After the dark of sadness comes the glory of happiness!

The inspiration!

Ridge and Taylor didn't see each other for a few days, as both were very busy. But they sent each other short messages every day. Both of them were happy and relieved that they got along much better. Steffy and Thomas were also thrilled when they heard about it. Today was Taylor's day off and she strolled through the shops. She needed a birthday present for Susan. Finally, she found just the perfect one. An Elvis puppet that could dance and sing. Susan was a huge Elvis fan and had a weakness for such stuff. Satisfied Taylor continued to walk along. Then she noticed that Ridge's store had to be around here somewhere. He had invited her to stop by.

At first she looked through the shop window, but there wasn't much to see yet. She recognized a woman busily scurrying around. That had to be Ridge's assistant.
"Excuse me? May I help you? We haven't opened yet."
"Um I know, I was looking for Ridge, Dr. Taylor Hayes, I'm his ex-wife."
"Oh yes of course, Thomas and Steffy's mother right? Please come in. I'm Rosa, Ridge's right-hand. I'll see if he's available."
Taylor looked around. Ridge hadn't been exaggerating. At the moment, the store was indeed still more like a giant construction site.
"Ridge is still in a video conference, but he insists that you wait for him. May I offer you something? Water? Tea? Coffee?"
"A glass of water would be nice." Taylor regarded Rosa curiously. She seemed very energetic and confident but also had something likeable about her. Taylor estimated her to be in her mid-30s early 40s. Rosa handed her the requested glass of water.

"Well, as you can see, there's not too much to see here yet. Ridge and I have our hands full with the renovation at the moment, it's proving to be a bit tedious."
"Oh why? Are you having trouble finding good people?"
"No not at all, we are working with some good tradesmen. The issue is Ridge and his problem in decision making. He can't make a final decision on anything. Last week for example I had to contact the painter twice because he's not so convinced of the color design anymore. Has it always been this way that he could never make up his mind?" Taylor grinned and finally burst out laughing, this girl had no idea what true words she had just uttered. If anyone knew what it was like to feel Ridge's indecisiveness firsthand, it was probably her.
"Yes, indeed, that was always a problem for him and not only on the question of the wall paint."
"Ah well, I was beginning to think I was doing something wrong. I mean I really enjoy working with Ridge, he's a very pleasant boss and we have so much fun all day, but sometimes he drives me crazy with his manner. Even when I can't deny it, he has a certain charm too." As Taylor listened to Rosa, she wondered if there was more going on between Ridge and his assistant. From her looks, she definitely fell into his prey pattern. She was tall, slender, feminine, attractive and exuded confidence.

"Yeah, he knows how to wrap women around his finger."
"Are you talking about me?" Ridge approached the two women.
"Hey Taylor, nice you stop by!"
"I was just in the neighborhood and I thought I'd see what you've been up to all day." While Taylor and Ridge greeted each other, Rosa discreetly made her way out.
"A sympathetic lady, your assistant and she seems very impressed with you."
"Really? In fact I am of her too, she's a real support in all this chaos here, without her nothing would go on."
"She told me, you are having trouble making some decisions regarding the renovations."
"Well, you know me, I'm just very thorough."

"Mmm!" Taylor gave Ridge a skeptical look. Ridge wanted to change the subject, unceremoniously he looked into her shopping bag and spotted Susan's gift. With pointed fingers, he pulled out the puppet and regarded it with a mock disbelieving look.
"You told me you've made some changes in your life, but please don't tell me you're into such junk like this lately?" Taylor took the Elvis from his hand and placed it on the table.
"It's not for me, it's a gift for Susan, my new girlfriend. She's a huge Elvis fan and look, he can even dance and sing." Taylor turned it on to demonstrate its skills.
"The kids have already told me quite a bit about your new girlfriend, she seems to be a great person. But I have my doubts now. Anyone who is smitten with such trash, has some major issues. Sorry!"
"Don't be so arrogant. Susan is really a wonderful person. I'm glad I met her and everyone has a little quirk, after all." Ridge raised his eyebrows meaningfully.