Brooke gets defensive when Stephanie tells her that she should be happy if Bridget is interested in Nick. Clarke tries to tell Amber that showing the picture of Ridge and Bridget in the mineshaft will bring huge consequences. Amber goes to see Ridge and tries to give him the photo album of the Christmas that almost never happened. Ridge throws the photo album and tells her to get out. Amber then shows the picture of Ridge and Bridget kissing in the mineshaft. Eric tells Stephanie that he's decided to retire. Stephanie gets angry and tells him he's running away.
Stephanie: Florence nightingale? I didn't realize you made house calls. Brooke: Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm looking for Eric. He needed my signature on the stock sale, and I missed him at the office. Stephanie: Well, you've missed him here, too. I'm sorry; he's not home yet. Brooke: Oh, all right. Well, then, I'll just leave this copy for him. Megan's messengering over the original to spectra. Stephanie: I'll tell him. Brooke: I'm surprised he'd disappear with such an important matter unfinished. Stephanie: It's something he doesn't want to finish. He doesn't want to finalize the sale of Thorne's stock. He does that, then it's the end of his dream. Brooke: So it's become a family business without the family, hasn't it? Stephanie: Yes. Ridge and Bridget make it home from Big Bear? They're all okay? Brooke: Yeah. Fine. They're tired, but they're glad to be home. Stephanie: Good thing Nick found them when he did. Brooke: Nick's come through for his brother more than once. Stephanie: He seems to be fond of Bridget. Brooke: Yeah, they're good friends. Stephanie: A little more than good friends, I think. Brooke: Why would you say that? Stephanie: I don't know. You just watch them, it seems to me they're falling for one another. [Brooke scoffs ] Brooke: Really, Stephanie, your inner matchmaker is working overtime. Stephanie: I don't know. If I were you, I would be delighted that she's attracted to another man. Brooke: Other than my husband, you mean? Stephanie: Oh, now, don't go get huffy about this. Brooke: My god, Stephanie, why can't you leave well enough alone? Here I am, happily married to the man of my dreams, and all you can do is make me nervous that Ridge might have feelings for Bridget! I mean, it's disgusting. And it's not true. Nothing is going on between Ridge and Bridget. Nothing! [SCENE_BREAK] Clarke: There you are. Amber: Oh, god, Clarke. You scared the hell out of me. Clarke: You're lucky that's all I did. You're supposed to meet me in publicity, remember? Amber: Oh, the online chat for "eye on fashion." Oh, I'm sorry. I totally flaked. Clarke: What are working on that's got you so wrapped up in here? "Forrester family -- lasting memories"? Amber: Uh, yeah. It's a photo album from last Christmas. Clarke: What're you hiding? Amber: Nothing. Clarke: Yes, you are. Amber: It's a gift. I don't want you seeing it, because you'll totally spoil the surprise. Clarke: Yeah, I'll bet you don't. You know, you almost kill these two in the mine, and now you're playing games? Amber: It's not a game. Clarke: You know, Brooke sees this picture, there's going to be some very serious consequences. Amber: For your information, the album isn't for Brooke. And the picture isn't going to be in it. I've decided not to give it to her. Clarke: Thank goodness. You're coming to your senses. Amber: Instead, I'm giving it to Ridge -- as a peace offering. Clarke: You're giving him this album as a peace offering? Amber: Yeah. I'm hoping he'll look at the pictures, and he'll see what a wonderful day we all had. That it was about love and family and acceptance. And it could be that way again, if he would just give Thomas and I his blessing. Clarke: Yeah? And if he doesn't? You go to go to Brooke, and you drop the bomb. [SCENE_BREAK] Stephanie: Well, who got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? Brooke: Stop, okay? Just stop bringing up the subject of Ridge and Bridget. Stephanie: I didn't! It makes me wonder if you really are as confident, as you claim to be, that there is nothing in that relationship. Brooke: I have no doubt in my mind. None whatsoever. And don't give me that look. Stephanie: What look? Brooke: Like you know better than I do what I'm thinking! [ Stephanie chuckles ] Stephanie: Well -- Brooke: Okay, maybe I had my doubts when Bridget came home from Copenhagen. But she worked through her feelings with Ridge, and she moved on -- no thanks to you. Stephanie: What did I do? Brooke: You opened your big mouth! Stephanie Forrester, the town crier, spreading gossip for all the world to hear -- or, in this case, for Amber to hear. Stephanie: Well, excuse me. I had a conversation with my son, in the privacy of my own home. I had no idea that Amber was even in the house, much less eavesdropping. Listen, I'm on your side here. Brooke: Well, then stop tempting fate, Stephanie. Stop talking about Ridge and Bridget. It's cruel. Ridge swore to me that he would never cross that line with Bridget again. It was a very dark and difficult time for us, but it's over. It is over. [SCENE_BREAK] Clarke: So, if you can't win Ridge over with the album, you're gonna show Brooke the picture? Amber: Well, if Ridge is reasonable, then I won't have to. Clarke: Well, you know Ridge. He's never been reasonable. He's gonna be more protective. He's gonna want to keep Thomas safe. And that means keeping him away from you. Amber: You know, maybe I shouldn't even give Ridge another chance. Maybe I should just, you know, whip out the picture and show him. Clarke: No, no, no. Amber, you can't do that. [SCENE_BREAK] Sally: Well, there you are. You two have been missing in action so long, we were just about to send out a search party for you. Amber: Uh, sorry I missed the big fashion showdown, guys. I was in the middle of some very important business, and I'm not quite finished with it, but when I am, I promise you guys, I'll be 1,000 times more productive. So, wish me luck. Clarke: Amber! Darla: What was that all about? Clarke: Uh, you don't want to know. Sally: You're right. And I don't want to know, either, because I am in much too good a mood to worry about what the incredible disappearing woman is up to. Say hello to the official team of Thorne Forrester and Sally Spectra. It's all right here in black and white. And green -- that is green, as in greenbacks. 50 glorious million of them for our side. Clarke: Well, congratulations, Sally. And to you, too, Thorne. You know what? You've made the right move. Thorne: Thanks. Sally: All right, what's going on? What's with the long face? You're not having doubts about this, are you? Thorne: No, no, Sally. I know I made the right decision. I just wish it didn't have to come at my father's expense. [SCENE_BREAK] Eric: "Hereafter, in a better world than this, I shall desire more love and knowledge of you." Stephanie: Shakespeare, and it's, um -- "as you like it." Eric: Absolutely right. Shakespeare, "as you like it." You win the $500 and move on to the next plateau. The next question is worth $2,000. "As you like it." And, boy, do I like it. Stephanie: Now, what's gotten into you? Eric: A very dry martini, which I enjoyed with our -- our employees in the sewing room. Stephanie: Oh, you were drinking in the sewing room? Eric: No. They were sewing in the drinking room. Stephanie: Oh, I see, I see, I see. Eric: No, no. We just had a simple, little toast. Stephanie: Really? Eric: Mm-hmm. Stephanie: I wouldn't have thought that this was a day that you would particularly want to celebrate. Eric: No, but it is. I'm very, very happy for Thorne. He has succeeded beyond my wildest expectations. What more could a father want? Stephanie: I don't know -- his son working by his side, perhaps? Eric: No, well, you know, the world doesn't function that way anymore. I was a fool to think that it did. Stephanie: Oh, Eric. Eric: No, time moves on, you know? And it's time for you and I to move along with it. It's time for you and I to give thanks for what was in the past, and to let it go. Well, that's a song cue if I ever heard. Let's see if I remember it here. Thanks for all the memories of why don't you fix us a drink -- just join me, all right? Thanks for the memories of times I can't forget journeys on our jet. [SCENE_BREAK] Ridge: Don't you know when to quit, Amber? Get lost. Amber: Not until you see what I brought with me, first. It's a real eye- opener. Are your grays past the point of plucking? [SCENE_BREAK] Eric: I thank you so much Stephanie: You play beautifully. Eric: This is beautiful. Have I ever told you, you make the perfect martini, not to mention the perfect wife? Mm. What? Stephanie: You seem so accepting of this situation with Thorne. Eric: Well, I had an epiphany today. I was sitting behind my desk, gazing at a bleak future with this company, and the sky sort of opened, up and I saw everything crystal-clear, and I think you're gonna like what I saw. Corsica off the starboard bow, Sardinia off the port bow, and you and I up on the lido deck, dancing the night away. [ Eric hums ] C'mon, think of the romance. Think of the excitement. Stephanie: I'm thinking of how the company will stay afloat while the CEO is off playing shuffleboard. Eric: No, no, no, no, no. No shuffleboard. And there will be a CEO at Forrester. Stephanie: So you'll put someone in charge temporarily? Eric: No. Not temporarily. I made a decision today. I'm retiring. [SCENE_BREAK] Ridge: I'm not interested in anything you have to show me, Amber. Amber: Don't -- don't be so sure about that. This might just change your life. Ridge: A photo album? Amber: Yeah. It's of the Christmas that almost never was. Now, if I hadn't called you and told you that your family was spending Christmas alone, then -- Ridge: I've already thanked you for that. Amber: Still, I thought just a few special memories might -- Ridge: What, make me forget all the bad ones you've given us? I think not. Amber: Look, I've done a lot of things that I'm not proud of. And not that this excuses that, but it's usually when I want something that I can't have. But you know what I'm talking about, don't you? I mean, haven't you ever wanted something or someone so badly, you just kind of lose all perspective? Ridge: If you're trying to find some common ground between us, Amber, don't bother. Amber: Well, you know, you and I, we're actually a lot alike. We're both very passionate people, and one of the passions we share is Thomas. Ridge: Not anymore. You and Thomas are over. History. Amber: Because he broke up with me? C'mon, ridge, you and I both know that Thomas and I are gonna see each other again. I just don't want to do it behind your back. Ridge: Oh, well, that's extremely considerate of you. Amber: You know, I really hated what all that sneaking around did to this family, the way it tore you and Thomas apart. And being someone who grew up without a father, you know, I think it's -- it's very important for the two of you to be in each other's lives. And that's why I'm asking you to make a concession here, you know? Just kind of meet me in the middle. Ridge: While at the same time you're trying to steal my son away from me? Amber: We don't have to do that. It does not -- it does not have to come to that. If you and I could find a way to appreciate each other on Christmas day, then can't we find a way to do it all the -- all the rest of the days of the year? All I'm asking for is a second chance. And I know you believe in second chances. I mean, you've had a few of your own, and they have completely changed your life. I'm just asking you to give me that same opportunity. Please, just give me a second chance. [SCENE_BREAK] Sally: You know something? I wouldn't worry about Eric Forrester, if I were you. As a matter of fact, I think you'd be doing him a favor. Thorne: A favor? I'm his competition now, Sally. Sally: And don't you know that competition is very, very good for the soul? It keeps you young. It keeps you vibrant. This is going to throw his highness king Eric into high gear, and then he's gonna come back at us with all cylinders firing -- bam! Bam! Bam! [SCENE_BREAK] Stephanie: You're retiring? Eric: I know, I know. It's a big shock. Stephanie: Well, I guess it is, seeing as you fought so hard to stay at the company, keep control of it, when Rridge tried to force you out. Eric: Well, that's -- that's another thing. What am I fighting for? This 9:00 to 7:00 rat race we have going here? A press corps that's nastier every year? They won't leave any of us alone. And blank page after blank page. An endless parade of new designs, and they're all starting to look the same to me. Meanwhile, there's a whole world out there, just waiting to be conquered. Stephanie: Eric, you have years -- good years -- ahead of you. Eric: Well, that's exactly the point! What are we waiting for? I mean, you don't want to wait until we're too old to climb the great wall of China. You want us to be going up there in matching walkers, for crying out loud? Look, we've worked too long and too hard to walk away. It's time for us to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Stephanie: You're running away. Eric: No, I'm not. I'm not running away. Stephanie: Yes, you are, because you can't face the idea of being at the company without your children. Eric: Look, Stephanie, I told you -- Stephanie: I know what you have said. "It's the 21st century, and parents don't leave their children their companies anymore." Eric: Well, there you go. And it's true. Stephanie: I don't know whether it is or not. But I do know one thing -- you don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Now, you and I built this company! It's your life! And you love it, damn it! Eric: Well, it's not there. It's not there anymore. Everything I loved about it is gone. Ridge -- yelling for Ridge across the hall, and having him stride into my office with a campaign for a new collection under his arm. Creative juices flowing. Thorne running down the hall, trying to catch up with one employee or another to throw his arm around them, and tell them how wonderful he is, and to get the best work out of him. And Kristen, with that great, beautiful heart of hers. Trying to convince me to get the company to back some wonderful new charity or another. And Felicia, coming in with crazy designs -- miles outside the box, with that great, wonderful enthusiasm. Rick, running around, trying to learn everything, asking questions of everybody and remembering the answers. It's not there anymore. And it's not home anymore. And it's not gonna be again. Without my children there, without my inspiration, what's the point? [SCENE_BREAK] Amber: Can't we just let bygones be bygones? You know, I hate to see your family torn apart. Ridge: I believe you. Amber: You do? Ridge: You've convinced me that you really do want to help us out. Amber: Ridge, this is -- Ridge: And the best way to do that is to take your little bribe here, walk out that door, and never show your face around here again. Amber: So you won't even consider -- Ridge: Consider what, Amber? Huh? A truce with you? The woman who tried to ruin my marriage? Who robbed my son of his childhood? Who robbed him of his mother! Amber: I am not the reason why Taylor died. Ridge: She died trying to save your life, didn't she, Amber? God, why I didn't send you packing years ago, I'll never know. Your obsessive behavior, and your little conjured-up schemes. You're no better than Sheila! Amber: Oh! Oh, and you're the picture of mental health, after what you did with Bridget? Ridge: Oh, don't even try to bring that up again! You already played that card, and it blew up in your face. Get out of here, you piece of trash! Get out of here! Amber: Oh, you're calling me a piece of trash? You know, that's nothing, compared to what they're gonna call you. Ridge: What is that? Some kind of threat? Amber: You know, you just remember, I gave you your chance. Ridge: You're never to set foot on this property or talk to anybody in this family again. Do you understand me? Now, get out of here, and just take your book and your little photos with you! Get out of here! [SCENE_BREAK] Brooke: Amber? What happened? Amber: Ridge threw me out. I -- I tried to start over again with him. Even brought him a gift, but he practically spit in my face. Brooke: Well, he may've lost his temper, but -- Amber: No, no, no. You didn't hear him. You didn't hear the sound of his voice. He was evil. Brooke: I'm not gonna let you talk about my husband that way. Amber: God forbid anyone should say anything negative about the fabulous Ridge Forrester. No, your wonderful, stand-up husband. No, the man who would never do anything wrong. Never look at another woman, much less your own daughter. Brooke: Oh, god, not this again. Amber: You know, it's time you know who you're really married to. Brooke: I know who I'm married to. Ridge is a very good, decent human being. And he's very loyal to me, and to his children. Nothing is going to convince me otherwise. Amber: Nothing? Brooke: What's this? Amber: Exactly what it looks like. Except this time, there is no mistaking what it is. Not so decent and loyal after all, is he?