Friday, March 23, 2007, Episode #5023

Before I get to today's update, I just want to note that this episodes celebrates a very special day. On this day 20 years ago, William and Lee Phillip Bell, the husband and wife co-creators of the successful daytime drama The Young & the Restless, debuted their second daytime drama creation on the CBS Television Network. Like Y&R, the show focused on the saga of two families, one wealthy and the other working class, and the events that transpired when their paths crossed. But unlike Y&R, which took place in a Midwestern town called Genoa City, this new show took place in Los Angeles and centered on the glamor and excitement of the fashion business. The show evolved over time, as characters and actors came and went. And after six years of stewardship of the new show, William Bell turned over the head writing reins to his son, Bradley. But with all these tweaks and small changes, the core of the show has remained intact. With that, I just have this to say: HAPPY 20th ANNIVERSARY, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL!

Donna frets about what Brooke just told her.

As Brooke strolls down the harbor in Sydney, she takes a call from her sister Donna, who is having coffee at Insomnia. Donna asks how everything's going; Brooke is pleased with the boutique launch so far, and she thinks things will be even better once Ridge and the kids arrive. Kids? Donna asks. Brooke explains that Rick and Phoebe are coming. Donna fears that's a bad idea given the tension between Ridge and Rick. She knows how Brooke feels about Ridge, but she doesn't want to see her sister get sucked back into that Forrester family, especially since Nick has never gotten over Brooke. Brooke tells Donna that it's over with Nick, who is now engaged to Taylor. Donna is stunned and asks Brooke how she knows, but Brooke doesn't think that matters. She has to meet the Forrester jet at the airport, so she tells Donna to give her love to Hope and R.J. and hangs up. Donna immediately calls Jackie and asks her to meet her there ASAP.

Jackie is shocked by Donna's news.

When Jackie arrives, she scolds Donna for not calling sooner, since she was waiting for Donna at the office. She hopes Donna has news about Phoebe. Donna tells her that Phoebe and Rick are on their way with Ridge to meet Brooke in Sydney, but that's not why she called. She asks Jackie why she never said anything about Nick and Taylor. Jackie says it's no secret that they're seeing each other, but Donna stuns her with the news that Nick and Taylor are engaged. Jackie can't believe it, but Donna says she heard about it from Brooke. She only hopes that Rick and Phoebe being together will make Ridge come down on Rick; that will keep Brooke from marrying Ridge, since Brooke will not take Ridge's side over her own son's. She's sure Ridge and Brooke's relationship is already on thin ice. Just then, Bridget comes in for coffee and overhears Jackie say that Nick can't marry Taylor. Donna doesn't think Nick will marry Taylor if there's a chance he can be with Brooke, and there is one. Jackie rushes off to talk to her son.

Bridget confronts her Aunt Donna.

Bridget comes over to chat with her Aunt Donna. She lets Donna know that she overheard the conversation with Jackie, and she isn't happy that Donna is trying to break Brooke and Ridge up. Donna insists she is looking out for her sister, who is stuck in an unhealthy relationship of battling Stephanie and bowing to Ridge. She thinks the conflict with Rick and Phoebe is just the beginning. Bridget thinks her mom has handled that, since Rick and Phoebe ended things between them. But they haven't ended them, Donna states, and they're in love. She's sure Brooke will be caught in then middle of this, even though Bridget doesn't think this is any of Donna's business and asks her aunt to butt out. Donna thinks this is different than anything Brooke or Ridge has ever handed, because Brooke never again wants to be caught in a situation where she has to choose a man over her children. That's why Donna is convinced that Brooke will side with Rick if forced to choose a side.

Rick tells Ridge to stop dogging him.

On the Forrester jet, Ridge keeps an eye on Phoebe, who tries to gaze at a sleeping Rick. When they're about to land, Phoebe goes to freshen up. Rick reminds Ridge that, "My mom wants me here, whether you do or not" and asks Ridge to stop dogging him. Phoebe comes upon the two and asks if they are arguing again. Ridge says they are just getting some things straight, so Rick mock asks for permission to brush his teeth, asking if Ridge wants to stand guard over him. When Rick goes to the restroom, Phoebe tells her dad to lighten up, as they;re in one of the world's most beautiful cities starting their new business, and she knows he loves it. She wants him to have fun. Ridge says he will, as long as she stays away from Rick. She feels that might call attention to them, so why can't they all just relax and have fun together? Before Ridge can answer, the pilot announces they are preparing to land. Once they land, Brooke meets the flight. She sees Rick's haircut; after Phoebe says she cut it, Rick takes the chance to throw in a few barbs toward Ridge about catching Phoebe cutting his hair and glaring at them the whole flight. While they wait for customs to clear the new arrivals, Brooke senses the tension among Ridge and Rick from 14 hours together on a flight and suggests they shake off the cobwebs by getting some rest and then checking out their new boutique, which everyone is talking about. Ridge reminds Rick and Phoebe that he only wants people talking about the boutique and not about them; Brooke asks if that's necessary, but Ridge thinks it is. That leads Brooke to lay down the law to everyone. She wants Rick and Phoebe to behave and Ridge to relax, so they can have some fun, even if this is a business trip. Rick wants to rest, so Brooke sends him and Phoebe in a car to the hotel while she will go with Ridge. She says they'll meet for dinner later.

Brooke asks Ridge to trust their kids.

Ridge asks Brooke how she could send Rick and Phoebe off alone. As the kids leave, Brooke tells him to let it go. She reminds him that the kids promised to be good, and she thinks they have to trust them. Ridge doesn't think he can, but Brooke thinks he has to - and she knows just how to get his mind off the kids after his long trip.

Phoebe wants to spend time with Rick.

At the hotel, Rick helps Phoebe check out her room, as they wonder if her dad's got some way of watching them in there. Phoebe doesn't think he does, but she bets a door in the room connects to Brooke and Ridge's adjoining room. Rick still tries to sneak a kiss, but Phoebe then gets a call on her cell phone from Donna, who asks if they can talk. Phoebe isn't sure, but Rick gives her a chance to chat and goes to check on their luggage. Donna hears Rick's voice and asks Phoebe where they are. When Phoebe explains that Brooke let her and Rick check in on their own, Donna is pleased that the kids are alone and tells Phoebe to make the most of it; after all, she doesn't think the kids will have many chances to be alone on this trip. Phoebe says she just wants to have a good time, but Donna reminds her that she's in one of the most romantic cities in the world with an incredible guy. That's why she wants Phoebe to stop acting like she's doomed and have an amazing time. She offers any help she can provide, but Phoebe thanks her for the offer and ends the call. When Rick returns, he tells Phoebe that they have Sydney outside their window with her dad nowhere in sight, so he thinks it's time they make the most of it. They kiss.