Previously on Neighbours
- Elle clocks the awkwardness between Colton and Zac as they wave to one another across Ramsay Street
- Zac tells Elle about the copycat video of his sex tape that someone filmed in the hotel lift
- Elle advises Zac that the only way to stop being blackmailed for freebies is to get his tattoo removed
- Taye tells Nicolette that Sataye is dead in the water, and his investor Monica is chasing him for money
- Taye asks Paul for a job at the V-Bar, but Paul replies, 'Absolutely not!'
- Terese admits to Susan that she feels shut out by Paul over his business plans with Elle
- Paul and Elle's opening night at the V-Bar is a flop after their social media strategy fails
- Leo tries to convince Krista not to meet up with Shannon, Addison's drug dealer mum
- But Krista meets Shannon anyway, telling her that Addison has been sleeping on the streets
- Shannon agrees to meet Addison but later cancels, sending a garbled text to Krista saying she's sorry
- Addison recognises the text as a sign that Shannon has taken something and is 'off her dial'
- Krista later brings Addison home, telling Leo she wants her to stay with them as she has nowhere else
Penthouse
Leo reluctantly agrees that if Addison needs a bed, she can stay for a couple of nights. Krista thanks him, and then goes over to rejoin Addison, and tells her she can take her pick of the two spare bedrooms. Looking happier, Addison goes off to settle in.
KRISTA: Thank you for being open to this.
LEO: Well, I didn't have much choice. I couldn't say no with the kid standing right there.
KRISTA: I know, I'm sorry. I would've checked with you, but it just happened really quickly.
Leo sighs and rolls his eyes. Krista apologises for meeting Shannon behind his back too. Krista explains that Shannon had seemed open to taking Addison back into her life, but then didn't show up for their meeting - Addison was really upset and Krista felt she needed to fix it. She goes off to make sure Addison is okay, but tells Leo they can talk more about it later. He sighs, still looking peeved.
V-Bar
Paul and Elle are still sitting in a largely empty V-Bar for their opening night, when Taye walks in.
TAYE (slow- clapping): Wow, you guys know how to turn it up (!) What happened? Was there a bomb scare or something?
PAUL: Ha ha, very funny.
TAYE: Look, I saw your hashtag. Probably the only one, given the followers V-Bar has, but...
ELLE: If you're just going to gloat, could you at least buy a drink?
TAYE: Harnessing your socials is a great idea to get the word out if you have followers. But you don't. That was your second mistake, after you wasted that money on those dud ads.
PAUL: Yeah, well. Nobody's interested in your opinion.
But Elle visibly is, and asks Taye what he would have done.
TAYE: You need to build up your followers, before you can lean on them like that. Get them engaged in a creative way (...) I would love to help and give a free consult, but I can't just hand over my hard- won strategies and skills for nothing.
PAUL: Yeah, well, we don't want a consult from you, free or otherwise.
ELLE: I dunno. Maybe he has some good ideas. The Piano Bar did well when he was there, didn't it?
PAUL: Despite him, some might say.
TAYE: I made that place hum. And I can do it here too, with my eyes closed and one hand behind my back.
PAUL: Well, you know what? Maybe you should keep those eyes open, so you don't bump into the door on your way out? Bye.
Taye smiles at them and walks out, but Elle looks conflicted as to whether they're right to let him go...
Penthouse
Addison is ready to head to bed, having had little sleep last night behind the tram. Krista gives her some essential oils, explaining that Nicolette told her they helped Addison sleep. Leo offers Addison freedom of the kitchen too, to grab anything she'd like to eat. Once Addison has gone, Krista thanks Leo for making an effort, saying it was really sweet.
LEO: You don't have to thank me for being a decent person.
KRISTA (scoffs): I kind of feel like I do. Clearly you're not happy with the situation.
LEO: Well, we've got a lot going on at the moment. Nicolette wanted to talk about something important tonight.
KRISTA: Sorry, I didn't realise.
Leo goes to sulk on the balcony.
No 22
Terese is surprised when Paul comes home early; he explains there weren't many customers at the V-Bar. She offers to pour him a scotch and they can do some strategising together, which Paul says sounds really nice - but at this point they're interrupted by Leo arriving, clearly wanting to have a whinge about Krista. Terese pours Leo a drink too.
Leo tells Paul about Krista asking Addison to stay with them. He says he's sympathetic to Addison but doesn't understand why Krista is taking it on amidst all their baby plans. As they get chatting about it, Terese quietly peeved that she didn't get Paul to herself.
The Waterhole
Elle and Zac are having a drink. We learn that he's getting the tattoo on his bum lasered off tomorrow - or rather, beginning the process, which will take a few sessions to complete. Zac says that apparently it doesn't hurt as badly as getting a tatt in the first place and nor will it be too sore afterwards. He's been told it will be like mild sunburn.
ELLE: Good! So you're on the road to total plausible deniability.
They toast this, just as Colton turns up - he's picking up some wine to take to the Kennedys' for dinner, but the atmosphere between him and Zac continues to be very awkward, and when Colton asks what they're up to tonight, Zac is cagey, cutting the conversation dead and causing Colton to leave.
Elle thinks that Colton was trying to find out if Zac had a date tonight, but Zac doesn't think so. At this point, Taye comes in and greets two friends of his by the pool table. Evidently impressed by Taye's social skills extending beyond the Ramsay Street bubble, Elle remarks to Zac that Taye is a 'people magnet'.
ZAC: For sure. The Piano Bar's lost something now he's gone.
ELLE: What, you mean in atmosphere?
ZAC: Takings. It's a shame Krista fired him, or I'd try to get him back.
Elle looks thoughtful as she continues to gaze over at Taye.
No 28
Colton has arrived at the Kennedys' for dinner, thanking them for 'taking me on' tonight.
SUSAN: Taking you on? You make it sound like you're a burden.
COLTON: Come on, admit it - you're worried about me.
KARL: Colton, what you have to realise is that Susan and I have a time- honoured tradition of taking in waifs and strays.
SUSAN: Oh! Colton's hardly a waif or a stray.
KARL: Hmm, he's a little bit older than our usual clientele, I'll give you that. But our door is always open.
Karl prepares to chew Colton's ear off about his theories around whatever mystery is brewing at the local council.
KARL: But first of all, I want to know how you feel about cycling.
At this point, Terese walks in uninvited and unleashes a full- on diatribe!
TERESE: Susan, I'm sorry - you're right. I *am* jealous. I mean, firstly, because Paul's made Elle his right- hand woman, and now because he's having a drink with his son! I mean, what is wrong with me? When did I become so petty?
Susan, Karl and Colton all look a bit bemused, and Karl offers to make Terese a mocktail!
The Waterhole
Nicolette and Cara are having a glass of wine together. Cara thinks it will be weird not having Nic across the street if she gets one of the Eclipse apartments. But Nic says Krista hasn't okayed the plan yet and that it could take ages for one of the apartments to become available in any case. Nic asks how things are with Cara's dad Greg. Cara is clearly missing him being around after his sudden departure.
CARA: He's texted a few times. But he just keeps saying it was time to go.
NICOLETTE: Maybe he just got a bit twitchy being in the same place for so long.
CARA: Yeah, maybe. It's just so disappointing.
At another table, Taye is having a drink by himself when Monica, his investor and former escorting client, storms in, wanting to know why he's not answering her calls. She says she's just bumped into Vera who told her about the debacle with the skincare product at the competition. Taye explains he made a mistake with the ingredients and that the manufacturer wouldn't halt production. He needs time to figure something out.
MONICA: If you'd come to me right away, I might've been understanding.
TAYE: I know. I'm sorry.
MONICA: Too little, too late. I want the money back in my account, or I'm taking legal action.
She walks off, leaving Taye looking worried.
Penthouse
Krista and Leo are treating Addison to an elaborate breakfast including pancakes and pains au chocolat, which Leo recommends. Abigail is randomly sitting in the background drawing. Krista asks how Addison slept, and she dodges the question, saying the room was really nice. Krista twigs that Addison must have struggled to sleep, being worried about her mum.
ADDISON: I'm worried about everything.
KRISTA: Don't give up on her.
ADDISON: So you don't think Mum's choosing to abandon me?
KRISTA: I think she thinks she's protecting you. In her own way. So I know things seem really bad right now, but this isn't about you. You are amazing. And you are not responsible for your mother's addiction, okay?
Krista gives Addison a hug. Leo watches, looking a bit happier now.
Harold's Café
Elle fills Paul in on her latest brilliant idea for the V-Bar - hiring Taye! Paul is not keen to say the least, and reminds Elle that Krista fired him for a reason. Elle concedes that Taye made a mistake.
ELLE: But he's got swagger, and people gravitate to him.
PAUL: Huh, not all people.
ELLE: Dad - we're old, he's young. He knows how to reach our target demographic, because he *is* our target demographic. We need him.
Paul looks like he might grudgingly concede this. Meanwhile, Krista has bought Addison something to eat and gives her some money in case she needs anything. Krista tells Addison that she'll be doing everything she can to reconnect with Shannon again. Addison hopes she'll listen.
Addison heads off to school, as Paul comes over and asks for a word with Krista. He explains Leo came to see him last night.
PAUL: He didn't say much. But I think he would like a little one- on- one time with you.
KRISTA: Right. Thanks, Paul.
Ramsay Street
It seems Karl has roped Colton into a morning bike ride, and they're both kitted out in cycle- wear and anti- magpie helmets as they prepare to leave the No 32 driveway. Karl wants to cycle past the council offices, to see if they can come across anyone with 'loose lips' who might reveal what the mysterious goings- on there are.
KARL: I'm sure there's gonna be a big announcement. The suspense is killing me.
Across the road, they see Zac in a tracksuit, and Karl concludes he must have the day off. Colton looks awkward, and Karl asks if Zac is still seeing the guy Colton saw him with (Wesley).
COLTON: It's none of my business. But I am enjoying you and Susan being so invested in my non- love life.
KARL: Ha! All part of the service. And your helmet's on back- to- front.
COLTON: I knew that. That was a test.
KARL: Sure!
Colton continues to watch as Zac drives off in a car.
Harold's Café
Paul and Elle have summoned Taye for a conversation about the V-Bar. They want to offer him a one- month trial as a bartender there. Taye objects that he was the manager of the Piano Bar and 'made major coin'. Paul says that if Taye proves to be an asset, he might enjoy a 'modest bump' in his wages.
TAYE: Oh, come on! Do you know how much I bring to the table? I can work all hours - guys your age need sleep, right? (...) I can even help with your wardrobe.
ELLE: Let's all just take a moment -
PAUL: No, I don't need a moment. (to Taye) Take it or leave it.
TAYE: Here's my answer.
Taye gets up and walks out. Paul smirks to himself but Elle is not impressed.
ELLE: We need him.
PAUL: Do we?
Penthouse
Krista has summoned Nicolette for a chat with her and Leo. Krista apologises to both of them for bailing on their plans last night, and confirms that she thinks it's a great idea for Nicolette to move into one of the Eclipse apartments. Nicolette is relieved they're on the same page. Krista also apologises for dropping Addison on Leo last night without forewarning. Leo says he understands.
They're about to celebrate with 'orange juice all round' when Krista gets notification that Lassiter's has booked its next big event. But knowing she has some ground to make up with Leo, she decides that she'll leave Zac to deal with it and stay here with them instead. Krista goes to call Zac, but we see her looking a bit worried.
Harold's Café
Susan is earwigging while she gets a coffee as Paul and Elle discuss the situation with Taye. Susan decides to stage an intervention following Terese's outburst last night.
SUSAN: I know this is none of my business, but... I think that Terese might appreciate being part of your V-Bar plans.
PAUL: Why, is she not being included?
SUSAN: I'm just saying, I think a little one- on- one time wouldn't go astray.
Paul thanks Susan and she leaves. Paul remarks that he just said something very similar to Krista about Leo.
Zac comes in, visibly in more pain than he'd anticipated following phase one of his tattoo removal! He's holding the back of his trackie dacks away from his bum, presumably to stop them chafing and causing more pain. Elle heads over and play- acts at whacking him on the bum.
ELLE: How's your bum?
ZAC: Keep your voice down! It's like my whole cheek is on fire. I mean, 'mild sunburn' my arse.
ELLE: Pun intended?
ZAC: No. My brain is far too focused on pain to be coming up with pun. I mean, I can't sit down. I literally cannot.
ELLE: Well, it's lucky you have the day off.
But at this point Krista comes in, oblivious to Zac's suffering, telling him she's been trying to call him. A woman called Emy, from the Inspiring Young Persons Award who want to have their event at Lassiter's, is here, and they're close to landing the deal. She wants to know if Zac can come and schmooze her so she can get back to Leo. Zac objects that he's not in uniform, but Krista says it's fine, so he grudgingly agrees.
As they leave, Colton comes in and is bemused to see Zac staggering towards the door with his hand down the back of his trousers!
ELLE: I think he just strained a muscle.
COLTON: Uh... right.
No 22
Terese is easily won round when Paul arrives home with a bouquet of flowers for her. They kiss, and he apologises if she's feeling neglected with all the V-Bar developments.
TERESE: Susan.
PAUL: Yeah, she dropped a hint. I'm glad she did.
TERESE: Okay, look, for the record, I love that you and Elle have a project together. I guess I just miss being your go- to strategy person.
PAUL: Oh, darling, hey! Nobody will ever replace my number one sparring partner. You know that, right?
TERESE: Yeah. I just need reminding sometimes. But this is a good start!
Paul brings up the subject of his plans to spend more time in New York. He says that, now Elle seems settled here, he's been wondering if Andrew and Amy, his other kids, might come back one day too. Neither of them have said as much, he admits, but with Andrew and partner Tash having become parents recently, he thought they might consider coming back to Australia if he presented them with the right opportunity.
TERESE: Isn't the V-Bar a little small for them all?
PAUL: Ah, see, that's it - the V-Bar is just the start. But I tell you what - from here on in, you are right there with me, at the front, yeah?
Terese agrees, and leans over to kiss him.
The Waterhole
Zac and Krista have joined Emy, the lady from the Inspiring Young Persons Award, in the pub for drinks. Emy suggests Zac sit down but - still secretly in pain - he declines, claiming he's been sitting all day and likes to mix it up for ergonomic reasons! To prove his point, he does some strange arm exercises which cause Emy to look a little confused.
At this point, Emy's bag falls off the table and Krista encourages Zac to pick it up for her - which he eventually does, very slowly and with difficulty, with one hand still down the back of his trackies! Emy thanks him, but both she and Krista are now a little bemused by Zac's odd behaviour! Emy wants to see the rest of the event spaces.
KRISTA: Absolutely. I just have to duck off, but Zac is gonna take you around top- to- bottom... right, Zac?
ZAC (strained): Can't wait.
Meanwhile Monica comes in, and joins Taye who is sitting at the bar.
TAYE: Let me guess, you're getting me arrested? No, wait, you're suing me?
MONICA: Relax. I've calmed down (...) I'll write off your debt, in exchange for renewing our old arrangement.
TAYE: What about Richard?
MONICA: Turns out he couldn't hit the high notes.
TAYE: No. I'm not doing that kind of work anymore.
MONICA: Alright. Well... if you change your mind, the offer's there. Otherwise, I'm gonna need that money.
Taye looks worried as she leaves.
V-Bar
Paul and Elle are hanging around the bar, which continues to have very few customers. Elle is already considering cutting back on staff. Paul seems distracted, and explains that Terese had said she was going to pop down and check things out, but hasn't yet appeared. Elle is pleased to hear he and Terese have sorted things out - but less keen to hear about it when Paul implies what the make- up session entailed!
At this point, Taye comes in.
PAUL: Told you he'd be back.
ELLE: I hope this means what I think it means.
TAYE: I'll take the job.
PAUL: At minimum pay.
TAYE: At minimum pay. But I want to -
PAUL: Ah - no buts.
ELLE: Hear him out first.
TAYE: I want to stage an event here at the V-Bar. And if it succeeds, I want to take a cut of the takings.
PAUL (laughs): Well, that's not what's on the table.
TAYE: I know. But it's what I'm negotiating. And it's the same way I'll negotiate with our suppliers, and entertainers that we bring in.
Paul prepares to shut this idea down, but Elle fires a warning glance at him.
PAUL: Okay. We will negotiate a cut for *this* event. But you better deliver.
TAYE: Oh, I will. Don't you worry.
PAUL: Oh, and one more thing. You'll never be in charge of this bar on your own. You know that?
TAYE: Fair enough. Your loss.
Paul and Taye shake hands; Paul hopes aloud that he doesn't live to regret it! Elle welcomes Taye aboard.
Harold's Café
Nicolette, Krista and Leo come in. Nic has tentative good news - she's spoken to the rentals manager for the Eclipse apartments, and it turns out that one of the tenants may not be renewing their lease. She's put her name on the waiting list but the agent wouldn't say how many people were above her, and Nic hasn't told Isla yet so as not to get her excited unduly.
Leo thinks they should tell Isla and Abby together when the time comes. Nicolette asks if Paul might be able to pull any strings to hurry the process along. Krista begins to text him to ask. But at this point she gets a message from Shannon Rutherford, apologising for letting Addison down yesterday.
KRISTA: She also told me who the father is.
NICOLETTE: And?
KRISTA: It's someone we all know.
Leo and Nicolette look intrigued as they wait to hear who...
Coming up on Neighbours
- Max and Holly walk towards the tram together looking relaxed; Taye and Sadie look surprised
- Taye tells Max about Monica wanting her money back immediately. 'And she's not holding back'
- Krista tells Jane, 'Shannon's given me a green light to contact him.' Jane thinks she knows how to help...
