Alf flies off the handle as the town gossips about Martha’s dancing. Colleen challenges Betty Alsop to a bowls comp – it’s war! Lily finds refuge in Summer Bay House – but is she really safe?
Extended Summary
The girls listen as Lily tries to keep Kyle away. He heads out to work on his ute – and the girls emerge from the door. They urge Lily to come with them, now! Lily can’t do it – it’s too risky. She demands they leave. Cassie & Mattie head out with no choice – promise you’ll call me later okay? Lily quickly shuts the door as Kyle enters again – who was that? He’s not happy that Lily’s lied to him… Mattie thinks they should call the police – but Cass can’t. She has a better idea – they could smuggle Lily into Summer Bay House and pretend she isn’t Lily – just a mate, then only Cass & Mattie will know what she looks like. Perfect. Mattie isn’t so sure. Sally walks in and Cass asks if a ‘friend’ from the city can stay for a few days? A little thrown, Sal says that’s okay – what’s her name? On the spot, Matilda says Ruby. Matilda and Cassie bring Lily to the house she’s highly uncertain, fearing Kyle will discover what she’s done. Cassie just tells her to follow her lead and it will all be okay. Brad, Alf, Sally & Ric all meet ‘Ruby’ and she has to play along with the cover story/identity of being the mate from the city, an old school friend of Cassie’s. Ric knows something isn’t right here… He tries to trip Ruby up with a few questions re school etc. Carrying a plate to the sink, Lily cuts herself – she panics as they all mill around to help clean the mess – she’s really on edge. Ric helps bandage her hand up and notices the bruising on her arm, quickly hiding it under her sleave. Ric’s pretty sure that this might be Cass’s friend, Lily and when he questions Cass about it, Lily overhears and bolts. Ric and the girls track her down and Ric promises that he won’t tell anyone about who she is and why she’s staying. Will Lily trust him and return to the house? In the distance someone is watching on. It’s Kyle. And from the look on his face he’s far from happy…
At the Diner, Colleen bustles in demanding the cooking sherry. She’s needing a drink having just found out she’s been booted off her bowls team! Leah and Irene get Betty Aslop and Colleen together to talk out their issues and find a way to bowl in harmony once more. Colleen wants back in on the team, Betty wants the vintage cheese replaced that Colleen stole from the cheese wheel. Leah offers to replace the cheese on Colleen’s behalf, Betty welcomes her back on the team. Thrilled, Colleen says she’ll see Betty at the open tournament next week. Betty says that won’t be – Colleen’s bowling has been dusty of late – she’s back on the squad, but not the tournament team. Peeved, Colleen quits the squad – I’m captaining my own team Betty Alsop! Betty scoffs – with which players? Colleen indicates that Leah and Irene are on it! Colleen’s fired up for battle, while Leah and Irene swap grim looks.
Meanwhile, Alf thanks Tony for looking after the bar while he was away. He’s just sorry Martha walked out on her job like that. Alf mentions meeting Cam – doesn’t think much of him and then overhears two young blokes talking about Martha and how hot she looked on stage dancing at the club – they wouldn’t mind seeing her take off all her clothes in a private show… Alf is humiliated to hear this talk of his own granddaughter! Alf has headed up to Martha’s flat to help fix a tap. He is upset about what he’s overheard and asks Martha if she cares that people are talking about her behind her back – in not so pleasant ways? He wants her to show some self respect. Martha’s hurt – she didn’t realise he was ashamed of her! She demands him to leave. Alf knows he’s crossed the line and moves out. Alone, Martha crumples into tears – hurt and shamed. Alf broaches the blokes who were talking about Martha earlier and gives them an ear bashing – they’ll have to deal with him if he hears talk like that of Martha again. Aware of how serious he is, the guys scramble out. Later that night, Alf realises he needs to apologise to Martha. He heads over and gives a heartfelt speech – admitting that he’s worried about her. He’s not ashamed, he’s proud to say she’s his granddaughter and asks her if she’d like to go for a drink? Martha refuses, saying off all the sleazy things she’s heard at the club, none of the men have ever made her feel as cheap as he did today. His heart sinks – has he created an irreversible rift with Martha?