Previously
- Amy shows off her new Lassiter's uniform design to Paul
- But she admits to Shane she doesn't own the designs, and they go back to the drawing board
- Terese agrees to look at Amy's new designs, but says she may still go with the originals
- Ricardo offers to cancel Nicolette's debt in exchange for 'keeping his bed warm'; Dipi's appalled
- Mark and Paige's baby Freddie is born; Aaron wishes David could be as happy about their own baby
- Aaron suggests that David move past what happened with Nicolette
- At Harold's, Nicolette faints while on a shift, and collapses to the ground
Harold's Café
David and Kyle come in, and quickly find Nicolette passed out on the floor. She begins to regain consciousness; she says she's fine, but a bit woozy. David wants to take her to the hospital; Nicolette thinks it's unnecessary and doesn't want to leave the Café unattended. But David asks if Kyle will stay and look after the place, which he agrees to.
DAVID: We should also check on the baby.
NICOLETTE: Fine. But just to prove to you that I'm alright.
The Waterhole
Chloe and Terese come in, talking about Mark and Paige's new baby, Freddie.
CHLOE: I wanted to nickname him Freddo Frog, but Mark reckons we have to stick with our ET theme.
TERESE: Yeah, well, family tradition is important.
Chloe is excited about being an auntie, Terese less so about being a step-grandma!
TERESE: God, is that a thing?
Terese gets a message from Lucy Robinson, requesting an update on the new uniforms. But she's had to put Lucy off because Amy is still reworking the designs.
CHLOE: What was wrong with the originals?
TERESE: Nothing - they were great! That's what's so frustrating.
Chloe thinks Amy must just want to prove herself, but Terese says it's taking too long, and she's starting to regret letting the redesign go ahead.
Tim Collins comes in! Terese and Chloe watch with curiosity as he goes to join Amy. Terese asks Shane, who's serving at the bar, what's going on with Amy and Tim. Shane has no idea.
CHLOE: New uniforms is hardly a scoop for the West Waratah Star!
SHANE: Amy used to live here. Maybe they're old mates, or something.
CHLOE: Maybe it's a date? Rekindling an old flame?
TERESE: Mm. Then we'd have to question her taste. I mean, what type of person would want to have any association with Tim Collins?
SHANE: Yeah. Just like people that hang around Paul Robinson, huh?
They all laugh! Terese casts another suspicious glance in Amy and Tim Collins' direction...
Erinsborough Hospital
Nicolette is looking better as David finishes her check-up. A worried Aaron arrives; David tells him Nicolette passed out from exhaustion, but that she and the baby are both okay. Aaron asks if Nicolette's told Jane; but she doesn't want to stress her mum out when she's on a romantic weekend with Clive. David and Aaron are both surprised to learn Clive and Jane are together.
David promises to keep checking in on Nicolette until she's discharged, and Aaron follows David out into the corridor.
DAVID: She's clearly worn out but won't admit it.
AARON: Yeah. I kind of feel responsible (...) I saw how hard she was working, and I encouraged her to keep it up (...) I figured if you could see how hard she was working, then she'd have a better chance of getting back in your good books.
DAVID: If she or the baby had been injured because of that, I never would've forgiven myself.
Lassiter's
In the office, Terese is still stewing over Tim Collins turning up, and annoyed that Amy is wasting time with him that she should be spending on her redesigns. Chloe suggests there's no reason they can't plough on with the original designs. Chloe offers to go and sort it out with Amy, saying she needs something to throw herself into right now. So Terese agrees.
As Terese leaves, Harlow comes in with some paperwork for Chloe. Chloe has a brainwave.
CHLOE: How would you like to model our new uniforms when we update the hotel's advertising?
HARLOW: Are there no actual models available?
CHLOE: You've driven the sustainability initiative at Lassiter's, and the new uniforms are a symbol of our sustainable future. You're perfect!
HARLOW: I am?
Totally, Chloe assures her. She says she'll call Noni Beal, the PR lady, and get Harlow fitted with the new uniform once she's finished her shift.
No 32
David and Aaron bring Nicolette home, where Chloe is waiting, having been apprised of the situation. Chloe's keen to fuss around Nic, and so is David, offering to make her something to eat and saying it's the least he can do.
NICOLETTE: You don't owe me anything.
DAVID: An apology, maybe? I shouldn't have frozen you out. I'm sorry if that put pressure on you to work harder. Today might not've happened if it wasn't for that.
NICOLETTE: Don't be so dramatic. I'm the idiot who exhausted herself.
DAVID: Just promise us that you won't put paying off your debt ahead of your health again.
NICOLETTE: I promise.
CHLOE: You guys! Sit down and keep feeling the love. I will put the kettle on.
Nicolette gets a text message from Ricardo, asking her to meet him at The Waterhole in an hour. Nicolette looks worried.
The Waterhole
Amy is still with Tim Collins. We don't know what they've been discussing, but he promises to see what he can do.
AMY: Thank you. This is completely overwhelming.
TIM COLLINS: You'll be fine. I'll be in touch.
Tim Collins leaves, and Shane comes over to talk to Amy. She admits she was talking to Tim about the airline, in his capacity as a lawyer; she wanted to see how bad things could get if she just continued using the uniform design the airline owns for Lassiter's. Shane tells Amy not to put much stock in Tim Collins.
AMY: Oh, do you know him?
SHANE: He's got a reputation. He's pretty much in everyone's bad books around here. And I'd be careful about being seen with him.
AMY: Oh, okay - well, thank you for the heads-up. I forgot this place runs on gossip!
SHANE: I'm telling you because Terese saw you two together. And I don't think she heard anything, but you don't want her asking questions you don't want to answer.
AMY: If she comes breathing down my neck, and then Tim comes back with bad news, I just... I can't handle it.
Shane asks why Amy is considering going back to the first uniform design (with the pouch for a tablet) in the first place. She explains she's short on time, and can't get Ned's quip about Batman using the utility belt out of her head.
AMY (Batman voice): You can't make the belt work!
But Shane disagrees; he thinks Amy should stick with the second design and the utility belt. He offers to help her prior to heading to the airport later to pick up Kirsha.
AMY: You should be celebrating with your family. I can't make you do more work for me.
SHANE: Sure you can, Greenwood. Besides, I'm offering.
No 32
Chloe tells David and Aaron she's heading back to work, and tells them to look after Nicolette. Chloe says Terese is trusting her with a big project.
CHLOE: Feels good to throw myself into something, rather than dwell on the wreck that is my personal life.
Chloe leaves, and Aaron remarks that it's good to see David caring for Nicolette again.
DAVID: It's not safe for her to continue on the way she has been. And I don't want there to be tension between us. I can't say that I've changed my mind about what she did. But we both want the same thing, Boo. A happy family.
Nicolette comes in and tells the boys she's going out for a stroll, to get some air. It's clearly not the whole truth, and when David and Aaron say they want to come with her, she tries to put them off. Eventually, she's forced to admit that she's going to meet Ricardo at The Waterhole to iron out some final 'kinks' in her repayment plan.
Given her fainting spell earlier, the boys suggest she reschedule for another day, but Nic says it has to be now as Ricardo's only in town for a short time.
AARON: At least let us drive you there.
NICOLETTE: I want to go in on my own.
DAVID: Yeah, we'll kill time at Harold's.
NICOLETTE: ... Okay.
Lassiter's
In the office, Chloe is updating Terese on Nicolette and the baby; Terese is pleased to learn all is well. Noni Beal, the PR guru, comes in wielding a camera, along with Harlow who is dressed in Amy's (first) new uniform, ready for the photoshoot. Noni says they're ready to get started, and heads off to check the lighting. Terese is impressed that Harlow has agreed to be the model.
TERESE: It's inspired. And you look sensational.
Harlow heads off to get prepared, while Terese asks Chloe if she's told Amy they've decided to go ahead with the original uniforms. Chloe says she hasn't, but will. Terese thinks it would be best for Amy to be at the photoshoot, in case anything needs altering 'on the fly'. Terese thanks Chloe for pushing her into going with the original design, saying she really appreciates it.
The Waterhole
Ricardo arrives to meet Nicolette, and offers to buy her a drink. But she tells him she wants to keep this brief.
RICARDO: Fine by me. I like a girl who cuts to the chase!
NICOLETTE: My answer's no. I'm gonna stick to my original offer of a payment plan, but I won't sleep with you.
RICARDO: Yeah, I'm not sure you've thought this through. You'll be paying me back for years. You barely have an income.
NICOLETTE: It's the right way to go about this.
RICARDO: Not for me.
NICOLETTE: First of all, you creep, I'm a lesbian, and I'm also pregnant. And there's no way in hell I would ever sleep with you.
RICARDO: You could've told me before. But I guess lying comes naturally to you. How are you even gonna afford a baby?
NICOLETTE: That is none of your business.
RICARDO: So, you're just gonna give me my money back whenever you feel like it?
NICOLETTE: You can take my money or not, but I'm not doing anything else for you.
RICARDO: Have it your way.
He walks off. Nicolette looks disconcerted.
Erinsborough Hive
Shane is ringing round for leads on sustainable fabric suppliers, while Amy struggles to make progress with her designs. Chloe turns up, and says Amy's needed at the hotel, for the publicity shoot.
AMY: But Terese hasn't seen my new design yet.
CHLOE: She decided it's best if we move ahead with the original.
AMY: Trust me, she's gonna change her mind when she sees that I can do better than a pouch.
But Chloe's insistent; Terese loves the first design, and Amy needs to be at the photoshoot in half an hour, after which Noni wants to interview her for a press release. Amy and Shane thank Chloe, and she leaves.
Amy calls Tim Collins' office; he's not available, so she asks it to be passed on that she needs to see him as soon as possible - 'like, as in, yesterday'.
SHANE: I don't think Tim Collins is gonna be able to help.
AMY: Well, what else am I gonna do?
SHANE: Maybe it's time to come clean to Terese.
AMY: Yeah, I know, I will. It's just... I wish I had an alternative to show her.
SHANE: But you've run out of time.
AMY: Well, I'll buy some. I'll stall the shoot, and finish the utility belt.
SHANE: How are you gonna do that?
AMY: I don't know! Something will come to me. It has to. I've got no other choice.
Harold's Café
David and Aaron are at a table. (Kyle is still holding the fort behind the counter!) They're worried about Nicolette given she's been in The Waterhole for a while now, and David wonders if they should go over there; but Aaron says she told them not to, and that they need to respect her boundaries if the co-parenting is going to work.
DAVID: I know. I guess I've been so angry with her, I... kind of stopped thinking about it all.
AARON: Yeah, well, time to start up again, huh?
DAVID: We're gonna have a baby!
AARON: For real! Hey, come on - you're a little bit excited about it, right?
DAVID: I just don't want to be blindsided by her again.
AARON: Yeah, I know. It's okay to be wary. And, look, I totally get why you are. But it's also okay to let yourself get caught up with this, Boo. Hey - we're gonna be dads!
Kyle has been approaching, and overhears.
KYLE: Dads?! Are you serious?! Who's the mother?
AARON: Nic!
KYLE: Holy cow, I had no idea! (...) So, how did you do it? I mean, did you...?
DAVID: Yep. I mean, no - it was a turkey baster. First try.
KYLE: Huh. Technology, eh?
But David says it's still early days, and Aaron admits things have been complicated with Nicolette lately.
KYLE: Still, I'm pretty stoked for you guys. Congratulations!
DAVID: Thank you. We're both pretty happy about it.
David and Aaron smile at one another.
Lassiter's
In one of the suites, Noni Beal is taking pictures of Harlow in the new uniform, while Chloe watches. Amy turns up, and claims she can see a crease on the uniform, so goes over to Harlow to straighten it out. Then Amy claims she's noticed a stain on it, and says she'll have to take the uniform away and fix it. Noticing something's up, Chloe takes Amy outside and asks what's going on.
AMY: Look, I am *this* close to getting you a much better prototype (...) The utility belt is more versatile than the pouch!
CHLOE: The uniform we've chosen is fine as is.
AMY: Please?
CHLOE: Look, I know you want to do the best job you can - but I'm sorry, this isn't the way to go about it. We can't waste any more time.
AMY: Can you just promise me that you won't put out any advertising until I show you the new design?
CHLOE: Why? Look, I'm sorry, Amy. We've only got Noni for another hour. We have to keep going.
Chloe goes back into the suite, leaving Amy worried.
Harold's Café
Kyle is excitedly talking about the baby with David and Aaron.
KYLE: Imagine a baby with David's smarts and Nicolette's red hair.
DAVID: Well, I'm not sure that's Nicolette's real hair colour...
AARON: Still, it's gonna have a winning pool of genes, though. I mean, with David's beautiful lips, and his beautiful eyes, and his cute little nose, and his cute cheeks!
KYLE: ...
DAVID: Okay, someone's a little biased.
AARON: Aww, come on!
Nicolette comes in, and Kyle quietly congratulates her on the pregnancy, promising to catch up with her properly later. She thanks him for standing in at work for her, and Kyle leaves. David asks how Nic's meeting with Ricardo went; she claims the payment plan has been 'smoothed out'. But Nicolette says she's already called Dipi and told her she'll need to take it a bit easier at work.
AARON: Is there anything we can do? We want to take off as much pressure as possible.
NICOLETTE: I've crunched the numbers. I can still pay rent and pay back my debts. It just means no more takeaway for a little while.
David looks uneasy, but Nicolette says everything's been smoothed over.
NICOLETTE: Can we just focus on the positives now?
AARON: Hey, I think that is a great idea.
Lassiter's
Chloe is in the office, on the phone to Hawke Airlines.
CHLOE: That's the one, Amy Greenwood - I'm wondering if you could just tell me a little bit about your airline's experience with her? ... That's very reassuring (laughs) ... On your website? Uhh, I will have to check them out. Hopefully they're as good as the ones she's doing for us!
Chloe ends the call, and logs onto the Hawke Airlines website - where she's horrified to see the new uniforms Amy has supposedly designed for Lassiter's on the homepage, being modelled by a pilot and an air hostess!
Harold's Café
David tells Nicolette he's going to treat them all to takeaway, no arguments. She thanks him, and things feel good between them for the first time in a while. Nicolette tells them she'll meet them at the pub once she's sorted out some dockets from earlier; but as David and Aaron leave, Ricardo comes in.
RICARDO: I was hoping I'd find you here.
NICOLETTE: What do you want?
RICARDO: I've got news I had to share in person.
NICOLETTE: Well, whatever you're gonna say, just save your breath.
RICARDO: My lawyer's in the process of serving you with a civil suit (...) Thought about it some more, decided I wanted my money sooner rather than later.
NICOLETTE: This isn't about the money for you. You were happy to exchange it for sex!
RICARDO: What can I say? It's a guy's prerogative to change his mind.
NICOLETTE: Please don't do this.
RICARDO: Maybe if you beg nicely.
NICOLETTE: Screw you.
RICARDO: See you in court!
He leaves Nicolette looking worried.
The Waterhole
Tim Collins is meeting Amy again, who tells him that Terese has said she's going ahead with the original uniform design.
AMY: Please tell me that's not a problem?
TIM COLLINS: Uh, yeah, sorry, no can do.
AMY: Well, what am I paying you for?
TIM COLLINS: Well, you haven't actually paid me anything yet. But I have gone over your contract with Hawke, and there's just no case. They own the design completely.
Amy looks so despondent that Tim Collins offers to buy her a coffee!
AMY: A weak macadamia cappuccino with extra chocolate on the top, thank you.
Nicolette has come in and is waiting at the bar when Tim comes over to order. Having overheard some of Amy and Tim's conversation and gathered that Tim is a lawyer, she tells him she's looking for a lawyer herself. He gives her his card and a bit of a sleazy smile.
Erinsborough Hive
Amy is hurriedly trying to finish her second uniform design before Terese puts out the photos from the shoot earlier, in the hope that she can show her the new design and change her mind.
AMY: If those photos go public, I won't just lose my job at Lassiter's - I will never work again.
Chloe comes in, furious with Amy having discovered that she sold Lassiter's the same uniforms as Hawke Airlines.
AMY: It was a mistake. Does the airline know? Does Terese know?
CHLOE: Not yet, but it's a huge breach of copyright.
Shane explains about the airline having gone bust; Amy says she had no idea they'd go back into business, and this is why she wanted to use the second design.
AMY: I've nearly finished. I mean, if we can convince Terese to redo the shoot, like, she wouldn't even really need to know.
CHLOE: You're asking me to cover for you?
Coming up on Neighbours
- Amy worried she'll be sued for all she has and have to move into a cardboard box!
- Kirsha is home for Christmas, and says that Jay is still the golden child
- Kirsha, Jay, Shane, Dipi, Yashvi and Mackenzie all pose in Christmas jumpers as Ned takes a photo
- Kane tells Hendrix he'll expect him to 'be there to play', and it's not up for debate
- Mackenzie tells Jay that she is 'there, always'