Wednesday, January 21, 2009, Episode #5484

Nick covers to keep Katie from seeing the dresses.

At Jackie M designs, the fashion show is just a short time away, and Jackie revels in the excitement of getting her collection in just 24 hours. Nick is still hesitant about using stolen Forrester designs, but Jackie tells him that someone sent the designs to them and prefers to thing of them as a gift from above. Or a gift from below, Nick qualifies, since they don't even know which Forrester traitor they're putting in charge of this company. Jackie doesn't care, since this collection will save them from financial ruin, but Nick fears they may regret that decision when Eric sees his designs on their runway. Katie walks in to surprise her fiance just as the gowns are wheeled in, so Nick gives a her a big fat kiss to distract her. Katie tells Nick that she wanted to be there for his big day, since their future is riding on what happens today, but Nick suggests that she leave since she does work at Forrester and he doesn't want to compromise her. Katie confides that she's been thinking that maybe she should resign from Forrester to work here, but Nick suggests that they talk about that at home tonight, since he has to deal with all the craziness around here today.

Clarke warns Jackie to keep Katie away.

Clarke comes in and approaches Nick with a garment bag full of dresses right from the cutting room. Nick says this isn't a good time, but Katie asks if she can get a peek at their collection. Nick harshly tells Katie that she can't be here now and practically orders her out. Katie is taken aback by his tone, so Nick apologizes, citing the stress of the day for his being on edge. He just wants her to know that what he's doing is for her, his mother and Jack. Katie understands, but she still wants to stay. Nick appreciates her concern, but he thinks she should go, so she wishes her "captain" luck. "Thank you, sailor," Nick smiles as he sends her on her way. Meanwhile, Clarke warns Jackie that it's not a good idea to have Katie around. He reminds her that they have to get this show on the road before the Forresters know what they're up to.

Felicia gripes about having to play "gopher."

At Forrester, Eric finishes work on one of the dresses and gets ready to send it down to be altered before the show. Felicia asks if he's going overboard with the need for secrecy, but Eric doesn't think they can afford any leaks. Eric asks Felicia to take the dress downstairs, but she says she's not his gopher. Eric asks what he can do to make her happy. "You could divorce Donna," she gripes. Brooke asks everyone to stop with the infighting, since they all need to pull together now, but Felicia snipes, "Easy to say if you're a Logan." Eric echoes Brooke's thoughts and says that this has to be a team effort. "Then take me off the bench, coach," Felicia quips. Eric asks her to take the dress, but when she balks again, Rick offers to do it.

Eric praises Brooke for being the "best of both worlds."

After the others leave, Eric thanks Brooke for trying to pull everyone together. Brooke reminds him that she's a Logan and a Forrester. "And you're the best of both worlds," Eric states. Brooke knows it's hard to be in the middle, but she thinks this is the time when they need to pull together. Eric concurs, but he wishes he could make his kids happier. Brooke points out that Rick is happy, and she's glad they didn't send him off to Europe. Eric agrees and thinks Rick has been doing a good job as president. Brooke thinks that Ridge still has issues with Rick, but Eric thinks Ridge's agreeing to work with Rick in the office will lead to their relationship healing.

Steffy tells Rick that she can't cause her dad any more pain.

In Rick's office, he and Steffy talk about how they have to hide their feelings for each other from everybody. Rick tells her about his talk with her dad where Ridge said he'd never accept him and probably never will. Steffy wishes everyone could know how much they love each other, but since that can't happen, she wonders if they should just give up on their relationship. Rick thinks that what they have is worth fighting for, so there has to be a way. Steffy wants to believe him, but Rick senses that she doesn't trust him. Steffy says that she loves him, but her dad means a lot to her, and she can't and won't cause him any more pain. Rick understands that her dad means the world to her, but he asks her to consider what could happen if they didn't have to deal with their father anymore.

Stephanie gives Eric some advice.

In Eric's office, Stephanie admires the collection and praises it as some of his best work. Eric wants this showing to be a triumph for the company, but he's worried because of the attitude he's getting from Thorne and Felicia. Stephanie points out that they feel overlooked by their father, but Eric thinks there is room for all his kids at Forrester. Stephanie advises him to look at it from the kids' perspective and be more sensitive as to why they feel what they feel.

Brooke tells Katie to go support Nick.

Katie returns to Forrester and runs into Brooke, who is surprised that Katie isn't at the Jackie M showing. Katie explains that Nick didn't want her there. She suspects Nick is worried that Clarke's designs will bomb and doesn't want her to witness that. Katie starts to work on the press releases for Forrester's showing, but Brooke sees that she's distracted. Katie admits that she's worried about Nick. Brooke thinks that's understandable given what's at stake. She thinks Nick really wants Katie there but is too nervous to say it, so she suggests that Katie go to the showing to support Nick. Katie thanks her for the advice and leaves.

Jackie tells Jarrett that she has faith in her designs.

As Clarke and Jackie look over the final designs, Nick comes in and reports that Katie left. Clarke is relieved, but Nick still feels bad about keeping this from Katie. She'll find out sooner or later, Clarke points out before leaving to meet the press before the show. Jackie sees that Nick is upset and reminds him that their actions will hopefully save Jackie M from ruin. "We will get through this together," she assures. Jackie then goes to meet the press and makes sure that everyone has some champagne. When she offers a glass to Jarrett, he asks how she can afford both the champagne and this new signature line when her company is in such deep financial straits. Jackie laughs that her new line will turn things around, but Jarrett has his doubts about Clarke's ability. Jackie reminds him that her seasoned designer trained under Eric Forrester himself, and she guarantees that each of her designs will have the quality and the flair of a Forrester original.

Thorne and Stephanie marvel at Eric's work.

At Forrester, Eric, Brooke, Felicia, Stephanie and Thorne marvel at the gown Eric just fitted. Eric says he couldn't have done it without them and takes pride that there's nothing like this collection on the market.