Honey tells Billy she thought they could paint Janet’s room with a murial. Honey tells him she can feel it in her bones. Billy tells her that they haven’t gotten the flat yet. There are still two people in front of them. She tells him to go and phone Peggy.
Lauren thanks her mum for her birthday gifts. Abi hands Lauren the mail and a card from her Dad. Tanya offers for Peter to come round later. Lauren says not this year. Lauren opens the card. Her phone buzzes with a message. Lauren reads it, and it’s just Bradley. Lauren says she keeps thinking Lucy will text. Tanya says they’ll still do something special, just family. Abi is reading the card from their Dad. Abi tells Lauren, “see I told you this one is from Dad! I knew he wouldn’t forget!” Tanya tells her they’ll have a great day, and make it really special. Lauren smiles at Tanya.
Libby is sitting in the caff. Chelsea comes in and says I didn’t say you could take the dress. Libby tells Chelsea that she didn’t take her money either. She is stealing from your own kid sister! Mum would be so proud! Chelsea tells her, “yeah, but Mum’s not here, is she?” Libby says their mum is only a phone call away. Libby tells Chelsea that she got another postcard from their mum today. She’s missing them terribly. Chelsea grabs Libby’s hand and tells her they can sort this out. They always do. Libby tells Chelsea that she doesn’t always behave like this, though. Libby tells her that she used to wish she had her style, but if this is how Chelsea gets it, then she doesn’t want any part of it. She tells her she just hopes her conscience can take it.
Peggy is on the phone with Billy. She tells him that it is fine. It will be nice to spend time with the kids she says. Roxy comes in very hungover and shushes Peggy. Roxy asks Ronnie why she didn’t tell her that hangovers get so much worse you hit 29. Ronnie says it wouldn’t have made a difference. Roxy says she’s going to have more drinks tonight, might as well spread it out. Ronnie says this from the girl who didn’t want to celebrate her birthday. Roxy says she may as well make the most of it. Ronnie tells her she’s working tonight. Roxy asks if she’s told, Auntie Peg? Ronnie tells Roxy that she’s working at the club. Roxy asks Ronnie if she’s still drunk? Ronnie tells her it’s not that big of a deal. Roxy wonders what Jack has said to her? Ronnie tells her nothing. She tells Roxy that their future is tied up in that club. Roxy says as long as that is what it is. Ronnie tells her that from now on, it’s head over heart all the way.
Shabnam is smiling and looking at Jalil. He smiles back at her. Zainab demands to know if Shabnam has finished those orders yet? Shabnam tells her that she is nearly finished. Zainab scorns her for staying out too late the night before. Shabnam explains to her mum that the film was later than they thought, then they had to wait for a bus. Zainab hopes the movie was worth it. Jalil says that it was a great movie. Shabnam smiles at him as Zainab watches the pair of them. She asks them what the movie was about. Jalil says that he let Shabnam select the movie. Zainab says that maybe Shabnam can show him some of the sights of London. Shabnam tells him she could, and one of her mates sells the most amazing clothes from her market. Jalil says that sadly he won’t be able to as he’s going home tomorrow. Shabnam seems shocked by this.
Tanya is in the Minut Mart getting supplies for Lauren’s birthday. Yolande asks if Max is still away? Tanya replies he is. Sean walks in and says first he’s heard about Max abandoning his girls. He whispers in her ear that first she’s planning his murder and now she’s playing domestic goddess. What is next? Tanya tells him it’s none of his business as he’s not in her life anymore. Yolande comes back, and Tanya asks how much she owes her?
Jane is bringing the trash to the bin when Christian walks up.
Jack catches up to Ronnie and says, “so you want to keep a closer eye on me?.” She tells him about the business. He says, “the business, right?” She says, “Yeah, do you have a problem with that?” She tells him that there will be no more special pricing on the VIP room for a flash of the skirt! He says, not even yours? She says, not even hers. She tells him from now on there will be no more dodgy business as she’s going to be watching everything. Jack laughs as he walks away.
Christian says he saw a different side of Ian last night. Jane says he’s embarrassed and thinks Christian might laugh at him. Christian laughs and says it’s nice his opinion of his is improving. Jane tells him he’s just exhausted and they haven’t heard from the police all week. Christian tells her not to lose heart. Jane shakes her head ok and goes back in the caff. Christian takes out his cell to make a call.
Libby comes home as Yolande is eating lunch. She tells Libby she was coming home. She would have made her a sandwich. Libby replies that she’s not hungry. Yolande says that it would save her money on sweets later at the theater. She asks Libby if today is her Shakespear day? Libby explains that she is not going. Yolande says she’s surprised as Libby has been looking forward to it for a while. She asks Libby if everything is okay? Libby shrugs and says she has a lot of work on. Yolande says it’s not like her to fall behind. Yolande tells her that she is here to help. She promised her mum she would look after her, and she doesn’t want to break her promise.
Zainab says they should make a treat for Jalil since it is his last day. Shabnam says she didn’t know it was. Zainab says that she could have been more encouraging with the romance. She tells Shabnam that men aren’t aware of subtle hints, and she could have done more than smile at him. Shabnam says that kissing is a little more than subtle. Zainab is excited as she declares she knew something happened last night! She says this changes everything! Shabnam wonders how he still has a girlfriend. Zainab says that the cellulite ridden cow is no match for her. She tells Shabnam to leave it to her, and she’ll have her in a wedding sari by the end of the summer.
Ian comes in, and Jane asks if any news? Ian tells her that Peter hasn’t even gotten dressed for school. Ian says he doesn’t want him to get behind in school. Ian tells Jane that if he says that to Peter, then he’ll think he doesn’t love Lucy. Jane says he can’t hide forever. Ian starts to panic and says, “What if Peter can’t handle this? What if he goes next?” Ian tells Jane he can’t afford to lose him as well! Jane tells him that he won’t lose Peter. She tells Ian that she knows it’s hard, but they have to try to keep things in perspective. Ian says he knows, but it just does your head in. Ian says this could go on for months or years, and he doesn’t want lucy to end up as a name on a list. That is what he is scared of. He says he doesn’t want her ended up as some file. Jane tells him we won’t let her! Let’s go down to that police station and remind them of who she is. Ian sniffs up tears and shakes his head yes.
Ronnie comes out all dolled up. Roxy calls her out on it and asks if Jack is going to be there while she’s taking stock at the club? Ronnie tells her she really has no faith in her willpower! Sean comes in, and Roxy calls out, “oh my hero! Are you recovered from last night!” Sean says he wonders if he can get any peace. Gus comes in and asks Sean if he has money for that beer? Roxy tells Gus that it’s on her actually for Sean saving her birthday last night. Gus says, “no money means no electricity. No electricity means no television.” Sean yells at him and asks if he ever has a pause? Sean tells him he sounds like moaning, nagging old woman. Sean says he’s sick to death of them.
Jack brings a gift for Lauren. He sees her cake making items. She tells Jack that Max normally buys a really posh cake. So she thought that she and the girls could bake one together. Jack says that it is a good idea. He tells Tanya that Penny went through a phase where she thought she wanted to be a baker. Every Saturday, they’d be baking cakes for nearly six months. She said she thought she had it rough going through all the guinea pigs. Jack tells Tanay she doesn’t have to be a super mom. He teases she might need a bigger bowl.
Honey shows Peggy the apartment building. Peggy says, “on the 5th floor? What if the lift breaks down?” Billy says they’ll manage. Peggy says she’s just doesn’t want them to rush into it is all. Billy says that they get 10 minutes to look it over then decide if they want it or not. Billy says that the family with the most points wins. Peggy wonders what they mark them on? Billy says maybe they should take Janet so the other families will feel guilty. Honey asks him how he thinks Janet will feel about that? Honey tells Billy they are not using their child. Billy apologizes as he knows he shouldn’t have said that. Peggy says it all sounds ridiculous to her. Billy’s phone rings. It’s Pat, and she’s coming home today. Billy says she wants to talk to them about something, and it sounded pretty serious. Peggy hurries them out the door, so they aren’t late. She wishes them good luck
Ian tells the police it’s been two weeks. The police officer tells him that they are doing all they can. Ian wonders why it’s them putting up the posters and running around the community? Jane wonders if there are any new leads? Ian says even if it is something small, he might be able to figure something out from it. The police officer tells him that they are trying everything, but the reality of it is that some people don’t want to be found. Ian tells him that Lucy is not some people. Lucy has blonde hair, a sharp brain; she likes clothes and loud music. Ian says she’s my little girl, his little angel.
Jalil is stocking the shelves when Shabnam comes in with tea and biscuits. He tells her he could get used to this. Shabnam asks him, “could you?” She tells him she didn’t realize he would be leaving so soon. Jalil says he has the stuff to sort out at home. Shabnam tells him they are going to miss having him around. She says her mum will. Jalil asks, “what about you?” She tells him her too. They are about to kiss when Zainab burst in and says that 7:00 o’clock tonight a big traditional dinner at theirs. She grabs the biscuits and says none of those. Jalil says that Shabnam was spoiling him. Zainab says there is plenty of time for that as they are having a big meal. Jalil says, “ah spoiling me again; I’m a lucky man.”
Sean is leaning on the bar as Roxy walks by and says, “still here?” He tells her not to flatter herself. She says she is just stating the facts. She asks Sean if he ever gets bored of being mean and moody? He asks if she ever gets bored of being so obvious? She says you really are full of it, aren’t you? Sean says yeah, because you’re all slappers. Yolande comes in and goes straight for Chelsea. She asks her if that is Libby’s money as well? Chelsea says, “sorry?” Yolande tells Chelsea that she went to prison a liar, and she’s come back a thief. What next? Yolande leaves.
Christian comes in, and Roxy asks him if she’s a slapper? He tells her no, you have to try harder. Roxy says, “that Sean Slater is so full of himself and so rude. He’s rude, arrogant!” Christian says he sounds irresistible. She says yeah he’s quite sexy innit he? Christian says he’s also a nutter. He tells her Sean will have her hanging upside down and holding on for dear life. Roxy says it sounds like fun! Christian tells her she’s sick, do you know that? She smiles and shakes her head, yes. Christan’s phone rings. He answers and says, “Simon? You still up for meeting later?”
The girls debate what to decorate the cake with. Abi declares that it should look and taste nice. Tanya apologizes that Yolande only had pink icing as she knows it’s not cool. Lauren says she’s too old for a birthday cake anyway. Tanya tells her she’s never too old for a birthday cake. Lauren walks out of the room.
Peggy welcomes Billy and Honey back. She asks them how they got on. Billy and Honey mess her about then finally tell her that they got the flat. Peggy says they should celebrate with a drink! She’s sure Pat won’t mind. The phone rings and the machine goes off. They hear a Doctors’s office leave a message for an appointment as given the circumstances they know she’s going to want to come in as soon as possible. Honey wonders what circumstances? Peggy says obviously they are not good.
Peter comes to the caff to meet Lauren. She thanks him for coming to meet her. He tells her it was the best excuse to get out of the house all week. Lauren says that her Dad usually makes a royal fuss for her, and her mum is trying, but it’s just not the same. Peter hands her his card. He says he got it ages ago and that Lucy thought it was too soppy. Lauren wonders if there has been any word? Peter doesn’t know.
Jane and Ian walk back to the square and agree to try to keep it together for the boys. They agree to try to keep things normal. Ian says he doesn’t even know what normal is any more. Christian comes up behind them with a guy. Ian and Jane assume he’s a date of Christian’s. Ian has a go at Christian, but Christian stops him. He tells them that Simon isn’t a date, he’s a private investigator.
Jack asks Ronnie if there are any complaints so far? She tells him that the stock seems up to date, but they could do with some new promotions. Jack suggests they get together and brainstorm. She tells him no she already knows what she wants. She tells him she will fill him in when she’s ready. Dawn walks in, and Jack tells her she looks lovely. She thanks him. Dawn tells Ronnie she doesn’t blame her. If he was her partner, she couldn’t keep away either. Ronnie tells her he’s her business partner. Ronnie says that her being there is a necessity, not a choice.
Peggy says that Pat did go off on a rush, didn’t she? Pat just up and went. Maybe she knew something was wrong. Billy says that Pat would have said something. She knows she can come to him. Peggy says it’s not as easy as that. Peggy says when she found out about her cancer, she just wanted to be alone. Honey asks if Peggy thinks it’s that serious. Billy says she would have said. Honey tells them she was right about the flat, and she’s right about this.
Jalil is impressed with the meal. Tamwar has prepared it. Jalil wonders if he’ll get to sample some of Shabnam’s cooking? She asks him if the men in his family do all the cooking? He tells her certainly not.
Tanya is closing the curtains as she spies Sean staring at the house. He walks away as she finishes closing the curtains. She looks worried. Sean gets into a construction machine and punches through the power line. The power goes off inside Tanya’s house. Elsewhere, Ronnie is telling Jack to stick his ego where the sun doesn’t shine, and the power goes out.
Tanya takes the cake out of the oven. Abi jokingly asks if it’s the ghost of the square come to haunt someone. Lauren replies that it should go haunt somewhere else. Lauren says it looks like her birthday is a total washout.
Libby is lighting candles when Chelsea walks in and hands her a gift card for the store. Libby asks if Yolande talked her into it then? Chelsea tears it in half. Libby calls her a cow. Chelsea tells her she can’t believe she is a grass! She thought they had agreed to keep it between them. Libby tells her she only told Yolande because she was scared. Chelsea says of Yolande? Libby tells her no, of you, Chelsea! I don’t know who you are anymore, Libby says. Chelsea apologizes and says she wasn’t thinking straight. Libby says she knows, and she thinks Chelsea should see someone. Chelsea says, “you what?” Libby says she doesn’t think Chelsea is over the whole prison thing, and it would help. Chelsea says, “You think I need mental counseling? You’re the one with mental genetics.” Libby asks her why she’s so cruel. Chelsea tells Libby that she is the one with a dad with a screw loose. Libby says Chelsea had a dad that was obsessed with money! Chelsea asks Libby if their mum said something about her Dad? She said that Lucas would do anything to get his hands on the stuff, no matter who he hurt. She asks Chelsea if that sounds familiar? Chelsea tells her she is making this up! Libby says it’s the truth. She tells Chelsea that it’s what is happening to her. Greedy, lying, selfish, sell your soul for a new dress!
Peggy, Honey, and Billy light candles. Honey declares, “chicken soup! That is what my Dad used to make me when I was sick. Not going to help Pat much now, is it?” Honey says that when she was a little girl, she had a next-door neighbor named Jemimah. Peggy likes the name. Honey continues that she used to bake cookies for her. Jemimah was going to marry a doctor, and she had asked Honey to be a bridesmaid. One day, two weeks before the wedding, she just dropped dead. She had a clot in her lungs. She didn’t even know. Honey starts to cry and says that Pat reminded her of Jemimah. Billy tries to console Honey. Peggy says that Pat has a good heart underneath all that. Honey agrees she did have a good heart, didn’t she? Billy says they are talking about Pat as if she is dead! She’s not gone. Yet, says Peggy. They raise their glasses to Pat.
Jalil says the food is great. He says he wouldn’t even know where to start. Tamwar says he’s been cooking for ages. Zainab asks Jalil if his girlfriend works? She tells him she assumes they are still together. Jalil is taken aback that she knows about Anusha. Jalil says, “she doesn’t work, it wouldn’t be appropriate.” Shabnam asks him why it wouldn’t be appropriate? Jalil tells her that his mother is very traditional. Shabnam says not much use in this day and age. He says, speaking like a modern woman. Tamwar says Jalil says that like it’s a bad thing. Zainab asks him what his thoughts are on modern women. He says that they provide fantastic entertainment. Shabnam says, “entertainment?” He says sure they drink, flirt, flaunt their bodies in revealing clothes in cheap nightclubs. Tamwar sticks up for Shabnam and says his sister is nothing like that. Zainab asks him what his point is? He tells her that they are fascinating, but in terms of a relationship, marriage, he’s inclined to go for someone more wholesome. Zainab asks if he means homely? She tells Jalil she’s seen the pictures of his girlfriend. He asks if she’s seen Anusha? He says that he thinks they better leave her out of this. Zainab says no; she’s sure that she waits on him hand and foot. She is probably just grateful for the attention. She continues that she believes Shabnam knows her worth, and she won’t stand for such arrogance and chauvinism. She tells him if he doesn’t mind, she would like to continue her dinner in a civilized manner. Jalil agrees. Zainab tells him no, alone with her family. Zainab asks Tamwar to help Jalil with his bags as there is no point in him hanging around until tomorrow. Jalil leaves the table. Shabnam looks at her mum with whole new respect.
Ronnie tells jack she doesn’t see why they had to close. She says she bets the Vic is probably still open. She wonders why he sent Dawn home as she could use another pair of hands clearing up. She goes to gather some glasses and slips. Jack finds her on the floor, holding her ankle.
Chelsea searches the internet for Lucas Johnson.
Sean comes into the pub, which is still open. He sits down at the table with a man and says there is no negotiation on price. Christian is chatting with Roxy. He asks her where loverboy is? She tells him Sean is probably thinking up new insults for her. Christian laughs and says it’s worrying him how hopeful she sounds. She says that Sean is right, though. She is obvious. Christian tells her that if she is going to go after him, then she needs to think outside the box a bit. Gus comes in, sees Sean, and turns around and leaves. Roxy notices Sean too.
Jack is helping Ronnie and tells her to stay still, or he’s not going to be able to do it. She’s cut her leg on glass. She tells him to hurry up as she has things to do. He tells her she’s such a list maker, isn’t she? Ronnie questions him. He tells her that he’s seen her. She is sitting there, making her little list up in her head. Ronnie scoffs and says it’s called multitasking. He asks, is that why she puts her make up on when she is getting dressed? He says she better be careful, or she’ll find her mascara tucked into her knickers. She tells him she doesn’t do that. He teases her and tells her he has all of it stored in his memory. She looks at him as he talks. He describes the way she sleeps. He says he’s got it all up in his head. He smiles at Ronnie.
Billy closes his mobile and says that Pat is on her way back from Gatwick now. Honey says they’ll look after her, won’t they? She says even if it means giving up the flat as they can’t desert Pat in her hour of need. Peggy says they won’t push her, and they’ll wait for Pat to tell them. They all agree.
Tanya is carrying in a box that has arrived. They open it and discover a posh cake. Abi says she knew Dad wouldn’t forget. Lauren is pleased that her Dad remembered to do that. Tanya opens the card, and it’s actually from Jack. The card says, “Even Nigella needs a back up sometimes. Love Jack,” Tanya doesn’t tell them it’s not from Max.
A black cab rolls by as Jack is helping Ronnie home. She tells him he doesn’t have to walk her home. Jack tells Ronnie he knows she can do it on her own. He’s just looking out for his tie. She tells him his tie has pretty much had it. Jack tells her not to be so defeatist. He tells her to pick her leg up as he bends down. He adjusts the tie and tells her it just needed a bit of TLC. That is all. He stands up and goes to kiss Ronnie, but she stops him. She tells him she can’t do this. She tells him he can’t just erase everything with a few kisses. He tells her he is sorry. She asks him what he is sorry for? Cheating on her? Kidnapping her sister? Screwing her business? Ronnie tells Jack she is not going to let him mess with her head anymore. She tells him that going back to work at the club was a mistake. He tells her she can avoid it, but this between them isn’t going to go away. He turns and walks away.
Sean asks Roxy why she’s brought him down there? He tells her she better not be messing about. She tells him he doesn’t know who he’s messing with. She tells him he can either give her the money he owes Gus or she’s taking it. Sean laughs and says, Gus? He says you brought me all the way down here because of some electricity bill? Roxy tells him she ain’t joking. She tells Sean she wants the money. Sean laughs and asks her how she is going to convince him? Is she going to persuade him with her feminine wiles? He tells her not to bother as there ain’t no trick he hasn’t seen. She gets close up and sets the lantern down behind her. She asks him, “how about this one, eh?” Roxy punches him. Sean comes around, and Roxy tells him she is sorry. He kisses her and tells her he told her she was a slapper.
Pat gets out of the cab and notices the square is in the dark. She takes a look around. She goes to pay the cabbie.
Ronnie is brushing her teeth and notices she does it exactly as Jack said she does. She smiles and goes back to brushing.
Peggy, Billy, and Honey come out to greet Pat. Peggy says, “Pat, are you, alright, love?” Billy goes to get her bags. Pat says she didn’t expect a welcome party! Honey notices her arm is wrapped. She asks what happened. Pat says some bloke ran into her at the airport. Honey hugs her real tight. Pat says she should go away more often. She looks at Peggy and says, “don’t say you’ve missed me and all Peggy!” Peggy tells her, of course, she did. Honey tells her they will look after her. Pat is suspicious and tells them that if there is any bad news, she just wants them to come out with it. Honey says, “Pat, we’re so sorry, is it anything serious? It’s not cancer, is it?” Pat says, “Cancer? What are you talking about?” Peggy says the doctor left a message and given the circumstance and all. Honey says they’ve turned down the flat and are prepared to look after her. Pat stops them and says she is going to see the doctor because she’s selling and moving to Spain. She is leaving Walford.