A fateful night!
"Wow!" Ridge whistled appreciatively when he saw Taylor. He took her by the hand and spun her around. "Hey, wait a minute! Isn't that a dress from our last collection!" Taylor was taken aback.
"Yeah right, very well spotted! You must really love your job if you instantly recognize any of your dresses. Did you design this dress?" Ridge nodded proudly.
"Well, who else would! But I have to be honest though, I've never seen a woman who looked more beautiful in this dress than you! Maybe I should hire you as a model for our next fashion show!"
"I don't know! I don't really like presenting myself to a wide audience."
"You're probably right, but maybe I can hire you as my private fitting model?"
"I think your imagination is running wild with you Ridge Forrester!" She tapped him on the forehead.
She packed up her bag. She noticed, all at once, Ridge had a thoughtful and depressed look on his face.
"Hey, are you okay? You look like you've had a miserable day?!"
"Phew, don't even get me started! Otherwise we won't get out of here at all!"
"You know what we're going to do?!" Taylor pulled a large stopwatch off the shelf. "I'm going to give you exactly one minute to get all your frustrations off your chest, and then we're going to have a good time for the rest of the evening!"
"Is this one of your psycho games Doc?" Ridge frowned skeptically.
"Now come on! One minute from now!"
Ridge thought for a moment as time ran out.
"So where do I start...Mother has gotten on my nerves twice today with the same curtain sermon. She treats me like a little kid who has a chip on his shoulder...Brooke and I went for a walk together and all we did was argue. She is not willing to see my point of view and I decided not to give in this time. The end of the story was that I suggested to her that we separate temporarily. So that everyone can think about our relationship on their own. Thereupon she left me standing there like a jerk...and I haven't exchanged a word with my father since our last confrontation. Even if I were to run into him, I wouldn't know what to say to him. Except that his behavior makes me insanely angry...So, on the whole, it's safe to say that I'm practically at odds with my entire family and am currently in a living hell and I don't know how to get out of it!"
Ridge took a deep breath, Taylor stopped the time.
"Respect! 53 seconds!"
"So now what? What's your advice Doc!"
She hugged him.
"I know, right now you must feel like you can't get out of this whole mess. You should start seeing the situation not as one big problem. But rather divide the problem into many small ones and then tackle them all step by step. Like climbing on a mountain, each day another stage until you get to the top."
"Got it Doc!"
"Don't call me Doc all the time!"
"Why not? I think the name suits you! DOC!" He grinned at her as she rolled her eyes.
"Do you see this?" She pointed to her doctor's coat. "The doctor is off duty! You'll have to deal with me as Taylor already!"
"Well then, shall we go TAYLOR?!" He held out his arm to her.
Later, they sat in a small, tranquil Italian restaurant in West Hollywood. Taylor benevolently let her gaze wander.
"It's nice here! The ambiance is really welcoming."
"Yeah, and they make the best pasta in town. Haven't you ever been here before?"
"No, Blake and I don't go out that often, and going doesn't really suit me. It always makes me feel a little weird as a woman."
"Yeah, I can totally relate to that! There's something desperate about it. Whereas...I guess I won't have any other choice in the near future if I don't want to starve. My cooking skills are very limited."
"I remember it vividly." Taylor grinned and cleared her throat. "I know we weren't supposed to talk about the whole story. But you mentioned earlier that Brooke and you had temporarily split up. Where are you going to stay now? I mean, you're not going to kick Brooke out of the house in her condition, are you?"
"Of course I'm not! Do you think I'm an idiot?! Brooke will stay in the guest house, of course. That goes without saying. I will be staying temporarily at Felicia's place."
"Felicia? Your sister?"
"Right. She's traveling around Europe right now, touring several countries, working here and there. Anyway she will be on the road for quite a while and I don't think she'll have a problem with me staying there in her absence. She entrusted me with her keys before she left."
"Well, I guess that'll be okay." Taylor agreed with him. "I definitely think you're doing the right thing by taking this step, getting some distance from everything and analyzing the situation for yourself..." Ridge gave her a meaningful glance.
"What is it?"
"Nothing. I just thought we had finished the therapy session!"
"Oh yes of course! Sorry, force of habit. I won't say another word about it from now on." She sealed her lips with an imaginary key.
"You'd better tell me about you and your husband?!" Ridge changed the subject.
"There's not very much to tell." Taylor said evasively.
"How did you two meet, for example?"
"Oh, that's actually quite a funny story. I had just started medical school at this time and applied to Blake's company for a part-time job. He didn't hire me, but he did ask me out to dinner. We went on a few more dates and then eventually got married."
"I admit I was a little surprised when I first saw you with your husband. I didn't realize you had gotten married, and no one from our old friends ever told me about it either."
"I think almost no one knows. We had a very plain simple ceremony back then. Just the two of us."
"What, no big ceremony? No fairy tale wedding, with all the trimmings?"
"No! That wasn't important to us. Besides...both me and him don't have much family anymore. From there, it didn't seem that significant to us." Taylor glossed over the fact that the few family members she has left disagreed with Blake.
"I'm surprised about that! I still remember how we got engaged. Remember? After our graduation, we were up all night dreaming about our wedding, and you wanted a gigantic one with the entire program."
"At some point, every little girl has to wake up from her Cinderella dreams and come to reality!" Ridge eyed her suspiciously. He had a question on his lips, but remained silent. Taylor now took the floor again.
"As for your life before you were married, I guess the whole world knows about that. All you had to do was open the newspaper!" Ridge blushed.
"Did you read all those articles?"
"Well, let's say some of them. If I had read them all, I wouldn't have had time for anything else! Anyway, you seem to have led a very varied life, especially where women were concerned!"
"Well, the press had really exaggerated it all."
"Aha! Are you saying, you only had something with every second woman?!"
"You seem to have a completely wrong picture of me!"
"Oh come on Ridge, I know you! You had those playboy tendencies even back then. It may be that during our time, I did a pretty good job of taming you. But they were always deep inside you and I bet they still are today!"
"You're dead wrong!"
"Now don't tell me you've grown up?!" She smirked perkily. "You may not show it, but you're still the same ladies' man you were back then!"
"And yet you went out with me tonight? Aren't you afraid of me?" Now Taylor laughed out openly.
"Why would I be afraid of you?"
"Objectively speaking, here we are in a beautiful romantic restaurant with candlelight and you're in your adorable dress. You could get the wrong impression!" He gave her his most charming smile. Taylor noticed her heart started to beat faster, but she didn't let it show.
"I know you, Ridge Forrester. I know very well, you just want to play! All I can tell you, 'Don't play with fire or you'll get burned'!" She blew out the candle on their table and gave him a meaningful smile.
At that moment, the band began to play. Ridge rose and held out his hand to her.
"Do you dare to perform this dance with me?" She accepted his hand and let him lead her onto the dance floor. Slowly, they moved to the music. They looked deeply into each other's eyes and for a moment the rest of the world around them seemed to disappear.
A little later, Ridge took Taylor home. In true gentlemanly fashion, he helped her out of the car and escorted her to her front door. Both were quite tipsy and in a very jovial mood.
"Wouldn't you like to come inside? I could make us an iced coffee with vanilla ice cream and a shot of rum, like in the good old times."
"I don't know...don't you think it's a little late for that!" Just then a church clock somewhere struck midnight.
"Aw come on, the night's just getting started!"
"Well, if you say so!" Ridge followed her into the house. Taylor disappeared into the kitchen and came into the living room moments later with two huge mugs of iced coffee. The two made themselves comfortable on the couch. Ridge took a big sip
"Still tastes great!" He smirked, Taylor had a thick frosted beard over her lips. Ridge wiped it away with his finger. Taylor laughed at him.
"Remember, we used to drink almost exclusively just this! We couldn't get enough of this stuff!"
"Just like we couldn't get enough of each other!"
"Ridge!" Taylor almost choked. "And what do you mean with 'we'? You were the one who could never get enough!"
"Oh yeah!" He looked deep into her eyes. "As far as I remember, you could never keep your fingers to yourself either!"
"There was no reason to!" She smiled mischievously.
"Aha! There it is again!"
"What?"
"That mischievous cheeky grin. You used to twist me around your finger with it every time. I could never refuse you anything when you looked at me this way."
"Well, you were pretty good at knowing which buttons to push on me, too." They shoved each other jokingly. Suddenly, Ridge stood up and walked over to her record collection.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm going to find us some decent music. The music in the restaurant was nice, but it wasn't real dance music!"
Shortly, some groovy jazz music came on. Ridge grabbed her hand and lifted her off the couch. They danced exuberantly together.
Taylor blinked. Carefully, she opened her eyes, but immediately closed them again. The morning sun shining through the window was far too bright. Gingerly, she stretched and scrambled to her feet. She dared a second attempt and very slowly opened her eyes. Instinctively, she grabbed her head, which was buzzing. Disoriented and confused, she looked around. She was not in her bedroom, but on the couch in her living room. When she turned around, she got a terrible fright. Ridge was lying next to her. He was also just waking up and scrambling to his feet. He had the same question marks on his face as Taylor. The two stared at each other uncertainty. Ridge shook himself and yawned.
"There seems to be something very special about your couch. This is the second night in a row I've fallen asleep on it."
"As long as it doesn't become a routine!" remarked Taylor, with effort, jokingly. She thought frantically about how it had come that they had both ended up on the couch. She only remembered how they had danced together, after that it was just foggy in her mind. She peeked down at herself and then at him. Relieved, she noticed that they were both still wearing their clothes from the day before. So not too much could have taken place. Ridge had the same thought. Still swaying a little, he rose.
"I think it's better if I go now!"
Taylor escorted him to the door. Embarrassed, they said goodbye to each other. Taylor was in a kind of a shock. Mechanically, she went back into the living room and cleaned up the mess. Then she went into the bathroom and took a shower. As she cleaned up the traces of the previous night, she wished she could wash away all her insecurity and confusion along with it.
Ridge drove to the guest house. Brooke was not at home, which he was very relieved about. He also didn't give much thought to where she might be. He hurriedly packed the most necessary things that he would need the next time. Then he drove straight on to Felicia's place. He brought his belongings into the apartment and settled in. Afterwards, he called his assistant and told her that he would not be coming to the office today because he had an important meeting downtown. However, that was a lie. Ridge was in absolutely no mood to see anyone of his family today. He was still feeling the effects of last night. He took a lengthy shower and then made himself comfortable in his new living room. He thought about the previous night. He still couldn't explain how Taylor and he had landed on that couch together. Ridge pondered what might have happened between them. Since they had woken up fully dressed, he could safely assume that they didn't make love. But that was also the only thing Ridge could rule out with certainty. In any case, he thought it was for the best to avoid Taylor in the near future. For one, the story made him terribly uncomfortable, and for another he wanted to avoid any more awkward situations. He had to admit, he was very confused about his feelings towards Taylor. Until now, she had been nothing but an old friend to him and, more importantly, a valuable support. It had done him good to get his frustrations off his chest with her. But when they had danced together last night and he had looked into her eyes, he had the same feelings as he had back then. Even if last night nothing happened between them, it would be better to avoid any further risk. He did not want to put himself or her in any begrudging position. After all, she was married, even if Ridge suspected something was definitely wrong with that marriage. Taylor's relationship with her husband puzzled Ridge. It didn't seem to bother her that her husband had left her alone for so long now. On the contrary. Since his departure, she seemed to really come out of her shell and blossom more every day.
Taylor also decided not to go to work today. She felt absolutely unable to do so. Instead, she got out her yoga mat and did some yoga and breathing exercises. This was still the best remedy for hangovers. Her thoughts kept slipping back to last night. But as much as she tried, she couldn't remember how the evening had gone on. She was horribly ashamed of her blackout. After all, she was married and Ridge was still committed to another woman in some way. She didn't understand how she had allowed herself to be led astray. That night all the old feelings had come back and she had forgotten everything around her. However, she was aware that such an incident could not be repeated. She made the decision from now on to consistently avoid Ridge and any contact with him.
The next day, Taylor went back to her practice. She was sitting over her accounts when her assistant poked her head in the door.
"Excuse me, Dr. Hayes. But there's a lady outside who really wants to talk to you!"
"Who is it? A new patient?"
"No. She says she needs to see you on a private matter."
"Did she tell you her name?"
"Stephanie Forrester!" Taylor's eyes widened in horror. For a moment, she froze. A thousand thoughts flashed through her mind.
"Should I invite her in or..." That was as far as Colleen got. Stephanie's patience had run out. She had really waited long enough. Gruffly, she pushed the young woman aside and gained entrance to Taylor's office.
"I have to talk to you, Doctor!" she declared in a stern, icy voice. Her eyes glittered dangerously.
"Is everything all right Dr. Hayes, or should I notify the security?" Colleen deeply disliked this woman and would have been only too happy to have her escorted out.
"I'm fine Colleen!" Thank you!"
"Whatever you say!" She was extremely reluctant to leave the two women alone.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Forrester! It's been a long time since we last saw each other."
"Indeed, and to be honest, I hoped I would never have to see you again in my entire life, and now here we are. It's strange isn't it!"
"Well yes in some way...but now that you have come to me, perhaps you could tell me what this invasion is all about?! I'm guessing you didn't come to schedule a therapy session with me?!"
"Let me think for a minute..." Stephanie grimaced snappishly. "No. Even if I felt the need for therapy, you'd be the last person I'd ask. I came to talk to you about Ridge!"
"I don't see what I have to talk to you about regarding Ridge!" Taylor countered coolly. She was trying hard to appear calm on the outside. Secretly she wondered how much Stephanie knew about Ridge and her. Was it possible that Ridge had told her about their meetings?"
"Well, I do find it downright odd that you ended up here in LA, of all places, after all these years. I mean, there are 52 states in the U.S..and you come here to California and to the same city as your 'childhood sweetheart!' That's a strange coincidence, don't you think?!" Taylor had to laugh out loud.
"You seriously think I moved to Los Angeles because of Ridge?"
"You could certainly get that idea?!" Stephanie fixed Taylor with her gaze. The latter shook her head in disbelief.
"Well, it may surprise you, but that's where you're absolutely wrong. The decision to move here came from my husband. You may not know it yet, but I've been married for several years and he had the idea to come here for business reasons. It had nothing to do with Ridge."
"Then why, as soon as you got here, did you get back in touch with him. I know you had lunch together at Pierre's and I know about your car ride together, and if that's not bad enough, I also found 'this' in Ridges office!" She slammed the picture of Taylor on the table. "The message on it is pretty clear, isn't it!" Taylor picked up the photo. On the back was written, 'I can't wait to hold you in my arms again'."
Mockingly, Taylor looked at Stephanie.
"This photo is what you're so upset about? As you may have noticed, that picture is several years old. I gave it to Ridge back when we were together during college."
"So why did I find it now?!"
"You might want to ask Ridge that instead of implying I have any intentions!"
"Are you saying Ridge and you are not currently in contact with each other?!" Stephanie glared urgently at Taylor, who stared back without blinking.
"What contact Ridge and I have with each other is none of your business!"
Stephanie stormed closer, angrily slamming her hands on the table.
"You bet it's my business, and I'm warning you! Stay away from my son! Ridge has a sweet little family to focus on! He can't have any distractions on your part!" It took Taylor some self-control not to throw it into this woman's face that she knew exactly what Ridge's sweet little family was all about.
"Speaking of Ridge...does he know about your visit?! I'm sure he wouldn't be too pleased!" Stephanie lost her composure for a moment.
"He knows perfectly well that I only want what's best for him. I've always wanted the best for him, then as now!"
"Oh yes, and what's best for him is, of course, for you to decide! Back then just as now!"
"Listen doctor! I don't want to argue with you. All I want is for you to assure me that you will stay away from my son!"
"And I would be very grateful if you would leave now. Because I have work to do!"
"I certainly don't want to disturb your precious time any longer than necessary. I'll be on my way as soon as you give me your word!"
Instead of a reply, Taylor pressed the button on the intercom.
"Colleen, would you please escort Mrs. Forrester out?"
"Of course!" Gently but very firmly, she led the caught-off-guard Stephanie out of the office. The latter turned around once more, and gave Taylor one last threatening stare.
After the door slammed shut, Taylor slumped in her chair, exhausted. This woman really hadn't changed a bit. Taylor's mind was still processing the conversation she just had, when Colleen came back into her office.
"Here Dr. Hayes, I made you some peppermint tea, with extra sugar. I thought you could use it right now!"
"Thank you Colleen! You really are an angel!"
"I don't mean to be indiscreet, but who was that fury?"
"Just a shadow from my past! A past I'd best put behind me really fast!"
Ridge felt quite lonely over the next few days. He regretted his decision not to contact Taylor. He missed the carefree interaction with her. He also missed being able to talk to someone. Apart from Taylor, there was no one with whom he could talk openly about the whole messed-up situation. He preferred to avoid his mother these days, because she always had the same sermon in store. His relationship with his father was also more than strained. He did not know how to behave towards him. He felt a tremendous anger towards him for being so intrusive in his relationship with Brooke. Sometimes Ridge was afraid of himself, that this anger would become overwhelming and he would lose control towards his father. The situation with Brooke was also unresolved. Neither of them was willing to budge from their position. A few days ago, Ridge wanted to visit her at the guest house. He just wanted to check on her, after all, the baby could come any time. But when he had arrived at the guest house, he had watched through the window as Brooke and his father were busy together with the baby's corner. He had watched with a frown as they had hung the mobile and fooled around. His father had taken Brooke in his arms while stroking her belly. He had felt sick to his stomach at this sight. He had immediately turned on his heel.
The only people Ridge enjoyed being with at the moment were Thorne and his wife Macy. However, he couldn't talk to them honestly. The two of them had no idea what was going on. Thorne did know about his father's affair with Brooke, but the family acted as if the baby was Ridge's to him as well. They didn't want to let him in on it because they didn't want to put him in the position of having a secret from his wife. There was no way they could risk Macy finding out about the truth. As much as they all loved and appreciated Macy, she was still Sally Spectra's daughter. And Sally Spectra was the last person in Los Angeles who should find out the truth.
Finally, it was Friday. Taylor was looking forward to the weekend. She had no definite plans, just relax. She was about to wrap up her practice when the phone rang. Blake was on the line.
"Hi honey, I have some great news. I've settled all my business and I'll be home tomorrow night!"
"That's wonderful!" replied Taylor in an emphatically cheerful voice. Inside, sheer panic rose up inside her and paralyzed her. She heard her own blood rushing as she concentrated on continuing to listen to Blake. He was explaining exactly when he would arrive. She was deeply shocked at her reaction. Blake's announcement about his return didn't cause her the slightest joy, quite the opposite. During the time he had been away in Texas, she had distant herself from him emotionally. For the first time in a long time she had been at peace and she had reflected very critically on her marriage. The tension she suffered continuously over the past few years had almost completely left her with his absence. But now it had a firm grip on her again. Taylor's biggest concern was that Blake would notice what was going on inside her. He had the talent of being able to read her like a book. Under no circumstances should he learn how she feels about him, and never ever could he find out what had transpired between her and Ridge and her. That would be an absolute disaster.
Last but not least, it had been her interaction with Ridge that had opened her eyes about her marriage. It was through the memories of their time, she had first realized what she had actually always missed in her marriage. All the advice she had given to Ridge regarding his relationship with Brooke, namely to pay attention to his own feelings and needs and not always do what others expected of him, had caused a change in her thinking. Taylor looked forward to tomorrow night with an uneasy feeling.
Ridge was sitting in his office working on his latest designs when the phone rang. It was his father.
"Ridge! I'm glad you're there! I'm calling from the hospital, Brooke..."
"What about her? Is she in labor?" asked Ridge, nervous.
"No...Yeah...well not exactly...Listen, Brooke wants you to come over right away! Eric Junior came into the world an hour ago!"
