At Forrester Creations, Donna talks with Jackie and Nick about the article on Phoebe and Rick and wanders if they are romantically involved. Jackie confirms that they are, and adds that all is not paradise with Brooke and Ridge since Brooke supports the relationship while Ridge rejects it. Nick thinks it has never been paradise for them and is annoyed that Ridge is using his wedding as a marketing gimmick. When they are lone Jackie urges Nick to come to Brooke's rescue, but Nick argues that he has found something special with Taylor that he doesn't want to jeopardize. Jackie maintains that nothing he could have with Taylor would ever compare to what he had with Brooke. Although Nick finally admits that it kills him that the wedding is happening he adds that he and Brooke are over and Jackie needs to let it go. Later Nick stares at pictures of Brooke and Hope and sulks about losing them.
At Forrester Originals, Ridge tells Phoebe Rick is way too old for her and their relationship is inappropriate. Phoebe tries to persuade her father otherwise to no avail. She tells him he is in serious trouble if Rick falls out of love with her one day, before she is old enough to date him. Trying to reassure her, Ridge tells Phoebe she has nothing to worry about because no woman in this world could ever compete with her and hugs her.
In Rick's office, Ashley flirts with Rick and reminisces about their Paris affair. Sensing Rick's awkwardness, Ashley offers to back out of working with Forrester if it makes him uncomfortable. Rick tells her she is the best and he is thrilled Brooke called her to aid with the fragrance line. When she asks him if there is anyone significant in his life he admits that there is, but confesses that a lot of people think the relationship is a bad idea. Ashley tells him she is happy for him and what happened in Paris can stay in Paris. Rick appreciates Ashley's mature attitude.
In the boardroom, Ridge tells Eric and Stephanie once the wedding happens Nick's short reign in fashion will be over. Stephanie frets over Rick and Phoebe, but Ridge assures her that won't be a problem. Brooke walks in and orders everyone to keep the Rick and Phoebe situation under wraps unless they want to risk losing Ashley's help. Phoebe arrives, and is followed by Rick and Ashley. When Rick tells everyone that he and Ashley first met in Paris, Phoebe grows a little suspicious of their relationship. After Ashley impresses the Forrester's with some of her latest fragrance samples and they are eager to hire her on and offer her a job. When everyone else has left, Ridge and Brooke kiss. Brooke tells Ridge she can't leave LA on her business trip until he promises to cool it with Rick and Phoebe. Ridge promises that he will stay calm as long as Rick stays away from his daughter. Not satisfied with this, Brooke warns Ridge that if he ever lays a hand on Rick again he will lose her forever. Jackie eavesdrops outside, and gets an idea after hearing Brooke's ultimatum.
Meanwhile in Rick's office, Ashley drops in and asks Rick one more time if he is sure he is ok with her working there. Rick tells her it won't be a problem. Thinking he is alone, Phoebe bursts and tells him what a sexy businessman he is. After she awkwardly leaves Ashley realizes that Phoebe is Rick's complicated involvement and tells him she hopes that it works out for him. Rick tells her they are going to play it cool for a while until Ridge can accept it.
At home, Ridge tried to convince Phoebe to go out with her friends. Phoebe indicated that she was not interested in seeing her friends. Phoebe told Ridge it is Rick that she is interested in. Phoebe told Ridge that she was going out to the Insomnia to hopefully find someone who would listen to her, because Ridge would not.
Stephanie questioned Ridge about Rick and Phoebe. Ridge declared that Rick and Phoebe's relationship was finally over. Stephanie was not as adamant as Ridge. Stephanie advised that Ridge had believed their relationship was over in the past and yet they were still together.
At the Insomnia Café, Donna and Jackie were unhappy to see Stephanie arrive. Uninvited, Stephanie went to Jackie and Donna's table to talk to them. Stephanie hinted at Jackie that Brooke could return to Nick if she has to choose between Rick and Ridge. Donna and Jackie later decided that they should make a Nick and Brooke reunification happen. When Phoebe entered the Insomnia, Donna took the opportunity to go over and speak with Phoebe. Donna advised Phoebe if it is Rick that she wants, then its Rick that she should have. Donna told Phoebe to pursue Rick. Donna explained that she may never find true love in her life ever again.
At Nick's, his evening of romancing Taylor is disrupted when Jackie shows up with Hope. Though she is disappointed, Taylor leaves so Nick can spend some quality time with his favorite little girl. Hope tells him Brooke is in Australia and Nick shows her where that is on the globe. Jackie happily watches on as the two bond. When they are alone, Nick scolds Jackie for showing up with Hope unannounced. He admits that being around Hope makes him realize how much he misses her. Jackie doesn't understand why Nick is getting involved with Taylor when he would be so much happier with Brooke. She believes the Phoebe/Rick situation could split Brooke and Ridge up for good and urges Nick to pursue Brooke now. Tired of the drama, Nick tells his mother once more to leave it alone.
At the Cafe Russe, Rick and Ashley reminisce about Rick serenading her. He tells her he is not getting to sing as much as he likes now because he has to focus on business. Trying to convince her to work at Forrester, Rick goes on about how she and Abby need a fresh start and assures her that she will be greatly appreciated by the company. Persuaded by his charm, Ashley accepts the offer and they share a toast. Too tired to drink much, Ashley says she would prefer a cappuccino and Rick suggests the perfect place to get one. Getting a little flirty, Ashley tells Rick he is a very persuasive man and she can't seem to say no to him tonight.
Meanwhile, at Insomnia, Donna advises Phoebe to hold onto Rick at all costs. Phoebe worries about going against her father's wishes and causing problems in his relationship with Brooke. Donna thinks Phoebe is smart enough to take care of herself and should not allow Ridge to control her love life. Donna goes on to ask her if she is willing to wait months or maybe even years for Ridge to come around. When Phoebe says she can wait, Donna points out that Rick may not be able to. She then adds that if Brooke and Ridge's relationship is strong enough nothing will mess it up. Continuing with her persuasive tactics, Donna says she and Rick deserve to be happy just as much as Brooke and Ridge do. Donna warns Phoebe that if she doesn't fight for this love she will regret it for the rest of her life. Phoebe admits how much she hates not being able to show Rick how she feels. Before they can talk further, Ashley and Rick walk in. Once they get to the table a jealous Phoebe whines to Rick about not being able to get in touch with him all night and now she knows why. Rick smoothly explains that he and Ashley were having a business dinner and he had his phone off. Sensing the tension, Ashley and Donna quickly excuse themselves, leaving Phoebe and Rick alone. Phoebe tells Rick that she doesn't want to allow Ridge and Brooke to dictate their lives anymore. Ashley and Donna observe from afar as the two lovebirds embrace and kiss. Donna excitedly calls Jackie and reports that Rick and Phoebe are together and definitely in love. Donna predicts that Ridge will go berserk on Rick when he finds out and end up losing Brooke forever.
Due to CBS Sports coverage of the NCAA College Basketball "March Madness" tournament, today's entire CBS Daytime lineup (The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, As the World Turns and Guiding Light) was pre-empted.
Regular broadcasting will resume on Monday, March 19th.
Due to CBS Sports coverage of the NCAA College Basketball "March Madness" tournament, today's entire CBS Daytime lineup (The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, As the World Turns and Guiding Light) was pre-empted.
Regular broadcasting will resume on Monday, March 19th.
