Episode 7388

Extended Summary

Mackenzie asks Ari about what she should wear for their date. Ari admits that after eight years in jail he’s out of practice and wonders if they’re meant to go out for a meal or to the movies. Mackenzie semi-seriously suggests a helicopter ride or fireworks display. Nikau comes home and, over Ari’s attempts to say otherwise, Mackenzie tells him they won’t be there long. She tells Ari she wants to see how he spends his spare time. Meanwhile, Alf reads the newspaper report on Ross’ body being found. Marilyn enters and says she’s going to put the washing on. Alf says he’ll make them lunch but Marilyn isn’t keen and says she’ll do a food shop later. Roo and Ryder arrive; they briefly greet Marilyn but she makes herself scarce, claiming she’s just remembered she should be at work. Roo notes it feels like they chased her out.

At the Diner, Leah offers Justin some food. Justin says he’ll wait until her break but Leah says that could be hours yet. Marilyn enters and says she’ll take over. Leah points out Marilyn isn’t even rostered on but Marilyn is insistent and Justin is keen to go up the beach so she agrees. Meanwhile, Roo and Ryder tell Alf about the concert and how Evan’s friends told Ryder lots of stories about him. Ryder is glad he went to the funeral. Alf tells him about Ross’ body being found and he decides to go and check on Bella. Roo wonders about Marilyn moving in. Alf gets a text and says he has to see a man about some prawns.

Ari takes Mackenzie down the beach to where a row boat is waiting. She thinks he’s organised a picnic on the water but then Alf appears with some fishing rods and bait. Mackenzie says this isn’t going to put her off and tries to make a bet on who’ll catch the biggest fish. Later, once they are out on the water, Ari tries to tell Mackenzie how to hook the bait but she’s already done it and also casts off in the middle of his explanation. Ari realises she’s done it before and Mackenzie explains she quickly realised the only way to spend time with Rick was to do things he was interested in. Ari is somewhat bewildered at the size of Rick’s boat. Mackenzie hooks a fish and she and Ari start reeling it in together.

Tane goes to the shed and gets some of the money from his stash. Nikau catches him and wonders where the money came from. Tane says he’s going to take off for a bit. Nikau angrily accuses him of bailing because he missed out on the girl and says Ari was right about him. Tane follows him round the front and convinces him to come inside for a chat. He tells him he hates working at Salt but has stuck around for Nikau. He also calls Mackenzie the whole package. Nikau says Tane doesn’t do relationships and thinks he’d soon tire of her. Tane says he’s not going to do anything. Ryder turns up looking for Bella and Nikau explains she’s at TAFE. Tane leaves them alone.

Alf goes to the Diner to chat to Marilyn but she is keeping busy and says she thought he’d want time with Roo and Ryder. Alf says Roo wanted to talk to Marilyn as well and unsuccessfully attempts to stress that it’s her home. Meanwhile, Ryder and Nikau are walking around the outside of the Parata house. Nikau notes Bella’s been closed off about the news and comments that they should start a club for people whose fathers are dead. He asks how Ryder’s feeling. Ryder says everything feels flat and Nikau notes it’ll feel like that for a while.

Alf meets Mackenzie and Ari on the beach after their expedition and is impressed to learn it was Mackenzie that caught the fish they’ve brought back, offering to take her out himself some time. Ari wonders if Mackenzie can gut the fish as well but she’s happy to leave that to him. Nikau comes over to collect the boat and Ari goes to get it. Mackenzie asks Nikau for his help with a surprise. Meanwhile, Leah and Justin have gone to see Roo. When Roo talks about Marilyn’s behaviour, Leah tells her that Marilyn wasn’t actually rostered on at work and Justin confirms she practically pushed them out.

Tane is bewildered by news that Ari took Mackenzie fishing but Ari suggests he knows Mackenzie better than Tane. He finds the fish missing from the fridge but Tane and Nikau deny having it. Mackenzie turns up dressed up and tells Ari to put something nice on. Tane goes out the back and stands looking depressed. Nikau comes over and copies his pose and expression in a teasing manner. He says he was meant to be meeting Bella but decides to stay and keep Tane company.

Mackenzie takes Ari to Salt and leads him to a balcony table. She then has the chef bring out the elaborately cooked fish. Ari says it’ll be difficult to top this but Mackenzie says she’s just trying to keep up with him. Meanwhile, Alf arrives home and tells Roo Marilyn was too busy to talk and is going to be at work until closing. Roo tells him that Marilyn wasn’t actually rostered on. Alf realises she actually does think she’s a burden and resolves to talk to her tomorrow morning.

Next morning, Ryder tells Alf he’s going to try and catch up with Bella today, although he might go for a surf first. Roo comes down and asks if either of them have seen Marilyn, who isn’t in her room. Alf and Roo note she’s coming home late and going out early to avoid them. Meanwhile, Leah and Justin spot Marilyn sitting in a park area; Justin makes himself scarce while Leah goes to talk to her. Leah wonders why she isn’t at home and Marilyn admits she feels like she doesn’t have a home.