|  Author | Topic: CHAPTER 11 - THE BIGGEST LOSER (Read 88 times) |
jrtllf01
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|  | CHAPTER 11 - THE BIGGEST LOSER
« Thread Started on Sept 9, 2009, 7:39pm » | ![[Quote]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/buttons/quote.gif) |
CHAPTER 11 - THE BIGGEST LOSER
Speaking of which, how’s that thug lovin’ workin’ for ya?
Stephanie took a deep breath, scarcely able to believe what Brooke just asked to her. What was it with Lottie, Dottie and everybody referring to Massimo as a “thug?” Nor, did Stephanie appreciate Brooke’s nasty insinuation that she and Massimo were lovers.
“Only a foul person with a foul mind would accuse me of sleeping with Massimo. And that’s exactly what you are—FOUL! A foul-minded waste of flesh!” A furious Stephanie snarled at Brooke and restrained the urge to slap her again.
“I’m foul-minded?” Brooke laughed as she pointed a finger at herself. “Well, let me tell you what foul-minded is, Stephanie. It’s setting up a video camera and watching your own son engaging in sexual intercourse with me! How many times did you actually watch the videotape by the way? Did you learn something new by chance?”
A deeply embarrassed Stephanie had the good grace to look away momentarily. This wanton tramp dredging up one of her most notorious misdeeds was simply outrageous! Was this what she was going to have to endure from “this” Brooke from now on? Stephanie reared herself up to her full height before replying.
“I won’t dignify your ridiculous accusations with a response!” She screamed. “As for the claim that Massimo is some kind of thug, that’s a lie! It so happens that he is a legitimate and honorable businessman, but you wouldn’t understand that, would you? You wouldn’t know anything about honor. As for being a legitimate businesswoman, that’s a joke! You are a pretender who usurped my position and illegitimately took over my company. Plus, you use sex for business purposes, claiming that it sells! And let’s get another thing straight, you silly slut! Massimo and I are NOT lovers! Just because you can’t bear to be in a man’s presence for 5 seconds without wanting to bed him, you think that everyone else is like you!”
“Oh, come off it!” Brooke scoffed. “If I’m a silly slut, then you’re a duplicitous, dishonest one! You can publicly expose my pregnancy at a press conference for the sole purpose of embarrassing me. Yet, no one is supposed to notice, much less comment on, your openly living with Massimo for the better part of a year. The fact that you got away with it while you were still married to Eric is incredible! It’s high time that you were exposed for the hypocrite that you are!”
“Oh? And, who’s going to do it? You?” Stephanie demanded. “I would be very careful if I were you. Very careful!” Stephanie warned Brooke.
“Why? Are you and that sausage-fingered THUG going to conspire to get rid of me again?” Brooke yelled. “My God! Your precious son never had a chance with you two as parents.”
“And what kind of chance did YOUR children have?!” An outraged Stephanie bellowed. “They grew up in a house with a mother who had men parading in and out of her bedroom! When you weren’t sleeping around, you were too consumed with your so-called career to take care of them! I know the truth, and so did Taylor!”
Brooke laughed shortly at this characterization of her parenting skills. “Let me ask you something. Did you and Taylor drink some potion you stirred in your cauldron and turn yourselves into a couple of flies? And, did you two pitiful flies camp out on my bedroom wall?” Brooke asked in a voice trembling with rage.
“How dare you speak of Taylor that way?” Stephanie angrily yelled.
“I only asked because I’m trying to figure how you had firsthand knowledge of what supposedly went on in my bedroom. You know, Stephanie, there are lies, damned lies and statistics. You and your little pet put your heads together and conjured up a reality and came up with a bunch of statistics to ‘prove’ how immoral I am. The more you spun your lies, the more real they became—so real you started to believe them yourselves. Perhaps if your frigid asses could have kept your own spouses satisfied, you would have had less time to obsess about what I was doing or dream up lies about me!”
…
Eric and Rick, along with some other employees, heard the yelling halfway down the hall. Rick rolled his eyes and sighed. He had been in his father’s office for the last few minutes discussing the details for the fall showing in a few months. Although he could not clearly hear everything that was being said, he had no doubt that Stephanie wasted no time going after his mother.
For his part, it was all Eric could do not to burst out laughing. What would a day at Forrester Creations be like without one of Stephanie and Brooke’s rows? The more Eric thought about what the last few years had been like; he could barely contain his joy in finally ridding himself of a destructive albatross. Who knew that freedom could feel so good?
“Dad, I’m sorry, but I can’t take this anymore.” Rick said as he rushed out of the office and headed down the corridor toward his mother’s office.
Eric stood and was about to join his son, but he was interrupted by the intercom on his desk. He took a deep breath and picked up his phone.
“Yes, Megan,” Eric answered.
“Eric, your 10:00—Ms. Cheré Green—just arrived,” Megan informed Eric.
“Perfect,” Eric said with a smile. “Please let Ms. Green know that I will be with her shortly. I’m on my way to Brooke’s office. We, along with Stephanie, will be meeting Ms. Green. I’ll buzz you as soon as we’re ready.”
“No problem, Eric,” Megan said before hanging off. She then directed her attention to the statuesque beauty in the reception area. “Ms. Green—Mr. Forrester indicated he will be with you shortly. May I offer you some coffee, water or tea while you’re waiting?”
“No, thank you,” Cheré politely declined with a toss of her hair. She then sat on one of the couches in the reception area, crossed her impossibly long legs and made herself comfortable. She placed one of her favorite props, a portfolio of her work, on the seat next to her.
For her part, Megan was somewhat embarrassed that the principals were once again showing out. It was bad enough they did it in front of employees; but to do it in front of a new model they were hoping to hire was rather awkward.
_______________
“Good morning, ladies!” Eric cheerfully greeted the two women as he sauntered into Brooke’s office. “I see you’ve both decided to indulge in your favorite pastime.” Eric chuckled richly.
“Hello, Eric,” Brooke spoke to Eric affectionately. She rushed to him and tightly embraced him. “How are you feeling this morning?”
Eric returned Brooke’s embrace. “Better than I was at this time yesterday,” he said loudly enough for Stephanie to overhear.
Stephanie’s mouth formed into an angry mean line, and she rolled her eyes. “Eric, are you forgetting that I’m standing here?” She demanded, outraged at his disrespect. Nor did she like being reminded that her own actions caused his misery.
“I haven’t forgotten, Stephanie,” Eric genially replied. “How are you this morning? I trust you slept well?”
“No, I did not!” An indignant Stephanie replied. “Not that you care, but Ridge is finally home!”
“Good for him,” Eric nodded. “I trust that your son is happy to be home,” Eric coolly said.
“My son?! Ridge is our son and you know it!” Stephanie snapped. “And yes he is home—no thanks to you!”
“Well, at least I know why you kept calling last night, although I have no idea what you expected me to do about Ridge’s predicament.”
“You know what?” Stephanie asked. “You sure are one cold-hearted bastard! Be angry with me if you must—fine. But, your callousness and indifference toward Ridge is inexcusable!”
Rick looked at Stephanie and Eric in confusion, wondering what was going on.
“It’s a long story, honey,” Brooke attempted to explain when she caught the look on Rick’s face.
“Rick, why don’t you go and do something while the grownups talk?” Stephanie dismissively suggested.
Rick took immediate offense however and straightened her out. “I’m not going anywhere, Stephanie! The last time I checked, I am an adult!”
Stephanie looked at the young man and frowned. “You’re always so quick to run to your mother’s rescue, aren’t you? Well, since you’re such an adult, maybe you’re old enough to hear what your mother’s been up to in the last year. I bet you won’t be so protective then!” Stephanie maliciously sneered.
An alarmed Brooke placed a hand to her throat, which had suddenly gone dry. However, if she intended to say anything, Eric beat her to the punch.
“Alright, Stephanie! That’s enough!” Eric angrily barked. “You will NOT hurt my son just to score points against Brooke! Do you hear me?”
“I hear you loud and clear,” Stephanie muttered. “You can protect this tramp all day long, but you have no trouble putting my business in the street!”
“You know, Stephanie, if I really wanted to put your business in the street, I would have gone on every morning talk show and contacted every gossip columnist in L.A.,” Eric tightly said.
“And you say all that to say what exactly?” Stephanie challenged.
“Don’t tempt me, Stephanie,” Eric warned. “You are already on thin enough ice as it is!”
“Rick, maybe you and I should both step out for a few minutes. It seems that your father and Stephanie have some things they need to discuss in private,” Brooke hoarsely suggested.
“Maybe, they should take their private discussion to Dad’s office then,” Rick impudently stated.
“You two stay right where you are,” Eric interjected. “We’re actually meeting with someone shortly, and I wanted you both in on that meeting. I promise it won’t take long.” He then stared at Stephanie for a few minutes before speaking. “By the way, Stephanie, you do look rather lovely today; is that a new suit?”
Stephanie was momentarily thrown by Eric’s compliment. “I—well, yes. As a matter of fact, it’s one of your designs,” she grudgingly replied. She eyed him suspiciously and wondered why he was suddenly being so nice to her.
“Of course, it is,” Eric nodded. “I should have recognized the workmanship and quality immediately. It fits you well. Am I to take it from the smartness of your outfit, that you are on your way out?” Eric asked.
“What? On my way out?” Stephanie gasped. “What are you talking about? I’m not going anywhere,” she disputed.
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Eric corrected his wife.
To everyone’s surprise, he walked over to Brooke’s desk and picked up her phone. He then dialed Megan, who answered immediately.
“Yes, Eric?”
“Megan, would you please escort Ms. Green to Brooke’s office?”
_______________
“Brooke dumped me!” Ridge sniveled pitifully.
“Oh, I know,” Bridget sympathetically murmured as she reached across the kitchen table and squeezed Ridge’s hand.
It had been her intent to go into the hospital earlier, but once she saw Stephanie’s To-Do List, Bridget decided that not even a direct order from the hospital’s administrator would make her leave. For his part, Ridge had crept downstairs hoping to remain incognito. He was in no mood to deal with anyone yet. All he wanted to do was fix himself a sandwich and creep back upstairs and go back to bed. He had grimaced when he realized that Bridget had not left for work yet. However, as he poured out his tale of woe, he was grateful to have a sympathetic ear.
“I just don’t understand what happened,” Ridge moaned. “I mean, what in the world happened between the time we were supposed to get married and yesterday?”
Bridget’s eyes widened in surprise. “You mean you don’t remember?” She asked. How could Ridge not remember the conversation they had while her mother was upstairs getting ready for the wedding?
Bridget’s question caused Ridge to groan. He just didn’t want to deal with this now! Why did everybody keep bringing it up? As he typically did when he did not want to directly answer a question that required an honest answer, Ridge began to hem and haw, and then he dissembled.
“I’m not sure I even know what you’re referring to,” he evasively replied.
“What?!” Bridget practically shrieked, causing Ridge to wince. “We talked about us!” Bridget angrily reminded Ridge. “You said—you acknowledged what we had was special. You made it seem that if it weren’t for Mom, we would be together!”
A miserable Ridge sank down in his chair. Why didn’t he just stay upstairs? “Bridget—Princess,” he barely croaked. “It’s not as simple as that; it’s all rather complicated.”
“Complicated?”
“I made a choice,” Ridge weakly claimed.
“No, you didn’t make a choice! It was my Mom who made the choice!” This realization caused Bridget to gasp audibly.
“That’s right, Princess. Your mother did make the choice.”
“So what exactly are you saying? Are you saying to me that even if it weren’t for the family that you wouldn’t have chosen me?” A disbelieving Bridget asked, now on the verge of tears.
“Princess, I’m so sorry! I did make a choice, too. When we said goodbye to one another in the garden, I thought I made it clear that I had chosen. I chose Brooke. Yet, she made the choice not to marry me, but if she hadn’t, we—well, we would be married right now.” Ridge explained as gently as he could.
Bridget could only stare open-mouthed at Ridge. She could scarcely believe what she just heard. She felt foolish and as if she had been played. Her disbelief turned into anger and she lashed out at Ridge.
“Why don’t you just come right on out and admit it?” Bridget demanded through clenched teeth. “The only reason you want Mom is because you’re afraid to be with me! Well, she doesn’t want you! Why can’t you see that? She was never good enough for you Ridge. You will never be able to trust her—not like you could trust me!”
Ridge had grown increasingly alarmed—not about Bridget’s words, but the tone of her voice, which had become harsher and louder. Fearful that their conversation would be overheard, he attempted some damage control.
“Bridget, you need to calm down,” he said. “Our previous conversation was ill-timed and it was overheard by your mother. The results were disastrous.”
“I don’t care!” Bridget childishly screamed. “She is a liar and an adulteress, and she will never love you the way I do!”
Ridge’s stomach began to churn and his head began to throb dully. He abruptly stood nearly knocking his chair over. He quickly grabbed Bridget by her arm and pulled her out of her chair.
“Come with me!” He growled. He dragged a protesting Bridget to a nearby room and slammed the door shut. Ridge then spoke to Bridget the way a parent would speak to a child. “Bridget, you shouldn’t say things like that about your mother,” Ridge admonished.
“What do you mean? You’re the one who encouraged me to express my anger towards her in the first place!” Bridget reminded Ridge.
“I know I did,” Ridge conceded. “Now I’ll be the first to admit that your mother isn’t perfect, but that doesn’t matter right now. What matters is that I’ve hurt you, and we both hurt your mother. She dumped me because of that.”
She dumped you because she knew the truth—that you love me and we belong together! Why can’t you see that?” Bridget demanded.
Ridge placed a finger over Bridget’s lips to shush her. “Princess, listen to me. Those things that were said—what we shared, it should have never happened.” Ridge quietly said.
“You—you led me on!” Bridget yelled as the truth suddenly slapped her in the face. “You made me believe that there was a future for us!”
“Not true,” Ridge shook his head. “I never gave you any reason to think—to believe that. It was always Brooke for me.”
“It wasn’t!” Bridget hotly denied. “You and I both know it and so does Massimo! Even your mother saw it for herself.” Bridget claimed.
“Bridget, it was wrong!” Ridge insisted.
“I don’t believe that. See, I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to take something that was so pure and beautiful and make it into something dirty! Well, I won’t let you do it.”
“You have to let this go!” Ridge yelled.
“Tell me you don’t care about me—that you don’t love me. If you can do that, then I’ll walk out of this house and never come back unless I’m invited. Go on! Do it!” Bridget challenged Ridge.
Ridge sighed deeply. “You know I care about you, Princess, but we can’t be together. There are way too many complications.”
“Complications like what? We’re not related Ridge!”
“Princess, you are but a child,” Ridge quietly said. “You were forced to grow up quickly because you married a man old enough to be your father before you were even out of high school. You are old enough to know however that even if we’re not related by blood, we are still family.”
“Fine; have it your way then. But, if you think Mom will be waiting in the wings to take you back, well forget it. She has apparently found someone else to pick up the pieces and have hours of sex with!” Bridget spitefully said.
Ridge suddenly became angry at the mention of Brooke having “hours of sex” with someone else, particularly Nick. He grabbed Bridget by her shoulders. “Stop it!” He hollered. “Just stop it!”
Bridget jerked herself out of his grip. “You know it’s true! So you keep right on chasing her and trying to make her change her mind. Well, her mind is already made up! It’s Captain Nick Payne she wants!”
“She’s only using him as a substitute,” Ridge said, shaking his head in denial.
“And if she is, Ridge, why would you still want her?” Bridget asked. “Why would you want a woman who plays those kinds of games with you? You need—deserve—a real woman!”
“I think you had better go to work!” Ridge growled with a clenched jaw.
Bridget regarded Ridge briefly. “Gladly! But, just remember what I said. She’ll never be the woman you deserve, Ridge. You think about that.” Bridget spat.
With that, Bridget turned on her heel, opened the door and left Ridge standing there wondering how everything got so screwed up.
_______________
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Determined not to let others steal my joy!
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| | Re: CHAPTER 11 - THE BIGGEST LOSER
« Reply #1 on Sept 9, 2009, 8:47pm » | |
I loved this chapter. And my favorite part was the small exchange between Eric and Stephanie about how nice she looked. That was the little touch Bill Bell was such a master of that his son seems to lack. The reminder that these people still care about each other at some level. The fact that Stephanie is human and vulnerable, even though she doesn't want to be. You remind me of the best and worst Bill Bell and Susan Flannery gave us in Stephanie. Thank you.
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"Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living. We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount." Omar Bradley
"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die!" Ted Kennedy, 1932 - 2009
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jrtllf01
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| | Re: CHAPTER 11 - THE BIGGEST LOSER
« Reply #2 on Sept 13, 2009, 7:01am » | |
Sept 9, 2009, 8:47pm, janice wrote:| I loved this chapter. And my favorite part was the small exchange between Eric and Stephanie about how nice she looked. That was the little touch Bill Bell was such a master of that his son seems to lack. The reminder that these people still care about each other at some level. The fact that Stephanie is human and vulnerable, even though she doesn't want to be. You remind me of the best and worst Bill Bell and Susan Flannery gave us in Stephanie. Thank you. |
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Thank you, Janice! Although Eric has every reason to be outraged by Stephanie's deception, he is still enough of a gentleman to compliment her on her appearance. Although Susan Flannery is still a beautiful woman, it's as if the wardrobe people have simply given up on trying to dress Stephanie. One of my favorite scenes was from the second day B&B aired. Bill Bell cleverly waited until then to reveal that Susan Flannery was casted as Stephanie. I remember how elegantly attired she was and without saying a word, you knew she was the lady of the manor. Even though Stephanie came across as a cold fish even then, you could sense her vulnerability especially in those scenes where Eric rebuffed her sexual advances.
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter and thanks for your comments!
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jrtllf01
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| | Re: CHAPTER 11 - THE BIGGEST LOSER
« Reply #3 on Sept 13, 2009, 7:17am » | |
Brooke, Stephanie, Eric and Rick were riveted by the gorgeous Amazon who dramatically strode into Brooke's office with her portfolio. For the briefest of moments, Eric eyed Cheré appreciatively; meanwhile Rick was practically agog. Brooke smiled and quickly made a professional assessment, thinking that Cheré would be a great addition to the upcoming Los Angeles and New York shows. Thinking ahead to the Milan fashion show, Brooke also made a mental note to ask Cheré if she had a current passport.
Stephanie did not miss the brief look of admiration that crossed Eric's face and restrained the urge to kick him in his family jewels. How typical, she thought. How long will it be before this one graces his bed?
"Good morning," Cheré greeted everyone in a sultry voice.
"Forgive my manners," Eric quickly apologized before starting the introductions. "Cheré Green, I would like you to meet the company's CEO, Brooke Logan."
"How do you do, Ms. Green," Brooke politely said as she extended her hand to the other woman. She was impressed with Cheré's firm and confident handshake.
"It's nice meeting you, Ms. Logan," Cheré said with a smile.
"And, this is my son, Rick Forrester," Eric said.
"Good morning—it's a pleasure!" Rick practically gulped. Man, if he wasn't married … she was hot!
Cheré smiled knowingly at Rick and firmly shook his hand. "The pleasure's all mine, Mr. Forrester," she said.
Rick looked at Cheré and blinked several times. His throat then went dry. "Um, are you going to be working here at Forrester Creations, Ms. Green?" he managed to squeak out while still holding onto Cheré's hand.
“I think your father can answer that question better than I can,” Cheré coyly replied. She had to admit that this guy was quite a looker although he was a bit too young for her tastes.
"Actually, Rick, Ms. Green already has a job—a special one," Eric smoothly interjected. He then gripped Rick's shoulder, signaling that he should let Cheré's hand go, which Rick reluctantly did.
Stephanie folded her arms and did a slow burn. Obviously, Eric's younger son inherited his father's skirt-chasing ways! Thankfully, her own sons were better behaved. And what was with Eric introducing his trampy ex and their bratty son before her?
Eric got to the business at hand. "Ms. Green, I’ve actually saved the best for last. I would like you to meet the lovely lady in the smart going-away outfit—my wife, Stephanie Forrester."
Stephanie was momentarily caught off guard by Eric's seemingly extravagant praise and his once again alluding to her going somewhere. She was slow to react and failed to notice when Cheré reached into her oversized Marc Jacobs bag and retrieved a large envelope.
Cheré smiled and extended her right hand toward Stephanie. "So, you're the legendary Stephanie Forrester—the kingmaker, the woman behind the throne so to speak."
"Well, I don't know about all that," Stephanie sourly replied, "but it is nice to know that my contributions are well regarded by others!"
Stephanie briefly shook the younger woman's hand and regarded Eric curiously. "Eric, do you mind telling me why all of us need to meet with Ms. Green? The last time I checked, you and Ridge had creative control. You certainly don't need the CEO’s approval to hire a model, and I have no idea why Rick is even here."
"I would have preferred to have this meeting alone with you in my office, Stephanie. You know, I actually had some foolish notion about preserving your dignity. Silly me! Unfortunately, I can always count on you being predictable. I'm sure you didn't waste one minute running in here to confront Brooke, did you? And because you don't know when to keep your mouth shut, well this is the way it has to be."
"What? How dare you talk to me like that in front of other people especially this strange woman?" A chagrined Stephanie said. “Look, Eric, I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately, but whatever it is, I don’t like it!”
“She doesn’t know what’s gotten into me!” Eric laughed at the irony and foolishness of Stephanie’s statement.
Immediately sensing that they were only going to be spectators in this particular drama, Brooke quietly grabbed Rick by his arm and removed him out of harm’s way. She had no idea who this woman was or who she was to Eric, but she figured that fists were going to start flying in a few minutes. She and Rick quickly walked to the other side of her desk.
“Mom?” Rick squinted at his mother in confusion.
“Shhhhh! Just watch and listen,” Brooke admonished Rick.
Much too late, Stephanie realized that Cheré had removed the documents from the large envelope.
"These are for you, Mrs. Forrester," Cheré said as she placed the documents in Stephanie’s hand.
“What? What are these?” Stephanie asked in agitation. She briefly glanced down at the papers and realized that they were legal documents. Her eyes widened in horror when she noticed the caption of the first document: Eric Forrester I, Plaintiff vs. Stephanie Douglas Forrester, Defendant. She briefly scanned the bottom of the caption and audibly gasped when she read the title of the document, which was in all capital letters, underscored and in boldfaced type: PETITION FOR DIVORCE.
“Why you son-of-a … Eric—what the hell is this? And, who is this bitch?! I bet you’re screwing her, aren’t you?” An outraged Stephanie yelled.
“Bitch?” Cheré mockingly asked as she boldly stepped closer to Stephanie. Although Stephanie was not a small woman, Cheré, who was wearing 4-inch stilettos, practically towered over the older woman. “Oh, I’ve got your bitch, lady. Now, I really don’t appreciate your calling me out of my name and if you do it again, I’ll be happy to show you just what this bitch can do!”
“Why, you … damn it! I could just strangle … oh my God!” A discombobulated Stephanie sputtered. “You take these papers back! I don’t want them! I refuse to accept them!” Stephanie screamed hysterically as she threw the papers on the floor. “Pick them up and get the hell OUT of here or I’ll have you thrown out! I’ll never acknowledge this divorce suit, Eric!”
“You can do what you like to the papers—burn them, use them to wipe your butt, whatever, but the bottom line is this. You’ve been served, sugar!” Cheré said.
_______________
"You'll be happy to know that it's all yours!" Bridget bitterly sneered at Catherine as she gathered her things to leave.
Catherine sardonically raised an eyebrow at this latest uncalled for attack from Bridget, who had been a royal pain in the ass from the moment she arrived. "I beg your pardon?" Catherine coolly asked.
"You heard me!" Bridget snapped. "Congratulations on your little so-called victory. You've got the house, the kids and Ridge all to yourself! I'm leaving and I'm never coming back!"
Do you promise? Catherine was tempted to ask. "Well, did you at least say goodbye to the children? I'm sure that they'll be very disappointed especially if you leave without saying anything."
"Oh, spare me your false sympathy, Catherine," Bridget sneered. "You couldn't wait for me to leave. You and Stephanie have been campaigning to get rid of me from the get-go. Well, you've won! You don't have to worry about me any longer."
"You know, Bridget, when I mentioned the children just now, you were more concerned about your own hurt feelings and the success of some perceived plot by me and Mrs. Forrester. Not only is your claim ludicrous, but it only highlights the selfishness that's been evident ever since you walked through that door. We've all had a very difficult evening as I'm sure you know. Although Ridge is finally home with his family, don't think that his problems are just going to disappear now. They are only just beginning."
Bridget fumed at being dressed down like a child. So she was selfish, eh? Yet, she kept a vigil all night long for Ridge and how was she rewarded? Bridget chose to shut out most of what Catherine said to her; however, Catherine's warning about Ridge's problems caught her attention.
"What do you mean that Ridge's problems are just beginning?" Bridget quietly asked.
"Bridget, Ridge has to go through a long legal process. He'll probably have to plan the next few weeks or months of his life around numerous court appearances. A judge will decide whether he can even travel and where. And he might still go to jail by the time it's all over and done with. Because of that, there will be a sense of urgency with everything he does. If Ridge is incarcerated for any length of time, it will be devastating for those kids especially after losing their mom." Catherine quietly explained.
The icy cold hand of fear clutched Bridget's heart, and she felt a sense of dread. "I see," she barely choked. "Maybe Ridge won't go through all that. Maybe my mother will drop the charges," she said with false optimism. "Then everything will be the way it was again."
Catherine looked at Bridget and wondered if she truly were that naïve. "Bridget, this is a lot more serious than your mother simply picking up the phone and saying, 'OOPS! I changed my mind! I don't want Ridge to go to jail; I want him to get counseling instead!' The law simply doesn't work that way. Keep in mind that your mother wasn't the only one nearly hurt by Ridge's actions yesterday, and she has no control over this process."
Bridget was genuinely shocked. She didn't want to believe it when her mother told her she couldn't drop the charges against Ridge. In fact, she accused her of being vindictive. Now, Catherine practically told her the same thing; yet, it sounded more believable coming from her. Bridget thought.
"So it's really serious then," Bridget whispered. "Ridge can actually go to jail—for years?"
"Yes," Catherine bluntly responded.
_______________
A dejected Ridge sat in bed and again wondered how he came to such a sorry pass. He had quietly crept upstairs to his room after overhearing Catherine and Bridget’s conversation. As far as he was concerned, Catherine was as wrong as the day was long. No way was he going to jail! Not for a day; not for an hour; damn a whole year or two!
Ridge nearly developed Carpel Tunnel Syndrome as he repeatedly changed the channel in an attempt to escape any news about his arrest and resulting legal problems. But, like a bad nightmare, there it was right there in living color. The police chase; his confrontation with Brooke and her male supporters outside her home; his rather violent arrest; and the trip to the jail. Ridge thought he could deal with all that. However, hearing himself referred to as obsessive, a stalker and a national joke stung him. His jaw clenched several times as he watched numerous clips of Brooke in Nick’s arms. Although he would rather die than admit it, there was a certain tenderness there that had been noticeably absent from his own interactions with Brooke lately. How the hell did that happen? Ridge idly wondered. What infuriated him even more was the way Brooke readily responded to Nick’s ministrations. And what was with this sh*t—praising Popeye for being so supportive? It irked Ridge to hear the commentators assign superlatives to Nick that he felt were totally undeserved. That the praise came mostly from women pissed Ridge off even more. Handsome! Strong! Tender lover! Probably the best thing that ever happened to La Logan!
“Effing Nick Payne!” Ridge ground out between clenched teeth. “Every time I see that guy, I want to crack him in his jaw!”
Whoever said that all publicity is good publicity was crazy, Ridge thought. When the commentators and reporters started to compare him to Nick, Ridge thought he would go through the roof. Comparing the men’s respective attributes as potential partners for Brooke was bad enough for Ridge. When it came to describing their physical attributes, Ridge felt that Nick had an unfair advantage. He wanted to die of embarrassment when his mug shot was broadcast for all to see. Ridge was furious. Who in the hell released it? He wondered. He silently vowed to sue whoever the culprit was. Obviously, the mug shot did not show him at his best. His black eye was nearly swollen shut. His face showed several scratches and purplish contusions. Don’t even get him started on his hair, Ridge silently fumed. Meanwhile, there was a clean-shaven Nick, looking ruggedly handsome. Ridge’s frustrations mounted when he inadvertently flipped to Court TV and saw Nancy Grace herself, who could not resist giving viewers with her own take on Ridge, his relationship with Brooke and how “lucky” Brooke was to get away from him.
“Ladies, this is one of the worst examples of addictive love I’ve ever seen! You know, as a former prosecutor, I’ve tried my share of domestic violence cases. I can tell you from firsthand experience that domestic abuse doesn’t discriminate; it touches all races and crosses all socioeconomic classes. It’s sad in this day and age when a woman as accomplished as Brooke Logan has to endure what she has at the hands of a monster! Yes, ladies and gentlemen—a monster!
“Well, yesterday, Miss Logan struck a blow for women everywhere when she let her abuser know that she was mad as hell and wasn’t taking it anymore! Good for you, Brooke Logan! If only more abused women had your pluck and spirit! As for what’s in store for the so-called man in this tangled mess, my contacts at Los Angeles prosecutor’s office tell me …”
“Man-hating, bug-eyed bitch! Self-promoting hack! Don’t have a man your damn self, but you’ve got plenty to say about my relationship with my woman!” Ridge angrily yelled as he quickly changed the channel. “Everybody’s a damn expert now!” Ridge was beyond livid that his relationship with Brooke had been now being characterized as an abusive one. Even more offensive was the way it had been sensationalized by a ratings-driven media. “Why, I’ve never touched Brooke in that way!” Ridge yelled. Hadn’t he just told Massimo that he was too much of a man to put his hands on Brooke? He didn’t even attempt to defend himself when she hit him, Ridge thought. No, instead, he stood there and allowed Brooke to beat him down in front of her brother, her son and Popeye!
Ridge could only glare helplessly at the screen when yet another industrious reporter excitedly bragged that he had discovered the identity of Brooke’s “mystery man.” The color publicity still that accompanied Nick’s press release in the business journals suddenly flashed across the screen. Ridge then heard the reporter breathlessly read from an official bio provided by Marone Industries for Nick, practically gushing like someone with a serious man-crush.
“ARRGGGHHHH!” Ridge practically shrieked when he saw yet another close-up of Nick and Brooke together. In a fit of anger, he threw the remote control at the flat-screen television. Instead of the sound of shattering glass that Ridge expected to hear, the remote control bounced off the screen and landed on the carpet. For some bizarre reason, this enraged Ridge even more. “Effing Nick Payne!” It’s like he couldn’t escape this bastard; he was everywhere!
Although he had just candidly admitted to Bridget the reason he felt that Brooke had dumped him, Ridge’s heart hardened yet again. He was now loath to even acknowledge that such a conversation actually took place. He now stubbornly clung to his belief that Nick was actually behind Brooke’s change of heart. His mind then leapt to the conclusion that the two had already become lovers and had spent what should have been his wedding night laughing at him. How else to explain how that sailor just happened to be with her? Ridge reasoned. It was also readily apparent to Ridge that Brooke’s family approved of her cheap affair. That they thought Nick was more worthy of Brooke than him was an affront to Ridge. The childish side of him wanted to make them pay. Ridge did not honestly know what, if anything, he could do about Storm or Katie; however, he knew that Rick was vulnerable through Amber and Little Eric. You’ll get yours Pretty Ricky! A seething Ridge promised. And your little dog, Amber, too—and her little meal ticket!
However, Rick and Amber were not Ridge’s immediate priorities. Despite his anger and the fact that Brooke had made her choice, he still wanted her back. He could not honestly explain why. He just knew he would be damned if Popeye would have her! However, loving Brooke tenderly was not something he intended to do. That would come in time, Ridge told himself. Her act of rebellion had upset the applecart, and it was time to fix that quick, fast and in a hurry. Ridge decided that he first needed to get Brooke back under his spell again. Then he would master her in such a way where she would never again humiliate him the way she did over the last two days. He would put a curb on her like a horse, controlling her just enough but never breaking her spirit. After all, he still needed her fire and passion in his bed and he was never too overly fond of women who just lay there and let it happen! Ridge chuckled richly.
He just had to find a way to get Nick Payne out of the picture. But how? He wondered.
_______________
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Determined not to let others steal my joy!
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