Wednesday, January 10, 2007, Episode 4973

Jackie worries about her son.

In the Marone mansion, Nick sits in the dark, holding a model of a Marone tanker and brooding about George ousting him as Marone's CEO. He tells himself it's over and smashes the model ship against the desk in a fit of rage! Jackie comes down and sees him smashing the model and tells him to calm down; she tells him she's sorry, because this is all her fault. Nick then takes his dress white uniform and tosses them into the fire, stating that this chapter of his life is over.Jackie reminds him that sailing is what he wanted to do since he was a little boy. That's because she filled his head with tales of the intrepid sailor Massimo Marone as a boy, Nick retorts, pointing out that he's not a boy anymore. Jackie laments what recent events have done to her son, who guesses that the Forresters probably think he'll quit after they humiliated his mother and caused him to lose his company; he tells Jackie that he'll never quit. Nick than makes a call and orders the person on the other end to meet with him now. As Nick hangs up and turns to leave, Jackie asks him what's going on. The Forresters have no idea what I'm capable of," he states as he walks out.

Thorne tries to talk to Taylor.

At Taylor's house, Thorne tries to talk to Taylor before meeting up with Eric and Ridge to talk with the Marone board. He wants her to know that he's sorry he brought her up on TV last night with the press, but he had to defend his family. Taylor asks if he's surprised by the press reaction after what he and his family did to Jackie. Thorne points out that their plan made off, since he's headed to Forrester to buy the company back. He then adds that there's something Taylor should know about Nick; she informs him that she knows, since she was there when George fired Nick last night. So now their plan has ruined Nick's career on top of smearing Jackie's reputation. Thorne argues that they were desperate, but Taylor thinks he and his family she should have trusted her; she's sure she could have gotten Nick to come around with just a little more time. Thorne replies that his mother couldn't wait. Just like he couldn't wait to join last night's media circus? Taylor asks. He tells her that Felicia called on him to help, but she wonders if he was getting back at her for going to Nick's. Thorne says again that his family needed him. So go celebrate, Taylor tells him. Thorne says it's not like that; he has to go, but he wants to discuss this more when he gets home.

Eric thanks Ridge and Thorne, even though he can't approve of their methods.

At the Forrester mansion, Eric and Ridge prepare to go to Forrester to meet the Marone board. Ridge senses Eric isn't very excited; Eric explains that he's happy to have the company back, but he's still not happy with how they got it. Ridge thinks what they did is no worse than what Nick and Jackie did to them. He knows his father feels guilty about Jackie, but he reminds Eric that they would have done anything to get his company back. Now they have it, and while they may have taken some hits with the press, they'll bounce back. Thorne arrives and seems a bit glum; he explains to Eric and Ridge that Taylor is still upset, both about what they did and about his dragging her into it on TV last night. Ridge says they did what they had to, and he's sure Thorne will agree once Eric is behind his desk again.

Nick reveals who the new owner of Forrester Creations is.

The trio arrives at Forrester, where their attorney Eli gives them a copy of the sales agreement he drew up. Ridge notes that George isn't here yet. Eli is sure George will be there soon. After a short wait, George arrives and apologizes for his tardiness. Ridge and Thorne tell George that it's fine, as they're sure he has a lot on his plate having replaced Nick as Marone's CEO. Ridge adds that Nick's focus was misdirected, so it's time for those who understand the fashion world to get back to running things here while Nick goes back to playing with his boats. Actually, George explains, Nick is leaving Marone completely, which is why he was late for this meeting. He tells the Forrester men that Nick was anxious to sell his Marone stock to him. Thorne wonders why Nick would do that. Nick comes in and says he can answer that himself. Ridge is shocked Nick would show his face here and suggests that Nick and Jackie take their new cruise line for a cruise somewhere, while the heat from the press dies down. Actually, Nick states, he has plans to show that line in Milan. Ridge asks if Nick is starting his own fashion house; Nick replies that he just bought this one! The Forresters can't believe it, but George confirms it; the new CEO explains that he sold the company to Nick in return for a bargain price to buy Nick's stock and some concessions in Nick's severance package. It was too good a deal to pass up. George then wishes Nick luck; he admits he never saw much of Massimo in Nick, but that changed today.

Ridge fumes at what Nick has done.

After George leaves, Eli reviews Nick's sales contract with Marone and says it's legit. Ridge asks how Nick could afford Forrester, even with sale of his Marone stock. Nick says that's not any of their concern. Ridge argues that Nick just wants to screw them; Nick answers that he just doesn't like Ridge or Stephanie. He tells the Forrester men to take one last look around and then get out, since they'll never set foot in this building again. Ridge warns that Nick will regret this, since now they really are at war. The Forresters leave, but Thorne comes back and calls Nick, "You little bastard." Nick warns Thorne not to say anything he'll regret, like he did last night on TV. He guesses Taylor isn't too happy with Thorne right now, since he's a Forrester through and through with his belief that they own everything. Thorne denies the allegation, but Nick thinks he's on the mark; in fact, he bets Thorne isn't even sure if Taylor really loves him. Thorne points out that Taylor wouldn't be marrying him if that were true and leaves.

Brooke wonders if Taylor has feelings for Nick.

Brooke brings Hope over to Taylor's for a play date with Alexandria, and they chat while the girls play upstairs. Taylor is surprised Brooke isn't at Forrester. Brooke says that today is Eric's moment, but Taylor wonders if Brooke stayed away because of her history with Nick or Jackie, or because she went along with Stephanie's plan. Brooke admits her history with Nick is a factor, but she didn't know about the plan until after it happened. However, she thinks something had to be done after the way Nick stole the company away. Taylor gets a delivery with the headpiece from her wedding dress. Brooke takes that as a cue to point out that she and Taylor will both soon be married into the Forrester family again, even if Taylor isn't happy about the way Stephanie betrayed her. Taylor explains that she's concerned about Thorne's priorities. Brooke points out that Thorne just wanted to help his father, but Taylor responds that the way Thorne went about helping seems more like he's trying to win his mother's approval. Brooke suggests that Taylor blame Stephanie if she has to blame someone, but Taylor blames itself. She thinks it's just wrong her actions ruined Nick and Jackie's lives, especially since Nick even forgave her. She thinks is a good man, but he needed more time. Brooke listens to what Taylor is saying and wonders if Taylor has feelings for Nick.

Taylor tells Brooke that she is committed to marrying Thorne.

Taylor replies that Nick is a friend as well as a patient, and they discussed intimate subjects that she can't say more about. Brooke asks Taylor if she'll keep seeing Nick. "If he wants to," Taylor replies. Brooke questions if that's wise; Taylor says that she owes Nick, since this whole cycle of events started with her attempt to help Nick. Brooke understands that Taylor feels protective of Nick, but she doesn't think Taylor owes him anything. Taylor promises that there is nothing to worry about. Taylor then gets a call. She sees the Forrester number on caller ID and thinks it's Thorne, so she's surprised to hear Nick's voice; he wants to see her, but she tells him she can't talk now and she'll try to call him later. After hanging up, she tells Brooke that was Nick, and he wanted to see her. But she said no, Brooke points out, which tells her Taylor intend to make her marriage to Thorne a priority.