Fitzgerald Motors
Tyler is proudly showing Hamish around the garage.

TYLER: I'm the guy who fixes the flash cars guys like you drive!

But Hamish soon bamboozles him by asking him about EBIT (earnings before interest and tax), profit margin and depreciation schedules, leaving Tyler feeling small; he pretends to know what Hamish is talking about, but clearly doesn't. They prepare to head off to the golf course, where they're meeting Aaron and Mark.

No 32
Preparations are underway for the pre-formal gathering, and Freya and Yashvi are already in their formal outfits, while Toadie, Shane, Mishti and Kirshi mill around. Shane is a little taken aback by how grown-up Yashvi looks in her dress, and Freya makes insinuations about how hot Ben will think she is in it. Toadie regales everyone with stories of a time he wore a dress for a footie thing.

Once everyone is out of earshot, Freya tells Yashvi about the 'make-out room' she's set up at her house for the afterparty later on.

FREYA: Shall we take bets on how long you and Ben spend in there?
YASHVI: ... I've actually invited Xanthe over. So if we could just go easy on Ben talk?
FREYA: Keeping the ex close - smart move!
YASHVI: Ben and I aren't together, as in boyfriend and girlfriend. Which is why I don't want her finding out that we're...
FREYA: Friends with benefits.
YASHVI: Exactly. She'd be really hurt. Which is why you can't say anything. Please.

Freya agrees, and Shane comes back in to take a photo of the girls in their outfits.

No 28
A besuited Ben is also taking photos, of Piper in her formal dress. They get a selfie together; Piper laments that someone's missing, and Ben assumes she's talking about Yashvi when actually she means Xanthe. Piper mentions that the rumours about Ben and Yashvi are still going around; he insists they're not together.

PIPER: Well, do you want to be?
BEN: ...
PIPER: Oh, wow! Oh, okay!
BEN: Well, she doesn't feel the same way, so it doesn't matter, anyway. We're just going to the formal as friends.
PIPER: Is there any chance of you and Xanthe getting back together?
BEN: I'll always really care about her. But there's no way we can go back to the way we were.

Piper begs Ben not to make eyes at Yashvi in front of Xanthe. Ben says he'd never do that, and says the formal is the last 'cool thing' they'll all be able to do together.

Harold's Café
Mark runs into Aaron, and tells him he's decide to give the golf match with Hamish and Tyler a miss. Aaron's disappointed, saying they should keep an open mind about Hamish - but Mark says things are still awkward, because of his history with Fay. Aaron grudgingly accepts this.

As Aaron leaves, Elly arrives. Mark asks if she has time for a coffee, but she doesn't as she's preparing for the school formal which she's supervising later.

Elly reminds Mark that it's a year tonight since they first met. It isn't (the previous formal having been in a totally different month), but this doesn't stop Elly from declaring that it's "kind of, like, our anniversary" and that it's a shame they couldn't have done something to celebrate. Mark looks uncomfortable, and Elly says she's joking.

Steph, who has been watching this exchange with interest, calls Mark over to join her and Jack. She invites Mark back with them to 'kick around ideas' for the liveability project, tempting him with the prospect of some beers. Elly seems alarmed at how enthusiastic Mark is about this idea, and looks a bit jealous as they all laugh.

Golf Course
Aaron, Tyler and David are all in attendance for the game with Hamish. Tyler understands why Mark decided not to come, but Aaron says he's keen to get to know Hamish.

Tyler remarks that Aaron and Hamish have their interest in business in common, and admits that he only pretended to understand when Hamish started talking about finances and tax breaks earlier, as he's never thought about that stuff. David says he had a similar experience getting to know Paul at first, but that things will get easier on that score.

DAVID: Don't stress over your differences. Paul and I clash a bit, but I'm still happier and more confident for knowing who my dad is.

At that point, Hamish arrives with his golf clubs, and they head off to start the game.

No 26
Now it's Piper's turn to take photos of Xanthe in her formal dress - which unlike last year's costume, cost just $10 at the op shop! Xanthe's clearly a bit nervous about being back among her school friends after the Finn episode, but confirms she's still keen to be Piper's date.

Xanthe asks where Ben is. Piper says he wanted them to meet at Yashvi's, but that Piper wasn't sure if Xanthe would want to. Piper adds that Ben said he and Yashvi were just going as friends, and that Ben is 'really pumped' that Xanthe is coming.

XANTHE: Okay - we can do this together. You, me and Ben. Bring it on!

No 30
Steph is quizzing Mark about how things are going with Elly. Mark awkwardly responds that things are 'good', but admits his family dramas have somewhat overshadowed their still-new relationship. Mark quickly changes the subject and asks about Steph and Jack; she says there's definitely a spark, but that they're just seeing where it goes, with no expectations or labels.

Jack comes in to join them, and it's time to talk liveability - Shane has asked them to come up with some 'fun ideas'. Mark, the king of fun, declares that he's simply here for the beer and company. At which point Paige arrives with baby Gabe. She's pleasantly surprised to see Mark there, and they immediately start borderline-flirting with each other. Steph doesn't fail to notice this!

Golf Course
While Aaron gets competitive with David, Tyler admits to Hamish that he didn't really understand all the financial terms he was using at the garage earlier. Hamish says he can see Tyler puts his heart and soul into the garage, but that performance is what matters, and he's aware small garages don't make a lot of money. Aaron comes over to soak up Hamish's business wisdom.

HAMISH: Success is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. But it does help if you have a little seed capital.

No 32
Yashvi is hanging out with Freya and her sidekicks, while Ben chats on the sofa with Kirsha. Freya goes over and tells Ben that he and Yashvi will love her afterparty playlist. Ben looks perplexed, as Freya rejoins Yashvi.

FREYA: How gorgeous is your man?
YASHVI: I've told you - he's not my man.
FREYA: He even talks to your little sister. And your dad.
YASHVI: Ben likes them.
FREYA: He likes you!

Piper and Xanthe turn up, and have a really awkward greeting with Yashvi, before going to talk to Ben. He tells Xanthe she looks amazing; she returns the compliment.

BEN: Oh, last year's suit.
XANTHE: Yeah, I remember.
BEN: I'm really glad you're here.

Yashvi reminds Freya of her promise not to say anything about her and Ben in front of Xanthe.

FREYA: I'm a vault.
YASHVI: I mean it, Freya.

No 30
Steph, Jack, Paige and Mark are still talking liveability.

MARK: Hey - what about a wishing tree? So, you write down your hopes and dreams, and you tie the piece of paper to a tree!

Whether littering the local foliage with bits of paper is going to be conducive to the kinds of environmental improvements that the liveability project was supposed to be all about is a moot point - because naturally, everybody loves this idea immediately.

Mark explains that the wishes are anonymous, and that a local artist did something similar while he was in the Blue Mountains on Witness Protectiontm. Apparently, it helped him through a dark time! Paige and Mark make gooey eyes at one another, which again, Steph clocks.

PAIGE: I'm really glad you came back!
MARK: Me too!

Paige knows what Mark would wish for.

PAIGE: A set visit to Doctor Who, and to play as an extra.
MARK (gasps): In costume!
PAIGE: Obviously.

Steph watches from the kitchen as they continue to flirt.

Golf Course
The game is finished, and Hamish takes a photo of Tyler, Aaron and David. He suggests to Tyler that they do it again some time if he's up for it. Tyler mentions that he and Aaron are planning on selling Russell's boat that they inherited, and splitting the profits with Mark and their sister Chloe. Tyler was thinking of buying the garage from Lucas with his share. Hamish seems unsure about this idea.

HAMISH: Are you passionate about the garage?
TYLER: Err, I'm not sure, really.
HAMISH: Well, I wouldn't make a move. Not until you're ready to answer that question without hesitating.
DAVID: Well, you could always sell now and bank your share. That way at least the others could start spending their money.
HAMISH: If you want to capitalise on the boat, I would fix it up first before you sell it. That way you'd make more.
AARON: Yeah, makes sense.
HAMISH: Of course it does.

They head off to get some food. David looks a bit suspicious of Hamish.

No 32
The formal pre-party continues, as Xanthe admits to Piper that she's glad they came. Kirsha asks Ben why Yashvi is hanging around with the popular girls.

BEN: She's having fun, isn't she?
KIRSHA: Is she?
BEN: She's too busy to talk to me, I do know that.
KIRSHA: I know who I'd choose!

Once Kirsha's gone elsewhere, Piper sees Ben looking wistfully at Yashvi, and asks how he's going.

BEN: I've only just started liking her. It won't kill me. Besides, tonight is about you, me and Xanthe.

Meanwhile, Freya asks Xanthe how work's going at the spa, then asks her how she is 'really'.

FREYA: I mean, it must be hard. That selfie shot Ben sent to Vee?
XANTHE: Oh, that's just a rumour (...) Isn't that what Vee told you?
FREYA: I really wish it weren't true, but Yashvi showed me the photo herself, and said that Ben sent it to her.
XANTHE: Are you sure?
FREYA: I guess Ben didn't want to hurt you by telling you the truth. Stay strong, babe.

Xanthe looks upset as Freya walks away.

No 30
The wishing tree discussion continues, as everyone agrees they're on board with the idea. Steph thinks Shane will like it too, and Jack takes Gabe's babbling as another vote for the plan.

JACK: Now we've just got to pick a tree.
STEPH: What about that one next to the lake with the really low hanging branches?

Sure, that narrows it down, Steph. Jack says he'll send a group text around, and they can start putting wishes up tomorrow. Steph already has her wishes worked out; she wants to get the cancer wellness centre up and running, and to spend more time with Charlie and Adam.

PAIGE: I wish that Josh was here to meet Gabe. He would've been an amazing uncle, and dad to Matilda.
MARK: I wish that Caitlin could've grown up with Gabe. Who knows - they could've been great mates.

Paige grasps Mark's hand in solidarity.

No 32
Shane is showing Toadie pictures of Yashvi as a kid (not what you want your dad to be lingering around doing on formal night!) and getting a bit emotional at the thought of her growing up. He hugs a passing Kirsha to compensate!

Meanwhile, Xanthe pulls Yashvi into the hallway and demands to know if what Freya told her is true, about the selfie of Ben.

YASHVI: I was borrowing Ben's laptop, and I found that photo in an old email. And Freya happened to come over, and I said that Ben sent it to me.
XANTHE: Why would you do that?
YASHVI: Because she worked out that we weren't actually sleeping together, and I didn't want to look like a loser.
XANTHE: So you said that to keep the rumours going?! You have to tell him, Yashvi!
YASHVI: It will ruin our friendship. And I don't want to humiliate him!
XANTHE: I almost believed you for a minute.
YASHVI: Okay, fine. First thing tomorrow, I'll tell Freya it's over. And then Ben will never find out, and he won't get hurt.
XANTHE: I dunno.
FREYA: Oh, Xanthe, please!

But Shane interrupts before they conclude, asking Yashvi to come and be in a photo.

No 24
David has bought dinner, having lost a golfing bet to Aaron. But Aaron forces him to admit that he was letting him win - David has played before! They kiss.

DAVID: What's your take on Hamish?
AARON: I like him. Why?
DAVID: You don't think he's - I dunno - a little pushy sometimes?
AARON: Where's this coming from? You're still feeling guilty about contacting him, aren't you?
DAVID: No -
AARON: Look, you overstepped the mark, but you know that. And it's all worked out fine in the end. Seriously. Meeting Hamish, it's opened up a whole new world for Tyler. And for me too.
DAVID: I'm glad.

Hamish and Tyler come in - Hamish has to go and make some business calls. Tyler thanks him for the advice about the boat, and confirms he's thinking they should hang onto it for now. Aaron agrees, and adds that when they do sell it, he's going to put it into his business and not blow it on frivolities.

DAVID: Sounds like a great decision. I reckon your dad would be proud too.

Hamish goes to shake Tyler's hand, and gets an unexpected hug instead! He bids them all goodnight, and leaves. But outside the door, Hamish smiles slyly...

No 30
Mark and Jack head out to get some dessert, while Steph quizzes Paige on what she's observed.

STEPH: You guys haven't been a couple for a long time, but there's still a bond there.
PAIGE: With Mark?
STEPH: Mm.
PAIGE: You guys are close too!
STEPH: Oh, it's easy when there's no desire on either side for anything more. Is it possible that there are still feelings between the two of you?
PAIGE: We're just mates. End of story. Plus, he's with Elly now, so...
STEPH: Yeah, well. If you do still care for him, just tread carefully, alright? Or the three of you are gonna get hurt.
PAIGE: Elly's my friend. Even if I did have feelings for Mark, I would never act on them.

No 32
Yashvi announces that the minibus has arrived to take them all to the formal - but Ben wants to talk to her before they go.

BEN: Are you avoiding me?
YASHVI: Just trying to keep everybody happy.
BEN: I'm glad I didn't ruin things with that kiss. I really miss hanging out with you.
YASHVI: Ben, don't.
BEN: This isn't quite a corsage, but...

He puts a bracelet on her wrist. Piper and Xanthe look alarmed.

YASHVI: ...
BEN: (...) You don't like it.
YASHVI: I love it. I do.

She walks off awkwardly, and Xanthe decides she can take no more.

XANTHE: Ben, I have to tell you something. Yashvi is the one who's been spreading those rumours about you. She found the old photo from your laptop, that you sent to Emma. And then she showed Freya and said that you were the one that sent it to her. I'm so sorry.
BEN: I can't believe you're stooping low enough to make something like this up!
XANTHE: I'm not, I swear!
BEN: You broke up with me! You don't get to be jealous!
XANTHE: Ben, please - I would never lie to you!

But he walks away angrily.

Unmissable Neighbours
- Piper tries to persuade Xanthe not to pull out of the formal
- Xanthe asks Piper what she's not telling her
- Jack asks Paige if she can be honest about something, but she says it will only hurt people
- Paige seems to be writing a note, to the effect that she can't 'let him go'
- Elly jumps to all the wrong conclusions when she walks in on Mark hugging Steph