"I can't believe I'm finally here," said Nina to herself.

Nina had just gotten to Lassiters Hotel in Erinsborough after a sixteen hour flight from Los Angeles. It was almost six pm in Melbourne and all Nina wanted to do was check in so she could eat and go to sleep. Walking into the hotel as a guest instead of an employee was strange, but it gave her a good feeling. She knew no-one would recognise her, not with her really short hair. She wasn't comfortable with how short it was, but she hadn't been given a say in it. Her latest boss was cruel, which was why she had come back home. But she wasn't going to think of that right then.

"Hi, I'm checking in," said Nina tiredly. She didn't notice that she was talking to Toadie.

"Sure. What have you booked under?" asked Toadie.

"Nina Tucker."

"Room 312. Would you like me to take your bags up for you?"

"That would be great, thank you." Nina gave him a smile and then followed him up to her room.

"You don't remember me, do you?" Toadie asked when they reached room 312.

Nina looked up and immediately felt silly. "Of course I do," she said with a smile. "Sorry Toadie. You wouldn't believe how exhausted I am. How are you?"

"I'm good. You look great. How are you? How was India?" He caught himself before he started rambling. "How about you get some sleep, and we can catch up later or tomorrow or something."

"Thanks. Actually, I'm hungry. Can you take a little break?"

"I'm off in ten minutes. Can you wait that long?"

"Yeah, sure. That'll give me some time to unpack."

"Great. I'll meet you downstairs then?"

Nina nodded, thanking him again. She closed the door and began unpacking. Ten minutes later, Nina headed down to the hotel lobby. Toadie was already there.

"I reserved a table at the pub. Ready to go?" asked Toadie.

"Yes. Thanks again Toadie."

"No problem. Would you like me to get Lou?"

"No, thank you. I want to surprise him tomorrow."

"Oh, you will. He misses you, a lot."

"I miss him too. I miss everyone," said Nina sadly.

"We all miss you too. Trust me."

She nodded, knowing he was telling the truth. At that point, she didn't care though. All she wanted was a quiet, normal night. Nina looked up as she was into Lou's Place. It was noisy, but comforting and cozy. It was home. Someone was singing, but they weren't very good, and Nina spotted her stepfather grimacing. She felt for him, but stayed hidden so he wouldn't notice her and ask her to sing instead.

"Hey, earth to Nina," said Toadie, "you listening?"

"Sorry. What did you say?"

"I asked if you want to order."

Nina nodded, picking up her menu. She quickly spotted her old favourite, a beef salad, and pointed it out to Toadie.

"Okay. I'll be right back." He disappeared, returning five minutes later. "Lou said it would be about fifteen minutes."

"Great. How much do I owe you?"

"Nothing. It's my treat."

"Toadie, I can't..."

"Yes, you can. Don't argue with me."

Nina opened her mouth. "Fine," she said eventually. "Thank you."

"Anytime." Toadie followed her gaze. "You okay?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to get up there?"

"Yes. No. I don't know."

"How about you go up there after dinner? I know how much you love to sing." He gave her an encouraging smile.

"No, I can't..." The shy teenager had started to return in the last few weeks. "I'm not that good."

"Don't be silly. You are amazing, and everyone that heard you sing at that gig would agree."

"He's right, you know, sweetheart?" Lou told her as he put their food on the table. "You're the best I've ever had in this bar."

"Hi Lou," said Nina softly.

Lou lifted Nina up and hugged her. "I have missed you so much sweetheart."

"I've missed you too."

"Seriously though, please get up there. Please?"

"Sorry Lou, I can't."

"What happened to the confident young woman that forced me to take a cheque to repay me?"

Nina looked away. "She's gone," she whispered.

"No, she isn't. You will get up there after you eat. If you don't, I'll the bank to stop accepting your money."

"You believe in me still?"

Lou turned her to face him. "Yes, I do. And I know that confidence is there. Take a deep breath, then get up there." He smiled. "Even if it's just one song," he added, knowing she wouldn't just do one.

Taking a breath, Nina nodded. "Okay. Give me half an hour."

Lou and Toadie both grinned. The relief Lou felt was clearly etched on his face.