Number 24
Chloe and Pierce inform Hendrix about Nicolette moving in to take care of Fay when she arrives. Hendrix is taken aback when he hears that Nicolette is arriving tomorrow, wondering why he didn't get to "suss her out first." Chloe assures Hendrix that Nicolette is great, but Hendrix points out that she's still a stranger.

HENDRIX: I like to walk around in my towel.
CHLOE: Well that won't bother her, she's gay.
PIERCE: (surprised) Really? You sure?
CHLOE: Yep, um, when I called to offer her the job she had a woman in her hotel room. But I kind of already knew.
PIERCE: And you never mentioned it.
CHLOE: I didn't think it was worth reporting.

Pierce tries to look appeased by this reasoning.

Number 30
Shane's in a foul mood because he only got a credit on his last assignment. He explains to Dipi that he needs to get HD marks from here on out to stay in the accelerated program. Dipi doesn't appreciate Shane snapping at her when she tries to cheer him up and asks why he's got such an attitude. Yashvi looks on in concern as Shane apologises, blaming his off sleeping schedule. Dipi suggests an early night and Shane heads off to bed to do just that. Dipi tells Yashvi that she's worried Shane is so defensive, but Yashvi believes that once he's finished with uni he'll be back to his happy-go-lucky self.

Number 24
Nicolette arrives bright and early the next morning and immediately gets Hendrix to bring her luggage in. Chloe rushes out in her pyjamas, apologising for sleeping in. She then berates Hendrix for the breakfast mess he's left on the bench, but Hendrix just smirks and says that's what Nicolette was hired for.

NICOLETTE: I hate to break it to you but I'm not here to do your job. That includes cooking, cleaning and helping you decide on a body spray that you should wear to knock out everyone in the near vicinity.

Hendrix pauses for a moment before silently leaving the kitchen, much to Nicolette and Chloe's amusement. Pierce has overheard the exchange too and applauds Nicolette, calling her impressive. Chloe heads to her room to get changed and Pierce notices that Nicolette watches her leave. He cautiously offers his new housemate breakfast, which she gladly accepts.

The Waterhole
Sheila makes a song and dance about Roxy and Kyle being too starry-eyed with each other, but Kyle teases his gran and says she actually loves it. Shane arrives for his shift but is in no mood for small talk with Sheila - he just wants to do his work and go home to study. Roxy clocks his tense mood and tells Kyle she's just heading to the loo, but stops to check in with Shane at the bar. Roxy can see he's having withdrawals but Shane pretends that he didn't get enough sleep.

ROXY: You realise you're risking death being that grouchy to Sheila.
SHANE: (grimacing) Yeah, all right, I'll play nice. (He nods towards Kyle) Go on, get back to sexy pants.

Roxy gives Shane a small smile in return but she is still concerned about her friend.

Harold's Café
Ned shows Yashvi some art on his laptop from another artist's gallery, wishing he had the space for his own studio. He then tells her that he actually had a pitch in mind for Paul, so Yashvi takes on the persona of Moneybags and they role play the scenario.

YASHVI: Come on, what's your big idea then? Hotels don't run themselves you know.
NED: It's come to my attention, Paul, that you've completely lost interest in the Backpackers as a business.
YASHVI: What do you propose I do then, mister?
NED: Let me turn it into an artist collective.
YASHVI: It's a good idea but the outlay will be costly.
NED: Not if I do most of the work. I'll coordinate the whole thing, keep expenses low.
YASHVI: Well if you're managing it how will you have time to do art?
NED: I think the workload will be pretty minimal once it's up and running. And I'm hoping to rent the loft space and turn it into my personal studio.
YASHVI: Well if you're renting the loft space that will cut into your wages, and you know I'm going to be only paying you a pittance.
NED: Oh, I know. But I have a side hustle that I think will help with that. Only I need to talk to you about it first.
YASHVI: Me as in Paul?
NED: You as in my girlfriend.

Number 24
Chloe walks out to find that Nicolette has rearranged the furniture but Nic explains that it will be easier for Fay to access the couch this way. She wanted to do it before Fay arrived because Huntington's patients can react strongly to change.

NICOLETTE: I moved some stuff out of her room too for that same reason.
CHLOE: I've been on at Pierce to do that.
NICOLETTE: Hopeless is he?
CHLOE: Men, right?
NICOLETTE: Can't live with them... Nope, that's all I've got.

Nic tells her that Pierce and Hendrix are out for a run. She then asks about the old chair she found in Fay's room, suggesting they upcycle it. Chloe thinks it's a great idea and says there's a shop in Eden Hills that sells old designer fabric. Nicolette smiles and tells Chloe they should go there together this afternoon.

Number 22
Ned has explained the Fandangle site to Yashvi but she's not too thrilled about her boyfriend sharing nude pics of himself on the internet for cash. Ned explains that he'll be keeping it PG and that the photos are more about artistic expression. Yashvi's still not sure about the whole world seeing Ned the way she does, which Ned takes on board. He tells her that if she's not comfortable with it he won't do it. But when Ned goes into the kitchen to clean up his art brushes he left in the sink "before Paul chucks a wobbly", Yashvi looks as though she feels bad about stopping Ned from pursuing his idea.

Lassiters Complex
Roxy finds Shane chucking out rubbish out the back of the complex. She tells Shane that he needs to be straight with her, reminding him that she's the only one who knows about his struggles.

ROXY: If you push me away then you have no one. No support means you never get clean.
SHANE: I thought I was doing okay and then... I get hit by this wave of need. And suddenly I can't sleep, can't eat, can't focus.
ROXY: Well I've been researching. The first ten days, they're really rough, but meditation can help.
SHANE: (chuckling) Ah, the idea of breathing myself better sounds a bit farfetched, mate.
ROXY: I thought so too. But who cares? You're seriously struggling. Soon enough people will realise it's not just uni stress.
SHANE: I don't really have time.
ROXY: For what? Saving your life?
SHANE: I need to study.
ROXY: It might help.

They break off their conversation when Dipi finds them. She asks what's going on and Roxy pretends she was asking Shane if he wanted to swap shifts. Shane says he declined because they need the money but, "it's good to know someone's got my back - thanks, Rox." A flicker of hurt passes across Dipi's face at this proclamation, and she's confused further when Roxy and Shane quickly scurry away.

Number 24
Hendrix gets home to find that Nicolette has emptied out the contents of the pantry onto the bench and asks if she's got the munchies. He offers to show her where the good stuff is for a price but Nicolette says she's already found his "weird hoard of Caramilk" chocolate. She explains to him that she's rearranging things so Fay has easier access to certain items as it will allow her to retain some semblance of independence. Nicolette can see this is worrying Hendrix so she takes a moment to be real with him.

NICOLETTE: I'm not simply here to just shuffle stuff around, or even just to help Fay. Part of my job is to help families adjust to the new norm. So if there's anything you want to ask me, or if you have any worries on how this is going to affect you...
HENDRIX: Thanks. I'll keep you posted. But for now I better check if those tea towels are dry.
NICOLETTE: Good lad.

He goes out into the backyard. Chloe and Pierce have been listening from the hallway and are impressed. Pierce says that Nicolette will have to teach him how to get Hendrix to talk about stuff other than his social life. Nicolette says it's easier when you're not their parent. Chloe thanks her again for supporting Hendrix then heads into the lounge to watch Stranger Things with Pierce - if she doesn't watch with him, he drops spoilers on her. Nicolette jokingly but not jokingly tells Chloe to bin Pierce.

Number 22
Ned knows Yashvi is uneasy about Fandangle, but he can't help but talk about how the human body has been used in art since the dawn of time. He lists off a bunch of artists that use themselves as the subject in their work, which makes Yashvi realise that the whole process is actually legitimate. She asks if he'll make enough money if he was on the site, but Ned says it depends on how many subscribers he gets. Relenting, Yashvi asks Ned to show her how the website works.

The Waterhole
Dipi finds Hendrix waiting on food at the bar and stops for a chat. Hendrix says he was supposed to be hanging out with Harlow but apparently she and Roxy had things to do. Dipi can't help asking about Roxy, wondering why she's not hanging out with Kyle instead.

HENDRIX: Don't jinx it. Seems like every time I'm at Harlow's place they're there joined at the lip.
DIPI: So things are going well with them?
HENDRIX: (nodding) From the extreme tongue sports they've been playing, I'd say yeah.

Dipi says she thinks it's nice when couples show affection, but Hendrix retorts that Roxy and Kyle could definitely keep it to the bedroom. He gets his food and leaves, just as Shane appears from the office. Dipi's happy to see Shane smiling, which Shane puts down to Sheila letting him clock off and come back later for the afternoon rush so he's got time to study. Dipi says that Yashvi is with Ned so he'll have a quiet house to study in. Dipi wishes him luck and leaves, but Shane's smile fades away when she goes.

Number 24
Nicolette asks Pierce if Chloe is okay as she just heard her throwing up in the bathroom. Pierce cagily replies that Chloe might be coming down with a bug. He then tries not very subtly to find out more about Nicolette's love life.

PIERCE: I heard she interrupted your date yesterday.
NICOLETTE: No biggie.
PIERCE: Your girlfriend from around here?
NICOLETTE: Alex isn't my girlfriend.
PIERCE: Just someone you're dating?
NICOLETTE: If by dating you mean a one night type of thing, then yeah. I'm pretty free and easy. No ties.

Chloe walks out and Pierce offers her a drink, but she makes a face at him when he says it's coffee. Nicolette puts two and two together and follows Chloe to the lounge room for a chat. She tells Chloe she's figured out she's pregnant, but Chloe says that it's only early days, which is why she didn't tell her. But it's hard to hide when Nic's living with them. Chloe notices that Nicolette appears a little out of sorts at the news and asks if she's okay. Nicolette shrugs off her disappointment and puts on a bright smile. "I'm better than okay! I'm so happy for you," she beams. "Congratulations."

Number 30
Shane is sitting on one end of a yoga mat, waiting while Roxy slips off her shoes. Shane apologises for disrupting her plans but Roxy smiles and says it's fine.

ROXY: Harlow just wanted to watch a movie. As soon as she mentioned subtitles I was like 'bye'.

Shane wonders why he's not sitting on the couch with Roxy as it looks more comfortable than the yoga mat. Roxy explains that the app says he should be sitting down with a straight back or lie somewhere where he won't fall asleep. Shane scoffs that there's no chance of that and then looks worried when Roxy says she'll set her phone timer for an hour.

SHANE: You're joking. Sixty minutes with the thoughts I've got going around in my head does not sound like relaxation.
ROXY: I know but people swear by it. That Elon Musky guy that you're always banging on about, he loves it.
SHANE: Really?
ROXY: Not sure.

She grins and sits across from Shane on the other end of the mat, crossing her legs. Shane presses play on his phone app so they can start. Roxy says they'll begin with breathing exercises but Shane doesn't look too convinced this is going to work.

Number 22
Ned shows Yashvi the Fandangle site and explains that people subscribe to view exclusive content and then would pay him for the subscription to his work. Yashvi doesn't understand how people would know if they liked his work or not, but Ned explains that his artistic profile is public. It includes a bio (with only his initials NDW, not his full name) and a couple of photos then it's all down to reviews.

NED: And here subscribers can request specific pieces and pay extra. But it's always up to you whether you do them.
YASHVI: Okay so if you're not comfortable you can just knock it back?
NED: Exactly. I just upload my photos and then see how I feel about commissions if I'm asked.

Yashvi asks what's on Ned's profile and he shows her some arty shots of himself shirtless: his tattoos are on full display but his face is never seen. Yashvi concedes that Ned's photos are pretty artistic and nice. Ned can't help but ask if Yashvi's had a change of heart about him joining the site. Yashvi says he has to make his money somehow and she guesses selling himself as art is "a great way to show off your amazing, very sexy, talents." They share a laugh and Yashvi encourages him to get things going on the site. Ned's a bit worried about how other people will take his new work venture - Shane in particular - so he asks Yashvi to keep it a secret for now. Yashvi says she will but she knows Ned will be popular on Fandangle and then everyone can see how great he is - including her dad. Ned smiles at her encouragement and then makes his profile live.

Number 30
The meditation session has ended and Roxy asks Shane how he feels. Shane is very surprised that it actually made a difference. Roxy says he looks calmer and Shane says that he is, thanking her for her support. Roxy says it wasn't down to her - he was the one who jumped out of his comfort zone - but Shane says Roxy was the one who figured out what would help. They smile at one another and Shane says she's a good friend, just as Dipi arrives home. She's quite confused to find the two of them sitting on the floor together when she thought Shane was studying alone and Roxy was at home with Harlow. Shane and Roxy try not to appear too guilty as Shane explains they were just meditating.

DIPI: You're meditating?
SHANE: Yeah, um, Rox saw how stressed I was and said it might help. I was on my way home to study and saw her and thought it couldn't hurt. Y'know, relax, get in the zone before I hit the books.
DIPI: So you meditate?
ROXY: I'm only a beginner. Harlow's always telling me how it's good for the soul.
SHANE: (holding up his phone) Look I even bought the app, see?
DIPI: Do you feel better?
SHANE: Heaps.

Feeling awkward, Roxy puts her shoes back on and says she better be heading home. Shane thanks her and tells Dipi he better start studying. Dipi is left very confused and suspicious by the pair's behaviour.

Number 24
Nicolette checks with Chloe what time the tradie was coming in the morning to install the arm rails in the toilet and lets her know they'll have to install rails in the shower too. Chloe then asks when Nicolette wanted to go to the fabric store - she was hoping it was soon as her flight to Adelaide leaves at 5. But Nicolette tells her not to worry, Chloe should rest up before she leaves instead.

CHLOE: Are you sure?
NICOLETTE: Of course. Your body's making bones, we can fabric shop when it's eyelash and toenail making time.
CHLOE: That's a lot of detail.
NICOLETTE: No detail gets past me.
CHLOE: You're not worried about living with a hormonal pregnant woman?
NICOLETTE: Of course not. It's great news.
CHLOE: You know you're the first person who has congratulated me without giving me that 'oh no, what about the HD?' look.
NICOLETTE: How's Pierce feeling about it all?
CHLOE: He's trying not to get too excited but he wants it to work out. He didn't spend a lot of time with his kids when they were young.
NICOLETTE: Really? He and Hendrix seem pretty connected.
CHLOE: Well he made a heap of mistakes early on but he's got a good heart and I can tell that he'd love a do over. I'm not expecting you to be my handmaiden or anything, by the way! I know you're here for mum, not me.
NICOLETTE: Good! I won't help you with anything ever. Even if you beg me.
CHLOE: (laughing) What a saint. Seriously though, I already can't imagine doing any of this without you. So thanks.

Nicolette smiles, trying not to get herself too taken in by Chloe's words.

Harold's Café
Pierce confirms with Dipi that she's friends with Jane Harris, then asks how much Dipi knows about Jane's daughter. Dipi says not much then asks why, finding out Pierce has hired Nicolette as Fay's live-in nurse. Dipi says that Jane will be thrilled her daughter's sticking around.

PIERCE: Yeah, it's just Chloe never told me she was gay.
DIPI: It's not a problem is it?
PIERCE: No it's just that a while back I had some trouble getting my head around Chloe's bisexuality.
DIPI: Yeah but you worked through it.
PIERCE: I did, which is why I was surprised that Chloe never mentioned it. It's stupid, those insecurities of mine are in the past and we're solid.

He notices an odd look on Dipi's face and apologises if he's over-sharing, but Dipi says she's actually in a similar boat with old doubts she can't shake.

DIPI: I think there's something going on between Roxy and Shane.
PIERCE: That's ancient history.
DIPI: I know, but she keeps popping up everywhere Shane is.
PIERCE: Perhaps you should talk to him.
DIPI: I can't. We've worked so hard to get past everything and he's so wired up about uni. If I ask him about Roxy it might just push him over the edge.
PIERCE: Dipi, Roxy is happy with Kyle. And Shane loves you, he's not going to do anything to jeopardise your marriage.
DIPI: Yeah, I know, you're right. But why can't I shake the feeling something else is going on?