09/01/2022

Brian doesn’t want Alice to approach Stella about work until he’s spoken to her. But Alice wants to fight her own battles and her buddy’s agreed work would be good for her. She lays out her case to Stella, and is clear that her problems with alcohol wouldn’t affect her work, but to no avail. Later Brian shares with Stella that he’s only just managed to forgive Alice himself but at the same time he realises she must be allowed to rebuild her life. Thoughtful Stella offers to give Alice a couple of mornings a week on a voluntary basis. Brian thanks her. Pat’s celebrating her 70th birthday a day early, and all the family are coming for lunch. One of Tom and Natasha’s gifts to Pat is a bathroom cabinet, which he constructs immediately. Meanwhile Pat’s feeling increasingly uncomfortable living with Tom and Natasha – she’s like a guest in her own home. Tony advises her not to make a fuss on her special day. But on discovering Tom has filled the cabinet with her and Tony’s things, Pat vents about all her annoyances. This delays Tom from clearing away his tools and Natasha trips over them. Pat feels terrible. Tom announces he and Natasha will miss lunch – they’re going to hospital to be sure the baby hasn’t been harmed by Natasha’s fall.