Control Part 13

At Spectra Fashions…

Macy sits in Sally’s office at the drafting table trying to concentrate on the work in front of her. Laden down with the day’s mail, Sally enters her office closing the door with her foot, but not all the way. Turning back inside she is surprised to see Macy there.

“Macy, what are you doing here?”

(Dry) “I work here mother.”

Sally sighs. “Yes, but do you really think you are up to being here today? Shouldn’t you take a few more days off, to concentrate solely on…”

Macy raises an eyebrow and finishes her mother’s thought. “Not drinking?”

Sally looks slightly uncomfortable. “Well, yes.”

Macy tries to put her mother at ease. “Mom, you don’t have to tiptoe around the subject. I’m an alcoholic. Recovering at the moment, but I am and always will be an alcoholic.”

“Oh honey, I know that. But don’t you think you owe it to yourself to take a few more days off? With everything that has happened, the accident, you and Thorne, everything, no one would blame you for concentrating on yourself.”

Macy smiles. “I know. But really, this is the best thing for me. I need to stay busy. I’m attending my meetings, but my community service hasn’t started yet and the Insomnia can run itself. If I don’t have anything else to do, I’ll go crazy.”

Sally chuckles. “Yes, I know you love to keep your plate as full as possible. I just don’t want you to get too overwhelmed. Ok?”

“Don’t worry.” Macy winks at her mother. “At least, try not to worry so much. But if you really think I’m getting overwhelmed, you have my permission to kick me out of here.”

“And I’ll hold you to that.” Sally pauses while Macy turns back to her work. “Macy?”

(Over her shoulder) “Yes?”

“Macy, there’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about. Now, if you’re not ready, or it’s too painful, or whatever reason, just tell me. I don’t want to cause you any more hurt.”

“Mom, you could never cause me any more pain. What is it?”

“The other day, when you and Thorne told your father and me you were splitting up, you said something that stuck in my head. I got the impression you didn’t want to go into it with your father present, but since it’s just the two of us…”

“Yes?”

“You mentioned your pride and some kind of contest with Thorne as the prize. I thought I knew what you were talking about, but now I’m not so sure.”

Macy sighs. “I didn’t really want to get into this with anyone. There are already enough problems between the two families as it is, and I didn’t want to be the cause of any more. Especially since, no matter what we try to do, our families seem to be forever linked. You and Eric, me and Thorne, you and Stephanie as friends, now back to enemies, and Kimberly and Rick. We just can’t seem to stay away from each other.”

Sally laughs. “Yeah, our two families do share quite a history.” Sally turns serious again. “But Macy, I’m only interested in helping you. I could care less what it means for anyone else.”

“Maybe it would be good to talk about it with someone else.” Macy takes a deep breath and slowly releases it. “Ok, here goes. Sometime after the fashion show last year, when Thorne and I were having so many problems, he and Brooke got together.”

Sally is shocked, and angry. “What!?”

“Mom, please, let me finish.”

Sally is contrite. “You’re right. Go ahead.”

“Anyway, at first it was just a flirtation. They had been friends for so long, neither of them took it seriously.” Macy shakes her head, trying to rid herself of the image of Thorne and Brooke together. “When they finally realized their feelings, Thorne was planning on telling me, but then his mother had her stroke.”

Sally gasps. “You mean…”

“Yeah, Stephanie found them together at Thorne’s and that’s when she collapsed.” Sally quietly waits for Macy to continue. “Eric and Ridge found out about the two of them and blamed Thorne for Stephanie’s condition. They poured on the guilt and said if Thorne loved his mother he would give up Brooke.”

“I still don’t see why Thorne didn’t tell you the truth.”

Macy smiles wryly. “Mom, if Thorne had told me, I’m sure I would have come to you or Dad, and how long do you think it would have been before word got back to Stephanie?”

Sally thinks it over. “Not long, I guess.”

“Yes. After the whole non wedding fiasco, Brooke and Thorne decided to get away from all the family pressures.”

“So they did go to Venice together.”

“Yes. (Sadly) They went there and had a wonderful time. Thorne even proposed to her.”

Sally shakes her head in confusion. “But Macy, why then did he come back married to you?”

“I don’t have all the details. Thorne left out a few things when he did finally explain everything. Ridge did something to make Thorne think Brooke was cheating on him. He left the hotel without a word, I found him on the bridge, and the rest you know.”

Sally hugs her daughter. “Oh, Macy.”

“Mom, it’s alright. Really. I don’t blame Thorne.”

(Loudly) “Well I do!”

Sally and Macy turn around to see Adam push open the door and enter.

“Dad, how long have you been there?”

“Long enough.”

Sally looks over at her ex-husband. “Really Adam, it’s not polite to eavesdrop.”

“Well I wouldn’t have to if my daughter would confide in me.”

“Dad, I don’t want to cause…”

Adam cuts her off. “More bad blood between the two families. I know, I heard.”

Macy stares at him in amazement. “Is there anything you missed?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact. How can you not blame Thorne for all of this?” Adam just waits for his daughter’s answer.

Macy looks over to her mother for a little help, but Sally also wants an answer.

“Dad, you interrupted before I could finish. Yes, not telling me was wrong.” Seeing Adam nod vehemently, Macy quickly continues. “But I understand his reasons. His family convinced him that the truth would kill his mother. He didn’t want to hurt me, but he didn’t know how to break up with me without explaining the reasons why to Stephanie. He was caught between a rock and a hard place. Yes, Thorne shares the blame, but so does the rest of his family for forcing him to keep it a secret. And I also blame myself.”

Adam is shocked. “How can you blame yourself?”

Macy rolls her eyes. “Dad, just how clueless was I? In the months leading up to our marriage, instead of growing closer, Thorne and I drifted farther apart. He and I never went out, and the times we were together, he never touched me. Not a kiss, and hug, or even a handshake. So did that raise any flags for me? No. Instead of asking him about it I just plan a surprise wedding. And when he balks at that, do I demand an explanation? No. I follow him to Italy. When I find him alone, on a bridge, in the rain, do I notice he is in pain? No. I just go with him to Amsterdam. I could tell he was running from something, I just didn’t want to know what. So yes, I do blame myself. What kind of healthy marriage did I really expect to have, when it happened on the spur of the moment?”

“Ok, maybe the signs were there, but you were in love.”

Macy cocks her head, looking at her mother. “Mom, you want to know the truth? Looking back, I don’t think I really was. Don’t get me wrong, I do love him, but as a friend. It was what was expected of us: get back together and get married. I never really questioned if I loved him. I guess I should have?”

Sally is troubled. “Did we push you into this?”

“Mom, no. You just supported me. You didn’t push. Not like the Forrester’s pushed Thorne.”

“So, you blame them for all of this?”

“Dad, weren’t you listening? Yes, they are a big part of it, but so is Thorne and so am I. That is the whole reason I didn’t want to tell you. I know how you feel about the Forresters, I don’t want to be the reason you cause trouble.”

“What does it matter?”

Macy raises her eyebrows. “How about the fact that Kimberly is in love with Rick?”

Adam covers his eyes with his hand and shakes his head. “Don’t remind me.”

“Dad, for Kimberly’s sake, don’t do anything you’ll regret.”

“I only want to protect my daughters.”

Macy sighs. “I know that, and so does Kimberly. But you have to let go sooner or later and let us make our own mistakes.” Adam just grunts while Sally tries to hide a smile. “On another subject, what are you doing here?”

Adam would rather not change the subject, but lets it drop, for Macy’s sake. “I came here to invite you and your mother out for lunch.”

Macy smiles. “That sounds like a wonderful idea. Mom?”

Sally grins. “Most definitely. Let me just tell Darla we’re going out.”

********

At Café Russe…

Stephanie, Eric, and Ridge are being seated. Eric and Ridge face the restaurant while Stephanie has her back to it.

Opening up her menu, “Its too bad Thorne couldn’t join us. Are you sure he has a meeting?”

Ridge exchanges a glance with his father. “That’s what he told me. I’m sure we can all get together another time.”

Stephanie smiles. “I just hope he’s not hiding out in his office. He must be in so much pain, with his marriage breaking up and all. Maybe I should try to talk to him about it again.”

Ridge and Eric both answer quickly. “No.”

“I’m sure he just needs some time to himself. You know, to heal.”

Stephanie looks over at her son. “But that’s what family is for. I want Thorne to be happy. Seeing him with Macy gave me the will to recover so quickly from the stroke. I wish I could do something to get them back together. I just get so upset thinking about the two of them breaking up. What could have caused it?” Nothing like a little more guilt to convince Eric and Ridge to keep Brooke away from Thorne. Of course, I can’t rely solely on their efforts, as good as they may be.

Again, Ridge and his father share a look. Eric starts to get angry thinking how Thorne’s behavior might cause his wife to relapse. Eric tries to change the subject. “Honey, try not to worry so much about it. I’m sure everything will work out in the end.”

Stephanie smiles at her husband. “Yes, I’m sure you’re right.” Besides, with the three of us working on it, how can we go wrong? Stephanie turns back to her menu.

********

Thorne paces in his office. Every few minutes, he pauses, first staring at his phone, and then staring at the door. Finally hearing a knock, Thorne jumps. He quickly walks over to open it and is slightly relieved when he sees Steve, the courier whom he gave his letter to.

“Well? Did you deliver it to her?” Steve slightly lowers his head. Seeing this, Thorne panics. “What? Don’t tell me you lost it?”

Steve quickly reassures him. “No, no, nothing like that. I made the delivery to the Logan house and hand delivered your letter, just like you asked.”

Now very impatient, Thorne has to force himself to stay calm. “Then what is it?”

(Softly) “I wasn’t able to deliver it personally to Brooke Logan. Her sister came to the door. When I explained I was supposed to give it to Brooke Logan, she just said Brooke was unable to come to the door and that she would accept it. Then she shut the door before I could say anything else.”

Thorne stares at him. “Are you sure she said she would give it to Brooke?”

Steve nods. “That’s what she said.”

Thorne relaxes a little. “That’s alright. I’m sure Brooke will get it.” Thorne reaches into his pocket for some money.

Upon receiving the tip, Steve smiles. Man, I thought I would be fired for sure.

“Do you think you would be up to making some more deliveries for me?”

(Enthusiastic) “Sure Mr. Forrester. Anytime.”

Thorne smiles at his enthusiasm. “After you receive your daily delivery from Megan, just stop by my office. I will probably have something for you. Got it?”

“Yes sir.” Steve leaves, gladly pocketing the tip. He was already looking forward to more deliveries, and more tips.

Inside his office, Thorne finally sits at his desk. I hope you give your sister the letter Katie. But why wouldn’t you? Thorne looks over at his phone. But will you read it and call me, Brooke? Can we repair our relationship, or have I permanently damaged it?

********

“Brooke?”

Brooke finally looks up from the envelope. “What?”

“What are you waiting for? Find out what he has to say.”

Brooke takes a deep breath and slowly releases it. “Katie, what more could we have to say to each other? Yes, he’s getting a divorce, yes, I’m having his child, but nothing else has changed. He still doesn’t trust me and I won’t let myself trust him again. (Determined) He’s not going to hurt me again. He might not mean to, but as long as he’s a member of the Forrester family, which he always will be, they will come between us. No,” Brooke sets down the letter on the table next to her, “there’s nothing more to say.” Turning from Katie, Brooke picks up the baby name book again.

Katie looks at the envelope and then back to Brooke, unsure of what she should say. Thorne knows the truth about Venice, and I know he wants to make things better with Brooke. But I don’t want to see my sister get hurt again, either. Maybe my talk with Thorne worked. Maybe this letter is telling her he will put her first above anyone else, especially his family. But how will Brooke know unless she reads it? Katie finally makes up her mind. Sitting down next to her sister, she picks up the letter and Brooke’s hand. (Gently) “Brooke, listen to me. I think you really need to read this.” As Brooke shakes her head in protest, Katie stops her. “Brooke, I spoke with Thorne the other day. He talked to Ridge after his conversation with you. Ridge finally told him the truth.”

Brooke just stares at Katie, not sure if she should be angry that Katie spoke with Thorne, or glad he knows the truth. Brooke decides to ignore her anger. “Katie, I know how much you want me to get back together with Thorne, but it’s not going to happen. I’m glad he knows the truth now, but it shouldn’t have taken Ridge to telling him for Thorne to believe me.” Brooke slightly shakes her head. “I’m surprised you are pushing so hard for me to forgive a man who basically called me a liar, and ran off and married someone else.”

Katie sighs. “Brooke, I know what he did to you. But you have to admit there were some pretty serious extenuating circumstances, with his family.” Katie winces, knowing she shouldn’t have brought up his family. That wasn’t the way to convince her. Well, at least she didn’t get mad I spoke to Thorne. How would she react to knowing I insinuated that she and Giovanni were dating?

“His family, exactly my point. And they will always be his family.”

“Yes, you’re angry. Yes, you’re hurt, but Brooke, at least give him a chance and read the letter. After that, I promise to stay silent and go along with any future decisions you decide to make. No questions asked. Just read the letter.” Katie hands Brooke the envelope. “I’ll go inside to give you some privacy.”

Inside, Katie just stands at the patio door, watching as Brooke just stares at the letter in her hand. (Softly to herself) “Come on Brooke, we both know that no matter what has already happened, you still love him. Read his letter.” Katie turns as she hears the kids enter the front door. “Hey you two, how was the beach.”

Rick answers “Great” while Bridget just shrugs.

Katie frowns, “Bridget are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. How’s Mom?”

Bridget starts to walk to the patio to say hello to her mother, but Katie stops her. “She’s fine, but I’m giving her some privacy right now.”

Bridget waits for her Aunt to continue with an explanation, but when one isn’t forthcoming, she just changes course to walk upstairs. “Ok. Rick, I’m going to take a shower. I’ll be ready in about twenty minutes.”

Rick nods.

Katie stops Rick before he too climbs the stairs. “You just got back. More big plans?”

“No, we just have to go out for a little while. If Mom asks, just tell her we’ll be back in time for dinner.” Rick walks up the stairs.

Katie just stands there with her hands on her hips. “What was that all about?” Katie walks back towards the patio door. Brooke is still staring at the envelope.

“Bye Aunt Katie.” Rick and Bridget quickly run out the front door before their Aunt can question them. Katie looks down at her watch and then back to Brooke, shaking her head. Have I really been standing here watching you for 25 minutes? Come on, if you don’t open that letter soon, I’m just going to have to rip it out of your hands and read it for myself.

As if reading her sister’s thoughts, Brooke slowly breaks the seal on the envelope and pulls out a few pages, and starts to read.

Inside, Katie just smiles.

********

Once they reach Taylor’s, Rick starts to open his car door but Bridget doesn’t move. “Come on, Bridget, the sooner we go in there, the sooner we can leave. Besides, I want to spend some time with Thomas, don’t you?”

Bridget sighs. “Yes, I just wish we could see Thomas without seeing his mother. Let’s just get this over with.” Bridget and Rick walk up to the front door, but before they can knock the door opens.

Taylor smiles. “Hi, I saw the two of you drive up. Come on in.” Once inside, Rick and Bridget sit down on the couch where Thomas sits, with some of his toys. After about twenty minutes of playing with him, Taylor excuses herself to put him down for a nap.”

Once she is gone, Bridget beseeches with her brother. “Come on Rick, let’s go. We did our good deed, and came over here. We could leave before she comes back down.”

“Aren’t you the slightest bit curious about what she has to say? I know I am.”

Bridget thinks it over. “A little, but I can’t imagine whatever she has to say will change my mind about the rest of our family. What excuses could she give about the way they treated Mom? Or are you looking for any reason to forgive Dad?”

(Shocked) “Bridget! How can you say that? You know that isn’t true. I’m just as upset about this as you are. Possibly even more, because of the way they used that Amber situation to come between me and Mom.” Rick shakes his head a little. “Look, like I said before, we are here to make an effort. Imagine Mom’s reaction if she knew how estranged we are from the rest of the family.” Bridget looks worried. “Exactly, you know she wants us to have a good relationship with Dad.”

Listening from the landing upstairs, Taylor gasps slightly. There goes Eric’s theory that Brooke is causing all the tension between him and the children.

Rick continues to try and convince his sister. “This way, when she does find out about Dad’s visit, and you know she will, we can honestly say we tried. Ok?”

“I guess.”

Taylor quickly hurries down and sits in the chair opposite them. “I’m sorry the girls were already asleep by the time you came over. The time at the beach really wore them out.” Rick and Bridget stay silent. Taylor continues. “Thomas really enjoyed your visit though.” Again, the kids say nothing. Taylor changes tactics. “Ok, no more small talk. Let’s get down to business. You probably guessed that the reason I asked you two to come over today is to talk about the argument you had with your Dad.” Bridget nods. “He came to me after he left your house, confused, hurt, and a little angry at the way you treated him.”

(Getting angry herself) “He’s angry?” Bridget couldn’t believe it. “He has no right to be. And confused? How so? I thought we made our position very clear.”

Taylor tries to keep everyone calm. “Bridget, I’m not disagreeing with you, I’m just letting you know how your father feels. Obviously he didn’t tell me everything. Why don’t you tell me why you are so angry with him?”

Rick smirks. “Oh, but we’re not just angry at him.”

Taylor is surprised. “Really? Who else are you mad at?”

“I think it would be safe to say that except for Mom and Aunt Katie, every other member of our family.” Rick turns to his sister. “Right.”

Bridget turns from her brother and stares at Taylor. “Exactly right.”

Confused by the venom in her voice, Taylor is determined to get some answers so she can help. “Ok, why don’t you tell me your reasons? Once I have all of the information, maybe I can help.”

“Oh, I think you’ve helped enough.” Taylor just looks at Bridget in confusion. “Ok, you want details?” Taylor nods. Bridget rises and starts pacing, unable to sit still. Rick just sits back and let’s his sister speak. “Ok, let’s start with Dad. Now I know the he and Mom didn’t always get along, but until recently he always defended her and stood up for her. But now he constantly criticizes her, personally and professionally. And in front of us. His hatred of Mom has forced us to choose between them.” Taylor starts to speak, but Bridget cuts her off. “No, you wanted to hear everything, I’m not even close to being done. But I think the worse thing he did was interfere in my mother’s happiness.” Bridget sees some understanding come across Taylor’s face. “Yes, we know all about the Venice plan, and everyone’s part in it. Including yours.”

“Bridget, Rick, I know it seems like an awful thing to have done,” Rick and Bridget nod, “but we had some very good reasons, and I do feel guilty about it.”

Rick and Bridget just look at her with skepticism. Bridget stays silent, giving her brother a turn. “Sure you do. You are filled with so much guilt that you stopped Ridge and Dad.” Taylor slowly lowers her head. “No, of course not. But then you have so much guilt you apologized to my mother. No, of course not. Tell me then, how much guilt could you really have?” Taylor is about to speak when Rick stops her. “No, answer this one first. When did your hatred for Mom outweigh everything else, including your own conscience?”

“Rick, I don’t hate your mother.”

“Really? It doesn’t seem like it to me. Oh sure, you acted like her friend for a little while, when it suited your own purposes. But as soon as you no longer needed her friendship, you discarded it like it was trash.”

(Slightly confused) “Rick, I never did that.”

(Sarcastic) “Really? Then who was it, when hospitalized with TB, asked my mother to take care of her husband and children if necessary?”

“I did, but...”

“That’s right. And who was it that encouraged my mother to move on with her life and find love again?”

“I did…”

“Yes, you did. But of course your tune changed when you found out my mother was involved with Thorne. But not right off though. You told her the best way to keep peace in the family was to befriend Stephanie. That was your advice, right?”

Taylor sighs. “Yes, but…”

Rick glares at her. “I’m not done yet. Then, what was it, two seconds later you change your mind and tell my mother that she is sick and in need of some professional help for loving Thorne? Interesting how you came to that conclusion, when you were guilty of the same thing.” Taylor gasps. Rick just smiles. “What? Did you think no one knew of your little fling with Dad? But that’s ancient history. Anyway, where was I?”

Bridget, really beginning to enjoy herself, pipes up. “Needing professional help.”

Rick turns to his sister and smiles. “That’s right, thanks. And finally, the piece de resistance, the Venice plan and your reasons behind it. Guilt notwithstanding, of course. I believe your reason was to save the live of Stephanie.” Taylor nods. “Something about how she couldn’t handle the stress of having my mother in the family again, right?”

(Quietly) “Yes. It would have killed her.”

Rick nods. “Uh huh. Being a psychiatrist, you could see how much stress she was under, right?”

“Yes.”

“Yet you never suggested Stephanie get some counseling to help her deal with her hatred of my mother. Whose only crime, by the way, was to fall in love. That thought never crossed your mind, did it?”

Feeling attacked, Taylor decides to defend herself. “Rick, of course I thought of that.” Rick and Bridget are surprised. “But it would have had to wait until she was better, physically. And time was running out. Your mother and Thorne were planning on telling her about the two of them right after they returned from Venice. We had to do something, her life was at stake.”

“So, instead of talking to Mom and Thorne, asking them to wait a little while longer until Stephanie could get some counseling, you decided to go ahead with ‘The Plan’? So in order to save one life, you ruin three: Macy, Thorne, and Mom.”

“Rick, yes, initially I went along with it to save Stephanie. But I was also thinking about Thorne.” Again, the kids look surprised. “Rick, Bridget, I’m sorry things didn’t work out between Thorne and Macy, but it never would have worked out between Thorne and your Mother. She never got over her love for Ridge. So without getting involved, three lives would have been ruined anyway: Stephanie would probably have had another stroke, and Thorne and Brooke relationship never could have survived.”

Very confused, Bridget looks at her sister-in-law. “Taylor, what are you talking about? Mom told Ridge many times that she didn’t love him anymore and that she was in love with Thorne.”

Taylor just shakes her head. (With sadness) “She might have said that, but what happened in Venice proved differently.”

Rick and Bridget share a look. “Taylor, I’m still confused. What do you think happened there?”

Taylor is now a little confused. “I thought you said your mother told you? Look, this is a little hard to discuss with the two of you.”

Rick sighs. “Taylor, just tell us.”

Taylor takes a deep breath. “Ridge was alone with her in the room and told Brooke that I was leaving him. She comforted him at first, then came on to him and got him on the bed. The were kissing when Thorne entered the room and saw them. I saw the same thing.”

Rick and Bridget are aghast. “That’s what you think happened?”

(Cautiously) “What do you mean, what I think happened?”

Rick shakes his head. (Gently) “Taylor, were you in that hotel room the entire time?”

“No.”

“Were you listening somehow?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then how did you come to the conclusion that Mom came on to Ridge?”

An uneasy feeling comes over Taylor. “That was the plan. Brooke has always wanted another chance to be with Ridge. Given that opportunity, we knew she would try and seduce him.” Taylor pauses seeing both Rick and Bridget shaking their heads, pity on their faces. She quickly continues, a little frantically. “But I saw them, on the bed.”

Rick rises from the sofa and motions for Bridget that they should leave. Taylor follows, determined to finish their conversation. Reaching the door, Rick turns to Taylor. “I suggest you have a long talk with your husband. See, you seem to be slightly confused. Ridge came on to Mom. Ridge got her on the bed. Ridge talked about old times and preyed on her emotions. Mom kept telling him to find you and work things out. She kept reaffirming that she loved only Thorne and was planning on spending the rest of her life with him. Ridge ignored her and kissed her. That one moment, before she pushed him off is what you and Thorne saw.” Rick opens the door for his sister and they walk to his car.

Stunned, Taylor just stands there, holding the door for support. “But that means…”

Bridget pauses before getting into the car. “Yes, congratulations Taylor. Your husband has been lying to you and you helped destroy Mom’s relationship with Thorne for nothing. Happy now?”

Taylor stands there shocked for a minute, unable to say anything.

“I guess not. Come on Rick, let’s go.” Rick and Bridget pull away.

Taylor just watches as the kids leave. Finally coming out of her stupor, she closes the door and walks to the mantle, picking up a picture of her and Ridge. Speaking to the picture, “Is what they said true? Why didn’t you tell me? I asked you about it on the plane back and assumed Brooke tried to seduce you. You didn’t correct me and we haven’t talked about it since.” Realization hits her. “Oh my god, that’s why Brooke cut off all contact with the Forresters. She never would have been that angry if she was the one that tried to seduce you.” As her legs give out, Taylor quickly sits down. “God, what have I done? Ridge, why didn’t you tell me? And what other secrets have you been keeping from me?

********

As the Forresters finish lunch, Eric looks around the restaurant and sees Adam Sally, and Macy walk in. A little worried, Eric quickly turns his attention back to his wife, hoping she doesn’t notice them.

The Spectras are soon seated; Adam and Sally face into the restaurant, while Macy faces her parents, her back to the rest of the dining room. After receiving their menus, Adam casually glances around the restaurant. He has calmed down since leaving Spectra Fashions and is even smiling a little. Upon spotting the Forresters across the restaurant, his face freezes. Seeing his expression, Sally leans over towards Adam while Macy is distracted with her menu. (Quietly) “What’s wrong?”

Adam would love to scream, but doesn’t want to upset Macy so he also whispers. “Over there, look who also decided to eat out for lunch.”

Sally soon sees the Forresters and grimaces. (Warningly) “Adam, please don’t make a scene. That’s the last thing Macy needs right now.”

“What are you two whispering about?”

Sally looks over at her daughter. “We’re just trying to decide on lunch. Your father’s trying to convince me to share an appetizer.” Sally shoots Adam a warning glare.

Macy buys the cover story. “What are you thinking about getting? I’m hungry, I’ll split it with you.” As the discussion turns back to the lunch order Sally gently kicks Adam under the table to make him stop glaring at the Forresters. Adam jumps, surprising Macy.

“Dad, are you alright?”

Totally shocked that Sally actually kicked him under the table, he tries to cover. “Oh, yes, I just remembered a phone call I have to make. If the waiter comes back go ahead and order for me.”

As Adam rises, Sally shoots him another warning glare. “Adam.”

“It shouldn’t take long, I’ll be right back Sally.”

After Adam leaves, Macy just stares at her mother. “What is going on with you two?”

Sally quickly looks back at her menu. “Nothing.”

Macy rolls her eyes in disbelief, but says nothing further.

Meanwhile, at the Forrester table, Ridge has spotted the Spectras and is having a hard time not looking over there. Finally, he too receives a gently kick under the table from his father and jumps slightly.

Stephanie throws down her napkin on the table. “Ok, that’s enough. What is distracting you?” Stephanie turns around and spots the Spectras as Adam leaves his table. “It that what is causing all the worry? Well stop it. In fact, I’m going over there to say hello to Macy.”

As Stephanie rises, Eric tries to stop her. “She’s sitting with Sally right now and doesn’t even know we’re here. You don’t need to get into another argument with Sally.”

Stephanie just waves him off. “Really Eric, we’re in public. I think I can have a civilized conversation with that woman. Besides, I don’t want to speak to Sally; I want to talk with Macy. I haven’t talked with her since before the accident.”

As Stephanie crosses the restaurant, Adam sees his chance and walks over to Eric and Ridge. Adam is furious, but not wanting to make a scene with his daughter present, he sits at the table so only Ridge and Eric will hear him. Ridge and Eric are surprised to see him as they had been watching Stephanie’s progress.

“Oh, hello Adam, Macy looks well.”

“Shut up Eric. I know you don’t care at all about my daughter’s well being, so don’t ever bother.” Eric is stunned, but Adam continues. “I didn’t come over here for a chat, I came here with a warning. Stay away from my family. Thanks to the two of you, my oldest daughter has been though hell these past months. Don’t give me that look, she told us everything you did to keep her and Thorne together when you knew Thorne didn’t love her anymore. Well, she’s strong and will come through this, but leave her alone.” Adam looks over to his table, and sees Stephanie approaching Sally and Macy. “Keep your wife away as well.”

At the Spectra table, Sally groans as she sees Stephanie walking towards them. “Oh no.”

Macy looks up at her mother. “What’s wrong?”

“Trouble.”

Reaching their table, Stephanie taps Macy on the shoulder. Macy turns, sees Stephanie and rises. Disgusted, Sally stays seated.

Stephanie pulls Macy into a quick hug and then releases her. “I’m so glad to see you. (Sadly) Thorne told us about the accident and the divorce. I wish there was something I could do for the two of you.”

Macy shakes her head. “There’s nothing to be done. It was a mistake for us to get married. We are both better off this way. I just want Thorne to be happy, and I know he wishes the same for me.”

“How can you say that? You love each other. There must be some way to fix this. I know you two can work this out.”

“Enough!” Sally throws her napkin on the table, rising from her seat. “You never listen, do you Stephanie? Did the stroke affect your hearing?” Stephanie glares hatefully at Sally. “Well, let me make it clear for you. Their marriage is over, finished, with no hope of reconciliation. Everyone has accepted it. Macy is going through enough right now without you barging over here and disturbing our lunch. You said what you came over here to say. Now why don’t you just go back to your family and let me take care of mine?”

At the Forrester table, Adam continues to warn the Forresters. “And, just so we don’t have to have this conversation again, don’t try anything with my youngest daughter either.” Eric opens his mouth to speak, but Adam stops him. “No, this isn’t a conversation, it’s a monologue. I speak; you listen. It really isn’t that difficult. Rick and Kimberly are dating. I’m not happy about it, and would rather she have nothing to do with your despicable family. But unlike you, I don’t scheme and plan to ruin my children’s love lives on a whim. And if I ever hear of you planning anything for Kimberly like what you did to Macy, just see how long it takes me to fill in Stephanie about everything.” Eric and Ridge’s eyes start to bulge. “That’s right. I know she doesn’t have any idea about Brooke and Thorne and everything else. If you want to keep it that way, comply with my wishes.” Adam leaves to walk back to his table.

Ridge quickly turns to his father. “How did he find out?”

“Thorne must have told Macy. I’m going to kill him, how could he put your mother’s life at stake again. If Adam knows, then so does Sally. How long do you think it will take before Sally and Stephanie get into another fight, and Sally uses that information to hurt her?”

“Not long. We better do what Adam says and keep mother away from them.” Ridge looks over at the Spectra table and quickly rises. “Uh oh. Come on Dad, we better get Mom out of there.” Eric readily agrees, seeing that Stephanie and Sally are about to come to blows.

Stephanie turns as Adam, Ridge, and Eric reach the table. “Come on mother, let’s leave the Spectras to their lunch.” Seeing the expression on his wife’s face, Eric knows things could not have gone well and rushes to stop anything else from being said. He gently pulls her from the table and out the door. With a pointed look at his wife, “We all have work to do back at Forrester, right?”

With one last backwards glance at the Spectras, Stephanie exits the restaurant and agrees with her husband. “You’re right, Eric. There are some facts I need to check for a very important project.” Eric waits, but Stephanie doesn’t elaborate.

Inside the restaurant, Adam, Sally, and Macy all take their seats. Macy sighs. “Really Mother, I can handle Stephanie.”

“I know, but you shouldn’t have to. You are no longer a part of her family, and she shouldn’t be pressuring you to reconcile with Thorne. Don’t worry, I think she got the message.”

Macy just nods, slightly relieved that her mother stepped in. She would never let Sally know it, though.

********

As Adam returns home, he immediately calls for his daughter. “Kimberly! Are you home?”

Kimberly comes out of the kitchen, eating an apple. “Hey Dad, what’s up?”

Adam grabs her by the hand and leads her to the couch. Surprised, Kimberly sits with him and waits for him to speak.

“Kimberly, I really need you to listen to me. I know you won’t like what I have to say, but please believe me when I tell you I’m doing this because I love you. I don’t want them to hurt you like they did your sister.”

(Tense) “Dad, what’s going on? You’re really starting to scare me.”

“You have to stop seeing Rick Forrester.”

Kimberly immediately relaxes. “Dad, I’m not going to have this conversation with you again. I like the Forresters. Bridget is my friend, Brooke is my boss, and Rick is my boyfriend. I know our families don’t have the best history, but, come on.” Kimberly starts to stand, but Adam pulls her back down. (Surprised) “Dad, what’s gotten into you?”

“I just came from seeing your sister.”

“Macy? How is she doing?”

Adam snorts. “She would be fine if the Forrester’s would leave her alone.”

Kimberly rolls her eyes. “Dad, she and Thorne are getting a divorce. Soon there won’t be any reason for them to see her. Unless she wants to.”

(Softly) “Well I made sure they would stay away.”

“Dad, you aren’t making any sense.”

“Kimberly, the only thing that will come out of a relationship with a Forrester is a broken heart. It already happened to one daughter. I won’t let it happen to you too.”

“Dad, just because things didn’t go so well with Thorne and Macy, doesn’t mean the same thing will happen with Rick and me. How many times do I have to tell you that? Rick and Thorne are two separate guys.”

Adam shakes his head. “No, they are brothers and they are Forresters. All they do is lie and break your heart.”

Kimberly sighs. “Dad, Rick has always been up front with me. Even back when Amber was in the picture.”

“Tells you everything, huh? Did you know about Brooke and Thorne?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh, so there is something he has been keeping from you?”

(Getting aggravated) “Dad, I’m not going to play these games with you. Tell me, don’t tell me, it’s your call.” Kimberly again starts to stand.

“Did you know they were engaged last year?” Adam’s words cause her to freeze and sit back down.

“They who?”

“Brooke and Thorne.”

Kimberly shakes her head. “That’s crazy. Thorne and Macy were engaged last year. He married Macy. You’re just saying this to cause problems between me and Rick.”

“ Kimberly, I would never lie to break up your relationship. That’s the Forresters’ method. No, Macy said that Thorne proposed to Brooke in Venice the day before he and your sister were married.”

(Shocked) “Macy told you this?”

“Yes.”

“Why would he do that?”

“It’s complicated. All that matters is that Thorne married Macy when it was obvious he didn’t love her and your sister got hurt. Rick must have known about his mother’s relationship and kept quiet all this time. If Rick had been honest with you, we would have known and I could have stopped it.”

“Stopped what? They didn’t tell anyone they were getting married.”

“I could have stepped in before Macy started drinking and ended that farce of a marriage long before any real damage was done.” Adam looks over at his daughter who sits there, stunned. (Slightly triumphant) “So, do you still think that boyfriend of yours tells you everything?”

Without saying a word, Kimberly rises and walks towards her bedroom. Adam calls after her. “Kimberly, where are you going?”

“I have to make a phone call.” Kimberly closes her bedroom door behind her as she picks up the phone to dial Rick. Rick, I hope you are home from Taylor’s, because I have to find out if what my Dad said is true. Did you really know about your mom and Thorne? If you did, how could you not tell anyone? Maybe Dad’s wrong and you didn’t know about Brooke and Thorne. But how could you not have known about someone your mother was so serious about. Come on Rick, answer the phone!

In the living room, Adam is still seated on the couch but looks down the hallway towards his daughter’s room. “I’m sorry I had to do that Kimberly. But it’s the truth. Rick is a Forrester, just like his brother and father. What happens when the rest of his family decides that you won’t do as a girlfriend? What kind of plot will they come up with to deal with you? I can’t let that happen. I just won’t.”

********

In his photo studio at Forrester Creations, Giovanni sits at his desk, humming. Smiling, he picks up the phone and dials Megan’s desk.

At her desk, Megan answers the phone. “Forrester Creations, Megan speaking.”

“Hello, Megan, can you guess who this is?”

Megan laughs, looks around, and then speaks softly into the phone. “Giovanni, why are you calling me? I just saw you a few hours ago.”

“Maybe because I missed you and wanted to see if you missed me too?”

“Giovanni…”

(Innocent) “What? Can’t I call my girlfriend up in the middle of the day to tell her I missed her?”

“Not if the girlfriend is trying to keep her personal life private at her job.”

Giovanni just sighs. “This again? I don’t see what the big deal is if people around her know about us.”

“I told you. You haven’t been working here as long as I have. Believe me, the rumor mill is horrible, and I don’t want our relationship to be part of it.” Megan sighs. “I’m happy, you’re happy, our friends know about us, what’s the problem if we keep it quiet at work?”

Behind Giovanni, Stephanie has just arrived and stands at the slightly opened door, listening in. I know you’re hiding something Giovanni. This time I’m going to get proof.

Unaware of Stephanie’s presence, Giovanni continues his conversation. “I still don’t see what the problem is. If our relationship causes you problems, then as CEO…”

Megan cuts him off. “NO! I don’t want to involve Brooke in this. She’s going through enough as it is. Besides, you can’t just order people to stop gossiping. If anything, it would just make it worse. It’s my decision. I want to keep things quiet, at least for a little while. Please?”

Giovanni laughs. “You know I will do anything you ask. Ok, no more talk about going public. At least until you are ready.”

At the doorway, Stephanie can’t believe her luck. This proves it; he’s on the phone with her right now. He wants to go public with their relationship, but Brooke doesn’t want everyone at the company to know. I can see her point though. What would everyone think? A CEO and a photographer? Of course, Brooke never cared about public opinion before. I wonder what made her start now. Maybe I can somehow convince them to stop hiding their relationship. It would be that much harder for Thorne if everyone knew Brooke was seeing Giovanni. Stephanie continues to listen in.

Grateful that she convinced him, again, Megan quickly changes the subject. “Guess who I just got off the phone with?”

Giovanni thinks for a minute, and then takes a wild guess. “Uh, the pope?”

Megan laughs. “No silly. Katie.”

“And what did she have to say?”

(Nonchalant) “Oh nothing important. Just the fact that Brooke is going to have a little girl.”

(Very Excited) “Really? A little girl? Are the doctors positive?”

Megan laughs. “Well, I don’t know about positive, but that’s what Katie said.”

“This is so great. I always wanted a daughter.”

Totally stunned, Stephanie backs away from the doorway. A little girl? A daughter? Brooke’s pregnant with Giovanni’s baby? Confident she has enough information to forever destroy Thorne’s chances with Brooke, Stephanie walks back to her office to plan her next move.

In his photo studio, Giovanni can’t stop talking about how wonderful the news of a little girl is. Laughing, Megan is finally able to interrupt him. “Giovanni, you know it’s not your baby, right?”

Giovanni also laughs. “Don’t be silly, of course I do. But Uncle Giovanni is going to spoil that baby and her mother rotten. Come on, you know you are planning on doing the same thing.”

(Grinning) “Yeah, of course I am.”

“This baby will have so much love, she won’t even miss not having a father.”

“Well, there’s news about that too. Thorne wrote Brooke a letter. Katie said she’s reading it now. Maybe things will finally turn around for those two.”

(Pessimistic) “I wouldn’t get my hopes up.”

“Come on, they love each other. He’s divorcing Macy. She’s having is baby. What could get in their way now?”

In her office, Stephanie can’t stop smiling. Oh, this is too good to be true. Things couldn’t have worked out better if I planned them myself. There is nothing that keeps two people together like a baby. Brooke will have a new life with Giovanni and their baby. This will keep Brooke away from Thorne forever. It would be better if they were married, (Stephanie shrugs) but a baby is the next best thing. Who know? Maybe I should drop a few hints to Giovanni. Yeah, how he’ll want to give the baby his name. And how a daughter needs both of her parents in order to raise her properly. And how it will be much better for the child when she gets older if her parents are married. Better for her self-esteem, better for her development, and better so that she will be like all her friends. This is just too good to be true. Now, how do I use this information, but not give myself away? Who do I tell first, Eric, Thorne or Ridge? Who will use this information to the best advantage? Stephanie suddenly grins as she reaches for the phone. Oh, that’s just perfect.

(Talking into the phone) “Hi, it’s me. Can you come to my office for a few minutes?”

End of Part 13

Go to Part 14

Home

Number of visitors since April 17, 2000