After the dark of sadness comes the glory of happiness!

Taylor's new friend!

Taylor and Ridge spent a wonderful romantic weekend in Big Bear. They enjoyed having time to themselves without the kids, family or work. Their everyday life in Los Angeles was a lot more stressful than their life in San Francisco. All the more they appreciated this time out. They returned relaxed, refreshed and with new energy.

A few days after this weekend, Ridge came home in a very euphoric mood. When Taylor greeted him, he twirled her around and beamed like a Cheshire Cat.

"Wow, someone's in a good mood!"

"Oh yeah, I'll tell you why!" Over dinner, Ridge told her about his exciting news. A Mr. Jackson had contacted him today from New York. He and his son ran a production company for musicals. They had already put on a few small shows, and soon their first play would run on Broadway.

"It's going to be a modern version of 'My Fair Lady,' and they contacted me or better Forrester Creation respectively, because they'd like us to design their costumes for the show." Taylor was speechless.

"Whoah! How did they come up with you guys, that's not your business direction?!"

"Well, I guess our new Youth collection that came out recently really impressed them. They said it was exactly the style they were looking for!"

"Wow, that sounds like a great opportunity! Forrester Creation on Broadway, I bet this'd bring good publicity." 

"That's exactly what Dad said when I told him about it. He said we should definitely take advantage of this opportunity!" Ridge made a thoughtful face. "And that brings us to the catch of the story."

"What catch?" asked Taylor nervously.

"I have to fly to New York next week, they want to meet me in person, work out the details, you know all the negotiation stuff. I'll have to do this in person on the ground and I also want to get a sense of the project before I make a firm commitment." Taylor struggled to hide her sad face.

"You want to go to New York?"

"Yes, but it's only for four days!" Ridge reassured her.

"Next week...." Taylor mused, then sighed in exasperation. "What a bummer! There's this big party at the hospital where I promised to help. Otherwise, I might have been able to go with you, whereas I could...."

"Nonsense, they're counting on you for sure! Besides, you've been looking forward to this event for days. I can handle it on my own!" However, Ridge was secretly disappointed too, but he pretended to be strong. He winked at Taylor. "Or can't you last four days without me?" Taylor glared at him defiantly.

"Of course I can, that's no problem at all! On the opposite, I'll be glad to have some peace and quiet."

"I see." Ridge was slightly offended. "I'm also looking forward to it! I mean, New York is an exciting city, actually it's a shame it's only four days. You always meet interesting people there!"

"Yeah sure!" mumbled Taylor and started clearing the table.

"And after all, it would be crazy to make a drama over these few days. We're adults, so it really shouldn't be a problem to be apart for a few days."

"Not at all! That would be really childish!" she agreed with him. They looked deep into each other's eyes. Taylor was the first to cave in.

"Oh Ridge, I'm going to miss you so much!" She threw herself at his neck and buried her face sadly in his chest. "Even though I'm a grown, confident and emancipated woman I will miss you, four days without you will be terrible." He held her tightly in his arms and hugged her close to him.

"I will miss you too Doc. I'll be thinking of you every minute!"

"I'll always be with you!" They sank into a heartfelt deep kiss. Then suddenly a horrible thought struck Taylor. "Tell me, if this project actually goes through, will you eventually have to go to New York for an extended period of time?" She stared at him anxiously. She would be fine for a few days, but there was no way she wanted to miss out on him for a few weeks or even months. He stroked her cheek.