Previously
- Aaron suggests to David and Nicolette that they have a naming day for baby Isla
- Nicolette finds the secret camera that was hidden inside the teddy bear, and accuses David and Aaron of spying on her
- However, the trio are later shocked to learn that Jane put the camera inside the bear
- At the Lassiter's summit in Queensland, Paul's half- brother Glen turns up, and helps a drunken Terese on the beach
- Glen later turns up in Erinsborough and is warmly welcomed by Paul
- Glen clearly has reservations about Paul given their past, but tells Terese he wants to believe he's changed
- Terese asks Glen why he's really in Erinsborough
- He says he has unfinished business with Paul, 'but I'm also here for you'
The Waterhole
Terese and Glen continue their conversation, following his admission that he's partly in town because of her.
TERESE: You barely know me. Why do you care so much?
GLEN: I've come to realise you're a good person - too good for Paul. And also, I know who my brother is.
TERESE: You know what? I really appreciate what you're saying - but to factor me into the decision to come down? I mean, I'm sorry, but that's odd! Are you using me as revenge?!
GLEN: I won't lie; if keeping you clear of Paul gets him steaming, well, I'll get some satisfaction out of that.
TERESE: Well, at least you're honest. Look, I know you're still angry with him, with the way he treated you.
GLEN: I am. But what I want is to be able to look back on my years in Erinsborough and *not* feel anger.
TERESE: But surely the key to that is making peace with Paul!
GLEN: Or is it to help others avoid falling into the same trap?
TERESE: What makes you think I need help?
GLEN: I was on the beach. I heard what you said about him. He has a way of wearing you down, till you've got nothing left to fight with. Same goes for Harlow and David - they seem like good people. I don't want anyone to ever get treated like that again by my brother. *Ever* again.
No 32
Nicolette joins Aaron and David on the patio, having put Isla to bed. A present for Isla's naming day has arrived which Nicolette thinks is from her dad, Victor. It's a costume for Isla to wear on the day.
AARON: That's very cute.
DAVID: Ooh, and expensive!
NICOLETTE: I called it. Classic Dad.
They discuss preparations for the naming day barbecue; David wonders whether they should invite Glen, but Aaron points out that they hardly know him. Aaron asks Nicolette about whether Jane should be invited.
NICOLETTE: She's not coming.
AARON: (...) It'd be weird if Glen came and Jane didn't.
NICOLETTE: Look, the day is about Isla. Let's remember that.
Nicolette reels off everything they need to organise, and David and Aaron look weary. David admits it's hard to be enthusiastic when the whole thing 'feels a little off', presumably because of what happened with Jane and the hidden camera.
The Penthouse
Paul and Leo are on the balcony having a drink, and chatting about the lunch with Glen which David and Harlow came to. Paul thinks it went well; Leo apologises for missing it, but Paul says there'll be plenty more opportunities. Conversation turns to Leo's business plan for the vineyard - specifically the new distillery he intends to open on the site. Paul says he was impressed when he looked over the plans.
PAUL: You're after half a million bucks in investment, yeah? (...) Because you know I still have that business loan. And if you were interested, I'd be more than willing to put up the money.
Leo looks unenthused, evidently still feeling that it's best to keep business out of his relationship with Paul. But Paul says Leo's business shows far greater potential for return than the Quill hotel deal he originally took the loan out for.
LEO: I dunno, Dad. The whole reason I bought the vineyard was to go out on my own.
PAUL: Yeah, and you still will, because I'd be a silent investor, eh? I do not want there to be a repeat of the last time we were in business - no, no, you'd call the shots.
LEO: What, you really think you can bite your tongue?
PAUL: Yeah, I have complete faith in you, Leo. Look, it's your business, my money, and my silence. Unless, of course, you specifically ask for help.
LEO: Well...
PAUL: So, here's to our partnership?
Leo agrees to Paul's investment, and they toast it.
PAUL: There is one thing, though.
LEO: Of course there is!
PAUL: No, no - it's just a consideration, not a demand. It's just, I'd really like it if you could hire Glen. I mean, he does have hospitality experience (...) He doesn't have a job to go back to. I was hoping that if he found something here, he might stay.
LEO: Sure. If you reckon he'd be interested.
Paul says he'd hire Glen at the hotel, but given the recent staff issues around nepotism and Harlow, his hands are tied.
PAUL: Besides, I don't want it to sound like it's coming from me, cos that'll just scare him away.
LEO: Yeah, of course. I'll sound him out.
Paul thanks Leo, saying it means a lot to him.
Lassiter's Hotel
Glen arrives at reception, and Terese is behind the desk. She tells him she's extended his stay; he asks if this means that she doesn't mind him hanging around a bit longer, and Terese says it does.
TERESE: But listen, just so we're clear - I appreciate your concern, but I'm quite capable of taking care of myself, especially now that I'm home.
GLEN: I didn't mean to imply you weren't.
TERESE: And Leo, David and Harlow - they can take care of themselves, too.
GLEN: Okay. Well, just think of it as extra support. Especially if you get tempted again.
TERESE (awkwardly): Yeah, well, thank you. But I've got that under control.
Harlow turns up, and sees Terese talking to Glen, but watches from a distance rather than approaching.
TERESE (to Glen): So, what about you? I mean, you're looking out for me; who's gonna be there for you?
GLEN: Oh, I reckon I can take care of that myself.
TERESE: You know, I really think you should consider talking to Paul about how you feel.
GLEN: Oh, I will when I'm ready. But can you keep it to yourself for now, please? I just need time.
Terese agrees to this. Harlow is still watching them unnoticed, with apparent concern. Once Glen has gone up to his room, Harlow approaches Terese and remarks that she wasn't aware she and Glen were friendly. Terese replies that she wouldn't go that far, but that they did have lunch together at the Queensland conference with Lucy.
HARLOW: Don't you think it's weird, him turning up after all these years?
TERESE: Hmm, maybe.
HARLOW: Like, why now? What's in it for him?
TERESE: I dunno, Harlow. You're asking the wrong person; I barely know him.
Terese walks off. Harlow looks pensive.
No 32
The next day, Jane and Clive turn up to see Nicolette, David and Aaron - but don't meet with a particularly enthusiastic welcome. Jane asks after Isla, and Nicolette tersely replies that she's asleep.
JANE: Okay! Umm... I can see that there is still quite a bit of anger towards me here, and so... here I am! (laughs nervously) Just let me have it.
AARON: Alright. Jane, look, I get that you were worried about Nic taking off, but what you did was outrageous!
DAVID: You invaded Aaron and my privacy too.
JANE: I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking. All I can say is how sorry I am, and whatever you need me to do, I will.
NICOLETTE: No, it's not gonna cut it, Mum! You know how hard it's been for the three of us, and just as we start to get back on track, you threaten to ruin everything. But you know what's worse is that, you bang on and on about supporting me - when you don't even trust me. And that hurts.
A forlorn-looking Jane looks set to depart...
Harold's Café
At the counter, Paul introduces Glen to Leo, and then leaves them to chat while he goes to make a few calls. Glen looks incredulous as Paul leaves, remarking that he expected Paul to join them. Leo replies that Paul always puts business first.
GLEN: Doesn't bother you?
LEO: No, I'm used to it. And I run my own business, so I understand what it takes to keep everything going.
They get talking about the vineyard, and Leo tells Glen about his plan to expand it into a 'boutique distillery', and how Paul has just agreed to invest in the project. Glen asks after Leo's daughter Abigail.
LEO: She was a bit of a surprise.
GLEN: Seems to run in the family!
LEO: Very true.
Leo explains that Abigail is with her mum Britney at the moment, but says he thinks about her every day.
LEO: That's why I want this business to do so well, you know? Make sure Abi has the best start in life.
GLEN: Kids make it all worthwhile.
LEO: Yeah. Actually, before I head back to Wollongong to see her, I am looking to hire some new staff. Are you looking to work while you're back here?
GLEN: You offering me a job?
LEO: Yeah, well, I heard you had experience in hospitality, and you're family. And it would be cool to get to know you a bit better.
GLEN: What sort of work would it involve? I don't know anything about distilleries.
LEO: Oh, no, that's okay. It's more of a day-to-day running of the place and helping with the function space.
GLEN: I've got some trade skills, though heavy lifting's out, with my back.
LEO: Oh, no, that's fine. It's more of a go-between kind of role.
Glen promises to think about it, and let Leo know. They head outside, as Leo explains David and Harlow may join them.
The Waterhole
Terese watches while working at a table, as a bartender pours a glass of wine in the distance. Terese looks like she may be tempted to indulge.
Jane and Clive come in, talking about Jane being given the cold shoulder by Nicolette, David and Aaron. Jane says she knows their reactions are warranted, but says it still hurt. Clive is a little cold with her, too, and Jane pulls him up on it.
JANE: I've been waiting all morning for you to chime in, and tell me that everything will be alright. But you won't, will you? Because you haven't said anything like that since the camera was found.
CLIVE: What do you want me to say?
JANE: Tell me what you think.
CLIVE: I think I thought you were not the type of person to spy on someone.
JANE: Well, if it makes you feel any better, I... I never thought that I'd be capable of something like that, either. I'm not that type of person.
CLIVE: I want to believe you. But you'll justify anything when it comes to Nicolette. I mean, what happens next time you're worried about her?
JANE: Well, you can't think that I would stoop that low again.
CLIVE: I don't know what to think. I went through this with Sheila. She would get involved, apologise, wave it away, we'd move on - and she'd do the whole thing all over again.
JANE: I am not Sheila.
CLIVE: I know, I know. It's just, it's straight from her playbook.
JANE: I will never do anything like this again. I don't know what else I can say!
CLIVE: Okay, I'm sorry. I don't want things difficult between us or for you. You've got an uphill battle with Nicolette as it is.
Lassiter's Complex
Leo, Glen, David and Harlow have gathered for coffee and pastries, and are talking about the vineyard, and the possibility of Glen working there.
GLEN (to Leo): If I did take the job, you'd be running the show, not your father?
HARLOW: Would it be a problem if he was?
GLEN: I'm just sussing out the lay of the land.
LEO: Dad's just a silent investor, alright? I call all the shots.
HARLOW: With Grandad's money? Highly unlikely!
LEO: Well, that's the plan, and Dad said he'll respect that.
Glen somewhat incredulously asks Leo if he's worked with Paul before. He confirms they went into business together a few years ago.
GLEN: You're a braver man than most. I'm guessing he still has to keep his hand in everything, just like he used to.
HARLOW: Some things never change.
LEO: Well, and some things do. Look, Dad and I have had our problems in the past, but now I've got a proven track record and a lot more experience, he's happy to sit back.
Glen makes a joke about the fact that at least Paul can't control David's job, but Harlow then steps up to say that they're all lucky to have Paul's expertise in their life, whether at work or at home.
GLEN (incredulous): I'm glad you feel that way.
No 32
Nicolette shows Aaron and David pictures of a swan-themed cake she'd like to get for Isla's naming day, and suggests they extend the swan theme to the whole party. David and Aaron don't seem hugely keen, which Nicolette clocks, and quickly says she's open to other ideas too. David and Aaron tell her she doesn't need to overcompensate because she feels bad for accusing them of planting the teddy-camera - adding that Jane's to blame and nobody else.
NICOLETTE: Thanks. Still, it just feels like there's this giant, elephant-sized teddy in the room.
Aaron agrees that it has impacted on the domestic 'groove' they had developed. Nicolette suggests that in light of this, they cancel the naming day celebration. The boys are quick to agree. At this point, Paul comes in, and Aaron and Nicolette make themselves scarce. Paul asks David what he just walked into.
The Penthouse
Harlow and Leo come in. Leo gets a text from Glen, saying he's decided to take the job at the vineyard. Harlow seems concerned, and asks if Leo checked out Glen's references before giving him the job.
LEO: He's my uncle. Why would I?
HARLOW: Who you don't know.
LEO: Yeah, but Dad does, and he's the one who recommended I hire him.
HARLOW: Yeah, I can understand why Grandad would want to reconnect with his brother. But what I don't get is why Glen does, after all these years.
LEO: Well, he could have loads of reasons. The most important thing is that he's here.
HARLOW: Getting close to the people in Grandad's life, including Terese? (...) I just have a feeling that Grandad's more invested in Glen than Glen is in Grandad. I just don't trust him.
LEO: That's a big call to make, Harlow. Just because people aren't really trusting you at the moment, doesn't mean you have to go pointing fingers.
HARLOW: Okay, this has nothing to do with me - and everything to do with our family, who I'm just trying to look out for. If it turns out Glen has an agenda, remember I called it first.
Lassiter's Complex
Jane is having a coffee outside Harold's, alone, when Paul turns up. She's still chilly with him over his attempts to force Nicolette to stay away from Erinsborough forever, but Paul has seen a parallel between his own behaviour and hers with the teddy-camera, and sits down to offer her some advice - saying he knows what it's like to be 'on the outer' with one's family.
PAUL: It doesn't always sit well when you have to do something questionable for the greater good. But, you know, I completely understand why you did it. And I'm sure Nicolette will, eventually. And you know, Jane, if nothing else does come of it, then I'm hoping that you'll understand why I paid Nicolette that money. And then we can just put it behind us.
JANE: No. I will not forgive you for forcing Nicolette to cut off all contact. And even if I were to entertain the idea... Nicolette would never forgive me.
PAUL (sadly): Well, I'm hoping one day you will forgive me. Because I really miss our friendship, Jane.
JANE: Well, what you miss or do not miss is not my priority. Fixing things with Nicolette and the boys is, and I'm hoping that will start with the naming day.
But Paul tells her what he's evidently learned from David - that Isla's naming day has been cancelled.
No 32
David, Aaron and Nicolette are with Isla, when Jane turns up and tries to talk them into changing their minds about cancelling the naming day, saying they and Isla shouldn't have to miss out because of Jane's behaviour. Jane even offers not to come to the party if it means they'll go ahead.
NICOLETTE: It doesn't matter, Mum. None of us feel like celebrating now, after the stunt you pulled.
JANE: I understand. It just seems so unfair that little Isla should miss out.
DAVID: We've made our decision, Jane.
JANE: (...) Please don't do this, Nicolette. I don't want to be the one that's responsible for Isla missing out.
NICOLETTE: Well, Mum, you *are*, okay? And you're just gonna have to live with that.
Lassiter's Hotel
Paul is with Glen in reception, and tells him Leo's lucky to have him onboard at the vineyard. Glen suggests Paul must have had a word in Leo's ear, and Paul tries to deny it.
GLEN: Come on, Paul, please - it's got you all over it.
PAUL: Alright, I may have suggested you. But, you know, he wouldn't have followed up if he didn't believe that you had something to offer.
GLEN: And there it is.
PAUL: What - you don't think it's too pushy, do you?
GLEN (grudging): No. Appreciate the thought.
PAUL: Well, good. Now that's settled, and it looks like you are staying on, a hotel room's not exactly the most comfortable long-term. The penthouse, however, is - and I have plenty of space. It's not charity; you're family.
Glen looks very hesitant, but Paul tells him to think about it and let him know. Glen cautiously thanks him. Paul goes over to talk to Terese who's on reception, asking her how she and Roxy are doing following the news of Kyle's cancer. Paul says it must have been 'close to home' given Terese's own past with cancer; she admits it was 'confronting' but says she's just focusing on Roxy. Paul's keen to talk further, but Terese coolly says she needs to work.
As Paul leaves, we see that Glen has been sitting nearby, watching the exchange. He goes over to talk to Terese, who mentions she's heard about his new job.
TERESE: Should I be offering congratulations?
GLEN: Why not?
TERESE: Come on, Glen. You know why I'm asking.
GLEN: Alright, you got me. I could always do with the cash, but after hearing how he's all over his kids' lives, I thought it'd be a good way to keep an eye on Leo.
TERESE: You know the last time Paul and Leo went into business together, they had a major falling out?
GLEN: See? I knew my instincts were spot-on.
TERESE: You know, you do realise whenever we talk, we end up talking about Paul?
GLEN (laughs): Well, I could always use a change of subject. How about a coffee?
Terese hesitates, then says she has too much work to do.
GLEN: Alright. Well, I'll be around. Could always use a friend in town.
TERESE: Mm.
He smiles at her, and leaves. Terese looks conflicted.
Harold's Café
Jane and Clive are having a coffee, talking about Jane's unsuccessful attempt to get Nicolette and the boys to change their minds about Isla's naming day. Jane is very disappointed, and still harbours hopes that they can be talked round, but Clive seems to be of the view that she should stop pushing. However, Jane is adamant.
JANE: It was my mistake, and I want to put it right.
CLIVE: Well, look what happened last time you got involved (...) You're not Isla's parent. Nicolette, David and Aaron are. You have to get used to that.
JANE: Even if they're wrong?
CLIVE: Well, that's your opinion. You've just got to let them get on with it. Otherwise, you could make it worse.
Community Centre
Terese arrives for an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, just as the convenor, Will Attles, is explaining that there are some newcomers tonight and asking them to introduce themselves. Terese is shocked to see that one of them is Glen!
GLEN: I'm Glen - I'm an alcoholic, and an addict.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Terese tells Glen that Paul has been bending over backwards to help him
- But Glen tells her, 'I don't want him finding out; he'll use it against me'
- Terese arrives at the vineyard to find Paul, Leo and Glen with glasses of wine
- Speaking to Glen, Paul says Terese wants to be with him 'just as much' as Paul wants to be with her
- Kyle asks Roxy if she's thought about what 'all of this' will mean for them
- Levi tells Ned that 'this thing' only works if he's a hundred percent on board