Bold and Beautiful Recaps: The week of July 22, 2024 on B&B

Finn "let a girl dream" when he was unfazed by Hope's flirtations. Steffy was incensed that the police freed Sheila and that Ridge convinced Brooke to model lingerie again. Katie discovered that Tom had played at the festival. Justin seemed nervous while talking to Deacon and Bill.

Hope is undeterred by Finn's reaction

Monday, July 22, 2024

by Chanel S. Garner

In the model's staging area, Finn guessed Hope was just playing around. In her mind, Hope recalled Steffy saying there was nothing Hope could do to Steffy. Hope uttered, "Perhaps, but you still haven't told me. I mean, can you make a girl's dreams come true?"

Finn surmised that Hope's attitude had to do with Steffy. Hope admitted that the women had had a tiff earlier, but she didn't want to make "this" about Steffy. "This is all about you," Hope said. Finn said he had been wondering about Hope's migraines and questioned if they'd been real. She claimed that they had been, and they'd improved due to his "magic hands."

"Wow, you are something today," Finn replied. Hope asked if she was making him nervous. Finn, who'd performed thousands of surgeries, claimed to have ice water in his veins. Hope contended that he was more hot-blooded than he thought.

"If you're trying to get a rise out of me, it's not going to work," Finn replied. Hope told him to give her time. Deciding to find his wife, Finn turned to leave. He advised Hope to button up. She quipped that most men wouldn't tell her to do that. He said he wasn't most men.

In the doorway, Finn received a text message from Deacon. "Sheila's been released," Finn announced. He returned and closed the door. Hope asked how he felt about it. Finn admitted that he was relieved. While he felt it had been important for the police to question Sheila, he hadn't wanted her to be guilty of murder. Hope was happy for Finn but didn't trust Sheila. Finn didn't, either, but he said Sheila had been questioned and was free, fair and square.

Leery-eyed, Hope said she didn't want Finn to get into any more trouble. Finn replied that he wouldn't, and he'd still honor Steffy's wishes. Hope was happy for Finn and Deacon. She didn't condone Deacon's marriage and said she probably shouldn't have been at the wedding. She'd done it for her father, though. Finn replied that he and Hope were on the same page. Hope hinted that it was in more ways than they could comprehend, and one day, he might be able to admit it. Finn scoffed, and she shrugged.

In the design office, Ridge and Brooke scrambled to rebutton their clothes as a grossed-out Steffy grabbed files. Ridge said she'd interrupted an important meeting, and Brooke added that they'd locked the door. Steffy rushed out, griping that she was tripping over too many Logans.

Alone, Brooke and Ridge decided to pick up on their canoodling later. He returned to their previous discussion, and Brooke asserted that she wasn't the appropriate age to model lingerie. Ridge believed Brooke was more gorgeous than ever, and he stated that Monte Carlo was the perfect place to restart her modeling career.

Brooke admitted she adored Ridge for believing in her, but she said she didn't look the way she had in her twenties and thirties. He wondered who did. He stated that they were better for their experience and wisdom, and that was real beauty. Brooke confessed that she was nervous about the scrutiny and about people asking who she thought she was. Ridge didn't want her to do anything she didn't want to, but he insisted that she was a unicorn, living proof that beauty got better each year.

Brooke chuckled, saying Ridge was biased and would like her no matter what. Insisting that it was undeniable, he said she should be loud and proud with a body like that and celebrate it on billboards. He grabbed a negligee and urged his champion, legend, and icon to try it on. "Only for you," she replied and went behind the dressing screen.

Later, enchanted, transformative music played as Brooke appeared in the deep purple gown. Ridge grinned unabashedly. "Wow. You look fantastic," he said. He believed it was why she had to model for Brooke's Bedroom. No one else had the charisma to make the pieces shine. He implored her to do it for him and for the company. Brooke said it was nice to feel valued.

Brooke evaluated herself in the mirror. She didn't feel her age. She felt like the young girl who'd met him. She said aging was okay; it was a privilege, and not everyone got to do it. Ridge hugged her from behind. She said she looked forward to taking risks and staying true to herself without passing up opportunities. Modeling on a global stage again was frightening, but that was why she wanted to do it.

Surprised, Ridge thanked his beautiful Logan. Brooke said she was only as beautiful as the love reflected in his eyes. Ridge stated that he'd always love her, but the world would fall in love with her all over again.

In Eric's office, Steffy cut her eyes at a photo of Brooke and Hope. Liam arrived before his meeting with Carter about the fashion summit. Steffy wished she could leave for Monte Carlo right then. She wanted to sign up to move to any place where Logans weren't allowed.

Steffy was excited to spend time in Monte Carlo with her father, away from anything and everything Logan. Liam wished they'd find a way to coexist. Citing Ridge and Brooke's canoodling earlier, Steffy griped about the Logans' lack of decorum in the office. Steffy figured that she and Hope could get along if Hope left Finn alone and stopped filing his head with ideas about Sheila.

Liam revealed that he'd visited Finn earlier to commend him for what he'd done with Sheila. Liam believed that Finn was really putting his family first. Steffy joked that she needed to send out a press release about Liam's new opinion. Liam didn't know what his opinion would be if the two deaths hadn't changed things for Finn. Steffy called it murder. Liam hoped it stuck for Finn, but Steffy believed it was over with Sheila in custody, headed to prison.

"If there's any justice in the universe," Liam murmured. Steffy insisted that Sheila wouldn't get away with it that time. Liam said Sheila shouldn't have gotten away with the shootings, and he asked if Steffy was confident that it was Sheila. Completely confident, Steffy said Sheila lived feet away and had been the first to find Hollis' body. It was open and shut, and Sheila would finally pay for her crimes.

Katie starts to realize that Poppy's story doesn't add up

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

by Chanel S. Garner

In Eric's office, Steffy kissed Finn, happy to see her "hot doctor." She'd been expecting him sooner and wondered what had held him up. Finn asked how his sexy wife was. Steffy sighed. He asked what was wrong. "Brooke and Hope. It's all Logans, all the time," she griped.

Steffy revealed that she'd been losing patience with Hope, who'd been particularly difficult. Finn figured that the two women didn't get each other's motives. Steffy reasoned that they had adjacent goals, but Hope was fighting her on everything. Steffy didn't think Brooke was helping, and Steffy complained that both women were against her.

Steffy received a phone alert from Ridge about Sheila's release. Steffy gasped in horror but noticed Finn wasn't surprised. Finn said Deacon had texted it to him. Steffy asked why Finn hadn't said anything, and he explained that he was torn. She asked what "they" were thinking.

Panicking, Steffy said she'd thought it would be over, but it left open the chance for Sheila to go after them or just show up at their house. Steffy had thought the fear could finally subside. Steffy insisted that it had to have been Sheila. Finn hugged her and assured her that she and the kids would always be safe. Steffy believed it and said his support when Sheila had gone for questioning had meant the world to her. She just didn't know why they'd let Sheila go.

Finn said there hadn't been anything tying Sheila to the scene, and there wasn't a motive. Steffy scoffed, assuming he couldn't be serious. Finn asked why Sheila would kill the wedding officiant who'd help to save her life, and Finn noted that Hollis had been a long-standing employee and friend. Steffy insisted that no one knew why Sheila did the things she did.

Finn agreed with Steffy that Sheila was capable of it, and he was grateful that Chief Baker had taken Sheila in for questioning. Steffy asked who'd done it if it hadn't been Sheila.

In the design office, Hope flashed back to her time with Finn earlier. Brooke arrived with news about Sheila and was surprised when Hope said she'd been with Finn when he'd heard about it. Since then, Hope had been text-messaging Deacon, who said he'd call once he and Sheila were settled in at home. Brooke assumed Steffy and Finn were beside themselves, but Hope replied that Finn was a little relieved that Sheila had been released.

Brooke didn't understand why Finn would feel that way. Hope explained that Finn had wanted to protect his family and have due diligence. While he'd wanted Sheila questioned, he hadn't believed that she'd caused the deaths. Hope wondered what Steffy's reaction would be.

Brooke didn't think Finn should tell Steffy that he was relieved about it, but Hope replied that Finn should be able to tell his wife how he felt without it being a betrayal. Hope spoke about the kind of committed husband Finn was, and Brooke asked if she had to remind her daughter that Finn was committed to Steffy. Hope knew it, but more and more, she questioned whether Steffy deserved a man like Finn. Brooke's mouth dropped open in disbelief.

Alone later, Hope tried to work. She flashed back to being in Finn's presence earlier.

At Bill's house, Poppy was eager to make use of her time alone with Bill, but he had to make it up to her later because he had somewhere to be. She got a call and decided to take it upstairs. After Poppy left, Katie surprised Bill when she walked into the house. Katie needed to talk to him about their son and all the changes in Bill's life. She was concerned and felt that Bill wasn't paying attention to her feeling that things with Poppy and Luna weren't as they appeared.

As Bill and Katie talked in the living room, Poppy slinked under the archway in the foyer and listened. Katie tried to convince Bill that things had moved too fast, and he hadn't had to move Luna and Poppy in. She asked how well he knew them. Bill believed that he knew enough; they were family. He asked what more he needed to know.

Bill appreciated Katie's concern and said he'd probably act the same way or worse if the roles were reversed. He asked what Katie had wanted to say about Will. Katie remarked that Will would be there soon, and she didn't know how he'd fit into Bill's new family dynamic. Bill was sure Will would be thrilled about his new sister. Katie flashed a worried look.

Bill decided that he and Katie wouldn't reach an agreement, and he had a meeting to get to. Katie claimed she had to find some papers for Will that were around there somewhere. Bill said it was fine, but as he tried to leave, Katie said he was enamored with the idea of a daughter.

"It's not an idea, Katie. Luna is my daughter," Bill corrected. Bill revealed that he even wanted to adopt Luna and give her the Spencer name. Shocked, Katie noted that he hadn't known Poppy and Luna that long. Katie was flabbergasted that he'd moved them into Will's home and was considering giving Luna his name. Katie persisted in feeling a weird vibe about Poppy and implored him to be cautious. He kissed Katie's forehead and said he would.

Poppy hid as Bill exited the house. Once he'd gone, she startled Katie, noting that "this" was becoming a habit. Katie asked what Poppy was referring to. "Walking in and finding you in Bill's arms," Poppy responded. She added that she kept finding Katie in her home, badmouthing her to Bill. Katie claimed to care about Bill, the father of her son.

Poppy replied that she cared about Bill, the father of her daughter. Katie offered to make no secret of what she'd told Bill, but Poppy said she'd heard it all herself. Poppy said she was also surprised about how things were, but she and Luna had been invited there and weren't taking advantage of it. Katie called Poppy the accommodating girlfriend.

"That's right. I am his girlfriend," Poppy agreed. She said Katie had let Bill go, and Poppy wondered if Katie had seller's remorse. Katie rolled her eyes, but Poppy said it was kind of obvious that Katie wanted Bill back. Poppy told Katie to admit that it wasn't about Poppy and Luna -- it was about Katie and her feelings for Bill.

Katie asserted her right to question Poppy suddenly showing up with "Bill's daughter." Katie said it was the house in which Katie and Bill had raised their son. Poppy reasoned that it had become the house in which she and Bill were raising their daughter. Katie stated that Will would be there soon, which meant Katie would be there. "So, you'll visit, and then you'll leave," Poppy said in a whispery tone, close to Katie's face.

Katie glared at Poppy and said something didn't add up, and Poppy's story had holes. Katie assumed that if Poppy had been casual with men when she'd met Bill, then there had been others. Katie didn't get why Poppy would keep it from Luna if Poppy had suspected Bill to be her father or wait 20 years for a paternity test. Katie observed that Poppy was protecting her relationship as if she thought someone would take it from her. It was as if Poppy was hiding something that could ruin everything. Katie declared that she'd find the answers to all her questions about Poppy.

Ridge declares the Logan versus Forrester feud over

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

by Chanel S. Garner

In the design office, Hope frowned at a website picture of Steffy and Finn featured in a fundraising gala article. She slammed her laptop shut when Brooke returned. Brooke said they'd been sidetracked before, but she wanted to tell Hope that Ridge had asked if he could announce in Monte Carlo that she was the face of the bedroom line again.

Hope was ecstatic about the news but noticed that Brooke seemed unsure. Shrugging, Brooke said it was lingerie, and she'd be more than just the face. Brooke admitted that she hadn't seen herself as the spokesperson for the relaunch. Hope replied that it had been Brooke's line.

"A long time ago," Brooke noted. Hope imagined the message Brooke would send about timeless beauty and feeling sexy at any age. Brooke was interested, but she wondered if she was the right fit for the demographic and lingerie. "Well, you wear it, don't you?" Hope asked.

Brooke appreciated Hope's support, but Brooke was nervous about wearing lingerie in front of a camera. Hope reasoned that lingerie made Brooke feel sexy and confident, and Brooke could inspire that in other women, too. Hope urged Brooke to agree to do it and squealed in delight when Brooke said she already had agreed.

Brooke and Hope cooed about it, and Brooke asked how she could turn Ridge down. Beyond thrilled, Hope instructed Brooke not to overthink it and to just be herself. Brooke wished she had Hope's confidence about it. Hope asked where Brooke thought Hope had gotten it from.

Hope noted that Brooke became alive in the spotlight and generated buzz and electricity. It was marvelous to watch, and the relaunch would be a huge success. Brooke could think of one person who wouldn't be excited. "Steffy," Hope replied.

In Eric's office, Steffy raged to Ridge about Sheila's release. Ridge said the police hadn't been able to prove anything. Steffy asked who'd done it if not Sheila.

Steffy couldn't talk about it anymore and changed the topic to Brooke, whom Ridge wanted as the spokesperson of the bedroom line. Steffy was upset that Ridge hadn't consulted her about it, but he said she'd known he'd wanted to relaunch the line. Steffy quipped that it was a flashback, not a relaunch, and that wasn't something she wanted to flash back to. Ridge figured it was personal for Steffy; however, maintaining that it wasn't, Steffy asked why it had to be Brooke when other models and celebrities would sign up for it.

Ridge contended that Brooke was more beautiful than ever, and people loved her. Steffy argued that he'd unilaterally brought Brooke into the executive team and was pushing her as the lead model. Steffy said the line was already profitable, and Ridge was making a mistake. He insisted that Brooke would send an empowering message to women all over the world. Steffy replied that it wasn't for women; it was for Brooke. Everything was "Brooke, Brooke, Brooke."

Steffy reasoned that the relaunch was about going forward, but Ridge wanted to go backward. Ridge explained that the bedroom line and Brooke were a part of Forrester's legacy. Steffy noted that he was excited about it. Ridge expressed his excitement to design couture and about the relaunch and message they'd send that women could be who they were right then. Steffy said the message would be lost with Brooke as the spokesperson.

"She'd be a perfect spokesperson for this!" Ridge replied with vigor. Disagreeing, Steffy contended that the spotlight would be on Brooke, not the message. Steffy got it that Brooke was his Logan -- nothing new there. Ridge was sorry that the family breakup was still hurting Steffy.

Steffy took that to mean that Ridge actually was elevating Brooke. Ridge said Brooke had made a lot of contributions to the company, even without him. Steffy quipped that Brooke had torn their family apart. "What do you think? She hit me in the head with a club and started dragging me into a cave?" Ridge asked. "No! I left your mother. I did that!" Ridge yelled, and he told Steffy to be mad at him. He decided it was even better if she wasn't mad at anyone and tried to get beyond the resentment for her own sake.

Hugging Steffy, Ridge said he was proud of Steffy and the work she'd done. He'd never seen anything like Steffy, who grabbed life by the throat each day. She was the most intense woman he'd ever seen, and he knew she could get past it. "Because the whole Forrester versus Logan, that's over. That's done," he declared to a tearful Steffy.

At Bill's house, Katie vowed to get answers about Poppy because Katie didn't think Bill knew what he'd gotten himself into. Poppy replied that her relationship with Bill had nothing to do with Katie. Katie claimed it did because of Will, and she asked why it had taken Poppy over 20 years to let the truth come out. Poppy said Bill understood it.

Katie replied that Poppy had kept it from Luna. Exasperated, Poppy stated that everyone was happy except Katie. Katie persisted, recounting that Poppy had kept it a secret and denied it to Bill, only to suddenly get a paternity test after all that time -- time Bill and Luna could have spent together. Poppy said it had been time she'd needed, but Katie didn't buy it.

Later, the infuriated Poppy was alone, pacing and mimicking Katie, when Luna arrived, noting that her mother seemed upset. Poppy acted like she could handle it, but when Luna persisted, Poppy revealed that she'd had another run-in with Bill's ex. Poppy called Katie an infuriating, judgmental woman who stuck her nose where it didn't belong. Luna asked what Katie had said. Calming down, Poppy said not to worry. She only wanted Luna to enjoy her life with Bill. Poppy vowed to do whatever it took to keep it.

In Li's office, Bill arrived to thank Li for conducting the paternity test and making sure it had been done correctly. Li claimed she'd been glad to help. Bill felt different as a man and a father. He wanted to keep his family close, and that included Li, who was also family.

Li said Bill didn't know what it meant to her to hear that. Li recalled that he'd done a lot for her and had brought a complete stranger into his home. Bill said he hadn't done what others wouldn't, and she was no longer a stranger. Li claimed that she owed Bill a lot. Bill figured she wouldn't mind doing him a favor by trying to get along with Poppy.

Li scoffed, and Bill asked her to try. She said they'd never been able to do it before. "You've never had me before," he replied. She smiled, noting it was his way of bringing people together. Bill told Li that she was one of them, and she could count on him to help with Poppy. He added that there was nothing he wouldn't do for Li, who'd helped give him a daughter. "You're under the Spencer umbrella now," he stated.

Li became emotional. Crying, she said she was happy Luna had the proud Bill for a father. It was what a family should be like. She thought of her own family and all the grueling hours she'd put in. "All the work, all the years. Then my marriage was destroyed by a lie," Li uttered, referencing Sheila and Jack's affair, a secret Jack had kept for decades.

Bill promised not to let Li down the way Jack had. Family was Bill's priority, and he had a daughter, due in large part to Li. Li said it was the least she could do to repay him.

Later, Li was alone when Katie arrived, wanting Li's help after Katie's last encounter with Poppy. Katie brought up the fact that Li and Poppy didn't get along. Li thought it was no secret that she didn't like the way Poppy had lived her life and had always relied on the generosity of wealthy older men. Katie assumed Li was calling her sister a gold-digger. Li said she was trying to put it behind her. Katie wanted to put it behind her, too, but felt that she had to ask if there was any chance that the paternity test Li had performed for Bill and Luna could be wrong.

Katie searches for answers. Steffy refuses to support Brooke

Thursday, July 25, 2024

by Chanel S. Garner

In Eric's office, Ridge asked Steffy not to hold onto grudges. Steffy was unable to just forget what the Logans had done. Ridge repeated that he'd been the one who'd left Taylor, and Brooke was his "person." The families were no longer at odds, and they were all family. Ridge said Stephanie had even let go of it in the end after they'd wasted so much time.

Ridge announced that he was going ahead with Brooke's Bedroom with Brooke, and the media blitz would drop in Monte Carlo. "Brooke's coming to Monte Carlo?" Steffy asked. Steffy had thought it would be just the two of them. Ridge explained that he'd added Brooke because she was back at the company. Steffy said the company was more than just lingerie.

Ridge explained that Forrester made women feel beautiful, and that was where the bedroom line came in. It didn't matter if one was 20 or 100, beauty never went away. In his view, Monte Carlo was the location, and Brooke was the right person. He hoped Steffy could support that. Steffy supported female empowerment but said Brooke didn't.

Figuring she knew Brooke, Steffy believed Brooke wanted attention and had manipulated Ridge with the lingerie line. Ridge asked if he was so easily played. "Yeah, I think so," Steffy replied. Steffy decided that Ridge would let Brooke revamp the line, but Brooke didn't need to go to Monte Carlo. Steffy asked when the last time was that they'd had time alone together without kids or significant others. She'd been looking forward to it.

Ridge said they were still doing it, but Brooke being there was good for business. Steffy predicted that it would be a huge flop. He disagreed. She said it sucked because, as co-CEOs, they needed to support each other. Ridge said they also needed to give each other the benefit of the doubt. Ridge insisted that it had to be Brooke because she was better at selling it than anyone else. He promised that he and Steffy would find time just for them, and he hugged her.

In the design office, Hope was elated that Brooke would be defining beauty again with Brooke's Bedroom. Though she understood Brooke's reservations about it, Hope didn't want one of them to be about Steffy. Brooke admitted that Steffy wouldn't be happy about it. Hope felt they should be celebrating, not worrying about Steffy, and Hope figured Ridge couldn't wait to get started. Brooke joked that Ridge just enjoyed her trying on lingerie for him. Being serious, Brooke said the fashion summit would be exciting.

Hope noted that it could be a romantic getaway for Brooke and Ridge, then Hope remembered that Steffy was going. Hope figured Steffy, who was fueling a feud, wouldn't bow out to let Ridge and Brooke be alone. Hope hated that they couldn't enjoy Brooke's accomplishments without worrying about Steffy's constant disapproval.

Brooke explained that it wasn't just Steffy's fault, and there had been a history, especially between Taylor and Brooke. Hope decided that it was time for Steffy to get over it. Ridge was a grown man and had chosen Brooke. He'd also chosen her to relaunch one of the most successful lines at Forrester. "If Steffy wants to have a pity party, let her," Hope decided, but she asked her mom to promise to enjoy the trip with Ridge and not let Steffy get between them.

Later, Ridge and Brooke were alone, kissing, and he asked her to try on the lingerie again for some "professional" adjustments. Playing along, she said she'd do it that night. He promised she'd do well in Monte Carlo. Brooke admitted she had some reservations, and one of them was Steffy. She didn't want to get between Ridge and Steffy.

Back in Eric's office, Hope arrived, and Steffy said it wasn't a good time. Hope assumed it was about Ridge and Brooke. Hope closed the office door, expressing her excitement for the events surrounding the bedroom line's relaunch. She thought putting Brooke up front would be great for the company. Steffy guessed Hope was trying to get a rise out of her.

Hope wondered why she'd want to do that. Noting that she and Brooke cared about the company, Hope said Steffy was the only one not excited about Brooke's return. Hope believed Brooke deserved the opportunity, which meant a lot to Brooke. Steffy claimed that Ridge was no longer her co-CEO because Brooke had gotten in the middle. Steffy had believed that she and her father had had a good bond, but things were clearly changing.

Hope understood expecting to share an experience with her dad, only to see it given to someone else. Steffy thought Hope was patronizing her. Hope said the issue was bigger than them, and it came down to their parents' happiness. Noting that Brooke and Ridge had finally found their footing, Hope said she and Steffy needed to support them. "Support Brooke? Never," Steffy replied.

At Bill's house, Luna tried to calm her mother down about Katie. Luna said it was a special moment for them with Bill, who'd welcomed them with open arms. Poppy loved their life, and she wouldn't let anyone ruin it. Walking in, Bill said he felt the same way.

Poppy apologized for sounding insecure. Bill assured her that he'd never let anything ruin what they had. Having a daughter, one like Luna, had made him a different man. He hadn't expected it, and he never wanted to let it go. Poppy shared that he'd changed her life, too. She'd always held Luna close from birth, and it was a huge deal to share Luna with Bill. Luna said she was grateful that he was her father, and she hugged him.

Later, Poppy and Bill were alone on the sofa, and he sensed that she was stressed. Poppy admitted that she'd been on edge. He asked why, and she revealed that she'd had a run-in with Katie, who was insisting on getting answers to questions she had about Poppy. Bill asked what that meant, but Poppy had no idea. She was sick and tired of it. First, Li had questioned her integrity, and next, it was Bill's ex-wife.

Bill told Poppy not to worry about the harmless Katie, who just thought she was protecting Bill. Bill hugged Poppy, who looked more uptight than ever.

In Li's office, Li asked if Katie was questioning Li's handling of the test. Katie wasn't. She just wondered if the test could render false results from time to time. She revealed that she'd been getting weird vibes from Poppy, which had led Katie to question the test.

Li insisted that the test was correct. Li had run it herself, removing room for error. Katie deduced that it was because Li had suspected the same thing Katie did -- that Poppy might alter the test and trap Bill. Li believed that she owed Bill and had a duty to her niece to make sure that the test had been correct. Katie pursed her lips and looked away.

Li gleaned that it was difficult for Katie to see Bill move on. Katie figured he'd been bound to do it, and she wanted it for him. Li empathized with Katie for having to watch it happen in the same home in which she and Bill had raised their child. Katie said they could have made it work, but there was a territorial vibe coming from Poppy; something seemed off.

Li quipped that something always seemed off when it came to Penelope. It was why Li had wanted to administer the test herself, "but I was wrong, Katie. She wasn't lying. Bill is, without a shadow of a doubt, Luna's father."

Later, Katie was alone on a computer. She uttered that she knew Poppy was hiding something, and she'd find out what.

Katie asks Poppy if she and Tom were lovers

Friday, July 26, 2024

by Dan J Kroll

In the design studio at Forrester, Katie researched the music festival that Bill and Poppy had attended. She gasped when she noticed that Tom Starr had been one of the performers at the event.

At Bill's estate, Poppy told Bill that she wanted to be close to him after the way that she had been given the third degree by Katie. Bill admitted that he had been on the receiving end of Katie's anger on more than one occasion, but he assured Poppy that Katie was "harmless."

As Brooke sat in a chair, getting her hair and makeup done, she told Ridge that he could change his mind and ask another model to pose for the Brooke's Bedroom line. "You're gonna blow them away the same way you blew 'em away when you first did this campaign," Ridge replied.

Hope breezed into the room and gasped when she saw what appeared to be the original bed from the original Brooke's Bedroom campaign. It was not, but rather a nearly identical facsimile. "We retired the original one... too many miles on it," Steffy deadpanned. Steffy made another comment about Brooke's "infamous red teddy" and how Brooke has been "sprawled" on the bed. Brooke assured Steffy that her "sprawling days" were over. Brooke shared that she still had the red teddy -- and hinted that Ridge could attest to that.

Brooke's jitters resurfaced, and Hope tried to help her mother through her nervousness. Steffy was less convinced that Brooke was the best model for the line. As the potential for an all-out argument grew, Finn arrived. Steffy told him that she was happy to see him. Hope smiled.

"You're gonna prove to women all over the world that beauty is timeless," Ridge told Brooke. Ridge and Brooke shared a kiss. Steffy's reaction made Finn realize that Steffy was opposed to Brooke being featured in the shoot. Across the room, Hope thought back to how she'd told Finn that she found him attractive.

At Il Giardino, Deacon stood behind the bar of the totally empty restaurant. Bill strolled in and asked if Deacon could "squeeze" him in. Bill asked why the health department hadn't shut down the restaurant. Deacon replied that the restaurant had been thoroughly examined and cleared to continue operating. Bill took repeated jabs at how two deaths by overdose could not be good for business.

Seeing that his attempts at gallows humor weren't landing, Bill decided to ask Deacon if the police had any leads on the two mysterious deaths. Deacon said that the investigation was ongoing. Deacon questioned if Tom and Hollis had perhaps been targeted and killed in a manner that made it look like they had overdosed.

Deacon stepped away to take a call. When he did, Justin Barber walked into the restaurant with the sole intention of speaking to Bill. Bill mused that they needed to stop running into each other, or people might start to talk. Justin asked if Bill had gotten the Dodgers/Astros tickets Justin had sent over. The baseball tickets had little to do with the game and more to do with the opportunity for Bill to talk business about a potential acquisition.

Bill smiled and told Justin that he was glad that they had been able to work through their differences. Deacon returned as the two men were sharing an embrace. Deacon recalled seeing Justin at the restaurant on the night that Tom had died. Justin became noticeably uneasy and did not directly respond to Deacon's remark. Deacon also mentioned that there had been a power outage the night that Hollis had died, an outage had taken the security cameras offline.

Bill suggested that Deacon consider Sheila as the prime suspect in any possible foul play. Deacon insisted that Sheila had done nothing wrong. He then asked that Bill refrain from taking shots at the woman in his life. Deacon asked how Bill would respond if Deacon suddenly started trash-talking Poppy. "You hooked up with a known murderer. I didn't," Bill said icily.

Deacon asserted that Sheila was not involved. He then revisited his belief that his co-worker's deaths had been "cold-blooded, premeditated murder." Justin again appeared uneasy.

Later, Poppy was alone when Katie unexpectedly entered through the French doors on the side of the house. Poppy was less than pleased to see Katie. Katie, however, sported a smile as she announced that she'd learned something new about the night that Poppy and Bill had met. Poppy's face froze when Katie revealed that she knew that Tom Starr had performed at the festival.

Poppy asked why Katie was bringing Tom's name up. Katie asked if Poppy was still sticking to her story that Bill was Luna's father. Katie again asked why Poppy had waited 20 years to do a DNA test. Poppy claimed to have been hurt that she hadn't heard from Bill after their one night together. Katie asked if Poppy and Tom had had a relationship. "Was he your lover?" Katie asked.

Katie said that it was a strange coincidence that Tom had performed at a festival that Poppy had attended, and then he'd later shown up working at a restaurant that Poppy and Bill frequented. Poppy reflected on how Tom had confronted her about being Luna's true biological father. Poppy laughed and called Katie's questions "absurd." Katie asked if Poppy had had anything to do with Tom's overdose.

Suddenly, Poppy's laughs turned to anger. She demanded that Katie immediately stop her "absurd accusations." Katie asked what Poppy would do if she didn't. Poppy stared coldly at Katie.