Thursday, November 06, 2008, Episode #5435

Ridge defends his actions at Forrester while Eric was in the coma.

In Ridge's office, Eric fumes that Ridge is badgering him about control of the business. Ridge reminds Eric that he was about to turn over control of Forrester before his heart attack, but Eric affirms that he changed his mind that same day and is upset that Ridge is pressuring him about this. Ridge counters that he still wants Eric to design and just wants to take the daily burdens of running the company off Eric's shoulders. Eric points out that there are others involved like Ridge's siblings, including Rick, and he refuses to let Rick feel overlooked. Ridge surmises that Rick bent Eric's ear about what went on while Eric was in the coma. Eric confirms that Rick told him about the battles with Donna and asks Ridge why he'd engineer a takeover at a time like that, especially once Donna explained that he changed his mind about turning over the company. Ridge counters that Eric should never have given Donna power of attorney to begin with, but Eric explains that he did it to prevent the infighting that obviously ensued. When Ridge charges that the infighting was what caused all the problems, Eric accuses Ridge of acting like he's more entitled to this company than his siblings and asks Ridge if he ever thought how that made his brothers and sisters feel. Ridge chafes that Rick has gotten to Eric and insists that he was just looking out for the company as Eric taught him to. Eric declares that he'll be the one to decide who runs the company once he steps down. Ridge seethes that Eric has changed the rules mid-game to keep him from his rightful place running the company and leaves.

Taylor tells Stephanie how wonderful it was when Ridge stayed over.

Taylor stops by to see Stephanie and recounts how wonderful and awesome it was to spend the day with Ridge and the kids yesterday. It was like they just picked up where they left off as a family without an ounce of tension, Taylor beams. Stephanie asks Taylor for details. Taylor tells Stephanie how great it was to have Ridge stay in the guest room last night, since having him in the house made it feel like they were a family again. She really thinks Ridge will see things differently after spending the night.

Stephanie predicts that Rick's demands signal the end for Brooke and Ridge.

Pouring some tea, Stephanie predicts that this is finally going to be Taylor's time to be with Ridge, and they have Rick to thank. Taylor asks what she means, so Stephanie explains that Rick is bound to force his mother to choose between him and Ridge. Taylor can't believe that Brooke would agree to give up Ridge forever just to make Rick happy, but Stephanie speculates that Ridge will walk away from Brooke once he tires of fighting with Brooke and with Rick. She speculates that Brooke's caving in to her son and asking Ridge to move out signals the beginning of the end for Brooke and Ridge's relationship.

Brooke listens to Rick's concerns.

At Brooke's, Rick asks her to think about something, stressing that he only wants the best for her and assuring her that he's only saying this because he wants he to be happy and not because of of his issues with Ridge. He urges her not to marry Ridge, since he really feels that Ridge is just going to hurt her again. Brooke doesn't think that's his concern, but Rick tells her that he has seen too much to ignore the number of offenses Ridge has committed. He then tries to end the discussion, but Brooke won't let him. Rick asks how it's possible that Ridge can pull the plug on Eric or toss Rick off the building and still be considered the golden boy. Brooke tells Rick not to blame Ridge because everything that happened is her fault, stemming from her weaknesses and insecurities. As for what happened with your Eric... Rick finds it ironic that Eric always puts Ridge first, yet Ridge pulled the plug on him. Brooke reminds him that Donna never told Eric about Ridge's attempt to pull the plug because she knew it would break Eric's heart. Rick gives his mom one piece of advice and reminds her that she has three small children now. He thinks those three kids are the best reasons of all for her not to marry Ridge, since he knows she doesn't want to put them second best as she did to Rick growing up. "Please, do not make that mistake again," he urges.

Eric tells Rick that he wants him back at Forrester.

After Brooke leaves, Rick takes some time alone and gets out of bed. He tells himself that he hates doing this, but at least he has everyone's attention. There's a knock at the door, so Rick rushes back to bed before calling out for his visitor to come in. Eric comes in with Rick's laptop and some files from work, but Rick reminds his dad that he can't have anything to with Forrester as long as Ridge is in charge. Eric asks Rick to consider the void that he'll leave in the company, but Rick is sure Ridge will find someone to take his place and is already looking. Eric refuses to let Rick go, since he knows how much Rick loves his work. He observed the way Rick rose through the ranks on his own without help from him, so he just can't believe that Rick just doesn't care anymore. Rick recalls how he came to work with Eric as a kid and observed how focused Eric was on every detail, and that's what gave him the work ethic to be so good at his own job. Eric remarks that they both share a need to create something magnificent for the world. Rick agrees, which is why he really doesn't want to leave the company. He wants to work closer with Eric and learn from him, but he isn't sure they can make that happen. Stepping closer to the bed, Eric tells Ridge that it would be his privilege.

Meanwhile, Brooke is in her room looking at photos when Ridge sneaks in to see her. Brooke is glad to see him given that her world seems to be falling apart. Ridge assures her that nothing happened with Taylor last night. Brooke argues that he shouldn't spend the night with a woman who is openly pursuing him. Ridge retorts that he just wanted to spend time with his kids, but Brooke contends that Taylor used that moment for her own purposes. Ridge says he knows that and assures her that he can handle Taylor, because deep down Brooke is the one he wants. Brooke sighs that she does want him to be with his kids, since what happened with Rick has shown her how much their children need them. She laments that she let Rick down and was never the mother she should have been. Ridge tells her not to beat her up because even at her worst, she's twice the mother most women would be. Brooke says that he's biased. Ridge admits that he certainly is and tells her that he missed her. "I need you," he proclaims as they start getting passionate.