions made him a liar to the people at International. On top of that, their European buyers were appalled at the way Ridge humiliated Jackie, a move Rick thinks was meant by Ridge to hurt Nick for taking Brooke away from him. Ridge tells Rick that Nick messed up his marriage on his own. On top of that, he lost his legacy, too, so he suggests Rick work with them to make this new company a success. Once they do that, they can start an International division and hire all the people from Forrester International back. Rick asks how Ridge is so sure they'll be a success. Ridge thinks it's a no-brainer, since Clarke is just a hack as a designer, but Rick warns that Nick isn't going to just lie down and play dead. He knows Nick will do anything to keep them from the finish line, and he thinks Ridge should remember that.

Ridge tells Brooke not to worry about Nick.

As Rick storms out, he passes his mother, who asks Ridge what happened. Ridge says that Nick was angry at losing his life in Paris and took it out on him. Brooke points out that Rick gave up a lot. Ridge adds, "He's also worried about you falling back under my evil spell." Brooke thinks Rick will come around once he sees how happy she is. However, she suggests Rick might be right that Nick won't give up without a fight. Ridge tells her not to worry, as Nick is no threat to them.

Phoebe cheers Rick up.

Later, Rick pops into one of the offices and hears Phoebe singing to herself as she puts on a gown. "Nice pipes," he calls out. Phoebe pokes her head out from behind the screen and says he has to say that, since he's family, but Rick says he meant it. As she tries on her outfit, Phoebe asks if she's crazy to take time off from school to work here. Rick doesn't think so, as she can learn more working here than any book could ever teach her. Phoebe doesn't see how anybody could pass up the chance to be around all this energy and excitement. She stops herself and asks if she's showing too much enthusiasm. Rick says she isn't; it's just that he thinks she would look better in one of the original Forrester designs from Forrester Creations. Phoebe senses he misses Paris and says L.A. has lots of museums, mountain ranges and beaches to offer. And drive-thru funeral homes, Rick quips. Phoebe adds L.A.'s strip malls on every corner, while Rick adds the L.A. traffic jams. And they have Arnold as governor, Phoebe laughs, reminding him that Arnold is from Europe. Rick thanks her for cheering him up.

Storm asks Nick what's going on.

In Nick's office at Forrester Creations, Nick gloats that they now own Harrison's. Jackie worries that they paid too much money. Storm agrees, asking Nick to explain why they are taking on so much debt. Before Nick can answer, his assistant tells him that Mr. Chen is here. Nick sends Jackie to her office so he and Storm can meet with the Asian distributor. Once Jackie gets back to her office, she calls the assistant and asks to be notified the minute Nick's meeting ends.

Mr. Chen wants answers from Nick.

Nick and Storm meet with Chen and his lawyer (who like Arthur's lawyer, never once says a single word). Mr. Chen sees how much Nick wants his company, especially when Nick offers 10% over the appraised value. Before they talk deals, Chen explains, he senses Nick has more than just a desire to be a distributor, so he asks what motivates Nick. Nick says they all have agendas, but he sees no reason to dwell on his. Chen notes that this deal would take effect the day the Forrester Original collection debuts, and he also comments on the confidentiality agreement in the contract. Nick says the timing is no coincidence, but he wants to know if they have a deal. Chen states that he has great respect for Eric Forrester, but Nick doesn't care about that. Chen explains that he doesn't want to be part of Nick's vendetta, but he will be if he sells. Nick however contends that selling will just make Chen a wealthy man, so he offers the distributor a pen to sign the sales contract with.

Jackie tries to distract Brooke.

Brooke stops by to see Nick, to confirm Nick's plans to spend time with Hope today. As she comes off the elevator, Brooke runs into an employee who is happy to see Brooke. While Brooke chats with the woman, Jackie spots Brooke, who promises she's not spying. Jackie says she knows that and asks what brings Brooke by. When Brooke says she just wants to poke her head in to confirm Nick's plans with Hope, Jackie says her son is in a meeting. Brooke says it will only take a second, but Jackie, knowing Chen is in the office, asks Brooke to come to her office instead to chat. Brooke agrees, since she'd like to discuss some things with Jackie as well. Once they get to Jackie's office, Brooke admits she's worried for Nick and Jackie, since it appears that Jackie M will be the only boutique carrying Forrester Creations' designs. Jackie thinks Jackie M will prove capable of supporting them. Brooke doesn't see how Jackie or Nick can believe that. Jackie assures Brooke that Nick is not worried. Brooke can't believe that and wants to go talk to Nick herself. When Jackie stops her, Brooke wonders what Jackie is hiding; she asks if Nick is with Taylor. Jackie tells Brooke to forget that foolish notion, since Nick only used Taylor as a diversion from the only woman he ever loved, Brooke. Brooke points out that she knows Nick and Taylor have spent a lot of time together, plus Nick signed the divorce papers first. Jackie says he did that because it was what Brooke wanted, but she wonders if Brooke really wants this. Brooke says she cares about Nick, but her future with Ridge is certain. "Nothing is certain," Jackie responds.