24/12/2007

Jennifer takes an urgently needed ingredient to Shula and Alistair's, glad of something to do while she awaits Debbie's arrival from Hungary. On her return Brian and Debbie are talking business. But there's still an atmosphere; even news of Debbie's bonus and a wonderful birthday present fail to break the ice completely. Jennifer's pleased to hear Debbie has a boyfriend - Marshall Latham - but is disappointed to learn Debbie's spending New Year with his family.

Jim's still arguing his atheistic beliefs but Daniel stands his ground. At dinner mischievous Jim insists Daniel be allowed to open a Christmas present early. To Alistair's disbelief, Daniel unwraps an air rifle. Alistair points out that it's illegal but Jim resolves this by handing it to Alistair as an anniversary present - assuming he'll allow Daniel to have a go with it, under supervision of course! Jim provides that supervision in between courses, to the frustration of Shula and Alistair who can see Jim controlling their lives yet again.

Taking a break from the gun to quickly scoff their main course, Jim knows exactly what he's doing, and overhearing Shula and Alistair's moans, tells them dinner's getting cold.