Brian commits to a supermarket delivery without Tom, after he doesn’t return any calls.

Radio Times: Brenda looks for the silver lining.

Characters: Brenda, Brian, Jennifer, Nic, Tom, William

• Will takes Nic to a posh Gloucester restaurant. The meal goes well, but Nic has to drink the bulk of the wine; Will’s got to drive her back home afterwards.
• After Lilian’s visit, Jennifer prods Brian about Matt’s money worries, but Brian’s only insight is the funny atmosphere between him and Stephen Chalkman at this morning’s Borchester Land meeting. Brian’s been ringing Tom repeatedly but he’s playing silly beggars and not picking up. Brian said he’d tell the supermarket the first delivery date by the end of the day.
• Brenda finds Tom ignoring the ringing phone. They listen to Brian’s message together. It does nothing to lighten Tom’s mood so Brenda tries massage. She tells him he must tell Brian why the supermarket is a bad idea, again.
• Nic isn’t finding the handbrake conducive to romance. They grope for alternatives but there’s nothing for it. Will will just have to drop her off at her mum’s. Still, at least Clarrie is making an effort inviting Nic to William’s little birthday party.
• Jennifer urges Brian to back down on the supermarket deal but it can’t be done. He’s given them a delivery date. Tom will soon come round once the money arrives. Brian doesn’t want Tom turning out like Tony when he, no they, could do so much better.