Leo's Winery
Leo and Kiri are setting up for their gin launch as part of Fashion Week. David comes in.

LEO: This is a surprise.
DAVID: Well, you need the help and I need the distraction.

David goes to get started printing the tasting notes, just as Montana comes in. The chemistry is still there between them as they talk about the event set-up, which Montana is impressed with. They both look wistful, but Montana distances herself, saying she needs to head off to another site visit. But she says she'll see him later when the event starts. Leo looks sad as she leaves.

Kiri checks in with Leo, asking if he's okay. He says he just needs to focus on the gin launch.

Harold's Café
Paul and Nicolette are talking about Glen; Nicolette asks Paul if he has any idea why Glen would be talking to John Wong. Paul shrugs evasively.

NICOLETTE: I have told you everything that I know. If we're going to be a team, you have to do the same.
PAUL: Alright, alright. A while ago, Harlow hired John to investigate Glen. And there was a report.
NICOLETTE: Well, can I read it?
PAUL: No, unfortunately I don't have it. But I have read it, and nothing interesting.
NICOLETTE: I'd still like to read it.
PAUL: Yeah, well, you take that up with Harlow if you like, but just leave me out of it. I don't need her knowing that I'm looking into Glen as well. So let me call John, see what he has to say, and we'll reconvene when I know more.

No 30
Toadie is talking to Melanie on the phone; while next door in the sunroom, Ned is grudgingly helping Amy with her Fashion Week designs - he doesn't really have the time to spare, as he's got to get the equipment ready for the show. Toadie is about to run a proposal of Mel's by Amy, but hearing Ned and Amy arguing, decides it's not a good time to disturb them - and tells Mel on the phone to make the decision herself.

Zara comes out of her bedroom, talking to her brother Elijah on the phone.

ZARA: Yeah, of course she wants another kid - to make up for the defective one... Yeah, ha-ha... alright, hate you, too. Bye.

Zara heads into the sunroom and tells Amy that Elijah is 'doing cartwheels' about the news that Amy is planning for another baby.

NED: I thought we were keeping that on the down-low?
AMY: Well, Elijah's my son. I mean, we can tell family.

Ned looks worried.

ZARA: So, what are you thinking. Boy or girl?
AMY: Why not both? How fun would twins be?

Ned looks even more worried!

Lassiter's Complex
The complex is in full-on festival mode as Fashion Week preparations ramp up. Paul walks through, leaving John Wong a voicemail asking him to call him back. Outside one of the marquees that has been set up for the fashion shows, Terese and Chloe are talking shop.

CHLOE: The livestream tickets to the shows are selling like crazy.
TERESE: Oh, okay, who's managing them?
CHLOE: Edward Skylover - the buzz he's generated is huge!

(This is a reference to our very own Neighboursfans contributor, who started the petition to save Neighbours that amassed more than 67,000 signatures.)

Montana and Mick emerge from the marquee; Terese tells them she's transferred some funds to the closing event, to pay for the fireworks.

TERESE: Well, we want to close with a bang.

Montana pretends to be pleased about this, while Mick ignores a call from somebody saved in his phone as 'SHRILL SHIRL'. At this moment, Susan appears, revealing she's the one who's been trying to call him!

SUSAN (angry): By my count, that is the sixth call of mine you've sent to voicemail! (to Montana) You told me to set up a meeting with Mick, but he just ignores me.
MICK: I can't be expected to reply to every rando's cry for help.
SUSAN: I'm not a rando. I'm an investor.
TERESE: Oh, Susan, congratulations!
MICK: Yeah, la-di-da. Do you want us to build you a shrine, or something?
SUSAN: I want a *meeting*! And, hey, you both seem to be free now, so let's do it.

But Montana simply says she isn't free, and walks away. Susan is outraged.

MICK: Easy now, Shirl.
SUSAN: You know very well my name is Susan.
MICK: Mm. Well, you look like a Shirl. And if you haven't noticed that massive marquee behind you, we're about to start Fashion Week. So, we'll be in touch - Shirl.

Susan looks incandescent as Mick sashays away.

The Waterhole
Mackenzie is having a coffee at a table when a glum-looking Montana comes in. Mackenzie tells her that a designer from Fashion Week has asked her to model in a show next month, and asks if that would be okay. Montana says it's fine; Mackenzie should spread her wings. She adds that she has a few designers she can put Mackenzie in touch with.

MACKENZIE: That would be amazing. Thank you.
MONTANA: You know, you remind me of myself when I was your age. You go above and beyond to create your own success... I'm proud of you.

Mackenzie is clearly very affected by this as Montana walks away.

Lassiter's Hotel
Chloe, Terese and Harlow are hanging out at reception, when Harlow's work nemesis - Rebecca from housekeeping - approaches, along with Katrina, another staff member who it was established earlier in the week also dislikes Harlow.

REBECCA: What's with all the extra shifts?
KATRINA: Yeah, I was planning on having a life this week.
CHLOE: The hotel is fully booked.
TERESE: Unfortunately, everybody's got to do that little bit extra.
KATRINA (snarky): Except Harlow, because she's a model now.

Harlow protests that she can't do everything, and is working behind the scenes on Fashion Week too.

KATRINA: I guess Rebecca and I will just enjoy all the glamour from the laundry, then.

Rebecca and Katrina flounce off. Harlow looks annoyed.

The Waterhole
Amy is having a meeting with Montana about her fashion designs; Ned and Zara are also present.

MONTANA: Your collection... is superb.
AMY: Really?!
MONTANA: I'm giving you a spot in the main tent on opening day.
AMY: Wow! Umm... I won't let you down.

Ned raises the issue of being understaffed for the stage set-ups, saying he's been lumbered with interns but needs experienced crew to help, as they're behind schedule. Montana tersely tells him he already has most of the staff she can spare, and that he should 'find a different solution', before walking off.

NED: I don't understand her. Sometimes she's throwing out cash, the next minute she's tighter than Karl Kennedy.

But Amy is preoccupied with thinking about her own show, and ignoring Ned's more general woes, she asks him to check her lights and projector for her, adding to his workload. Ned looks peeved as Amy and Zara leave.

No 24
Hendrix is cooking for him and Mackenzie, while she talks about her future modelling prospects, wondering when to get in touch with the contacts Montana's provided. Mackenzie gets a message informing her of a last-minute dress fitting, but Hendrix reminds her she has a mandatory staff meeting at the council.

HENDRIX: Well, so, you have to tell Montana no. Do you really want to jeopardise your council position over a fitting?
MACKENZIE: I mean, it's... it's not like they'd fire me. I could say I'm sick. This fitting is important; I'm modelling tomorrow.

Hendrix just sighs.

MACKENZIE: If you want something, you have to go above and beyond to create your own success. That's just how it is.
HENDRIX: Okay, your call.

But Mackenzie can sense he's not really on board with her new way of thinking...

Lassiter's Complex
Susan moans to Karl about Montana, saying she doesn't want a bar of either of them now she has their money. Karl defends Montana, saying it's a busy time; he's sure she'll make time for them after Fashion Week.

SUSAN: It's just that sort of naivety that got us here in the first place.

Meanwhile, Paul lurks around Terese, complimenting her on the setup and saying that Lucy, who is on her way to Erinsborough, will be pleased with how it's going. Terese awkwardly accepts the compliments, but excuses herself from Paul's company, saying she has a lot to do. Paul smirks as Terese walks away.

Inside the main tent, Ned is setting up a mannequin when Harlow and Corey arrive for their 'close-ups', but Ned isn't ready for them yet.

COREY: Seems like no-one wants me around here.
HARLOW: Corey...
COREY: I'm just joking. Putting on a brave face to mask my pain.

Harlow explains to Ned that she and Corey have decided just to be friends.

NED (not sorry to hear it): Sorry to hear it.

Ned changes the subject; he wants to show Harlow what it will look like at the end of Amy's fashion show when they project images onto her dress, and gives her a demo using the mannequin. Harlow is suitably impressed, and tells Ned he deserves the credit for bringing Amy's vision to life.

NED: Thanks. Can't wait to see you knock 'em dead tomorrow.

Corey watches Ned and Harlow carefully as they smile at one another.

The Waterhole
Paul is at the bar when Nicolette approaches, and asks if he's heard from John Wong yet. Paul says he hasn't been able to get hold of him; Nicolette wonders if he's ignoring Paul.

PAUL: John Wong is a busy man, Nicolette. As am I, alright? Now, when I have an update, I shall find you.

Paul walks off. Meanwhile, Karl approaches Montana who is sitting at a table.

KARL: Montana, my wife is very upset, and to be frank, so am I. I mean, since I've paid up, you've just cast us aside. It's unconscionable.
MONTANA: I hear you. And I am sorry you feel that way; you are important investors, and I will get a meeting scheduled on the books right away.
KARL: Alright. Well, I have heard that before, so I hope you keep your word.

Once Karl's gone, Montana phones Mick.

MONTANA: I need you to take care of the Kennedys, okay? ... No, get them their meeting, and from now on, I want you to give them the VIP treatment... No - no jokes like 'Shirl', okay? Treat them like royalty.

No 28
Hendrix is home alone when Mackenzie turns up, and invites him to join her for a couples' workout session. He says he feels a bit sore from yesterday having overdone it a bit. Mackenzie remarks that he's been 'doing it tough' between that and his cough. She explains that her dress at the fitting was a little tight, so one of the other models advised her to do a workout before tomorrow. Hendrix's response is muted.

MACKENZIE: Don't hold back, Hendrix, just say it.
HENDRIX: Say what?
MACKENZIE: Well, you've obviously got a problem with all of this. So let's go.
HENDRIX: ... I just don't get it. It's not you. It's just all so superficial and... show-off-y. And you keep flaking on important things, for what? A week in the spotlight?
MACKENZIE: It's not just a week in the spotlight, Hendrix. You know I want to take it further.
HENDRIX: I know, but why?
MACKENZIE: Because... for the first time in my life, people think I'm beautiful. And I like how it feels.
HENDRIX: I think you're beautiful, isn't that enough?
MACKENZIE: If you don't understand why this is so important to me, Hendrix, then maybe I should just do it by myself.
HENDRIX: That's fine by me.

This being the last word on the matter, Mackenzie looks upset and walks out. Hendrix shakes his head.

No 30
In the sunroom, Zara is taking a photo for social media of Amy with her models Corey and Harlow. Toadie comes in, and tells them the van is fully loaded up (whether this means the Drinks Diva van or some other van is unclear).

Harlow asks Amy where Ned is, saying he seemed stressed earlier. Amy says he's gone to check all the staging set-ups for Fashion Week, so will probably be traipsing around all night. Harlow hopes he can manage by himself...

Leo's Winery
Chloe is helping Kiri to put out flowers on the tables in preparation for the lunch rush. Chloe explains why she isn't a fan of flowers on dining tables.

CHLOE: In Amsterdam once, I went to one of those places where you dine in the dark. Ended up with a mouthful of tulips!

Leo and Kiri thank Chloe for her help setting up, and it's clear Chloe is still trying a little too hard to get back into Kiri's good books. Once Chloe has left...

LEO: So, what's the go with you and Chlo?
KIRI: We're okay. She's trying really hard to make it up to me. I don't want to stay mad. Hey, can I ask - do you think things will improve with you and Montana? She seemed friendly earlier.
LEO: To be honest, I dunno if she'll change her mind. And even if she did, I don't know what I'd do.

Paul and David come in.

DAVID: Turns out leaf-blowing is strangely satisfying.

Paul asks David how things are going with his lawyer, Georgia, but David replies that he isn't thinking about that today; he's just here to help his brother. As David heads back outside, Paul and Leo look concerned.

The Waterhole
Nicolette is at the bar when Corey and Harlow come in, and she heads over to join them on the pretext of making small-talk about the fashion show. She swiftly changes the subject to John Wong, telling Harlow she's thinking of hiring him and is aware Harlow has done so herself in the past, so wonders what she made of his work. Instantly on her guard, Harlow says she doesn't really want to get into it.

HARLOW: I'm surprised you're asking. I thought your mum didn't have a great experience with him.
NICOLETTE: Right, right - yeah. He's just, umm... he's the only PI I know, so...

But Harlow doesn't offer any further comment, so Nicolette tells her not to worry, she'll find someone else. Nic leaves, awkwardly, and Corey and Harlow both look very bemused by Nic's try-hard behaviour.

HARLOW: That was weird.
COREY: Yeah, she's, uh... full-on. And speaking of full-on, how about Ned's job?
HARLOW: I know. I cannot believe Montana is making him break his back just so she can save a few dollars. It's so unprofessional.
COREY: You've changed your tune. You've gone from being angry *at* Ned to angry *for* him.
HARLOW: Well, it's not about Ned specifically, I just think it's so unfair.
COREY: Mm-hm.
HARLOW: ... Okay, fine. Maybe it is about Ned. But we're still friends, despite everything. And I'm still angry at him, but I also do care about him.
COREY: I have no doubt that you care for him. But you need to acknowledge how much. I know you still have a thing for him; it's why you didn't want to continue things with me. And he still has a thing for you.
HARLOW: I could argue against each of those statements.
COREY: I saw the look on his face when you said that we'd broken up. He likes you. And he needs to know how much you like him.

No 28
Hendrix is talking to Susan about his difficult conversation with Mackenzie earlier. He thinks everything he said was true and that Mackenzie needed to hear it. Susan thinks it's complicated, and says Mackenzie is embroiled in something that's very exciting for her.

HENDRIX: You think I did the wrong thing?
SUSAN: No, no. I think you started a dialogue. That's good.

Karl takes a delivery at the door - it's a VIP hamper from Montana, including champagne, passes to the major Fashion Week events and limousine transfers.

SUSAN: Be better if it came with a meeting. She knows that's all I want.

But Karl shows Susan a card accompanying the hamper, that lists possible meeting times for next week. Susan evidently doesn't want to wait that long, but Karl tells her they should just enjoy the freebies and not worry about it until after Fashion Week.

SUSAN: Alright, I'll go. Might even get a chance to talk to her *before* next week.

Lassiter's Complex
At the Fashion Week marquee, Zara is recording a video of Amy, Harlow, Corey and Ned for social media.

AMY: I just want to thank my team for all of their help - I love you guys so much! And I'm not just saying that because I've been awake for, like, 36 hours or something. But you're the best! Cut.

Amy says she and Zara have to get home and glammed up, and invites Ned for breakfast, but he says he has a dozen odd-jobs to do, so can't. Amy kisses Ned, then leaves with Zara. Katrina the hotel maid turns up to give Harlow more sass.

KATRINA: I loved filling one of your dropped shifts this morning.
HARLOW: I'm really sorry about that.
KATRINA (scoffs): Whatever. The upside of you not working, is I don't have to work with you. Penthouse Princess.
NED: Hey, Katrina - why don't you get back in your box, alright? Nobody asked for your two cents.

Terese then appears and drags Katrina away for a chat.

NED (to Harlow): She is such a snake. Don't listen to her, alright?

Harlow smiles and Ned walks off, but Corey gives Harlow a look, as if to reiterate that she needs to make her feelings clear. Harlow decides he's right, and goes after Ned, approaching him in one of the marquees that's been set up as a dressing room.

HARLOW: Ned - I've been giving you a hard time about being too honest, so tell me if this is too much. But I've been trying to lie to myself. And it's just so hard. I can't stop thinking about you. And seeing you with Amy... I hate it. It makes me so jealous. I want what she has. I want you.
NED: This week has been a lot. Yesterday, I almost lost it, but then, you... you helped me breathe.

He steps closer to her, and holds her hand.

NED: You made me feel good. Like you always do. I want you, too.

They hesitate, before falling into a kiss...

Coming up on Neighbours
- In a speech to the Fashion Week crowd, Montana says, 'The future is never certain'
- At the vineyard, a fellow model asks Mackenzie, 'Looking for someone?' 'Yeah, my boyfriend,' she replies
- Leo tells Montana, 'I don't know what to say'; she replies, 'Don't say anything'
- Scenes from Amy's fashion show, as we hear Ned and Harlow discussing giving a relationship a go
- Ned says they can't do anything until he's spoken to Amy
- Amy tells Ned, 'I love you so much' and hugs him; 'Love you, too,' he replies, reluctantly
- Nearby, Harlow looks upset