Previously
- Toadie and Piper find Val Grundy dead at No 34, leaving behind only her dog Regina ('Reggie')
- Aaron remarks that he'd love to adopt Reggie the dog; and lo and behold, David makes it happen
- David tells Leo he isn't prepared to give him another chance
- Reggie goes missing at the complex; David assumes she's been stolen
- Ned threatens Finn's brother Shaun, telling him to stay away from Bea
- Bea is annoyed at Ned for presuming to make decisions on her behalf
- Terese says she loves Paul in her sleep while in hospital, leaving a listening Piper concerned
- Terese tells Leo she wants no secrets between them as they resume their relationship
- Piper tells Terese what she heard her say while asleep
Erinsborough Hospital
Terese laughs off what she said about Paul in her sleep, telling Piper that people say crazy things under anaesthetic all the time. Piper concedes this, but reminds Terese that she did throw herself at Paul recently. Terese is annoyed that Piper is even bringing it up, reiterating that that was merely a test - but it's clear Piper doesn't 100% believe her.
TERESE: Are you telling me that I'm making a mistake by being with Leo, and that I should be with Paul?
PIPER: No, I'm not saying anything, Mum. I just -
TERESE: Look, I'm certain that I want to be with Leo.
PIPER: I just think that if you have any doubts, maybe you should just take a step back and focus on yourself.
TERESE: Look - this is my clear, logical brain talking, not my drug-addled one. I know who I want to be with.
Lassiter's Complex
Aaron is on the phone, leaving a voicemail for Mel, Chloe's ex. He admits he may have jumped the gun in inviting her to Erinsborough, and asks her to call him back so he can explain.
David and Leo appear, searching for Reggie the dog. David explains that he tied her up outside Harold's and that she was gone when he came out. Aaron says they can call the lost dogs' homes, but David thinks she's been stolen, since French bulldogs are worth a lot of money.
Leo offers to help by posting on social media, but David tetchily tells him they can handle it themselves. Leo reluctantly leaves them to it, David telling Aaron that it's easier if it's just the two of them. The pair head to the police station to make a report, calling out for Reggie as they go.
Lassiter's
Leo is telling Paul how David wouldn't let him help search for the dog; he knows it's really about Mannix, and David being upset with them for his job coming under threat. Paul says David will get over it eventually. Paul announces he's heading to the hospital with some contracts for Terese to sign, prompting Leo to tell Paul the news - he and Terese are back together. Paul forces a smile.
PAL: I'm really happy for you, son. Honestly.
LEO: It means a lot.
PAUL: So, you gonna move back in with her?
LEO: No, we haven't spoken about that yet.
PAUL: Well, for whatever it's worth, you're welcome to stay here for as long as you want. And Terese is always welcome as well. Whatever you want.
LEO: Thanks, Dad.
But Paul looks regretful as Leo walks away.
No 28
Bea is in the garden when Ned turns up. Bea is lukewarm towards him, but Ned says that he has been in touch with Shaun and apologised to him for threatening him. He also promises to check in with Bea first the next time he wants to 'help'. Bea thanks Ned. He asks if he's welcome at her gig this afternoon.
BEA: I'd never stop you from coming to see me, Ned.
NED: But you're still angry.
BEA: No, I'm not angry. I dunno, I can't explain.
NED: Can you try?
BEA: It just feels weird - like there's more going on here. Look, I've got to get ready for the gig.
Erinsborough Hospital
Piper is trying to stop Terese from sending work messages while she's still in hospital. Paul walks in on this, and Terese admits she's bored out of her brain in here. Paul has brought her some contracts to sign, and also wants to arrange a meeting with her and Leo to discuss the hotel latest. He tells Terese that Leo has already told him about them getting back together.
PAUL: Look, I know I don't have the greatest history with you two, but there's no way I'm gonna behave like that again. I'm really happy for you two.
TERESE: Good. I'm glad to hear it.
They agree to organise a meeting, and Paul leaves. But Piper isn't happy.
PIPER: Mum, if Leo is the guy you've chosen, I will support you, and I've told you that. But you need to be careful around Paul.
TERESE: You've got nothing to worry about.
Ramsay Street
Aaron and David have printed out some 'lost' posters of Reggie, and are preparing to go and hand them out in the vicinity. However, at that moment, they notice Reggie across the street, being walked on a leash by a woman.
DAVID: How did you find our dog?!
WOMAN: Regina belongs to me.
DAVID: How do you know her full name?
WOMAN: Because she belonged to my late sister (...)
DAVID: Miss Grundy -
WOMAN: My name is Punt - Mrs Punt. Grundy was my maiden name.
AARON: Right. Sorry, Mrs Punt, but ever since Val passed, my husband and I - we've been looking after little Reggie.
MRS PUNT: Looking after?! She was chained to the post like a convict!
DAVID: I tied her up to get a coffee, and when I came back, she was stolen!
MRS PUNT: Rescued.
DAVID: I was gone five minutes.
MRS PUNT: Five minutes too long. She's a French bulldog - she's worth a fortune.
DAVID: Yeah, I know that.
MRS PUNT: Well, you should be ashamed of yourself.
DAVID: Me?! You're the one in the wrong here. You took a dog without asking. And you say you're Val's sister - how do we know that? You could be anyone.
AARON: David - David!
DAVID: You could be lying!
AARON: David, calm down.
DAVID: You're a dognapper!
MRS PUNT: Not according to the law!
Mrs Punt marches off, and Aaron reassures an upset David that they'll get Reggie back...
Erinsborough Hospital
Paul and Leo arrive for their meeting with Terese, while Piper lingers. It's a bit awkward. They discuss a relaunch for The Waterhole - Terese wants to do something special for Valentine's Day to draw in more punters, and she and Paul quickly agree on a raft of events for the day. But Leo asks them to slow down as he has ideas too. Sensing the tension, Piper decides to leave them to it...
The Waterhole
Sheila asks Toadie if he's been keeping an eye on Shane and Dipi as per her request. Toadie says he has, but admits he still isn't exactly sure what he's supposed to be watching out for, other than that it has something to do with Gary - and suggests that Sheila explain.
SHEILA: Mm, it's probably nothing.
Toadie looks baffled as Sheila walks off. Ned joins Toadie at the bar; he's here to support Bea, who is setting up for her gig with her keyboardist. By the stage, Sheila admits to Bea that the pub has been a bit quiet since the shooting, but reckons Bea could be exactly what they need to boost business again.
Meanwhile, Toadie asks why Ned isn't helping Bea set up. He admits he's in her bad books after 'overstepping' a bit recently. Toadie suggests that Ned might be a 'fixer', who just has to fix other people's problems - saying he suffers from the same flaw himself.
NED: So how do you fix being a fixer?
TOADIE: Right - well, I guess the thing you have to do is ask yourself why you're doing it.
NED: Well, to be helpful.
TOADIE: That's what I thought, at first. But then I had to look deeper, and it turns out, it was actually about me.
Ned nods in understanding, as Bea begins her gig.
No 24
David is moaning to Aaron about Mrs Punt taking Reggie, and suggests snatching her back!
DAVID: They sometimes do it in child custody cases.
AARON: Yes, but they also wind up in prison!
Aaron tells David to settle down - they shouldn't make any rash decisions.
DAVID: You always make rash decisions!
Aaron concedes the point, but says that David is also behaving out-of-character.
AARON: Where has my sensible other half gone, huh?
DAVID: I just can't stand the thought of anything else going wrong. First Dad and Leo lie to me, and now my job's on the line. Then your mum starts to get sick, and Chloe. I can't do anything about those things, but I can about Reggie.
Aaron decides to go and speak to Mrs Punt, and ask if she'll give Reggie back - and if she refuses, they'll deal with it.
Erinsborough Hospital
Leo leaves to action the various decisions they've made at the meeting, while Terese thanks Paul for organising it - it was just what she needed. Terese's back is aching so Paul fetches her another pillow. They get very close in the process, and there's a brief Moment™ between them, which they don't act on.
TERESE: Just so you know - I told Leo about propositioning you.
PAUL: Really? How did he take it?
TERESE: He knew it wasn't sincere. And that I was just trying to prove that you were behind our break-up.
PAUL: I think we've all learned the hard way that it's best not to keep any more secrets.
But music of intrigue and a close-up on Terese tell us that the secrets might not be done with yet...
Ramsay Street
Aaron reconvenes with Mrs Punt, and expresses his condolences for the loss of her sister. He explains how they had to assume Val had no relatives as she left no means of tracking them down, and so decided to look after Reggie. Mrs Punt explains she lives in Bendigo, so it took a while for the lawyers to find her. Aaron says he and David have fallen in love with Reggie.
AARON: She's so cute - she's so playful, and cuddly, and...
MRS PUNT: ...
AARON: Look, we're actually going through quite a bit at the moment, and she's been a really good help for us. So of course, we desperately, desperately want to keep her. And I understand, French bulldogs are very expensive. But we'd be prepared to buy her from you.
MRS PUNT: Reggie was bequeathed to me by my late sister. She had no-one else in her life, and nor do I. I meant to call her more than I did, but... we fought about something. I can't remember what it was now. I was waiting for her to ring first. At least she wasn't alone in the end. She had Regina, and that would've meant something to her. She would've been the last face my sister saw... Look, I'm not gonna take your money. If you want Regina... you'll have to do it through a judge!
Mrs Punt walks off with the dog.
No 24
David is on the phone to Toadie, talking about potential legal steps they could take over the dog. Aaron comes back in, and David tells him that one option could be third-party mediation. However, having spoken to Mrs Punt, Aaron isn't keen on this.
AARON: I think that Reggie might be best off with her.
DAVID: What?!
AARON: She's a lonely lady. She hasn't got anybody else in her life.
DAVID: Yeah - and whose fault is that?
AARON: David, no - I know she's cranky, but I genuinely think she's sad about losing her sister. She has a lot of regrets.
DAVID: I think she's sold you on a sob story, and you've fallen for it, hook, line and sinker.
AARON: It was nothing like that. She needs Reggie.
DAVID: So do we.
AARON: I know - but look, we have a family. She doesn't. I'm sorry, but she needs Reggie more.
David looks devastated.
The Waterhole
Bea is singing 'All of Me' by John Legend, while Ned, Toadie and Sheila watch. Ned looks moved and forlorn; and after Bea finishes for a break, he approaches her to deliver a heartfelt apology.
NED: I know I've already apologised, but - I finally worked out what my problem is. I thought you weren't strong enough to handle yourself, but in truth, I'm the one who's not strong enough. And the thought of something happening to you - it scares the hell out of me, you know? I'd collapse, I'd be a complete wreck. And in trying to protect you, I was just protecting myself. And I know that's no excuse, but I did what I did because I care... so much. You mean everything to me.
But Bea simply says she's sorry, but that she needs to focus on her gig right now.
NED: That's it? That's all you're gonna say?
BEA: We can talk about this later. I just think it'd be easier if you weren't here right now.
Ned exits, visibly upset.
Ramsay Street
David and Aaron are doing an official handover of Reggie to Mrs Punt, who seems thoroughly unimpressed by their list of detailed instructions for how to care for the dog.
AARON: Her bathroom word is 'toilet'.
MRS PUNT: ...
AARON: (...) Oh, and don't touch her tail. She hates that.
MRS PUNT: She doesn't have a tail. I have had dogs before.
David is obviously distressed as they say goodbye to Reggie, and offers his dog-sitting services if ever she needs them. But Mrs Punt says she's leaving with Reggie for Bendigo tonight. Before she goes, she presents them with a vet bill for vaccinations she's arranged for Reggie!
MRS PUNT: I had to take precautions. Who knows what kind of environment this dog's been living in? Toodle-pip!
She marches off (without taking Reggie's box of toys), leaving Aaron and particularly David distraught.
DAVID: No good deed goes unpunished (!)
AARON: It's the right thing to do.
DAVID: Yeah. I know.
Erinsborough Hospital
Paul has gone to make some calls, and when Leo comes back into Terese's room, she asks if he felt awkward before during the meeting. Leo says a little, but that it will lessen in time. We see Paul around a nearby corner - he can hear what's being said, and looks emotional.
LEO: How do you think Dad coped?
TERESE: I think he was fine. He reassured me he wouldn't interfere again. Although, I have heard that before.
LEO: I think this time, he really means it.
But as Paul listens, Piper appears at the other end of the corridor, sees him, and gives him a sympathetic look.
No 24
Aaron is talking up the benefits of Bendigo for dogs, but David is proving difficult to console - especially when he stands on one of Reggie's toys. Aaron gives him a hug.
AARON: We still have Doctor Muscles.
DAVID: Yeah, but you can't cuddle Doctor Muscles on the couch.
There's a knock at the door - it's Leo, and Aaron admits he invited him. Leo expresses his condolences about Reggie.
DAVID: You probably think it's stupid.
LEO: No. No, not at all. Actually, I got you something. I don't know if it will help much, but...
Leo has had a photo of David, Aaron and Reggie framed, and gives it to David.
DAVID: Where did you get the photo?
LEO: Well, there are about a thousand to choose from on your Instagram, so...
Aaron goes to put it in the bedroom, to give the brothers a chance to talk.
LEO: Look, David - I wish I could do more. And not just about Reggie, but... you've been going through so much lately. I just want to be there. I want to help... But if you don't want me around, I get it.
DAVID: No... I've lost enough. I'd hate to lose you too.
Paul's Penthouse
Piper comes to visit Paul at the penthouse, to talk about Terese.
PAUL: Is everything alright?
PIPER: Yeah, it's alright - it's just, umm, I want it to stay that way.
PAUL: What, and you think I don't?
PIPER: No - I think you want what's best for her.
PAUL: Yeah, I do.
PIPER: Because you're still in love with her. I saw the way that you were watching her this afternoon, outside her room.
PAUL: You know, I've bent over backwards today to show how supportive I am of the two of them.
PIPER: Yeah, I know. And I noticed that. It's just... I feel like it's best for everyone if you just stay away from her altogether. Like, no business meetings, no phone calls, no contact - nothing.
PAUL: Oh, come on, Piper - that's hardly practical.
PIPER: You need to find a way, Paul. Cos if you don't step back, I just feel like you're all gonna get hurt.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Toadie tells Shane to stop 'sooking' and get to the bottom of it
- Dipi tells Shane that he keeps giving her reasons to hold back
- Toadie calls Sonya and asks what's going on - he looks worried by her response
- Aaron expresses reservations when Elly announces she'll be spending time alone with Chloe
- Aaron asks if Chloe understands how much she's hurting Mark - but Mark has overheard