Thursday, November 13, 2008, Episode #5440

Ridge tears into Brooke.
A stunned Brooke asks Ridge why he thinks she betrayed him. Ridge tells her that he got her message loud and clear. Brooke asks why she should apologize for saying warm things about someone she loves, especially since she meant every word. Ridge tells her that he was counting on her to straighten things out, especially since Eric just announced Rick's promotion without acknowledging why it happened. Brooke states that she did her best to speak from the heart to make her feelings clear, so she doesn't know why he's so angry. Ridge scoffs at her "best effort," telling her that he expected a hell of a lot better from her! He explains that watching that podcast reminded him of the times they shared that podium and the hope that they had finally found some happiness, but now he wonders if that happiness was ever there. He remembers leaving his family with Taylor to be with her, Hope, and R.J., but then Nick and Jack came into the picture. Brooke says that they dealt with that, but Ridge qualifies, "I'VE dealt with it," pointing out how understanding he's been and fuming about her expecting him to accept yet one more compromise today. Brooke guesses that Rick isn't really the issue here and suggests that this is about the resentment over their relationship that he's obviously been harboring for some time. Ridge accuses her of letting Rick play her by convincing her to throw him out of the house.

Brooke doesn't understand Ridge's anger.
Brooke tells him not to make this about Rick. Ridge says she's right, since this is about them. It's like they're cursed, he laments, seething about how they've done this dance for years where they get so close only to fall apart. He feels like he's lost the two things he really wants in this world, Forrester and her, and he feels like his home, his job and his dignity were all stolen from him. Brooke says he hasn't lost anything, but Ridge doesn't feel that way and wonders why they have to face so many challenges. He suggests that maybe their destiny is that they're not meant to be together after all. Brooke says she won't let him give up, since their love is still strong, but Ridge thinks Rick is just the latest thing to come between them. "When will it end?" he asks. Brooke tries to calm him down, but Ridge storms out, gets on his motorcycle and drives off.

Taylor discusses Ridge and Brooke with Rick.
Rick sits in Ridge's office and recalls Eric promising him that he would never be second to Ridge ever again. He then remembers Eric naming him president of Forrester. As Rick looks at a photo of Brooke and Ridge, Taylor drops by to congratulate him. Rick admits he's happy to finally get the recognition he deserves, but Taylor says that she was referring to his being able to walk again. Walking around with his crutches, Rick quips that Ridge likely would rather see him flat on his back. Taylor thinks that's not fair and advises him not to blame Ridge for what happened between them. Rick charges that Ridge used her just like he used Brooke. Taylor asks if this is his way of evening the score, but Rick insists that he earned the right to run the company. Taylor tells him how devastated Ridge was by what Brooke said on the podcast. Rick thinks Ridge has to stop expecting blind loyalty from Brooke or anyone else. Taylor points out that Ridge wasn't even mentioned. "It wasn't about him! This was my day." Rick retorts. Even so, Taylor thinks Brooke could have said something about Ridge knowing how he felt. Rick argues that Ridge didn't deserve that after throwing a tantrum and bailing on them today. "The days of Ridge playing games are over," he insists. That won't be the only thing that's over unless Brooke sets things right, Taylor offers. Rick thinks it would be good for her if Ridge and Brooke break up, but Taylor admits that she doesn't really know what will happen with Brooke and Ridge. Rick tells her that she deserves better, but she feels like that Brooke and Ridge's "toxic roller coaster" of a relationship has to stop soon, and she wonders if today might be the day that it does.

Eric talks with Stephanie about Ridge.
In Eric's office, he assures Stephanie that he doesn't want to jeopardize his relationship with Ridge. Stephanie asks if that means he's changed his mind about Rick. Eric says that it doesn't and hopes that Ridge has a new perspective after hearing what Brooke said during the podcast. He thinks Brooke did a great job given that she was caught between her son and the man she loves. When Stephanie quietly concedes his point, Eric asks when she'll finally accept Brooke's relationship with Ridge, since he thinks nothing will come between those two and their place as the future of the company. Stephanie asks if that means Rick's job is temporary. When Eric says it isn't, Stephanie suggests that he name Ridge as CEO. Eric tells her that Ridge and Brooke are the king and queen of fashion, and he doesn't think Ridge needs him to validate that. "Sometimes you are such a dolt!" Stephanie snipes, telling him that Ridge needs to know that he's appreciated. Eric says that Brooke did that today, but Stephanie tells him that Ridge needs appreciation from him. Eric assures her that no one can get through to Ridge like Brooke can. He's sure Brooke and Ridge will come together through this crisis like they always do, but Stephanie isn't as sure.

Stephanie is confused by Ridge's reaction.
After Eric steps away, Stephanie stays in his office and fields some calls from the press, simply offering "no comment" responses about Rick's promotion. Ridge comes in as Stephanie ends a call. Seeing the look on her son's face, Stephanie asks what's wrong. Ridge tells her about how upset he was about what Brooke said in the podcast. He can't believe that Brooke can't see how Rick's con job is tearing their relationship apart. Stephanie tries to defend what Brooke said, but Ridge has no need for a recap after hearing Brooke go on and on about Rick in her speech. Stephanie agrees that Brooke was supportive of Rick, but she also... Ridge cuts his mom off and tells her that he doesn't need her take on what Brooke said, and he's not even sure why he came over here now. Stephanie tells him that she's a bit confused, but Ridge again interrupts and snarks that he doesn't want to talk about it anymore! "Just let it go!" he instructs as he storms off, leaving Stephanie even more confused.

Rick urges his mother to give Ridge up.
Sitting alone in her living, Brooke sobs as she recalls the things Ridge said to her. She tells herself that she and Ridge can't forget what truly matters and flashes back to moments from the past with Ridge. Tears flow down her cheek as she remembers their weddings and R.J.'s birth. "I don't understand why you're so upset," she weeps, vowing not to give up. Rick comes home and finds his mom sitting alone, crying. He asks if she's OK, but she says she doesn't want to talk about it. He tells her about Taylor's visit earlier and informs her that Taylor said Ridge was upset about the podcast. Brooke says she knows that, but she can't understand why Ridge is so angry. Rick thinks this will probably blow over like it always does, but Brooke tells him that Ridge felt so disillusioned and betrayed that he stormed off, and she doesn't know if he's coming back. When she tells him that Ridge thought that maybe their destiny is to be apart, Rick wonders if Ridge was right. He tells Brooke that he can't take the way Ridge hurts her time and again anymore, and now Ridge stormed out on her just because she was supporting her son. "Let this man go," he urges, asking her to tell him that it's over with Ridge. Brooke can't say it, but she falls into Rick's arms and hugs him as she cries about her situation.