How do you separate your personal and professional lives when they’re working under the same roof?
In Home And Away this week, for Justin (James Stewart), the cost of giving Theo (Matt Evans) a job at the garage could be his working relationship with Ziggy (Sophie Dillman) when she decides enough is enough.
Justin continues his parental guidance of Theo in the wake of his dangerous graveyard stunt with Ryder (Lukas Radovich) and theft of the surf club’s Polaris.
But the wayward teen continues to cause issues on the job. Lazy, reckless and full of attitude, Theo has been more of a chore than a help.
Now, it’s about to get worse.
At The Diner, Justin receives a phone call from Leah (Ada Nicodemou), who has been overseas visiting family – or so she says.
In truth, she’s staying in the city with Theo’s parents, hoping to mend the rift between father and son.
But Theo overhears the conversation, and his anger boils over. How could she betray him?
The teen, who recently confessed his father’s abusive past to John (Shane Withington), fears the worst and begs Leah to come home. Yet, he fails to say why.
The next day, Theo’s frustration brings chaos to the garage when he abandons work and snaps at an unsuspecting Ziggy.
Justin intervenes, but instead of reprimanding his bad behaviour, he gives him an apprenticeship instead. Ziggy is livid.
“It’s frustrating for Ziggy because he gets the opportunity very easily,” Matt tells TV WEEK. “He did muck Justin and Ziggy around a lot and wasn’t 100 per cent deserving of it.”
Despite her objection, Justin stands firm on his decision. “It’s my business,” he states plainly.
Never one to back down, Ziggy produces a stack of résumés from women applicants – Theo isn’t nearly as qualified. In a fiery exchange, they put everything on the line for their beliefs, including their friendship.
Roo grapples with losing her mother
Their relationship is strained, but one phone call might change the lives of Roo and her mother Martha forever.
This week, Roo (Georgie Parker) asks Dr Logan (Harley Bonner) to check in with her mother’s medical team in Merimbula.
Martha (Belinda Giblin) moved back there after refusing to accept Roo’s liver transplant, causing tension in the family.
To her surprise, Logan reveals time isn’t on their side. Martha’s condition has deteriorated markedly. Roo is stunned. How could her dad Alf (Ray Meagher) have kept this from her?
When confronted, Alf admits he’s scared of losing his wife and that telling Roo would just confirm his fears. Later, Roo wallows in her grief, but can’t find a way to let go of her anger.
With time running out, can Roo forgive Martha before it’s too late?
Home and Away airs 7pm Monday-Thursday on Channel Seven.