Friday, May 08, 2009, Episode #5559

Brooke and Rick object to hiring Thomas.

In Eric's office, Brooke declares that Thomas will not be working at Forrester, but Taylor wants to know who appointed Brooke dictator. Rick agrees with his mom, pointing out that Thomas would be in jail now if it wasn't for his generosity. Ridge tells Rick that it's not his call, but Rick thinks it is since Thomas threatened his life. Thomas quips that he's glad that he can keep Rick in line so easily, which Rick thinks just proves his point. Thomas says that he was only kidding, but Brooke continues to object to Thomas being there. Ridge refuses to let his son be shut out of the family, business, especially when they need to restore confidence in Forrester Creations. Taylor states that the company needs more Forresters to do that, especially when the company is so divided right now. Ridge agrees. Brooke asks why he's siding with Taylor, who isn't part of the company and isn't a Forrester. Taylor thinks that everyone else in the family would agree that she's still part of it, but Rick points out that he's a Forrester and doesn't see it that way. That's because he's not acting like a Forrester and is acting like his mother's on, Taylor claims. Brooke asks Ridge if he's going to allow Taylor to talk to her that way. What he won't allow, Ridge retorts, is to see his son railroaded, since Thomas has as much right to be here as Rick does. Brooke points out that Thomas tried to kill Rick, but Thomas claims that Rick would be dead if that was his intent. Unwilling to wait around for Thomas to try again, Rick states that they're not hiring the kid. He warns Ridge not to go behind his back on this and storms out.

Marcus gives Steffy some advice.

Up on the rooftop Sky Lounge, Steffy and Marcus discuss how manipulative Rick was toward them. Steffy thinks that's behind them now, but Marcus fears that Rick won't give up. Steffy says that she's prepared for Rick. Marcus asks her to just be careful. Rick comes up to the roof and asks to speak to Steffy alone. Marcus doesn't think that's a good idea, but Steffy assures him that she can handle Rick. Marcus reluctantly agrees to step away, but not before warning Rick to let Steffy be. Once Marcus walks away, Rick gripes about the guy's disrespect toward the president of this company. Steffy advises that he won't do anything to Marcus or to her and asks what he wanted to talk about. Rick claims that he realized he needs closure with her and asks for just a minute to speak his mind. Steffy starts counting down the seconds, so Rick quickly tells her that he understands why she broke up with him. Steffy fumes that he had them all fooled, but Rick points out that her dad called him out a few times, like when he tried to join the army and when he gave their designs to Jackie M. Steffy still can't believe that he expected the two of them to defect to the competition, but Rick contends that he really wanted the two of them to get away from Forrester, although he concedes that it was odd to sabotage his own company. Steffy says he was crazy. Rick says that he was crazy in love and really wanted a future with her, and he thinks the two of them would be happy right now if his plan had worked.

Steffy gives Rick back his ring.

Steffy tells Rick that his minute's up, so she doesn't think there's anything else to say. Rick reminds her that he was always able to make her laugh, and he thinks he could make her forget what he said on the recording if she gave him another chance. Steffy doesn't want to go back to that crazy chapter in their lives; in that vein, she reaches into her bag for the engagement ring Rick gave her and hands it back to him. Rick doesn't want it, but Steffy says she doesn't want it, either. Rick tells her to hock it and use the money to do something wonderful for herself. She says she already did, and now she's free. Rick reminds her of the first time they kissed, when she slapped him. He thinks that made it clear that she would never let him manipulate her. He thinks there's nothing more attractive than a strong woman who knows what she wants, and right now, he thinks she's stronger than ever. Unfortunately, he fears that it's too late and he;s really lost her. Steffy tells him that she's sorry. Rick says he is, too, but at least he learned something: that he was never really worthy of her. He just wishes he had seen that sooner. He vows that if he's ever lucky enough to be with a woman like her again, he's not going to make the same mistakes. Next time, he'll make sure that woman knows how special she is, since he will mean every word of it.

Thomas defends his right to be at Forrester.

Downstairs, Brooke and Taylor continue to argue about Rick and Thomas. Taylor points out that both Ridge and Eric want Thomas here, but Brooke counters that Thomas would be in jail if it wasn't for Rick. Taylor can't believe Brooke is playing the blackmail card again. Brooke insists she's just stating the facts, but Ridge agrees with Taylor that Rick used what Thomas did to advance his own agenda with Steffy, knowing Ridge had no choice but to agree. Taylor reminds him that he has a choice now and urges him to hire their son. Brooke tells Taylor to stay out of it, but Taylor reminds Ridge of how upset he is about the state of this company with his mother gone, his siblings overlooked and the Logans in charge. "Look out for your son," she pleads. Brooke asks Thomas to leave the room, but Thomas doesn't see why he should when his future is being discussed. Ridge tells Thomas to please leave, so he does. Once Thomas is gone, Brooke reminds Ridge why she doesn't want Thomas here, but Taylor thinks that Brooke knows full well that Thomas isn't a threat. "You just don't want him here because he's our son - mine and Ridge's," Taylor asserts. Brooke reminds them what Thomas did, but Ridge and Taylor think Thomas was pushed to do what he did by Rick . Brooke can't believe Ridge is justifying Thomas's behavior. Ridge doesn't want to argue anymore and insists, "Rick works here. Thomas will, too." Brooke won't accept that, but Ridge stands firm. Before Brooke can reply, Ridge gets called to a meeting. He asks Brooke and Taylor if he can leave them alone. Taylor states that she has nothing else to say, but Brooke still has something on her mind. Ridge advises Brooke to keep things civilized. "Go to your meeting," Brooke coldly tells him.

Ridge hopes he and Brooke can get through this.

Ridge goes to his office to talk on the phone with Glenn, who has done business with them for over 20 years. He promises not to let Glenn down. After he ends the call, Ridge plays with his wedding ring and prays he and Brooke can get through this.