Previously on Neighbours
- Sadie perves on Taye as he's towelling off by the poolside
- Taye asks Max if Sadie said anything about him; Max says no, but admits she was checking him out
- Taye challenges Sadie to a game of foosball
- Susan and Terese talk about Eirini; Susan says the occupancy's too low, they need to fill the empty units
- Krista is furious to learn that Paul embezzled $300,000 from company accounts
- Krista confirms that she wants Paul to step back from the hotel altogether
- Paul gets news that his daughter Elle is on a flight back to Melbourne from New York
- Terese challenges Elle on her claim of having resigned her job, after Leo's friend tells them she was fired
No 22
Leo tells Elle that the intelligence on her being fired came from their mutual friend Jerome. She's upset that he went behind her back, but Leo says he was worried. Elle confirms that what they've heard is true.
ELLE: I didn't quit. I was fired from the newspaper.
PAUL: Fired? On what grounds?
TERESE (smugly): Apparently there was a scandal.
ELLE: I was working on a tricky story and the lawyers advised me to let it go. But I didn't, and it blew up in my face.
TERESE: Well, why didn't you tell us?
ELLE: Why do you think? I was embarrassed. I didn't want to tell anyone.
Elle admits this was all going on during Paul's recent visit. She has no idea what she'll do next, but she realised she missed Paul and it felt right to come home. Paul is sympathetic.
LEO: I'm so sorry - I shouldn't have gone snooping, Elle.
ELLE (glaring at Terese): I imagine you had encouragement.
Terese exchanges a glance with Krista.
TERESE: I mean, you can understand what it looked like from our point of view.
ELLE: Was it so wrong that I wanted my dad to think I was here just for him?
PAUL: No, of course not!
Paul glares at Terese too now! Terese says she can see why Elle didn't want to say anything, but the looks they are giving one another could kill!
No 26
Taye calls round to see Sadie, who is preparing to leave for work. He suggests they make lunch plans, which leaves Sadie a bit bemused. Taye says he thought they could hang, as friends, but Sadie claims she's swamped at work today with back- to- back bookings. She doesn't look at him while she's saying this, suggesting she might be lying. Taye doesn't challenge her, but is doing something on his phone and smiles to himself.
No 22
Terese is bitching to Leo and Krista about Elle. She imagines that Elle started complaining to Paul about her as soon as they walked out of the door. Krista agrees, but Leo seems to think Elle is within her rights to be upset. Terese is annoyed that Elle wasn't upfront with them.
The Waterhole
Sure enough, Elle is complaining to Paul that Terese humiliated her. Paul says Terese will have just been trying to be protective, 'given your history'.
ELLE: I apologised for that!
No 22
Terese admits to Krista and Leo that she's always felt uneasy about Paul and Elle's relationship.
TERESE: Elle's always been Paul's little girl. They're cut from the same cloth. Even Toadie thinks so.
The Waterhole
Paul assures Elle that she and Terese just need time to get to know each other, and then everything will resolve itself. He wishes Elle had told him what was going on for her.
ELLE: Did you miss the bit about me being humiliated? I had the life, Dad. It was everything I ever wanted. And now, nothing.
PAUL: Hey - you're not nothing, alright? You're a Robinson. You remember that. You'll get through this, and you'll be stronger for it (...) You could always look at it as an opportunity to move back here.
Elle is noncommittal, but they toast.
No 22
Krista wonders if Elle will stick around in Erinsborough. Leo says he and Paul would love it if she did, though Terese's sigh says she's less keen. Leo looks disapprovingly at Terese.
TERESE: What? Don't look at me like that!
LEO: Well, we should've given her the benefit of the doubt.
KRISTA: Probably.
TERESE: Okay. I'm sorry for putting you in an awkward situation.
LEO: I'm not the one you should be apologising to.
Lassiter's Day Spa
Taye turns up to see Sadie. She says she still can't go to lunch, as a client is due to arrive.
TAYE: Oh, umm... Ziggy Stardust?
SADIE: Yeah...
Taye laughs - the client is him.
SADIE: You booked a treatment just to spend time with me?
TAYE: I mean, as far as I could see on the calendar, your day looked pretty clear. There must have been a run on cancellations or something.
SADIE: Uh... yeah.
Taye decides he wants an exfoliating facial and a deep tissue massage. Sadie smiles as Taye takes a seat.
Eirini Rising
In the recreation room, Vera and Moira are chatting when a newcomer arrives. He nods and smiles at Vera, who appears to recognise him.
VERA (to Moira): Is that...?
Susan approaches the newcomer and welcomes him; his name is Monte Jones, and he's a prospective new resident who has come to view the facilities Eirini has to offer.
SUSAN: Monte, you seem very familiar to me. Have you done a tour before? Maybe you've attended one of our events?
MONTE: No, no - but I do get that quite a lot.
SUSAN: Ah. Just one of those faces.
MONTE: Uhh, not exactly!
SUSAN (very excited): No, *that's* where I know you from! You're the... with the... Oh my goodness!
Monte looks a bit uncomfortable. Susan apologises, reeling her in her enthusiasm, and says she'll give him a tour. He thanks her for her discretion!
SUSAN: Why don't you head to the café, grab yourself a coffee...
Both of them suddenly look uncomfortable again!
SUSAN: ... and I'll meet you there.
Once Monte has gone, Susan cringes. Vera and Moira come over to talk to Susan to compare notes.
MOIRA: It's him, isn't it? Monte Jones!
VERA: Oh, that dreamboat from the 80s can dock in my port any day.
MOIRA: What was the name of that coffee he advertised? Better Beans Instant Coffee.
VERA: That's the one. And his catchphrase - 'There's nothin' better!'
Susan fondly remembers, but then snaps out of it and tells the ladies to settle down. She says it's clear Monte didn't want to talk about the commercial, so she wants Vera and Moira to keep quiet about it; Monte hasn't signed a contract to move into Eirini yet, and she doesn't want him scared off. Once Susan's gone, Moira agrees that they should give Monte space.
VERA: Mm. But once he signs, it's all aboard.
Vera imitates a foghorn, and Moira chuckles!
The Waterhole
Terese has joined Elle and Paul for conciliation talks along with Leo. Terese admits she shouldn't have involved Leo, and apologises for not trusting Elle. Elle says she accepts the apology, and agrees with Terese's proposition that they move past this and get to know each other. Paul says that's wonderful, and offers to give Elle a tour of the complex, which has changed a lot since her day.
Terese can't join them as she has been contacted by Colton Keys, asking for a meeting with her, though she has no idea what it's about. Terese leaves and while Paul goes to get coffee, Leo and Elle have a chance to talk alone.
LEO: Terese is an amazing woman. I'm glad you guys got everything sorted out.
ELLE: Hardly. Dad can believe whatever he wants, but I haven't forgiven Terese for digging up dirt on me.
Harold's Café
Terese is meeting with Colton; she admits she was surprised to hear from him as he had left Erinsborough after Aaron opted to be with Rhett. Colton explains that he actually never left Melbourne; he was on his way to the airport when he was contacted by Sunset Retirement Group which runs a chain of retirement homes, who offered him a job. Colton says he's sent Aaron and Rhett a congratulatory message for their Adelaide move.
They get onto the reason for the meeting; Colton says that the issues Terese has been experiencing with Eirini Rising are no secret in the industry. He explains he's here to make an offer on behalf of his new employer...
Lassiter's Day Spa
Sadie is preparing a bowl of gunk ('turmeric cleanser') for Taye's facial.
TAYE: Bet it stains, though, right?
SADIE: Well, I'm careful.
TAYE: Cos, you know, I can take off my robe, just in case?
SADIE: Oh, that won't be necessary.
TAYE: (...) Just trying to help.
SADIE: Then stop talking.
Taye adds that he can't wait for the massage, as he has serious knots in his back. Sadie nods along innocently, but looks like she's formulating a plan...
Lassiter's Hotel
Paul is showing Elle around, and they head through Krista's office to his own. She remarks that she's impressed with the improvements to the hotel since she last lived here. Krista follows them in.
KRISTA (to Elle): Just so you know, Paul's gonna be taking a step back from the office.
PAUL: I haven't agreed to anything yet.
KRISTA (to Elle): So I just wanted to ask you if, umm... well, if you were hoping to get a foot back in the door here.
ELLE: Uh... hasn't crossed my mind.
PAUL: No, mine either.
Krista looks unconvinced!
ELLE: Relax. My hotel days are well and truly behind me.
Krista does indeed look more relaxed! Paul says he still intends on splitting his time between here and New York, but it may be more here than there, depending on Elle's plans. But he plans to head over there next month to be around for the birth of Andrew and Tash's baby.
Conversation moves on to the success of the jewellery expo, and at this point Paul gets a message saying they have won the Bronze Bell award. Apparently it is 'in the mail'. Paul and Krista are both thrilled, and Paul goes over to give her a congratulatory hug, but Krista offers a handshake instead, as if to remind Paul that he's no longer part of the management here.
PAUL: Oh, come on! We should celebrate! We did it, hey?
KRISTA: Yeah. Thanks to Annalise, and the team, and... well, me.
Krista says she might celebrate with Annalise when she returns from the UK.
KRISTA: Bronze Bell's gonna look really good on my desk. Let me know if you need a hand packing up your office.
Paul looks really peeved at this snub, as Krista walks out.
ELLE: You've been told.
Harold's Café
Colton and Terese are still talking. It seems the Sunset Group wants to buy out Eirini Rising completely, for a very generous price. But Terese says she and Susan are planning to turn Eirini's fortunes around.
COLTON: I heard you put Power Road on the market. This offer would solve all financial issues.
TERESE: Look, if - and it's a big 'if' - I was to consider this offer, what would happen to the staff?
COLTON: The day- to- day staff would likely remain the same; we'd want to give the clients some continuity. But management would have to be replaced.
TERESE: Including Susan?
COLTON: Unfortunately, yes. This is a great offer. I'm sure Susan would recognise that. She might even be happy to step aside.
Terese looks conflicted.
Eirini Rising
Susan and Monte return to the recreation room having completed their tour of Eirini. Susan emphasises that they pride themselves on protecting clients' anonymity. Monte likes the facility, but isn't sure Eirini is for him. But then he looks over her shoulder at Vera smiling flirtatiously at him - or maybe he's looking at Moira, it isn't clear! - and seems to think again!
MONTE: If I were to see a contract, though, I might change my mind.
SUSAN: Yes, yes, of course! You will not find anything better...
Susan again apologises awkwardly for having aped Monte's coffee catchphrase! She goes to get the contract, giving Moira and Vera the opportunity to introduce themselves.
MOIRA: Call us your very own personal welcoming committee!
VERA: We'll treat you like the royalty you are... just as long as you say the line.
MONTE (reluctant): Oh, it's been so long.
VERA: Oh, come on, love. We're all friends around here. Or we can be!
Susan rushes back over, seeing that Vera and Moira have their claws into Monte!
SUSAN: Monte, I'm so sorry about this. Ladies, please - everyone's entitled to their privacy. Even the famous 'there isn't anything better' coffee guy.
MONTE: Actually, it's, 'There's nothin' better!'
VERA: Oh, you'd better believe it, baby!
MOIRA: Say it again!
Now seemingly warming to his audience, Monte holds an imaginary cup of Better Beans instant coffee to his lips, as cheesy 80s advertising music starts to play.
MONTE (breathes in, sighs); There's nothin' better!
Susan, Vera and Moira all clap excitedly, though Susan then regains her composure as she remembers the need to secure the sale!
Lassiter's Hotel
Terese has joined Paul in the office, and congratulates him on winning the Bronze Bell. But Paul looks fed up, and says it's come at a cost. Terese says that at least the bonus from the win will help him square off the money he borrowed from the hotel. Paul agrees he'll be able to clear the loan with that and his dividends. Terese reminds him that he's lucky Lucy didn't report him for taking it.
All of this means that there's no hurry for Terese to pay Paul back; but she says that if she accepts the offer from the Sunset Group, she'd be able to straight away. Unbeknownst to the two of them, Elle is lurking outside the office, listening to all this.
PAUL: No, Terese! Eirini means everything to you.
TERESE: Yeah, but there's a part of me that feels like I don't deserve it. All the hiccups, the disasters I've caused... and I've got to think about the residents, what's best for them.
PAUL: And what about you?
TERESE: What about Susan? She's stood by me. I can't repay her by turfing her out.
PAUL: Yeah, well, I think whatever decision you make, she'll understand.
TERESE: Hmm. No, I need to talk to her about the offer before I make a decision.
Elle has now crept away, and Paul brings up the topic of Terese's clash with her. Terese says she knows she was in the wrong, but Paul concedes that Elle has her own history of meddling, and says he should have been more sensitive to Terese's feelings about it. They agree to put it behind them.
Lassiter's Day Spa
Taye has now disrobed and is wearing just a towel as Sadie ushers him into the massage room for his treatment.
TAYE: Oh, did I tell you how much I'm looking forward to this?
SADIE (mischievous): Just a few times. But so am I.
TAYE: My gosh, my muscles are so tight. It's probably because I've been working out a lot lately.
As he lies face- down on the massage table, Sadie tells him she has an extra special surprise for him. Our view switches to Taye's face from a perspective underneath the table, as he suddenly cries out in pain! He tells Sadie to take it easy - but then we see that a male masseur is now in the room instead!
MASSEUR: It is me, Klaus.
TAYE: Woah! Where's Sadie?
KLAUS: Well, she said you needed something extra special. That is me, Klaus.
TAYE: Yeah...
KLAUS: This is going to take some time.
Sadie watches from outside the room, laughing to herself, as Klaus starts hammering at Taye's back with his oiled- up elbows!
Eirini Rising
Monte has decided to move in after all, and has signed the contract with Susan. Moira and Vera are excited. Terese comes in, and Susan introduces her to Monte, who welcomes him to Eirini.
MONTE: We should get together over a cuppa perhaps. (winking) Of Better Beans instant?
Susan, Moira and Vera all chuckle, but Terese is confused and seems to be the only one who doesn't recognise Monte - even when he repeats the famous catchphrase!
TERESE: Uh, we, umm... we actually don't serve instant coffee here. I'm terribly sorry.
MOIRA (laughing): You might have to start!
A confused Terese laughs along, still not getting the joke. Then she asks for a word with Susan and takes her aside. Susan excitedly reports that she's sold two units today.
SUSAN: You might be right - maybe sales is my strong suit.
TERESE: Mm...
SUSAN: Look at us! The dream team finally turning this place around.
TERESE: That's us!
SUSAN: And you really don't know who Monte is?
TERESE: Should I?
SUSAN: I'll fill you in later. He is going to be a huge hit with the residents. So, what do you want to talk about?
But Terese can't bring herself to mention the buyout offer now, and tells Susan that it can wait.
The Waterhole
Sadie and Taye come in; Sadie has sold him a load of expensive essential oils etc so he can 'maintain his glow'. He feels some of it is overkill.
SADIE: Are you arguing with the professional?
TAYE: Better you than Klaus.
Taye does admit he feels amazing, though, and Sadie tells him he's welcome.
Meanwhile, Krista and Leo come in. Krista says she's put the feelers out for a new second- in- command for the hotel management team. Krista is excited to be the sole boss now, and is taking a moment to savour it before it gets crazy. She's also relieved Elle isn't coming after her job. Leo is glad that Elle is here, though, as they'll get to have some happy family time together. (Famous last words!)
No 28
Elle is paying a 'friendly' visit to Susan, with no ulterior motive whatsoever (!) Susan is thrilled to see her back on Ramsay Street, and gives her a welcome hug, then ushers her in for a cuppa. Elle's noncommittal about how long she'll be staying for, and doesn't mention the part about getting sacked. Susan spontaneously decides to open a bottle of bubbly in lieu of the tea, to celebrate her sales wins today.
ELLE: Oh, congrats!
SUSAN: Thank you. Yeah, look, it's been eighteen months of ups and downs, but it finally feels like Terese and I hit our stride.
ELLE: Ah, so you've been enjoying the career change?
SUSAN: Yeah. I mean, it's not like anything I've ever done before, but no less gratifying.
ELLE: You know, it's great that you can look at it that way. Just... given the circumstances.
Elle pulls a sympathetic face, and a confused Susan asks her what she means.
ELLE: Well, losing your job after Terese sells to the Sunset Group. But, hey... some offers are too good to refuse.
Susan looks horrified.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Susan visits Terese, demanding to know if she's sold Eirini Rising to the Sunset Group
- Toadie asks if Terese will tell Paul what Elle's done. Terese thinks Elle will only deny any wrongdoing
- Max and Holly are out on a date, and Wendy invites herself and Andrew to join them
- Karl asks Holly if she and Aaron had a falling- out before he left, admitting he said to keep an eye on her
