Monday, December 29, 2008, Episode #5469

Eric tells Stephanie that he's calling off his divorce to Donna.

At the Forrester mansion, Eric tells Stephanie that he's calling off his divorce to Donna. Stephanie says that the reason he left Donna after he thought he saw her making love to Owen was that he didn't trust Donna. She doesn't think he can ever trust Donna, because she's sure Donna will eventually leave him for a younger man who can provide for her in the style to which she's become accustomed. Eric asks why he thought they could discuss this in an adult manner. Stephanie retorts that she's tired of expecting him to be someone he's not, since it's obvious to her that he places too much value on pleasure. Eric asks why she talks about pleasure like it's a dirty word, especially since they built this business based on that. Stephanie on the other hand thinks substance is more important, and she asks where all the young women in his life were when he was in the hospital. Eric shakes his head at the way she acts like nobody cares about him but her. Tired of arguing, Stephanie says, "You win. I don't care anymore," but she warns that she's finally done with him this time and tells him not to come running back to her when he wakes up alone again.

Stephanie tells Eric that she's done with him this time.

Eric asks Stephanie when she ever met a man she genuinely liked and admired aside from her oldest son. When Stephanie scoffs at his insinuation, Eric recalls one man Stephanie admired, although they can't speak his name because of the abuse he heaped on Stephanie. Stephanie asks if he's taking about her father. Eric says he is, since that seems to be the only model of masculinity she accepts. Stephanie counters that Massimo was a kind and decent man. Eric asks her why she didn't marry Massimo instead of marrying him and telling him what a weakling he is. He finds it ironic that she accuses Donna of trapping him into marriage when she herself did just that, taking his future, his dignity and his first born. He thinks that debt is finally paid now. Stephanie points out that he's the one walking away the winner here with the house, the business and his child bride, so she can't see why he won't leave her a tiny shred of dignity. She proclaims that he's not walking out on her, because she's leaving him and isn't coming back. She then asks Eric if she's fired. He points out that he doesn't recall rehiring her to begin with. Stephanie reminds him that they have a meeting at 9 a.m. tomorrow about getting their fashion show mounted and says she'll see him then. Eric asks how they can meet if she's walking out on him forever. "You'll never be rid of me," Stephanie states.

Pam explains why she's in L.A.

Donna screams in horror upon seeing Pam standing on her doorstep holding a sharp object in her hand. Pam points out that it's just a crochet needle and lets herself in, finishing up the needlework on a yarmulke for one of her Jewish brain surgeons as she sits herself down. Donna suspects that the surgeons aren't expecting a holiday visit from Pam, but Pam explains that her doctors actually asked her to come so they can check on her progress since the brain swelling went down. Donna asks how a check-up brought Pam to her doorstep. Pam starts to explain, but Donna tells her to keep her distance. With Donna on edge, Pam explains that she came to apologize for all the terrible things she did to Donna. Donna points out that Pam didn't remember what she did when she was last here. Pam informs her that her memory slowly came back in little flashes, and her nature dictated that she just had to make amends once she realized what she did. She asked her doctors and they thought it was a bad idea, but she thought it was more important for her to make things right. Pam then tells Donna that she has a gift for her as well and hands Donna a bikini that she crocheted, chuckling that she took a trip to the produce department to estimate the size for the bikini top.

Donna is still hesitant around Pam.

Donna hesitantly accepts the gift from Pam, who hopes this might lead to their becoming friends in time. Donna reminds Pam of all the horrible things she did to her and to her family, but Pam says that was the scar tissue in her brain, which was like an alien invader in her head. Now that Pam has delivered her gift, Donna presumes that Pam will go back to Chicago once she has dropped off her yarmulkes with her surgeons. Pam says that she wants to stay in L.A.; she thinks it's a big enough city that she can be here without Donna realizing that she's here. Donna points out that she only agreed not to press charges against Pam under the condition that she was under lock and key. Pam says that she's taking her medication and her doctor says she's not a threat. She also sees now that Donna didn't mean to kill Tiny. Even so, Donna wants Pam to leave. Pam predicts that they will be friends someday, but Donna has had enough and tells Pam to get out now!

At Brooke's house, Ridge tells her that he doesn't want to hate her son. Losing Phoebe was painful enough, he states, but he doesn't want his pain from losing his daughter to make him lose Brooke, too. Brooke assures him that will never happen. Ridge tells her that he needs Rick to keep his distance from him and his kids if Rick is going to stay in L.A. He's especially worried about Steffy after that kissing episode between his daughter and Rick. Brooke assures him that Rick feels terrible about that, but Ridge would still feel better if Rick stayed away from Steffy. Ridge thinks Eric will want to keep Rick on at Forrester. Brooke asks if he can handle that, but Ridge recognizes that she's going to want to see Rick, and he thinks keeping Rick involved in his work will give Rick something to be involved in. The only thing that bothers him is that Rick is using his office. Brooke says she'll talk to Eric and do something about that. Ridge thanks her, but Brooke thinks she should be thanking him for being so kind through all this. Ridge doesn't feel very kind now, but Brooke assures him that he won't regret this.

Rick questions what he's doing with Steffy.

At the beach house, Rick and Steffy pull away from their kiss and say that they can't do this, but their restraint only lasts a few scant seconds before they resume kissing and start tearing each other's clothes off. Rick pauses for a moment, asking himself what he's doing. Steffy assures him that she recognizes that he's not using her now like he was before. Things start to get steamy between them, but they are interrupted by a knock at the door. Outside, Brooke knocks as she calls out to Rick that she's here with Ridge to talk. Steffy runs in the bedroom and hides as Rick goes to open the door.

Brooke and Ridge tell Rick what they need from him.

Rick lets his mom and Ridge in, apologizing for not being more presentable. Brooke says it's find, since she and Ridge won't be staying. They just came by to tell Rick something important. Brooke explains that Ridge understands how she loves Rick and doesn't want to send Rick to Paris. Rick says that he still thinks it's best that he goes, but Brooke assures him that Ridge agrees that it's not the right time to be sending him away and wants to get past the grief and animosity between them. But at the same time, Rick needs to step up and do something for Ridge. Rick says he'll do it if it's in his power. Brooke stipulates that Rick has to respect Ridge's boundaries and give him space to heal, which means that Rick has to keep his distance for Ridge and his family. Ridge steps in and says that he knows Rick has a history with Taylor and isn't going to do anything about that, so all he asks is that Rick be considerate of Taylor. Brooke then tells Rick that Thomas won't be around much, so that's not an issue, but she needs Rick to make sure to keep his distance from Steffy. Rick nervously nods while Steffy, listening from the bedroom, is shocked.