Max's Car: As it rains outside, Steph sits in Max’s arms, joking about how long it took them to get together. Since neither of them wants to go anywhere, they go back to kissing.

No 24 - Living Room: Harold is rubbing the periwinkle solution over his bald spot when Lou enters. He immediately catches on while Harold remains self-conscious about his appearance.

No 32 - Hallway/Living Room: Paranoid, Max is tending to his own bald spot in a mirror when Boyd joins him, finding the periwinkle sachet. As the subject turns to Max and Steph’s date, Boyd looks put off when Max mentions that she is coming to dinner.

Lou's Place: The pub is again redecorated with a Brazilian theme as Connor grumpily enters, having been called in by Lou. Lou shows him a page about periwinkle in a book, asking Connor to journey out and find some the next day. Valda enters from the kitchen and feeds Lou her latest dish, which he approves of.

No 32 - Living Room: Steph and the Hoylands have finished their takeaway when Summer tells Steph about their surfing trip the next day. Boyd and Summer are both excited, then Summer invites Steph to come with them. Steph is reluctant about intruding but says that she will think it over when Summer insists. Boyd looks at Summer, unimpressed.

Lou's Place: Lou is clearing a table when Harold enters with some Brazilian recipes for Valda. Valda joins them in traditional Brazilian dress and headwear, talking flirtatiously with Lou before leaving to entertain her “public.” Harold is forced to point out to Lou that Valda likes him romantically.

No 32 - Living Room: Steph is looking at a photo of a young Max and Boyd, and Boyd mentions that Claire took it. They talk about her love of photography and Steph asks if Boyd misses her before Max and Summer interrupt with ice cream. Summer again asks Steph to come surfing with them, Boyd taking a hesitant pause before saying that he wants her to.

The Coffee Shop: Next day, Michelle joins Connor as he ponders over obtaining the periwinkle. When he shows her the picture in the book, she remembers seeing the plant on a school trip and offers to go with him.

Lassiter's Complex: Outside, Connor and Michelle set off and Harold scolds Lou for extortion. Valda greets them as she approaches and Lou gets uptight, finally seeing the truth. When she leaves, Harold suggests that Lou turn her off by pretending to feel the same.

No 32 - Living Room: Max thanks Steph for making the effort as they and Summer get ready to leave. Boyd enters, complaining of a sore head. He insists they go ahead with the trip but Max says that they can put it off until later that day when he may feel better. Summer says that it is not fair and Max tells her it is not Boyd’s fault.

Field: Out of town, Connor and Michelle are scouring for the plant when Michelle suggests they take a break as it is a nice day. They get on to talking about New York and Michelle admits that she is scared of going. Agreeing that they will miss each other, Connor leans in to kiss her before his phone rings.

Lou's Place - Office: As Valda coos from outside, Lou urges Connor to come home quickly.

Field: Connor explains the situation to a concerned Michelle and they get up to keep looking. As Michelle asks about Connor’s duties at the pub, she decides that he needs to stand up for himself so that Lou is not taking advantage.

No 32 - Living Room: Steph and Summer are playing a board game when Max enters, reporting that Boyd is too sick to travel, so the trip is off. Summer is especially annoyed until Steph suggests they play soccer with Jack. She is immediately cheered up and Max watches fondly as Summer says that Steph is the best.

Woodland: When Connor finds some plants, Michelle says that they should look exactly like their description. Connor says that Lou will not be able to tell the difference, agreeing that he has been taken for granted too long.

Lou's Place: Lou is startled when Valda surprises him, ordering her back to the kitchen. Connor and Michelle return with their produce, Connor demanding the precise payment he is owed. Michelle plays along, and it works when Lou ushers them into the office to discuss further.

No 32 - Living Room: Boyd is on the phone to a friend, laughing and gossiping when someone enters. He hangs up and quickly returns to the sofa before Steph comes in, offering him a drink. As Boyd insists he go back to bed, Steph says that Max will be glad he is feeling better. Boyd looks unconcerned and goes to his room, leaving her shocked at his laid-back attitude.

Lou's Place/Office: The pub is again decorated with a new theme as Valda continues to flirt annoyingly. Lou takes her into the office where he corners her and says that he wants to be with her, unable to deny it any more. He says that he loves her and when she asks him to back off he starts laughing, thinking he has won, until she breaks down in tears.

Regular Cast Credits

Guest Cast: Joan Sydney as Valda Sheergold

Trivia Notes
• Valda’s “meaty” new recipe contains black beans, chorizo sausage, pork, bacon and pig’s “trotters”
• Harold compares Lou and Valda to Glen Ford and Rita Hayworth
• Boyd was 3 when the photo of himself and Max was taken
• Lou and Harold talk about the incident in 2002 when Valda and Harold “broke up” as she thought he was gay

Summary by Brendan