Friday, October 05, 2007, Episode #5160

Nick has some questions for Donna.

At Forrester Creations, Nick calls Donna to the CEO's office. While packing his things, Nick asks Donna why she was so interested in the company's fate when Eric was here. Donna reminds him that her job here pays the bills. And paying the bills must be tough since she didn't marry Thorne, Nick supposes. Donna asks if he's questioning her loyalty. Nick says he's just curious why she pushed him to sell the company back to Eric. Donna replies that it seemed like the best thing for everyone. "Including you?" Nick asks. Donna guesses that depends on what kind of severance package she gets. Nick asks if she thinks Eric will keep her on here. "What are you asking?" Donna inquires. Nick reminds her that Eric has to divorce Stephanie as part of the terms of the sale. Donna contends that Eric is a man of his word, but Nick finds it hard to believe a Forrester, which is why he wants to know what's really going on - and who better to ask than the woman Eric is currently sleeping with? Donna is surprised.

Jackie waits for Eric in the tub.

Eric enters his bedroom and hears splashing from the bathroom. He assumes Donna has returned and goes in to greet her, but he's surprised to find Jackie in the tub, covered with bubbles and holding two glasses of champagne. Jackie is relieved to see him, since she was accosted by his horrible sister-in-law that last time she did this. Eric asks why she's here. Jackie responds that she wanted to celebrate his getting his company back, his freedom from Stephanie and what she hopes is a new beginning for Eric and her. She invites Eric to join her, but he respectfully declines. Jackie laughs at this shying away because he's still technically married, but Eric tells her that there's a bit more to it than that. Jackie assumes he's talkking about that company and says she's happy for him. Eric tells her to grab a towel and get out of the tub, but he gets a call on his cell before Jackie can comply. Since he has a bad connection, he goes to return the call on a land line. Jackie says she'll be here when he gets back.

Eric apologizes to Jackie for an awkward situation.

While Eric is downstairs returning his call, Donna enters the bedroom. Seeing the bathroom door open, she slinks in, drops her clothes and purrs that she thinks a nice bath sounds romantic. When she turns the corner and sees Jackie in the tub, she exclaims, "What are you doing here?" As Donna grabs a robe to cover up, Jackie suggests that Donna answer that question herself first, but then it dawns on her that Donna came in here expecting Eric. "He didn't tell you?" Donna asks. Eric returns and sees the two women. Jackie quips that she'll have to find someplace else to soak, since unpleasant things happen when she does that here. Eric apologizes to Jackie for the awkward situation, but he wants her to know that he and Donna aren't just having a fling. Shocked that Eric actually has feelings for Donna, Jackie supposes that two is company, but three is an awkward situation.

Donna finds herself all wet.

As Donna tries to apologize to Jackie, Eric suggests to Donna that they give Jackie some privacy. Jackie tells them not to worry, because she's leaving. She gets out of the tub standing naked in front of them and grabs a robe, congratulating Donna on landing a catch like Eric. Donna asks Jackie if they're still friends. Jackie leans forward to hug Donna - but as Donna moves to accept the embrace, Jackie pushes her in the tub! Jackie tells her that they are absolutely NOT friends! She tears into Donna for pushing Nick to sell in order to squeeze Stephanie out the picture for herself, and she seethes at Eric for leading her to believe that they might have something if his marriage ended. "Damn you. Damn both of you!" she shouts as she storms out.

Brooke is proud that R.J. is being raised a Forrester.

Up at the Big Bear cabin, Brooke and Ridge watch R.J. sleep peacefully. When Brooke admires how all the other kids look up to R.J., Ridge says their son must het that from her side of the family. Brooke laughs that he shouldn't discount his family just because of his mother and tells him that she's proud to see R.J. grow up as a Forrester. They lie down next to their son and start to nod off.

Rick gives Ashley some information.

Meanwhile, Rick is in Ridge's office taking a call from Bridget, who has a message for their mom. Rick promises to pass the message on and calls Brooke's cell. When Brooke answers, Rick tells her that Bridget has to reschedule their plans because of work at the hospital. As Brooke thanks him for the message, Rick overhears Ridge's talking to R.J. in the background; he's surprised because he thought Ridge wasn't coming on the overnight. Brooke tells him that their plans changed and bids Rick good night. As Rick hangs up, Ashley comes in to return the sketch of her wedding dress that she saw earlier. When she tells Rick why she's there, Rick tries to gently break the news to her that the dress might be for his mother. Ashley points out that the model in the sketch clearly looks like her. Rick reminds her how fickle Ridge is. Ashley asks why he's saying these things when she asked him to stop. Because his mom's relationship with Ridge is so strong, Rick replies. Sick of hearing about Brooke and Ridge's destiny, Ashley assures Rick that his mother is not a factor in Ridge's life anymore. "Then why is she spending the night with Ridge at Big Bear?" Rick asks, informing her of what he heard when he called his mother. Ashley insists that there has to be an explanation. The only explanation is that this is the way Ridge operates, Rick states, asking Ashley is she really wants to live this way when he can offer her so much more.

Ridge tries to be frank with Brooke.

Back at the cabin, Ridge tells Brooke that he'd like to spend more time with her, Hope, and R.J., to make sure the kids don't get lost in the shuffle while he's busy planning his wedding. Brooke thinks that sounds nice, but she still wishes that they didn't have to raise R.J. apart after waiting so long to be his parents. She blames herself for robbing R.J. of that chance by driving Ridge away. Ridge tells her that they can still give R.J. a happy, secure life, but Brooke thinks it would be easier if they were married. Ridge reminds her that he's marrying Ashley. Brooke laments that she thinks of what it would be like to raise R.J. together every time she sees Ridge with R.J. and asks, "Can you just forgive me one last time?" Ridge asks Brooke to come outside so they can talk away from R.J. When Brooke points out that R.J. is sleeping, Ridge asks her not to make him regret coming here tonight. Brooke says he came when she needed his help not because she was scared, but because he cares. Seeing where this is going, Ridge takes her outside and tells her that he's not here to rekindle their relationship or reunite their family, so he needs her to accept that he's marrying Ashley. Brooke thinks that's just a smoke screen to hide how he feels about her, but Ridge insists that Ashley is his fiancee. "She's a distraction," Brooke scoffs, reminding Ridge that they will always be connected through R.J. Ridge says that he'd love to give R.J. the family he wants, but he loves Ashley. "Do you love her like you love me?" Brooke asks. Unable to answer, Ridge leaves.