No 30
Cara insists to Remi that the money she loaned to Chelsea wasn't that big a deal.

REMI: Were you ever gonna tell me? Was I just gonna wait another seventeen years?
CHELSEA: Seventeen years? Random.
REMI: Chelsea, shut up.

Feeling betrayed, Remi decides she can't be here right now, and walks out.

CHELSEA: No offence, sis, but none of this is on me. My personal life and what I do with it, including who I date and why, has nothing to do with her. She's always had it in for me, and that's just proven it. Talk about a massive overreaction, to what, $300?
CARA: Chelsea, shut up!
CHELSEA: You serious? Listen, I'm sorry for letting the money thing slip.
CARA: It's not about the money. It goes deeper than that.
CHELSEA: I don't know what that means.
CARA: It means not everything is about you.

Penthouse
Paul is working at his desk, while Sadie plays with Abigail in the background. Leo and Krista come in and sit down, Leo thanking Sadie for looking after Abi. Paul glances over at Sadie and gives her a subtle nod. She looks conflicted, but then says to Leo and Krista...

SADIE: So, what's on for you guys today? Anything interesting?
LEO: Uh, not really. We're just gonna get packing for the getaway.

Krista says she'll also need to do some work on the Lassiter's Lie- In, which Paul says is good to hear. Leo mentions that he and Krista bumped into Chelsea in the complex, who's told them that she and Paul are going on a date. Paul denies that it's a date, saying it's just dinner.

Leo says Chelsea has invited him and Krista for a 'reset drink' to apologise for getting off on the wrong foot with them about the pop- up stall. He suggests Paul join them. Paul says he's too busy at first, but when Krista suggests using it as an opportunity to tell him about her Lie- In plans, he says he'll juggle things around and make it happen. Krista and Leo exchange a hopeful glance.

Harold's Café
Haz is on duty and exchanges pleasantries with Toadie and Terese. Mackenzie is also hanging around helping out. Melanie comes in, and looks apprehensive seeing Toadie. As Toadie and Terese grab a table, Mackenzie tells Melanie that she's 'glowing', and says she hears her second date with Santo went well. Melanie maintains her lie, saying the date was 'amazing', aware Toadie and Terese are listening.

TOADIE: She really does seem happy, doesn't she?

Toadie adds that it's a relief that Mel's moving on with her life, so they can move on with theirs. Terese offers a strained smile by way of reply; it's evidently playing on her mind that she saw Santo on a date with Vera Punt, but she chooses not to mention it for now.

MELANIE: ... and I get a discount on my fruit deliveries!
HAZ: Maybe I should be dating this guy!
MELANIE: (seal laugh)

Terese looks conflicted.

The Waterhole
Cara finds Remi in the pub. Remi apologetically says that she shouldn't have jumped down Cara's throat over the money, but Cara wants to make her own apology.

CARA: I'm an idiot. Our marriage nearly ended because of what I did with JJ's donor. The last thing I should be doing is keeping things from you. Even $300. You had every right to tear strips off me. Probably could've gone harder.
REMI: I just need to be better at not letting Chelsea get to me like this.
CARA: People either love Chelsea or they hate her, but... she's my sister. I don't have a choice.
REMI: I don't hate her. She just pulls the same stunts over and over. She never changes.
CARA: For what it's worth, she has promised to pay me back.
REMI (laughs): Yeah, and I will run topless around the lake the day that happens.
CARA: Oh, well, in that case...!
REMI: I know you're just trying to do the right thing by her.
CARA: And you're trying to do the right thing by me.
REMI: Even so. I've got to take a step back, and just not let her get to me.
CARA: She will appreciate that. Even if she doesn't show it... Are we good?

Remi kisses her by way of reply.

Penthouse
Paul brightens up when David and Aaron come in, although only Aaron really talks to him - they're here to see Leo, who's playing with Abigail.

DAVID: We want to buy Number 32 back.
LEO: Took you long enough to decide.
AARON: Well, we have a bit more of a reason now.

Aaron and David exchange a cryptic smile - presumably they're talking about expanding their family.

LEO: Okay, you gonna let us in on the secret, or...?
DAVID: Sell us the house first, and then we'll talk.

Meanwhile, Paul talks to Sadie, who's standing close to his desk.

SADIE: Why can't you just spy on him yourself? You see him enough.
PAUL: You're not spying on Leo. It's Leo and Krista together.
SADIE: Yeah, well, it's creepy, and it's making me nervous.
PAUL: Oh, and the fact that I'm paying for your entire course?
SADIE: No, I appreciate it. It's just... maybe I can know why?
PAUL: Why is not your concern. You just keep doing what you're doing, until I tell you otherwise.

No 24
Nicolette is lying on the sofa, looking wistfully at pictures of Kiri on her phone. Jane comes in, and Nicolette admits she's still worried about Veronica's threat. Jane reminds her that Veronica can't even approach her thanks to the intervention order - so advises Nic to just put her out of her mind for three days during her getaway.

NICOLETTE: This could not be coming at a better time.

She looks at the booking confirmation for the getaway house, which is in Hesket in the Macedon Ranges. Nic then gets a text on her phone, and says it's from Byron - she was meant to meet him to go shopping for supplies. She thanks Jane for the pep talk; and as Nic leaves, Terese arrives. Jane initially thinks she's forgotten a meeting, but Terese wants to sound her out about a 'personal dilemma'.

Terese tells Melanie about having seen Santo on a date with Vera, despite Melanie seemingly thinking she and Santo are exclusive. Terese says she doesn't think she should get involved by saying anything, as it's 'all a bit weird'.

JANE: Well, that would be the easiest way through this for you. But, well... I think if you really felt that way, then you wouldn't be here.

The Waterhole
Krista, Leo and Paul have joined Chelsea for her 'reset drinks', and she apologises for getting off to a bad start with them. Krista makes it clear there are no hard feelings, saying she admires Chelsea's drive. As they raise a toast, Mackenzie approaches and asks to speak to Paul about the council audit she's performing on the hotel. She says there are discrepancies that they need to discuss.

KRISTA: What are the penalties for these discrepancies?
MACKENZIE: Uh... there are fines. Of differing amounts.
KRISTA: Right. Well, we'll pay the fines, and fix the problem. And I promise you that from now on, everything will be done by the book.

Paul quietly fumes that Krista has taken control of the conversation, but Mackenzie seems pleasantly surprised at the lack of pushback, and leaves them to it. Krista and Leo go to get some bar snacks, giving Chelsea an opportunity to stir about Krista.

CHELSEA: It's a bit out of line, the way she overrode you like that?
PAUL: You know, just between you and me, the only reason I put up with her is for Leo's sake. I had nothing to do with her getting the job here.
CHELSEA: My sister- in- law gets under my skin in the same way. The things we have to sacrifice for family!

She's all up close and flirtatious as she butters him up.

Lassiter's Complex
Nicolette and Byron are bickering about who is to blame for a lack of sourdough among their shopping.

NICOLETTE: Stop complaining, or I will take away that coffee I got you as thanks.
BYRON: I'm wondering if you spat in it.
NICOLETTE: Oh, I did.

Byron takes the lid off to check! But at that point, Nicolette's surprised to see Sasha standing nearby, staring at her...

The Waterhole
Remi and Cara are having a drink, while Remi watches Chelsea and Paul, who are seated across the room.

CARA: I know what you're doing.
REMI: And we know what she's doing. The only person who doesn't know is Paul.
CARA: Have you completely forgotten what you said less than an hour ago?
REMI: You're right, I'm sorry. You know what? I'm gonna turn away.

Cara and Remi smile at each other as Cara encourages Remi to keep her eyes in her direction.

Meanwhile, Krista and Leo are at the bar. Krista asks if Leo's going to agree to sell No 32 back to David and Aaron. Leo says he thinks it makes sense for them, and that he might consider buying a bigger place for himself and Abigail...

LEO: ... and anyone else who's important in my life.
KRISTA (laughs): Anyone you have in mind?
LEO (smiling): Yeah, maybe. Look, I know this is moving really fast, but I hope this trip is the first of many we have together.
KRISTA: I think it might be.

But Sadie is hanging out with Abigail nearby, and has overheard this conversation...

Lassiter's Complex
Byron asks Nicolette if she wants him to hang around while she speaks to Sasha, but she insists she'll be fine, so he leaves them to it. Nicolette asks Sasha what he's doing here.

SASHA: I was gonna call, but...
NICOLETTE: You know that email that you sent Veronica only made her angrier? (...) I asked you to give her closure.
SASHA: I tried, but I guess she didn't believe what I said.
NICOLETTE: So why are you here?
SASHA: Seeing you the other day, I felt our connection again. I think you felt it too. On some level, you might even be wondering what might've been.
NICOLETTE: No. I don't think about us.
SASHA: Because you don't want to, or... because you're afraid?

Nicolette looks conflicted.

No 22
Toadie is home when Terese comes in; she tells him she has something to confess, and explains about seeing Santo and Vera on a date together.

TOADIE: Vera? As in, Vera Vera?!
TERESE: Mm. And it looked intimate. And Melanie has no idea. And I know I should've said something, but I've already interfered in her life once before, and I thought... I dunno what I was thinking, to be honest.
TOADIE: Who in their right mind would cheat on Melanie?

Terese looks surprised and a bit annoyed by his reaction!

The Waterhole
Leo and Aaron are by the bar, chatting about the possible No 32 sale. Leo asks how Nicolette feels about it; Aaron says they thought they'd wait till the getaway to bring it up with her, and makes it clear he expects Nic to move back to 32 with them. However, Haz is nearby and has overheard; and asks Leo upfront what's going on. Aaron leaves Leo and Haz to talk, rejoining Isla, Abigail and Krista at a table.

HAZ: Are you selling it?
LEO: Nothing's set in stone.
HAZ: Okay - that wasn't a 'no'. And it's usually followed by a 'but'.
LEO: Yeah, look, I'm sorry, Haz - but now's probably not the time and place to have that chat.

At this point Remi interrupts, asking if she can have a chat with Leo and David about something important. Leo says David's outside taking a call, and accompanies Remi outside so they can all talk. Haz looks worried as Leo goes.

Penthouse
Sadie appears to be pleading her case with Paul as to why she's not keen on spying on Leo and Krista, saying she really likes them and loves being Abigail's nanny - evidently, she's worried Paul will misuse whatever info she passes on. But Paul just tells her to get onto what she's heard. Sadie admits that the pair seem 'all over each other' and are making plans for a future together.

PAUL: Really, what sort of plans?
SADIE: Just that they want to go on more trips, and maybe live together one day. Stuff like that.
PAUL: Anything else?
SADIE: No. But for what it's worth, I think they're a really cute couple. And maybe this could actually be a good thing.
PAUL: Is that right?
SADIE: And Abi might finally have a stepmum.
PAUL: Mm. Except, Sadie, I'm not paying you for your opinion, so please keep it to yourself. Anyway, I made a promise, so send me the bill and I'll pay for your course.

Sadie nods, but looks worried.

Lassiter's Complex
Sasha and Nicolette are in the car park. Nic apologises for messing him around, but Sasha replies that this doesn't answer his question.

NICOLETTE: Well, you flirted with me first, so at least own that.
SASHA: It's still not an answer! Yes, I flirted. I was the married guy, fantasising about his friend's girlfriend. I never once thought you'd respond.
NICOLETTE: And I couldn't believe that you were coming onto me. You were so judgemental.
SASHA: I know...
NICOLETTE: I just wanted to expose you. At least, that's how it started.
SASHA: I know you felt something for me. And Kiri knew it too. Why can't you admit it?
NICOLETTE: I'm not into guys.
SASHA: Maybe you were with me. Is that so bad?
NICOLETTE: When I hurt my girlfriend and you hurt your wife? Yeah.
SASHA: I'm really not proud of that.
NICOLETTE: Sasha, nothing's gonna happen between us. I'm sorry that you came all this way, thinking that it might. But nothing's changed.
SASHA: Alright. But... I need you to admit that all this, it's not in my imagination.
NICOLETTE: It's not.
SASHA: Thank you. I needed to hear that.
NICOLETTE: Well, you've heard it, so... can we just talk about how we're gonna move on with our lives?

Lassiter's Lake
Chelsea finds Paul looking thoughtful by the lake, and they flirt a little, before Chelsea says she needs to go and 'tizzy herself up' for their dinner date later. As she goes, Isla runs towards Paul to greet him. He picks her up and returns her to Aaron and David, who are at the back of Harold's. Aaron takes Isla indoors for a drink, leaving Paul and David feeling awkward alone together.

DAVID: Just so you know, I've been told Chelsea might have a bit of an agenda.
PAUL: Really? Who told you that?
DAVID: I'm just the messenger, Dad. What you choose to do with the information is up to you.

David begins to walk away.

PAUL: David... thanks for the heads- up.

David nods awkwardly, and goes into the café. Paul picks up a hair bobble that Isla's dropped and, seizing the opportunity, follows David inside.

Harold's Café
Returning the dropped item, Paul asks if David's managed to use the zoo pass that he bought Isla for Christmas. David says they haven't yet, but will do.

PAUL: I have to admit, at the time I thought you might throw it back in my face.
DAVID: The thought did cross my mind... but then I realised it's not fair on Isla to deny her a grandfather in her life.
PAUL: It means the world to me to hear you say that.

David begins to walk away again, but Paul stops him.

PAUL: David, listen, umm... is it too much to ask that I be part of your life as well?
DAVID: ... I think that, umm... we just need to take things slow.
PAUL: I can do that. It's kind of what I've been trying to do all along.
DAVID: I know.
PAUL: (...) How about, when you get back from the holiday house, we have a big family dinner? Jane included - I mean, grandparents and all the kids together. What do you say?
DAVID: What about Krista?
PAUL: Sure, if she's still around. Of course.
DAVID: ... Let's talk when I'm back.

Paul agrees. David rejoins Aaron and Isla, while Paul looks hopeful that David is finally starting to thaw towards him.

Lassiter's Complex
Haz is filling in Byron and Mackenzie on the conversation he overheard between Leo and Aaron; they all look disappointed about losing the house. Haz asks if Byron could talk to David and Aaron about it, since they're family. Byron says he'll give it a go, but doesn't know that it will do any good.

Nearby at the Drinks Divas van, Santo is making a fruit delivery to Melanie.

SANTO: Check out these melons, Mel!
MELANIE: Haha, cheeky! I'll come out and have a look.

But Toadie and Terese are sitting on a bench nearby, watching them. Toadie looks angry, and calls Santo a 'flea' for stringing Mel along. When Mel begins sniffing Santo's pineapples, it's the last straw! Toadie marches over to confront him.

TOADIE: Does Melanie know what you're doing, you scumbag?
SANTO: What?!
TOADIE: Leading her on, two- timing her behind her back.
SANTO: I don't know what you're talking about, mate.

Toadie steps right up close to Santo, as if about to start a fight, but Melanie urges him to stop. Terese looks horrified.

MELANIE: We're not dating! I lied.

The Waterhole
Terese and Toadie have accompanied Melanie to the pub, where Toadie apologises for being 'completely out of line'. But Melanie is apologetic too, saying it would never have happened if she'd been honest.

TERESE: Why weren't you honest?
MELANIE: Everyone seemed so pleased I was seeing someone new. And I hate being pitied.
TOADIE: ... Your private life is none of our business. And I will just stay well out of it from now on.
MELANIE: For what it's worth, I appreciate the gesture.

Melanie leaves them to it. Terese glances as Toadie, displeased.

Lassiter's Complex
Nicolette and Sasha are having a coffee in the courtyard, discussing Veronica. Nicolette thinks he needs to either speak to her on the phone or in person. Sasha says it won't be easy.

NICOLETTE: You need to give her the chance to say the things that she needs to say.
SASHA: Her issues are a lot bigger than us. They always have been.
NICOLETTE: But we need to own our past. Maybe then she'll get the help that she needs.
SASHA: ... Has there been anyone else for you since Kiri?
NICOLETTE: A few one- night stands! There's not a lot of choice in the countryside. You?

He shakes his head.

SASHA: I'll call Veronica.
NICOLETTE: Thank you. Can I drop you off at the station?
SASHA: I'd appreciate that.
NICOLETTE: Thanks for being so good about this.

They stand up, and share a hug. But little do they know, Veronica is lurking around the corner, and has seen their meeting. She sees them heading to the car together, then spies a piece of paper Nicolette's dropped by the table - it's the booking reference for the getaway, complete with the full address of the property in Hesket. Veronica sobs angrily as she watches Nicolette and Sasha climbing into the car...

Coming up on Neighbours
- Paul tells someone that David warned him about Chelsea
- But nonetheless he's still wining and dining Chelsea, and offers to teach her his 'favourite moves'
- Leo observes that Paul's having fun playing with fire
- Chelsea flirtatiously asks Paul how long it would take him to get her to checkmate
- We see Paul greeting Chelsea at the door of one of the guest rooms at Lassiter's
- Aaron, David, Leo, Krista and Nicolette arrive at the holiday house in Hesket
- Picturesque shots of the surrounding bushland follow
- We see Nicolette climbing the stairs of the house with trepidation
- There's a quick shot of Veronica...
- We see David and Aaron smiling at one another in the bush
- Leo and Krista are in the bush too, but looking very worried
- Nicolette panics as she comes face- to- face with Veronica
- Aaron and David run towards the sound of a woman screaming...