Episode 8070

Extended Summary

Irene and John turn up at the coffee cart where Irene thanks Marilyn for covering for her. John explains Irene has helped him get a new suit for Jett’s wedding. Marilyn seems fairly uncomfortable and says she’s going back to the Diner, as John compliments Irene on being a better haggler than he is. At the Diner, Marilyn welcomes Alf back to town, with him pointing out he was only gone a day. He says Roo is bossing them all around but isn’t up and about yet because there’s still swelling on her spine. He asks if she’s heard from “the Organics mob”. Marilyn says some of the brand ambassadors reached out to thank them. Alf wants the company punished.

Rose tells Mali that Elandra and the rest of his family love him and would be happy to help him out. Mali says he’s always been the baby of the family and running his own business was his way of showing them he’s not a kid anymore. Later, Rose suggests an idea that she knows he’ll hate: She lends him the money to hire instructors. Mali turns that idea down as well.

John asks Irene what the best bargain she’s ever got was and Irene recalls haggling down a River Boy at a Mangrove River garage sale over a set of steak knives. Xander has been listening in and comments on the fact John seems to be better yet is still living with Irene. John admits he’s never really thought about it and Irene says there’s plenty of time. Xander goes to Salt and tells Mackenzie his theory that Irene and John are a couple. Mackenzie isn’t convinced, since they’ve been friends for ages. Xander points out they’re both single and live alone, and he’s still living with her. Mackenzie says there might be a way to find out.

Rose asks Mali what the difference is between accepring a loan from her and accepting a rent freeze from Alf. Mali says the latter is business. Rose suggests they could treat this like business as well but Mali still isn’t comfortable with it. At the surf club, Mackenzie finds John tidying up. She reminds him of how she was his date to Tane and Felicity’s wedding. John isn’t sure that giving her a lift counts as a date. Mackenzie wonders if he needs a plus one for Jett’s wedding. John says that’s not necessary and, when she wonders if he already has someone, says a gentleman never tells.

At the same time, Xander offers to help Irene pack up at the coffee cart and comments on how her and John are getting on. Irene notes Xander makes them sound like an old married couple but says it’s good to have a mate. Rose turns up and chats to Xander about the situation with Mali and how he won’t accept help. Xander offers to talk to him.

At the Diner, Irene wryly comments on Marilyn staring at her phone instead of helping her. Marilyn shows Alf and Irene a Coastal News article with the headline “Local hero exposes fraud”, showing a photo of Alf confronting Carey and saying staff and brand ambassadors are abandoning the company in droves and their shares are falling with liquidation expected soon. They all celebrate.

Mali is on the phone refunding another customer whose holiday plans have been disrupted by the lesson being cancelled. Xander turns up and says Rose is worried about him. He wonders why Mali won’t accept help from a friend and Mali says it’s financial support he won’t accept. Xander asks what his plan is and it’s clear Mali doesn’t have an answer. At Salt, Mackenzie tries to reassure Rose. As Xander and Mali turn up, Mackenzie and Xander mention that they think Irene and John are dating. Xander suggests the four of them get together and work out a plan for Mali.

Irene gives Alf a slice of cake, saying the couple in the corner bought it for him after reading the article. Marilyn tells them she’s deleted her Stunning Organics social media and is glad it’s over. Irene says she’s going to meet John at the surf club so they can walk home together. Marilyn somewhat awkwardly asks if John can’t find his own way home. Irene says they just enjoy the company.

Mackenzie asks Mali how long before he can surf again and Mali says about a month. Mackenzie says that means they just need a short-term fix. Xander thinks the obvious solution is for him to teach, since he knows the programme and has the first aid qualifications and spare time. The others crack up, pointing out he doesn’t know much more than the newbies. Xander says he can at least teach the beginners the basics and Mackenzie volunteers to teach the others. Rose asks Mali what he thinks and he agrees.

Irene meets John at the surf club. He is working on his speech for Jett’s wedding and asks what rhymes with love. Irene suggests shove or above. They comment on the fact that Xander and Mackenzie have been both asking them odd questions. Mali chimes in that everyone thinks they’re dating, adding good on them if they are. They both look bewildered.

Next morning, Mali is handing out flyers on the beach, saying surf lessons are back on. Xander is teaching a group on the sand while Mackenzie brings a student back from a surf. Rose joins Mali who says he couldn’t have done it without her and loves her. Rose looks gobsmacked and continues to do so as he casually goes over to chat to Mackenzie and Xander.

John and Irene turn up at the Diner, with John wondering if they should have arrived separately to stop rumours. Irene says people can think what they like and sarcastically asks if he thinks they should take out an advertisement in the Coastal News. John ponders if that’s actually an option. Marilyn asks about their walks last night and this morning and if they’re looking forward to John moving home and everything getting back to normal. Irene directs her to take an order out. John thinks he should put her straight but Irene thinks they should really give people something to talk about.