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Post by brickfan on Jul 10, 2007 12:15:19 GMT -5
Okay, ladies! I have a confession to make of sorts. After reading your comments, I went back and re-read what I wrote. I spent a considerable amount of time describing Nick's attire in detail, from the towel he wore to the clothing he picked. However, I failed to answer one crucial question: Yikes! So rather than doing an edit of that section, I've decided to let you use your rather vivid imaginations to answer that particular question! In all honesty, it's highly possible that Nick wears neither! Nothing wrong with my imagination MissJr. Wow, it's getting hotter and hotter
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Post by newestconvert on Jul 10, 2007 16:35:19 GMT -5
pretty sure Nick is a boxer kinda guy....
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MontanaLindy
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Post by MontanaLindy on Jul 10, 2007 22:34:19 GMT -5
I just got caught up on my reading! I am loving it! Of course I really like the Nick and Brooke parts, but the Deacon and Massimo confrontations are great! ;D
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
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Post by MissJr on Jul 11, 2007 9:04:36 GMT -5
Now, now, Brickfan and newestconvert! Nick might be a boxer or briefs type of guy. But, aren't you all glad that he isn't a Speedos guy?
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
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Post by MissJr on Jul 11, 2007 9:07:45 GMT -5
I just got caught up on my reading! I am loving it! Of course I really like the Nick and Brooke parts, but the Deacon and Massimo confrontations are great! ;D Thank you, MontanaLindy! I'm enjoying the Nick and Brooke parts, as well, and can't wait for them to interact. I'm glad you enjoyed the Deacon and Massimo confrontations, too! Unfortunately, Deacon may have unwittingly signed poor Tricia's death warrant. Maybe Deacon or someone else will be able to save her before it's too late.
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
Posts: 14,065
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Post by MissJr on Jul 11, 2007 9:48:29 GMT -5
Eric allowed Thorne, Kristen and Felicia to enjoy a brief and joyful reunion before he got them all settled in his study. After they were all seated, he closely examined the faces and mannerisms of each, questioning if he were doing the right thing.
"Where's Macy?" Felicia pointedly asked.
"You know good and well that we're no longer together." Thorne replied shortly.
"Awwww ... what a shame!" Felicia taunted. "It's a wonder you managed to stay awake given that she's a cure-all for insomnia."
"Felicia, that's enough!" Eric said sharply.
"Sorry, Dad." Felicia said with pursed lips.
"Why don't you tell Kristen and Felicia why we're here," Thorne suggested.
"Yes, we're ALL ears!" Felicia said.
"No you're not—you're all mouth!" Thorne teased.
"Stop it, you two!" Kristen snapped in exasperation and rolled her eyes. "Dad, please go ahead." She gently smiled.
Eric's children looked at him expectantly. He took a deep breath and began. "Of course, you all know that when Ridge left Forrester Creations last year, he went to work for Massimo Marone," he began. Eric's children nodded. "You are also aware that your mother moved in with Massimo shortly after that because—according to her—she was "disappointed" in me because I refused to vote to make Ridge permanent CEO of Forrester Creations."
"But, you and Mother are back together," Kristen said.
"As of yesterday, that is no longer the case. It's over!" Eric forcefully announced.
Kristen and Felicia audibly gasped. Thorne remained quiet.
"I knew it!" Felicia sighed. Eric hesitated before speaking again.
"Go on, Dad. Tell them the rest," Thorne encouraged.
"I met with Thorne earlier before you arrived because I wanted to go over some things with him. For starters, your mother and I signed a Post-Nuptial Agreement that says that if our marriage ended this time, then the party at fault would either voluntarily resign from Forrester or relinquish all interest in the company. So, in addition to filing for divorce, I will be putting together a formal offer to buy your mother out. Once that is done, Stephanie's stock will be redistributed. But, that's only a part of it. I will be having my Will redrafted. Of course, I will be fair to your mother in the divorce, but under no circumstances will she inherit any part of my estate. I want you all to bear witness to that."
"I don't understand." Kristen said, shaking her head in disbelief. However, Felicia sensed that Eric was not done.
"There's more, isn't there?" She asked.
"Yes, baby, there's more. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I'm cutting Ridge off. Period. Not only is he being disinherited, but any relationship he has with Forrester Creations ends as of TODAY." Eric grimly stated.
"NO!" Kristen shouted. "You can't do that!"
"Dad, Kristen is right." Felicia agreed. "I don't care if Ridge IS working for this Massimo Marone. He's still a Forrester; he's one of US!"
"They're right, Dad," Thorne chimed in. "I understand that Ridge hurt you last year, but—"
"I understand how you all feel, but this is my decision and I'm sticking to it. I'm not discounting Ridge's considerable contributions to Forrester Creations. But, he will be divested of his shares effective immediately. I bent over backwards to keep this family together! Even when Massimo did everything he could to turn my son—to turn Ridge—against me. Had I known a year ago what I know now—"
"Dad, what in the world is so different now?" Kristen asked with tears in her eyes.
Normally, Eric's heart would have melted, as he hated to see any of his daughters cry especially Kristen, who had always been sensitive. However, he hardened his heart so that he would not be dissuaded from what he had to do. Thorne put his arm around Kristen. The usually tough-as-nails Felicia was also on the verge of tears.
"Everything's changed." Eric said. "Ridge—the boy I raised to manhood, who I taught everything I know, whom I loved even before he was born—he's not ... " Eric paused.
In a moment of clarity, Thorne's eyes widened in horror. "He's not, what?" Thorne asked hoarsely. With his eyes, he begged his father not to go any further. You are wrong! He silently shouted. Eric sadly shook his head, silently conveying to Thorne that the truth had to be told.
"Ridge is your brother, but he's not my son! He's not MINE!" Eric cried.
All three of his children stared at him in shock. They couldn't have been any more surprised than if he had stood on top of his head on his desk in the nude.
"It's NOT true!" Kristen tearfully yelled.
Eric immediately went to her and tried vainly to comfort her. "I have proof—straight from the horse's mouth." Eric said.
Thorne angrily stood. "I don't believe it. Ridge looks just like YOU! I mean—if he isn't your son, then who's his father?"
"Just GUESS!" Kristen sobbed loudly.
"Massimo! I just KNEW it!" A horror-struck Felicia gasped. "No wonder she treated Ridge differently from the rest of us, putting him on a pedestal and obsessing over him. And she—oh my, God! SHE knew it all along, too, didn't she?"
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Post by karen3012 on Jul 11, 2007 14:10:55 GMT -5
Wooohooo Miss Jr. might Ridge finally get a little of what he has deserved for years? I also love the banter between the brother and sisters.
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
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Post by MissJr on Jul 11, 2007 16:46:24 GMT -5
Wooohooo Miss Jr. might Ridge finally get a little of what he has deserved for years? I also love the banter between the brother and sisters. I'm glad you're enjoying Eric and that backbone, as well as the banter between the siblings! I've always found it beyond unrealistic that Ridge was able to flit in and out of Forrester Creations after the stunts he pulled over the years. If he wanted to work for Massimo, fine. But he shouldn't have been allowed to use the company and pick and choose fathers every time he couldn't get his way from one of them. Since he claimed he "understood" his mother shacking up with Massimo, hopefully, he'll "understand" Eric's position.
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Post by newestconvert on Jul 11, 2007 19:24:23 GMT -5
I am probably in the minority liking Eric... glad to see he is finally kicking steph to the curb
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Post by Horsey on Jul 12, 2007 8:09:52 GMT -5
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
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Post by MissJr on Jul 12, 2007 8:33:53 GMT -5
Wooohooo Miss Jr. might Ridge finally get a little of what he has deserved for years? I also love the banter between the brother and sisters. Ditto here! ICAM!! Wonderful MissJr... Ridge's reaction is going to be soooooooooo sweet! I can see the battle for FC that's coming. Boy is Steph going to go off when she realizes what Eric's been up to. Thank you! The battle for FC will be a battle royal. I already have it mapped out in my head; now I just need to get the dialogue and settings down on paper. Poor Ridge! He's been the scion and crown prince of the Forrester family all his life and has been well favored as a result. Is it possible that Thorne will finally get out of the basement?
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
Posts: 14,065
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Post by MissJr on Jul 12, 2007 9:00:30 GMT -5
CHAPTER 3 - "MAMA'S BABY; PAPA'S MAYBE?"IN LOVING MEMORY OF TAYLOR FORRESTER DEVOTED WIFE, MOTHER AND DAUGHTER Sunrise - July 3, 1962 Sunset – October 25, 2002
Stephanie angrily hurled Brooke's discarded bridal bouquet at the only place she found fitting—the base of Taylor's headstone. Looking heavenward and shaking her fists, she sobbed fitfully as her eyes filled with angry and bitter tears. "Why, God? WHY?!" Stephanie screamed in anguish. Taylor had been taken from them much too soon, she thought. "It's so damned unfair! It shouldn't have been you, Taylor. I should have been there to take that bullet myself." She said with regret. After all, she had lived a full life, whereas Taylor had had so much to live for and to look forward to. For months, Stephanie had steadfastly refused to verbalize the vicious thoughts that reverberated through her mind like a bitter refrain ever since Taylor's death. She had held her thoughts in check ever mindful of the disapproval she would undoubtedly receive if she dared to express what she really felt. But, in this hallowed place—the one place where she could be honest with herself and "her" God—she finally released the forbidden emotions that had been bottled up inside her for months: "Why couldn't it have been YOU?!" Stephanie screamed. "Taylor was just too good to die. She didn't deserve this—none of it. It should have been YOU, Brooke! All because you had to get your little bastard child some milk, Taylor is GONE!" Having fully vented and issued her hateful verdict, Stephanie's breath came in ragged gasps. After a few minutes, she was overcome with a sense of tranquility. Of course, she knew that Brooke hadn't really pulled the trigger on that fateful day. But, she despised that tramp just the same and was exhausted with the effort it took to be civil to her for Ridge's sake. She had always known that that tramp wouldn't be satisfied until Taylor was dead and gone, and she managed to accomplish just that. An emotionally drained Stephanie forlornly sat on one of the marble benches in the garden a few yards away from the main house. She sadly looked across the well-tended garden, a place that Taylor had always found such peace and joy. For a few minutes, she meditated on the family's losses and the upheaval they experienced after Taylor's death. She then stiffly stood and walked over to the headstone and touched the cold marble. "Honey, I once promised you that all the dreams you had for your children would come true, and I meant that. I don't care what Ridge says. I know you would have NEVER wanted Brooke to sit at the head of your table or to be the mistress of your home! I know you would have been disgusted at the thought of her sleeping in the same bed you slept in. You would have NEVER wanted her to be a stepmother to your children! She's already slept with Deacon—her own daughter's husband. She's such a slut that it would have been just a matter of time before she started in on Thomas! Well, as God is my witness—as God is my witness! I will move heaven and earth to make sure she NEVERS moves into this house!" Stephanie vowed with a clenched fist. "I will work to restore honor and decency to this house. Those children will be raised in a house by people with integrity, Christian values and morals— not in a house of perversion." Stephanie's eyes clouded over as she briefly recalled the horrific events of the previous day. "Goodbye for now, sweetheart," Stephanie whispered as she caressed the cold headstone once more. She then turned, squared her shoulders and purposefully marched toward the house Taylor loved so much. _______________
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
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Post by MissJr on Jul 12, 2007 16:46:05 GMT -5
"I still don't believe it." Felicia said thinly. "Mother? And Massimo?" She asked, before shuddering in distaste. "And, all this time, she knew Ridge wasn't your son." Kristen replied tiredly, wiping her eyes. "And she was perfectly willing to cheat the rest of us and let Ridge take over Forrester Creations." "That's what's messing with me the most," Felicia said angrily. "Everything she's ever done, it's always been all about him. To hell with the rest of us!" As angry and as hurt as his sisters were, Thorne was less willing to jump to conclusions. "Dad, you said you actually had proof—straight from the horse's mouth." Thorne quietly commented. "Are you saying that she actually admitted it?" He skeptically asked. Eric sighed before responding. "Thorne, I overheard your mother and Massimo discussing it yesterday after the wedding was halted." "What did she say exactly?" Thorne inquired. "Massimo was having some kind of apoplectic fit and threatened to expose your mother's lies if she didn't tell me the truth once and for all. I had no idea what he was referring to, but, when Massimo insisted that he was no longer going to be cut out of his son's life, one look at your mother's face told me all I needed to know. Call me crazy," Eric said brokenly as he ran his fingers through his hair in agitation. "By now, you think I would know everything there is to know about your mother, but she still manages to surprise me. Not once did she deny it! All she did was beg him to keep quiet. She ended up staying at Ridge's last night, but when she came home this morning, she confirmed it when I confronted her. Of course, finding all her things outside on the front lawn may have had something to do with her decision to be more forthcoming." "Either that, or she was terrified that Massimo would tell you first." Thorne said dryly. "What?" A surprised Kristen asked, as she and Felicia exchanged glances. "I told you earlier that she was not spending another night in this house again—ever. I don't want her to have any reason whatsoever to come back here, which is why I also changed the locks." Eric explained. "Your mother has some furniture and furnishings that she came into the marriage with. Obviously, those things are hers, and I will have my lawyer contact hers to make the necessary arrangements to have everything sent to her." Felicia moaned almost inaudibly. "Dad, I know you think you did the right thing when you remarried Mother after her stroke a few years ago, but I knew even then it was a mistake." "Exactly!" Kristen agreed. "There was a reason you divorced her the first time around and obviously nothing has changed. When she left you and moved in with Massimo for a year, why didn't you just let her go?" "While a part of me regrets a lot of things, I will never want to take away the look of happiness on your mother's face when we remarried." "Yeah, Dad, but at what cost?" Felicia demanded. "She not only put Ridge over the rest of us, but she put his interests over yours, as well." "Well, at least alligators eat their young! It's shocking how she was willing to sacrifice our inheritance just so Ridge could get a bigger piece of the pie," a bitter Kristen said. "This is just beyond comprehension to me." Thorne interjected. "Even if Mother confirmed that Massimo is Ridge's father, what other proof do you have? You know that Mother will fight you tooth and nail. It's not as if Mother and 'the truth' even belong in the same sentence! She'll develop amnesia and will just simply deny everything." "Oh, I have the proof alright. Trust me. I didn't even know it, but it's been in this house all along." Eric replied quietly as he looked at his son evenly. Thorne's eyes widened slightly in comprehension. "You mean that chest in the armoire?" He asked softly. Eric mutely nodded, confirming Thorne's suspicions. "What chest?" Kristen asked, narrowing her eyes perceptively. "Let's just say that it's a little keepsake your mother left behind." Eric responded cryptically. _______________
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Post by newestconvert on Jul 12, 2007 20:54:50 GMT -5
Finally the chest!!!!
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Post by brickfan on Jul 13, 2007 5:29:53 GMT -5
The one milliondollar question. What's in the chest?? Can't wait to hear that. Bring it on MissJr.
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
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Post by MissJr on Jul 13, 2007 11:42:08 GMT -5
Ladies, I can't reveal the contents of the chest right now, but let's just say that it will prove to be a real treasure trove during the divorce proceedings, and possibly the fight for Forrester Creations! ;D
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
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Post by MissJr on Jul 13, 2007 11:51:10 GMT -5
"Domestic disputes? I don't know what the hell you're talking about. All I know is that you are hiding my wife somewhere in this hotel—more than likely against her will. Now, WHERE is she?!" An annoyed Ridge demanded. He was sick and tired of the bullsh*t. He wanted his Logan back and he wanted her now! Lorenzo Florencia, the manager of the Regent Beverly Wilshire, controlled the urge to bang his head into a wall in frustration. "Mr. Forrester, please try to understand the position we're in. You caused quite an uproar at the registration desk and insulted one of the hardest working clerks we have—something that you've yet to apologize for, and—" "Apologize? For what?! I have no intention of apologizing to some overly sensitive clerk who's got her panties in a twist over some perceived insult!" Ridge snapped impatiently. "She was out of order—talking to me like that." "Well, Mr. Forrester, you did insult her and you were a little out of order yourself," Mr. Florencia reminded Ridge. "If her feelings are hurt, then I suggest she take it up with her union. I'M the customer here, and the last time I checked, I'M the one who's always right." Ridge arrogantly insisted as he went off on a tangent. "As I was saying before I was interrupted," Mr. Florencia timidly interjected, "you've made some very serious allegations against this hotel. We're actually involved in some vast, ridiculous, and far-reaching conspiracy to keep Ms. Logan, I mean—um, Mrs. Forrester from you? Come on. Do you honestly believe that?" "Yes, I do," Ridge stubbornly replied with his arms folded and his jaw set. "My fa—uh—Massimo Marone is behind this and I'm sure he paid you a pretty penny." "Fine," Mr. Florencia said, restraining the urge to gnash his teeth in frustration. "Obviously, there's nothing I can say that will change your mind." "No, there isn't. Now, do you intend to tell me where my wife is or do I have to physically search every square inch of this hotel myself?" By now, Mr. Florencia was simply fed up and refused to entertain Ridge's "conspiracy theories" any longer. "Mr. Forrester, this is a respectable establishment, not some cheap motel or dive on Figuerola Blvd.," the manager snapped with irritation. "Whatever kind of marital squabble you and your wife are having, we don't want it here and I strongly suggest you take it elsewhere. Given your physical appearance, naturally, I am concerned about the potential for any further violence." Mr. Florencia said, looking squarely at Ridge's shiner. Not even married a day and the Forresters were already battling. Yet, this fool wants to blame us, Mr. Florencia thought with disdain. He could only imagine what Mr. Forrester's poor bride must have looked like!"What?!" A genuinely shocked Ridge gasped. He was momentarily speechless. Accustomed to being treated deferentially, Ridge did not know which offended him most—Mr. Florencia's disrespectful tone or his insinuation that Brooke had beaten the crap out of him. Relieved that he had finally managed to shut Ridge up, even briefly, Mr. Florencia continued. "Now, in light of your belligerent behavior and for other obvious reasons, I have no choice but to ask you to voluntarily vacate the premises." "WHAT?! You're actually telling me that I have to leave?" An enraged Ridge asked in disbelief. "Voluntarily." Mr. Florencia reiterated. "You've gotta be kidding me! What about my suite key? What about my WIFE?!" "Mr. Forrester, you can either walk out of here under your own power or I'll have you escorted out. It's YOUR choice. Now, surely you wouldn't want to publicly endure that particular indignity." Mr. Florencia none-too-subtly warned, studiously ignoring Ridge's outburst. "This is some bullsh*t!" Ridge exploded. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Mr. Forrester," Mr. Florencia apologized, not in the least bit sorry. "Yeah, you're sorry alright. You're the sorriest motherf—oh, never mind. I'll leave, but you better believe Forrester will NEVER spend another dime here again. You all f*cked with the wrong man this time!" Ridge ranted as his language grew coarser. "By the time I'm done with you, you'll not only be out of a job, but I'll OWN this hotel!" "And, of course, I'll never work or eat lunch in this town again. Tsk! Tsk! Well, that's just a risk I'll have to take, Mr. Forrester," the now emboldened manager replied nonchalantly. "You're not the first client who has made such 'promises,' and I'm sure you won't be the last. Oh, and you needn't worry about that key to the bridal suite. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to." Mr. Florencia then turned on his heel and walked to the door and opened it. With a flourish, he waved his hand toward the hallway, clearly signally that he wanted Ridge on the other side of the door. "Yeah, alright," Ridge said as he stalked out of the office. "This sh*t isn't over. Got that? You better believe it's not over!" He growled. _______________
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
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Post by MissJr on Jul 13, 2007 11:59:29 GMT -5
Checking her appearance one last time, Bridget took an inventory of herself and was quite pleased with what she saw. With a girlish giggle, she playfully blew a kiss at her mirrored image. Although she slept fitfully the night before and had earlier engaged in a crying jag after her freakish phone call with CJ, cucumber slices and artfully applied makeup alleviated the puffiness and shadows beneath her eyes. Her skin, which had been somewhat sallow earlier, now had a healthy glow with the help of some bronzer and a soft rosy blusher. Her lips were enhanced with a soft pink shade of MAC lip pencil and matching Lip Glass. Bridget shook her head vigorously and ran her fingers through her freshly curled strawberry blond hair to make it look fuller. She couldn't help comparing her own hair to her mother's flaxen locks. Hmm . . . maybe an appointment with her hairdresser was in order, she thought. After all, Ridge never seemed to tire of stroking her mother's hair or telling her how beautiful it was. Bridget frowned slightly. Now why did she have to go and think about that? Not that she was thinking along those lines, Bridget quickly amended, in a futile attempt to not even go there. But, she was quite certain her hair would look better if it was, well . . . just a little blonder. Placing her hands on her slender hips, she surveyed herself from several angles. Her mauve-colored jersey knit dress skimmed over her lean body but did not fit her quite as snugly as she would have liked. But that's okay, she thought as she provocatively stuck her rump out. A seamless push-up brassiere more than compensated for what nature failed to provide. Her sheer thong panties ensured that no tale-tale panty lines would be visible. Of course, Mom with her dangerous curves would have filled this dress out with no effort at all and would have flaunted it for all it was worth, she thought spitefully. Bridget stared unseeingly at her reflection until her own image disappeared. Instead, she saw the way Ridge's eyes widened with admiration and appreciation as they roamed over her mother's ripe figure. She then saw the proprietary and casual way Ridge's hand rested on the small of her mother's back while his fingertips lingered at the top of her shapely bottom. Just as quickly, the images vanished as Bridget snapped out of her reverie. What was wrong with her? After all, it wasn't like she was trying to make herself attractive for Ridge or anything. She was only going to visit the children, and their welfare would always be her primary concern. _______________
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
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Post by MissJr on Jul 13, 2007 16:00:02 GMT -5
Wrapped in the plushest of terrycloth robes, with their still-damp hair in towels, Brooke and Katie glanced at one another in consternation. Brooke could not imagine what was so urgent that her spa treatment had to be interrupted. Initially fearing that something had happened to one of her children, her fear turned into sheer disgust as the aggrieved and clearly embarrassed hotel manager explained his dilemma. For his part, he was stunned to find a relaxed woman, who gave no outward sign whatsoever that she had been battered or abused in any way. "I hope you can appreciate our position, Mrs. Forrester. It's just that your husband was so rude and behaved so outrageously. Quite frankly, there was something a little off about him. I simply had no choice but to err on the side of caution and demand that he vacate the premises." "Mr. Florencia, I don't know what you were told you, but that jackass—that man—is NOT my husband!" Brooke stated firmly, her hazel eyes flashing in anger. "And, thank God for that!" Katie nodded, confirming Brooke's assertion. "Not your husband?" The manager gulped. "But ... but ... I thought ... Ms. Logan, I don't know what to say except I'm so sorry. You see, your wedding announcement is already in the papers. The honeymoon suite … the late checkout. I mean Mr. Forrester repeatedly referred to you as his wife." The manager fretted, as he imagined Brooke following through on Ridge's threat to pull Forrester Creations' patronage from the hotel. "You had no way of knowing," Brooke sighed. Although she was outwardly calm, inwardly, she was fuming. Damn Ridge! She knew that she would have to face him sooner or later, but she never imagined it would be this soon or that he would actually track her down. Boy, how times had changed! There was a time when she would have been flattered by Ridge chasing her all over town; now, his overtures felt intrusive and oppressive. All she wanted was some time to herself to relax and to process everything that happened, and he couldn't even let her do that in peace. "When he demanded a key to the bridal suite, it just made sense. After all, it is registered in his name and has been charged to his credit card." The manager reminded Brooke. "Oh, God," a worried Brooke frowned. "I don't believe this!" She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "My apologies again, Ms. Logan. I've already informed the concierge and our registration personnel that under no circumstances should Mr. Forrester be given a key to that suite." "I can tell you now that he's not going anywhere," Brooke bluntly stated. "You have no idea how persistent he can be." "I'm afraid I've already gotten a whiff of his persistence. That's why I felt it prudent to notify you immediately." "Although my sister and I opted to check out at 1:00, we have reservations for High Tea later this afternoon, and we only brought enough clothes for an overnight stay. It was our intent to go shopping so that we would have something appropriate to wear. Beverly Hills is quite small and insular, and I have no doubt he'll be waiting for me outside somewhere," Brooke said. "Based on what I just experienced, I'm sure your concerns about stalking are more than justified." "Stalking?" An anxious Katie asked. "Do you really think it's that serious?" "Miss, I'm afraid so. I couldn't even begin to describe to you what happened. He was like a madman!" The manager replied. "However, rest assured that we have taken every precaution to ensure that Mr. Forrester causes you no further trouble during your stay here." "Well, I guess that's that," a disappointed Brooke sighed. "Katie, I'm so sorry. I wanted this afternoon to be so special." "Honey, don't worry," Katie reassured her sister with a hug. "Right now, your safety and wellbeing are what's important." "Ladies, may I make a suggestion?" The manager asked. "The Regent Beverly Wilshire has personal shoppers on staff, who have clout with virtually every store and boutique in Beverly Hills. They are efficient, discreet and quite knowledgeable. Perhaps if I assigned one to you, they can take care of all your shopping needs. That way you don't have to worry about going outside." "That sounds like a great idea!" A relieved Brooke replied. "Could you possibly switch us to another room? It doesn't have to be a suite." "Of course," the obviously relieved manager clapped. "If you would bear with us, we will have your things moved to another floor. We will get you all checked in—gratis. Again, ladies, I do apologize for the inconvenience." " Gratis?" Brooke laughed as she winked at Katie. "Why, Mr. Florencia, I wouldn't hear of it! As far as I'm concerned, you've gone well and beyond the call of duty. Just charge the new room to the card you have on file." _______________
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Post by Horsey on Jul 13, 2007 18:55:02 GMT -5
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
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Post by MissJr on Jul 16, 2007 12:26:36 GMT -5
Girl you are good! I love the very end: I'm assuming that Ridge's card is getting charge. Wonderful read! A perfect way to start the weekend. Thank you. Horsey, thank you! I see that you've added some more installments so I'm headed "over" to take a peek right now! Oh, and in answer to your question, Ridge's credit card is, indeed, the one on file! ;D
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MissJr
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Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
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Post by MissJr on Jul 16, 2007 12:29:10 GMT -5
From his bedroom window, Thomas grimly watched his grandmother's lonely trek from his mother's gravesite. Ever since his mother's death, everyone had been so impressed with his bravery, and praised him for being a little soldier. He had been strong and tough, keeping a stiff upper lip every time someone offered their condolences. After all, his father told him over and over again that Forresters didn't cry. However, sometimes late at night when Thomas was alone in his room, he finally felt free to let the tears fall. For the most part, he kept his grief to himself. He had become so skilled at putting up a brave front; hardly anyone noticed the turmoil that raged inside him these past few months. From his mother's murder, her rather macabre memorial service (with an open casket!), to his father's ongoing distraction, Thomas had never felt so alone and frustrated. He thought things would return to some sense of normalcy once the funeral was over; instead, they seemed to get even wackier. First, there was that crazy Tricia lady who looked so much like his mother. People thought that just because he was a little kid that he was dumb. However, he would have to be legally blind not to see that Tricia Quick had the hots for his dad. She and Brooke immediately clashed and butted heads as Tricia attempted to establish herself as his dad's confidant. Thomas was also upset to discover that Tricia had gone through his mother's closets and paraded around the house in one of her bathrobes. Thankfully, Tricia was gone. Nor, did it help that Brooke was going to move in and try to take over. Oh, sure, he tried to smile and be polite when people went on and on about how wonderful it was that his dad and Brooke found their way back to one another. Although Bridget told him to give Brooke a chance, Thomas detected a note of insincerity behind Bridget's words. Like everyone else, Thomas was surprised by what happened yesterday. While he was, indeed, sorry that his father's feelings got hurt, he couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Stephanie disappeared from Thomas' line of vision as she entered the mansion. Thomas felt that he and his grandmother were kindred spirits and that they were on the same page. She knew how he really felt, and it felt so good to have someone take his side for once. Bridget understood how he felt, too. Other people tried to shush or pinch him whenever he wanted to speak his mind about how he really felt about Brooke. After all, it wasn't polite to talk bad about grownups—or so he was told. The smirking boy felt comforted knowing that his grandmother and Bridget would validate his feelings and be his advocates. After all, they were like the Three Musketeers—all for one and one for all! _______________
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MissJr
Lounging on the Deck
Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
Posts: 14,065
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Post by MissJr on Jul 16, 2007 12:34:32 GMT -5
"Sugar? Cream?" Stephanie calmly asked with a serene smile, as she sat at the kitchen table like a queen holding court. "I usually take Sweet 'N Low," a subdued Catherine replied. She had hoped that Ridge would be back by now and that she wouldn't have to be subjected to an interrogation by his mother. Stephanie had found the silver tea service in Taylor's buffet and decided to make this a special occasion. The prospect of vanquishing her and Taylor's enemies lifted her spirits considerably and was cause for celebration. In addition to tea and coffee, Stephanie cut a few slices of the low-fat coffee cake and found the cranberry muffins Catherine picked up from a nearby bakery. She could not help but be amused by Catherine's obvious discomfort. She had warned Catherine earlier that she intended to get to the bottom of the shady goings-on in Ridge's house. Did Catherine honestly believe that she would forget? Not in any mood to beat around the bush, Stephanie immediately got to the point: "My grandson isn't happy; I want to know why." "Thomas is a child, Mrs. Forrester, and he sees things through the eyes of a child. That boy is hurting, but the so-called adults in his life are so busy pursuing their own agendas—or using him to do so—that they can't seem to grasp that." Catherine said pointedly, refusing to flinch under Stephanie's angry glare. Stephanie's eyes narrowed and she pursed her lips at the criticism that was obviously directed at her. "Hmmmm ... and I suppose you are quite the expert, aren't you?" Stephanie sarcastically asked. "As a matter of fact, I AM," Catherine boldly stated. "Look, Mrs. Forrester. Taylor and Ridge didn't just hire me because I baked cookies, made lemonade and read nursery rhymes. I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood development, as well as a master's in child and family studies." "Well, that's all well and good, but you're not a parent," Stephanie snippily retorted. She was not used to being spoken to in such a forthright manner especially by an employee. Evidently, this young woman needed an attitude adjustment, as she clearly didn't know how to properly address her betters. "Do you think your educational background qualifies you to make such profound statements?" Stephanie angrily demanded. Catherine shrugged. "I really don't consider what I said to be THAT profound. It's the simple truth, and it's time that you all woke up. No one needs an advanced degree to see that Thomas misses his mom. My God—his mother was shot in YOUR home! Yet, people are continually taking him over there for visits with no thought whatsoever about how traumatic that must be for him. He really needs Ridge, but he's been pretty much unavailable. Ridge got a lot of support early on, but once the mourners stopped visiting and calling, the real work should have started, but that didn't happen." "And, you're going to tell me why, right?" A properly chastened Stephanie asked, intrigued in spite of herself. "Well, there was Taylor's friend, Dr. Quick—someone we've never even heard of before. She looked so much like Taylor that it—well, I think that not only were the children confused, but so was Ridge." Catherine said, as she took a sip of her coffee. "Why in the world would Ridge be confused? Surely, he knows the difference between his loving wife and a cheap imitation." Stephanie scoffed. "You had to have been here to see it," Catherine replied. "It seemed to me that she was using her resemblance to insinuate herself into Ridge's life and it couldn't have come at a worse time for him. She also used a whole lot of psychobabble to get Ridge to see things her way." "And, what way was that?" "That Taylor's memory should be preserved at all costs; and that Brooke was the antichrist. She was about as subtle as a Mack truck." "Well, that doesn't sound like the Tricia I met and talked to," Stephanie said, not quite believing that Tricia had done anything wrong. Humph! How horrible could Tricia possibly be if she thought Brooke was evil?"Yes, I imagine it would be hard to believe anyone would so blatantly pounce on a widower so soon after his wife's death," Catherine conceded," especially if that someone was supposedly a friend of the widower's late wife. But, that's exactly what Tricia did except she hadn't counted on one thing." "What's that?" Stephanie asked sharply. "Bridget." Catherine said simply. _______________
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MissJr
Lounging on the Deck
Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
Posts: 14,065
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Post by MissJr on Jul 16, 2007 12:38:26 GMT -5
"And, what about Ridge? Dad, you just can't cut him off! He's still your son, and no paternity test will ever change that," Felicia insisted. "I don't care how many men Mother slept with back in the day! Besides, it's just not fair to Ridge. I bet that he doesn't even know." "And, you would lose that bet," Eric corrected his daughter. "In fact, he's apparently known for the better part of a year." "Okay—fine. But, you said yourself that you loved him even before he was born. You raised him as your son—your first-born." Felicia argued. "You're blaming him for something that's not his fault. Mother is the liar here; so why punish him?" "Honey, I will always love Ridge—probably to my own detriment, "Eric ruefully added. "But, my reasons for cutting Ridge off have absolutely nothing to do with his paternity. While a part of me is angry that he has openly embraced Massimo, I can't really blame him for wanting to know his biological father and wanting to have some kind of relationship with him. If I could formally adopt him as an adult, I would. But, I just can't—not with everything that's happened. I can't even look at him anymore! I can't even think of him without wanting to ... to get sick to my stomach." Eric said with a heavy heart. "What did Ridge do this time that's so terrible that you would kick him out of Forrester Creations?" Thorne quietly asked. "What has he done that makes you so sick?" _______________
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Post by Horsey on Jul 16, 2007 19:40:39 GMT -5
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