We start off in Manchester where it's the morning after the night before. Vic brings Mark breakfast in bed, although it seems that he'd prefer "an action replay of last night's performance".
So, what happened to the cinema, then? MegaSex rather than MegaPlex, it would appear!
Anyway, Mark gives Vic back the ring that she so famously threw at him in Bar Brookie that day and suggests that she moves out of the spare room and into his. When she agrees, Mark is overjoyed.
Back on the Close, Ryan tells Katie that he's arranged to go to Scotland to see Abby and Lia over the weekend. Katie is rather put out and lets it be known that she's not pleased. In fact, she makes it clear that she's jealous and isn't certain that she could trust him - just look at what Max and Greg got up to, she says.
Ryan exclaims upon hearing of Greg's antics with Susannah - he had no idea. Katie meekly says that she thought everyone knew.
Later, Ryan does his bit to make sure that everyone does know - he tells Luke.
Over at Number Five, Mick phones Vonnie to enquire about Leo. Which would have been all very well, except that she hasn't seen anything of him!
On the parade, Mick is none too pleased to find out that the shop unit which used to house his chippy is set to become an off-licence. Well, to be fair, it's not the off-licence bit which rankles, more the fact that it's going to be run by Jacqui Dixon or in Mick's words "that money-grabbing cow"! That money-grabbing cow was the one who encouraged him to sell out, which explains why he's so annoyed.
Still at least Nikki is pleased. "I was just telling Mick, it's gonna be a offy," says Mike motioning towards the boarded up unit. "Should be open soon."
"The sooner the better," replies Nikki. LOL!
Over in the bungalow, Margi has been sorting through some of Greg's things when she finds some keys which she doesn't recognise. Nikki recognises them, though and tells her that they're Susannah's from when she was locked out.
Margi accepts this and says that she'd better return them. Nikki tries to dissuade her by offering to do it herself, but Margi's insistent.
At Susannah's house, Margi notices the identical nightie to the one which Greg bought. If only she knew! They have quite a chat, although it's probably fair to say that Margi felt somewhat more comfortable with the conversation than Susannah did!
Fortunately for Suse, the doorbell saves her and for once she's quite pleased to find out that it's Max. He's come to see the kids although he's disappointed when he's told that they're at a creche in Chester, arranged by Lisa.
"What's the point in forking out all that money for a creche when *I* could be looking after them?" he asks.
"Well that's very touching but I'd hate to get in the way of your womanising." LOL!
Later, things have calmed down to an extent and as Max busies himself hanging up some washing, Susannah, looking thoughtful says:
"I could get used to you being an unpaid skivvy for a few weeks."
"I take that as a yes, then?" asks Max delightedly.
"I suppose so, but don't be thinking you've got a foot back in the door again. I wouldn't let you back in here in a million years. I'm only doing this because I miss the children so much."
Hmm, methinks that we've been here before....or was it the other way around?
Summary © 1999 Graeme Selway
Brookside and all related materials are © Mersey Television 1982-2001