No 32
We continue where we left off. On the patio, Vera and Nicolette sit by while Holly quietly tries to convince Byron to tell Max to move out. Sure enough, when Max approaches from the pool area, Byron bites the bullet and tells him to find somewhere else to live.

MAX: Mate, this street is literally named after my family. I reckon I belong here more than anyone else.
HOLLY (laughs): Listen, we're not big on jerks, no matter what your last name is.
MAX: You two ripped into me, not the other way round. And besides, it's too late. Vera's already sorting me a new lease.

Max heads inside, while Vera does her best to look innocent.

BYRON: Vera, I thought you said you were gonna hold off on finding a new housemate.
VERA: Well if that's what you chose to hear, that's your problem, sunshine. No one else has one?
NICOLETTE: ... It's fine with me.
BYRON: You don't even know him, okay? He's not a nice guy. Tell 'em, Hoyland.
HOLLY: Yeah. He's a jerk.
VERA: Lucky for you, you don't live here. Lucky for me, Max does.

Holly groans and she and Byron walk off, just as Vic arrives, looking annoyed.

VIC: Nicolette - we need to talk.

Nicolette leads Vic indoors.

VIC: What you said to Melanie was completely out of line. I told you to stay out of my love life.
NICOLETTE: I was doing you a favour. Getting involved with Melanie would've been a huge mistake.
VIC: That's my decision, not yours!
NICOLETTE: What does it matter? You're with Mum.
VIC: No. No, I'm not (...) We agreed that it wasn't going to work out, given that my heart isn't with Jane.
NICOLETTE: Don't tell me it's with Melanie.
VIC: It is. But now, she doesn't want anything to do with me. I hope you're happy.

Vic walks out, leaving Nicolette looking upset.

Ramsay Street
Aaron helps Cara get some furniture off the back of her ute; she's picked up some stuff from hard rubbish and is going to do it up and resell it, to make a bit of extra cash for the family trip to New York, which they're planning to take in the school holidays.

CARA: And then, when we're back, I hope that we can get full steam ahead on baby planning.
AARON: Hey, I'm glad all that stuff with Felix didn't throw you guys off. If I'm honest, I'm a little bit jealous; I remember that... before David died... him, Nicolette and I, we were talking about trying for another baby.
CARA: Oh, Aaron. I'm... I'm so sorry.
AARON: No, no, don't be sorry. A new life is something to be celebrated. I'm happy for you guys.

Aaron goes on his way, leaving Cara looking thoughtful.

No 24
Nicolette comes to see Jane, to talk to her about her split from Vic.

JANE: I'd hardly say that we were together in the first place.
NICOLETTE: I'm so sorry.
JANE: Oh, no. I'm glad that I ended things before it became too complicated, you know? Your father's heart belongs to Melanie.
NICOLETTE: Well, he told me that she ripped it out and tore it to shreds.
JANE: Oh, no. That is a shame.
NICOLETTE: Are you sure you're okay with it?
JANE: Oh, look, part of me was hoping for a fairytale ending. But that's exactly what it was, so... No, I need to face reality. As much as I hate to admit it, Byron was right when he said that I'd latched onto Vic because I was missing Mike. I miss having someone special in my life.
NICOLETTE: You will get them. You're too much of a hottie not to be swept up by someone.
JANE (laughs): Hottie?
NICOLETTE: Yeah, own it! I bet they're just around the corner.
JANE: Well, I appreciate the sentiment. But it's probably best that they keep their distance for just a little while.
NICOLETTE: Oh, Mum...

Nicolette gives Jane a hug.

Lassiter's Hotel
Paul and Shane are headed into Paul's office for a whisky. Shane tells Paul that once he's got Max settled here, he's headed to the Sahara Desert (!)

SHANE: It's always been on my bucket list. And very much not on Izzy's.

Paul asks what Max will be doing for work while he's here. Shane explains that Max had almost finished off a mechanic's apprenticeship when Shane came into his money, and Shane convinced him to let it go, as 'there's more to life than being stuck under a car bonnet'. Shane admits he's been thinking Max could work here at the hotel.

PAUL: It's a great solid start for him. And we always need porters, so, yeah.
SHANE (laughs): My kid's way beyond lugging suitcases for a living. He needs a challenge, to thrive, like we did.
PAUL: That's just it, Shane. See, we worked our way up in the world, and that taught us the value of success. So, I could probably find a job for him in the piano bar?

But Shane isn't satisfied with this.

SHANE: Remember how I backed out of the hotel sale because you and Terese got back together?
PAUL (sighs, smiling): Yeah... I do.

No 30
Cara has amassed the furniture she's got from hard rubbish in the sunroom, and tells Remi she's confident she can sell it after it's had 'a little bit of love'. There's a high- chair amongst the items, and Cara suggests they could keep this one for themselves. This moves things onto baby chat, and Cara asks Remi, if they went with a known donor, how she'd feel about Aaron?

CARA: I was talking to him just before, and he, David and Nicolette were actually considering having another baby right before David died.
REMI: Did you ask him?
CARA: No. I wanted to talk to you about it first. He just seemed really sad when he mentioned it. Like he'd love to be a dad again. Is he someone you might consider?
REMI: I mean, Aaron is great. Just poses a lot of questions. Like, how would Nicolette feel? Not to mention the boys - and little Isla.
CARA: Yeah, I know there'd be a lot to talk about. Look, it was just an idea. But if it makes you uncomfortable, then...
REMI: No, no, it's not that. Just getting my head around it all.

No 32
Max has cooked a meal for his new housemates, and Nicolette is very impressed with his efforts, as is Vera. But Holly and Byron aren't so easily won around.

MAX: So, I'm looking forward to meeting Sadie tomorrow.
BYRON: I can't say the feeling's mutual. Oh no, she is curious, though... why Erinsborough?

Max looks briefly uncomfortable, then...

MAX: It's like I already told you, bro. My family's got roots here. Plus, I'm a huge Aussie rules fan.
VERA: Oh, I'm happy to take you to a game!

At this point, Shane and Paul come in; Shane is keen to check out Max's new home.

SHANE: Definitely an upgrade from when crusty old Mrs Mangel used to live here.
BYRON: Oi! That's my great grandmother you're talking about.
PAUL: Anyway, it's really good to have another Ramsay back on Ramsay Street.
HOLLY: Yeah, debatable.
PAUL (to Max): Hey, listen, I want to offer you a trial as Krista's and my executive assistant.
MAX (wrongfooted): Wow.
HOLLY (outraged): Wait, what?! Since when was there even a job going? What's his experience?
PAUL: Holly, just settle down, will you? Shane's already vouched for Max.
MAX (forced enthusiasm): That sounds... great. Thanks, Paul.

They shake on it, and Holly and Byron look despairing.

No 28
Jane is having a glass of wine with Karl and Susan. Susan is sorry that Jane's relationship with Vic hasn't worked out, but Jane is philosophical, saying she thinks it's for the best.

At this point, Shane turns up with a bottle of wine and some flowers for Karl and Susan! He's pleasantly surprised to see Jane with them, and they greet each other with a hug. Shane tells her he was sorry to hear about her split from Mike, and Jane asks how Izzy is.

SHANE: Well, she's probably in Greece with an oil baron by now.

Jane has to get going, but tells Shane they are long overdue a catchup, and tells him to message her when he's free. He says he will, and Jane heads off.

Susan and Karl are grateful but bemused as to why Shane is giving them wine and flowers.

SUSAN: What can we do for you, Shane?
SHANE: It's about... Izzy, actually. I know it's a little bit awkward, but, uh, I just can't get her out of my head.
SUSAN: (looks unimpressed)
SHANE: Karl, how did you ever get over her?

Susan looks even less impressed, and stares at Karl dangerously, curious to hear his answer!

KARL (stammering): Uh... Oh, well... I dunno if it's appropriate to discuss Izzy -
SUSAN: Oh, no. Please - please don't let me stop you. No, in fact, I think you're probably doing a bit of community service here. Hey, why don't you dial Malcolm in, too? (!)
SHANE: That's a great idea! I'll get some glasses.

Shane goes to pour some wine!

SUSAN (unimpressed): I'll leave you to it.

She practically whacks Karl with the bouquet of flowers as she gives them to him and heads to the bedroom.

KARL: I love you!
SUSAN (coolly): Thank you.

Karl looks sheepish!

No 24
Vic is chatting to Jane about his conversation with Melanie, and tells her that Mel's decided she doesn't want history to repeat itself. Jane understands why she would feel that way, but says it's a totally different situation than the Terese/Toadie/Mel scenario. Vic says that may be, but Mel doesn't want to risk hurting someone again.

Byron walks in, and is surprised and not especially impressed to see Vic there.

BYRON: What are you doing here? Didn't come crawling back to Mum after Melanie gave you the boot?
JANE: Byron!
VIC: Don't stress. I'm here because I value your mother's friendship.

Byron makes it clear that he didn't approve of Jane and Vic getting back together, and while he was surprised about Vic and Melanie, the latter pairing 'made more sense'.

VIC: Well, that's a moot point.
JANE: You know, maybe after a bit of time, things might work out for you two?
VIC: Ah, well, the old me would've been in there turning on the charm until Mel came round, but... not anymore.

Byron's interventions have made the atmosphere uncomfortable, so Vic thanks Jane for the tea, and leaves.

Ramsay Street
Nicolette is bringing out a bin bag when she sees Vic emerging from the driveway of No 24. She smiles and waves across at him, but Vic is still annoyed with her and glares, before going on his way without a word. Nicolette scoffs and slams the bin shut. Max appears, bringing out a box of recycling.

MAX: Not a morning person?
NICOLETTE: Not when I get snubbed! (shouting after Vic) By my dad!

Nicolette explains to Max how she tried to 'smooth the way' for a Jane and Vic reunion, but 'stuffed up', so now Vic's really mad with her.

MAX: Doesn't matter how old you are, right? If you disappoint your folks, you might as well be a little kid.
NICOLETTE: I should be used to it by now. Byron has always been the golden- haired child of the family.
MAX: Right. Any tips on how to win him over?
NICOLETTE: (...) I dunno. Tell him he's got nice eyes or something. That's always a surefire winner.
MAX: Noted.

Karl pulls up on his bike, wearing all the regalia.

NICOLETTE: Lovely hat.

Nicolette heads back indoors, leaving Karl to introduce himself to Max. Max recognises the name immediately.

MAX: Oh, Karl, great to meet you. Yeah, Izzy's spoken about you and Susan a lot.
KARL (laughs): Yes, I bet she has. We had a very long chat with your dad last night...

Karl happens to mention that he's having some problems with his car, so is having to cycle to pick up some supplies; he's expecting to have to get a tow truck to take the car off to be mended. Max mentions that he's pretty close to being a qualified mechanic, so can take a look at the car for him. Max thinks cars like Karl's are built to last, so it might just be a minor problem that could be easy to fix.

KARL: How much do you think that might cost me? I'm on a bit of a budget.
MAX: Mate, absolutely nothing. We're neighbours.
KARL: Oh! Well, I like the sound of that!

Karl goes on his way, promising to see Max later.

Harold's Lakeside
Cara and Remi are having a coffee. Cara asks if Remi's had any thoughts about the idea of asking Aaron to be a donor.

REMI: Lots. Aaron is a good person, a great friend, and a fantastic dad.
CARA: But?
REMI: No buts. And I think we should float the idea.
CARA (pleased): Seriously?
REMI (nods): But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We don't know what he's gonna say. No commitments, and no hard feelings, either way.

Cara agrees, but looks excited at the prospect.

Lassiter's Complex
Aaron is jogging and stops for a breather in the courtyard, just as Remi and Cara are coming out of the café. They decide that now is as good a time as any, so they go over and ask him if he's free for dinner tonight.

REMI: There's something important we want to discuss with you.
AARON: Okay...
CARA: It's a pretty big something.
REMI: Yeah, and a pretty interesting something. And maybe even a pretty great something!
AARON: Right...!
CARA: Or not. And if not, that's fine as well.
AARON: Okay. Well, yes, I am free tonight. But now I'm just curious! What is this?
REMI: No, no, we'll talk about it over dinner.
AARON (laughing): Come on, you can't do all of that and leave me hanging!
REMI: Yeah... look, it's just an idea, but...
CARA: Well, we were wondering if there was a world where you might consider being our donor.
AARON (surprised): Your... really? Um... I mean, I... I would love to. It would be an honour, but... I just... I can't. I carry the gene for Huntington's. That's the reason why we went with David instead of me.
REMI: Oh, Aaron. I'm so sorry.
AARON: No, don't be. I'm sorry that I can't help. I really wish I could, but it's just not possible.

Cara and Remi nod understandingly, but are visibly disappointed.

No 32
Holly comes in to see Byron, having just had an offscreen farewell brunch for Melanie. Holly is sad about Melanie leaving.

HOLLY: It's so unfair! Why are all the good people leaving Erinsborough?
BYRON: And all the annoying ones are moving in.

Byron and Holly start slagging off Max, but Nicolette tells them they're both being ridiculous; they shouldn't hold his appointment at Lassiter's against him because 'nepotism isn't a crime'. But Holly and Byron continue to slag him off. Nic thinks they're overreacting, and as if on cue, Max comes in with a washing basket, having done everyone's washing for them! Vera follows him in.

VERA: You are such a good boy, Max Ramsay. Wherever did he come from, hmm)?
HOLLY (whispering, to Byron): From hell.

Max passes piles of washing to everyone (Nicolette hides her undies from view when she gets hers!) Max says casually, as he hands over Byron's...

MAX: Hey, you've got nice eyes, by the way.

Byron and Holly both look weirded out.

HOLLY: I have to go to work.
BYRON: I... will walk with you.

Nicolette smiles to herself as Byron and Holly leave.

MAX: Well, that worked a treat (!) Maybe bringing in everyone's undies was too much?
NICOLETTE: Our parents dated, so we're basically family.
MAX: Yeah, nice deflection.
NICOLETTE: Hey, don't stress about Holly and Byron. They will get over themselves. Eventually.

The Waterhole
Paul and Shane are chatting at a table when Max comes in.

SHANE: I was just filling in Paul on all your achievements in Queensland.
MAX: Right, that would've taken you, what? A minute?
SHANE: Don't sell yourself short.
MAX: Yeah, can't argue with my biggest fan here.

Shane has bought Max a suit for his new job as Paul's executive assistant, and says he can't wait to see them working together. Max is all smiles but clearly isn't as enthusiastic about this career move as Shane is. Nonetheless he thanks Paul again for the job, and goes to get them all some coffees.

PAUL: You two seem to have a great relationship.
SHANE: Yeah, I'm lucky.

Noting Paul's subdued expression, Shane apologises, guessing he's thinking of David (and maybe Cameron?)

SHANE: I'm sorry. Times like this must be a real kick in the guts for you.

Paul assures him it's alright, but seems to appreciate a friendly hand on his shoulder.

No 32
Nicolette has invited Vic around to apologise to him for interfering with his love life.

NICOLETTE: I just wanted Mum to be happy.
VIC: Yeah. So did I. I thought I could make up for all the times that I made her unhappy - you know, finally put things right between us. The last thing I wanted to do was disappoint her, but that's... that's what I've done, again.
NICOLETTE: Well, she seems to be taking it pretty well.
VIC: Yeah. That's your mum. She deserves someone who is completely dedicated to her. I have no doubt she'll find him.
NICOLETTE: And what about you? You deserve to be happy too. Can I apologise to Melanie, and let her know I made the whole thing up?
VIC: No, won't make any difference. Melanie's reasons for not being together aren't because of that. And I have to respect her wishes.
NICOLETTE: Is there anything I can do?
VIC: No. But thanks for asking. And thanks for apologising.

He gives her a hug and a kiss, then tells her he has to head off, as he's doing the handover of the pub at Gippsland and needs to get things organised.

Lassiter's Hotel
Karl comes into the foyer to drop off something Holly's left at home. She admits she's been distracted because of the interview offer from the Crimesborough Podcast, and also feeling sad about Melanie leaving. Paul appears, and isn't very impressed with Holly's unenthusiastic demeanour as she lugs some guests' cases into the lift. Once she's gone...

PAUL: Not exactly the sort of greeting our guests expect, is it?
KARL: Holly's been going through a lot lately. She's dealing with it the best she can. What she needs is the support of a good friend. Actually, on reflection, that's something a stable young man like Max might be able to give to her...

The Waterhole
Shane is still drinking coffee with Max, and assures him of the great opportunities for him at Lassiter's. But Max looks deeply unenthusiastic.

SHANE: You just need to give it a chance.
MAX: Just because your past is here, doesn't mean my future is.

Lassiter's Hotel
Paul tells Karl he can't pull the wool over his eyes - he's just trying to match up Max with Holly because he's adjacent to the 'nearest cash cow'!

KARL: Oh, it never even crossed my mind! Look, I met Max - he's lovely! He certainly wouldn't bring chaos and danger into Holly's life.

The Waterhole
Max tells Shane...

MAX: I don't want this job at Lassiter's. I want to go home.

But Shane looks alarmed at this idea.

SHANE: That's not happening. After what you did, it's *far* too dangerous for you in Queensland.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Paul introduces Krista to Max as their new executive assistant; but Krista queries this immediately
- Max flirts with Sadie outside the hotel, and she appears to be flattered
- Susan moans to Karl about Shane hanging around; she sympathises with Izzy's victims but this is too much!
- Karl decides he needs to find a way to get Izzy out of Shane's mind