Control Part 10

The next morning…

Brooke is roaming around her house rummaging through papers. “I know she picked up my work from Forrester because I specifically asked Katie about it yesterday.” Brooke stops, and looks around the room. “But where did she put them?”

Katie starts to slowly come down the stairs, but seeing Brooke, Katie rushes to her side. “Brooke, what are you doing? You know the doctor wants you to get as much rest as possible for the next few days.” Brooke ignores her and continues to search every surface. Katie just stands there, amazed. “Brooke? Didn’t you hear me?”

(Exasperated) “Katie, of course I heard you. And I also heard the doctor. But the doctor isn’t responsible for a multi-million dollar company.” Seeing the look on Katie’s face, she pauses. “Ok, he told me to take is easy, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do as soon as I find what I’m looking for.”

Katie stands there, her arms crossed over her chest. “And what are you looking for?”

“I am trying to figure out where you put the work I asked Megan to gather for me.”

Katie just smiles, moves over to the desk, and hands Brooke a manila envelope. “Here. Problem solved.” Katie gently pushes Brooke into sitting on the sofa. “Now sit down and relax.”

“What is this?” Brooke pulls out the photo proofs. “Katie, I saw this already. Where is the rest of it? (Katie remains silent) The contracts? The press releases? The new designs that I need to approve?” With a little difficulty, because of her broken arm, and her bulging belly, Brooke stands up. As soon as she does, though, Katie gently forces her right back down. “Katie, what are you doing?” Bracing herself with her good arm Brooke stands again. Again, Katie pushes her back down. “Katie! Stop that!” Brooke starts to stand for the third time, sees the look of determination on Katie’s face, and remains seated.

“Good, I was getting a little tired of that game.” Katie sits next to Brooke.

Smiling despite herself, “What has gotten into you? Ok, you won that round. I’m seated, on the couch, like a good little girl. Now, are you going to answer my question?”

“Which was?”

“Argggh. Katie, are you trying to drive me insane?”

(Smiling, with a saccharine voice) “Yes, is it working?”

Brooke just laughs. “Oh, I needed that.”

“I know. And that’s the point. (Getting serious) Look, you’ve been through a lot in the past few days, and those that love you, just want you to take is easy for a while.”

“Katie…”

Katie holds up her hand “I know what you’re about to say, so don’t bother. Brooke, everything is being taken care of, so you can just rest because there is nothing for you to worry about.”

“Katie, that’s insane. I know how much work there needs to be done. Where’s the phone, I have to call Megan and straighten this out?” Brooke grabs the phone and starts to dial only to have Katie take it out of her hand.

“Don’t bother. Megan agrees with me 100%.”

(Shocked) “So the two of you have ganged up on me?”

“Yup.”

“Uh-huh. Who else is involved in this little conspiracy?”

“ I told you, everyone that loves you; me, Megan, the kids, Giovanni…”

(A little sad) “Pretty short list, huh?”

“And almost everyone else at Forrester Creations. Everyone there will be working hard to make sure day to day operations continue without you for a while.”

“A while. And just how long is this forced rest period supposed to last?”

(Totally serious) “Just until after the baby is born.”

“What?!”

Katie laughs and quickly reassures her big sister. “Brooke, do you really think it would be possible to keep you away from work for two months? Just for the next day or so? You can live with that can’t you?”

“I suppose.”

“Good, because you have no choice. You’re here, work is at Forrester, and you’re liaison with daily work, Megan, is in complete agreement with me.” Katie stands, and hands Brooke the proof sheets, a loupe, a notepad, and a pitcher of water with a glass. (Serious) “Now, just relax, pick out which shots you like best, relax, make some notes, and relax. Yell if you need anything. (Katie points her finger at Brooke) I don’t want to see you off this couch. Any questions?”

Brooke gives Katie a salute. In her best marine voice, “Yes, drill sergeant! Anything you say drill sergeant! This private does have a few questions, though, is she permitted to speak?”

Katie just sighs. “Brooke, come on, I’m not being that bad.”

“Does the drill sergeant give her permission for this private to speak?”

Katie rolls her eyes. “Fine.” Brooke remains silent. Katie throws up her arms. “Oh, all right. Yes, you have permission to speak?”

“Am I permitted to get up to go to the bathroom? You know what it’s like for pregnant women, and with all the water you’ve given me…”

“Oh, be serious, of course you can go to the bathroom.”

“Well, I wanted to be sure I wouldn’t get any demerits if I moved off the couch without your permission.”

“Brooke…”

“Oh, Katie, I’m just kidding. I do appreciate your concern. Just don’t let it go overboard, though. Ok?”

“Ok.” Katie gives her a long look. “As long as you promise to rest for a few days. That’s all I ask.”

Brooke holds up two fingers, like the Boy Scout’s oath. “I promise. Now hand me the phone.” Brooke holds out her hand.

“What?”

“See, it’s that small white thing behind you. You know, it has an antenna and some numbers on it. I need it. And since I’m not allowed to move, except for the bathroom of course, please hand it to me.”

“Brooke, didn’t you just say…”

“Katie, calm down. I need the phone to call into work once I’ve made my choices.” Brooke holds up the proof sheet. “Besides, I am allowed to receive phone calls, aren’t I?”

“Yes, of course, but… Oh, here.” Katie is about to hand her the phone, but then stops. “Do you promise the only call to work you will make will be about those proofs?”

Again, Brooke does her Boy Scout’s promise. “Yes.”

Katie hands her the phone and just looks at Brooke. “Why don’t I believe you?”

Brooke looks like the picture of innocence. “I have no idea. Didn’t I just promise you?”

“Yes, but we both know you were never a Boy Scout. Or a Girl Scout.” Brooke gives her a small smile. “That, and, somehow you always get what you want.”

(Mock incredulousness) “Who me?”

Katie laughs. “Yes you. But not this time. Trust me, Megan won’t be giving you any more work for the next 48 hours. So there.” Katie leaves to go back upstairs.

Brooke just watches her go. Oh, I believe you Katie. But who said anything about talking to Megan? Brooke grabs the phone, but then puts it down and picks up the proofs. First things first, I have to have my alibi, don’t I?

********

At Stephanie and Eric’s…

Eric sits in the living room, drinking coffee.

“Hi honey.” Stephanie walks up to Eric and giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Are you planning on going in to work today?”

Eric puts down the paper. “No, I wasn’t planning on it. (Smiling) Why, are you trying to get rid of me? Do you have a hot date?”

Stephanie laughs as she sits next to her husband. “Date yes, hot no. I just got off the phone with Thorne. He wants to come over later.”

“Really? Did he say why?”

“No, just that it was important for both of us to be here. Do you think it has something to do with Macy?”

“Probably. I haven’t spoken to him since we left the hospital, but I thought everything had been worked out, legally. Maybe things are more serious than we thought.”

(Smirking) “I wouldn’t doubt it. I bet Brooke reneged on her deal. Can you imagine? It’s up to Brooke whether Macy goes to jail or not. She probably offered to help Macy just so she could turn around and withdraw her offer. That woman will do anything to hurt my family.”

(Sadly) “Yes, I know.”

“Oh, Eric. No call from the kids today.”

“No. I wasn’t really expecting one today, though. Taylor said she would call them in a day or two. (Angry) I just can’t believe Brooke would use our kids to hurt me.”

“I don’t know why you are so surprised. She uses everything and everyone, why wouldn’t she use her children? I told you years ago that Brooke was a bad influence on them. I’m sorry that I couldn’t do more to help them.”

“I know you love them Stephanie.”

“Yes, I do. I just hope we can get them away from Brooke. Hopefully Taylor can get through to them. I can just imagine the lies Brooke has been feeding them all of these months.” Stephanie looks at her husband. “Are you sure they didn’t give you any specifics?” Eric just shakes his head. Stephanie tries to comfort him. “Well don’t worry. Taylor will get to the bottom of this. In no time the kids will see their mother for the liar and manipulator she is, and move back in with us. Then we will finally be rid of Brooke for good.”

Eric only nods. Yes, that’s how is has to work out. Rick and Bridget will know the truth. Brooke cares only about pleasing Brooke. They will understand and agree with what I had to do. Yes, Brooke will totally be out of our personal lives forever. Then, we just have to figure out how to remove her from the company.

Stephanie gives Eric a kiss on the cheek and leaves the room.

Eric just watches her go. And you will never have to find out that another of our sons almost made the biggest mistake of his life. Thank god I got to him in time. No, I will never let Brooke cause my family pain, ever again.

********

At Forrester Creations…

Thorne is in his office pacing back and forth. He should be working, but can’t concentrate long enough to get any work done. Instead, he practices what he is going to say to his parents later that day.

“Mom, dad, you better sit down. This won’t be easy for you to hear. I know how happy the two of you have been these past few months. How you feel that finally all of your children are happy.” Thorne shakes his head. “No, that’s wrong.” Thorne paces some more and then stops. “Mom, dad, I have some important things to tell you and I need you to really listen.” Thorne throws up his hands. “No, who am I kidding. As soon as I say that they will interrupt. Maybe the direct approach is best. Mom, last year I was in love with Brooke and asked her to marry me. But because of your poor health Dad and Ridge conspired to ruin my relationship with her. Well, it worked, I left her and married Macy. But I’m not happy, we’re divorcing and I want to marry Brooke.” Thorne stops pacing and plops down in his chair. “Yeah, right. I can just imagine what will happen next. I should get a stopwatch to see exactly how long it takes for her to have another stroke.” Thorne lays his head on his desk. “Nothing I say will be right.” Thorne sits up and pounds his fist on his desk. “No, this isn’t about them. It is about me and what I want for my life.” Thorne takes a picture of his parents off his desk and speaks towards it. “Mom, Dad, I am a grown man here to inform you about some recent decisions I have made. You have no say in how I live the rest of my life. I’m tired of living my life for the family. It’s time I had a little happiness. Macy and I are divorcing and, if she’ll still have me, I’m going to marry Brooke. And there is nothing you can do to stop me.” Thorne pauses. “Yes, that’s exactly what needs to be said. But what will happen first, Mom’s heart attack, or Dad yelling ‘over my dead body’?”

********

In his studio…

Giovanni is finishing a small photo shoot with Kimberly.

Giovanni places his camera down. “I think that should do it. Thanks again for coming in on such short notice. I hope I didn’t ruin any plans you had.”

Kimberly quickly sheds her four-inch high heels, sits down, and rubs her feet. “I hate wearing those things, I always feel like I’m about to tip over.”

Giovanni laughs. “I know, but they will do wonders for these photos.”

“I guess. But how about the next time you want me to wear them, you will too. I’m sure we could find some in your size.” Kimberly laughs at Giovanni’s expression of horror. “No, I didn’t think so.” She stops rubbing her feet. “At least I’m only tortured in small doses. And, to answer you question, no. You didn’t ruin any plans I had. You don’t need me for tomorrow, do you?”

Giovanni starts cleaning up, putting away lights, cameras, and backdrops. “No, this should do it for a while. Brooke is looking over the proofs of the shoot we did last week. And I know she won’t be disappointed. We work well together. (Grinning at Kimberly) Planning something special? With Rick?”

Kimberly blushes. “No, not really. Rick and I made tentative plans to go to the beach. But they depend on his mother. (Giovanni is confused, so Kimberly explains.) If she needs him around the house or not while she's recuperating. You know, because she just got out of the hospital.”

Giovanni laughs. “If I know Brooke, she will be throwing the kids out of the house soon. Staying home, with Rick, Bridget and Katie all hovering around her will drive her crazy. She’ll probably call you begging you to take Rick out of the house.”

(Slightly distracted) “Yeah, I guess.”

Giovanni stops what he’s doing to look over at Kimberly. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing really. Giovanni, do you know of any reason Brooke would be mad at me?”

“What? Are you crazy? She adores you. She loves what you are doing with this clothing line and I know for a fact she is happy you are dating her son. Why do you think she’s mad at you?”

“I guess it really is just my imagination. Rick tried to reassure me yesterday, but I thought that maybe you knew something. I guess she is just really busy. I just haven’t seen her lately.”

(Smiling) “Well, if Brooke was mad at everyone who hasn’t seen her lately, the list would be a mile long. Don’t worry; she’s just been really busy. I do most of my work with her over the phone as well.”

Kimberly hugs Giovanni. “Thanks.”

Giovanni just stares straight ahead. Try not to worry Kimberly; once she has the baby, things should get back to normal around here. Whatever normal is. Giovanni pulls away and looks into her eyes. “Is that all that is bothering you? How is your sister doing? And the rest of your family.”

Kimberly takes a step back and sighs. “I guess she is doing as well as can be expected. Thankfully, she doesn’t have to worry about going to jail, and can concentrate solely on her sobriety. She has a new sponsor and has attended some AA meetings. She is determined never to drink again. I’m proud that she’s taken responsibility for her problems.” Kimberly’s smile quickly fades.

(Concerned) “What is it? What else is going on? How are Sally and Adam dealing with everything?”

Kimberly sits down. “That’s one of the reasons I was glad you called. I needed to get out of the house. Sally is doing fine. She has really been a rock about everything.” Kimberly looks over at Giovanni. “I guess I can tell you. I mean it’s not a secret and soon everyone will know.”

Giovanni sits down next to her. “Tell me what?”

“Well, Macy was driving drunk the other night right after she and Thorne decided to end their marriage. I guess things haven’t been going well with the two of them for months. I don’t know exactly what went wrong, and Macy won’t say.” Giovanni doesn’t offer any insights, but knows it’s because Thorne wants to be with Brooke. “Anyway, as I said, Sally has actually been calm. Her only concern has been Macy. Dad on the other hand…”

“I can imagine.”

Kimberly sighs. “Yeah. I mean, don’t get me wrong, he’s just as concerned about Macy as Sally, it’s just that he has been a lot more vocal about blaming Thorne. And the rest of the Forresters. Like it was some big conspiracy to hurt her.”

Giovanni again remains silent. If you only knew, Kimberly.

“So now, Dad wants me to stay away from Rick. He tried to give me this big lecture about how (In a deep voice, imitating her father) ‘being with Rick will only cause you pain’, and ‘hasn’t Rick hurt you enough already’, and that I ‘should learn from Macy and Thorne’. (In her normal voice) He thinks the moral of the story is that my family and the Forrester family should keep as much distance as possible. He even told me to quit my job here.”

Giovanni is slightly amused. “What did you say?”

(Proud) “I told him that Macy and Thorne are nothing like Rick and me. Rick and I are dating, that’s all. We’ve been through a lot and it has only made our relationship stronger. Besides, it’s not like we’re going to be getting married tomorrow. I told him I am eighteen, an adult, and he can’t order me around anymore. I would welcome discussing his point of view, but I will not obey his every whim. Then you called. So I told him that I had to go, I was needed at my job at Forrester. And I left.”

“I’m impressed.”

“Yeah, so was I. It felt really great to assert my independence. I love my father, and still rely on him, but he needs to see me as an adult, not a little kid. But I have a feeling it won’t be the last conversation my dad and I have on the subject of the Forresters.”

********

Megan is working at her desk when the phone rings. “Forrester Creations, Megan speaking.”

“Hi Megan, it’s Katie.”

“Oh hi Katie, how’s everything going over there? How’s Brooke?”

Katie takes the portable phone and walks to the top of the stairs so she can see Brooke below, on the couch. Brooke hasn’t moved, and is still looking over the proof sheet. Katie walks back into her room so Brooke won’t hear her. “Well, right now she’s behaving herself. I just don’t know how long it will last.” They both laugh. “She hasn’t called you, has she?”

“No, I haven’t talked to her since last night. Why? Should I be expecting a call?”

(Determined) “Not if she knows what’s good for her.”

(Confused but laughing) “What?”

“Oh, you know Brooke. She was a little upset that Forrester business is being kept away from her for the next few days. I told her she had no choice but to rest, since you and I working on this together.”

“So what’s the problem, then?”

“She agreed too quickly. I think she’s up to something. I just figured she would call you and try and wheedle every piece of Forrester business out from under you.”

“What? You don’t trust me?” They both laugh. “Seriously, believe me, I know how to handle Brooke. She won’t be able to get a thing from me. And since I haven’t heard from her this morning, I guess she realizes it too.”

“Yeah, I guess. But I’m still suspicious. Oh well, it will keep. Now, onto the other reason I called, do you want to have lunch today?”

“Sounds great, but I thought you just said you don’t trust Brooke enough to leave her alone?” Megan laughs.

“I don’t. But that’s why the kids are here. I filled them in on the ‘no work’ policy, and they will enforce it while I’m gone. Besides, I’m dying to tell someone about my conversation with Thorne.”

“Well, count me in. You don’t know how hard it was for me not to follow you and eavesdrop. How about I meet you at Café Russe in thirty minutes?”

“Sounds great. See you there.” Katie hangs up and goes downstairs. “Brooke, how are you doing? Do you need anything?”

(Under her breath) “Yes, for my family to stop trying to control me.” (Out loud and sarcastic) No, I’m fine. See, I’ve been a good little girl. I drank my water, only got up to go to the bathroom, and am now on the last sheet of proofs. Satisfied?”

“Yes. Brooke, we’re only doing this because we love you.”

“Yes, yes, you keep telling me that.” Brooke notices Katie is carrying her purse and keys. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Yes, I’m meeting Megan for lunch.”

“To come up with new and more exciting ways of torture, I’m sure.”

Katie laughs. “Brooke, only you would call rest and relaxation torture. Most people would love this royal treatment.”

Brooke remains silent.

“Brooke, it’s only for the next day or two. You can survive, I know you can. Now, before you get any ideas, the kids are still around and I’ve filled them in.” Katie looks hard at Brooke. “Do you promise to behave and not get up and go anywhere while I’m gone?”

Brooke holds up her right hand, “Katie, I solemnly swear I will not move from this spot until you get back. Except for the necessary bathroom trip.”

“Ok, I’ll be back in a few hours. Do you want me to pick up anything on my way home?”

“No, but if I think of anything I’ll call your cel phone.” Katie leaves.

As soon as she’s sure Katie had definitely left, Brooke smiles brightly. In fact, there is something I need. But you can’t get it for me. Good thing he delivers. Brooke picks up the phone and starts to dial.

********

Kimberly has just left, when Giovanni’s cel phone rings. “Hello?”

“Giovanni, it’s Brooke, are you in the middle of something?”

“No, Kimberly and I just finished. Did you decide which shots you want to go with?”

“Yes, but I’d like to discuss them with you in person. Do you want to come over for lunch?”

“That sounds great. I’ll be over soon.”

“Great, but can you do me a favor first? Katie has already left to meet Megan for lunch, and I know she forgot all about the box of Forrester work Megan has for me. Can you stop by my office and pick it up on your way over here?” Brooke crosses her fingers that Megan and Katie haven’t told Giovanni about their ‘no work’ policy.

Giovanni just laughs and looks at the phone. “Brooke, honey, you know I would do anything for you, but how gullible do you think I am?”

(Under her breath) “Obviously not enough.”

“What?”

“Oh, nothing. They got to you too didn’t they?”

“Who?”

“The dastardly duo: Megan and Katie. Giovanni, I’m begging you. You know me; I can’t sit around this house for two days, let alone two hours with nothing to do. I’m climbing the walls already. Please?”

“Brooke…”

“Giovanni, if I have to I will get into a car, drive myself over there, and pick up the work myself? Is that what you want me to do?”

“Don’t you dare. Brooke, you’re supposed to be resting at home. That means no work.”

“According to who? Come on, look at it this way. The more work that piles up, is just more work that I will have to get done when they allow me to work again. How stressful do you think that will be?”

“Well…”

Knowing he is weakening, Brooke continues. “See, you agree. Not doing any work is causing me more stress than doing any could cause me.” Giovanni doesn’t say anything. “At least go up to my office and tell me what types of things are piling up. If I know Megan she neatly piled everything on my desk, ready for it to be brought over to me. Please.”

“Alright, you win. I’m on my way to your office. But I’m not promising to bring any work over to you. Ok?”

“That’s sounds like a great compromise.” At least for right now. Giovanni, you just don’t know how convincing I can really be.

********

Nervous about his big meeting with his parents, Thorne is also on his way to Brooke’s office. Just being in her office again will make me feel better. Brooke and I had some great times in there. Maybe just being in there will help me figure out what my next move should be to win her back. Turning the corner, he notices Megan isn’t at her desk. Good, she must be at lunch. Now I don’t have to sneak in. Looking over his shoulder, just in case, Thorne slowly opens the door to Brooke’s door a little bit, and is shocked to see it already occupied. Just seeing Giovanni inside Brooke’s office, sitting at her desk, stirs up jealousy as he remembers his conversation with Katie. He is about to walk in and demand an explanation when he realizes Giovanni is on the phone. This causes his blood to boil. How dare he just come in here and use her office like this? Especially since she is at home recuperating. Why doesn’t he just make his phone calls from the photo studio? Thorne is about to interrupt, when Giovanni speaks.

“Yes, Brooke, but it still doesn’t feel right. We really shouldn’t be doing this, especially in the middle of the day….What if we’re found out?….I can’t just come over every time you ask….Because….(Laughs) I know that’s not an excuse…. How about, I have work to do?…Yes, I know you do too…..What will Katie and the kids say?….I know, they can’t control your life, but…How are you going to get them out of the house?….(Laughs) Sounds good…..Of course, you know I would do anything for you….Yes, of course I care about you…..Ok, you win. I’ll be right there.” Giovanni hangs up.

Thorne quickly leaves the doorway and hides around the corner as Giovanni exits Brooke’s office.

(Laughing to himself) “Why can’t I ever say no to that woman?” Giovanni heads over to Brooke’s, laden down with everything Brooke requested.

Hearing Giovanni’s last comment, Thorne just sighs. He wants to stop Giovanni, punch him, and do something, anything. Instead, he enters her office and sits down at her desk, wishing the entire time he was the one speaking to Brooke, laughing with her, being invited to her house. He gazes at the framed photographs that line her desk: Rick and Bridget, Brooke with her children, Brooke with her sister, Brooke with Megan and Giovanni. He remembers sadly when his picture was also on her desk.

“I wonder what she did with the picture? Did she throw it away? Did she rip it into shreds?” Thorne shakes his head sadly. “That’s exactly what I did to our love, I ripped it into shreds. Man, what am I going to do?” Thorne picks up the picture with Giovanni. “I have to prove to Brooke that I’m the man she needs, not that, that, eurotrash. This can’t be happening. What am I saying, of course it would. Who wouldn’t want her? I was a fool for so long, now I may have lost my chance with her.” He puts the picture down, and picks up one with her and her sister. “No, I won’t believe that. Brooke was right, we are meant to be together. Katie was right too. I won’t let anyone stand in my way.” He puts down the frame and leaves Brooke’s office, heading back towards his own. Entering his office, Thorne smiles for the first time in days. “Not this time, this time I fight for what I want. No one, not my parents, Ridge, and especially not Giovanni, will stand in our way. What he and Brooke have together, it can’t be real. It just can’t be. I just have to figure out a way to make things up to Brooke. I can’t lose her to someone else, not now.”

********

On his way to his brother’s office, Ridge is determined to get some answers. I have to find out whom Brooke is seeing. It has been driving me crazy. I have to know. (Shaking his head) No, Thorne is just lying. Brooke isn’t seeing anyone. I would have known if she was. This is a small company and gossip flies fast. No, he just said that to get to me. Ha ha, it worked. (Pauses) But what if it’s real. Ridge enters his brother’s office in time to hear Thorne’s last statement.

(Disbelieving) “You mean you were telling the truth? Who is Brooke seeing?”

Thorne looks up and sees his brother. (Nasty) “Don’t you ever knock?”

(Impatient) “Thorne, answer me! Who is Brooke seeing?”

“Man, what an ego you have. Is that all you’ve been thinking about ever since we last spoke?” Ridge says nothing. “Oh my god,” Thorne falls down laughing. “And does your wife know about this obsession of yours? No, of course she doesn’t.” Ridge is still silent. Thorne stares at his brother. “You know, maybe I should tell you. After all, you do such great work. It sure could help me out.”

Ridge is confused. “What?”

(Mock seriousness) “Why coming between Brooke and whomever she loves.”

“She and this mystery man are in love?”

“Does it matter how serious they are? Just the fact that she is seeing someone, is enough, isn’t it? I mean, someone other than you, of course. (Sarcastic) Maybe I should use you to break them up. Have you do all the dirty work, giving me a clear shot. But no, that’s how you operate, not me. I want to earn her love and trust. Not destroy her in the process. So no, I think his name should remain a secret a little longer.” Laughing, Thorne leaves Ridge standing there, and heads over to his parents.

********

“Rick! Hey Rick, can you come down here for a minute?”

Hearing his mother call, Rick runs down the stairs. “What’s wrong, are you alright, do you need anything?”

Brooke just smiles at seeing the panic on her son’s face. “Rick, calm down, will you. I just need you to do me a favor.”

Rick relaxes. “Sure, what do you need?”

“Giovanni is on his way over here for lunch. But we don’t have much in the kitchen, do we?”

“No, not much.”

Brooke smiles sweetly. “Do you think you can run out and get some Thai food for all of us? You know the place I like, right?”

“Why don’t you just call Giovanni back on his cel phone and have him pick it up on his way over?”

“Two reasons. One, I tried, he must have turned it off. Two, it’s in the opposite direction from where he’s coming from. So could you run out and get it?”

“Mom, I don’t know, I don’t want to leave you alone. Why don’t you just have something else delivered?”

Remembering her goal Brooke hides her frustration and just smiles. “Rick, I won’t be alone. Your sister is right outside. Besides, I have been craving Thai all week. Please?”

Rick glances between his mother and his sister, who is still outside by the pool. “I guess it will be ok to leave you. Bridget is here after all.” Rick stands. “Ok, sure, I’ll go get the food. I shouldn’t be gone long. Let me just tell Bridget I’m going.”

(Quickly) “Rick, don’t be silly. She’s right outside, if I need anything, I’ll just call. Oh, and be sure to get enough for four.” Brooke smiles.

Rick takes one last look outside, kisses his mom on the cheek and leaves. “I have my cel phone if you need anything.”

“Ok, don’t worry.” As soon she hears Rick’s car leave, Brooke calls the Thai restaurant with instructions to delay Rick when he gets there. Five minutes later, Brooke laughs. “Good, mission accomplished, two down, one to go. Now for Bridget.”

Brooke gets up off the couch, opens the sliding door, and calls to her daughter. “Bridget, can you come here for a minute?”

Seeing her mother up and off the couch, Bridget runs to her mother’s side. “Mom, what are you doing up? You’re supposed to be resting.” Bridget helps Brooke back over to the couch.

Gritting her teeth, Brooke allows her daughter to seat her back on the couch. This is really starting to drive me insane. Does everyone think that if I do anything for myself, I will keel over and die? Good thing I am putting a stop to this now. (Aloud and smiling) “Thank you sweetie, can you do me a favor?”

“Sure Mom, anything. What do you need?”

“Well, as much as I love the water that your Aunt kindly provided for me (she gestures to the half empty pitcher) I am craving something more.”

“Name it and I’ll get it.”

“I would love some chocolate chip malted crunch ice cream.” Come on Bridget, I know that’s your favorite flavor. I see your eyes widening with delight, come on, don’t let me down.

“Oh, that sounds good to me too.” Bridget starts to go to the kitchen, but then stops. “I just remembered, we’re out.”

“Really?” Why do you think I asked for that flavor?

“Yeah, we finished it up last week. What about some vanilla, I know we still have that?”

“No, vanilla just won’t do it for me. Could you go to the store and get some?”

“I don’t know, the only place that carries it is all the way on the other side of town. It will take me forever to go there and back. I don’t want to leave you alone that long.”

“Bridget, what will happen? Besides, Rick is still here, up in his room. If I need anything, he can get if for me. Please? I’ve really been craving it.”

“Well, I guess so. Let me just tell Rick I’m leaving.” Bridget stands.

(Quickly) “No, don’t bother him. He’s on the phone with Kimberly. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”

“If you’re sure?”

“Yes, the faster you go, the faster you will be back, and we can both have some ice cream.”

Bridget smiles, kisses Brooke on the cheek and leaves for the door. “You’re right. I’ll be back as fast as I can.”

Once Bridget drives away, Brooke sighs in relief, and checks her watch. Thank god Rick always parks in the garage. Bridget won’t even notice his car’s not here. Giovanni should be here any minute. It’s time to teach my family that I am not helpless, and I won’t have my life controlled by anyone, even my own family, ever again.

********

Ten minutes later Brooke hears a car pull up. “Hopefully that’s Giovanni.” Brooke awkwardly gets up off the couch and walks to the front door. “That is the last time I ever sit on that couch again. It is just getting too hard to stand.” Brooke opens the door, relieved to see Giovanni, carrying a large box.

“Brooke, what are you doing up? I said I would bring this box over, but you promised to rest as well.”

Brooke rolls her eyes. “Giovanni, not you too. Look, I am not helpless. I can answer my own door. I can walk on my own, think for myself and even make my own decisions.”

Giovanni looks abashed. “You’re right, I’m sorry. Forget I said anything. You know what is best for yourself and your baby.”

“I’m glad someone finally realizes that. Now, Katie and the kids should be gone for at least another hour. Why don’t we work at the dining room table? There should be plenty of room, and some nice firm chairs.” Giovanni looks at her confused. Brooke just holds up her hand. “Don’t ask.”

********

Forty-five minutes later, the dining room table is covered in Forrester Creation work. Brooke has sifted through everything and starts handing papers back to Giovanni.

“Ok, can you make sure legal gets these contracts? Be sure to point out the necessary changes.” She hands him some designs. “These go back to Ridge, tell him that no changes are necessary. These go back to Eric. The designs are fine but I want the fabric changed.” Brooke picks up the photo proofs. “These are the shots I like for the catalog, but…” Brooke looks up to see Giovanni’s bemused expression. “What?”

“Nothing. It’s just that whoever said you couldn’t handle this obviously doesn’t know how strong and determined you really are.”

Brooke winks at him. “I’m glad you realize that. Feel free to spread that around to anyone you see. (Getting serious again) Now, about the catalog…”

Giovanni holds up his hands. “Stop! No more. I can’t handle it. Brooke, I do amazing work with a camera, (grinning) if I do say so myself, but you need a real assistant. I’m liable to give the designs to legal, the contracts to Ridge to fix, and tell Eric the fabric for the catalog needs to be changed. Besides, where’s the food you promised me?”

Brooke laughs. “Giovanni, you’re doing fine. And I do have a wonderful assistant. Unfortunately, she decided to play traitor for the day. Don’t worry; your time as my assistant will be short lived. If everything goes my way things will be back to normal by this afternoon.” Brooke looks towards the front door as she hears a car pull up. “See, that’s probably the food right now. (Laughs) But will it be the main course, or dessert? What do you think, Thai or ice cream?”

“At this point, I’m so hungry I don’t really care. I’ll go find out.” Giovanni stands and looks out the window. “Uh oh. Brooke, you’ve got to see this.”

With trepidation, Brooke joins Giovanni at the window, looks outside, and laughs. “See what I mean?”

End of Part 10

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