Paradise Chapter 23

[missyb]

Sorry for the long wait Dot, but believe it or not, this is the first real chance that I've had to read the chapter. Between jet lag, time loss, work and a term paper, I've been swamped.

I must say that you really had a wonderful chapter. More and more I see Nick as a strong, capable, loving man. At times, he has a vurerablity that is sweet. I love reading about he and Brooke because they are building something special.

Poor Brooke she means well but I just knew that her keeping Deacon would bring her problems and for once I'm thinking the rest of the family is right. This is about Bridget. It's going to be very hard for her to deal with Deacon and right or wrong, having him at Forrester may not be the best thing. Brooke really ought to think about this. Bridget is very young and confused and it does seem that her mother isn't being sympathic to her feelings.

Carla is such an interesting character. SO prim and proper yet Deacon get under her skin. She wants him but doesn't want to get invovled. This is going to be a very good cat and mouse game and Deacon will begin to show Carla a wilder side.

I have to say that I agree with Ethan's assement of Nick NOT saying anything to Brooke about Omar's daughter. Right now, Nick is being paid to handle the matter. This isn't a threat to Brooke's business. Right now, allow Omar to handle his daughter.

Poor Bridget, she's dealing with a lot on her plate. I think that CJ is a very good influence on her. I hope a spark takes hold. I also hope that she gives Nick and her mother a real chance.

Personally, I don't care what Stephanie thinks. She's so cruel and evil on so many levels. Taking a video of Ridge and Taylor and showing it to Brooke was degrading and disgusting. It was hurtful. I thought at first that Brooke was crying because it hurt her cause it hurt me. LOL

Ridge is once again making too many mistakes. He knows what he is doing is wrong. He knows that he doesn't want Taylor yet it has allowed his depression to make him make a bad decision. I want Ridge to grow up. He needs to be alone for a while and get himself together. He isn't in love with Taylor and this can only end one way.

I really enjoyed this chapter. I can't wait for more like it. Thanks so much for your patience with me. LOL

[jrtllf01]

Dot, what an awesome and action-filled chapter! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but it's been an emotional week with everything happening onscreen. I tried desperately to separate your Ridge from the evil rapist onscreen. And, now that Taylor the opportunist has once again shown her true colors, well . . . !

But, this story is really shaping up wonderfully now that our two "islanders" are getting used to be on the mainland again. They are so great together, not to mention HOT! Nick is just what Brooke needs in her life right now. He has given her the strength to be honest with Ridge, as well as face down the evil Stephanie.

Is Taylor for real? I know she's not aware that the ring Ridge purchased was intended for Brooke, but sheesh! I couldn't help but roll my eyes and then laugh at the way she first discounted and then had no choice but to acknowledge everything James said. She KNOWS the truth, but she's so pressed to get Ridge back, she's willing to risk everything including her dignity. It's hard for me to feel that sorry for someone who deliberately walks into a hurricane with both eyes wide open. She didn't even take the opportunity to grow on her own while she and Ridge were apart. What makes it even worse, she KNOWS about the letter. Why snarl at James because he wants her to face facts? I had to laugh though at the way you have her unwittingly playing the runner-up gal yet again. Great touch with the ring!

I don't know what to say about Ridge. A part of me does feel sad for him, but at least he's no longer in denial. I can't believe that a man his age finds it so easy to move so seamlessly between women based on which one of them is no longer available. I knew the moment he moved back into that house that he would live to regret it. He even acknowledges that Thorne is right and resolved to fix it (hate that term now!). Well, he fixed it alright! I never believed that Taylor was enough to satisfy that part of him that likes to be free and creative. I definitely see him screwing the models to get Brooke out of his system. And, there is still the letter, where Ridge is at his most honest.

The meeting left me with some mixed feelings. I like the strong, take-charge Brooke, but I have to agree with Missy. Deacon should have been gone the first day Brooke came back. While she did shut the Forresters up, I don't even think the samples she cited even compare to Deacon and Bridget's situation. Deacon didn't just dump Bridget; he literally dogged her out where he eats in front of her family's faces, while taunting them. He degraded her and deliberately used her to bait her father and stepmother. Even worse, he conspired to take over control of the company once again using Bridget and their marriage to do so. He had Bridget's nose—and legs—so wide open that she couldn't even see straight. The only reason he came to heel when Brooke came back is because he realized that the gig was up and he was fearful he was on his way out. Brooke has a heart of gold but she's way too generous to people who I'm not sure are worth it. I'm not sure she should dismiss the Forresters' feelings so easily about this. Deacon may be a decent person to Brooke's way of thinking, but they lived with his behavior and they saw firsthand how openly opportunistic and disrespectful he was toward Bridget. So, I really don't blame Eric especially for being outraged. While I can't stand Bridget's attitude and think she's a major PITA, I can see where she's coming from when it comes to Deacon. Hopefully, Brooke's instincts will be right on this one and Deacon won't disappoint her especially at the risk of losing her daughter.

Bridget—ACCK! Boy, does that chick need a good whack! I understand her hurt and pain behind Deacon, but shut up already about Brooke and Nick! Her mother is a grown woman and can do whatever she wants. Hopefully, CJ's influence and patience will win out. Any other guy would have dumped her at the nearest hotel with a few bucks and washed his hands of her whining and carrying on. I'm already holding my breath for the whining and tears to come when she sees how Deacon has moved on to a REAL woman. Of course, Brooke will be blamed for that one, too.

Speaking of which—WOW! What an inspired pairing. Deacon and Carla are HOT! I am so looking forward to "the wanton" and her "stud" exploring the possibility of a real relationship. I think Carla will surprise herself. I just remember how uptight, rigid and concerned with appearances she was when she was first introduced in New York. What a great way for her to get her groove back!

I think Nick should hold off on saying anything to Brooke right now about Tatiana being Prince Omar's daughter. Although, the questions are coming fast and furious. I'm sure the prince is quite concerned about Tatiana getting close to the Forresters and whatever secrets he's been holding onto himself about her birth. Even though I can't stand Taylor, I find it hard to believe she gave birth to a daughter and could knowingly walk away. So, I look forward to seeing how this happened and whether Prince Omar and his minions had a hand in it. I'm also worried that Ridge may unwittingly put himself in harm's way by getting involved with Tatiana on a personal level.

What a wonderful tribute to Perry! How like Brooke to not only remember her promise to him, but to actually do everything she can to keep it. I guess that's why we love her so much. Even Nick and Ridge had to agree on that.

Stephanie! What an evil, spiteful, hateful old witch! It's bad enough that she doesn't think twice about slandering Brooke in a board meeting about sleeping with Deacon. She then repeats her poisonous lie to Taylor and I wouldn't put it past her to make that claim to Bridget. When Brooke said the hag was depraved, she was spot on! You would think she would have been embarrassed to even let Brooke know that she could stoop so low. But, not only does she ramp up the video, she actually fixes popcorn as if watching her son and his ex-wife having sex is a recreational sport. Like Nick, I was also a little worried about Brooke crying, but thankfully she cleared that up immediately. I'm also glad that Nick saw firsthand how despicable that old biddy actually is. I would imagine that if Brooke had told him all the things Stephanie has done, he would have found it hard to believe. Thank goodness they put her out, but not before Brooke got the upper hand. Serves Stephanie right! Let her son find out just how little she thinks of him. And, Taylor will probably feel like the kid who "won" the beauty pageant only to find out that her parents paid off the judges.

Again, Dot, this was an awesome chapter! I can't wait to see what you have in store next.

[dotd]

missyb said:

Sorry for the long wait Dot, but believe it or not, this is the first real chance that I've had to read the chapter. Between jet lag, time loss, work and a term paper, I've been swamped.

Don't feel bad, we all have lives you know. I know I can be a pest, but I just love reading reactions!

I must say that you really had a wonderful chapter. More and more I see Nick as a strong, capable, loving man. At times, he has a vurerablity that is sweet. I love reading about he and Brooke because they are building something special.

Nick is starting to feel more comfortable and more confident in himself. He does have a vulnerable side, a sensitive side and that really rounds him out. He loves Brooke very much and wants to share everything in his life with her. She makes him so happy and all he wants to do is make her just as happy. But he still doesn't know all the ins and outs of living in a world like the Forresters. He may be a big city boy, but he's not used to living with the rich and famous.

Poor Brooke she means well but I just knew that her keeping Deacon would bring her problems and for once I'm thinking the rest of the family is right. This is about Bridget. It's going to be very hard for her to deal with Deacon and right or wrong, having him at Forrester may not be the best thing. Brooke really ought to think about this. Bridget is very young and confused and it does seem that her mother isn't being sympathic to her feelings.

Brooke does love Bridget and she wants to protect her, but she gave her word to Deacon and she doesn't feel someone should be fired because the family doesn't want him around anymore. He's been doing a really good job for Brooke and she has found herself actually liking him. I think it's going to be hard going because no one is going to agree with her choice but Brooke, stubbornly, is going to hang tight.

Carla is such an interesting character. SO prim and proper yet Deacon get under her skin. She wants him but doesn't want to get invovled. This is going to be a very good cat and mouse game and Deacon will begin to show Carla a wilder side.

I like Carla. She did seem prim and proper, at least from what Nick has said about her. But she has a lot more going on. She is enjoying playing a game with Deacon but she really is scared to open up and actually try to do something real. But like you said, don't expect Deacon to give up. He found something he likes and he's going to keep going for it!

I have to say that I agree with Ethan's assement of Nick NOT saying anything to Brooke about Omar's daughter. Right now, Nick is being paid to handle the matter. This isn't a threat to Brooke's business. Right now, allow Omar to handle his daughter.

Nick wants to share everything with Brooke and he wants to protect her. He also wonders if she could give him a hint as to what's going on. Like he said, if it wasn't Brooke no one would think that it was strange for him to talk to employees or the employer, but since it's his woman they are saying it. He's going to have to think about it, but I imagine that the subject will eventually be approached.

Poor Bridget, she's dealing with a lot on her plate. I think that CJ is a very good influence on her. I hope a spark takes hold. I also hope that she gives Nick and her mother a real chance.

CJ is very good for her and I think that there will be sparks. Bridget isn't ready yet but I think soon she will realize that her marriage WAS a mistake and that the world is really at her feet.

Personally, I don't care what Stephanie thinks. She's so cruel and evil on so many levels. Taking a video of Ridge and Taylor and showing it to Brooke was degrading and disgusting. It was hurtful. I thought at first that Brooke was crying because it hurt her cause it hurt me. LOL

She is very cruel and yes she was trying to hurt Brooke and she did. While Brooke was more hurt for Ridge, she still loves him even if she doesn't want a life with him. Brooke was crying for Ridge but I think a part was for herself too. She is committed to Nick but she is not going to let Stephanie cheapen what she and Ridge have shared.

Ridge is once again making too many mistakes. He knows what he is doing is wrong. He knows that he doesn't want Taylor yet it has allowed his depression to make him make a bad decision. I want Ridge to grow up. He needs to be alone for a while and get himself together. He isn't in love with Taylor and this can only end one way.

Well I will say this, for storyline purposes I really did need to get him back with Taylor. I thought the fun way would be to have him go to her after realizing that he couldn't have Brooke. Taylor DOES make him happy and he does love her, but a marriage now is wrong. He's not "in love" with her.

I really enjoyed this chapter. I can't wait for more like it. Thanks so much for your patience with me. LOL

Thank YOU for reading and posting! You know how much that means to me!

[dotd]

jrtllf01 said:

Dot, what an awesome and action-filled chapter! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but it's been an emotional week with everything happening onscreen. I tried desperately to separate your Ridge from the evil rapist onscreen. And, now that Taylor the opportunist has once again shown her true colors, well . . . !

I know, I have a hard time doing that too. That's why my writing hasn't been as fast as usual.

But, this story is really shaping up wonderfully now that our two "islanders" are getting used to be on the mainland again. They are so great together, not to mention HOT! Nick is just what Brooke needs in her life right now. He has given her the strength to be honest with Ridge, as well as face down the evil Stephanie.[/quotte]Nick is different from anyone Brooke has ever known. The real world Nick is different from the man on the island and he's someone that Brooke is finding more fascinating and interesting and attractive than she ever imagined. He does give her strength and happiness and it helps her make moves that she hadn't been able to do before. She is a woman in control now.

Is Taylor for real? I know she's not aware that the ring Ridge purchased was intended for Brooke, but sheesh! I couldn't help but roll my eyes and then laugh at the way she first discounted and then had no choice but to acknowledge everything James said. She KNOWS the truth, but she's so pressed to get Ridge back, she's willing to risk everything including her dignity. It's hard for me to feel that sorry for someone who deliberately walks into a hurricane with both eyes wide open. She didn't even take the opportunity to grow on her own while she and Ridge were apart. What makes it even worse, she KNOWS about the letter. Why snarl at James because he wants her to face facts? I had to laugh though at the way you have her unwittingly playing the runner-up gal yet again. Great touch with the ring!

It's so hard for Taylor. She had just started to adjust to a life without Ridge when he came back with a live Brooke. Suddenly she went back into that old mold that she had almost broken out of. Win at all costs. While I do think she still did love Ridge, she was ready to explore a life without him. Now she is clinging to things that aren't even real. James, once more, tried to give her good advice, but she chose to push it away. Now she's once more the runner up and even if she doesn't really know it, inside she does. I thought the ring would be a fun touch, even those who weren't rooting for Brooke and Ridge had to smile at Brooke winning that war once more LOL!

I don't know what to say about Ridge. A part of me does feel sad for him, but at least he's no longer in denial. I can't believe that a man his age finds it so easy to move so seamlessly between women based on which one of them is no longer available. I knew the moment he moved back into that house that he would live to regret it. He even acknowledges that Thorne is right and resolved to fix it (hate that term now!). Well, he fixed it alright! I never believed that Taylor was enough to satisfy that part of him that likes to be free and creative. I definitely see him screwing the models to get Brooke out of his system. And, there is still the letter, where Ridge is at his most honest.

Well like I said to Missy, for story purposes I had to bring Ridge into full wafflemode. He does love Taylor and he knows she can make him happy and maybe in time they could come back together and have a good life, but right now he is reeling from the loss of Brooke and he isn't ready to make any kind of life with any woman. I can see him screwing the models too. Taylor and Ridge aren't on the same page and she's not going to be enough to calm his wild beast right now.

The meeting left me with some mixed feelings. I like the strong, take-charge Brooke, but I have to agree with Missy. Deacon should have been gone the first day Brooke came back. While she did shut the Forresters up, I don't even think the samples she cited even compare to Deacon and Bridget's situation. Deacon didn't just dump Bridget; he literally dogged her out where he eats in front of her family's faces, while taunting them. He degraded her and deliberately used her to bait her father and stepmother. Even worse, he conspired to take over control of the company once again using Bridget and their marriage to do so. He had Bridget's nose—and legs—so wide open that she couldn't even see straight. The only reason he came to heel when Brooke came back is because he realized that the gig was up and he was fearful he was on his way out. Brooke has a heart of gold but she's way too generous to people who I'm not sure are worth it. I'm not sure she should dismiss the Forresters' feelings so easily about this. Deacon may be a decent person to Brooke's way of thinking, but they lived with his behavior and they saw firsthand how openly opportunistic and disrespectful he was toward Bridget. So, I really don't blame Eric especially for being outraged. While I can't stand Bridget's attitude and think she's a major PITA, I can see where she's coming from when it comes to Deacon. Hopefully, Brooke's instincts will be right on this one and Deacon won't disappoint her especially at the risk of losing her daughter.

To be fair to Brooke, she doesn't know about the things that went on while she was away. And to be fair to Deacon, Rick, Bridget and Amber were all part of it too. They wanted to take control too. But Brooke is seeing it from the perspective of what she's learned since returning. Deacon has been good to her and honest with her. He set Bridget free when it was not to his best advantage and Brooke doesn't want to punish him for that. Not only that but he's been about the only one on her side at work and she really does like his contributions. I think it may come back to bite her, not because Deacon will betray her, but because Bridget isn't going to be forgiving or understanding and with Stephanie and Taylor chiming in and Ridge and Eric actually agreeing with them, Brooke will be on her own. I'm going to have to have Rick take a stand on this too.

Bridget—ACCK! Boy, does that chick need a good whack! I understand her hurt and pain behind Deacon, but shut up already about Brooke and Nick! Her mother is a grown woman and can do whatever she wants. Hopefully, CJ's influence and patience will win out. Any other guy would have dumped her at the nearest hotel with a few bucks and washed his hands of her whining and carrying on. I'm already holding my breath for the whining and tears to come when she sees how Deacon has moved on to a REAL woman. Of course, Brooke will be blamed for that one, too.

You know, I guess I never liked Bridget. She's the hardest one for me to write sympathetically. I can do it for Ridge, I can do it for Stephanie, I can do it for Amber but for some reason I just see Bridget as a self centered brat. I think that Changes is the only story where I actually like her myself LOL! Anyway, I am going to try and let her grow and find some happiness with CJ, at least as a friend. And you are so right, she is going to go wild when she finds out about Carla and hating Nick as much as she does, you know it will be all his fault.

Speaking of which—WOW! What an inspired pairing. Deacon and Carla are HOT! I am so looking forward to "the wanton" and her "stud" exploring the possibility of a real relationship. I think Carla will surprise herself. I just remember how uptight, rigid and concerned with appearances she was when she was first introduced in New York. What a great way for her to get her groove back!

Again, this is a thank you to Pam. Like JAde in Changes, she told me that she thought that Carla and Deacon could really rock. At first I resisited but then I decided maybe she had something there. Carla is not as ridid and uptight as they all think is she? She seems to really come alive with Deacon and yet she wants to keep it all a fantasy. Deacon is a man who is all about the here and now. He's not going to let this just be a game. He's interested and he's going to go after her full force!

I think Nick should hold off on saying anything to Brooke right now about Tatiana being Prince Omar's daughter. Although, the questions are coming fast and furious. I'm sure the prince is quite concerned about Tatiana getting close to the Forresters and whatever secrets he's been holding onto himself about her birth. Even though I can't stand Taylor, I find it hard to believe she gave birth to a daughter and could knowingly walk away. So, I look forward to seeing how this happened and whether Prince Omar and his minions had a hand in it. I'm also worried that Ridge may unwittingly put himself in harm's way by getting involved with Tatiana on a personal level.

Nick is more than curious about the coincidence of Tatiana working for Brooke's company. He knows that he owes it to Omar to be sensitive to this whole thing, but he also trusts Brooke with his life and he wants not just her input, but if there is anything fishy, he wants her safety.
As for Taylor's role in all this. I promise you it will start to come out soon and that when there is a final confrontation, it will be explosive for all involved. I wonder how Nick will feel as he observes the world of the Forresters go into full crazyiness like this.

What a wonderful tribute to Perry! How like Brooke to not only remember her promise to him, but to actually do everything she can to keep it. I guess that's why we love her so much. Even Nick and Ridge had to agree on that.

Brooke remembered their promise and she wanted to include the others in her gift. I also love having that level headed man in my story so with him in town, he may start seeing things going on that the others all miss.

Stephanie! What an evil, spiteful, hateful old witch! It's bad enough that she doesn't think twice about slandering Brooke in a board meeting about sleeping with Deacon. She then repeats her poisonous lie to Taylor and I wouldn't put it past her to make that claim to Bridget. When Brooke said the hag was depraved, she was spot on! You would think she would have been embarrassed to even let Brooke know that she could stoop so low. But, not only does she ramp up the video, she actually fixes popcorn as if watching her son and his ex-wife having sex is a recreational sport. Like Nick, I was also a little worried about Brooke crying, but thankfully she cleared that up immediately. I'm also glad that Nick saw firsthand how despicable that old biddy actually is. I would imagine that if Brooke had told him all the things Stephanie has done, he would have found it hard to believe. Thank goodness they put her out, but not before Brooke got the upper hand. Serves Stephanie right! Let her son find out just how little she thinks of him. And, Taylor will probably feel like the kid who "won" the beauty pageant only to find out that her parents paid off the judges.

Brooke was crushed. She hurt for Ridge, she hurt for her past with him and she hurt that a woman could hate her so much that she would do this to her own son. Nick was scared at her tears and Brooke needed him to know that it wasn't about 'losing' Ridge but about the pain that this woman was causing them all. I think Brooke is too kind to hurt Ridge enough to show it to him though, but she will be able to hold it over Stephanie. Now what will Nick want her to do? Throw it away? Show Ridge? Show Taylor? Show Eric? Ignore it? It has to be so hard for him to live in this crazy world. It's so different from anything he's ever known.

Again, Dot, this was an awesome chapter! I can't wait to see what you have in store next.

Thank you so much and thanks for commenting and I'm sorry I was such a pest!

[Lexxie]

;D

DotD, what can I say? Another really great chapter! I loved it all !

I'm so happy Brooke is feeling strong and confident about her choice to be with Nick. They are good together, and they've been through so much together. And I think that they have a lot more in common than they think right now.

Carla and Deacon are smokin' hot! WOW I hope she'll open up a bit more to him, their relationship could be a good one, and it would still cause some drama...

Poor Ridge! He has no idea what Stephanie has been doing to him. I was very happy when I realized just why Brooke was crying about the video tape. You got me scared there for a minute (I know, I shouldn't have been, but even you could have written something where Brooke wanted Ridge back, just to throw us all off!) I do hope she'll show him the tape, to let him see that Stephanie staged the whole thing. And please, make him grow up and not marry Taylor. She deserves better than being second best! And he should find out what he really wants, and grieve Brooke before he starts a new romantic relationship.

Also, Bridget needs to understand that her mother has changed a lot, and that even if Brooke might have had something to do with the fact that Deacon left her, she didn't do anything to make life difficult for Bridget. Brooke is still protecting her daughter the whole way!

I'm looking forward to having Omar in town, and I'm wondering when Tatiana will strike again

Thanks again for a great chapter! I thorougly enjoyed it!

[ca_gal]

Hi Dot,

I do love how Brooke is with Nick. But I have to confess that now that I know Nick Parker is pseudo Nick Marone that I get this story confused with “In the Nick of Time”. I know you named your Paradise Nick before Dominick came to B&B. But now that your Nick is being played by Jack Wagner it’s just so NICKY. LOL. I know I’m in the minority, but I wish Nick Parker wasn’t JW. On to the positive…

I had a feeling when Brooke was crying at the video it was because she felt sorry for Ridge and Taylor. Like Brooke said, Steph is so focused on her hatred that she can’t even see that her actions are crazy. And so focused that she didn’t even think of the long view – like Brooke will keep the tape and show it to Ridge! You captured Stephanie’s antics so well…having her waiting in Brooke’s house. (Like the show where everyone just walks in to everyone else’s houses. ) But the whole popcorn thing was just so Stephanie as was her mocking of Brooke’s destiny.

Liked the throwaway line when Deacon was explaining to Giovanni about Brooke, “Maybe is some parallel universe…”. Hee! You mean like in the Stolen Moments universe (or the actual show for that matter). Again, just love the way you write Deacon. I was a little surprised to see him get so schmoopy with Carla after their one-night stand. He’s had plenty I’m sure, so what is it about Carla that makes him want a relationship? Is it because he feels so lost he needs something/someone to ground him? Did being married to Bridget change him? Perhaps he grew to like the intimacy of a relationship, but just knew Bridget was the wrong person. I’m also concerned because Deacon is falling for the persona that Carla is portraying, and not Carla herself. Deacon’s streetwise perception skills honed in on Carla’s demeanor changes when she revealed her name – and he favors the tiger version. Perhaps Carla will be able to incorporate more of her forced persona into her real persona by playing the part and being with Deacon.

So, Ridge is giving Taylor a ring meant for Brooke – for a second time! Ridge is falling back into his old patterns of the path of least resistance. If he can’t have Brooke, Taylor is a good, safe runner-up. I think Taylor would be indignant to know Ridge’s true feelings, but would still stay with him and talk herself into that he really loves her. But it makes sense for Ridge and Taylor to get back together so when it’s revealed that Tatiana and Ridge slept together it will carry more weight.

As always, thanks for entertaining us!

[dotd]

lexxie said:

;D

DotD, what can I say? Another really great chapter! I loved it all !

I'm so happy Brooke is feeling strong and confident about her choice to be with Nick. They are good together, and they've been through so much together. And I think that they have a lot more in common than they think right now.

You're right. They do have a lot in common, but in many ways they are worlds apart too. Nick isn't from a rich world, but Brooke wasn't always either. She should be able to understand how it can be difficult for him. They do bring out the best in each other and they make each other strong and happy.

Carla and Deacon are smokin' hot! WOW I hope she'll open up a bit more to him, their relationship could be a good one, and it would still cause some drama...

Carla doesn't think she wants a relationship. Deacon had no clue that he did. They both were blown away by their sexual chemistry. But is there more? Can there be?

Poor Ridge! He has no idea what Stephanie has been doing to him. I was very happy when I realized just why Brooke was crying about the video tape. You got me scared there for a minute (I know, I shouldn't have been, but even you could have written something where Brooke wanted Ridge back, just to throw us all off!) I do hope she'll show him the tape, to let him see that Stephanie staged the whole thing. And please, make him grow up and not marry Taylor. She deserves better than being second best! And he should find out what he really wants, and grieve Brooke before he starts a new romantic relationship.

Brooke loves Ridge. She always will. But she is in love with Nick now and she's happy. However that doesn't mean that she wouldn't hurt when Ridge hurts or that she wouldn't be disgusted and sad at what Stephanie did. Brooke was crying for Ridge, not because he was with Taylor, but because of what Stephanie did to him. I agree that Taylor deserves better than second best, but she loves Ridge and she thinks that they are back in sync again.

Also, Bridget needs to understand that her mother has changed a lot, and that even if Brooke might have had something to do with the fact that Deacon left her, she didn't do anything to make life difficult for Bridget. Brooke is still protecting her daughter the whole way!

Bridget is hurt and angry and she does have a right to be mad at Brooke over Deacon. Hopefully she will calm down and listen and tell Brooke why she still wants Deacon gone. Maybe they can work something out. Brooke IS protecting Bridget and while it hurt her, both Brooke and Deacon did what they did FOR Bridget.

I'm looking forward to having Omar in town, and I'm wondering when Tatiana will strike again

Thanks again for a great chapter! I thorougly enjoyed it!

Tatiana is going to strike again soon, but with Omar on her trail she may have to be more careful, or will he? It is going to get very interesting for all the main characters!

Thanks so much for your comments!

[dotd]

cagal said:

Hi Dot,

I do love how Brooke is with Nick. But I have to confess that now that I know Nick Parker is pseudo Nick Marone that I get this story confused with “In the Nick of Time”. I know you named your Paradise Nick before Dominick came to B&B. But now that your Nick is being played by Jack Wagner it’s just so NICKY. LOL. I know I’m in the minority, but I wish Nick Parker wasn’t JW. On to the positive…

When I first started the story I didn't really have anyone in mind. I did that vote thing and it seemed that so many people were unhappy with the results that when Jack joined the show and people wanted him I let it happen. I don't mean to confuse you and I hope you can still enjoy it. Feel free to picture someone else. As for him being so Nicky, I think that he always was sort of, though I think Michael was more like Nick than Nick was, but I loved the character and I guess some of him took over.

I had a feeling when Brooke was crying at the video it was because she felt sorry for Ridge and Taylor. Like Brooke said, Steph is so focused on her hatred that she can’t even see that her actions are crazy. And so focused that she didn’t even think of the long view – like Brooke will keep the tape and show it to Ridge! You captured Stephanie’s antics so well…having her waiting in Brooke’s house. (Like the show where everyone just walks in to everyone else’s houses. ) But the whole popcorn thing was just so Stephanie as was her mocking of Brooke’s destiny.

I figured that some readers would figure it out right away. You usually get what I'm doing before I even do it LOL! Yes, Brooke was feeling for Ridge and Taylor, mostly Ridge because she does love him. I thought I had captured Stephanie if I do say so myself. I could just see her sitting there like a queen and offering the popcorn. I couldn't resist the line about her destiny either LOL! Steph and Deacon are my favorite people to write.

Liked the throwaway line when Deacon was explaining to Giovanni about Brooke, “Maybe is some parallel universe…”. Hee! You mean like in the Stolen Moments universe (or the actual show for that matter). Again, just love the way you write Deacon. I was a little surprised to see him get so schmoopy with Carla after their one-night stand. He’s had plenty I’m sure, so what is it about Carla that makes him want a relationship? Is it because he feels so lost he needs something/someone to ground him? Did being married to Bridget change him? Perhaps he grew to like the intimacy of a relationship, but just knew Bridget was the wrong person. I’m also concerned because Deacon is falling for the persona that Carla is portraying, and not Carla herself. Deacon’s streetwise perception skills honed in on Carla’s demeanor changes when she revealed her name – and he favors the tiger version. Perhaps Carla will be able to incorporate more of her forced persona into her real persona by playing the part and being with Deacon.

Yeah, I threw in that parallel universe line for fun. I love Breacon but they aren't and have never been in this story so I just wanted to have a shout out to them.
Deacon is going through a lot. He has changed, thanks to Bridget and to Brooke. I think for the first time in his life he realizes that he does want something real. And yet he wants it real on his own terms. That's why he likes the tiger Carla. She's the woman who turns him on and makes him crazy, and yet he is attracted to the softer Carla too. I think she needs to meld her personalities. Not just for Deacon but for herself.

So, Ridge is giving Taylor a ring meant for Brooke – for a second time! Ridge is falling back into his old patterns of the path of least resistance. If he can’t have Brooke, Taylor is a good, safe runner-up. I think Taylor would be indignant to know Ridge’s true feelings, but would still stay with him and talk herself into that he really loves her. But it makes sense for Ridge and Taylor to get back together so when it’s revealed that Tatiana and Ridge slept together it will carry more weight.

As always, thanks for entertaining us!

I couldn't resist the shout out to Bridge with Ridge pulling the ring stunt on Taylor. He is falling into his same patterns but I'll be honest and say that for story reason he has to. I want him with Taylor when things start to come out about Tatiana. And he didn't actually sleep with her. They never had actual sex, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. He's very attracted to her.

[jillct]

Dot,

I do soooooo hope that you will one day complete this story. I was up until 2.30am devouring the whole story and I was completely blown away by it. I love this Brooke! And I love this Nick!

And the night before I was up until about the same time devouring Stolen Moments. Another story I would simply love to read the ending to. It was so disappointing to reach the end, only to discover it wasn't complete:(

I love the Deacon you have written in both stories. I started watching B&B during the Brooke/Deacon storyline and it was them that got me hooked on the show. They were so damn HOT! And I was so disappointed when they ended. I loathe Ridge and I despise Bridget. I got hooked on Bricky for a while, but still, whatever magic B&B had is long gone now. I stopped watching just before the Jack Daniels boink and can't imagine ever watching it again.

Please, please come back to both these stories. I'll have my fingers and even my toes crossed that you do!