Thursday, October 04, 2007, Episode #5159

Nick wants Eric's answer.

While waiting for Eric, Jackie asks Nick if he's sure about selling Forrester Creations back to Eric. Nick reminds her that he didn't buy the company for money. Jackie agrees that he took the company as payback for what Stephanie did to her, and now Eric is contemplating divorce. Nick asserts that he'll only sell with a guarantee that Stephanie will never be involved with this company again. Donna comes in and tells Nick that Eric is here. As soon as Eric enters, Nick asks if Eric's chosen the company or Stephanie. Eric tells Nick that this isn't a simple decision, but Nick disagrees. Eric replies that they all know how Nick feels about Stephanie. Nick counters that Eric's the one who has to live with her. Jackie interrupts the bickering and suggests that Eric make a change for the better by agreeing to Nick's terms. Donna tells Jackie that Eric knows what's at stake. For the record, Nick states that he can still turn this company around, but Eric suggests that they table a debate about Nick's ability to run a fashion house and get back to the offer on the table. The offer that depends on Eric's divorcing Stephanie, Nick points out, asking if they have a deal.

Jackie is sure Eric won't regret his decision.

Eric points out how Nick stole this company from him by taking advantage of a terrible accident to blackmail him and his family. Nick recalls it differently, but Eric counters that they both know what went down. Jackie contends that they were both defending women they love and suggests that they put that in the past. Donna agrees, pointing out that everyone wins if Nick sells to Eric. Nick asks Eric for his decision. Eric agrees to buy the company back at the same price Nick paid for it, and he promises that Stephanie will never have a place here. Nick insists that they only have a deal if Eric divorces Stephanie, but Eric's not about to let Nick make threats and interfere in his personal life. "No deal!" Nick states. Jackie asks Nick to reconsider, but Nick wants Stephanie out. Jackie pleads with Eric not to lose this company a second time because of Stephanie, because she knows what Forrester Creations means to him. Eric thinks about it for a moment and then gives his word that he'll end his marriage to Stephanie. Having Eric's word, Nick takes out the sales agreement and both men sign it as a pleased Jackie looks on. Jackie tells Eric he won't regret this. Nick then looks to both Donna and Jackie and the three of them leave the office.

Eric thinks Donna needs to know something about his marriage.

Eric tries to call Stephanie, but he gets her voice mail, so he leaves her an angry message about her not returning his calls. He presumes that she's ducking him because she knows how disappointed he is about how her conniving hurt Brooke and reminds her that she still has children and responsibilities here. "Call me back. Things are happening and you and I have a lot to talk about," he warns. Donna comes in, beaming that this office will be Eric's again once Nick packs his things. Smiling, Eric tells her that he owes it all to her. "For believing in you? Supporting you?" she asks. Eric tells her that it's a refreshing change, and he can only tell her how wonderful he feels to know that everything here, from the building to this office to the carpet to the sewing room, is his again. He laughs as he recalls that all the best things in his life happened here, but he then sighs as he adds, "until now." Donna tells him that he can start over now without Stephanie. Speaking of his marriage, Eric tells Donna that there's something she should know. Donna wonders what he means and then figures out that he lied to Nick and Jackie about divorcing Stephanie!

Donna tells Eric that she understands his decision.

Eric tells Donna that he had to do it. He wanted the company back, but he couldn't bring himself to just rashly divorce Stephanie, especially since he doesn't know what his future with her is or even if she'll be back. Donna fumes that Stephanie will definitely come back to claim her place as Forrester matriarch. Maybe she will, Eric concedes, but that doesn't mean he'll accept her back. He asks Donna to please understand that he doesn't really know where things stand with Stephanie, because this is a confusing time. Donna says she does understand. She knows he's a decent man who takes his commitments seriously. She admits she wants him to divorce Stephanie and has a vested interest in wanting that, but the most important thing to her is that he have the passionate, fulfilling life he deserves. Including restoring Forrester's glory? he asks. "And sharing it with a woman who appreciates everything about you," Donna replies. Eric likes the way that sounds, because appreciation all too often gets lost in the daily noise of everyday life. But being here, with Donna, he appreciates everything she's brought to his life. They share a quick kiss and then embrace.

Up at the cabin, Brooke trembles after thinking she saw Andy. "What's happening to me?" she nervously asks herself.

Ashley wonders why Ridge is so upset with his mother.

Meanwhile, at Forrester Originals, Ridge and Ashley continue with their wedding plans. Ashley says they need to choose the location so they can send out the invitations and suggests his parents' place if their first choices are booked, but Ridge wants to go with her choice of the chapel she and Abby go to on Stone Canyon Road. When Ashley notes that Stephanie's name isn't on the guest list, she guesses he can't forgive his mother for the custody battle. Ridge tells her that his mother's done many unforgivable things lately. Ashley says she's sorry, but Ridge says it's not her problem. It is if it affects her husband to be, she states. Ridge then puts his hands along Ashley's body, so she asks what he's doing. He tells her that he's measuring her for her wedding gown, since this is the last time he intends to measure a woman this way. Ashley likes that answer, but she thinks she should be getting back to work. Ridge wants to take her to dinner instead, but Ashley stands committed to her work and promises to buy him an expensive lunch tomorrow. Right after Ashley leaves, Ridge gets a call on his cell from a frantic Brooke, who tells him that she saw Andy there at the cabin. Ridge reminds her that Andy's dead; Brooke says she knows, and that's why she's so scared. Ridge asks where R.J. is. She tells him that she's in the cabin while R.J.'s outside with friends, and she doesn't know what to do. Ridge tells her to stay there, since he's on his way.

Brooke tells Ridge how scared she is.

Soon after, Brooke gets rattled when she hears a car door. She thinks it's Andy and calls out for him to go away, because he's not real! Ridge comes in - as usual, the trip from L.A. to Big Bear takes mere minutes - and tells Brooke to relax. Sobbing, Brooke tells Ridge how relieved she is to see him, because Andy was in this very room, haunting her. Ridge hugs her and assures her that she's OK, but Brooke still feels scared, even though Andy is gone. She asks Ridge why this is happening. He reminds her that the rape counselor told her that nightmares and flashbacks are common after a trauma like hers. He assures her that she'll be OK in time. Brooke argues that she's stronger than this. Ridge reminds her that she survived, but it's going to take time, understanding and compassion to get through this. Brooke refuses to have compassion for Andy, but Ridge tells her that he was talking about having those feelings for herself, because this won't happen overnight, and she'll have good days and bad days. Brooke tells him that some days, she feels like her old self, but then she sees Andy and can barely move or breathe. Ridge tells her that she just has to keep doing what she's been doing to get past this, and he promises to help any way he can. Brooke apologizes for calling him to come up here, but he's glad she did.

Ashley finds a sketch of a wedding gown with her as the model.

At Forrester Originals, Ashley pops into Ridge's office and is surprised that he's not there. Looking around at Ridge's sketches, she finds a design for a wedding gown with a model who looks like her. Ashley smiles as she looks the design over.

Ridge tries to reassure Brooke.

Back at Big Bear, Brooke explains to Ridge that she just didn't know how to explain to the other parents about seeing Andy without seeming crazy. Ridge assures her that she's not crazy, just scared. Brooke says she's not scared now. "Then I did what I set out to by coming here," Ridge responds, telling Brooke that he should be going. Brooke asks if he has to leave. Ridge asks if she wants him to stay. She tells him that it's a long drive back (even though it took mere minutes before) and the bedroom is made up, so she suggests he stay. Ridge, however, doesn't think it's a good idea, so Brooke tells him she's all right if he wants to leave. Ridge asks her if she's OK; she assures him that she is.