e4894 Friday, September 15, 2006
The sun rose on a new day as Stephanie visited Alexandria at Thorne's Beach House. Allie asked her grandmother if she thought her mother would upset if she loved Taylor. Stephanie told the munchkin Darla would want her to be happy. Allie then asked if it was OK for her father to love Taylor as well. Stephanie explained adults were different. When Allie inquired how they were different, La Forrester gifted us with...
The Quote of the Day: "They're taller." (No duh!)
Thorne appeared with photos from the previous evening,s festivities. Allie was thrilled to find a solo shot of Taylor. She took the picture and placed it on the table with the Darla Shrine. Allie explained Taylor was just as nice as her mommy. After Allie left the room, Thorne told his mother how happy Taylor had made them all. Stephanie inquired about the Taylor spending the night. (Allie had told her.) Thorne made it clear Phoebe had stayed as well. It had been a pajama party. (I'd like to see Thorne in his PJs. That's all I'm saying.) Now where was I? Thorne told his mother how much Taylor meant to him. He hoped it wasn't disrespectful to Darla's memory.
Across town, on the wrong side of the tracks, Shane paced his dump of an apartment and practiced his speech for Taylor. He decided on just the right words and headed off for Chez Ridge. There, he spoke to Phoebe about his aspirations to be a carpenter. (I think a little "If I Were a Carpenter and You Were a Lady" should have played in the background. But it's not really my show, now is it?) Shane was very anxious to speak to Taylor about a "business" proposition.
Meanwhile, Taylor daydreamed by her swimming pool about her newfound feelings for Thorne and Stephanie's encouragement to keep her secret from him. Hector found his way down to the pool as well. He could not believe Taylor had spent the night at Thorne's Beach House. It was certainly a recipe for disaster! If Taylor continued pursuing a relationship with Thorne it would probably lead to marriage. Would Taylor be able to keep the secret if it got that far? Taylor put on the brakes. Hector was getting way ahead of himself. Taylor had an emergency need for additional beach towels. While she went to the cabana, Hector made a frantic cell phone call to Stephanie. (Hector is blind! I can understand that he could feel the phone buttons to dial a number. But how would he have known Stephanie's number? And don't tell me he's got it on speed dial. How often would Hector have the need to call La Forrester?) But call her he did. He implored her to put a stop to the nonsense between Taylor and Thorne. It would only lead to trouble. After Stephanie hung up, she told her son to follow his instincts when it came to Taylor. He should not worry about what anyone else thought.
Back at Taylor's pool, the shrink returned with the much-needed towels. (No one is swimming. What does she need towels for?) Taylor told Hector her personal life with Thorne was none of his business. He was butting in where he didn't belong. She had invited him to stay at her house so she could help him adjust to his blindness. He needed to put his personal feelings aside and work on his recovery. Hector replied his intentions had not been pure. He had accepted Taylor's invitation to live at Chez Ridge with the hopes she would one day return his feelings for her. If that wasn't going to happen he thought he should move out. Taylor encouraged her friend to rethink his position. But she agreed he should move out if he was harboring romantic intentions toward her. Phoebe came down to the pool to tell her mother Shane wanted to speak with her about business. Although agitated by the interruption, Taylor went to talk to him. Hector then told Phoebe he'd always be there for her mother.
In the Chez Ridge living room, Taylor greeted Shane by calling him the wrong name. Then she babbled on and on about how all the gardeners wanted to move the big pots on the terrace but she wanted them to stay where they were. Poor Shane couldn't get a word of his blackmail speech in at all. Then Thorne called and invited Taylor to dinner. (Their conversation was so cute I nearly went into sugar shock.) They agreed something was developing between them. Taylor told Thorne she had "someone" in her living room and she'd call him back for the details on dinner. Taylor then pounced on Shane again. If he was there to offer some business deal she wasn't interested. Shane told Taylor to simply listen. It was easy. It was black and white. He knew her secret.
Sweet Cliff Notes! Shane got right to the point, didn't he?
4893 Thursday, September 14, 2006
In his dumpy apartment, Shane fantasized about telling Taylor how he had seen her hit Darla with her car. He had stayed by the side of the road to make sure Phoebe was all right. If he had been questioned by the police, he would have told the truth. Darla's death had been an accident. But now it was too late for that. He wanted one million dollars to keep quiet. Back in the real world, Shane sorted through his clippings about the Forrester family. He knew it was wrong to blackmail Taylor but it had also been wrong for her to lie about the accident. He felt bad that Thorne would never know the truth but he felt he needed the money more than Thorne needed answers. (The most disturbing thing about Shane's little shrine was an advertisement for Taylor's counseling services torn from a magazine. First, it was a tiny little ad at the bottom of a page. Second, Taylor advertises? Some hot shot she is, eh?)
Meanwhile, Taylor, Phoebe, Sally, and Clarke helped Alexandria (Allie) and Thorne celebrate Darla's birthday. (It was all a little too morbid if you ask me.) Allie had made a necklace for Darla's gift. But since her mother couldn't wear it (she's dead) the tot bestowed the gift to Aunt Taylor. After Clarke and Sally left, Allie insisted Taylor sleep in her bed while she used her sleeping bag. Taylor protested that Allie shouldn't have to give up her bed. The tyke wanted Aunt Taylor to use her bed because she "loved her." (Doesn't that just tug at the ol' heart strings?) Later, Taylor returned to the kitchen for a glass of water and found Thorne looking at the beach. He explained he had never thought there would be happiness in his house again. He had been wrong. He walked up behind Taylor and instructed her not to turn around. He reminded her of Allie telling her she loved her. Thorne then offered up...
The Quote of the Day: "I feel the same way." (Oh do you now? That seems pretty darn quick to me.) Thorne walked away and left Taylor stymied.
At the Malibu Beach House, Brooke wondered why Bridget had gotten so quiet. Had she indeed done something which she believed would make Brooke hate her? Bridget had a hard time finding the right words but Brooke thought she had it all figured out. When she had once again run to Ridge had Bridget gone to Nick? Did she tell him that Brooke would never make him happy? Did Bridget tell him she was the one who truly loved him? Not wanting her mother to figure anything else out, Bridget admitted she had said something along those lines. Brooke was hopping mad. She could not believe her own daughter would try and undermine her marriage in that way. Bridget tried to defend herself but Brooke was betrayed. Nick chose that moment to walk in the door. He could tell the two women had been going at it. Brooke told Nick that Bridget had revealed everything to her. Before Nick could put his foot in his mouth, Bridget jumped in and made it clear Brooke did not know they had slept together. Bridget stated she was glad everything (more or less) was out in the open. Then Brooke had a change of heart. She realized she had been a source of irritation for Nick and Bridget. In the long run, she was glad Bridget had been honest (more or less) with her about her feelings for Nick. Brooke hugged her daughter and told her not even a man could ever come between them. She would never forsake her daughter. Seeing the depth of emotion between them, Nick gave a secret nod to Bridget. He was not going to spoil their mother/daughter relationship.
Later, Bridget put away all the Nicole memorabilia and had a good cry. At Brooke's Old Place, Nick emerged from a shower in the bathroom and found Brooke suggestively posed on the bed and bathed in shimmering candlelight. She explained she was planning the night to be a second honeymoon. She had been so wrong. She had caused so much trouble for Nick by running to Ridge anytime he upset her. She understood that had been his plan and she was done with his schemes. Nick apologized for being a hot head and letting his pride stand between them. Brooke replied he had every reason to be upset. She had been a fool. Nick responded he had acted foolishly as well. The couple kissed and agreed not to let the outside world interfere in their love again.
Sweet Orbit gum. We'll just see how long this lasts.
4892 Wednesday, September 13, 2006
An evening at least one day after we last visited Los Angeles saw Nick on the Shady Marlin having a phone conversation with Bridget. While she paced the Malibu Beach House, he explained how she would not be able to keep the secret of them sleeping together from her mother. He was going to tell Brooke the truth. After hanging up, Nick was surprised when Harry returned to the boat and started packing his things. Harry told his friend he wanted to make sure Nick and his lady on the side had a private place to rendezvous. Nick replied the young man didn't understand the complexity of the situation. Harry snapped Nick could live his life any way he chose but he (Harry) would live life the way Nick had taught him. (Ouch! That's gotta hurt.)
Over at the Malibu Beach House, Brooke paid her daughter a visit. She had heard "from a little bird" that Bridget was interested in someone. Peeved, Bridget knew Felicia must have told Brooke about her good mood. Bridget told her mother that Felicia had simply seen her happy for a change. However, that mood had been a result of seeing things clearly. Now she wasn't so sure that 20/20 vision made things any better. The truth was, she was still in love with Nick. Brooke was somewhat startled but not completely surprised. Seeing her mother was in the mood to listen, Bridget continued. She admitted she had allowed Nick to break up Brooke's wedding to Ridge with the hopes that Brooke would reject Nick. Bridget was further surprised when Brooke and Nick actually made it to the altar themselves. She had secretly been hoping Nick would learn his lesson the hard way - Brooke would return to Ridge and Nick would run back to her arms. But now it didn't look like that was going to happen. Bridget expected her mother to be upset but Brooke stated she could never cast the first stone. Bridget knew better than anyone her sordid history of marriage and men. Brooke gave us...
The Quote of the Day: "Nothing you could ever do would make me hate you." (Well, Brooke that might not be so true. But you did sleep with Bridget's husband, so it's only fair that she sleep with yours. How 'bout you crazy gals just call it even?)
Lots of intrigue was taking place at Chez Ridge. While the creepy and mysterious supposed-gardener Shane peered through the French doors, Phoebe accepted a dinner invitation from Thorne. When Taylor came downstairs, Phoebe wondered why her mother had not told her it was Darla's birthday. Taylor had also received a dinner invitation from Thorne and Alexandria had asked both her and Phoebe to spend the night. Before heading over to Thorne's Beach House, Taylor informed her daughter the two of them were experiencing "feelings" for each other. Phoebe replied she only wanted both of them to be happy. Shane picked that moment to knock on the door. He had noticed spider mites on the plants on the terrace. He wanted to treat the indoor plants as well. Taylor told him to do whatever he felt was necessary and went upstairs to prepare for her dinner at Thorne's. Taylor then informed Hector of her plans to spend the night at Thorne's at Alexandria's request. Hector thought it was a bad idea. Thorne would want to get cozy and Taylor would blurt out the truth about killing Darla. Fed up with Hector's nagging, Taylor stormed out. (And just in case you were wondering how Blind Hector would manage alone in that rambling mansion while both Taylor and Phoebe were away for the night, Taylor explained "Maria" would be there if he needed anything. Maria? Who the heck is Maria? Didn't Stephanie used to have a maid named Maria? Is it the same woman?)
Back downstairs, Shane struck up a conversation with Phoebe. She explained how it was a sad evening. It was her dead aunt's birthday. Shane expressed some sorrow but it was obvious he had something on his mind. Sensing something off about the gardener, Phoebe asked how he had known who she was. Shane covered by saying his boss, Jorge, had filled him in on the family's history so he wouldn't seem such a stranger. Thorne arrived to pick up Taylor and wondered why the gardener was inside the house. Phoebe told him the reason behind the intrusion. Taylor came downstairs and was uncharacteristically short with the help. Taylor instructed him to finish up because both she and her daughter were leaving for the evening. (Taylor was getting a ride from Thorne and Phoebe was taking her own car to go to school early in the morning.) After Taylor and Thorne left, Shane asked Phoebe to tell her mother he wanted to speak to her the next day. He had a good idea for her. After Shane left, Phoebe got cold chills.
Shane went home to a dump of an apartment that looked suspiciously like the one Erica/Mary and Sheila lived in a couple of summers ago. He had covered one wall with newspaper articles about Darla's death and the investigation into finding her killer. Shane then remembered having a beard and encountering Phoebe when her car broke down on the side of the road. When she locked herself in "the hybrid" he took off but hid in the bushes on the other side of the road. He saw everything that happened that night! He told himself it was too bad Thorne's loss would be his gain but the next day was going to be his payday.
Sweet peanut covered candy nougat! What does he have in mind?
4891 Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Felicia, Dante, and Baby Dino returned from frolicking on the beach to Dante's Day Care. Felicia commented it was strange she was the happy sibling. Ridge and Thorne were currently involved with inappropriate women. After putting their son down for a nap the couple discussed how happy they were as a family. Then it was time for sex on the couch.
Meanwhile, Taylor stopped by the cemetery to visit Darla's grave. She wanted a sign from her dead sister-in-law that it was OK to pursue a relationship with Thorne. Speak of the devil, Thorne showed up as well. He knew that Darla was watching over them with approval.
Over at Chez Ridge, Stephanie talked to Phoebe down by the pool. They agreed having Hector living at the house was not a good idea. Phoebe knew her mother was only trying to be helpful since they were partly responsible for Hector's blindness. Stephanie scolded her granddaughter for taking on so much responsibility. Nothing that had happened was her fault. She should be enjoying her summer. Phoebe smiled and related Nick's friend was coming by. She was going to show him around town. Pleased the teen was going to have fun, Stephanie went back upstairs. Soon thereafter, Harry arrived poolside in his motorcycle helmet. (Phoebe told her grandmother she had left a note on the door telling Nick's friend to meet her at the pool.) When Harry removed the helmet both he and Phoebe were shocked to see each other again. There was some tension at first but it was obvious the two shared an attraction for each other. Phoebe teased Harry for buying a worthless map to the stars' homes. She took him past the pool gates to get a look at Paris Hilton's house next door and they ran into a young, handsome, blond gardener. Phoebe was startled and told him he looked familiar. The man introduced himself as Shane and explained he was new on the gardening team. They had not yet met but he figured she must be Phoebe. Harry and Phoebe returned to the pool. Harry asked if the areas around Silver Lake and Echo Park were nice. Phoebe was forced to admit she had not been to those places. Harry decided he would have to be the one to show Phoebe around Los Angeles. He had an extra helmet. They would take his motorcycle. Harry then mentioned Nick had told him Phoebe had an identical twin sister. If that was so, how did the gardener know which one she was. Phoebe told him everyone knew she was the pretty one and left her mother a text message (and then left her phone on the table by the pool!) and the young couple took off. Strangely, Shane seemed to be watching every move they made.
Inside Chez Ridge, Taylor returned home and found Stephanie in the living room waiting to ambush her. La Forrester repeated her concerns that Hector had ulterior motives for staying at her house. Taylor defended her blind friend. She explained he was wrestling with a new life. Stephanie responded with...
The Quote of the Day: "He's wants to wrestle with you. That's the problem." (Actually, I think the correct term for that sport is "wrastle.")
Thorne arrived and told his mother to stop pestering Taylor. She was a kind, generous woman. If she felt it was appropriate to have Hector stay with her for a while, then he was going to support her. Thorne suggested his mother get on board. Taylor and Thorne went down to the pool to rearrange the patio furniture for Hector's convenience. Stephanie was going to let herself out but ran into Hector. She once again warned him to stay out of the way of Taylor and Thorne's relationship. Hector explained his theory that Taylor would not be able to keep her secret from Thorne and then everyone's life would be ruined. Stephanie got tough and warned Hector to keep his own mouth shut. Only four people knew what had happened the night of Darla's accident. She, Phoebe, and Taylor would never tell. So Hector had better watch his P's and Q's, too.
Back down by the pool Thorne asked Taylor to dinner the following evening. Taylor gladly accepted the date. After a kiss, Thorne took off. Taylor told herself she'd be able to keep her secret forever. She failed to notice Shane the Gardener spying on her. As he watched, the image of the bearded vagrant who had stopped by Phoebe's car the night of Darla's accident appeared.
Yikes! Is Shane that spooky man? Does he perhaps know what really happened that fateful night? If so, that could spell big trouble for the Forrester gals. If so, he clean ups really well.
4890 Monday, September 11, 2006
At Chez Ridge, Taylor and Thorne held on to their fond embrace. But Hector interrupted by tap, tap, tapping into the room with his white cane. Hector could sense Thorne and Taylor had been playing some kissy face so he hinted Thorne should leave because he needed some peace and quiet to rest. Thorne was insulted but tried to be nice. Taylor suggest the two guys attempt to get along. Hector told Thorne he knew how hard it was to be a single father. Thorne thought this concept was a peace offering. But Hector told Thorne he should spend all his time with his young daughter and not start a new relationship so soon after Darla's death. It was totally inappropriate. Thorne told Hector to mind his own business. Taylor didn't want the two men to fight but Thorne wondered what Hector would do if he didn't leave Taylor alone. Would he get his firefighting buddies to rough him up? Hector threatened to teach Thorne a lesson and lunged for him. (Oh, good move, Hector. Such a he-man.) Hector slipped and fell onto the couch. Taylor urged Thorne to leave before things got any worse. Alone with Hector, Taylor read him the riot act for interfering in her personal life. Hector explained he was simply trying to protect her. The closer she got to Thorne, the more difficult it would be to keep their little secret. If Thorne ever found out the truth he'd want nothing to do with her. As they argued, Thorne watched through a window. (Did Thorne take some classes at the Kimberly Fairchild School of Stalking too?)
In the CEO's office at Forrester Creations, Ridge filled Donna in on their whirlwind publicity tour. They were off to New York, Paris, London, lMilan, and then to parts unknown. Donna was thrilled to be embarking on such an exotic trip. The couple kissed passionately as Brooke walked into the room. Brooke didn't like their itinerary. There was too much fun and not enough work scheduled. Ridge had re-scheduled an important buyer's visit in China. Donna wondered if Brooke truly would prefer him to head to China instead of taking off with her. Brooke replied with...
The Quote of the Day: "I'd rather him go to Timbuktu with a hooker!" (Would that be a direct flight?)
Donna left to finish packing. Ridge explained to Brooke he would much rather reunite with her than to head off to Europe for the "time of his life" with Donna. (So which is it, Ridge? Sounds to me like your not hurting so much.) Brooke reiterated she was committed to Nick. He had forgiven her for running to Ridge the previous evening. What more could a woman want than an understanding, loyal husband? Ridge stated Nick was not perfect and he would one day hurt Brooke like she had hurt him. Poppycock! Brooke replied. It was time for she and Ridge to say good bye. They agreed they would miss each other. As Brooke later walked down a odd Forrester hallway toward some elevators doors that looked to be painted with a strange sponge technique, she told herself Ridge was wrong. Nick would never let her down. (1. He's already let you down, honey. You just don't know it yet. 2. Why did Brooke need to walk down a hallway we've never seen before? Sure, there were photos on the walls to remind her of the good times with Ridge. But does she really need pictures to remind her of her love affair with the man? Was it really worth a new set for those 90 seconds?)
At the Malibu Beach House, Bridget was dumbfounded Nick would run back to her mother. She tried in vain to convince him it would end badly - AGAIN! She loved him. She would always be true to him. Why couldn't he see that she was the right woman for him? Nick apologized for hurting Bridget. But truth be told, he loved Brooke and wanted to make his marriage work. Bridget shook her head and tried to resign herself to the fact the man she loved was a total and complete idiot. Nick said he'd find a way to tell Brooke about what had happened between them. Bridget begged him to keep their secret. But Nick wanted to have everything out in the open as he and Brooke made a fresh start. Bridget pleaded her case. She now had nothing. If Brooke discovered the truth, their mother/daughter relationship would be ruined forever. Nick could take everything but Bridget wanted to retain her dignity. Although against keeping the secret, Nick agreed to Bridget's request and left.
Alone, Bridget cried into Dead Nicole's baby blanket.
