The Waterhole
Hendrix storms into the pub, followed by Jay, who's desperate to talk to him.

HENDRIX (furious): Why would I want to talk to you? You just let me blow every cent I've got!
JAY: Look, I couldn't get away, alright? I didn't think you'd play without me!
HENDRIX: Well, I had no choice, did I? What's your excuse? It better be insanely good.
JAY: Mackenzie. You getting that labouring job put her into a whole Richie spiral.
HENDRIX: There is no labouring job!
JAY: She doesn't know that!

Jay admits when asked that Harlow was with Mackenzie too, but says he couldn't just bail. Hendrix says that's exactly what he should've done. Jay tells Hendrix he should've left the game.

HENDRIX: No, no. Don't you pin this on me. You got me into this, and then you hung me out to dry!

Hendrix realises he doesn't even have enough money to buy a drink. Jay offers him one, but Hendrix curtly tells him he doesn't need anything from him.

JAY: Look, this might not've been the worst thing that could've happened.
HENDRIX: You're kidding?
JAY: No, think about it. After today, Kane just thinks you're some mug that got lucky and overplayed his hand. Long-term, this is a good thing.

Jay promises to stump up the cash so that Hendrix can buy into the next game and recoup his losses. Hendrix agrees it's the least he can do.

Erinsborough Hive
Shane is with Amy, who's looking for a new fabric supplier for her modified uniform idea. Shane spots Ned going upstairs, and suggests he might have some ideas to help them win Terese over.

AMY: Hey, handsome? Can I have a minute?

Ned is surprised to learn they're making 'improvements' to the uniform design as Terese has already said she's happy with it. Shane claims Amy has simply been 'hit with the inspiration stick'.

AMY: Is Terese one to micromanage after she's signed off on something? Or is she gonna be a little bit too busy for that kind of detail?
NED: If there's an issue, you should probably just tell her.
AMY: There's no issue.
SHANE: No issue.
AMY: I, umm... I just think that I can do better (...) You're an artist, right? You know what it's like. I mean, if it's not perfect, it's not perfect (...)
NED: Look, I just know that Terese is decisive. You know, once she's made her mind up (...) You've got the contract. Leave it. It's not worth putting Terese and Paul offside just so you can be a little more creative. That's my two cents.

Amy looks worried.

The Waterhole
Jay gives Hendrix more bad news; Kane has been in touch saying that the blackjack games are cancelled, because there were too many noise complaints at the hotel and he doesn't have another venue. Hendrix is furious, as he needs to recoup his previous losses so he can pay what he owes Karl and Susan. Hendrix is annoyed at Jay again, and walks out.

Harold's Café
Shane is waiting for Dipi to make him a coffee. Dipi suggests that they go together to the airport next week to pick Kirsha up when she flies home for Christmas.

DIPI: You know how worried she is about what's happening with us.
SHANE: I know! She keeps texting me to make sure I haven't done something else stupid.
DIPI: I think seeing us there together might make her less anxious.
SHANE: I agree. It's a good idea (...) It'll be the first time we've had all the kids together in Erinsborough since we moved here.
DIPI: Yeah, I know. I actually can't wait.
SHANE: Me neither.

There's a flutter of something between them, as Shane goes on his way.

No 30
Jay comes in and finds Mackenzie watching TV. She seems to be doing okay following her upset about Richie earlier, but notices that Jay seems upset about something himself. He insists he's fine.

MACKENZIE: Hey. I gave you honesty. You can give me some back.
JAY: A friend of mine's in trouble, and I tried helping him (...) except I made things a million times worse.
MACKENZIE: This friend - they're really angry?
JAY: I deserve it.

Mackenzie assures him that if they're really a friend, they'll understand Jay was just trying to do the right thing.

MACKENZIE: No-one stays angry for long. Jay, I know you're a good guy. And I'm sure your friend knows it, too.
JAY: Thanks for saying that.

Mackenzie declares that they should go for a walk, as they both need some fresh air. Jay isn't in the mood, but she insists it will do him good.

Lassiter's
Harlow is with Terese in her office, when Amy turns up, and explains she's got a new uniform design to show Terese.

TERESE: But, Amy, the designs that I've approved are perfect.

Harlow agrees, having tried it on herself, but Amy claims she thinks it's a little stiff, vibe-wise. Terese tells her she's over-thinking it. Amy then claims that her sustainable fabrics supplier is dodgy and has a carbon footprint that's 'bigger than Bigfoot' so needs an alternative one. Terese still doesn't see what that has to do with the designs themselves.

AMY: It's for the best. Trust me - you'll love it.
TERESE: Okay. I'll have a look at your new ideas. But just remember - I might still go with the original.

Amy accepts this, and goes off to get to work. Once she's gone, Terese says to Harlow...

TERESE: I hope I haven't made a huge mistake going into business with that woman.

Harold's Café
Hendrix is at a table, on the phone to Chloe.

HENDRIX: Chloe, there's nothing wrong. I was just curious about the old homestead - making sure that I'm not gonna get caught skinny-dipping... Don't act like you haven't done it before! ... Okay, I'll see you later.

Harlow arrives, and joins him at the table. Dipi is serving, and notices Hendrix looks a bit troubled - but when she asks if he's okay, he bites her head off, saying he wishes everyone would stop asking him that. He then apologises, and Dipi goes to get Harlow some tea.

Harlow asks Hendrix what's wrong. He claims he just wishes he could move back to No 24 with Chloe again. Harlow says she's sure that's still on the table down the track, but wonders if there's more bothering him. When pushed, Hendrix claims he hasn't been called into work today, which means he's short on cash - which he says is doing his head in.

Erinsborough Hive
Ned is painting on the mezzanine; he (and we) can hear Amy and Shane talking down below. Ned looks faintly disturbed as their words sound a little suggestive. When he goes downstairs, he sees that they're just talking about the uniform, which Shane is trying on so that Amy can make the necessary adjustments.

Shane is fed up of having pins stuck in him, so Amy asks if Ned will take his place. He's not getting involved, but is impressed they've managed to talk Terese into considering the new designs.

Jay and Mackenzie arrive; they've just come by to look at some of Ned's artwork. Mackenzie explains she wants to commission a piece for her dad for Christmas, but needs it done quickly. Ned is sure they can organise something; he offers to show Mackenzie some examples upstairs, so she follows him up.

Jay joins Amy and Shane downstairs, and Amy jokes that that Jay can stay and help her stick pins in Shane.

JAY: Just one question. Are they sharp?
SHANE (annoyed): Obviously they're sharp! Ow! Stop it!

No 22
Harlow is chatting to Terese in the kitchen. Terese admits she wishes she'd vetted Amy more carefully before giving her the contract, saying Paul had reservations. Meanwhile in the living room, Hendrix is on the phone to his mum, Lisa. He asks after his sister Alana and (presumably) his new baby half-sister, who we learn is called Maeve.

HENDRIX: If you're worried about what to get me for Christmas, I'm good with cash. Saves you the hassle... No, no, if you've already got it, that's cool... It was just a thought... I'm fine, Mum. I've got plenty of labouring work. Don't stress...

Hendrix finishes up the call, and looks worried.

Erinsborough Hive
Amy is with Shane, still. She's annoyed that she has to lose the pouch from her uniform design, as it was the best bit. Ned is upstairs painting, and listening to what they're saying again. Some of it is mildly flirtatious, and Ned looks a bit concerned as he leans over the mezzanine and watches them. Shane and Amy come up with the idea of a detachable utility belt instead of the pouch.

AMY: It's genius!
SHANE: Well, I still like the beer-can hat - but no, no, it's a step up.
AMY: It's a massive step up. Seriously, thank you for... I dunno. Keeping me going. It means a lot.

Ned looks worriedly over the balcony again at Amy and Shane smiling at one another.

No 22
Harlow and Hendrix are watching TV, but he's deeply distracted. Harlow goes to make some drinks, and Hendrix hovers over his phone, seriously considering calling his dad, Pierce, for help - but eventually decides against it.

Harold's Café
Ned comes in and asks Dipi for one of her 'life-changing macchiatos'. He's in a good mood; he's sold a few art pieces as Christmas gifts, so his rent is getting paid. He mentions Mackenzie was looking for something for her dad. Dipi thinks Grant will love it, and is pleased Ned's doing well at the Hive.

NED: Shane's down there at the moment with Amy Greenwood, working on something.
DIPI (worried): I didn't know they had a project on the go?
NED: Yeah. I was surprised when I first saw them, too.

He explains they're working on the hotel uniform designs. Dipi's surprised, and concerned.

NED: I think it's good that he's sinking his teeth into something like that. Helps him to be productive again, you know?
DIPI (worried): I suppose it's been a while.
NED: And Amy definitely values his opinion, so that's got to be giving him a boost, too.
DIPI: (worried): I'm sure it does.

Ned can see Dipi's not too happy about what she's learned, and apologises. Dipi feigns a smile and says it's good Shane has an 'outlet', but looks concerned again once Ned has gone.

No 22
Harlow and Hendrix are still watching TV, when Jay and Mackenzie turn up to hang out.

HENDRIX (to Mackenzie): I heard about how cut up you were about me getting a job through Richie.
MACKENZIE: ... Yeah, just... took me aback, that's all.
HENDRIX: I should've let you know before I spoke to him. Sorry. Are we good?
MACKENZIE: Yeah, of course we are. I'm more embarrassed by my total meltdown at the mention of that idiot's name (...) I shouldn't have let it get to me. I know how much you need this job.

She asks how the work is going; Hendrix claims it's tough on his back, but at least is paying the bills. Jay quips that you wouldn't catch him shoving around cement all day. Hendrix gives him a dirty look for drawing further attention to his fake job.

Erinsborough Hive
Shane and Amy are still working on the new uniform design, and specifically, the utility belt. They call on Ned for help, asking him whether he would've found a utility belt useful as a porter. He makes a quip to the effect that it would be useful for a superhero, then wanders off again, leaving Shane and Amy to work the details out alone.

Amy and Shane do a little dance to celebrate their inventiveness, and then an awkward Dipi shows up; Ned looks sheepish in the background.

DIPI: Ned mentioned you were working on something, so I just thought I'd drop by and say hi.

Shane introduces Dipi to Amy, explaining she's an old friend of Toadie's. Amy explains what they're working on, and Dipi gives some cursory input - but then feels left out as Shane and Amy carry on talking to one another, and wanders out again, looking worried.

No 28
Hendrix comes and finds Bea at the table. He asks her how she thinks Karl and Susan would feel if he 'didn't start paying bills right now'.

BEA: What are you talking about?
HENDRIX: I only have a casual job. It's probably better if I have something more permanent.
BEA: Better for who?
HENDRIX: Well, I'd be more reliable. And that means that I'd be able to save the cash that I'm earning right now.
BEA: Hendrix, this makes zero sense! The money you earn as a casual is exactly the same as any other.
HENDRIX: Yeah. Alright... How about if I stay at Harlow's while Paul's away?
BEA: And what difference is that gonna make?
HENDRIX: Well, I wouldn't be in the house as much, so I wouldn't have to pay as much.
BEA: Okay, that's not how rent works. Unless you're gonna sublet your room. But, FYI, that's not happening.
HENDRIX: But if I'm not in the house as much, like, you know, using the power and the water and the electricity...
BEA: No. Karl and Susan are not gonna go for it.
HENDRIX: ... Well, that doesn't seem really fair.
BEA: Hendrix, what's going on? Have you spent all your money?
HENDRIX: No, of course not.
BEA: Well, this isn't easy, is it - standing on your own two feet? But you can do it. Sometimes, the only person to come up with the solution is you. And you are smart enough to work it out.

Hendrix smiles at the pep-talk, but looks worried again when Bea walks off.

Harold's Café
Terese is at the counter, eyeing the cinnamon scrolls, while Dipi looks jealously over at Shane and Amy who are at a table together. Terese has to snap Dipi out of her distraction and ask to be served.

DIPI: Hey, uh, how long has Shane been helping Amy with her uniform designs?

Terese isn't sure, but admits Amy's a little flighty, so says Shane might be able to help her keep things on an even keel.

TERESE: He is still fighting his addiction, and he'll need things to occupy his time and his mind. Maybe this will make the difference.
DIPI: He seems happy. That's enough for me.

But she's still looking conflicted.

No 28
Jay comes round to see Hendrix, having been summoned by text. Jay apologises for leaving Hendrix hanging at the blackjack game, but says he's going to find them a better way to make cash.

HENDRIX: We don't need anything better. What we had was perfect.
JAY: Look, I'm sorry, but you've got to let it go.
HENDRIX: No, the only reason the games got called off is because Kane didn't have a venue, right?
JAY: I guess...
HENDRIX: So if I can sort that out for him, we're back on.
JAY: Yeah, maybe...
HENDRIX: Not maybe. It's done (...) I found a venue, for Kane. It's perfect for blackjack. No noise complaints, no worries.
JAY: Yeah, well, you'll have to run it by Kane.
HENDRIX: I have. He's down.
JAY: Okay. Well, where is this place?
HENDRIX: My old joint. Number 24.
JAY: You're not serious?
HENDRIX: Yeah, I am. No-one lives there anymore. It's perfect.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Roxy tells Levi and Bea that Christmas is a big deal for a new couple; it's all a bit of a test
- Jane tells Nicolette, 'We have every right to be together'
- We see Clive sitting down outside the pub with Sheila
- Chloe tells Shane and Amy that Terese loves her first design; they feign satisfaction with this
- Nicolette asks Ricardo, 'Please don't do this'