Control Part 12

The next morning…

Brooke sits by the pool with a book and a notepad. Reading from the book, Brooke makes some notes, stops, looks over what she has just written and then furiously crosses it out. “No, that won’t do.” Brooke looks at the book again. “Ugh, that’s horrible, who would ever use that?”

Katie comes down the stairs looking for her sister. Unable to locate her, Katie finally calls out. “Brooke! Where are you?”

With a little irritation in her voice, “Calm down, I’m outside.”

Smiling, Katie grabs some lemonade from the kitchen and joins her sister outside. “Well, you certainly had the right idea to work outside today. It sure is a beautiful day.” Katie looks at Brooke who has gone back to writing furiously and cursing her book. “Brooke, are you even listening to me?”

Brooke just grumbles.

“So, what’s the latest catastrophe at Forrester? Legal hassles, slogans for the new designs, or shipping problems?” Katie grabs the book from Brooke, reads the title, and laughs. “ ‘A Thousand and One Baby Names’. This is what you are grumbling about?”

Brooke glares at her sister and grabs the book back. “Oh, just shut up. This is very important.”

“Don’t you think it’s a little early for this? You still have two months. Besides, why do you need this book?”

“Because I need some ideas, that’s why. But so far, all I have come up with is a list that I wouldn’t use if my life depended on it. Ugh, I never knew there were so many horrible names. How could a parent do that to a child?”

Holding back a smile, “Well, if you need some ideas, maybe you should ask Stephanie for her advice. I mean, Ridge and Thorne are such wonderful names.”

Brooke was aghast, until she saw Katie’s smile. Brooke couldn’t help but giggle. “How could Eric allow Stephanie to give their boys such strange names? I’m surprised Ridge and Thorne didn’t get into more fights growing up. Can you imagine the teasing they got? What were Eric and Stephanie thinking?”

“Well, I think you just answered your own question. We both know they never think.”

“You’re right. “ Brooke drinks her lemonade.

Katie picks up the baby name book again. “Anyway, back to this. I still don’t know why you need it. You didn’t use a book to name your first two kids, why do you need it now?”

Brooke just rolls her eyes at her sister. “Katie, think about it. Rick was named after his father. Not too much thought required there. (Smirking) Given that that I don’t even want Thorne to know I’m pregnant with his child, I think Thorne Jr. is out. It would defeat the purpose. And with Bridget, I just combined my name with Ridge’s and came up with Bridget. Brooke plus Thorne equals either Brorne or Throoke. Either one is sentencing this kid to a life of torment and torture.”

Katie just laughs. “No, I like it. Throoke is perfect. Throoke Forrester. Sounds great to me.”

Brooke just slaps Katie on the shoulder. “Oh stop it. If you like it so much, why don’t you change your name to Throoke? “

Katie holds up her hands in horror. “Ok, you made your point.”

(Slightly sarcastic) “I’m glad you finally agree. Besides, this baby’s last name is going to be Logan, not Forrester.” Katie just looks at Brooke. “Why are you looking at me like that? Look, I know this baby technically is a Forrester, but since Thorne won’t be involved, the baby’s last name will be the same as mine, Logan.” Brooke rubs her hand over her belly. “Besides, calling this baby Forrester is just inviting trouble.”

“Brooke, I agree, you can’t call this baby Forrester, but…”

“But what?”

“What are you going to put on the birth certificate?”

“Logan. I just said that.”

“No, that’s not what I meant. Where it says father’s name, what are you going to put there?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t really think about that yet. I guess I’ll put in Thorne’s name.”

(Surprised and a little happy) “Really?”

Brooke points her finger at her sister. “Now don’t get any ideas. This doesn’t mean I want Thorne to know.”

“Then why put his name on the birth certificate?”

Brooke shrugs. “Well, he is the father. It just wouldn’t be right to leave his name off.”

“But it’s alright not to tell him he’s going to have a child?”

Brooke holds up her hand. “Katie, enough. I don’t want to go into that with you again. You know my reasons.”

“But Brooke, now that he and Macy are getting divorced…”

Brooke starts to get frustrated. “That doesn’t change anything. Look, I married Eric because I was pregnant. Ridge and I got married so he could be a father to Bridget. After Ridge found out Bridget wasn’t his, and Thomas was; he left me and married Taylor. I’m not going through that again. I won’t get involved with someone just because I’m having his baby. This isn’t just about what’s best for the baby, but about me as well.”

“Brooke, I understand that you don’t want to get hurt again. Believe me, I know. But don’t you think this baby should know his father?”

Brooke sighs. “Yes, but it won’t just be Thorne. I can see it now, I tell Thorne, Thorne tells his family, and then they will storm over here with their demands. Thorne as a father I can handle, but I won’t deal with Ridge and Taylor as Aunt and Uncle or Stephanie and Eric as grandparents. They already tried to take away Rick and Bridget from me once, I won’t give them the chance with this baby.”

“Brooke that could never happen.”

“You’re right, because they will never find out. Katie, things have been great these past few months without having to deal with them at work. Everything would fall apart if they found out about this baby. No, I won’t let myself or this baby go through all that.”

“But Brooke…”

“Katie, no!” Brooke is about to say more, when the sliding door opens. Brooke turns to see her children walking towards her.

Although she tries to hide it, Rick can tell his mother is upset. Rick looks over at his Aunt and sees Katie also trying to cover her frustration as well. “Did we interrupt anything?”

Brooke glares at Katie and then turned to her children. “No, of course not.”

Not believing his mother, Rick chooses to let it go. “We just wanted to let you know we were leaving for the beach. Unless you needed anything?”

“No, Rick. Go and have fun. Are you picking up Kimberly?”

“Yes.”

“Good, tell her I said hello. Oh, and Bridget, I know how much you want to tan, but please promise me you’ll wear sunscreen.”

Bridget rolls her eyes. “Mom, you don’t have to remind me every time.”

Brooke smiles at her daughter. “Humor me, will you? You’re still my baby.” Brooke looks down at her stomach. “For a little while longer, anyway.”

Bridget laughs and kisses Brooke on the cheek. “Ok, I’ll humor you for a little while longer. And I was planning on using sunscreen anyway.” Bridget pulls a tube out of her beach bag. “See.”

“Ok, ok. Now get out of here.”

Rick leans in to kiss Brooke. “I have my cel phone if you need anything.”

“Rick, don’t worry, I’m fine. Besides, your Aunt is here right?”

“Yes, ok. We’re leaving.” Rick and Bridget walk to his car, pack it with towels, chairs, and the cooler, and drive over to Kimberly’s.

After a few minutes of silence, Bridget looks over at her brother and sighs. “What do you think we interrupted back there?”

“I have no idea. Maybe Aunt Katie tried to get Mom to stop working again.”

“No, I don’t think she would dare. Especially after everything that happened yesterday.”

Rick laughs. “You’re right. I don’t think anyone will try that again.”

“Yeah. You have to admit, looking back, it was funny. I mean, look how easy it was for Mom to get all of us out of the house, and have Giovanni deliver the work from Forrester.”

“Yeah. We fell for everything she said.” Rick pauses. “So what do you think they were arguing about?”

“If I had to guess, I would say Thorne.”

“Thorne? Really? Why?”

“What else could they have to argue about? Things are straightened out about work stuff, Mom is taking care of herself, and we’re not causing trouble. What else could it be?”

“I have no idea. I’m just glad we decided not to tell her about our conversation with Dad.”

“Yeah, we are just going to have to handle that ourselves.”

********

At Taylor and Ridge’s…

Taylor has just finished giving the kids their breakfast when Ridge comes downstairs. Ridge walks up to his children and gives each of them a kiss on the head. Looking over at his wife, “So, what do the four of you have planned for today?”

Taylor smiles. “Well, Thomas is being picked up in few minutes for a play date with that boy down the street, and I thought I would take the girls for a walk on the beach.”

“Oh, that sounds great. I wish I could join you.”

“Are you heading into work?”

“Yes, I have an important meeting with Dad.”

“Is anything wrong?”

(Distracted) “No, it shouldn’t be.”

“Shouldn’t be? That means there is, what’s going on?”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing Dad and I can’t handle.”

Taylor places her hands on her hips. “What’s the big secret?”

“There’s no secret.”

(Frustrated) “Then why won’t you tell me?”

Ridge sighs. “Taylor, just let it go. If necessary I will fill you in later. Besides, Dad didn’t give me all of the details over the phone.” Taylor is about to speak again, but Ridge cuts her off. “Did you get a chance to call Rick and Bridget? Dad will want to know.”

“No, I haven’t yet. I left them messages and I’m hoping they will call me back. With any luck I will be able to speak with them within the next few days.”

Ridge walks over to Taylor to kiss her goodbye. “Let me know if you speak to them. I’ll be home for dinner. Have fun at the beach.” Ridge leaves for work at Taylor just watches after him.

Ridge, what is going on with you lately? Every time I turn around you are keeping another secret from me and I don’t like it. Why won’t you tell me what’s going on? A car horn interrupts her thoughts. Calling for her child, “Thomas, come on! You’re ride’s here.”

********

Seated at his desk at Forrester, Thorne is finishing a letter. As soon as he signs his name, Thorne rereads it. “ ‘Brooke, I hope that once you realize this letter is from me, you will still finish reading it.’ Well, it’s not the best opening but it will have to do.” Thorne continues, changing a few words as he goes. Once he is satisfied he places the letter in an envelope and writes Brooke’s name across it and immediately begins to worry. “But will she read it? Maybe she will recognize my handwriting and immediately throw it away.” Thorne shakes his head. “No, I won’t believe that. Something has to go right for us. Now, how do I get it to her?”

********

Megan is working at her desk when Giovanni walks up to her. “Giovanni, hi.”

Giovanni smiles. “Ciao, Megan. Have you been by Brooke’s today?”

“No, why?”

“Well, two reasons. I wanted to make sure things went ok after we left yesterday.”

Megan laughs. “Yeah, you did cause a lot of trouble.”

(Mock wounded) “Me? What did I do? I was only helping out a friend.”

(Laughs) “Yes, but you could have warned the rest of us first.”

“But what fun would that have been?”

“Fine, fine, the two of you had your fun at our expense. And, the air was cleared between everyone, so I guess you did a good thing.”

“Yes, I’m just glad you realize it.”

Megan waves her hand. “Anyway, I called over there last night, and as far as I could tell things were fine. No ill effects from yesterday’s confrontation.”

“Good. I’m glad. When are you going to drop off the Forrester work for today?”

“I’m not. Brooke and I decided to have a courier make the trips back and forth. That way, I’m not spending all my time in the car. As Brooke put it, ‘I can keep my eyes on everything here’.”

“That does sound like her. Well, can you make sure this gets added to the pile?” Giovanni hands Megan a large manila envelope.

“Sure.” Megan looks at the envelope. “Anything important?”

Giovanni shakes his head. “No, it could wait. But after the tongue lashing the rest of you got yesterday, I don’t want Brooke to think I’m keeping anything from her.”

Megan laughs. “Good idea.”

********

As the car pulls up in front of Adam’s house, Bridget looks over at Rick. “Do you want me to go get her?”

“No, I’ll just honk.” Rick hits the horn three times.

Bridget rolls her eyes. (Sarcastic) “My, what a gentleman you are.”

“What?”

Inside the house, Kimberly rushes for the door after hearing the car horn. “Bye Dad, I’ll be back later.”

Adam cuts her off from exiting. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“I told you, I’m going to the beach with some friends.”

“Which friends?”

“Rick and Bridget. Dad, I have to go, they’re waiting for me.”

Glaring at his daughter. “Kimberly, you know how I feel about Rick Forrester.”

Kimberly tries to remain calm. “Yes, I do. But he is my boyfriend and Bridget is my friend. Now if you will excuse me, they are waiting in the car.”

“What kind of friends just honk and expect you to come rushing out?”

“Dad, it’s not a big deal. They called to say they were on their way, and I’m expecting them.”

“I don’t care. It’s rude. If you plan on going anywhere, they will come to the door like civilized people.”

“You’re not serious?” Seeing the determined look on her father’s face, Kimberly backs down. She takes two steps back and sits in a chair. Well, at least he didn’t forbid me to go. Not that it would have stopped me anyway. Man, this is humiliating. I feel like I’m ten again. As the doorbell rings, Kimberly jumps up, but her father is already opening the door. Please let it be Bridget, please let it be Bridget.

“Hello Mr. Alexander, is Kimberly ready to go?”

“Yes Miss Forrester.”

Behind her father, Kimberly lets out a sigh of relief.

“I’m glad you finally came to the door. My daughter will not answer to a car’s horn.” Adam glares at Bridget. “Is that clear?”

Bridget just smiles. “Yes sir. And I agree with you. And I told my brother that, but you know how boys can be.” Adam doesn’t respond.

Before things could get any worse, Kimberly moves in front of her father. “Bridget, I’m ready. Let’s go. I’ll see you later dad.”

Kimberly quickly shepherds Bridget back to the car. Bridget climbs into the back seat and Kimberly joins Rick in the front. As they put on their seatbelts, Rick gives Kimberly a kiss hello.

“What took you so long back there? I finally had to send Bridget out to get you.” Rick pulls out of Kimberly’s driveway and heads towards the beach.

“And I am so glad you did.”

(Confused) “What?”

From the backseat, Bridget answers. “I told you, you shouldn’t have honked for her. Her dad wouldn’t let her go until one of us rang the doorbell.”

Rick laughs as he looks over at Kimberly. “You’re kidding, right?”

Kimberly shakes her head. “Unfortunately, I’m not. But I’m glad it was Bridget and not you, Rick. Things are already tense enough with my dad without him having a confrontation with you.”

“Well, that’s why we’re going to the beach. Someplace where we can relax and just have fun. Agreed?”

Kimberly smiles “Agreed.” Just being with Rick helps her to relax.

********

As Thorne walks towards Megan’s desk carrying his letter for Brooke, he is debating with himself whether this is a good idea. I could give it to Megan, but that’s no guarantee Brooke will see it. Thorne shakes his head. No, Megan wouldn’t do that. Suddenly, he looks worried. But she might if she thinks she’s protecting Brooke. I could mail it, but I want Brooke to get it as soon as possible. Hand delivery won’t work. I’m not allowed within 100 feet of her.

As he turns the corner he sees Giovanni is with Megan. Jealousy flares through his entire body as he clenches his hands into fists. Thorne forces his hands to relax. “No, that won’t help anything. That’s what this letter is for. But will Megan deliver it to Brooke?”

Just then the courier from the deliver service arrives. “Hello, I’m Steve from Eagle Couriers. You have the delivery for…” Steve checks his clipboard. “A Ms. Brooke Logan?”

Megan breaks off her conversation with Giovanni and focuses on the teenager, surprised at his age. “You are the courier?”

“Yes ma’am.”

Megan shudders. “Please don’t call me that. Megan will do.”

“Yes ma’am, uh, Megan.”

Megan just stares at him for a second. “Fine, come with me.” Megan starts to lead him into Brooke’s office when Giovanni stops her.

“I’ll see you later Megan. If you need me, I’m going back down to the studio.”

“Ok.” In Brooke’s office, Megan gives the boy the box for Brooke.

“Man, this is heavy. Are all of the deliveries going to be like this?”

(Serious) “There is always that possibility. If you can’t handle it, I’m sure we can find someone who can.”

Steve quickly backpedals, afraid he is about to lose this job. “No, no, no. This will be fine. I was just surprised, that’s all. They told me it was going to be light duty, that’s all.”

Megan puts her hands on her hips. “Look, this is very important. As I said, if you can’t handle the responsibility I’m sure your boss can send someone who can.”

“No, no that won’t be necessary.”

“Uh huh. Now, you have the address right? Almost anyone at the house can sign for it including Brooke and Katie Logan, or Rick and Bridget Forrester. And anything they give back to you, you are to deliver to me, personally, right?”

“Yes.”

“Good, now go.” Megan points to the box. “She is waiting for that.” As Steve leaves, Megan walks back to her desk and laughs. “He better get this right. Brooke will eat him alive if he doesn’t.”

Barely able to see over the box, Steve gets into the elevator. Thorne quickly joins him.

“Is that the box for Ms. Logan?”

(Disheartened) “Yeah, and it’s heavy too.” He places the box on the floor, and then looks over at the man next to him. (Quickly) “Not that I mind. I mean I know this is a great responsibility and I wouldn’t do or say anything that could jeopardize this job. I would gladly carry twice this much, even make more than one trip if necessary. In fact…”

Thorne holds up his hand to stop the rambling. “It’s ok. I just need you to do me a favor.”

Steve is about to nod yes, but then stops. “I have to deliver this to Ms. Logan first, and then return here. But then, sure, name it and I’ll do it.”

Inwardly, Thorne laughs at his eagerness. “Relax. I just need you to hand deliver this letter to Ms. Logan. It’s very important and I want to make sure she sees it first thing. Understand?”

Steve takes the letter. “Sure Mr….”

“Forrester. Thorne Forrester.” Thorne cringes. Who am I, James Bond?

“Maybe I should go back upstairs, to see if Megan forgot anything else?”

(Quickly) “No, no, that won’t be necessary. Just deliver the letter. When you return to Forrester, just stop by my office. I want to make sure she got it. Ok?”

“Sure Mr. Forrester.”

“Oh, one more thing. Don’t tell Ms. Logan who gave you that envelope.”

Steve starts to look a little worried.

Thorne smiles, trying to put him at east. “Don’t worry. It’s a surprise.”

Steve relaxes. “Ok.”

As the elevator doors open, Thorne watches as Steve carries the box to his car and drives off. “Steve, you don’t know this, but my entire future rests in your hands.” Thorne turns and walks back to his office, to wait.

********

As soon as Ridge arrives at Forrester, he immediately goes to his father’s office. Ridge knocks while entering. “Dad, I’m here. Now are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

Eric, seated at his desk, looks up. “I told you on the phone yesterday, we have to handle your brother before he winds up killing your mother again.”

“Dad, I agree with you. If Mother ever found out about those two, well, I don’t want to even think about it.”

“But we have to. It almost happened yesterday. Luckily he was smart enough not to mention Brooke’s name until your Mother left the room. As it was, she was so upset when Thorne told her about his divorce from Macy.”

“I can imagine. She was so happy when they came back from Europe married.”

Eric smiles, remembering, then is serious again. “Well, your brother told me in no uncertain terms that he intends to be with Brooke again.”

Ridge sighs. “I know, he told me the same thing.”

Eric is shocked. “You knew and you didn’t tell me?”

“Dad, calm down. I just found out myself. Besides, I don’t think it will be so easy for Thorne.” Ridge smiles. “We did a pretty good job of breaking them up the last time. Brooke was so mad at him, and us, that she cut off all contact with any of us. So how is Thorne supposed to resume a relationship with her if he can’t speak to her or see her?”

“I guess you’re right “ Eric thinks that over for a minute. “Wait a minute, Thorne said he already talked to Brooke, and saw her. “

Ridge looks at his father in amazement. “When? How was he able to do that.” Why did she loosen her restrictions for Thorne and not for me?

“When she was in the hospital. Thorne said he told her about his divorce, and that he saw her with another man.”

“He told you that?”

“Yes”

(Trying to be nonchalant) “He didn’t happen to mention who Brooke was seeing, did he?”

Eric looks curiously at his son. “Yes, he mentioned Giovanni.”

(Incredulous) “Giovanni! That is who Brooke is seeing?”

“Yes. You know, that could be the best thing for everyone. If we can keep Thorne away from Brooke long enough, maybe things will become so serious between her and Giovanni, that Thorne won’t stand a chance.”

(Determined) “Brooke will never stay with Giovanni. She could never love him. At most, it’s a fling.”

Eric just looks at Ridge. “Ridge, what is the matter with you? All of a sudden, you’re acting so strange. Come on, this is the best thing for your mother. Besides, if Brooke is all happy and in love again, who knows, she might loosen the reins around here. We could gain creative control again.”

“You’re right. What’s your plan?”

********

In his photo studio, Giovanni is sitting at the light box looking at proofs and making notes. He hears the studio door open but doesn’t turn around. “Yes, what is it?”

“Hello, Giovanni.”

Startled, Giovanni turns around. “Hello Mrs. Forrester, what can I do for you?”

Stephanie smiles. “Please, call me Stephanie. And I have a few questions for you.”

Giovanni just waits for Stephanie to continue. He has no idea what business Stephanie could have with him. In fact, he didn’t even know what she does at Forrester. When Stephanie doesn’t continue Giovanni is forced to speak to her. “Yes?”

Stephanie holds up the Brooke’s Bedroom catalog. “Did you take the photos for this?”

Giovanni forces himself to be polite. “Yes.”

Stephanie hides her frustration with his one-word answers. “Eric just showed this to me. We were wondering why the only photo of Brooke is on the cover? And, the cover shot is from last year.”

Giovanni just smiles at Stephanie. What are you really trying to find out, Stephanie? I bet it would just about kill you if I were to tell you the truth. ‘Sorry Stephanie, Brooke couldn’t model the lingerie this year. You see, she was already starting to show when we did the photo shoot’. Yeah, right.

Confused, Stephanie wonders at Giovanni’s smile. What, is what Thorne told Eric true? Are you sleeping with Brooke? Maybe you’re picturing her in the lingerie? Did you personally ask her not to model? You didn’t want the world to see what you consider yours?

Suddenly Giovanni is serious again. “You know, I believe it was Brooke’s decision not to model the line this year. I would have thought you would be happy she wasn’t modeling this year. I mean, you sure complained enough last year.” Stephanie doesn’t respond. “If you have any more questions, perhaps you should talk to Brooke about them.” Giovanni starts to turns back to his light box, but then stops. (Smirking) “That’s right. I forgot. You aren’t allowed to speak to her, are you? I guess you will just have to write a memo and give it to Megan. Maybe Brooke will answer it. Now, if you excuse me, I have work to do.”

As Giovanni once again concentrates on the proofs, Stephanie stands there for a minute, stunned. Then she exits the studio. After hearing the door close, Giovanni laughs and picks up the phone. Calling Megan, he waits for her to pick up. “Megan, it’s me. You are never going to believe the conversation I just had.”

Outside the studio, Stephanie fumes. How dare he speak to me like that! When I get control of this company, not only are Brooke and Megan out, so will that photographer. Stephanie calms as she walks to Eric’s office. Well, that wasn’t very productive. Next time, I will definitely get something useful. Reaching Eric’s office, Stephanie knocks while entering and hears Ridge and Eric talking about their latest designs.

Eric looks up at his wife grateful he and Ridge had finished their talk about Brooke and Thorne. “Hi, what are you doing here?”

“Oh, I had some business, and I thought I would take you to lunch.”

“Sounds great.” Eric rises and kisses his wife. “Anything important?”

“No, I just went to speak with Giovanni about the catalog.”

At the mention of Giovanni, Ridge pays rapt attention. “You spoke with Giovanni?”

“Yes Ridge. I wanted to know why Brooke wasn’t in the catalog this year.” She hands it over to him. “You have to admit, it’s a little strange.”

Seeing Brooke on the cover, Ridge just stares at it and slowly caresses the photo with his finger. Eric and Stephanie don’t notice.

Eric puts down his latest designs and turns back to his wife. “So, what did he say?”

“He said it was Brooke’s decision. He wouldn’t elaborate. But I think there is more going on than he’s saying.”

Eric shrugs. “Does it really matter?” Eric turns to his son. “Ridge.”

Ridge quickly puts down the catalog. “Yes?”

“Do you want to join us for lunch?”

“That would be great. We haven’t done that in a while.”

Stephanie smiles. “I know. Why don’t you call Taylor and invite her to come as well.”

Ridge shakes his head. “She’s not at the house. She went down to the beach with the girls.”

“Ok, what about Thorne then?”

Eric and Ridge exchange looks.

“Mom, I don’t think he can make it either. In fact, I know he has a meeting.”

“Fine, then I guess it will just be the three of us. Are you ready to go?”

Ridge nods and the three of them leave the building.

********

At the beach Rick, Kimberly and Bridget lay in beach chairs soaking up the sun.

Kimberly removes her sunglasses and looks for her sunscreen. “Hey Bridget, can you hand me the sunscreen?”

Without looking, Bridget reaches down and throws a tube to Kimberly. Kimberly catches it and reads the label. “No, not yours. Mine.”

Bridget opens her eyes and looks down at the towel next to her. Finding Kimberly’s sunscreen, she hands it to her. “What’s the difference?”

“The SPF. I have to use at least 35.”

Bridget’s mouth falls open. “You’ll never get a tan that way.”

Kimberly nods. “I know, it will take much longer, but at least there will be almost no chance I’ll get burned. Believe me, I will never hear the end of it if I get red.”

Bridget nods in sympathy. “You too? My mom gave me the same lecture before I left. Of course, she never says anything to him.” Bridget gestures at Rick who just smiles.

Kimberly laughs. “No, not my Dad. Giovanni. He will kill me if I show up for my next photo shoot with a sunburn. And if I burn, then I peel. He won’t stop yelling over that one either. He keeps telling me that they can make me look tan with makeup, but it’s hard to make someone look less red.”

Bridget laughs. “You win. I think I’d rather deal with an angry mom than an angry photographer.”

“Yes, but I would get both. First Giovanni, and then Brooke. Remember, I answer to Giovanni but he answers to your mom. No, I’ll just soak up some rays without anything to show for it, thank you.”

“Enough.” Rick sits up to face the girls. “I thought we came here to relax. No more talk about angry parents, photographers, or anything else.” The girls nod in agreement. “Good. Now I’m hot. Who wants to take a dip with me?”

Bridget quickly agrees. “Oh, definitely me. You up for a swim Kimberly?”

“No, not right now. You guys go ahead.”

Bridget looks at her brother. “Come on Rick. I’ll race you to the water. Kimberly, you count if off.”

“Ok, on your mark.” Rick and Bridget get into a racer’s crouch. “Get set.”

Bridget quickly takes off. Rick soon follows her yelling “Cheater! I’ll get you!”

Kimberly just laughs. “Go.” She laughs even harder when Rick catches up to his sister, picks her up, and tosses her in the ocean. Bridget comes up sputtering for air as Rick enters the water. Rick just laughs but is soon tackled by Bridget as she tries to dunk him. Seeing them play make Kimberly wish she grew up with a sibling to have fun with.

“Hello Kimberly.”

Kimberly looks up to see Taylor and the twins. “Hi Taylor. It seems we had the same idea. It is such a beautiful day.”

“I know. The girls love the sand. Though I think they carry twenty pounds of it in their clothes when we go home.” Kimberly laughs.

In the ocean, Rick glances towards the shore to see if maybe Kimberly would join them. Seeing Taylor, he freezes. Bridget is about to dunk him again, but stops when she notices him staring. She follows his gaze. “Uh oh.”

Rick looks at his sister. “I know. Maybe if we stay out here long enough she’ll just go away.”

“Maybe.” No sooner were the words out of her mouth, when she sees Taylor sit down next to Kimberly while the twins play in the sand. “Well, there goes that idea. What do we do now? We can’t stay here forever, we’ll shrivel up.”

Rick sighs. “I guess we better be polite and go back to the towels. Otherwise Kimberly would get suspicious, and I don’t want to have to try and explain.”

“You’re right. Did you get a message from Taylor?”

Rick looks at his sister. “Yeah, you too?”

“What do you think she wants?”

“Well, considering she hasn’t called either one of us in months, and the fact we had that fight with Dad, what do you think?”

Bridget sighs loudly. “I think Dad ran to Taylor to help smooth things over.”

“Bingo.”

(Determined) “Well, I don’t want to see her anymore than I want to see Ridge, Dad, or Stephanie.”

“I know, but she’s here. There’s no avoiding it.”

Rick and Bridget walk up to Kimberly and Taylor and grab their towels. Ignoring Taylor, Bridget turns to Kimberly. “You should have joined us. The water’s great.”

Kimberly laughs. “And how much did you swallow? You must have been dunked eight times.”

Bridget smiles. “Not much. Besides,” Bridget glances at her brother, “I give as good as I get.” Rick and Kimberly laugh.

Taylor notices that Rick and Bridget are reluctant to talk to her. She quickly forces the issue. “Hello Rick, Bridget. How have you been?”

“Good.”

“Fine.”

Rick and Bridget kneel in the sand next to Phoebe and Stephanie. The twins take their sand shovels and start to bury Rick’s feet. Rick laughs.

Taylor tries again. “The kids sure have missed seeing you around.”

Bridget looks over at Taylor and then back at the twins. “Uh huh.”

Kimberly is confused at the tension between Rick, Bridget, and Taylor.

“Did you two get my messages? I really need to speak to you.”

Bridget glares over at her sister-in-law. She opens her mouth to speak when she remembers Kimberly’s presence. Bridget softens her look and tries to be polite for Kimberly’s sake. “Yes, we got your message. I don’t think there is anything that really needs to be said.”

Also aware of Kimberly’s presence, Taylor tries to change her mind. “Yes, I think there is. We need to get a lot of things straightened out. For the sake of the family.”

Bridget hisses at Taylor. “Don’t mention ‘family’ to me. Not after what you did.”

Rick places a hand on his sister’s arm. Bridget quickly calms down.

Taylor tries one last time. “Look, please come over to my house later. Thomas would love to see you as well. He should be back from his play date by then. We could talk and get a few things straightened out. How does that sound?”

Bridget is about to decline when Rick speaks up. “Who else will be there?”

Taylor is a little startled by his question. “No one else. After you visit with Thomas I’ll put the kids down for a nap and it will just be the three of us. No one else, I promise.”

“Ok, then we’ll be there after we drop off Kimberly.” Bridget just stares at her brother like he’s grown another head.

Taylor smiles. “Great. I’ll be expecting you.” She rises, gathers the twins and heads down the beach back to her car.”

Bridget waits until she is out of earshot, and then turns on her brother in anger. “What did you do that for?”

Aware Kimberly is listening, Rick glares at his sister. “Bridget, it might be a good idea. We go and listen, and then if things remain the same at least we can say we gave it a shot. Ok?”

(Sullen) “I guess so.”

Kimberly finally speaks. “Is everything alright, or should I just not ask?”

Rick turns to his girlfriend. “Remember those family problems I told you about?” Kimberly nods. “Well, they include Taylor.”

Kimberly holds up her hands. “Ok, enough said.”

Rick leans over and kisses her on the cheek. “Thank you for that.” Rick sees Bridget’s anger and Kimberly’s bewilderment. “Come on you two, we are here to relax. At least for a few more hours.”

Bridget glares at her brother. “I was relaxed, until you know who showed up.”

Rick leans over to whisper in Kimberly’s ear. She nods and the two of them quickly tackle Bridget. Rick grabs his sister and throws her over his shoulder.

Bridget wiggles trying to get down. When that fails, she pleads for help. “Kimberly, help me. He’s your boyfriend, tell him to let me go.”

Kimberly just smiles as Rick walks towards the water. “No, this is just what you need to get you in a better mood.” Kimberly laughs as Rick tosses his sister in the water. As soon as she surfaces, Bridget stares at them in anger. But that quickly dissipates as she begins to giggle. Rick and Kimberly join her in the water, splashing and dunking each other. First a free for all, then Bridget and Kimberly against Rick, then finally Rick and Bridget against Kimberly. For a little while, all three forget any tension cause by Taylor’s unexpected arrival.

********

Returning poolside after getting some more lemonade, Brooke sees that Katie is anxious to pick up where they left off. Brooke quickly forestalls her as she sits down. “The subject is closed, Katie. This is my baby, not a Forrester heir to be used and manipulated.”

Katie holds up her hands in defeat. “Fine. I won’t mention it again.” At least not today.

“Thank you.” Brooke takes a deep breath to calm down and picks up the baby name book. Thumbing through the book for a few minutes, Brooke quickly throws it down. “This thing is useless. It should be called ‘A Thousand and One Horrible Baby Names’.”

“Brooke, don’t worry, it’s not like you have to come up with something today.” Brooke glares at Katie. “Ok, so you do. How about I help you?”

“Fine, I’m open to suggestions.”

“What about Michael?” Brooke shakes her head. “Christopher?” Brooke shakes her head again. “Jason? Phil? Brian? Matthew? Benjamin?” With each suggestion, Brooke just shakes her head. “Well, how about Brad?”

“Oh, god, that’s the worst one yet. Are you crazy?”

“I guess you’re right. In fact, the only Brad I ever knew was a horrible person. He would lie all the time.”

(Shocked) “And you want me to name my baby after him?”

“Give me a break. I’m just thinking off the top of my head. So what was wrong with the other suggestions?” Brooke just smiles. All of a sudden, Katie is very suspicious. “Brooke, what aren’t you telling me?”

“Well, I don’t think SHE would like to be named Jason. Do you?”

“Well, no but…” Katie stops as she realizes what Brooke just said. “She? You mean you know?” Brooke just nods. Katie yells for joy and hugs Brooke. “Another little girl. That’s wonderful.” Katie pauses for a minute. “Hey, when did you find out, and more importantly why didn’t you tell me?”

Brooke laughs seeing the frustration on Katie’s face. “ I just found out a few days ago in the hospital. I know, I said I didn’t want to know, but during the last ultrasound when the doctor asked me if I wanted to know, I said yes, and they told me.”

“Ok, but why didn’t you tell anyone? Or am I the last to know?”

Brooke quickly reassures her sister. “No, no. Actually you’re the first. With the way everyone was acting when I came home from the hospital, can you blame me for not saying anything?”

“No, I guess not. Is this a secret or are you going to tell everyone?”

“No, it’s not a secret. Well, not anymore. If someone asks, feel free to tell them.” Brooke laughs. “Just make sure you only mention it to people who already know I’m pregnant.”

(Sarcastic) “No, I think I’ll take out a full page ad in the Times.”

“It wouldn’t surprise me.”

Katie ignores that last comment. “Oh, Brooke, this is so great, a little girl.”

“Yes, a little girl. Did you really think it was a boy?”

“No, not really. I actually didn’t even think about it. Why?”

Brooke laughs. “Well, all of the names you were giving me were boys names.”

Katie thinks a minute. “You’re right. I didn’t even realize it.” Katie looks down and talks to Brooke’s belly. “Well, little girl, I guess no more calling you it, or he. Now, we just have to come up with the perfect name for a perfect little girl.” Katie looks at up Brooke with a gleam in her eye, and then back down towards the baby. “But for now, I think I’ll just call you Throokie. How does that sound?”

Brooke suddenly scrambles for the book. “Oh man, where did I put that baby book? We need to come up with a real name, and fast.” As Brooke opens it to the section on girl’s names, the doorbell rings. Brooke sighs and tries to stand. Watching her effort, Katie just laughs.

Brooke glares at her sister. “Fine, just go ahead and laugh. Wait until you are seven months pregnant and have a broken arm. See how easy it is for you to get up.”

“Brooke, just sit down. I’ll answer the door. You will let me at least do that for you, won’t you?”

Gladly, Brooke settles back into the chaise. “Stop being silly. Yes, please answer the door. Whoever it is will be gone by the time I get there.”

Still laughing Katie opens the door and sees a man with a box. “Yes?”

“Uh, hi ma’am. Is Ms. Logan here?”

Katie looks at him expectantly. “I’m Ms. Logan.”

“Good, I have a delivery for you. If you’ll just sign here.” Steve hands her the clipboard.

Katie smiles. “Are you from Forrester?” Katie signs her name.

“Yes. I’m Steve and this (he indicates the box) is from Megan.”

Katie takes the box into the living room, as Steve makes sure she signed in the right place. She returns with a few envelopes. “Boy, that box was heavy. Here, these are to go back to Megan. Got it?”

“Yeah, but…”

“What?”

“Is Brooke Logan here? I have to give her something personally.”

(Confused) “Don’t worry about it. I’ll see that she gets it.” Katie tries to close the door.

“Wait!”

(Exasperated) “What? You did your job. I told you, there will be no problem with me accepting it.”

“No, that’s not why I stopped you. I have another delivery for Ms. Logan.” He reaches into his pocket for the letter.

(Confused) “Then why didn’t you put it into the box with everything else?”

Steve hands her the letter. “I was told to hand this to Ms. Logan personally. He wanted to make sure she saw it right away.”

“Who?”

“I can’t say. It’s a surprise. Can you make sure she gets it?”

“Yes. Bye.”

“Bye, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Katie is finally able to close the front door. “Boy, he sure wants to please.” Katie takes a look at the envelope as she walks back outside. “I wonder who this is from?”

Brooke looks up as Katie sits down next to her. “Who was at the door?”

(Distracted) “A very eager young man from Forrester. He brought over your work.”

Brooke sees the envelope in Katie’s hand and laughs. “Is that all he brought? Because if it is, it’s obvious my little speech yesterday didn’t do any good. A repeat performance might be necessary.”

“What? No, believe me. Megan definitely did her job. There is an entire box of work for you in the living room.”

Brooke points to the envelope. “Then what’s that?”

Katie hands it to Brooke. “I don’t know. Steve said someone gave it to him with specific instructions to hand it to you personally. But he wouldn’t say from who.”

“Well, that’s easy to find out. In fact…” Brooke breaks off as she looks at her name across the front.

“Brooke, what is it?”

(Quiet) “I know who this is from.”

“Well, are you going to tell me?”

“It’s from Thorne. I recognize his handwriting.”

“Are you going to open it? Brooke?”

End of Part 12

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