14/07/2023

Tom’s evasive with Fallon over the Tearoom lease renewal. Lynda overhears them and notices the tension in the room. Fallon explains the situation – she really needs to pin down Tom urgently. Lynda has urgent business of her own. She’d like Fallon to enlist Emma as an undercover spy on the fête committee. Lynda has her eye on Fallon too. But Fallon’s mind’s on pressing Tom for an answer. He eventually admits eight years might be too long for a lease; he needs to discuss it with Helen. Fallon’s baffled at this response, seeing it as a turnaround from the positive reception she received when she broached the idea.
After a sleepless night Helen’s decided to go to Rob’s appointment. Kirsty doesn’t agree with the trip but is happy to drive her friend. As nervous Helen enters the consulting room it’s clear Rob thinks she’s superfluous to requirements. He feels his previous appointment simply lacked clarity. He underplays the seriousness of his symptoms, implying that he’s not as ill as the medics are making out. Helen’s seen all this before, and makes to leave. She’s persuaded to stay on, as Rob suggests treatments he might explore. Dr Webber explains gently that his tumour is inoperable. Rob demands to see an expert; Helen points out Dr Webber is the lead consultant neurologist. A second opinion then? The consultant explains the focus would be on minimising symptoms rather than prolonging life. Hearing he has months to live, Rob leaves. Helen catches up with him, and after some bluster he breaks down. Helen comforts him.