Ramsay Street
Max is sitting on the pavement at the far end of the street, playing with his phone. Sadie approaches and tells him that the bumbag they found by the lake belonged to Krista's friend Seb. Max doesn't seem all that interested; he explains he's watching a video from one of his mates of a music festival back in Queensland.

SADIE: Looks fun.
MAX: Yeah. I got a mad case of FOMO... The homesickness is hitting pretty hard, too.
SADIE: Do you want to move back?
MAX: No... I mean, I need a fresh start, and Dad reckons this is the best place for it. He thinks Ramsay Street is... special.
SADIE: Oh, yeah. Houses, trees, cars - there's really no other place like it (!)
MAX: No, I think he meant more the people. You know, like your fine self.
SADIE: Wow. Smooth.
MAX: Yeah, it's a gift.

Sadie kicks him playfully and calls him a dork!

No 24
Nicolette is telling Aaron and Jane how humiliated she feels by what she perceives as rejection from Yasmine.

NICOLETTE: It's like she didn't even remember flirting with me when I lent her my shoes!
AARON: I'm sorry? When you what?!
NICOLETTE: (...) At the time, it was like some cute rom- com moment. But now I'm thinking...
JANE: I'm not sure that I'm even allowed to say this - but darling, are you sure that she's... interested in women?
NICOLETTE: Well, yeah. At the time, I thought she was. But maybe not, and maybe that's a good thing - because if she wasn't flirting with me, then she probably didn't notice I was flirting with her. Which means the whole situation is meaningless to her.
JANE: ... and that's a good thing? ... Is it?
NICOLETTE: Hi, hello - I am just trying to claw some dignity back from Shoe- gate, so...

Meanwhile, Aaron looks concerned by a text he's had from Leo, admitting that he hasn't told Krista the truth yet (about having told Sebastian to leave town) - he's waiting for the right moment.

Putting his phone away, Aaron points out that at least Nic gave it a good crack with Yaz, even if it didn't go to plan. Nic consoles herself thinking Yaz will probably go back to the States so she'll never have to see her again!

JANE: Only, I received an email from Yaz suggesting a date in January for the Lights Up, so... I'd say she might be in town for a while.

Nicolette starts mock- sobbing and groaning and drops her head to the table!

Lassiter's Lake
Krista and Leo are looking in the bushes to see if they can find any more items of Seb's, near where Trevor found the bumbag. But they have no luck.

LEO: I'm sure Seb's okay, Krista. I need to tell you something.
KRISTA (interrupting): What if he's not, Leo? I mean, it's not like I can call him - he's not answering any of my calls. What if he got on the wrong side of that dealer and that's why he left town, and now something really bad has happened?!
LEO: That's not why he left... He left because I told him to.

Krista looks shocked, and then annoyed...

No 32
Byron is watching jealously from the sunroom as Max and Sadie hang out by the pool. Nicolette turns up next to Byron.

NICOLETTE: Hot tip - if you don't want to be seen as jealous, maybe dial back the scowl?
BYRON: It's just hard, watching him throwing himself at her.
NICOLETTE: It's gonna be a lot harder if you stuff things up yourself. Trust me.
BYRON: I just wish there was a way I didn't have to feel like this.
NICOLETTE: Well, you could make an effort to be friends with Max? Then you'd stop seeing him as competition, maybe.

Nic heads off to work to fill in for a sick casual, but her words seem to have had an effect on Byron. Taking a deep breath, he heads onto the patio where Sadie is painting Max's nails turquoise!

BYRON: Yo, Max - you like AFL, right?
MAX: Yeah. Do you need me to explain the rules to you?
BYRON: No. Umm, I haven't had a chance to catch the AFLW finals. Might chuck it on tonight, if you want to join me.
MAX: ... For real?
BYRON: Yeah.
MAX: Yeah, for sure. I'm in.

Sadie looks impressed that Byron's making an effort with Max. He surprises her further when he notes that they're in a 'self- care mood' and asks if Sadie can sort him out with a facemask! Byron goes to get it from her bag indoors as instructed. Sadie and Max exchange a glance!

Harold's Café
There's an awkward, silent moment between Nicolette and Yasmine as the latter arrives for a meeting with Holly. Holly's had loads of ideas for the event, and asks Yaz how she got into this career in the first place.

YASMINE: I started the business with someone I was close to (...) It's a sad story. We had a falling- out. he went his own way.
HOLLY: What did you guys fall out over? If you don't mind me asking.
YASMINE: We were always bickering over something, but... he was a good person.
HOLLY: Well, maybe if you have any regrets, you could reach out to him. Tell him about this event.
YASMINE: I wish I could. More than anything. But, uh, it's impossible.

Conscious of Nicolette watching her closely, Yaz suggests telling Holly the story somewhere else. Holly's now keen to know what the deal is with Yaz and Nic.

HOLLY: Did you guys have, like, a run- in or something?
YASMINE: She asked me out, and I said no. So I just prefer not to deal with any residual awkwardness.
HOLLY: Oh. Well, I wouldn't worry about Nicolette. Her skin's, like, thick as. She'll be over it already.
YASMINE: You know her?
HOLLY: Yeah, she lives on my street with a couple of my best friends.
YASMINE: You know what? I'm being silly. Let's stay.

No 32
By the pool, Sadie has prepped Max for his facemask and is now doing the same for Byron. They are some distance away from Max, giving them the chance to talk quietly.

SADIE: Question - this whole offer to hang out with Max. Is that just to slip poison into his drink?
BYRON: You're very funny (...) No, it's actually Nicolette's idea.
SADIE: Since when do you ever listen to anything your sister says?
BYRON: She's got a good point this time. If I am gonna be friends with him, I have to make an effort.
SADIE: Thanks for giving him a chance.
BYRON: But if after tonight I don't like him, out comes the poison.
SADIE: You know it's hard starting somewhere new. And it'd be nice for him to have friends here, as well as back home.
BYRON: Who knows. I might even get to liking him.
SADIE: My hero.

She kisses him.

Lassiter's Lake
Krista is furious to learn that Leo knew Seb was in trouble with the loan shark, but drove him out of town anyway and then lied about it.

LEO: I was trying to protect you.
KRISTA: By going behind my back?! Leo, you saw how worried I was when he left.
LEO: Well, I didn't want you following him down any rabbit holes again!
KRISTA (shouting): No, I'm stronger than that, okay?! I could've helped him!
LEO: I see that now. But at the time, I thought it was the best thing to do.
KRISTA: Right. So when *I* lie about Seb, it's terrible - but when you do it, it's somehow okay?
LEO: No, you can't compare the situations -
KRISTA (screaming): You're right, I can't - because what you did was worse! Seb could actually be in danger.
LEO: Well, I was more concerned about your safety than his. I'm not apologising for that.
KRISTA: No, I get that you were worried - but I just can't believe you would do this! If anything happens to Seb, that's on you.

Krista storms away.

Harold's Café
Yaz is paying Nicolette for her coffee, but hangs around awkwardly afterwards.

NICOLETTE: Was there something else?
YASMINE: I just wanted to apologise for being rude earlier.
NICOLETTE: Oh, no - no, you weren't.
YASMINE: We both know that I was. I had just got really bad news. And on top of the jetlag, I was a bit frazzled (...) I was wondering, if the offer still stands, if we could go for that drink tonight?
NICOLETTE: I... I don't want you to offer me something because you feel sorry for me.
YASMINE: Why would I feel sorry for you? You are a beautiful, thoughtful woman, with excellent taste in footwear. I personally cannot think of a better way to end a very long day, than looking at you across the table, sharing a very, *very* expensive bottle of wine.
NICOLETTE (all smiles): Oh! Well, when you put it like that...
YASMINE: Wonderful.

They agree that Yaz will text her later.

Erinsborough Police Station
Krista isn't having much luck with Senior Sergeant Tony Thompson (Andrew's boss), who says he can log Seb's passport as lost property but isn't able to register him as a missing person.

KRISTA: Sebastian Metcalfe is missing!
THOMPSON: You just said he was in Sydney.
KRISTA: No, I said he *texted* me that he was in Sydney. But then I found out that the loan shark was after him, and we found his missing bag, and he's not responding to any of my calls. Look, I'm really worried that something bad has happened!
THOMPSON: Or, he lost his bag before he went interstate, and he's fine. Look, I'm sorry, Miss Sinclair. But because you aren't family, there's not a lot I can offer.
KRISTA (upset): But he's estranged from his family! If he's in trouble, no one will...

She trails off, and asks if they can't check Seb's bank statements or phone to reassure her. But the sergeant insists Seb's not a missing person if he's told her where he is. Leo breaks out the big guns.

LEO: Tony, we're good friends of Andrew's. He said if we ever had a problem to come to you, and you'd go the extra mile.
KRISTA: I wouldn't be here if I didn't think it was really serious.

Thompson hesitates, then tells them to leave it with him - he'll see what he can do. Once he's gone...

KRISTA: Stop fighting my battles for me, Leo.

She storms off again.

No 32
Max and Byron are kicking a footy to one another by the pool, while talking about AFLW. Sadie sits nearby, stirring up an 'all- natural, super- hydrating facemask' mix. On learning from Sadie that the mix is 'so wholesome that you could practically eat it', Max starts doing just that - and then starts smearing it onto Sadie's face! Byron looks annoyed as once again Max and Sadie look to be having fun together.

The Waterhole
Leo has met with Aaron to tell him about having come clean to Krista and her furious reaction; he's worried there might be no coming back from this.

LEO: You know, I was only trying to protect her. Why can't she see that?
AARON: Wow! Now that's spoken like a true Robinson!
LEO: ...
AARON: Hey. At least you told her the truth. Now all you have to do is make sure you learn from your mistakes and be there for her.
LEO: Yeah. It's gonna be a bit hard when she can't be anywhere near me.
AARON: She'll cool down. And when she does, make sure you go out there, help her with the search. And then prove to her that you've got her back, no matter what. Hey, she loves you - you guys are gonna be just fine.
LEO: I hope so. Otherwise I can kiss this idea of proposing goodbye...

Ramsay Street
Byron is sitting on the kerb when Sadie comes out to join him. He admits he needed a break; Sadie thinks it's because she and Max were being rowdy. She suggests getting some snacks before the AFL game, but Byron says he might give the game a miss, despite it being his idea.

BYRON: Sades, I really can't handle this (...) I don't know if Max is just trying to get under my skin or he actually likes you. But you need to remind him that you're not interested.
SADIE: I thought you were trying to make an effort with him?
BYRON: It's pretty hard to, though. Every time I turn around, he's all over you!
SADIE: He's like that with everyone. Even Vera!
BYRON: That's different.
SADIE: It really isn't.
BYRON: You're encouraging him, Sadie!
SADIE: Excuse me?! You cannot put this on me, okay? It's not my fault you don't like the guy, but I'm still allowed to be friends with him.
BYRON: Look, if you can't see what's happening right in front of your face, I don't know why I'm wasting my breath.

Byron stomps off.

No 24
Nicolette is asking Aaron and Jane's advice on which of two dresses they prefer. The dresses are from Jane's wardrobe, but before Jane or Aaron can offer a view, Nicolette declares the dresses far too long - saying Jane has lovely legs, and that she should show them off sometimes! She storms back into the bedroom to resume her hunt.

NICOLETTE (anguished shouting from the bedroom): These are *useless* to me!

Aaron and Jane exchange a glance, having no idea what's going on. Nic returns and is forced to explain that Yaz asked her out on a date. Nic declares it a disaster!

NICOLETTE: Yaz is a jet- setter who organises international events, and I'm a suburban waitress - so she's completely out of my league!

Aaron tells Nic she's just nervous, and opens a bottle of wine to help calm her down!

JANE: Darling, no one is out of your league. You have so much to offer.
NICOLETTE: And nothing to wear! She always looks like she's walked off the red carpet - I need to up my game.
JANE: If Yaz is serious, then she won't care what you're wearing. She'll just be interested in getting to know the real you.
AARON: No, she won't.
JANE: Aaron!
NICOLETTE: Yeah, he's right, Mum. You've got no idea.

Aaron declares they're going shopping, and drags Nicolette out of the door!

Erinsborough Police Station
Krista returns for a chat with Senior Sergeant Thompson, who has called her in; he's got some news on Seb, who he promises is safe and sound. The police will send his bag on to him.

KRISTA: To Sydney? Is that where he is?
THOMPSON: I can't tell you that.
KRISTA: I just want to know that he's okay.
THOMPSON: I understand. But if Mr Metcalfe doesn't want to share his whereabouts with you, then the police certainly can't (...) especially given that he's asked me to tell you not to contact him again. I'm sorry.
KRISTA: He'd never say that. We're best friends.
THOMPSON: I'm sorry, that's all I know. But I think you can put your concerns about his safety to rest now.

Krista looks devastated as Thompson walks off.

The Waterhole
Nicolette and Yaz are on their date. Yaz is glad Nic has given her a second chance. Nic admits she'd thought she'd misunderstood something for a while back there, but Yaz confirms she is into women.

YASMINE: Full disclosure, I was married. She was nice but, umm, it just wasn't right in the long haul.
NICOLETTE: When did you work that out?
YASMINE: About a year in. But by then I'd started the business, and the last name was established, so I kept hers - Shields.

Yaz tries to change the subject to talk about Nic instead, but Nic declares herself 'boring'.

YASMINE: Nobody wearing a dress like that is boring.
NICOLETTE (laughs): This old thing?
YASMINE: So Holly told me that you guys are neighbours.
NICOLETTE: Yeah. What else did Holly tell you about me?
YASMINE: Just that you're resilient.
NICOLETTE: I bet she didn't put it like that.
YASMINE: Did you guys grow up here together?
NICOLETTE: No, I grew up in London.
YASMINE: Oh, I love London. What brought you here?
NICOLETTE: At first it was to get away from my mum, but now we're good, more or less. She's a massive part of my life.
YASMINE: So family's important to you?
NICOLETTE: Yeah. I'm a mum, so having my mum around is different now. Yeah, family is everything.
YASMINE: I know exactly what you mean. How about I get us another round, and you tell me all about life in Erinsborough?
NICOLETTE: You might regret asking me that. I will talk your ear off.
YASMINE: That's why I'm here.

Lassiter's Hotel
Leo has called Byron in to see if he can help find Sebastian, but Byron doesn't see how. At this point, Krista comes back from the station, saying the police have contacted Seb but refused to give her any details. Leo explains his thinking about getting Byron involved, recalling the suspected drug dealer who Byron saw him talking to; maybe if they find her, she might have heard from Seb.

Byron doesn't know anything about the drug dealer, other than that she had a distinctive tattoo on her neck featuring red roses. Krista says she'll check the CCTV footage to see if they can find any footage of her. Leo says he'll start calling tattoo parlours, but...

KRISTA (tersely): Leo, please. You've done enough already.

Leo looks sheepish.

The Waterhole
Nicolette has possibly had a drink too many and is regaling Yaz with the story of how her dad Vic fled town when he discovered he was in remission from cancer, and how she bought into the vineyard only for her ex (Kiri) to buy a share soon afterwards. Yaz looks at Nic awkwardly; it seems she's deviated somewhat from Yaz's original question!

NICOLETTE: You just asked me about Holly. I'm sorry.

But at which point, Holly herself walks in. She has news for Yaz - a silent disco venue who they've asked to be involved in the light festival has expressed an interest, but wants a pitch document ASAP. Yaz asks if Holly can handle pulling that together; pleased to be trusted, Holly says she'll get right on it. Holly leaves again, and Nicolette remarks that it's so nice Yaz gave her a job.

YASMINE: I wanted to help her out. Holly kind of strikes me as, like, a wounded bird.
NICOLETTE: Yeah. She's been through a lot. We're both kind of trouble magnets, so I feel for her.
YASMINE: Well, a little bit of trouble can be fun.
NICOLETTE: Yeah. And don't get me wrong, Holly's fun. Things just have a way of getting out of hand with her.
YASMINE: Really? I can't see it.
NICOLETTE: The worst thing she did, for me, was she brought Eden into town (...) He's the reason that David died (...) It absolutely wasn't her fault. It's just that bringing him into our lives, it set off this chain of events. Don't think badly of her because of what I said or anything.
YASMINE: No, of course not. I feel like people have a way of showing who they really are.

No 32
Sadie is having a beer in the sunroom, while Max is cooking on the barbecue nearby. He asks her where Byron's gone, saying he'll be eating his dinner cold if he's not careful. Sadie comes out to join Max, and tells him Byron's not up for the match anymore.

SADIE: He has this dumb idea that you're into me, and it's just doing my head in. I tried to tell him he's wrong.
MAX: Yeah, but he's... but he's not.
SADIE: What?
MAX: Look, I'm into you. Like, big time. Come on, Byron's not the right guy for you.
SADIE: And I suppose you are?
MAX: Yeah, I mean, we've got something special - and I want to see where this goes. Don't you?

Sadie doesn't look all that enthusiastic!

Coming up on Neighbours
- Hugo is back, and Nell asks an awkward Toadie and Terese if they're coming to eat breakfast together
- Susan admits she's finding all this (Toadie and his kids being at Terese's place) a bit odd
- Terese agrees, saying it feels like she's in a parallel universe where Toadie never left
- Byron and Krista track down the drug dealer, but she claims not to know Seb when shown a photo
- Byron tells the dealer that's not true; she asks him, 'Are you calling me a liar?'