No 24
Lisa's conversation with Pierce and Chloe continues.

PIERCE: Is this some kind of joke?
LISA: No, I really want another child.
CHLOE: Then go and have one. With someone who isn't my husband!
PIERCE: Yeah, what happened to your partner?
LISA: James and I ended things (...) a few weeks ago. We tried for over a year to get pregnant, and ultimately the stress broke us up.
PIERCE: So you thought you'd just come here, devastate Hendrix, to get something from me?
LISA: I came because I was worried about him.
CHLOE: You had an agenda.
LISA: And I'd been thinking about this for a while. You're right; honesty is the best policy.
PIERCE: Yeah, well, let me be honest, too. You and I - we haven't been good parents. We've made terrible decisions, ones that have hurt our children.
LISA: Yeah, we've learned from those. It'll be different this time. Better.
CHLOE: Maybe for you. For Pierce, it will just be another kid he doesn't know.
LISA: No, it won't. Because if you agree to this, I'd like to move to Erinsborough with Alana and the new baby (...) If you're open to it, of course.
PIERCE: So you want me to be part of their lives?
LISA: And Chloe, if she's interested.
CHLOE: Are you kidding?!
LISA: We'd be a modern family. Three kids, three co-parents. And I know all these stepkids aren't what you signed up for. But considering your illness (...) Look, having your own child is complicated. This is the way I can have a baby, and you can both have one, too.

The Waterhole
Roxy comes in for a shift, and waves at Shane, but he walks straight past her to chat to Dipi who's at a table. They're still in their amorous phase, and agree to make the most of the empty house tonight before Toadie gets back from Colac. Dipi has an intimate dinner in mind.

DIPI: As long as you leave room for dessert. Because I'm planning on serving up something real special.

Not one of Gary's gourmet cheesecakes, we presume!

No 24
The conversation continues.

PIERCE: You can't home into our home thinking that you can use Chloe's condition as a bargaining chip.
LISA: That certainly wasn't my intention.
PIERCE: Well, her health is none of your business.
LISA: I was merely trying to suggest an arrangement like this could benefit all of us.
PIERCE: We haven't even discussed the idea of having kids ourselves.
LISA: Sorry, I don't mean to be pushy.
CHLOE: Then find another way to have a baby.
LISA: It's not that simple. I have low ovarian reserve. They think the only way I'll be able to conceive now is through IVF.
CHLOE: So, you have options.
LISA: Look, the thought of our embryos sitting there, ready to use - they're my best chance of having another child. Not that I even know if they'll take, but the thought of not even trying...

Lisa decides to leave, so Chloe and Pierce can talk - but asks them to at least consider her proposal.

No 28
Finn and Bea are reflecting on how quiet the place is without Hendrix rattling around the place. They both seem hopeful that he will work things out with Pierce.

FINN: Family's worth the effort. Unless that family is my mother. And who knows, maybe Pierce can get Hendrix to lay off the Lynx.

Bea excitedly realises that, with Hendrix gone, Elly might feel more comfortable moving back in with Aster. Finn plays that prospect down, saying she's settled at No 32. But Bea is dead set on the idea.

BEA: Her family's here. Why would she say no?
FINN: ...

No 24
Chloe and Pierce are discussing Lisa's proposal. Pierce apologises for Lisa having put Chloe in this position - it was unfair of her to ask, and they haven't even spoken about having their own kids yet.

CHLOE: I was all about travel, and living life. I never really saw myself as a mum. More like a cool aunt. And that was before my diagnosis.
PIERCE: And me. And what about now?
CHLOE: If I'm honest, getting married hasn't changed my mind.
PIERCE: I understand. I'm just furious that she pushed us into having this conversation to start with. It's what she does, you know? Forces people to do things on her terms.

Pierce decides he needs to tell Hendrix about Lisa's offer; after their latest blow-up, the last thing he wants is for him to find out they've been keeping something else from him.

CHLOE: That doesn't mean you have to report every wacky thing his mother says! It'll just confuse him.
PIERCE: He deserves to know that his mum wants to have another kid. And that I'm involved.
CHLOE: He only needs to know if it's even a possibility.

Pierce doesn't want Lisa to get in first, in a bid to get Hendrix on board with the idea - so it's better that he tells him.

Lassiter's Lake
Chloe is telling Aaron about Lisa's co-parenting proposal.

AARON: Chlo, that is insane!
CHLOE: She called it 'modern'.

Aaron wonders if Lisa might be making a play for Pierce, but Chloe insists there's 'zero vibe' between them; Lisa's just desperate for a baby.

AARON: He shut her down? Tell me he shut her down?
CHLOE: Not exactly.
AARON: Because he's thinking about it?!
CHLOE: I'm not sure.

But Aaron thinks the fact Pierce is telling Hendrix about it means he must be considering the possibility. Chloe reluctantly comes to the same conclusion.

Lassiter's Complex
Hendrix responds with cynicism as Pierce tells him about Lisa's proposal.

HENDRIX: How much did she offer you this time?
PIERCE: She didn't offer anything.
HENDRIX: Too bad. You could've bought another winery.
PIERCE: It's not like our agreement with Alana. Your mum wants to share parental rights.
HENDRIX: So this baby's gonna have a dad? (!)
PIERCE: There is no baby. I'm only telling you so that you're in the loop.
HENDRIX: It's just a reminder of how selfish Mum is. She screws up with me and Alana, and instead of trying to fix things, she goes for a do-over baby.

Pierce explains that Lisa has been trying to get pregnant for a year by her partner James (or 'Face-Chewer', as Hendrix refers to him), and that they've now split up following a lack of success.

PIERCE: Whatever you think of our agreement, she was a good mum to you and your sister. And I honestly think she thought she was doing the right thing for both of you.
HENDRIX: Well, she failed. Why are you sticking up for her, anyway?
PIERCE: I'm just trying to be reasonable.
HENDRIX: You're thinking about it, aren't you?
PIERCE: ...
HENDRIX: Whatever. If this is what you and Chloe want, go for it. Just don't screw up another kid's life.

Hendrix walks off, leaving Pierce in contemplation.

Meanwhile, outside The Waterhole, Sheila tells Roxy that one of the Casuals™ has called in sick, and that she's calling Shane in - so 'no monkey business'. Roxy tries to persuade Sheila to ask someone else; Sheila's surprised, as she thought Roxy would be desperate to work with Shane again.

ROXY: Yeah, well, it's whether he wants to work with me. I know that he changed the roster.
SHEILA: I've already told you - I'm the one who split your shifts.
ROXY: So Shane had nothing to do with it?
SHEILA: No, why would he? I'm the manager! Now get back to work - and when he gets here, I want you on your best behaviour!

Roxy looks pleased as Sheila walks off.

No 30
Dipi and Shane are getting amorous, as he suggests they 'jump straight to dessert' - but their kissing is interrupted by Sheila phoning, asking if he can come into work. Dipi is annoyed, but reluctantly says he should take the shift as they need the extra cash.

SHANE: The thing is, I'd be working with Roxy.
DIPI: Just you two alone?
SHANE: 'Fraid so, yeah (...)
DIPI: Take the shift.
SHANE: No, no - not if you're uncomfortable with it.
DIPI: No, I'm totally comfortable with it. And I don't have a problem with Roxy. In fact, I'm gonna try and get to know her a little bit better, just like you did with Gary.
SHANE: You really are a top-shelf woman, aren't ya?

They kiss again.

SHANE: Maybe there's a little bit of time for a quick bite of dessert. What do you reckon?

But Dipi reminds him he's still holding the phone and that Sheila's still waiting for a response!

SHANE: Sheila... you heard all that? ... Great, okay (!)

Harold's Café
Bea is at a table when Elly comes in; she's out for a walk, and gushes about how amazing Kyle, Aaron and David are being with Aster - they've shipped her out for some 'solo mama time'. Bea asks if it isn't hectic living with three guys; Elly insists not, but...

BEA: Luckily there's another option! Hendrix has moved out, which means you can move back in.

But before an awkward Elly can answer, Aaron comes in with Aster in her pram. Lisa appears and fusses over the baby, declaring her a 'sweetie'. While Aaron is getting a coffee, Lisa chats to Elly; she wrongly assumes Aaron is Aster's dad, makes some small talk, and then breezes out.

BEA: The father? You didn't feel the need to correct her?
ELLY: It's just too complicated.
BEA: Mm. Well, you know what would make it simple? If you moved back with your family, where Auntie Bea and Uncle Finn can take over.
ELLY: ... Honestly, I'm happy where I am.
BEA (disappointed): Yeah, Finn said you wouldn't go for it.
ELLY: He did?
BEA: Yeah, he said you'd be all settled in where you are?
ELLY: Yeah, I am. Sorry.

No 30
Shane is preparing to head to work, but is distracted by more flirting and kissing with Dipi.

Lassiter's Complex
Outside the pub, Hendrix has been telling Roxy about his mum's proposal to Pierce and Chloe - which Roxy finds hilarious.

HENDRIX: She's even planning on moving down here if it happens, so Dad and Chloe can be a part of it. That's what hurts the most; this kid's gonna get the dad that I didn't.

Roxy assures him it won't happen; Chloe would have to be crazy to agree to it. But Hendrix thinks Pierce is keen on the idea, as it would be a second chance at parenthood for him. Roxy assures him that Pierce 'wouldn't pick his nose' if he thought Chloe wasn't into it; it won't happen.

The Waterhole
Sheila thanks Shane for agreeing to do a shift with 'Hurricane Roxy', but warns him not to be led astray by her.

SHANE: I do have a brain of my own.
SHEILA: Oh, glad to hear it! Try using it.

Roxy comes over, and she and Shane immediately start with the friendly colleague banter. Sheila heads off, telling them both to behave. Roxy assures her they will, but they're already play-fighting with a teatowel!

Harold's Café
Bea is with Elly and Aster at a table, and still none-too-subtly dropping hints that she'd like Elly to move home to No 28.

ELLY: You just won't let it rest, will you?
BEA: Look, I'm really glad that you're happy with the guys. But I just feel like there's more to it.
ELLY: Okay, maybe there is. Don't get upset, okay? When I lived at No 28, it was amazing, but it was holding me back. I need to know that I can do this whole mummy thing without the safety net of my family around.
BEA: Okay, but the guys are helping you, so how is that fair?
ELLY: ... Well, it's different with them. I'm independent, which means I'm growing more confident. I'm starting to really enjoy life as a parent.
BEA: Okay. Then I should be happy for you. I'll let you have your own family for a while. But just don't forget the auntie and uncle.
ELLY: Never.

The Waterhole
Roxy and Shane are having a busy evening shift with some rowdy punters, and enjoying a 'who can get the most tips' contest. Shane proposes a cocktail challenge; they come up with a special, and whoever sells the least is on toilet-cleaning duty. Roxy declares that the cocktail will be 'mayo margaritas', which she assures a disgusted Shane is a real thing.

ROXY: But I mean, if you can't sell it -
SHANE: Ah, I didn't say that.
ROXY: When you lose, I will warn you - the men's might take a while. That guy has been in there for a long time.

She gestures to a punter who's on his way out of the loos!

SHANE: Well, you haven't won yet.
ROXY: Matter of time, my friend.
SHANE: Game on!

No 24
Chloe comes in to find Hendrix and Pierce making pizza dough, as per Karl's recipe.

HENDRIX: And Dad's ruining it, even though there's literally only three ingredients.
CHLOE: Most of which he's wearing!

Chloe asks Pierce if they can talk for a sec, and they move the customary three feet away from Hendrix for a 'private' conversation. Pierce confirms that he's told Hendrix about Lisa's proposal and that Hendrix thought it was selfish of her.

PIERCE: But he's okay with the idea.
CHLOE: Do you want another kid?
PIERCE: We don't have to have this discussion now.
CHLOE: No, Pierce - putting aside Lisa, and the fact that I don't, would you like another one?
PIERCE: ... I guess I'm not closed off to the idea.
CHLOE: ... Right.
PIERCE: But what I think doesn't matter, alright?
CHLOE: Of course it matters!
PIERCE: No. I'm not bringing another kid into this family with Lisa.
CHLOE: Kids are off the table for me. And this whole idea is crazy, but I don't want to stand in your way.
PIERCE: So what are you saying?
CHLOE: This is your chance to be a father again. And I'd blame myself if you missed out. So let's just think about what Lisa's offering.

No 30
Dipi has invited Sheila over for dinner since Shane's working the late shift. Sheila is exhausted hence wanting someone else to do the closing shift, but apologises for putting a halt on Dipi's romantic evening with Shane. Dipi says it's fine, since...

DIPI: ... our drought is well and truly broken!
SHEILA: Ah, well, you're not bothered about him working with Roxy, then?
DIPI: Not at all. Shane's got his priorities right (...) That man of mine has everything he needs at home, if you know what I mean.
SHEILA: I think I do! Would you like help with the next course?
DIPI: ...?
SHEILA: Shane said he was looking forward to a very special dessert, and so I thought I'd like a piece of that.
DIPI: ... Oh, yeah - I don't think you want *that* dessert!

Sheila catches on as to what the 'dessert' was supposed to be! She assures Dipi that Shane won't be long closing up so will surely be home soon to partake in it!

The Waterhole
Roxy emerges from cleaning the toilets, having lost the cocktail bet. Shane smugly promises to go easier on her in future challenges.

SHANE: Tonight was good fun.
ROXY: Oh, you mean that?
SHANE: Yeah, sure do.

He turns the lights out and prepares to leave, but Roxy isn't moving.

ROXY: Do you want to know something dumb? When we stopped getting shifts together, I thought it was cos you didn't want to hang out with me anymore.
SHANE: What? No, no - that was all Sheila.
ROXY: Yeah, I know that now. But I spent the past week thinking that you cut me out of your life. It hurt.
SHANE: Sheila overreacted. Classic case of the fun police going wild. If I'd known how upset you were, I would've said something earlier.
ROXY: Of course it upset me. When we became friends, it meant a lot. You're this solid guy who everyone respects.
SHANE: Hmm. Dunno about that.
ROXY: For some reason, you made time for me. And then when you started ignoring my calls, I thought maybe you'd gotten sick of me. Had enough of my drama.
SHANE: Nah, it wasn't like that. I think you're ace. You breathe life into this place, and everyone in it.

Roxy spontaneously kisses Shane on the lips!

Coming up on Neighbours
- Terese asks Roxy, 'what on earth were the two of you getting up to?'
- Sheila asks Roxy what's going on with her
- Shane tells Roxy that 'she' is not gonna be happy with either of them
- Bea asks Finn if he thought Elly was awkward with them before; we see Elly looking worried
- Finn asks Elly what's wrong; did something happen?
- Ned comes home to find a stranger in the house waiting for him; he asks 'who the hell are you?'