Friday, November 09, 2007, Episode #5185

Brooke wants to leave the past in the past.

Stephen is stunned to learn that Stephanie played a part in Brooke's rape. Brooke explains that Donna is putting her own spin on what happened, but Donna insists that Stephen has a right to know how Stephanie fed Brooke's rapist information that let him right into Brooke's home. When Katie agrees with Donna, Stephen asks Brooke if it's true. Brooke admits it is, hoping Donna is satisfied by what she's stirred up. Stephen is glad Donna brought this to him, but Brooke just wants to put the past in the past and move on. Donna doesn't think she can and urges Brooke to end the suffering Stephanie has caused them. Katie suggests that Brooke is already doing that by cutting Stephanie out of her life, but Stephen points out how no one has ever been able to do that. Donna recounts the details of how Brooke was stalked by her rapist, who even pretended to be a secret admirer and sent gifts before using the information Stephanie fed him to get into the house. Brooke tells Donna to stop, but Stephen wants to hear this, so Donna tells her dad how Stephanie used the creep who raped Brooke as part of a plan to take Brooke's kids and cut Brooke off from Ridge. But it backfired, Brooke insists, and the nightmare is over now that Eric booted Stephanie from the company and Brooke has both her kids back and a great future with Ridge.

Stephen is ready to put Stephanie down.

Stephen is glad to hear that Brooke is happy with Ridge again, but that doesn't change what Stephanie did. Donna tells Stephen that this is exactly why she asked him to come to L.A. She thinks Brooke needs their support, because their family has to stand up to Stephanie once and for all. When Brooke repeats that she doesn't want to pursue this, Katie backs Brooke's decision up, but Stephen thinks this is something that affects their whole family. He's ready to whatever he needs to to put Stephanie down and make sure she stays there. When Donna agrees that they need to stand united, Brooke tells both Donna and Stephen to leave her out of any wars they want to wage against Stephanie. Katie concurs that Brooke should be allowed to heal in her own way, in private. Brooke appreciates Stephen's wanting to avenge her, but she doesn't need that now. Stephanie says this isn't about vengeance. It's about breaking a vicious cycle that can only end by standing up to Stephanie, which is why he wants to go see La Forrester right now. Katie and Brooke both feel it's unwise for their dad to confront Stephanie while he's so upset, so they suggest he cool down now. Donna has to get to work, so she offers to drop Stephen off at his hotel on the way. Brooke asserts that she'll be fine as long as things stay quiet. Donna and Stephen leave, but as soon as they're outside, Donna tells her dad that Brooke won't be fine until Stephanie is dealt with. Stephen asks what their plan is. Donna suggests they talk about it in the car.

Eric checks in on Stephanie.

Eric stops by Stephanie's hotel to warn her that Nick knows everything and may be coming after her. Stephanie tells him that Nick already surprised her by sneaking in and threatening her, but she wasn't really intimidated once she got past the shock of seeing him here. She tried to explain, but Nick wouldn't listen, so she wonders if he only came over there to dump on her. Eric isn't surprised Nick shot over given how close he is to Brooke. Stephanie suggests they forget about Nick and talk about the rebirth of Forrester Creations instead. She knows how busy Eric gets before a show, so she hopes he's taking care of himself. Eric admits that he forgot to take his cholesterol medicine and thanks Stephanie for asking. "That's what wives are for," Stephanie chuckles, using that as he cue to change the subject to the upcoming fashion show. She reveals to Eric that Felicia told her about his plans to choose who he wants to spend his life with at the show, so she wants to be honest with him. She knows he sometimes feels like she takes him for granted, and that anything he says to her falls on deaf ears. She knows he often thinks she doesn't respect him, like the way he thought she was belittling his new ad campaign the other day. But she does listen to him and she does respect him, and she'd go back and change how she's acted in the past if she could. But she can't. "Just tell me I'm not to late," she pleads. Eric takes her in his arms and embraces her.

Katie discusses Donna with Brooke.

Back at Brooke's Katie sees that Brooke hasn't touched her dinner. Brooke explains that she can't stop wondering if their dad will go after Stephanie. If he does, Katie declares, she wouldn't want to be Stephanie. The sisters hope their dad will respect Brooke's desire to move on without stirring the pot, but Katie points out that Donna can be very persuasive when she has Stephanie in her sights. Which is most of the time, Brooke points out. And they both know why, Katie quips, sniping about how Donna looks at Eric like a lioness eyeing a nice juicy gazelle. Brooke understand Katie's skepticism, but she also admits that she has to wonder after seeing Donna and Eric together if Donna might really be the woman for Eric. Katie can't believe that Brooke would actually support that relationship. Brooke reminds her youngest sister that she knows how kind and decent Eric is, having been married to him, and she also gets the feeling that Donna really appreciates Eric. Katie thinks Donna appreciates Eric's money and the chance to humiliate Stephanie, but Brooke points out that Eric really seems happy when he's with Donna. But Eric is still married and hasn't even filed for divorce yet, Katie submits, fearing Donna is setting herself up to get hurt again. Maybe they'll beat the odds, Brooke proposes, since anyone would be better for Eric than Stephanie in her opinion.

Donna makes an admission to Eric.

Eric is in his office working with some models when Donna pops in with some suggested changes for the fashion show. She suggests they move EYE ON FASHION back a few rows to give new people time in the front row, with an offer of an exclusive to Jarrett if he gets bent out of shape by the move. Before answering, Eric sends then models out, leading Donna to ask Eric if he wants to talk about this in private. Eric tells her that Jarrett had an arrangement with Stephanie, and he doesn't think they should monkey around with. Donna thinks "monkeying around" sounds like a great idea and starts to kiss Eric, but she can tell he's distracted and asks what's wrong. Eric explains that he's worried about Nick chasing after Stephanie like some vigilante on Brooke's behalf, and he's in fact surprised that Brooke would even confide in Nick knowing what a hothead Marone is. Donna admits that she was the one who told Nick, not Brooke. Eric's upset that she took it on herself to make Stephanie pay for all her sins, but Donna puts forth that Nick would find out eventually, since word is getting around. In fact, her dad is in town and knows, too. Eric thinks Stephen's presence will cause even more trouble; Donna points out that her dad is there for Brooke, hinting that Eric would do the same thing if it was Kristen or Felicia. She knows Eric still cares about his wife, but she thinks Stephanie has a lot of people to answer to. She tries to get Eric to relax, but he can't get his mind off Stephanie. Stephanie brought this on herself, Donna offers, and is headed for a big fall.

Stephanie receives a dead bird on a plater.

Stephanie is on the phone in her hotel room, telling Felicia about Eric's visit earlier. When someone from room service knocks on the door, Stephanie tells Felicia she'll call her back and opens the door, surprised because she didn't order anything. The waiter tells her that it's a gift from a secret admirer. Thinking it's from Eric, Stephanie accepts the tray and sends the waiter on his way. She eagerly uncovers the tray and is shocked when she finds a dead bird on a platter! Racing to the door, she calls out for the waiter, but she's surprised when she opens the door and sees Stephen there.