Eric tells Caitlin and Thomas that he has to take them both off their marketing project because of Ridge's absence. He tells Caitlin that she's going to need to jump right in as a junior designer. To Thomas, Eric assigns some of Thorne's old responsibilities. Sally unveiled the new Spectra logo. The Forrester name is equal in size to the Spectra Couture name. Sally plans a marketing blitz with Clark. Sally and Clark go to the Jackie M. boutique to push their designs; Deacon and Sally arrange a better profit margin in exchange for prime store space. Jackie issues a press release stating that Deacon is the new VP of Jackie M. Nick tells Paige that he needs a favor. He asks her help him prove that Deacon is no committed to Jackie by seducing him.
Caitlin: You really don't know why your grandfather wants to see us? Thomas: What did he tell you? Caitlin: Just to meet him here. Sounded kind of serious. Thomas: Well everyone has been pretty tense the past couple of weeks. Caitlin: I know. And that's what worries me. I mean, I know that your dad took a leave of absence. Thomas: Oh, that's got nothing to do with you. Caitlin: Ridge is the one who backed my line. If Ridge is out, my line could be, too. Eric: Good. You're both here. Caitlin: Is this about our project? Eric: Yes. I'm taking you both off it. With ridge no longer here, Forrester has had to re-evaluate its priorities. And marketing is not one of them. Now look, I'll have my hands full with this new collection -- I'm just not going to have any more time for mentoring. I'm -- I'm really sorry, Caitlin, but you're going to have to jump right in. Caitlin: Jump in? Eric: As a junior member of our design team. Now, you're going to have to hit the ground running, all right? You're going to have to learn on the job. I'll be right there to back you up, but it's going to be a pretty steep learning curve. Do you think you're up for this? Caitlin: Oh, yes, sir. Thomas: I knew he wouldn't let you get away. Eric: I'm not finished with you, young man. Unless you've changed your mind about working here? Thomas: Uh, because my dad's not in charge? Eric: Your father took the vote against him very hard. Thomas: But you guys are still okay, right? Eric: It's been difficult. Your father and I do not see eye to eye on this trademark issue. I don't think we ever will. Thomas: I don't get that. What's the big deal? So Thorne used his name on Spectra's logo. What's the worst that could happen? [SCENE_BREAK] Sally: So, Bucky, what do you think? Clarke: I'm okay with it. It may cause a problem for Thorne. Sally: Fashion has become a very cut-throat business these days, Bucky. You'll never succeed by tiptoeing around the competition. Clarke: Even if you're related to 'em? Sally: Especially then. Listen, Eric gave Thorne the right to use the Forrester name. So I say let's go for it. Amber: Yeah, see your father taught me this technique when I was working for him. Thorne: It's great. I love it. Darla: Hey, sal, what's going on? Sally: I have a surprise for you. Thorne: Uh-oh. Sally: As you all know, spectra has come a long way from our knock-off selling roots, with Thorne's help, we've established ourselves as a real contender in haute couture. We've changed our name and our style, but the transformation will not be complete until we change our image. And our logo. [SCENE_BREAK] Jackie: Jackie m is proud to announce the return of Deacon Sharpe to the post of vice president. Mr. Sharpe will be a valuable asset to the chain, bringing with him years of experience in sales and marketing. Deacon: Don't waste much time, do you? Jackie: I thought you'd be excited. Deacon: You know I am. I'm thrilled about this. It's just -- we just got to think of what Nick's going to say when he catches wind of this. Have you thought about that? Jackie: Yes. In fact, I've already faxed him a copy. Deacon: What? Jackie, your relationship with your son is the most important thing to you. I mean, I'm the only thing standing in between you two. I just think if you're going to mend fences, maybe I ought to just hang back, you know? Jackie: No. Absolutely not. I want Nicky to accept you. But to accept you, he's got to see you. The real you. Not this caricature that's been drawn. You are not the sum of all of your past mistakes. You are a wonderful, wonderful, creative, intelligent and caring man, that has done marvelous things for me, and is going to do great things for this company. That's what I want Nicky to see. Deacon: So you had kind of an agenda when you gave me this job, didn't ya? Huh? It's just that, you know, it's a little bit of pressure. Jackie: I'm not worried about that, Deacon. You were born for this position. I have complete faith in you. [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: I am gettin' to know you, mister. I just want to make sure my mother knows you. Andrea: Mr. Marone, your appointment is here. Nick: Paige. Paige: Hello, Nick. Nick: It's been a long time. Paige: Too long. [SCENE_BREAK] Sally: Gorgeous, ain't it? Thorne: I think it's great. I'm, uh I'm just not so sure about the font size and style. I don't think "Thorne Forrester" should be the same size as "spectra." And the font style is the same as Forrester Creations'. Darla: What's wrong with that? Thorne: Well, think how it would look for my father. I mean, he let us use his name as a gift. Now this is taking unfair advantage. Sally: Unfair? I tell you what was unfair. It was Ridge Marone denying you the use of your own name. Thorne: Look, all I'm saying is that we need just to be aware of how things look. Sally: Well, in my opinion, things right now are looking pretty darn good. So why don't you just relax? Clarke and I have everything under control. First we're going to transform our image, and then spectra couture by Thorne Forrester is going to transform the entire fashion world. Thorne: Well, we're definitely on a roll. New logo. New image. Now all I have to do is talk to marketing about getting us more exposure. And I'm supposed to be in a meeting with them right now. So, you guys, do whatever you do. Amber: Right. Darla: Hey, we still on for lunch? Amber: Yeah. I just need to drop these off in the cutting room. Darla: All right. Hey, Sal, want to join us? Sally: Oh, thanks for asking, honey, but I don't think so. There are a few things that I need to take care of. You go on. Enjoy yourself. Amber: Okay. Darla: Okay. Where do you want to go? [SCENE_BREAK] Sally: Clarke, quick -- lock the door. Clarke: What for? Sally: So we can sneak out the back and no one will know we're gone. Clarke: Gone to where? Sally: Where do you think? Out there -- to launch the campaign. We're going to send in some special forces for a covert operation. So, get your gear together, soldier, and let's march. Clarke: I am armed and ready. [SCENE_BREAK] Eric: I'm not worried about Spectra. We have the superior product. No amount of marketing is going to convince anybody otherwise. Thomas: That's not how dad sees it, though. Eric: No, but he will -- eventually. In the meantime, I asking both of you to step up. Caitlin: I'm ready. Eric: Good. Caitlin, you have a lot of talent. I'm convinced that with some hands-on training and some experience, you're going to be a top-notch designer. Caitlin: Thank you, Mr. Forrester. Eric: All right, one more thing. I realize you're both in school, so I really can't expect anymore time than you're giving me already. But the time you're here, I want you to both concentrate. I want to have your full focus, all right? Thomas: Focused on what? Caitlin is designing, so what do you want me to do? Eric: You're going to be taking on some of Thorne's old duties and you're going to do them as efficiently and as competently as possible. Thomas: No pressure. Eric: You can do it. I believe in both of you. Caitlin: We won't let you down. Eric: Okay. Talk to Megan about scheduling, all right? I have to get this down to the cutting room. Caitlin: I am a full-fledged Forrester designer. Thomas: Congratulations. [SCENE_BREAK] Deacon: Baby, I really appreciate all the confidence that you're putting in me. I think I probably do more than you know. But, come on, maybe a regional manager. Vice president -- Jackie: You deserve it. Even Massimo thought so. Deacon: Until he found out about us. Jackie: Do you think that I'm a good businesswoman? Deacon: Yes. Jackie: Good. Because the first rule of running a good company, a successful company, is putting your most talented people where they will do the most good. You'd be great, fantastic as a regional manager. But you'll be even more effective as vice president. Deacon: That's a lot of responsibility. Jackie: You can handle it. Deacon: Yeah. I just hope that you can handle it when nick comes down on you. Jackie: I'm sure he will. But my son is a fair man. And he makes his own decisions based on what he sees with his own eyes. He'll come around. I can feel it. [SCENE_BREAK] Paige: On the phone, you said you had something intriguing to discuss. A proposition, maybe? Nick: Well, I wouldn't actually call it a proposition. Paige: I never thought Nick Payne would need anything from me. Nick: I never thought you'd leave Singapore. Paige: Too many memories. Nick: I'm sorry about your husband. Paige: I got your condolence note. But when I wrote you back, you never replied. You know, I suppose it's hard to keep up with your mail when you're in the middle of the ocean. Nick: Yeah. Well, it's been hard keeping up with a lot of things the last few years. A bunch of changes and not all of them good. Paige: I heard about Massimo's stroke. Nick: Actually, that's why I called you. Paige: Whatever I can do. I do owe you one. Nick: I was hoping you'd say that. I need a favor. Paige: Your mother is seeing another man? Nick: My father found out about it. That's what caused his stroke. Paige: Oh, Nick, this is horrible. Nick: Well, they might have been having their problems as it was, but this guy moved in. He just saw a lonely, wealthy woman. Paige: Believe me, I know the type. When Dennis died, there's crowds of these guys chasing me around Singapore. Unfortunately, there's a lot of them here in L.A. Nick: She's made him vice president of a company. A company my father gave her as a gift. She's not thinking clear. He's got her convinced that he's the key to her happiness. Paige: Was she happy with your father? Nick: I don't know. He'd never been married before, used to doing things his own way. Paige: Like all billionaires. Nick: Yeah, I guess so. To cut right to it, I'm not going to let my mother throw her life away on this con man. Paige: So, that's the favor. You want me to talk to her. Nick: No. I want you to talk to him. [SCENE_BREAK] Deacon: You really -- you really think Nick will give us a chance? Jackie: Yeah, he wants me to be happy. Deacon: I know, Jackie. But he wants Massimo to be happy, too. Jackie: So do I. That wasn't going to happen with me. He's not the sort of man who could forgive the way that I feel about you. Deacon: But you think Nick will? Jackie: Yes, I do. Eventually. Deacon: I hope you're right. Deacon: Well, it looks like I'd better put my years of experience to use, huh?. [SCENE_BREAK] Sally: Forrester Creations is yesterday's news. Spectra couture is the fashion house of the future. Clarke: That's right. Deacon: It's okay, I'll take it from here. Clarke and Sally. What do I owe the honor? Sally: Well, Mr. Sharpe, I believe this is going to be your lucky day. [SCENE_BREAK] Darla: So, when did she fall asleep? Oh, good. Okay. Well, I'm going to take her to see Santa later on this afternoon, so if you could please give her a bath after lunch, maybe put her in that new little dress, I'd appreciate it. Okay. Thanks, Erin. Bye-bye. Amber: Oh, sorry that took so long. Darla: Hey, no problem. Amber: You know, I really like our new logo. Darla: I do, too. Amber: But Thorne doesn't seem to like it. Darla: Well, you know, I just think he doesn't want to get on his family's bad side. Amber: Oh, I hear that. Darla: So, how's it going with you and Thomas? Amber: Well, we haven't really been able to see each other much lately. But, you know, that's going to change. Because he'll be out of school and I'll be out of work for the holidays, so -- lots of together time. [SCENE_BREAK] Caitlin: Thomas, my knees are still shaking. Thomas: You didn't have to say yes. Caitlin: I want to. Being a full-fledged designer at Forrester Creations -- this is my dream. I just didn't think it would happen so fast. Thomas: Well, grandpa wouldn't have offered it to you if he didn't think you were ready. Caitlin: What about you? Thomas: I've always believed in you. You're perfect for this job, Caitlin. I've known it since the first time I saw your designs. Caitlin: You're always so nice to me. Thomas: I know a good thing when I see it. [SCENE_BREAK] Darla: So how's it going with the family? Amber: They don't get it. They think Thomas turned to me because he lost Caitlin. That he's not mature enough to know what love is. But you know what? They're wrong. No one's ever loved me the way Thomas has. Darla: Aww. Amber: I mean, the way we relate to each other and the things that we've shared, it's real, Darla. It is. And we are prepared for anything that gets thrown at us. Darla: Good girl. [SCENE_BREAK] Caitlin: It takes maturity to develop good judgment. You know, I can come up with this design that just seems so great -- fall in love with it, think it's going to change my life. And then later, I'll look at it again, and realize that it just doesn't fit. And then, other times, I'll have one that's just kind of cute, you know, just kind of there. But you don't really appreciate it at the time. You just got to hope that you realize that before it's too late. Deacon: Okay, guys, I talked to Jackie about giving you some better placement. Clarke: Yeah? What'd she say? Deacon: She left it up to me. Sally: Well, then it's a go. Bucky, why don't you go and show those new signs to Mrs. Marone? I need a minute or two alone with Deacon here. Clarke: You got it. Sally: So what's the matter, hmm? You need a little more incentive? Deacon: Sally, I can't risk offending our other designers by giving you special treatment. Sally: All right. How about I give you some special treatment? What would you say to a little bump in your profit margin? Deacon: I would say as the newly installed vice president, I have to do what's in the best interest of Jackie M. Sally: Of course. Then you give us prime shelf space and we will make it worth your while. Deacon: Uh-huh? Would you lower your wholesale price? Sally: You keep the retail price the same and you'll make more money selling Spectra than any designer in the store. The more you promote us, the bigger your profit. Deacon: I like the way you think, sally. Sally: And you drive one heck of a bargain. Deacon: This sounds like this is a match made in heaven. [SCENE_BREAK] Nick: I think we ought to go over this one more time. Paige: I've got it. You just want me to prove this guy Deacon isn't as committed to your mother as he claims. Nick: Right. Not that any man has ever been able to resist you. Paige: With one notable exception. I just hate doing this to your mother. Nick: Well, just think that you're doing it for her. Paige: Okay. Is that her? Nick: Yeah. Paige: Is that him? Nick: No. That's him. He's trouble. Take him down, baby.