Friday, June 22, 2007, Episode #5087

Rick wonders what's bothering Bridget.

Eric and Stephanie gather their family and close friends by the mansion's pool to celebrate Ridge's freedom. Eric and Ridge both thank Rick for his part in setting Ridge free. Phoebe adds her thanks and tells Rick that she'll never forget what he did for her dad. Ashley gets to meet Dino and learns from Felicia what a no god loser Dino's dad turned out to be. But among all the merriment, Bridget seems suspiciously down. Rick sees his sister's glum look and guesses it has to do with the mess at the hospital with the eggs. Bridget informs him that Carl is working on getting at the truth as they speak. Ashley curiously observes Rick with his sister, while Eric and Stephanie notice how quiet Bridget has been since she arrived and wonder what's going on. Rick spots the concerned look on Eric's wife and warns Bridget that their dad has that "what's going on with my daughter?" look on his face, so he suggests that Bridget lighten up until she hears from Carl. Almost on cue, Carl calls Bridget and tells her that he found some news about what she's looking for. Bridget asks what he knows, but he suggests that she get down to the lab so he can tell her in person. Bridget says she'll be right there. Eric comes over and asks Bridget if she's OK, but she says she'll talk to him later and leaves.

Brooke and Ridge talk about what they want for their son.

Inside the mansion, Ridge and Brooke sit together and watch their son R.J. sleep on the sofa. Ridge muses on how he almost lost R.J. and himself because of his stupid actions. He and Brooke are glad things are back to normal, so to speak. Brooke asks Ridge about his feelings for Ashley Abbott. Detecting a note of jealousy, Ridge tells Brooke that she'll always have his gratitude for her help in keeping him out of jail. He also tells her that he's agreed not to stand against Rick and Phoebe's relationship after the way Rick came through for him in court, as long as Rick doesn't hurt Phoebe. Thinking about Rick and Phoebe makes Brooke think about her own relationship with Ridge. She sees now how she and Ridge have both hurt each other, but she doesn't know why she's just realizing how much her love cost Ridge. Ridge reminds Brooke that she paid dearly, too, although he never intended for that to happen. He tells her that they'll always be bound by R.J., and that's a bond she'll never share with Nick, no matter how badly she still loves the guy. Ridge suggests that Brooke spend some time with him now, both with R.J. and at Forrester Originals, now that Nick is expecting a child of his own. Brooke seems reluctant, so Ridge tells her that they need her flair and passion back at Forrester Originals and asks her to consider coming back where she belongs. Brooke points out that she just signed a contract to revive the Bedroom line at Forrester Creations, but she also concedes that Ridge has a point. She thinks it would feel right to be working with Ridge again and for the two of them to spend time with their son, so she asks Ridge to keep an eye on R.J. while she pays Nick a visit to set him straight.

Constantine tells Ridge what he thinks of Rick.

Constantine sees the headlines about Ridge going free and calls Phoebe to congratulate her on her dad's good news. He's not surprised to hear that she's celebrating at her grandparents' house, but he is surprised that she's there with Rick. Phoebe tells him that she and Rick talked about Rick's mysterious other woman and are fine now. She then invites Constantine over to meet the family, especially her dad. Constantine takes the address and says he'll be there soon. When he arrives, Constantine feels overdressed, as he didn't realize this was a pool party, but Phoebe says he'll be fine. She then introduces Constantine to her dad, who thanks the singer for his interest in Phoebe. When Phoebe goes to get Constantine a drink, Constantine chats with Ridge. Rick sees Constantine there and asks what he's doing there. Phoebe comes over and pulls Rick aside, asking him to please give Constantine a chance for her sake. Ridge stays with Constantine and comments on the apparent mutual dislike between the singer and Rick. Constantine says that he just thinks Phoebe deserves better than a two timer like Rick, who... Ridge stops Constantine and asks, "What do you mean, two-timer? Is Rick seeing someone behind Phoebe's back?"

Nick frets about Brooke's decision.

Meanwhile, at Forrester Creations, Nick fumes that Brooke isn't there to work and has instead decided to celebrate Ridge's release. Jackie explains that Brooke left a message with Meriah that she had to put in an appearance at the Forrester party. Nick points out that the new job was supposed to be about Brooke starting fresh, but Taylor suggests that Brooke might not be ready to let go of the Forresters. Jackie points out the lingerie clad models in the office wearing classic "Brooke's Bedroom" designs and praises Nick for bringing these ladies in to help inspire Brooke. Nick explains that he thought it might help Brooke get to work, but now he wonders if Brooke is even going to show. After Jackie and Taylor leave, Nick is alone in his office when Brooke drops by. Nick is anxious to get to work, but Brooke tells him that she's resigning, effective immediately, because she wants to go back to Forrester Originals. Nick can't believe Brooke would get mixed up with that family again, especially after her bitter break-up with Ridge after Sydney. Brooke points out that she's not totally blameless herself. Besides, this isn't about going back to Ridge, but about her and Ridge giving their son the life he deserves. She reminds Nick that she came to him after Sydney, but he was already committed to Taylor, and now they have a child on the way. She admits she often wondered what it would feel like to carry Nick's child, but she sees now that it will never happen, so she asks Nick to accept her resignation for both their sakes.