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Post by newestconvert on Oct 3, 2007 18:12:18 GMT -5
'Bout time I got back to this....
Brooke came down the stairs and walked toward the sofa. She paused and stretched, arching her aching back. It had been a long day and the weight of the baby had taken its toll on her physique. Not only did her back ache but her feet were killing her as well. She smiled ruefully to herself thinking how much more difficult it was to be pregnant at her current age than it had been with Rick all those years before. She sighed and rubbed her belly thinking how it was all worth it.
Max stood in the shadows and watched Brooke stretch. Even from a distance he could see that she was exhausted. He'd started to leave earlier with Jackie and Sam, but Nick had asked him to wait. He stepped out of the shadows now and into the light, accidentally startling Brooke who raised a hand to her throat in a rush of fear. Once she'd realized it was Max she relaxed and smile. Max approached her and, indicating the couch, told her to sit down before she fell down. Brooke sat gratefully and Max bent down and removed her shoes. He nudged the coffee table closer and gently placed Brooke's feet on the table. He looked at her swollen ankles in concern. Brooke followed his gaze and giggled nervously. Max turned his gorgeous eyes inquiringly in her direction and Brooke stopped giggling as the tension rose between them. They stared at one another for a few moments before Brooke broke the gaze and said with a small cough, "It's normal for a woman's ankles to swell later in her pregnancy."
"Oh," was all Max could manage to say as he found himself drowning in her eyes. Again they stared but this time it was Max who stood up breaking the tension. "So, how did it go?" he asked.
"It went ok," Brooke said honestly. "RJ tooke everything in stride," she explained. "But I'm not really sure he knows what it all really means. It's been so long since Ridge has bothered to make an appearance in his life, even before we left for St John, that he doesn't really think of Ridge as any more of a father than Nick. It's all confusing to him. Hope, on the other hand, was another story. "
Sam and Jackie had played with Hope in her room while they had explained the situation to RJ. RJ had listened attentively but had been eager to go upstairs and play with Sam who he had greatly missed since leaving the island. With RJ in hand, Sam and Jackie had sent Hope to a waiting Nick and Brooke.
"Was she unhappy?" Max asked, his sympathy going out to the little girl who's birth father was still in rehab.
"More like jealous," Brooke explained. "She's always thought of Nick as her real Daddy and to find out that Nick was RJ's real Daddy well... it was a blow to her. .."
"I hear a but...?" Max asked, not sure he wanted the answer.
"Yes, Nick was wonderful!" Brooke said in admiration. "He told Hope that he'd be as much of a Daddy to her as he would be to RJ and that he already loved her just as much!"
Brooke smiled remembering how Hope had thrown her arms around Nick's neck and hugged him with all her heart. She's asked, " And what about Mommy? Will you love her too?" Nick had looked at Brooke over Hope's head and responded, "Until the day I die." Brooke's heart had seemed to stop at the warm look in Nick's eyes but Hope's giggle had broken the moment and all three had laughed. Dinner had followed shortly thereafter and Brooke had avoided Nick's eyes, afraid of what she would have seen reflected there. She wanted to believe he'd meant what he'd said to Hope but she was afraid to believe it...especially...especially if Taylor were carrying his child as well. She didn't trust Nick's emotions where a child of his own was involved. He'd wanted one of his own for so long, How was a woman to be sure he'd love her for herself and not for the child she'd give him?
Max was about to say something when Nick came down the stairs. He looked at Brooke and smiled. "All settled in," he said. "it only took TWO stories tonight." Brooke went to stand but Nick held out a hand indicating that she should stay seated.
"You need to relax," he said tenderly. "And Max and I have some things to discuss," he added with a cool tone to his voice.
Nick bent over Brooke and kissed her on the lips. He wanted to linger there...to taste her... the mother of his children... the love..of his life, he thought with sudden clarity. But Max was waiting for him and watching intently. Too intently, Nick thought. He touched Brooke's cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow, ok?"
"Ok," Brooke responded bemused.
"Come on Max," Nick said heading for the door. He turned and watched Max bend over Brooke himself.
"Goodnight Mother," Max whispered as tenderly as Nick. He touched his lips lightly to Brooke's causing Nick, over by the door, to stiffen.
"Goodnight," Brooke whispered more confused about the two men than ever.
Max passed Nick on his way out the door and threw him a look of defiance. He loves her, Nick thought in shock as he closed the door behind them. By God, he and his best friend were in love with the same woman!
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MontanaLindy
Lounging on the Deck
Caution - Crabby Bricky
Posts: 14,104
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Post by MontanaLindy on Oct 3, 2007 22:59:58 GMT -5
;D So glad you are back to it! I am loving Max, too!
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Post by denmark on Oct 4, 2007 16:56:06 GMT -5
Welcome back! :0)
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Post by brickfan on Oct 5, 2007 4:19:56 GMT -5
I'm so glad your back with this story Please don't let us wait too long for another chapter. Can't wait to read more of the rivalry between Nick and Max. I hope though that in the end Bricky will be.
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Post by karen3012 on Oct 6, 2007 9:41:57 GMT -5
I'm so glad your back with this story Please don't let us wait too long for another chapter. Can't wait to read more of the rivalry between Nick and Max. I hope though that in the end Bricky will be. I second that! ;D But a few bumps and serious bends in the roads make the trip so much more fun. Thank you so much for continuing your wonderful story.
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Post by foreverbrookie on Oct 6, 2007 23:31:57 GMT -5
Am I going to be the only one to admit that I kind of hate Max? OK I'll let it rip! It's not that I really hate him, I do kind of like him. But DAMN! He's encroaching on his best friends woman! Five yard penalty repeat second down! I know Brooke's really not the taken woman at this point but still in my world there is the unwritten rule that you don't touch the ex. Am I the only one? The competition does make it interesting but... as much as I like the guy he's going against the code.
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Post by aussieicon on Oct 6, 2007 23:50:59 GMT -5
Am I going to be the only one to admit that I kind of hate Max? OK I'll let it rip! It's not that I really hate him, I do kind of like him. But DAMN! He's encroaching on his best friends woman! Five yard penalty repeat second down! I know Brooke's really not the taken woman at this point but still in my world there is the unwritten rule that you don't touch the ex. Am I the only one? The competition does make it interesting but... as much as I like the guy he's going against the code. No I completely understand what you're talking about. There is definitely a code amongst most men that you just don't go there with your mate's women. There was a famous footballer in Australia that had a very public exposure to an affair he was having. Was on the tv and all. And the thing that 98% of the men polled were so upset about was not that he'd had an affair on his wife, or that he'd been caught, but that the woman he slept with was his best mate's wife. That was just the ultimate betrayal on their behalf. The few Aussie's on this board will almost definitely know who I am talking about. I remember asking my husband and his friends at the time what was so bad about the situation, and they all said it went against the code. (Anyone would think they were bloody pirates, talking about the code) and that even if she was his mate's ex wife, you just don't go there. That being said, I can appreciate the complexity of the situation, and I don't want to criticize. It just brings up some questions of whether many best friends would actually try to steal their mate's ex. Personally, I think Max is charming but he is ever worse than the guy that goes after the friend's ex. He knows that Nick is still interested, that Nick is still completely entwined in Brooke's life and he's STILL going after Brooke. I can understand him being smitten but.... Newest Convert, don't take this as criticism of your story. I love it and think it's great. And there is nothing wrong with having complex emotions and relationships. It's a billion times better than the crap we have on our screens.
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Post by foreverbrookie on Oct 7, 2007 2:13:09 GMT -5
Am I going to be the only one to admit that I kind of hate Max? OK I'll let it rip! It's not that I really hate him, I do kind of like him. But DAMN! He's encroaching on his best friends woman! Five yard penalty repeat second down! I know Brooke's really not the taken woman at this point but still in my world there is the unwritten rule that you don't touch the ex. Am I the only one? The competition does make it interesting but... as much as I like the guy he's going against the code. No I completely understand what you're talking about. There is definitely a code amongst most men that you just don't go there with your mate's women. There was a famous footballer in Australia that had a very public exposure to an affair he was having. Was on the tv and all. And the thing that 98% of the men polled were so upset about was not that he'd had an affair on his wife, or that he'd been caught, but that the woman he slept with was his best mate's wife. That was just the ultimate betrayal on their behalf. The few Aussie's on this board will almost definitely know who I am talking about. I remember asking my husband and his friends at the time what was so bad about the situation, and they all said it went against the code. (Anyone would think they were bloody pirates, talking about the code) and that even if she was his mate's ex wife, you just don't go there. That being said, I can appreciate the complexity of the situation, and I don't want to criticize. It just brings up some questions of whether many best friends would actually try to steal their mate's ex. Personally, I think Max is charming but he is ever worse than the guy that goes after the friend's ex. He knows that Nick is still interested, that Nick is still completely entwined in Brooke's life and he's STILL going after Brooke. I can understand him being smitten but.... Newest Convert, don't take this as criticism of your story. I love it and think it's great. And there is nothing wrong with having complex emotions and relationships. It's a billion times better than the crap we have on our screens. Oh please don't take it as I mean to critisize newestconverts story. I have been holding back on making comments on this story, which I have truly enjoyed, becuz I feel like i have the dispopular opinion and I feel I wouldn't have been sayin somethin nice. (Hey my momma always told me if you don't have nothin nice to say don't say anythin at all) But the more Max goes there the more I want to diss him and can't hold back. I understand him as the nice but rough guy, but he's breakin the code. As much as I want to love him, he's breakin the code. And I have the same code with my girlfriends... It just distrurbs me. I know it's fictional and all... But I stick by my code. I do love the story though.. and I'm looking forward to more.. even if I want to smack Max.
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Post by karen3012 on Oct 7, 2007 4:37:56 GMT -5
I totally understand what you're saying foreverbrookie and aussieicon. I am trying to like Max, because Brooke obviously likes him a lot, and because he is Nick's best friend, but those are also the reasons why on the other hand I cannot stand him at all, if I am making sense here at all. Nick (and also Brooke of course) did some really stupid things, but that should be no free pass for Max to go after his friend's ex, especially when Nick and Brooke are obviously still so much in love with each other. So far it seems to me that Max is overwhelmed by these feelings that he doesn't really want to have and is still trying to make out what to do, but should he go after Brooke full steam, I want Nick to really smack him down. I really love this story and cannot wait to read where all of this leads.
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Post by newestconvert on Oct 7, 2007 7:01:18 GMT -5
I totally understand what you're saying foreverbrookie and aussieicon. I am trying to like Max, because Brooke obviously likes him a lot, and because he is Nick's best friend, but those are also the reasons why on the other hand I cannot stand him at all, if I am making sense here at all. Nick (and also Brooke of course) did some really stupid things, but that should be no free pass for Max to go after his friend's ex, especially when Nick and Brooke are obviously still so much in love with each other. So far it seems to me that Max is overwhelmed by these feelings that he doesn't really want to have and is still trying to make out what to do, but should he go after Brooke full steam, I want Nick to really smack him down. I really love this story and cannot wait to read where all of this leads. Thanks for the great posts and I don't take it as criticism if you don't like Max. Actually if you feel anything it means that I am getting the characters across to you. Karen, you are right in that Max is fighting his emotions and attraction to Brooke and no doubt it would be easier for him to resist if Brooke were not attracted to him! And he does know that he's breaking the code which is why he is fighting his feelings. You know that ole song...Love Stinks! But the point is, you can't always help where your heart goes and with whom you fall in love....some men and women risk it all for those few precious moments of happiness...kingdoms have been won and lost for the love of a woman, yes? Anyways, don't give up on Max yet. He may well suprise you! Thanks for the feedback. I'll try to get in another chapter this afternoon. xoxo
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Post by newestconvert on Oct 8, 2007 10:44:12 GMT -5
Nick and Max, in separate cars, drove back to the Shady Marlin both lost in thought. Nick arrived first and stood in the main cabin pacing while he waited for his friend. He Kissed her, Nick thought to himself. An idiot could see that Max felt something for Brooke. Just what was going on between the two? Nick fists clenched as Max strolled through the door and into the cabin.
"Are you in love with my wife?" Nick asked aggressively.
"Your ex-wife actually," Max replied calmly, "And I don't know. Maybe."
Silence fell between to two as Max watched Nick pace back and forth across the room. "She may be my EX-wife but she's also the mother of my children!" Nick added angrily. "Just where do you get off...."
"Just where do YOU get off, Marone!" Max replied his own anger beginning to rise. "Not more than two months ago you were planning to marry another woman and now you're making the moves on Brooke. Not more than a week ago we were on my yacht on the way to rescue her and her kids and you were trying hard to convince me that there was nothing between the two of you....that she had done too much waffling for you to ever trust her feelings ever again. Talk about waffling!"
"Watch it, Max. I can still kick your ass!" Nick said his voice frigid with repressed anger.
"Ha!" Max snorted laconically. "In your dreams. Look Nick, the woman I met is a little different from the one you decribed all these years. She's warm, caring, and obviously confused. And definitely vulnerable. She certainly isn't hooked on your half brother. At least not anymore." Max thought how even though Brooke Logan was a woman of the world, she still had an air of innocence that made a man want to protect her...at all costs.
"And you are attracted to her..." Nick responded.
"What man with a pulse wouldn't be!" Max responded with exasperation. "Dammit Nick, I have watched you make a mess of your life and hers for the past 4 years! You get engaged to her then unengaged. She marries your brother and you sleep with her and get her pregnant. Only you find out later that it's not yours....seemingly and thanks to a little outside help. So what then? She divorces your brother and then marries him again. You marry her daughter. You divorce her daughter and marry Brooke. Then at the first sign of trouble you go sleep with her daughter. She divorces you and gets engaged to Ridge. Oh I forgot...there's a bit in there about your most recent finace coming back from the dead and you choosing her over Brooke ...yadda..yadda...yadda. Your life is like one big soap opera! And now suddenly, because she's the mother of one and soon to be a second child of yours, you think you can make this mess magically work out! Is that it? Is it? You two have done nothing but make one another miserable for the last four years and you think that sharing a child will change all that?"
'OK, okay!" Nick huffed. "So we're miserable together. But we're miserable apart too," Nick finished desperately.
"And what about Taylor?" Max asked. "If she's carrying your child as well..."
"It won't change a thing," Nick replied resolutely. "We're through. I'll be there for the baby, but that's it."
"And drag Brooke back through this mess."
"I'll do everything I can to keep her out of it," Nick replied in exasperation. "I love her dammit. I have to try...one more time. Ok, so the stakes are higher this time but I have to try to win her back and make a life with her. I'll do it right this time, I swear it!!"
"And what about your half brother?" Max asked
"He's not an issue anymore. I see that now," Nick said calming down. The silence between the men was almost tenable. Finally Max cleared his throat and said quietly,
"If you hurt her again, I can promise you that I WILL be there to pick up the pieces, friendship or no."
Nick looked over at his friend remembering the years they had sailed together. There had been other times, other women, that had caught the eye of both men. In those days they had shared a friendly competition until things had gotten serious and then Max would back off. It came to Nick suddenly that Max had always been the one to cede to him, to let him have the conquest and enjoy the relationship that would naturally follow.
"Why?" Nick asked curiously suddenly anxious to know why his friend always let him win.
"Why what?" Max asked, moving away to look out over the calm waters.
"Why do you always let me get the girl," Nick asked, his own feelings for Max making his voice crack.
Max was quiet for a moment as he thought about the answer himself. He couldn't tell Nick that maybe it was because he was the only family he'd ever known and that he was like a little brother to him. He certainly couldn't tell Nick that part of the reason was because, despite Nick's gruff exterior, Max knew that underneath it all, he saw in Nick a similar innocence that Brooke Logan herself exhibited. Maybe it's why the two seemed to hurt one another so much. Regardless, Nick would laugh him off the boat if her told him that he wanted to protect him.
"Why would I want anything to do with a woman who'd want YOU?" He said jokingly.
"Why indeed," responded Nick knowing there was more and also knowing his friend wouldn't be sharing any more information. "You just don't want to be around when they leave you flat for me!" Nick added in a teasing tone, his own heart swelling with love for his friend.
"If we're done discussing Brooke..." Max started.
"We are..." Nick replied warmly.
"Then you need to know about Taylor's luncheon romp with your half brother...."
The men sat and discussed Taylor and her antics into the wee hours of the night agreeing that she needed to be watched to determine what she was up to. Nick finally yawned and headed for bed telling Max one of them had a business to run in the morning. Max watched his friend close the door of his cabin and walked out on the deck. Looking at the stars he thought how they resembled the little sparkles in Brooke's green eyes. It was time to go home, he thought. The sea and islands were calling to him. And he needed to get out of dodge before he made an utter fool of himself over a woman.
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Post by aussieicon on Oct 8, 2007 10:55:07 GMT -5
Fantastic. Bravo girl. You covered the code perfectly. Now Nick and Max can continue being pirates without ignoring the 'code'.
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Post by brickfan on Oct 8, 2007 12:43:30 GMT -5
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Post by karen3012 on Oct 8, 2007 14:58:12 GMT -5
Wow, great installment, very intense. You gotta love those two men, even though you sometimes want to smack them all the way to the moon.
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Post by foreverbrookie on Oct 8, 2007 19:19:35 GMT -5
OK so suddenly I am feeling much better about Max. That's a relief! Great Chapter! Looking forward to more!
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MontanaLindy
Lounging on the Deck
Caution - Crabby Bricky
Posts: 14,104
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Post by MontanaLindy on Oct 20, 2007 22:50:20 GMT -5
I'm really needing a fix, newestconvert! Pretty please?
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Post by denmark on Oct 21, 2007 2:55:48 GMT -5
This is the best story ever! You sure know how to get me hooked.
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Post by newestconvert on Oct 21, 2007 19:03:58 GMT -5
ML... I'll try to get you a fix soon! I was laying tile for the last 3 days... oh my aching.....everything!!! Stay tuned... it's coming!
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MontanaLindy
Lounging on the Deck
Caution - Crabby Bricky
Posts: 14,104
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Post by MontanaLindy on Oct 22, 2007 8:20:12 GMT -5
Thank you ...I look forward to it! ;D Oh, my...how industrious of you! It actually does sound like very hard work that would result in many sore muscles and knees! Take care of yourself ...
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Post by newestconvert on Oct 28, 2007 8:21:25 GMT -5
Nick stood at his conference table looking over the latest batch of Brooke's designs. Her spring line was simply inspired, Nick thought to himself. He could definitely fell the influence of the islands in her fluid designs and warm tropical colors. Her use of blues alone made Nick long for a sail on the Shady Marlin. Maybe after the babay was born he and Brooke could take the children on a trip to their island. "Whoa!" Nick said under his breath. He was definitely getting ahead of himself. He had a lot of relationship mending to do before he could even think of asking her. And there was the whole mess with Taylor he needed to straighten out. He lifted his head as he heard commotion outside his office door. the Door opened with force as Stephanie Forrester pushed into the room followed by his very harried office assistant. Nick quickly swept up Brooke's designs but not before Stephanie had gotten an eyefull.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Marone..." his assistant began.
"It's ok Lisa," Nick answered. "Nothing short of the Hoover Dam can stop Stephanie when she's on a mission...and I'm not even sure that modern marvel would stand a chance," he finished laconically. "What can I do for you, Stephanie?" Nick asked in an overly polite tone. "State your business quickly before I call the security guards."
"Oh, I don't think you'll be throwing me out so fast, Nick, when you hear why I am here," she responded smugly.
"Spill it, Steph," Nick demanded irreverently.
"I see you're well on your way to your spring line, " Stephanie commented, nodding towards the designs Nick still held safe in his arms.
"I'm waiting," Nick replied coldly ignoring Stephie's reference to the designs. He'd be damned if he'd talk fashion with his competition.
"Don't you find it just a bit of a conflict of interest, Brooke designing for both Forrester Creations and Forrester Originals?" Stephanie asked, again pointing to the designs Nick held.
"Not really, Stephanie. Brooke has enough talent to go around, " Nick replied.
Stephanie's eyes shone with the chance to insult Brooke using Nick's own words but a look at his face had her holding her vicious tongue. "Perhaps you don't see a problem Nick, but I...WE at Forrester Originals DO."
"And?" Nick asked.
"And we intend to sue Brooke for all of her stock holdings in FO....conflict of interest. Those designs you are holding should be ours," Stephanie finished with a malicious smile. "Unless, of course, you'd like to talk her into selling her shares back to me for a discounted price...shall we say, 50% of their net worth?"
Nick walked to his desk and gently laid down the designs. He turned back to Stephanie with a smile and said, "You're obviously delusional."
"Oh, I don't think so Nick. Afterall, prison for a pregnant woman is not a very pretty thing I hear. And well, my laywers say she could be in the slammer until the child she's carrying reaches kindergarten...maybe longer."
"Really, Stephanie. Your knowledge about prison is astounding," Nick started wryly. "Is it because you've had to visit so many of your family members there over the years? I hear that prison for old sea hags is a pretty miserable thing too. Especially ones who have played God with children's lives...you know...bribery, falsifying medical records...yes, inmates don't care for people who mess with childrens' lives," Nick finished smoothly. Nick had no real proof as of yet that Stephanie was responsible for RJ's paternity switch but he'd bet dollars to dimes that her hands were in no way clean in the affair. His suspicions were confirmed as Stephanie blanched and began to stutter.
"So, Stephanie, should you wish to offer to buy Brooke's stocks, I'd make it full market value plus 10%," Nick said smiling. "Now, can you show yourself out or would you like an armed escort?"
"I'm going, Nick," Stephanie said angrily. "But this is not over!"
"Not by a long shot, Stephanie! Not by a long shot!"
Stephanie made her way to the door and was forced to step aside as Taylor came through the door followed once again by Nick's harried assistant.
"Mr. Marone..." Lisa began.
Nick sighed. This day was not starting out well. Over by the door Stephanie's eyes narrowed in interest. She decided to delay her departure for a few minutes. What was Taylor up to and could she somehow use it to gain the upper hand?
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Post by aussieicon on Oct 28, 2007 8:50:47 GMT -5
Wow. Hag never ceases to amaze me. Can't wait to hear what Taybait wants with Nick? Probably wants to flaunt that bait she thinks she's carrying. Somehow I don't think Nick's going to be too interested. Can't wait for the next instalment.
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MontanaLindy
Lounging on the Deck
Caution - Crabby Bricky
Posts: 14,104
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Post by MontanaLindy on Oct 28, 2007 10:11:45 GMT -5
Thank you so much, newestconvert! Stephanie AND Taylor first thing in the morning ...poor Nick!
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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 Oct 28, 2007 17:03:11 GMT -5
Thank you so much for picking this up again, newestconvert! I have to admit that foreverbrookie's point about Max was well taken. As much as I liked him, he did pluck my nerves when he interrupted that kiss between Nick and Brooke earlier. I was also surprised by his kissing Brooke on the lips. However, I'm glad that Nick and Max's friendship remains intact. The best part though was his telling Nick about Taytramp and Fridge's sexual antics. YES! And how adorable is little Hope being jealous because Nick is RJ's daddy! Stephanie sure doesn't know when to quit, does she? Nick is certainly time enough for her though. I'm definitely looking forward to little Miss Pee Stick and her lies especially since she has no idea that Max saw her and Frigid together. Thanks for the excellent read!
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Post by newestconvert on Oct 28, 2007 20:23:43 GMT -5
Ladies, I am so glad you can enjoy the story despite my many spelling errors! I never was a good typist and never will be at this point! I should have more time to write as my son's baseball has drawn to a close until winter practice begins! Steph is a piece of work isn't she? xo, NC
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Post by GIOVANNA on Oct 29, 2007 13:00:23 GMT -5
Ladies, I am so glad you can enjoy the story despite my many spelling errors! I never was a good typist and never will be at this point! I should have more time to write as my son's baseball has drawn to a close until winter practice begins! Steph is a piece of work isn't she? xo, NC She sure is! Brooke is out of her life, and she invents some excuse to meddle.
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