Ronnie is dressed and ready to greet the day. Jack wonders where she is going? She tells him she’s just seizing the day. He asks if she was going to slip off? She teases back and says she was going to leave her telephone number. He teases her right back, telling her he’s not sure he’d call it after last nights performance. She protests and tells him she’s off to help with Phil’s birthday dinner. She inquires as to whether he’s still coming. He tells her it was the first thing he thought about when he awoke. She kisses him and heads off.
Jay grabs his backpack, and Jase tries to feed him. Jase apologizes to him for not being there for him. Jase notices he’s forgotten his books. He walks out and hands them to Jay. He wonders if he’s forgotten anything else. As they are chatting, Dawn walks up hollering “good morning,” and Jay makes a beat for school. Jase declares he’s never seen him so keen to get to school. Dawn tells him maybe he’s ok with them dating or perhaps he’s got a girlfriend of his own.
Ian and Jane are in the cafe. Jane wonders who is covering in their absence, and Ian tells her that Steven will. Steven needs to learn the business he tells her. Jane wonders if he does need to. Steven walks up and asks them about the dinner with Christian. He asks if Christian and Ashley were kissing and holding hands. Ian stops him and tells him he better not be homophobic. He’ll have none of that. Ian tells them he’s looking forward to his first gay wedding. Jane reminds him it might be a while as it may not happen anytime soon.
Christian arrives on the square.
Jay meets up with the E20 gang and wonders what they are up to. They tell him the world is their lobster and head off.
Peggy puts Ben’s trifle in the fridge. She says it’s coming along nicely. Ronnie walks in and wonders if they need any help. Roxy tells her no thank you; they have it all under control. Ronnie reminds her that Jack is coming. Peggy says she is and he is very welcome. Roxy comments that she thought this was meant to be a family dinner. Ronnie asks her why she doesn’t invite their dad then. He might turn up in a week. Roxy says she can’t wait to see Phil and Jack in the same room. Oh, there will be fireworks, Roxy declares. Peggy tells them there will not be as she won’t have it anyway but calm and perfect.
Hazel comes in and tells Minty she needs to talk to him about the wedding. Garry decides that it is his cue to leave. Minty takes a deep sigh. Hazel tells him that she knows he’s not keen on this whole line dancing thing. He wonders whatever gave her that idea. Minty gets up and leaves. She yells after him they need to talk about it.
Masood comes into the post office and wonders when Zainab is going to start talking to him again. She writes down she isn’t sure on a piece of paper. He tells her that the sooner they talk about it, the sooner it will be better. She tells him, “let me look at my beautiful gift my husband bought me for our 25th wedding anniversary from an antique shop. Oh no, wait from that woman who stole it out of the jumble Mrs. Trueman was throwing away! When I look at it I feel so special, so valued by my husband for the 25 years!” Mas says he’s apologized a million times. He asks her what he wants her to do? She tells him to get the money back from Shirley. Mas replies, “from that woman?” Zainab asks him if he’s a man or a mouse. She calls him a mouse repeatedly until he agrees.
Christian and Jane discuss how he and Ashley broke up. She tells him she was surprised at the way he spoke to him. Christian tells her he really liked him. Jane responds that he liked his money. Christian doesn’t defend taking security over passion. He tells Jane he’s sure she understands. She tells him she and Ian love each other very much. Christian says that he’s sure they do, in their own way. Jane gives him a look. Christian makes a comment about the cafe. Jane lets him know they own it. She asks Christian what he wants. He tells her he has nowhere to stay. She tells him she is sure he will find somewhere as he always lands on his feet. He winks at her. She tells him he doesn’t want to stay with fat, boring old Lesley, or her boring husband and boring kids in their boring house. Christian responds that it will just be for a few weeks. He tells her that he’s glad this has happened actually, and it will give them a chance to know one another again. He asks her if she’s not still mad at him about David? It’s the one thing he regrets, and he’s missed her. Ian interrupts, and Jane says they have an appointment. She tells Steven if there are any problems to give them a call. Outside the cafe, Ian is pleased that Jane and her brother have made up. She says then he won’t mind if he stays with them for a few weeks. Ian isn’t so pleased, after all.
Jay comes into the Minut Mart. Yolande asks him why he isn’t in school. He tells her they gave him the day off for good behavior. Yolande laughs and doesn’t believe him. She turns around, and Jay knocks off some cans distracting her. The E20 gang runs in and steals some candy and things from the counter. She runs them off and looks at Jay. She asks if he saw what they did. Jay responds with “kids these days, eh?”
Dawn is tidying up Jase’s apartment. Jase asks her what she is doing. She tells him it needs a makeover. He tells her he keeps it tidy. She says she knows, but it needs warmth, a woman’s touch, things to make it home. Jase tells her she doesn’t have to. She cuddles him and tells him she wants to.
Heather is in the laundrette working when the door slams. It’s Hazel whos come in. Heather tells her she has had the best idea and wonders what she thinks about Dolly and Kenny? Hazel doesn’t respond. Hazel tells her she thinks Minty is getting cold feet. She thinks she’s pushed him too far. Heather panics and says, “I was going to be a bridesmaid for the first time in my life!” Hazel says she knows. Heather says, “And everything was going to be really beautiful!” Hazel responds she knows. Heather says, ” And Garry was going to be best man and fall in love with me!” Hazel says she doesn’t know about that!
Christian introduces himself to Steven. Steven almost sticks his foot in it by saying he’s Jane’s gay brother. Christian is amused that he’s heard of him. Steven says he’s Ian’s son. Christian can’t believe he’s Ian’s son. He flirts with him a bit as a way of teasing and making Steven uncomfortable. Stacey comes in with Mo for their bacon rolls. Steven tries to get her to stay and eat them there, but she tells him they have a stall to run. Stacey walks out before Mo. Steven tells Christian that Stacey is his girlfriend. Christian looks at Mo, who isn’t amused. Christian looks at STeven.
The E20 gang is playing in the playground celebrating their stash of cigarettes they have. They are pleased with Jay. They tell him they are going to sell them for cash.
Mo fills Stacey in on what Steven has said about her being his girlfriend. Stacey doesn’t understand why he said it. Mo asks her if there is something she has to tell her old Nan? Stacye tells her marriage only busted up a short time ago. Mo tells her all the better to get on the horse again. Stacey tells her he isn’t exactly stable. Mo replies, “who is?”
Peggy is hanging up the phone as Phil walks in. She tells Phil that the bank was just on the phone telling her about all the money that’s just gone into her account. Phil convinces her it is a mix-up.
Masood comes into the laundrette and chats up Shirley to get his money back. He tells her it wasn’t worth even 30 pounds. Shirley tells him she’ll do him a deal and give him 40 pounds back for all his trouble. He accepts, and she tells him to get lost.
Roxy comes out of the Vic and asks Ronnie if they are still going halves on Phil’s present. Ronnie wonders if she is talking to her now? Roxy tells her she saw a few things. Ronnie cuts her off and tells her she’s getting a gift with Jack. Roxy asks her what this is? Roxy reminds her that she doesn’t trust people, doesn’t invite them to family meals or go in halves on presents. Ronnie tells her it is her and she doesn’t want to mess this up with Jack.
Heather goes to the arches and speaks to Minty about the wedding. Minty tells her, “not you and all?” and walks out. Garry calls after him.
Ronnie comes into the office at the club. She picks up a card and says it’s not Phil’s is it? Jack replies that it is not. Ronnie wonders whose it is. Jack tells her that it’s his daughters. He rather rudely tells her he would like to get to the work in front of him and sends Ronnie away.
Jase comes in to find his flat transformed. He tells her it looks nice. She has a load of clothes in her hand, and she starts to sort it. Jase tells her she shouldn’t be going through Jay’s things. She tells him it was all on the floor. She wonders if she’s gone too far and suggests she put it back. He tells her no, it’s ok. He says he’s going to make a start in the kitchen as she continues to sort through things. She feels something in the pocket and pulls out a knife. She hands it to Jase.
Jay and the E20 gang are in the cafe having a laugh. Shirley is at the counter paying, and Dot walks in. She yells at Shirley what they are doing there. Shirley turns to find the boys. Dot says that is the boy what terrorized her. Shirley tells them to watch the lip as they taunt Dot. Dot calls out to phone the police. Tegs walks up to her and asks what she’s going to tell them? Dot takes the phone from Steven and says she isn’t scared of them. She can’t figure out how to operate the phone and Tegs yells in her face. Shirley tosses them all out. Dot is upset. Shirley tells her it’s alright. Shirley tells Steven to get her a cup of tea. Dot asks for a spoonful of sugar. The boys walk along, and Tegs says that they’ll get her when she doesn’t have a crowd around her.
Ronnie is getting ready for Phil’s party. Jack wonders why she’s there getting ready when they are going to the Vic? Ronnie says she just thought it would be nice. Jack tells her she looks lovely. He says that it’s going to be fine. She tells him she knows.
Jase is yelling at Jay and asking why he has the knife. Jay turns it on Dawn and asks why she was going through his pockets. Dawn tries to defend herself. Jay tells his dad he needs the knife. All the other lads have it. Jase tells him they don’t all have knives and he doesn’t need it. Jase tells him that the ones that do carry are the ones you don’t want to know. Jay rolls his eyes and tosses his head back. Jase tells him if he ever pulled a knife, someone could get killed, and it could well be him. Jay tells him he should know. Jase tells him that is why he’s telling him. He asks Jay where he was today? Why wasn’t he at school? Jase tells Jay to get to his room and clean it from top to bottom. Jase stands up to him, and Jase tells him to move!
Phil comes in for his birthday and the balloons They say 50 on them, and he reminds them he’s only 47. Peggy giggles and Roxy asks if she knew. Peggy says of course she did, but Roxy had gone to so much trouble she didn’t want to spoil it. Ben tells them he thought it was funny. Roxy says she’ll take them all down. Peggy tells her to leave them. Ronnie and Jack come in. Jack hands Phil his presents of wine. Roxy reminds him he doesn’t drink. Ronnie says that is why Jack brought a non-alcoholic one.
Zainab is cleaning, and Masood comes in squeaking like a mouse. He has flowers and chocolates. She tells him not to think he can get around her by being all cute. She tells him he can’t make it better by spending more money. He asks her if they can just forget it. She tells him maybe he can, but she won’t. Zainab sets off to speak to Shirley.
They all tuck in at Phil’s party, and Ben reads the menu. It’s venison with blueberries and shallots he says. Jack declares that he loves venison. Ben asks what it is. Phil tells him it’s deer, like Rudolf and Bambi. Roxy is grossed out. Ben says he doesn’t want to eat Bambi. Roxy doesn’t want to either. Peggy tells them it’s just beef with raspberries and for them all to hush and eat.
Stacey questions Steven about saying he was her boyfriend. He tells her that Jane’s brother was freaking him out. He tells her it won’t happen again.
Jack asks Phil if he’s not afraid of getting old? Phil replies that he is not. Jack says he would not enjoy not being able to do what he used to do and getting tired and all. Peggy says she still feels like she is 17. Jack says as she should. Phil says that having Ben keeps him young and he should know with his daughter. Phil continues with he remembers that Jack isn’t allowed to see his daughter. Jack asks Peggy how the wine is. She says it’s lovely and they should have some more. He pours her a big drink. She tells him it’s too much. He says she can handle her drink though, can’t she? Phil gets up from the table. Ronnie asks if he’s alright. He says he’s just getting some water.
Jane and Ian discuss Christian staying with them. Ian says they don’t have the room. Jane reminds him it’s a big house, and there is plenty of space. Jane says he can stay for a few weeks. Ian says he doesn’t have any money. Jane responds that he can stay rent-free. Ian shuts the door to the front room and says they have boys in the house. Jane declares she hopes he isn’t homophobic. Ian reminds her he made a pass at David. Jane says he likes older men, so if anyone should be worried. She looks at Ian. He looks shocked. Jane tells him that he’s not everyone’s cup of tea and he has nothing to worry about as he’s not Christians type. Ian agrees to let him stay.
Phil and Ben bring in the trifle. Jack asks Ben if he really made this himself. Ben tells him that he did. Phil bumps Ben, and the desert spills in Jack’s lap. Ronnie yells at Phil. Ben yells Dad, and Roxy laughs. Peggy asks what he did that for? Ronnie says she can’t believe he did that. She offers to help Jack clean up. Phil says it was an accident. Jack asks him if they are mates? Phil says, of course, they aren’t. Jack says he thought they were and that is why he sold him the car lot! Peggy says, “You did what?” Jack looks at Phil and says, “You haven’t told her? He was desperate, so he sold it to me at a knockdown price.” Peggy asks Phil if this is true? Jack and Ronnie leave. Ben is upset no one is going to eat his trifle. Phil shouts at him to forget about the trifle. Roxy tells Phil there is no need to shout at Ben. Phil tells her he’ll shout at whomever he wants. Albert starts barking. Roxy goes to settle him.
Shirley is in the Minut Mart getting her usual as it’s payday. Yolande shows her the bag she’s just purchased. Zainab comes in and snatches money from Shirley’s hands. Shirley asks her what she’s playing at. Zainab Shirley tells her she earned that money fair and square. Zainab says she sold her husband something that belonged to Yolande. Shirley turns to Yolande who says that is right. She meant for those things to go to people less fortunate. Shirley tells her it did, to her! She turns, and Zainab is gone. Shirley goes running after her.
Ronnie tells Jack she doesn’t understand as he and Phil can’t stand one another. It was a big deal for her to bring him tonight. She wonders how he came to buy the car lot from Phil. Jack deflects and says their paths crossed and Phil was desperate. Jack tells Ronnie he was just helping Phil out. He nudges her to go to the club. She realizes she’s left her makeup at his. He hands her his keys and says he’ll go open up the club and to hurry. She heads back into the Vic.
Jase and Dawn are making out on the sofa. He says he should go check on Jay. Dawn says to leave him he’ll be ok. Jay sneaks past and out the door.
Peggy wonders how Phil managed to sell the car lot without her knowing as she surely had to sign something. She realizes the paperwork for Ben’s trust fund. She tells him he must have had a right laugh at her. Phil tells her it was nothing like that. Peggy wonders why he sold it to him? Peggy doesn’t believe him with every excuse he gives her. Phil takes a low blow and says the maybe it’s better out of her hands as she can’t be trusted with money. He immediately apologizes. She knows he meant it.
Garry finds Minty in the arches in a car. Garry wonders what is going on? Minty says he can’t give Hazel the wedding she wants. She wants line dancing and country music, and he can’t even dance. Garry says he can fix this.
Peggy is tossing out dinner when Roxy comes in and tries to help. She tells her hse knows what Phil thinks of her now. Ronnie steps into the door. Roxy blames her for the ruined night because she brought Jack. Ronnie goes in to speak to Phil. Phil wonders if she knows everything then did she know he bought the car lot? She says no. Phil wonders what she’s doing with Jack? What about his past, his ex-wife, and why he can’t see his own daughter? What kind of father isn’t allowed to see his own kid? She tells Phil she trusts him 100% and isn’t going to let some petty macho rivalry get int he way of what they have.
Christian comes into Ian and Jane’s. He says it’s lovely. She tells him to stop it. She tells Christian that Ian has decided to let him stay. Christian gives Jane a kiss and goes to hug Ian, who gives him an awkward handshake. Christian tells him he won’t mind him sharing a bed with him and Jane then? Ian’s face is priceless with shock and worry. Jane tells Ian that Christian is winding him up. Jane and Christian laugh.
Ronnie is on the phone with Jack telling him Max is still out. She is snooping through his drawers. She finds Selina’s address. She tells him she’s got what she came for.
Dot’s phone rings. She goes to answer the phone, and no one is there. She thinks it is Carol, but no one is on the phone. She calls back, but no one is there. There is a bang on her door. She’s frightened and calls out who’s there? She locks the door after calling out. She goes into her parlor and peaks out of the curtains. The boys jump down worried she’ll see them. Tegs says, “look at her face.” Jay says, “she looks really scared mate.” Tegs says they haven’t even started yet. Jay looks worried.