4640 Friday, September 16, 2005
The pool at Brooke's Old Place was getting hot and heavy. Dante was pouring on the charm and kissing Brooke all over her neck and shoulders. From Nick and Bridget' vantage point, it appeared they were making out like a couple of high school kids in the bleachers during the last basketball game of the season. But Brooke kept asking Dante if their plan was working. Was Nick convinced she had gotten over him? Unfortunately, Nick was only hot under the collar. He seemed to get Bridget to believe it was because he didn't trust Dante. She agreed they could leave. With their audience gone, Brooke thanked Dante for his part in fooling Bridget. Dante said it had been his pleasure. It hadn't been all that difficult to plant his lips on Brooke's supple neck. Brooke smiled and told Dante they had done a good thing for Bridget. Dante went up to bed and Brooke cried by the pool.
Bridget and Nick went to the Shady Marlin. Nick was ticked off and Bridget asked him why her mother had been crying at the restaurant. Nick pulled the sonogram photo from his pocket and said they had been discussing what a wonderful future they child would have. Brooke was simply happy for her daughter. Although Nick said he was "committed" to Bridget, she wondered if he was bothered by her mother dating Dante. Nick screamed he was tired of being tested. Getting the picture, Bridget started to leave. She'd spend the night at her mother's house. Then Nick remembered Brooke's words about planning his future with Bridget. He was a parent now and he had to start acting like one. Nick caught Bridget before she left. He pulled her into his arms and professed his love. Then they got all nekkid like and rolled around on the floor and messed up their hair. Yep! Nick was doing his part to prove his love for Bridget. You go, boy!
At Spectra Fashions, Sally revealed the signing bonus check was for $250,000! (All right, I'll agree that's a lot of money. But she suggested they buy a house on the beach. Where are you gonna find a house on the beach for only a quarter million dollars?) Gaby convinced Sally to let them sleep on the idea. She agreed, but didn't really know what there was to think about. Getting ready for a night on the lumpy hide-a-bed, Thomas was uncertain what to do. He thought Sally was probably right. He was an overnight success. He would be a fool not to ride the wave. Gaby said she saw his family's point of view. They only wanted what was best for him. Thomas was surprised Gaby sided with his parents after the way they had treated her. She was on the side of whoever loved him - because she did too. Oops! Those weak springs are going to be squeaking up a storm in no time.
At the Malibu Beach House, Jackie told Eric she was changing her ways. She wasn't going to pester Nick about pursuing Brooke any longer. No way. She was simply going to be happy that he was happy with his child and Bridget. The quiet conversation was interrupted by some strange noises on the deck. Investigating, the couple discovered two cats mating outside. (OK. Really don't know what else to comment on there, other than....OK.) Eric had feared it was Stephanie with another of her late nights ambush emergencies. (Oh, I forgot. Stephanie's car sounds just like two cats in heat.) The amorous felines made both Eric and Jackie a little frisky as well. Eric told Jackie she looked as if she needed to be kissed. Jackie replied all women looked that way to him. (Good one, Jackie.) They kissed a bit and discussed their best attributes. Eric stated he was good in bed. (However, modesty is not his strong suit.) Jackie teased he wouldn't get that far. She simply wanted him to be sincere.
"God, you're beautiful," Eric whispered.
"Close enough," Jackie cooed.
And the lip lock continued.
4639 Thursday, September 15, 2005
Thomas and Gaby prepared for bed in Clarke's office at Spectra Fashions. (Apparently, they are sleeping on the pull-out sofa to hide from his parents. It didn't seem Ridge had any trouble finding them, however. And is Taylor so stupid she didn't think to look for her son at his place of employment?) Sally walked in and noticed their dilemma. They had been planning on going to college, but their lives were in turmoil. Ever helpful, Sally had a remedy to their troubles. She showed Thomas how much money his designs had brought into Spectra Fashions. She was there to re-negotiate his contract and raise his salary enormously. Thomas explained he could not give up college. His parents had already paid for the tuition. Besides, he had let his father convince him to put all his salary from Spectra Fashions into a trust fund. He couldn't touch it. Sally again had an answer. She produced a big fat check with lots of zeros. It would be a signing bonus! He'd then have enough money to pay his parents back the tuition money and buy a house in which to live. Gaby could go to college and Thomas could postpone his education. He should take advantage of his success and capitalize on it while the iron was hot. All he had to do was sign the contract. (Do it! Do it! Do it!)
At Cafe Russe, Jackie had seen enough. It was obvious to the entire restaurant Nick and Brooke were crazy for each other. She was going to the dance floor to set Bridget straight. Eric stopped her. He had enough such dinners with Stephanie. She always thought no one was capable of running their own lives and she let it consume her. Jackie was repentant. She didn't want to be anything like Stephanie. Eric took Jackie to the Malibu Beach House. Jackie said she simply felt two people and like Nick and Brooke should be together. Eric sagely pointed out being together and making each other happy were two different things. Nick and Brooke had been miserable since they met. Perhaps it was time for the two of them to let go.
Back Cafe Russe, Bridget was concerned her mother and Nick were getting awfully chummy again. She and Dante returned to the table and it appeared no one had an appetite. (Wrap it up and I'll all the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. That Trout Almandine sure looked tasty.) Bridget suggested they all go to Brooke's Old Place for a midnight swim. Nick had no interest and Brooke didn't want to get 
her hair wet. But Bridget insisted. If she, the pregnant one, had enough energy to keep going, everyone else had darn well better go along with her idea. Bridget went to the ladies' room and Dante scolded Nick and Brooke for being so bad at convincing Bridget they no longer had feelings for each other. He told them to pull themselves together and get to the pool - pronto!
The foursome gathered at the pool at Brooke's Old Place. Nick and Bridget went inside to get some drinks. Lusty Dante prepared Brooke to put on a show for her daughter. Brooke seemed to get cold feet, but Dante reminded her it was her own plan. He was only going along with her. When Bridget and Nick returned, Dante had cuddled up with Brooke on a chaise lounged and was chewing on her ear. Nick was disgusted and wanted to leave. Bridget wondered if it was really so hard for him to see Brooke with another man. She wanted the truth. Did it truly bother him that Brooke was moving on?
4638 Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Jackie and Eric continued boozing it up with martinis at Café Russe. Obviously bored with their own lives, all they could talk about was Brooke's plan to move on with her life and prove she was doing it to Nick. Jackie thought Nick wouldn't but Eric said he'd have to.
Over at the four top by the grand piano, Nick could not believe Brooke was there with Dante. Bridget explained they were dating, so she invited them to celebrate. Nick was ticked off and wouldn't even sit at the table until Brooke told him people were starting to stare. Nick joined the happy threesome and was revolted when Dante gave Brooke a chaste kiss on the lips. But Brooke knew what to do. She brought up the sonogram. It was time to concentrate on the baby. Every ooh-ed and ahh-ed at the fetus photo. Bridget thought she'd like to dance, but Nicky-boy wasn't in the mood. Dante offered to twirl her on the dance floor instead.
While doing a fox trot with Dante, Bridget noted he and her mother seemed to be getting along well. Dante pointed out they were simply getting to know each other. They did, however, have something very important in common. They would both do ANYTHING for Bridget. That statement gave Bridget pause. It seemed Nick was very uncomfortable with the fact Brooke was seeing Dante. Dante explained Nick had never liked him. That was the only reason Nick was behaving strangely. Bridget hoped that was the case.
Back at the four top, Nick chastised Brooke for playing games. He knew what she was doing by bringing the young stud to dinner. Bridget would see through the charade in no time. Brooke begged to differ. All she was doing was getting on with her life. And she suggested Nick do the same thing. He was going to be a father. He would quickly learn that a parent would do ANYTHING for their child. Even though she loved Nick and wanted to be with him, it was not going to happen. Brooke was leaving Nick behind so he could forge a life with Bridget. Was that clear to him? Begrudgingly, Nick agreed he understood what had to be done.
Over at Spectra Fashions, Sally and Darla were ecstatic. The reviews were in and Thomas' collection of designs was a huge hit. Orders were pouring in and money was falling from the sky. Darla reminded her boss about Thomas' short term contract. Sally didn't remember any such thing. She went over the contract with a fine tooth comb - and a magnifying glass - and realized she had made a grave error. She couldn't let Thomas walk away. He was the goose that laid the golden egg.
Elsewhere in the building, Thomas and Gaby discussed his success. He was happy for a career, but the rest of his life was falling apart. Gaby apologized for causing a rift between him and his parents. She knew what family meant to him. Thomas made it clear she was also a part of his family now. Ridge came in put the kibosh on all the mushy stuff. He was there to discuss what had happened. After some talk, Gaby said she felt like she was being treated as an outsider - a gold digger. But that wasn't the case. She loved Thomas. Thomas pointed out that Ridge and Taylor were treating Gaby like Stephanie had always treated Brooke. He wasn't going to stand for it. Ridge apologized for any misconceptions of their opinion of Gaby. They had nothing against her. However, they were too young to be married and Ridge was going to arrange an annulment. Thomas protest but Ridge pulled out the always useful parent card. "As long as you depend on me for support and live under my roof, you have no choice!"
Is that right? Sally had come down to talk to Thomas about his contract. She heard everything Ridge had said from outside the open door. The wheels began turning under that huge mass of red hair. She had just the solution for Thomas' problem.
4637 Tuesday, September 13, 2005
At Chez Ridge, Taylor apologized to Hector for him having to witness her husband being such an incredible imbecile. Hector told Taylor she had nothing to apologize for. Ridge had been way out of line. When he didn't know how to handle a situation, Ridge had a history of blaming someone else. Hector had seen him do it with Brooke - now he was doing it to Taylor. Taylor feared Ridge might be right. She had always pictured herself as a good mother and a good wife, but nothing seemed to be going right since she came back from the dead. (I hear that can be a common problem when one returns from the dead.) Hector made it clear she should not measure her self-worth by someone else's standards. She had a second chance at life. She was a good person and a respected psychiatrist. She should go back to work, right a book, share her wisdom with other people. Taylor took the firefighter's words to heart. She had been so busy thinking about what Ridge might want, she had forgotten about her own needs. But how could she feel right about charging people for advice when "handsome, young firemen" like Hector were dispensing it for free? Hector finished fixing the alarm and knew Taylor was going to be all right. (Um, is there a little flirtation going on here? Gee, that would be sweet. I'd love to see Ridge all alone with no one.)
Over at Brooke's Old Place, Brooke was happy Bridget thought her seeing Dante was OK. Bridget said she was surprised by the suddenness of the situation, but there was no problem as far as she could see. Eric couldn't stand another minute of Brooke's deception and make an excuse to leave. After he was gone, Bridget showed her mother a sonogram photo of her unborn child. She had learned she was further along than she originally thought. The baby was healthy. They agreed Nick would be thrilled to hear the news and see the photo. Brooke suggested Bridget and Nick go out and celebrate that evening. Bridget thought was a capital idea and invited Brooke and Dante to come along. (Yeah! That's a real good idea, Bridget.) Brooke begged off thinking Dante and Nick didn't get along. Pollyanna, I mean Bridget, said this would give them a chance to get to know each other. Brooke had no choice but to agree. After Bridget left, Dante (who had spent the entire day at Insomnia dreaming about his kiss with Brooke) showed up. Brooke explained Bridget' invitation. Dante - apparently having had a change of heart after realizing he is the only man on the face of the earth immune to the charms of Brooke Logan - said he had figured out she was using him. He wanted no part in deceiving Bridget. Brooke admitted her romantic interest in him was not sincere. But she loved her daughter and knew he cared for her as well. Dante agreed to the dinner - and dinner only.
At Marone Industries, Jackie (looking more glamorous than EVER!) was talking to Nick in his office. She could not believe he was going to deny his feelings for Brooke. Nick explained it wasn't his idea. He wanted to be honest, but Brooke wouldn't even see him. In fact, he had learned from Eric that Brooke had a plan to convince Bridget there was nothing for her to worry about. Jackie had not idea what might do that - EXCEPT bring another man into the picture. (Sharp! That Jackie is sharp as a tack, I tell you!) Bridget came into the office. Pleasantries were exchanged. Before Jackie left, she and Bridget agreed to spend more time together. Bridget then showed Nick the sonogram photo. He couldn't help but smile when he saw the image. He was thrilled to hear the baby was healthy. Bridget said she had made plans to celebrate. And she had a surprise for him - she hoped he'd be as happy as she was about it. (I somehow doubt he's going to be happy at all, sweetie.)
Fast forward to Café Russe where Jackie and Eric were guzzling martinis like Kool-Aid. Eric told his friend Brooke had a plan to convince Bridget she was over Nick. Jackie turned around and was horrified to see Brooke walking in with Dante! Oh, this was a recipe for disaster, Jackie worried. (Have you tried the tofu surprise my friend Marie makes? Now that is a recipe for disaster!) Brooke and Dante took their table. Dante (who had changed from his uniform of a tight, black T-shirt into a tight black dress shirt) wasn't sure he could go through the evening's deception. Brooke told Dante she loved her daughter so much, she was willing to give up the man she loved so Bridget could be happy. Impressed by a mother's loved, Dante kissed Brooke's hand. Too bad that action occurred just as Nick and Bridget approached the table. Nick was livid and demanded to know what the Italian Stallion was doing there!
Sweet Pepcid AC. You'd better get out the antacids. This is not going to be a pleasant dinner.
4636 Monday, September 12, 2005
A new day dawned on the sleepy burg of Los Angeles. To get his morning jump started, Dante stopped by Insomnia for a cup o' joe. While soaking in his caffeine, the Italian Stallion daydreamed about his date....and that kiss....with Brooke. He smiled at the remembrance. Bridget stopped by and joined Dante at this table. She could tell he was in a good mood. He explained he had connected with a wonderful woman - and that woman was Bridget's mommy! Bridget was blown away like the wrapper from a straw on your tray at McDonald's when you sit too close to the disinfectant-laden toilets and the door keeps opening and shutting and the wind knocks everything off your little table which bolted to the floor. Dante said he was as surprised as Bridget was by the pairing, but it just happened. They had a great time together and they had discussed her quite a bit. In fact, Dante related, Brooke was certain Bridget and Nick had a bright future ahead of them. Bridget was dubious. How did Brooke convince him of that? With a kiss, Dante leered. Bridget was once again blown away like one of those subscription inserts in Vanity Fair magazine that falls out of the middle of the 18th interview with Miss Jennifer Aniston, hits the pavement at the bus stop where you're waiting for a ride, and then is whisked away by a taxi which just picked up some rich matron and her chihuahua named Lilac. Bridget abruptly had to leave. (Is Dante so dumb he can't see through Brooke's charade? Even Deacon's son, Little Eric, would be able to figure out her plan. I guess Dante is either really stupid or really horny. Hey! Where is Little Eric anyway? Last we heard he was spending time with Uncle Joe and Aunt Tillie. He's what, 27 by now?)
At Brooke's Old Place, Eric had stopped by for a visit. He insisted they tell Bridget the truth of the deep feelings between Brooke and Nick. Not so fast, Daddy-O. Brooke explained she had a new plan to keep Bridget in the dark and ensure a happy a future with Nick for her. Brooke related what had happened between her and Dante. Eric was fit to be tied. He couldn't believe Brooke thought she could pull off such a ruse. It was ludicrous. Brooke promised she could keep her true feelings in check for her daughter's sake. Bridget suddenly bounded through the door. She had just met with Dante and wanted to know if there was something happening between him and her mother. Brooke shrugged her shoulders and admitted she had spend an afternoon by the pool with Dante and they had indeed shared an intimate kiss. Bridget was doubtful. How could this have happened so fast? Brooke said you just never knew when the right person would come along. There was Dante when she least expected to be interested in anyone. Although Bridget was at a loss for words, she believed her mother and they shared a hug. Brooke glared at Eric who simply rolled his eyes.
A short aside: A constant reader of my updates, Miss Kelly C., has informed me my Gaby-with-a-Y shtick has grown tiresome. Since it is incredibly cumbersome to type Gaby-with-a-Y, I will retire the joke to save my fingers and Kelly's mental health.
Meanwhile, over at Chez Ridge, Hector had arrived to take a look at the broken alarm system. Taylor explained she didn't know who else to call. (Um, how does Taylor even know Hector? To the best of my recollection, she only met him at Bridget and Nick's failed attempt at a wedding at the Forrester Mansion. They got to be such great buddies she now feels comfortable calling him for home repairs and maintenance? C'mon! I don't buy it for a second.) Anyway, Taylor explained Ridge wasn't living at the house any longer, so she needed a man's man to help little ol' her with the electric thing-a-ma-jiggies. Hector left to check the fuse box. Ridge arrived to discuss Thomas and Gaby almost having sex. Taylor had to admit the two teens had done the deed. Ridge went through the roof. He had been right all along. Taylor took the "I told you so" and said she had contacted Agent Dunn but Gaby had called an attorney and it looked like they convinced the Immigration Department the marriage was legitimate. Ridge was furious. Taylor was a fool. She had managed to bungle their son's life. She thought since she was a psychiatrist, she had all the answers. But she didn't know "squat" about what the family needed. In fact, she didn't know "squat" about anything. Hector returned to the living room and told Ridge not to insult his wife. You can imagine Ridge wasn't happy to see the hunky fire fighter with his tight T-shirt sauntering around the house. Ridge screamed all he wanted was for them to be a family but Taylor had kicked him out. Taylor reminded Ridge she had asked for counseling and he refused. Ridge threw up his hands and said "I wish...." Taylor asked if he wished he had stayed with Brooke. Ridge remained silent and walked out the door. He was going to look for Thomas.
Ridge the Butthead strikes again!
