Des's
Des is incredulous - the house is Malcolm's only investment. Malcolm says he needs the cash for his new girlfriend who has expensive tastes. Des is even mor incredulous at this, but fortunately for Malcolm, Mike comes in from school at that moment and he immediately engages him in conversation about schoolwork(!)

No.32
Jane is still worried about Bouncer who is still off his food, and she's trying to tempt him with steak. Joe reckons that Bouncer eats better than her does(!) Jane wants Joe to talk nicely to Bouncer because he's under psychological stress but Joe is less than impressed by that! Suddenly he gets an idea - he pics up the portrait of Mrs Mangel and talks to Bouncer in a squeaky voice from behind it! It doesn't work, so Joe tries to demonstrate by putting his head into Bouncer's bowl.

Harold comes round at the moment and isn't impressed to see Joe apparently pretending to be a dog(!)

Des's
Malcolm is telling Des and Mike about Scoop The Pool. Des sends Mike to bed so he can talk to Malcolm.

DES: Now, where were we? 'She has very expensive tastes' unquote.

Malcolm reckons that "Leanne" is the best thing that has ever happened to him - they met at the races when they both backed the same horse. Malcolm reckons that Leanne doesn't want his money, but she is under the impression that Malcolm is loaded - he doesn't want to break that illusion, particularly as Leanne is younger than him. He says that once he wins the quiz, he'll be fine. Des can't believe what he's hearing, but Malcolm says he'll organise his own life how he likes.

Ramsay Street
Jess tells Sharon that she's come to see Mike about some "special tutoring" he's giving her. She goes up to Mike who is getting his bike ready. She says that things are going better at home, thanks to Mike. She still reckons she'll be moving out at the end of the year though, to start her own life. She asks Mike for a lift on his bike. He's not keen at all but she talks him round.

When Mike has gone to get another helmet, Malcolm comes out and says he thought Jess was Mike's girlfriend, not his student(!)

No.32
Jane has rung the vet - apparently they're to give Bouncer a bit more time and make sure that he drinks enough water. Joe is fed up with Harold playing the boss and explains to Jane that he gave Harold a low quote in the hope of having more work from him in the future. Jane suggests that he gets Henry to help him.

Coffee Shop
Sharon is painting a wall when Malcolm comes in. Malcolm starts banging on about Bronwyn, but Harold hastily introduces Sharon.

Malcolm says that Joe's timber is very costly and warns Harold to get all the receipts - in case Joe is getting the stuff of the back of a lorry.

School Yard
Jess is lying in wait for Mike. When he comes out she asks him to do some more coaching after school. Mike invites her round to Des's, but Jess says she doesn't want Bronwyn to "witness her dumbness". They agree to meet in the school yard after school.

Garden of No.32
Joe has popped home for lunch and is trying to coax Bouncer to eat. He says Bouncer will have to get over missing Mrs Mangel - letting people get close to you is nothing but trouble. While Joe is talking, Bouncer starts lapping up Joe's beer!

Coffee Shop
Harold congratulates Sharon on her painting skills. She says she's enjoying herself more than she does at school. Harold advises her to go to the headmaster to ask him to lift her two week suspension.

A man comes in with a microwave oven for Joe. Harold asks him for an invoice, but he hasn't got one. Harold is not amused.

(Later)

Harold has called Des in, saying he reckons Joe is pulling some very shady deals. Des tells him he'll just ask Joe how he managed such a low quote.

School Yard
Sharon sees Jess waiting for Mike. Mike comes up and sits down with Jess. She asks him about poetry and says she reads it all the time. She recites a poem to Mike from memory.

JESS: Oceans and continents divide. Still, I touch you. Leaves on the same tree, forever apart. Until autumn comes, and the wind, and we fall...touching.

Mike is quite impressed.

Coffee Shop
Joe comes in, having been to get taps cheap off a friend. Des asks him for a receipt and Joe says it'll happen eventually. Des points out that the materials are expensive. Joe says he uses quality stuff and gets it off friends. He gets angry and says they can finish the job themselves if they think he's a thief.