26/02/2025

Things aren’t getting any better for Natasha as she worries to Joy about both the Beechwood house and the lack of returning business at the Tearoom. She’s missing Fallon keenly. She can’t help thinking that if she was there, they’d get more support. Joy’s not so sure about that; and it’s not like Natasha could have done anything differently. Natasha thanks Joy for the chat.

Zainab bumps into Brad and asks if they can talk. After some initial awkwardness they agree they can’t avoid one another forever. They talk about the last time they met up; Zainab comments it’s actually a good idea to ask someone out early on. Brad thanks her for being nice about Chelsea’s previous matchmaking efforts. Both are happy to move on. Natasha approaches and Brad tries to escape but is forced by Zainab into admitting he can’t do the Tearoom promotional videos due to his workload. Zainab sweetens the pill by volunteering them both for the pancake eating contest. Natasha’s delighted.

At the Bull Joy mentions her trampled flowerbeds to Lilian, wondering if she saw anyone else hanging about yesterday. Guilty Lilian offers her lunch on the house. Natasha’s amused as Fallon sees off some customers who were deriding the Tearoom. Lilian raises an eyebrow at Fallon’s attitude but Natasha declares it’s cheered her up. However her mood changes once she realises the Bull’s doing breakfasts. She hopes they’re not trying to take advantage of the Tearoom’s downturn. Fallon reassures her, but Natasha knows what she’s seeing. Miffed, Natasha leaves.