Monday, December 21, 2009, Episode #5716

Bridget and Nick come up with an idea.

In Nick's office, Bridget questions the rumor about her dad returning to work at Forrester. She can't believe it's true, since her father's heart isn't in working for Bill. Nick thinks Eric didn't tell Bridget about his plans so he could get a jump on them. Later, Nick and Bridget pass out Christmas bonuses to a pair of grateful employees who are thrilled to have the extra cash. From the employees' reactions, Bridget realizes how tough things are in this economy. Nick suggests they do something about that in making their Christmas plans. Bridget shares that she wants to make Christmas special for Jack, with a big tree and lights. Nick comes up with an even better idea and decides to have Christmas at Jackie M, with a big celebration for them and all their employees. Bridget thinks it's a great idea, but Nick realizes they have to find a caterer on short notice. Bridget is sure Stephanie can find someone. Nick offers to buzz Stephanie on the intercom, but Bridget wants to see her in person and find out if she has any more information about Eric's return to work.

Sandy and Stephanie learn of Nick and Bridget's plans.

Down the hall, Stephanie breaks in her new assistant, Sandy. Sandy seems a bit overwhelmed as Stephanie outlines her expectations and explains the relationships in the fashion world. "You cannot be a shrinking violet," Stephanie warns, suggesting that Sandy take some initiative and be ready for anything. Finding all this stuff coming at her way too fast, Sandy confides that this job wasn't part of the bargain when she agreed to be Nick and Bridget's surrogate. Stephanie tells her that she doesn't have to take the job if she doesn't want it. Sandy explains that she feels like opportunities like this just don't happen to unlucky people like her. Stephanie tells Sandy to relax, because working here can be enjoyable. She points out that nearly everyone in this building hated her at one time, but now they're working together. She thinks this job can enrich Sandy's life if Sandy just goes with the flow and tries to fit in with the bunch of crazy people here. Sandy laughs and thanks her. Nick and Bridget pop in and ask Stephanie if she heard about Eric returning to Forrester. Stephanie says she heard, but she doesn't really understand it. Then again, she stopped questioning Eric's motives years ago. Nick and Bridget share Nick's idea for a Christmas celebration and tell Stephanie and Sandy that they're both invited if they have no other plans. Not wanting to share eggnog with Donna, Stephanie accepts, but Sandy doesn't want to impose. Not wanting Sandy spending the holiday alone, Bridget insists that she join them, but Sandy declines.

Steffy and Thomas get ready for the press conference.

At Forrester, Brooke tells Ridge how she assured Katie that his sketch was "cutting edge" and "the bomb." She confides her fear that it's a bomb that can detonate both Bill's hold on the company and her relationship with Katie. It's the only way to get the company back, Ridge asserts. Thomas and Steffy come in to see if their dad is ready for Eric's "big performance." Seeing Brooke, Steffy explains that she's talking about the press conference, but Ridge tells his kids that Brooke is on board with the plan.

Thorne is stunned to see his dad back at work.

In Katie's office, Eric asks Donna to support him in his plan, even though it means lying to her sister. Donna agrees to stand by him and gives him a kiss to reassure him. Bill and Katie enter and Bill tells Donna to stop acting so maudlin about this. He wants the press conference to be an upbeat celebration of Eric's return. Eric promises to deliver the most jaw-dropping collection he ever produced. Ridge, Brooke, Thomas and Steffy arrive for the press conference and find Eric and Bill talking about the new collection. Thorne comes in with a throng of reporters behind him. He tells them that they're mistaken about his father coming back to work, but then he sees Eric standing with Bill and is shocked. Bill and Katie start the press conference and get right to the point of Eric's return. Eric thanks them for their warm welcome back and apologizes for being away as Forrester transitioned from a family owned business to a division of a global company. With the resources of their new owners, he sees an opportunity to take this company to the cutting edge, and that's exactly what he intends to do with their next collection. As the press conference ends, Thorne asks his dad what's going on. Before Eric can explain, Bill comes over and offers to show him to his new office. Brooke and Donna remain behind while Ridge, Thorne, Thomas, Steffy and Katie follow Bill and Eric out.

Bill leads everyone to Eric's new office - which is Thorne's office!

When Bill leads them to Thorne's office in the basement, Thorne is confused. Bill explains that Eric is going to share the office with Thorne. Thorne, Thomas and Steffy can't believe this is Bill's idea of welcoming Eric back, but Eric tells them that it's fine. When Bill orders Ridge and Eric to get a concept presentation ready for the next line ASAP, Eric says he's already on it. Bill asks Katie if she's OK with his decision. Sure, she replies (despite the fact that it should be HER job to find Eric an office and not his). Bill and Katie leave so the designers can get to work. As soon as the Spencers are out the door, Thorne demands to know what's going on with his father suddenly cow-towing to Bill. Eric shows his portfolio to Thorne and explains his plan. Thorne fears that this could be professional suicide, since their buyers and clients will never buy these designs, and trying to sell them will ruin their reputations. It's a risk they have to take to get the company back, Eric insists.

Katie tells her sisters where Eric will be working.

Upstairs, Brooke and Donna discuss the need to lie to Katie. They both hate the idea, but they have to get with the program and convince Bill and Katie that they're being supportive. Katie comes in and asks her sisters why they're not downstairs with the others. Brooke is confused, since she thought they went to Eric's office. She and Donna are shocked when Katie tells them that Eric is sharing an office with Thorne. While Donna runs out, Brooke asks how Eric took the news. Better than expected, Katie notes. Brooke leaves to join the others. When Bill returns soon after, Katie asks him what he was thinking putting Eric in Thorne's office. Bill explains that he wanted to see what Eric would do. While Eric seems all fired up about working, Bill wonders if he's up to something.

Brooke and Ridge discuss the plan with the others.

Brooke and Donna enter Thorne and Eric's office and learn that Thorne knows about the plan. Eric and Ridge announce that it's time for phase two of the plan, where they give Bill his "cutting edge" collection. Ridge points out that they need a name for the line which shows it's bold and daring. The description inspires Steffy to suggest the name "Dare." The others agree that the name fits, and they think Bill and Katie will like it.