No 22
Terese wakes up on the sofa, empty takeaway cartons in front of her, one of which has her newly removed wedding ring in it. She gets up and sees the mess of smashed photo frames on the floor. We close in on one of Terese, Hugo and Nell together. Terese takes a deep breath and looks tearful.

No 32
Byron and Nicolette are in the kitchen while Isla sits on the sofa. Krista is at the table trying to get the Wi- Fi working, but to no avail; she needs it for a work conference call. Nicolette tells Krista that the internet provider is doing scheduled maintenance; it becomes apparent that Byron and Nic both knew about this, and that Nic said she would tell Krista about it. Byron leaves, and Isla goes to get dressed.

KRISTA: When were you planning on telling me?
NICOLETTE: Oh - I did. I left you a note - look, it's here.

Nicolette lifts Krista's laptop and shows her a post- it note stuck on the table underneath it! Krista asks Nic to let her know in advance next time 'rather than leaving random post- it notes'. Nicolette apologises, pointing out that Krista doesn't usually work from home. Krista says she can't work from her new office today due to tradies doing something with the lights, so she was planning to work here while doing some chores.

KRISTA: Now I'm gonna have to go and find some Wi- Fi, and hope that I'm not embarrassingly late.

Nicolette says she's not due into work for a while, so offers to do Krista's laundry for her by way of recompense. Krista rather snippily thanks her and says that would be a big help.

No 22
Terese has cleared up all the broken photo frames and is fiddling with her wedding ring. She looks sadly at the photo of herself with Nell and Hugo, but is interrupted by Jane arriving at the door, so hastily puts the box of broken frames out of sight by the laundry room.

Jane has come to check in with Terese, having realised after Terese left her house yesterday that she may have been looking for some company.

TERESE: Oh, I... I guess I might have been.
JANE: I imagine the house feels quite empty, after being full for so long?
TERESE (downplaying): No, no - I've been so busy with work, I'm glad to have a moment's peace.

Nonetheless, Jane suggests going for a coffee at Harold's. But Terese has just made a pot, so invites Jane to stay for one here. They begin to discuss the joint Eirini Rising/Erinsborough High cookery programme...

The Waterhole
Krista has come to the pub to do her conference call, and is just finishing up. Once she's signed off, she heads to the bar and checks in with Aaron, asking how he's doing and reminding him of her offer of taking some personal leave whenever he needs it. Aaron thanks her, but says he prefers to stay busy.

Melanie comes in and catches Krista mid- yawn. Krista explains she's had a hectic morning, and on top of everything, her sister Reece wants her to finalise the sale of Warrawee cattle station - whereas Krista wants to focus on the male revue.

MELANIE: Well, I can help - with the male revue, that is. I never want to see Warrawee again in my life.
KRISTA: No, of course. I would love your help.
MELANIE: You know that I am no stranger to a Boylesque.
KRISTA: Oh, I do know. Boylesque? That sounds much saucier than a male revue. You are hired! Aaron, say hello to our new entertainment consultant.

There's a lot of whooping and squealing - Melanie's very excited to be involved, and Krista has adopted the Boylesque name! Aaron says their first priority needs to be to find performers; the sooner they nail down a troupe, the sooner he can train them and the better the show will be.

Penthouse
Quick cut to Leo turning around in slow motion while upbeat music plays. He's oblivious as Krista ogles him over Paul's shoulder - presumably harbouring ideas of getting him to join Boylesque. Paul then tries to regain Krista's attention in the work discussion they're having. She tells Paul that the Boylesque event is on track; she has council permits organised and the creative team are 'bubbling with new ideas'.

PAUL: Have you ever taken into consideration the hotel's reputation? Because 'Boylesque' doesn't exactly sound like a family- friendly event, does it?
KRISTA: Well, it's *not* a family- friendly event. And it won't be billed that way. Much like our popular wine tastings.
PAUL: Oh, no, hey - they have a very clear market.
KRISTA: 25- to- 45- year- old women are our fastest growing clientele.
PAUL: If that's the case, why are you concentrating on a one- off event?
KRISTA: Because one- off events are a great way to test new ideas. Plus all of the sales for the tickets and the money that's raised will go to charity, which means it's tax deductible. Or is that gonna be an issue as well? Look, Boylesque will be a success, Paul, with or without your help.

Krista walks out, and Leo gives her a supportive grin as she goes. Once she's gone...

LEO: Do you have to turn every conversation with her into a cage fight?
PAUL: Oh, relax, Leo! Come on, a little friendly sparring is good for business.

No 24
Nicolette turns up with Isla, hoping to leave her with Jane to look after while she goes to work. But Jane says she has to meet Lana from the education department to discuss the school's joint cookery programme with Eirini Rising. Nicolette doesn't appear to take no for an answer, telling Jane that she's always free in the holidays and sending Isla to go over and play on the couch.

JANE: Surely now that you're working, Isla can go into daycare?
NICOLETTE: Mum, it's the holidays - they never have spots during this time. That's why I always rely on you - Mum, please. I have a huge day - I'm trialling dessert toasties, I have a new staff member I'm training up...
JANE: You knew that you'd be under more pressure once you took on the managing role. You just have to be more organised.
NICOLETTE: Mum, please - I really need your help. Surely this meeting can't be that important, can it?
JANE: Nicolette, stop - no! I'm not your personal babysitter! You just have to plan your time better, now that you and Aaron are both working.

Nicolette reluctantly says she'll figure something else out. But she glances over at Isla, no ideas immediately springing to mind...

Lassiter's Complex
Byron is working through the courtyard looking at Yorokobi documents, when Krista and Melanie ambush him.

MELANIE: Byron! You are *beaming* today!
KRISTA: Yeah! Did you start a new skincare routine, or get a new haircut? There's something...
MELANIE: Oh, have you been working out?

Melanie cops a feel of Byron's bicep.

MELANIE: Oh, yeah. He's been working out.
BYRON: Right... creepy touching, compliments... what do you two want?
KRISTA: We were just wondering if you'd like to help us raise funds for the Erinsborough Police youth outreach programme?
BYRON: Okay. Not creepy. Erm, sure - but what's the catch?
MELANIE: Oh, there's no catch.
KRISTA: We just want you to be one of our sexy Boylesque performers.
BYRON: Really?
MELANIE and KRISTA: Yeah.
BYRON: *Really?*
MELANIE and KRISTA: *Yeah!*
BYRON: No!

He begins walking away, but they follow.

KRISTA: What? Why?
BYRON: Look, I get it. Because of my risqué past, you're probably thinking that I'm some vain show- off.
KRISTA: No, that's not what we're thinking at all.
MELANIE: No, we are just looking for attractive men with a good sense of fun!
KRISTA: Yeah! And you get to work with Aaron, and it's for a really good cause.
BYRON: Okay, ladies, stop. I get it - great cause, and I'm happy to help...
KRISTA: Brilliant!
BYRON: ... where I can, okay? Clothes stay on.
KRISTA: Not brilliant.

Melanie and Krista both pull 'sulky little girl' faces as Byron walks away!

Harold's Café
Nicolette has had no choice but to bring Isla to work with her. A queue is building up at the counter while Nic tries balance training her new staff member with keeping Isla occupied, by giving her a miniature Harold's apron to wear and a stack of placemats to fold!

ISLA: Don't worry, Mummy, I'll help you.

Nic looks unreassured by this as she asks the first customer in the queue what she can get for her...

Lassiter's Complex
Cara and Remi have met up on their respective breaks from work. Remi suggests they could do with a family holiday, as they haven't had one in a while. Cara reminds her that they still have the New York trip that they won in the Lassiter's Longest Lie- In competition to take advantage of.

Meanwhile, Terese is passing through when her attention is piqued by the sight of Paul outside the hotel. He doesn't see her, but we close in on Terese as she looks sadly across at him. Eventually she turns and begins walking back in the opposite direction - but bumps into Remi and Cara as she goes. Remi calls after Terese, noticing she looks upset, but she doesn't reply and keeps walking.

REMI (to Cara): Hey, do you mind if I...?
CARA: Yeah, go on. Do your thing.

Remi kisses Cara, before hurrying after Terese to check on her.

The Waterhole
Not content to give in after their earlier efforts, Krista and Melanie have lured Byron to the pub on the pretext of involving him in a planning meeting for Boylesque.

BYRON: So, what can I do for you? Legals, ticketing?

Suddenly, the lights begin to fade and funky music starts playing! Aaron appears behind them.

AARON: Byron Stone - we would like your help with the entertainment.
BYRON: Not this again.
KRISTA: Oh, you can do it, Byron!

Byron reluctantly gets up, and Aaron shows him some basic dance moves. Somewhat embarrassed, Byron nonetheless shows off a couple of flourishes, while Melanie and Krista make wolf noises!

BYRON: Thank you, but no.

Krista and Melanie encourage Aaron to continue wooing Byron, so he slides across the floor to him and then stands, legs apart. Taking the cue, Byron slides under Aaron's legs and does a little breakdance move to close. Krista and Melanie are fanning themselves with their hands.

KRISTA: Oh, I have never felt so desperate to donate in all of my life!
MELANIE: Where is my wallet?
AARON (to Byron): See? Dancing's not so bad once you get over yourself, right?
BYRON: ... Okay. Sure. I'm in. But I get to wear a mask.

Melanie agrees to this condition of hire!

Lassiter's Complex
Terese is sitting in her car in the car park, crying. Remi knocks on the window and asks if she can get in. Terese agrees, and admits to Remi that she may have let the whole drama of the Waterhole siege get to her.

REMI: You were only in hospital a few days ago. And you're dealing with enormous change at home. Speaking mum to mum, I imagine you expected to be the heart of the home for a long time to come. Having that pulled away from you is a lot to process.
TERESE (tearful): I mean, that house is just... is nothing but memories now. And I just lay awake there, night after night, trying to figure out how I let it all just slip through my fingers.
REMI: I am so sorry, Terese.
TERESE: The person that I really want to turn to... is the one person that I really should be avoiding.
REMI: Paul? I mean, I don't know Paul well, but if your gut's telling you to stay away, it's probably right.

Meanwhile, Nicolette is clearing tables outside the café when Aaron approaches, on his way home from work. She greets him in a very upbeat way and makes small talk; he's responsive, but awkwardly so. She casually asks him if he'd like to take Isla for the afternoon, presenting it very much as an option rather than a necessity, and not telling him that she's actually inside the café.

AARON: You mean, pick her up from Jane?
NICOLETTE: Oh, well, I am swamped - and like you said, I know how important it is for us to make the right choices for her.
AARON: Nic, I meant 'make the right choices' as in keeping ourselves out of danger. Not so that you can guilt me into changing the childminding arrangements any time you want.
NICOLETTE: Oh, that's not what I meant!
AARON: I'm gonna see an old mate soon, and he's only in town for one night. So are you telling me that I have to now cancel that because you are overcommitted - is that it?
NICOLETTE (over the top): No! No, of course not. I just... I just thought you would want to spend a bit more time with your daughter. That's all.
AARON: A little more notice next time would be nice.
NICOLETTE (gritted teeth): Sure. Hey - you have a good night, okay?

Once he's gone, Nicolette scowls and goes back inside.

No 32
Krista comes in, having a flirty conversation with Leo on the phone. She tells him she'll get changed into some clean clothes and see him in fifteen minutes. Then she sees the laundry basket with all her clothes in it, which Nicolette promised to wash, but hasn't!

KRISTA: Seriously?

No 22
Terese has put the picture of her with Hugo and Nell in a new frame, and it's now back on display on the shelf. There's a knock at the door - Paul calls out to let her know it's him. Terese is conflicted as to whether to answer it - but just as he's about to leave, she opens the door, claiming she was out the back.

Paul has brought her a chicken pesto salad from the hotel, saying he was picking one up for himself and knows how much she likes it.

TERESE: That's very thoughtful, thank you.
PAUL: It's nothing. Guess I just wanted to see if there's anything you needed, so...
TERESE (unconvincing): Oh. No, I'm fine - yeah. I've got a lot on at work, so I've got enough to distract myself.

Paul's clearly waiting to be invited in, but Terese simply stands there until he says he'd better go.

TERESE: Wait, Paul. Please - stay.

He comes in, and Terese looks conflicted as she closes the door behind them.

No 32
We're in the garden, and Leo has come to pick Krista up; she's just finished hanging out her washing and apologises for the apparently lacklustre outfit she's had to dig out of her wardrobe, but Leo is unperturbed! Krista moans about how Nicolette promised to do the washing and then didn't.

KRISTA: You know the woman puts her empty cartons back in the fridge? And she didn't tell me that the internet was gonna go out this morning. She leaves a big mess around the house, and then she promises to help out, and then *doesn't*!
LEO: Well, maybe it's time for a house meeting.
KRISTA: Might be time for me to move out.
LEO: It's not that bad, is it?
KRISIA: It is. And look, I can appreciate that Nic's a working mum, but we're just on completely different wavelengths on almost everything. And I can't take it anymore, okay? I need to find a new place, like, yesterday!

But Byron has emerged unseen by Leo and Krista, and overhears this.

BYRON: Wait, what, you want to move out? Why?
KRISTA: Byron, I love this place, okay? But since Haz and Mack moved out, I just feel like I'm being outnumbered by the Stone family - especially the new one that's been driving me loopy! No offence.
BYRON: Oh, come on, you don't mean that?
LEO (diplomatic): Well, sharehousing doesn't really suit your current stage of life, right?
KRISTA: Yeah. That's what it is, really.
BYRON: Look, if it's about Nic, I can talk to her - I can deal with her. But you and me, we're old school! Come on, No 32, the blondes, right?!
KRISTA: Look, yes, we get along. And you were really there for me when I needed you. And I appreciate that. I just, erm... I don't think it's for me anymore. Sorry.

While Byron looks disappointed, Leo is gazing simperingly at Krista, as if he thinks this can only mean she wants to move in with him!

Harold's Café
Nicolette is on the phone to Sadie, who is turning down the opportunity of babysitting Isla, while Cara waits for a coffee nearby. Nicolette sighs and hangs up, and starts moaning to Cara about the day she's had. But at this point, there's a scream from the kitchen - it's Isla.

Nicolette rushes in - it seems that Isla has burnt the end of her finger on the toastie grill, which is still turned on. Nic gets Isla a bowl of cold water to put her finger in; Isla doesn't seem seriously hurt but is whimpering in pain. Cara, who has followed them into the kitchen, is struggling to hide her disapproval.

No 22
Terese thanks Paul for the takeaway. He asks her how she's been sleeping - on the couch, she replies.

TERESE: What about you, after the siege?
PAUL: Yeah, I guess that's keeping me up at night as well. But I am glad it's over.

Paul goes to make Terese a herbal tea, but by the time he turns around to ask her which variety she wants, she's fallen fast asleep on the sofa. Paul gets a blanket and lays it over her, then hesitates for a moment, looking back at Terese, before leaving the house.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Cara remarks to Karl that it was lucky no one was hurt; he replies that it was less about luck, more Felix
- JJ and Dex look awkward as Karl declares Felix 'a real hero'
- Felix downplays his role in the siege to Susan, but she reminds him that he put himself on the line for them
- An upset Nicolette tells Aaron she wants to make this work, rather than ending up in court hating each other