No 32
Sadie is moaning to Byron about Andrew and Wendy still being distant from one another, while Nicolette is doing the dusting. Amazed at how clean the house is, Byron correctly guesses that Nicolette can only have spoken to Vic to prompt such a cleaning spree. Nicolette is then even more annoyed when Byron mentions Vic's offer of $100,000 as this wasn't even brought up with her!

BYRON: I thought he would have told you.
NICOLETTE: No? Fine, great - he couldn't even get around to bribing me properly?

Byron says he knows Vic owes them a lot more than this, but points out that accepting the money would allow them to pay down their debt.

NICOLETTE: I just told him that he's toxic and that I don't want him in my life. So, that is my answer; no, we are not taking the money.

Byron looks conflicted as Nicolette walks out.

The 82
Holly is sitting in the tram, lost deep in thought. The people walking by outside appear as a blur, and the sound of Karl inducting Felix into his new job nearby is distorted and distant. Only when Karl speaks directly to Holly does she snap out of her daze.

Karl tells Holly that she's going to need to train Felix up today. She agrees distractedly, and Karl says he needs to head off to Eirini Rising for some appointments.

KARL: Although the only thing rising down there at the moment is people's cholesterol.

Karl leaves them to it, and Holly begins to show Felix the basics.

The Waterhole
Byron and Sadie are chatting to Jane about Vic's offer of money. Jane agrees with Byron that taking the money would be the pragmatic thing to do. Byron can't understand why Nicolette can't see that.

JANE: Well, given the way that she's stuck up for him over the years, I guess it must make his betrayal cut especially deeply.
BYRON: If she can't take the money, then neither can I.

Vic then comes in, but stops in the doorway when he sees Jane, Byron and Sadie. Melanie walks in after him and bumps into him. Vic explains he was 'hovering', deciding whether or not to go and join Byron and Jane. Melanie wishes him luck and heads towards the bar, but Vic suggests they have a coffee.

VIC: I know we can't pursue anything romantically, but it'd be nice to have a conversation with someone who doesn't think I'm the devil.
MELANIE: I'm... not sure I can. My loyalty has to be with Jane.
VIC: Yeah... right.
MELANIE: I'm sorry. I do hope everything works out with the family.

Melanie goes on her way. Vic hesitates before leaving the pub altogether. Melanie glances back at the door slightly regretfully.

Lassiter's Complex
Andrew is in the courtyard when Wendy phones him; the tone of the conversation is distant and awkward. She asks him what his plans are today; he has a Boylesque rehearsal later, but says he can do some of the yard work she wanted doing. Wendy asks if he could get Mike's motorbike out of the garage (seemingly the Rodwells have been storing it for him). She explains that Jane needs to take some photos of it, as Mike has asked her to sell it for him.

ANDREW: Sure, yeah... Hey, listen, Wendy, we haven't really spoken in a few days. I...
WENDY (interrupting): Sorry, I've got to get back to work. I'm slammed.

Wendy hangs up. Andrew sighs. Byron and Sadie approach him, and explain they're on their way to the pub to hang out with Wendy, as it's 'super quiet' there - in contrast to what Wendy has just told Andrew. Byron promises to see Andrew later for the rehearsal, and he and Sadie go on their way.

Andrew gets another call, this time from a work colleague, who can't find a report Andrew has prepared. Frustrated by the situation with Wendy, Andrew loses his temper.

ANDREW: Look, Constable, if you can't figure out something this basic, then you shouldn't be wearing the uniform!

He hangs up and, in a moment of frustration, throws his coffee cup hard at a nearby bin - before taking a breath and stopping to pick it up and dispose of it properly.

Ramsay Street
Cara and Remi are walking up the street, discussing what to have for dinner. As they walk, Remi makes use of the hopscotch court that Nicolette and Isla drew in chalk during the previous episode. They both fancy an easy, unhealthy meal, and Remi suggests burgers from Grease Monkeys. But Cara isn't keen on that idea.

REMI: No, you don't want burgers? Or no, you don't want to risk running into Felix?
CARA: The latter. I agreed to have him in our orbit; it doesn't mean we have to go places we're bound to bump into him.
REMI: (...) I'm just not sure that taking such a hard line is helpful.
CARA: I got out of his way when he wanted a job at the tram.
REMI: You did. And we can't avoid doing the things in life we want just because of Felix. That's not moving forward.

Cara doesn't disagree, and they keep on walking.

Lassiter's Complex
Krista, Melanie, Aaron and Leo are in the courtyard discussing Boylesque. Aaron reiterates that they have one performer left to find - and despite his and Melanie's efforts to get Leo to reconsider, he's not budging. Aaron invites them all to pop into the rehearsal later and see how they're getting on.

In the meantime, Krista says, she is meeting someone who is selling her a baby grand piano, for the new piano bar she's setting up at the hotel foyer, which will open alongside Boylesque. Leo asks if Paul knows about this.

KRISTA: Not yet. But that's the game we're playing.

Krista and Melanie head off, while Aaron continues to try and convince Leo to perform in Boylesque.

LEO: Oh, drop it, Az. You need to find someone else to fill that slot.
AARON: Trust me, I have tried everyone.
LEO: How hard can it be to find a hot guy who's willing to get his kit off in public?

In answer to their prayers, a man emerges from the café. We've met him before; he is Rhett Norman, the guy who was managing the lease of Sonya's Nursery for Toadie earlier in the year. Rhett has spilled hot coffee down his front, and thinks nothing of unbuttoning his shirt to cool himself off, giving Aaron and Leo a generous flash of his torso in the process. He notices them staring, and Leo and Aaron exchange a glance!

The 82
Holly is still showing Felix the ropes at the tram when Krista shows up, wanting a table for two. Holly gives Felix some instructions as to how to take customer orders - but on his way, he knocks a jar of cutlery onto the floor. The sound goes all loud and distorted again, as Holly is triggered by this and looks traumatised. Felix apologises and gets to work cleaning up, but notices Holly's strong reaction.

HOLLY: It's okay. It just scared me a little bit.
FELIX: Are you sure you're alright? I didn't mean to -
HOLLY (terse): I said I'm fine. Just go serve.

Felix complies, but looks concerned.

Harold's Lakeside
Nicolette is working a shift when Jane appears from the lake area.

NICOLETTE: Did Byron send you?
JANE: No. No, he did not. I just... I wanted to check that you're sure about turning down the money.
NICOLETTE: Here's the way I see it. You asked me to move out when I messed up with Aaron. And as much as I miss Isla every day and night that I don't have her, I needed to be held accountable, and made to look at myself. And I would like Dad to do the same thing.
JANE: Yeah, well, I understand that would be good for him. But don't base your decision on what he needs. I understand you want him to have consequences, but try and remember that saying yes could be good for your future, and even more so for Isla's.
NICOLETTE: I thought you'd be completely against it.
JANE: I have no intention of letting Vic off the hook. But you two shouldn't have to carry all of that debt if you don't have to.

Lassiter's Complex
Outside the hotel, Aaron and Leo are trying to convince Rhett, who still has his shirt flapping open, to join the Boylesque troupe.

AARON: I know Boylesque sounds a little kinky, but I promise it is not.
LEO: No, it's a lot more tasteful.
AARON: And it's for such a good cause.
RHETT: I'm not really much of a dancer...
AARON: That's okay, you don't have to be. I used to dance for a living, so I'm gonna do all the choreography.
RHETT (hopeful): Right. So I'll be in your capable hands?
AARON: Absolutely.
RHETT: Alright. Well, that makes it a bit less scary. Sign me up!

Aaron and Leo are pleasantly surprised, and Aaron welcomes Rhett on board. Rhett seems keen to get Aaron's phone number so they can 'keep talking', and this isn't lost on Leo. Aaron invites Rhett to the rehearsal later.

RHETT: I mean, I might go home first and change. Unless you want me like this?

Aaron and Rhett promise to see one another later, and Rhett leaves.

LEO: Mate, he is *so* into you.
AARON: What?! No, he's not.
LEO: Az, he's gay, and he's clearly got the hots for you.
AARON: Leo, he is not gay, he is just a real estate agent. They flirt for a living.
LEO (unconvinced): Sure.

The Waterhole
Remi and Cara come in. Sadie is awkwardly hanging around by the bar, and explains that Wendy is out the back, 'taking a time out'.

REMI: Is she okay?
SADIE: Umm...
CARA: What, did something happen between her and your dad, or...?

Sadie explains that Andrew is trying to fix things by doing chores, but apparently this is just making Wendy more annoyed with him, and she won't speak to him about it on his terms. Remi says it's fine, they'll just wait (it isn't at all clear what for, given that there is at least one other staff member at the bar!) and they go to grab a table.

CARA: Looks like I'm not the only one getting under my wife's skin right now.
REMI: Mm. Must be something in the air.

The 82
Outside, Krista has just finished a meeting with a non- speaking piano salesman and another rando, who are leaving as Felix comes out to collect the cups. Krista tells Felix that Lassiter's now owns a baby grand piano.

Holly calls Felix back indoors to take another order to some customers, but at that moment a passing car backfires. Again Holly is triggered, and ducks down beside one of the kitchen units looking terrified, her breathing panicked as the sound distorts again. Felix kneels down opposite her, and assures her it's okay; it was just a car. Holly begins to calm down and stands up again, but she is still breathing heavily.

FELIX: You know, when people go through something like we have, PTSD is a real thing.
HOLLY (terse): Oh, really.
FELIX: How have you been sleeping?
HOLLY: Fine.
FELIX: Any bad dreams or flashbacks?
HOLLY (snapping): Felix, we had one conversation after; don't think that means that you know me. Now just take these to table two, and leave me alone!

Felix does as he's told. Holly continues to take deep breaths.

The Waterhole
Jane has summoned Vic to talk about his offer of money to their kids.

VIC: Talk? Or are you planning on tearing strips off me?
JANE: I actually suggested that they accept your money.
VIC (surprised): Right. Umm... thank you.
JANE: I didn't do it for you. I want our children to have a better and easier future. But I asked you here to tell you this - if you *ever* try and use this as a lever to control or manipulate them, then you will have me to answer to.
VIC: I only want to right a wrong.
JANE: Well, you don't exactly have a track record with that, so I'll believe it when I see it. But I am *serious*, Vic. Do not play games with my children.

Jane gets up and leaves; but Melanie has appeared in the background, having witnessed the tail end of this conversation...

Ramsay Street
Jane is taking pictures of Mike's motorbike for the sale, Andrew having moved it out of the Rodwells' garage for her as requested. But when Andrew emerges from No 26, Jane asks if he can move it again for her, into the sunlight, so she can get better photos. Andrew is in his Boylesque costume, which is a skimpier take on a police uniform - and Jane briefly thinks the police have issued a shorter variant until he explains!

As he's moving the bike, Andrew steps in some dog poo, and gets really annoyed.

ANDREW: Doesn't Byron watch out for that stupid dog?
JANE: I'm sure it was just an oversight.
ANDREW: No, I swear, it's laziness.

Jane senses there's more to this and asks Andrew if everything's alright, but he's not in the mood to engage further, as he frustratedly wipes his shoe on the grass.

The Shed
We are outside Aaron's old shipping- container- turned- gym, The Shed, whose new owner has let the Boylesque troupe rehearse there. Aaron has Byron, Rhett, Felix and Andrew lined up in a row like a drill sergeant, and tells them to be on their best behaviour! Andrew is the only one who's come in costume, much to Felix's amusement.

FELIX: What, are you going to a hens' party after this?
ANDREW: I thought it was a dress rehearsal.
BYRON: Is it just me, or does something smell like dog crap?
ANDREW: You'd better be the last person to complain about that, mate.
FELIX: Or what? You gonna arrest him with a sexy lap dance?

The others snigger, but Aaron barks at them to cut the chatter! Before they start the choreography, he wants an update on everybody's 'special talents' for the show, and goes along the row asking each of them in turn.

FELIX: I'm working on a trick where I pull a dove out of my undies.
AARON: How is that even possible?
FELIX: It's magic, mate.
AARON (to Rhett): And what's your special talent going to be? Or are you just gonna bring the bad dancing?
RHETT: Well, I was hoping I'd be good by the time you'd had your way with me.

Aaron ignores the flirting, but Felix glances at Andrew and raises an eyebrow!

The Waterhole
Wendy is chatting to Remi at the bar, and apologises for having gone AWOL earlier, claiming she has 'a bit going on'. It turns out Remi just wanted to book a table for tonight, which presumably the non- speaking staff were incapable of helping with! But she also asks how Wendy has been, having heard from Sadie that things are still tricky with Andrew. Wendy is still bitter about the siege.

WENDY: I was in this terrifying situation, and I needed him; and he wasn't there because of his bruised ego.
REMI: I mean, I'm sure I'm not the first one to say this, but you need to tell him how you feel. I know, it's annoying. But I always feel better when I actually talk to Cara.

Wendy says she has tried, but that it hasn't been easy. But she thanks Remi for her support.

The Shed
The Boylesque rehearsal has begun, and Aaron is leading the dance choreography, but is still clearly having problems with his hamstring injury. To compound matters, Byron is being clumsy, and Felix and Andrew tell him to get his head in the game. But Byron blames it on Sadie, who we suddenly pan towards - it turns out she's been sitting there watching the whole time while munching on a snack!

SADIE: What did *I* do?
BYRON: You're distracting.
SADIE: I'm being supportive!
ANDREW: Sades, do you really need to be here?
SADIE: Well, if Byron can't perform in front of *one* person, how can he perform in front of a crowd, hmm?

Meanwhile, Rhett is checking in with Aaron, who has had to sit down. Aaron explains how he's pulled his hamstring. Rhett is keen to offer his massage services, and Aaron doesn't object. At this point Melanie, Krista and Leo turn up to see how things are going. Leo is amused to see Rhett massaging Aaron's hamstring, feeling vindicated in his earlier suspicions!

No 28
Karl is working on dinner as Holly arrives home, and asks how Felix's induction went.

HOLLY: Yeah, I don't think it's gonna work out.
KARL: Why?! What happened?
HOLLY: Nothing happened, I just got a bad vibe.
KARL: He really wants to make this work.
HOLLY: Yeah, and I really want a unicorn!
KARL: Holly, we're giving him a second chance. And Harold says he's on the level; apparently, they had some really nice chats.

Holly is searching her bag; she thinks she left her phone at the tram. She's keen to go and retrieve it, but Karl demands help getting dinner ready instead, so Holly reluctantly obliges.

KARL: What else can you tell me about Felix?
HOLLY (annoyed): Can we talk about literally anything else?

The Waterhole
Vic is drinking alone at the bar, looking glum, when Melanie comes in. She approaches, and admits she saw the fractious- looking conversation between him and Jane earlier.

VIC: Yeah. As it turns out, it might be a long while before I earn even a skerrick of forgiveness. I didn't expect it to happen overnight - but, yeah, it's really sinking in just how much I hurt her. I'm sorry - I'm unloading. You don't want to be part of this.
MELANIE: Well, I think there's an argument that could be made that listening isn't betraying Jane.

Melanie sits down next to Vic.

VIC: She has quite the low opinion of me. Before now, I'd shrug it off, thinking it was the typical moralistic Jane.
MELANIE: But now you're starting to think that maybe she's on the money?
VIC: Mm. She sees me more clearly than anyone.
MELANIE: Sounds like this is progress. You're changing. Seeing things how she sees them.
VIC: You think that's really possible? I mean, for people to actually change?
MELANIE: I think it's hard, especially at our age when our life decisions have made us who we are...
VIC: But it's not out of the question?
MELANIE: No, if the will's there. It just takes guts. But I hope that I have learned from some of my mistakes. And believe you me, I have made some doozies!
VIC: Ah, so there are some skeletons in your closet?
MELANIE: Uh, I don't think I told you *everything* online!
VIC: If I buy you a drink, would you mind sharing some of your life lessons?
MELANIE: Sure. As long as it's just as friends.
VIC: Yeah. Friends.

The 82
Late at night, Holly has returned to the tram to pick up her phone. She lets herself in and soon finds it inside - but is startled when Felix emerges from the darkness.

FELIX: Sorry to scare you.
HOLLY: What are you doing here?!

We see that Felix has set up a sleeping bag and pillow on the floor of the tram; it seems he's planning on an overnight stay. Holly looks puzzled.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Wendy has prepared dinner in the garden for her and Andrew, but he responds with sarcasm
- Susan and Terese are at the day spa; Susan asks if Terese was hoping to bump into Paul
- Karl asks Felix why he isn't staying at the halfway house; Holly asks Felix who he's hiding from