At the Sky Lounge, Rick recapped his misdeeds to Steffy, admitting he understands he's not worthy of her and can't be with her. She shrugged off his apologies, but then he claimed he was joining a monastery. "You've had some bonehead ideas, but I think this one takes the cake," Steffy cracked. After a moment, he dropped the act, laughing, "You're really gullible you know that?" She was helpless to do anything but laugh. He was encouraged by the response! They then changed the subject to Thomas joining Forrester. Steffy implored Rick to give her brother a chance. He noted convincing Brooke would be the tough part. Alone, Steffy left her brother a message and then flashed back on good times with Rick. Later, Rick came back to tell Steffy the good news: Thomas could join the team. She thanked him and rushed off to tell Taylor the happy tidings.

Taylor blurted out to Brooke that she and Ridge aren't married, just as Ridge walked in. They demanded an explanation of the cryptic remark! Stephanie intruded just as things got interesting, so Brooke raged at them both to back off her marriage and went off to talk to Ridge. Alone, Stephanie reminded a frustrated Taylor to stick to the plan. Down the hall, Ridge told Brooke that Taylor's claims weren't worth getting worked up over and they had a chance to prove Taylor and Steph wrong. However, Thomas working at Forrester proved to be a bit of a sticking point! Luckily, Rick walked in and told Brooke he was cool with "Tommy" signing on. "I'm doing it for Steffy," he said. "How noble of you," cracked Ridge. "Are you sure about this, Ricky?" Ricky swore it wasn't a ploy to get in good with Steffy, showing him that she'd even given him back her ring. He, Brooke, and Ridge discussed Eric not knowing Thomas attacked him. Nearby, Taylor, Steph and Pam all kvetched about Rick, Thomas, and Brooke. Later, Ridge told Brooke he didn't like how Rick was "maneuvering." Brooke hated being on opposite sides. Stephanie, meanwhile, told Taylor to keep a lid on her anger so they could be a united front against the Logans. When Steffy burst in with her news, the women couldn't quite buy Rick's sincerity. After Steffy left, Pam assured Taylor she would keep her eyes on Ricky, and Stephanie remained certain Ridge and Brooke's marriage was toast. "All hell is going to break loose because of Rick," promised Stephanie. "Rick is going to push them over the edge." Back in Ridge's office, he and Brooke came to an accord the way they always do: by getting busy!