No 28
Hendrix and Mackenzie tell Karl and Susan that Pierce is coming to town tomorrow. Hendrix looks worried, and says he has no idea why Pierce is coming now.

The Waterhole
Chloe, Nicolette, David and Aaron are chatting about Pierce's imminent arrival.

AARON: So you're really not worried?
CHLOE: He'll be here for Hendrix, not me. None of my beeswax.
AARON: Okay. But if you bump into him, you're not gonna be worried? You're gonna be okay?
CHLOE: I'll be fine! I'm not gonna go to great lengths to avoid him. If it happens, it happens.

A rattled Nicolette looks studiously at the food menu.

No 22
Jane is catching up with Terese in the kitchen when a triumphant Paul comes in.

PAUL: Oh, have I got some news! Jane, you'll be interested in this, too.
TERESE: You better not have manufactured a drama, because Jane here has real serious issues right now.
PAUL: Oh, not the flora fatality. Still?
JANE: Clive has taken it to heart. But go on, you best spit it out - what's going on?
PAUL: Alright. Two words - Pierce Greyson. He gets in tomorrow.

No 28
Karl tells Hendrix to look at this as an opportunity to reconnect with his dad.

HENDRIX: Or have a crack at me. (...) That's what he does, tells me how much of a screw-up I am.
SUSAN: No, no, I don't believe his intentions would be anything other than supportive. You've done so well the last few months.

No 22
Concerned by the news of Pierce's return, Jane heads off to check on Nicolette and Chloe. Paul's still smirking as she goes, and Terese tells him he could have at least made it look like he wasn't enjoying himself in front of Jane.

PAUL: What? I didn't tell her how much fun it's gonna be, did I? I mean, come on - Nicolette versus her old rival?
TERESE: I'd say he's here for Hendrix. He probably won't have anything to do with Chloe and Nicolette.
PAUL: Terese, his ex-wife is seeing the woman he was jealous of when they were together. This is gold!

Terese doesn't share Paul's enthusiasm!

The Waterhole
Nicolette tells Chloe, David and Aaron that if Chloe doesn't have a problem with Pierce being in town, she doesn't either.

NICOLETTE: What is he gonna do? Badmouth me to my family and friends like last time? (...)
DAVID: Are you really not feeling threatened?
NICOLETTE: By a wet muffin? I don't think so.

No 28
Hendrix tells Mackenzie and the Kennedys he has his life sorted; he doesn't need Pierce to blow in and complicate things. Karl's sure that isn't his intention. Mackenzie says Hendrix doesn't have to see Pierce if he doesn't want to. Karl says he can take some time to think about it.

Harold's Café
Mackenzie tells Harlow that Pierce is coming to town tomorrow, and that Hendrix seems shaken up by it after the acrimony last year. Harlow asks if Mackenzie wants to come for a girls' night out with Yashvi, to keep her mind off the break-up with Ned. Mackenzie says she's busy with Hendrix, but will make sure she checks in with Yashvi.

HARLOW: What's the plan with Hendrix? Does he need anything?
MACKENZIE: I was thinking action RPG.
HARLOW: ...?
MACKENZIE: Video games. To help him unwind.

Harlow offers to help by returning the favour of Hendrix's sourdough delivery, from when she was in a state over Brent. Mackenzie says she has food covered, and that Yashvi needs Harlow's support, so she should focus on her. Harlow looks a bit peeved, and says she can easily do both.

MACKENZIE: Don't stress. We've got each other. I'll let you know how we go.

Mackenzie leaves, and Harlow looks left out.

No 24
Nicolette insists to Jane that she doesn't have a problem with Pierce coming to town unless Chloe does.

NICOLETTE: The guy's nothing to me.
JANE: Really, darling?
NICOLETTE: I just want to be there to support Chlo.

Chloe comes in and says it'd be okay if Nicolette was feeling off about it.

CHLOE: Pierce was pretty vile to you.
NICOLETTE: Okay, this is boring. I don't know what else I can say to convince people that I'm fine.

Jane heads off to bed, and Chloe and Nicolette decide to watch a movie together. Nicolette is relishing doing so without Clive talking through it, but Chloe tells her to ease up on the Clive-bashing, as Jane's evidently still down about Clive being angry at her.

CHLOE: If you're really not bothered by Pierce, would you feel weird about me having a quick catch-up with him?
NICOLETTE: No, if that's what you want.
CHLOE: I just think it might be best to get it out of the way, or I'll be worrying about running into him. But I won't do it if you don't feel comfortable.
NICOLETTE: Hey, as if I'd dictate who you spend your time with. That was his game. You do what you want.

But soon after, Nicolette - evidently feeling a little rattled by Pierce already - suggests they have lunch tomorrow, just them, David and Aaron.

NICOLETTE: All our important people around us.
CHLOE: Sure. Sounds good.

Nic looks insecure as Chloe puts the movie on.

Ramsay Street
The next day, Pierce is back, and surveying the street just as Karl and Hendrix prepare to head off for a driving lesson. Seeing Pierce, Karl offers to postpone the lesson; Pierce explains his flight got in earlier than planned. Hendrix doesn't look happy.

PIERCE: Probably should've called ahead.
HENDRIX (getting into the car): Yeah, now's not a really good time.
KARL: We can do the lesson tomorrow.
HENDRIX: I need to practise in peak hour.
PIERCE: That's alright. We can catch up later.

Karl glances apologetically at Pierce, then gets into the car with Hendrix. Pierce looks worried as they drive away.

No 28
Pierce is chatting to Susan about his communication problems with Hendrix. Even when he picks up the phone, says Pierce, he can never get more than a few words out of him - and now he seems to be acting the same way in person. Susan says Hendrix has just been taken by surprise by Pierce turning up, and says they just need to clear the air.

PIERCE: I should've done that a long time ago, but I've never wanted to face what I know is gonna be a pretty difficult conversation.
SUSAN: Well, you're here now. That's the main thing. Can I ask what prompted the visit?
PIERCE: Well, I don't want to put it off forever.

Pierce thanks Susan, too, for handling the whole situation with Hendrix's illegal gambling, and all their support for him since then. Susan says it's been a pleasure watching Hendrix come into his own.

PIERCE: Thanks to you guys.
SUSAN: No, no, we can't take all the credit. You know how hard he's worked on his Year 13 studies (...) It's been great to see him so engaged. And of course, he and Mackenzie are very sweet together.
PIERCE: He and Mackenzie?
SUSAN: ... You didn't know they were dating.

Susan assures Pierce that he and Hendrix will get back on the same page. Pierce explains he's staying at the hotel, and is flexible as to how long he sticks around. Susan says he's welcome to come and see Hendrix any time, and Pierce thanks her again for all her help.

No 24
At breakfast, Jane admits to Nicolette and Chloe that she didn't sleep well, after she messaged Clive goodnight and he didn't reply.

JANE: I suppose that's what he meant when he said that he needed more space.
NICOLETTE: Oh, Mum, that sucks. I'm so sorry.

There's a knock at the door. Nicolette opens it to find Pierce on the doorstep. They greet one another unenthusiastically. He just wanted to tell Chloe he was back in town, and she invites him in. Nicolette takes Chloe's arm.

Pierce greets Jane, saying he'd heard she and Nicolette were staying at Aaron and David's. Chloe explains Jane and Nicolette both live here now. Pierce is surprised and flummoxed by this; he'd heard Chloe and Nicolette were an item, but didn't realise things had moved so fast.

PIERCE: When did that, umm... Sorry, it's none of my business.
CHLOE: Nope, it's not.

But Chloe does suggest they go for a quick coffee and catch-up together while he's in town. Pierce says that would be nice, and Chloe says she'll let him know. Nicolette is quick to usher him out of the house, but nothing more is said on the matter.

A road somewhere
Hendrix is having his driving lesson with Karl, and discussing Pierce.

HENDRIX: So I'm just supposed to drop my plans when he shows up early without calling?
KARL: Well, he has flown down to see you.
HENDRIX: He's the one who packed up and left out of my life in the first place, Karl.
KARL: Right, well, no-one would defend that decision. But to be fair, I don't think anyone could've predicted that it was gonna turn out this way.
HENDRIX: Dad's never believed in me. He's the one who checked out of my life, and now I'm supposed to be glad that he's back (...) I may have screened a few of his calls, but he hasn't been that desperate to talk to me, either.

Karl asks Hendrix to pull over, and he complies.

KARL: There's something you need to know (...) If you didn't answer, Pierce would call me, just to get an update. I'd tell him how you're going, how things are at school. And he insisted on paying your board when you went back to school.
HENDRIX: What?
KARL: He didn't want you to go without, mate. And the money you got paid to do chores around the house, that came from him as well. It was his way of looking out for you. He really does still care.

Hendrix is surprised by all this.

Harold's Café
Paul and Terese are at the counter when Pierce comes in.

PAUL: Well, well, well - Pierce Greyson. Long time no see!
PIERCE: Ah. Robinson.
PAUL: I heard that you're staying at the hotel. Bit of a comedown, isn't it? I mean, owner to paying guest.
TERESE: It's very nice to see you, Pierce.
PIERCE: Terese, you look gorgeous.

He compliments the recent Lassiter's renovations, including the new Flamingo Bar. Pierce asks after Ned, and Terese starts talking about the Hive - but Paul interrupts her, explaining he 'offloaded that money pit', evidently not wanting Pierce to know too much about all that.

PIERCE: Is that right? (...) I happened to notice your holdings on Power Road were up for sale as well. Anyone would think you need the cash.
PAUL (laughs): Pierce, it's called consolidating your assets. Not that it's any of your concern.
PIERCE: They're good businesses. Everyone knows you like being slumlord of this place. I mean, you must need the money.
PAUL: No. That's completely untrue.
PIERCE: You didn't overstretch yourself buying me out of this place, did you?
PAUL: Don't be ridiculous.
PIERCE: Oh, defensive!
PAUL: You know what? You can think what you like.
PIERCE: So forcing me out of here's come back to bite you. Sounds like karma to me.
PAUL: Yeah, well. You just enjoy staying at *my* hotel, won't you?

Terese, who has remained diplomatically silent throughout this, follows Paul out. Pierce smiles to himself. At which point Nicolette comes in, and starts work behind the counter.

PIERCE: The changes just keep coming!
NICOLETTE: Oh, didn't you hear? Dipi made me manager. You're standing in my domain.
PIERCE: Of all the people in the world, why would Dipi choose you?
NICOLETTE: Oh, it turns out she can make *some* good decisions.
PIERCE: It didn't take you long to get your claws into Chloe, did it?
NICOLETTE (taunting): Chloe and I are *so* in love. Thank you for asking.

Hendrix comes in, and asks if he can talk to Pierce. Pierce agrees, but suggests they head somewhere else. Nicolette bids Pierce a snarky 'ciao' as he leaves.

The Waterhole
Pierce is with Hendrix, and admits he was worried Hendrix would keep making excuses not to see him. Hendrix says Karl has told him about Pierce paying his board and pocket money.

PIERCE: Look, I didn't want him to tell you, because I thought you might turn him down.
HENDRIX: I probably would have. But I'm glad you're helping out Karl and Susan.
PIERCE: Well, that's not why I did it.
HENDRIX: Then, why? When you bailed, you were so set on me standing on my own two feet. And then you just changed your mind?
PIERCE: Yeah, I know that's what I said. But I didn't realise what the ramifications would be.
HENDRIX: Oh, so it's out of guilt, then?
PIERCE: Hendrix, I've only ever tried to do what I think is best for you. I realise taking off was a bad call...
HENDRIX: You figured you could buy your way back into my good books by throwing money at me.
PIERCE: Ah, don't be like that, mate. You're doing great. You're back at school. I just... I wanted to support you. I want to be part of your life.

Hendrix looks sceptical.

PIERCE: Susan tells me you and Mackenzie are together. I mean, I had no idea.
HENDRIX: You can't just waltz in here and act like we're best mates.
PIERCE: Of course not. You're an adult. I mean, you make your own decisions, and I respect that. But if you want to spend a bit of time together, I'll take what I can get. It's up to you.

Lassiter's
Harlow is on cleaning duties at the hotel, and is overdoing it a bit - a fact upon which Terese remarks when she appears. She suggests Harlow finish her shift early, but even this prospect can't cheer Harlow up, as she has no-one to hang out with; Yashvi's working and Mackenzie is trying to stay free for Hendrix.

TERESE: How has that been for you? You know, the two of them being together?
HARLOW: Yeah, fine, mostly. It's just hard at the moment with Pierce being back in town. I just know how much of a big deal that would be for Hendrix. But I'm not part of that anymore. It's not my problem.
TERESE: Well, I'm sure Mackenzie's got it covered.
HARLOW: Yeah. She's great. It's just strange because I used to be the go-to person for both of them, and now... I'm not.

The Waterhole
Pierce encounters David and Aaron at the bar, and congratulates them on the pregnancy. David thanks him.

AARON: Look, Pierce, we know you're not a fan of Nicolette...
PIERCE: It's none of my business, mate. If it works for you, and you're happy, then, good.
AARON: Yeah, we are. We couldn't be happier.

Chloe appears, and Pierce suggests they have their catch-up now, which she agrees to. David and Aaron look tense, as Pierce and Chloe walk off to get a table. Chloe asks Pierce what's new in his life, but he replies that more seems to have changed for her than for him.

PIERCE: You've got a pregnant girlfriend who's moved in with you, and she brought her mum. Fair bit of commitment, isn't it, in such a short time?
CHLOE: Do I sense disapproval?
PIERCE: No, I'm just concerned, you know? I care about you. Always will.
CHLOE: Getting together with Nic was my decision. And it was me who invited Jane to stay (...) Nic's my person. We're good.
PIERCE: Just like Aaron and David are with her and the baby?
CHLOE: Exactly.
PIERCE: Alright. I'll leave that where it is, then.

Pierce says he'd like to talk to Chloe about Hendrix, and is also after any 'intel' that she might have on Paul.

CHLOE: Of course you are!

At the bar, Aaron remarks that Chloe and Pierce look to be getting on okay. David agrees, and wonders whether they could even get through this visit without World War III erupting.

No 28
Karl is worrying about Hendrix, and hoping he's done the right thing telling him about the money Pierce was sending. Susan thinks so, given it seems to have got them talking. At this point, Hendrix and Mackenzie come in. Hendrix reports that Pierce was 'different than I expected'.

HENDRIX: He actually treated me like an adult... Even if Dad hadn't offered to give you cash, you would've still kept paying my way?
SUSAN: Of course.
KARL: Yeah, especially since you've pretty much taken over dinner duties.
HENDRIX: (...) But seriously - what do you get out of it?
SUSAN: Well, we get to see a young person live up to their full potential.
KARL: Yeah, which you have achieved.
HENDRIX: Meanwhile, Dad reckons that throwing cash at any problem is the easy way out.
SUSAN: Your dad's methods might be different. But we all want the same thing for you.
HENDRIX: Maybe. But a few bucks and a few extra apologies isn't gonna make up for what he did. And it definitely didn't get me where I am today. That's on you guys.
SUSAN: Pierce is your father. He mightn't be perfect - he might be frustrating sometimes...
HENDRIX: No kidding.
SUSAN: But he is still trying.
KARL: He's reaching out, mate. That means something.

Hendrix admits that Pierce has suggested they play golf this afternoon. Susan encourages him to go, and take the golf clubs 'that Karl rescued from the lake'!

KARL: It doesn't have to get better overnight. But it's never gonna get better if you don't give him another chance.

Hendrix nods.

Harold's Café
Nicolette asks David and Aaron if they can push back lunch for an hour, as she has to do a staff handover here. Aaron says they'll let Chloe know, and tells Nicolette they've just seen Chloe at the pub with Pierce. Nicolette pretends to be fine with this, saying it's good they're getting their catch-up over with. David reports that it all seemed 'mature and amicable'.

Chloe comes in, and reiterates that her catch-up with Pierce was fine, once they'd stopped talking about her living set-up. Chloe gets a text from Pierce, saying, 'Good to catch up. Glad we can talk as friends. It'd be cool doing it again.'

NICOLETTE: Oh, he's taken up too much of your time. You should tell him to hop it.
CHLOE: It's no biggie. I'd rather keep things friendly.

Nicolette heads back to work, looking a bit worried. Chloe proposes an option to the boys for their board game this week - Grade Up To Elite Cow, a 1986 game about cow farming which she says sounds 'awesome'!

The Waterhole
Paul is having a coffee at the bar when Hendrix comes in. Harlow is also in the pub, and asks Hendrix how Pierce's visit is going. Hendrix tells her they're about to go golfing. Harlow leaves.

Pierce appears, and asks Hendrix if he's ready to 'dominate the greens'.

PAUL: About the only thing you're gonna be dominating, isn't it? (...) I did a little digging myself. And even though you were very quick to accuse me of having financial difficulties because I had to offload the Hive, I've just discovered that you are about to divest an entire vineyard.
PIERCE: So?
PAUL: So, maybe you're the one that's having money problems, hey?
PIERCE: I'm taking my money out to put it into a more lucrative investment. That vineyard is my last tie to this place, and I don't need it.

Hendrix looks concerned.

PIERCE: I've had the valuers in; I'm gonna get a pretty good price for it. I may even set records in the wine industry. They're sums you could only dream of. I imagine you'll read about it in the trade press... if you can still afford to subscribe.

Paul fumes, and gets up to leave.

PAUL: Just don't sleep with any of your buyers' wives, will you?

As Paul walks out, Hendrix asks if the vineyard deal is why Pierce is really in town.

PIERCE: Got to be here to sign the contracts.
HENDRIX: I'm an idiot (...) You didn't come here for me. You put on this big show about being here to fix things, but the truth is, you only care about business and money. As usual.
PIERCE: Hendrix, you've got the wrong idea.
HENDRIX: You just said it (...) You're here to sell your stupid vineyard.
PIERCE: Yeah, but honestly, that's not what that was about -
HENDRIX: I thought that, spending time with Alana, you would've started learning how to actually be a dad. But you are as useless as ever.
PIERCE: Okay, will you just hear me out for a second?
HENDRIX: You should've stayed in Sydney. Cos now I know for sure that I'm better off without you.

Hendrix walks out.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Jane tells someone they're here to cause trouble
- Hendrix tells Mackenzie he wants Pierce to go and never come back
- Nicolette tells Chloe, 'He will do anything to tear us apart!'
- Aaron tells someone that 'she might feel a little threatened'
- Nicolette says, 'Maybe we're not as strong as I think'
- Chloe looking worried, as we hear her say, 'There's a lot of sweet history between us'
- Pierce tells Nicolette, 'I said what I wanted to say'