Previously
- David, Aaron and Nicolette move past their differences and forge a new three- way parenting arrangement for Isla
- But Nicolette is being watched via a hidden camera inside a teddy bear!
- Kyle tells Toadie that the cancer has spread to his lymph nodes; he'll need chemo once he's had his operation
- Roxy and Kyle continue to hide his illness from Sheila; Roxy thinks she needs to know but Kyle isn't ready
- Terese instructs Chloe to 'pick somebody flawless' for the role of front desk manager at the hotel
- Chloe tells Harlow that her application for the job hasn't been successful
- But Harlow sneaks back into the office later, and swaps acceptance and rejection post- it notes between two CVs
- Terese tells Chloe that Lucy wants Terese and Paul to do a joint presentation at the Lassiter's conference
- Terese cries as her marriage breakdown gets on top of her
Lassiter's Hotel
At reception, Paul is briefing Chloe on her duties while he and Terese are away at the Lassiter's conference. Chloe assures him and Terese that the hotel is in good hands while they're gone, and Terese agrees. Harlow pulls faces nearby as she listens in.
Terese asks where Chloe's up to with the hiring of the new front desk manager; she says that the HR manager Praf has hired a great candidate on her recommendation, who will be arriving soon. Harlow smirks as she hears this.
Terese wants to go and work from home until they leave for the conference, but Paul is keen to rehearse their joint presentation instead. Terese grudgingly says she'll find some time for that later; but when Chloe asks in an aside if Terese is really up for that, Terese changes her mind and tells Paul they rehearse right now.
At this point, Leo turns up, back from Wollongong. Paul is pleased to see him.
No 32
David and Aaron are cooking breakfast, while Jane is holding Isla on the sofa. Nicolette comes in, and there's a little bit of tension as David and Aaron reveal they've already fed Isla with expressed milk this morning, without having mentioned it to Nicolette. As David and Aaron take the breakfast things outside, Jane assures Nicolette that co-parenting 'won't always be this tricky'.
JANE: You'll get used to the new normal.
NICOLETTE: Yeah, you're right. We've got a really great arrangement in place, so I'm sure things will get smoother soon.
Ramsay Street
Kyle is trying to make casual conversation with Roxy, but she's keen to talk about his illness instead, and its implications for their future.
ROXY: Have you thought about freezing your sperm before surgery? The doctor said that you may be too tender to do it after, and then the chemo -
KYLE: I've already made a deposit. At the hospital.
ROXY: You didn't tell me! That's okay, though - great.
KYLE: I was just driving past. Spur of the moment, you know?
ROXY: Tick it off your bucket list.
KYLE: Dr Alavi reckons I should have a few more goes at it. Increase my chances.
ROXY: And when's that happening?
KYLE: I haven't really decided.
ROXY: If the doctor says fill it to the brim, treat yourself - it's the most fun you'll ever have in a hospital.
KYLE: It wasn't the nicest experience.
ROXY: If you're worried about 'the up', you never have an issue in that department.
At this point, Sheila emerges from No 26, and notices things are a little tense between Kyle and Roxy.
SHEILA: Trouble in paradise?
ROXY: The only trouble in this paradise, Mama, is getting enough sleep, if you catch my drift!
Kyle leads Roxy inside to make some coffee.
The Penthouse
Leo follows Paul out of the lift, and updates him on the situation in Wollongong - he says it was hard leaving baby Abigail, but that things are a bit better with Britney now, having relaxed since she's been around her family.
LEO: She's almost like the Britney I first met.
He explains he's back in Victoria to take care of business at the vineyard; having a kid has made him realise he needs to focus on building a legacy for her. Leo adds that he's still not keen on Paul's idea of setting up his own wine label, but he's thinking about a whisky distillery instead - and while they wait for the barrels to mature, he's planning to market a grape-based gin.
PAUL: Where do you plan on getting the capital for all of this? Or is this a pitch?
LEO: No, but I do have my eye on a few investors, so...
PAUL: Well, I wouldn't mind seeing your business plan. I do know a thing or two about whisky.
LEO: Oh, really? I had no idea (!)
Meanwhile, Leo reports, the events side of the vineyard business is really busy, and he thanks Paul for having recommended the venue for a police ball. Leo says he's just looking for a short-term rental while he's back in town, but Paul suggests he stay in his old room here at the penthouse instead, saying he and Harlow would love to have him. Leo agrees to this suggestion.
LEO: We should probably talk about why you're in the doghouse, though? David mentioned what's going on with Terese, but I want to hear it from you.
Lassiter's Hotel
At reception, Chloe checks in with Terese to see how she's doing. Terese admits she's getting anxious waiting to rehearse for the presentation with Paul, as she wanted it over and done with, but Leo's arrival has delayed things.
Harlow approaches with their new front desk manager, who viewers may recognise as Mick Allsop, Aaron's old acquaintance from his exotic dancing days - but Chloe and Terese aren't familiar with him. He's apparently gone by the name 'Mike Allsop' on his CV, as this is what Harlow introduces him as. But he then corrects her.
MICK: Michel. I'm embracing my heritage.
TERESE: Oh, you're French?
MICK: Gay.
When Chloe introduces herself, Mick recognises the Brennan surname as Aaron's, but doesn't acknowledge this, replying simply that he's 'charmed' to meet her. But Chloe is looking worried, and takes Terese aside for a chat.
CHLOE: Something's gone wrong. That is not the person I told HR to hire. I remember his CV, and he is not the candidate I would've chosen.
TERESE: Well, if we've already made an offer, that's not something we can wind back.
CHLOE: We have to do something. His social media posts are... not on brand!
TERESE: I am not in the headspace for this! Today of all days!
But Terese need not worry, says Chloe - she will sort it all out.
No 32
David, Aaron and Nicolette are clearing up in the kitchen, and nearly treading on one another's toes. Aaron notices a box of Isla's toys on the table; Nicolette explains they have far too many, so she's planning to offload some to charity. But Aaron rescues the teddy bear from the box that we know has the hidden camera in it, claiming it's Isla's favourite. Nicolette disagrees, saying it's too big for Isla and an older kid would make more use of it.
However, Aaron insists, saying Isla already loves it; he's fine with giving away the others, but they are keeping the teddy. Nicolette concedes it's not a hill she wants to die on!
Jane comes in, and Nicolette has a gift for her. It's a framed picture from the recent photoshoot to say thanks for organising it - of Jane, Nicolette, David, Aaron and Isla. Jane says she'll treasure it, but adds that she can't take credit for the idea of the photoshoot.
JANE: It was Chloe that suggested it.
Nicolette looks awkward.
No 30
Kyle turns up to see Toadie, who is back from his trip to Colac having had a 'loud' family reunion. Toadie asks how Kyle has been doing. Kyle explains he's started depositing sperm to freeze prior to his surgery. He explains he's already made one deposit, but the doctor thinks he should do more; however, now he's had a chance to dwell on it all and the reasons behind it, he's worried he might 'struggle' to do it again.
TOADIE: Yeah (...) Had a few dates with the old plastic cup myself.
KYLE: You didn't freak out, though.
TOADIE: Well, I tried to concentrate on the positives. Cos the reality is, the more prepared you are now, the less you're gonna have to worry about in the future.
Kyle is convinced, and decides to book another appointment for today. At this point, Karl and Susan turn up to welcome Toadie back from Colac. Karl mentions to Kyle that there's a big delivery coming to The 82 this afternoon, and asks if he'll be there.
KYLE: Karl, I'm taking the rest of the day off. In fact, I'm gonna take myself off the roster.
KARL: What, for the whole week?!
KYLE: Ah, for I don't know how long. Reckon I've earned a break.
Karl looks annoyed.
Lassiter's Complex
Chloe is outside the hotel as Mick and Harlow approach.
MICK (to Harlow): Hey, things like lunch or a cheeky cocktail - they can just go straight on the company credit card, right?
Chloe interrupts, telling Mick she hasn't forgotten about his orientation.
MICK: Oh, good, I was getting a bit bored of just sitting around looking gorgeous.
Chloe sends them inside to wait for her in the foyer.
MICK (walking off, to Harlow): Just how strict is the dress code here? Cos I love to accessorise, and I've brought my hot glue gun with me - so I could add a few bits and pieces, make it my own...
Terese comes out and tells Chloe she's leaving for the Lassiter's conference now. She asks how Chloe's doing with the HR mix-up; Chloe lies that it's 'all under control' and 'virtually fixed'! Terese explains that Paul is still with Leo, so she can't wait around to do the rehearsal for the presentation; she needs to go and pack, 'and pick something up on the way home'. Chloe tells Terese to put Paul out of her mind.
TERESE: You don't have to tell me twice.
As Terese leaves, Nicolette turns up and talks to Chloe.
NICOLETTE: Mum told me the family photoshoot was your idea.
CHLOE: I wanted to help.
NICOLETTE: It did. Here.
Nicolette gives Chloe a framed photo, similar to the one she gave to Jane, but without Jane in it this time.
NICOLETTE: Don't avoid the house anymore. And you can see Isla whenever you like, whether I'm there or not.
Nic goes to leave, but then turns and adds...
NICOLETTE: Maybe sometime, we could get a coffee.
Chloe nods enthusiastically, then looks wistfully at the photo as Nicolette leaves.
The Waterhole
At the bar, Roxy tells Toadie she's worried that she keeps letting Kyle down. Toadie insists that's not the case, explaining Kyle has gone to the hospital this morning to make his second sperm deposit because of Roxy's encouragement - so she is very much helping Kyle.
As Roxy leaves, Sheila approaches Toadie and asks what their conversation was about.
TOADIE: Good morning to you, too (!)
SHEILA: I don't give two hoots for your morning. I'm saving all my hoots for that poor girl and my grandson (...) I think they're going through a rocky patch.
Toadie insists Kyle and Roxy are fine and tries to leave, but Sheila seems to have it in her head that Roxy is upset Kyle didn't want to take her on his fishing trip. Seizing on the cover story, Toadie says that's exactly what the problem is.
SHEILA: Aha! I know for a fact that she's fine about it, so you just fed me a big, fat lie! So what exactly are you not telling me?
No 22
Terese is packing her things in preparation to fly out for the Lassiter's conference. Susan turns up, hoping to catch up over a cuppa.
SUSAN: Chloe called me. She's a bit worried about you. And she knows that I'm your support person, so...
TERESE: So she told you I had a wobble. I'm sorry, I should've told you myself (...) She got there just in time. But I've got a handle on it now, I promise. It's just been a difficult time, you know, with Paul. On one hand, I can't stand the sight of him, and on the other, I just...
SUSAN: You miss him. How do you think that's gonna play out on this work trip?
TERESE: Not very well.
At this point, Paul turns up - he's now ready to rehearse the presentation with Terese. She says it's as good a time as any, and asks Susan if she'd mind doing their cuppa another time. Susan says that's fine, and leaves them to it. Terese looks apprehensive.
Lassiter's Hotel
Leo runs into Chloe at reception, and they make slightly uncomfortable small-talk. Leo admits he's missing Abigail. He says he's heading over to see David and Aaron, but asks if Chloe would like to catch up later. Chloe explains she can't as she's caught up in 'HR hell', gesturing over to Mick and explaining that, somehow, Praf the HR manager thought she'd okayed him for the front desk manager role, whereas she'd recommended someone else.
CHLOE: He seems nice enough, but his CV reads like a comic strip.
We see Mick chatting to Harlow, seeking advice on whether there is a procedure for dodging unwanted phone calls from customers! Leo tells Chloe it surely won't be long before she's able to hand Mick warning strikes. They laugh about it. Nicolette, who's passing outside, sees them laughing together, and goes on her way, looking forlorn.
Erinsborough Hospital
Roxy arrives, wearing a fancy-dress nurse's hat, and smiles to herself. Meanwhile, Kyle is in one of the private rooms with a sample jar, preparing to make a deposit. He drops his dacks and is about to get started, when Roxy bursts in. Kyle shouts 'occupied!' before realising who it is.
ROXY: I'm glad I got the right room. Nurse Willis, here to lend a helping hand!
She takes off her coat to reveal a skimpy nurse outfit. But Kyle's reaction isn't as she'd hoped, as he hurriedly buttons up his trousers.
KYLE: Rox! No, not the time, okay?! Leave me alone!
Roxy looks upset.
No 22
Paul and Terese have finished their presentation rehearsal. As he goes to the kitchen to get some water, he knocks a bag on the sofa by Terese's side, and she snaps at him. Paul looks surprised, but doesn't query it.
No 32
David is making faces at Isla, when Aaron comes in with the evil teddy bear!
AARON: Hey, I just found this out next to the bins. Do you know how it got there?
DAVID: Last I saw it, you were saving it from being in the donations box.
AARON: Right! No wonder Nic gave in so easy.
DAVID: You don't think she chucked it?
AARON: Yes, of course she did - she wants him gone!
DAVID: You're jumping to conclusions, Boo. It was probably a mistake.
Aaron goes out to disinfect the teddy, as Jane and Nicolette come in through the back door. Leo shows up a moment later, and David is pleased to see him - though Nicolette not so much!
DAVID: Please tell me you brought Abigail?
LEO: Sorry, it's only me this time.
He acknowledges Jane and Nicolette, but they both look awkward and don't reply. Leo fusses over Isla, commenting on how much she's grown. Nicolette gets a text from Chloe, asking, 'How about that coffee later?' But a peeved-looking Nicolette ignores it, seemingly having cooled on the idea after seeing Leo with Chloe at the hotel earlier.
Ramsay Street
Kyle and Roxy pull up in Hermione. Kyle is trying to explain what happened at the hospital, saying she scared him by turning up unannounced.
ROXY: I was just trying to make it fun for you. Add it to the list of mistakes - that's all I've been doing lately.
KYLE: Rox...
But Sheila turns up, interrupting. Clocking Roxy's outfit, Sheila announces that she knows what the problem is between them.
SHEILA: Good on you, Rox, for thinking outside the box, but I have a surefire way to help you get your mojo back!
KYLE: My mojo hasn't gone anywhere.
SHEILA: Oh, there's no shame in asking for help, love, if things go stale in the bedroom!
KYLE: Alright, enough, Gran - you don't know what you're talking about. Just, please leave it.
But we can tell by Sheila's face that she has no intention of doing any such thing.
Lassiter's Complex
Chloe runs into Aaron outside the hotel; she's keen to grab a coffee with him and vent about her work woes, but Aaron's en route to pick up some wine for lunch with Leo. Mick, who has recognised Aaron and seen them talking from a distance, looks panicked and darts into some nearby bushes! As Aaron leaves, Harlow emerges from the hotel and sees Mick in the bushes - he claims he's picking up rubbish.
Chloe approaches and asks the same question. Mick claims he thought he saw his ex in the car park.
MICK: I just wanted to avoid a run-in. He's mad for a scrag fight.
CHLOE: Well, I hope you don't plan on making a habit of this kind of thing.
MICK: I one hundred percent do not. This is my first and last time diving into a bush.
Harlow smirks, and Chloe suggests Mick go and pick up a uniform from housekeeping. Mick asks Harlow if he can leave early so he can make some modifications to his uniform, but Chloe says Mick answers to her - adding that in fact, Harlow answers to Mick.
MICK (to Harlow): Well, in that case, be a doll and grab me a coffee.
As Mick and Harlow walk off, Chloe gets a reply from Nicolette, saying, 'Sorry, busy.' She looks disappointed.
No 22
Paul suggests to Terese that they share a company car out to the airport, but she coolly tells him she's already organised transport. He takes the hint, and leaves. The moment he's gone, Terese retrieves the bag that he knocked earlier, and now we see why she was so jumpy about it - it contains a hip flask and a bottle of vodka. Terese looks very upset as she cradles the bottle.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Karl asks a distressed- looking Kyle, 'What have they told you so far?'
- Paul and Terese convene with Lucy in Queensland for the Lassiter's conference
- Lucy tells them they'll have to put their issues aside
- We see Terese standing on a beach
- Terese tells someone to 'get to the airport, now'
- Terese walking in the shallows of the water on the beach
- An irate Paul tells Lucy, 'I saw him, I swear!'
- We see Terese apparently lying on the beach, from her perspective
- A blurry figure approaches and looms over her...
