Next week, Kirby surprises her Lyrik bandmates by announcing her departure to pursue a solo career on the UK’s Home and Away.
Only a few days have passed since the release of Lyrik’s debut album, but already there is division among the group, and Kirby (Angelina Thomson), the band’s pianist and lyricist, has received an alluring offer.
It wasn’t the best moment for the group to have to come together to record the album because tensions have been high ever since Kirby broke up with lead vocalist Theo (Matt Evans) two months ago.
Kirby intervened and saved the day during the launch when Theo became silent during a Q&A.
Despite his initial gratitude, Theo was still smarting from the fact that Justin had nominated Kirby for a major radio interview without him when he subsequently found out that a meme of his wobble was making the rounds online. Theo abruptly had second thoughts and charged Kirby with purposefully undercutting him during the Q&A to take the credit for herself.
Kirby was praised by Xander (Luke Van Os) and Mackenzie (Emily Weir) for her success in the interview and for arriving in Salt, but she felt unappreciated by the band members’ lack of appreciation.
Kirby got a call at that very moment from record producer Forrest Duke (Elijah Williams), asking to meet, and it could have changed her life forever.
Giving Mac the specifics of the conversation, Kirby revealed that Forrest was a well-known representative who exclusively works with solo performers. A few weeks prior, she would have declined, but given the recent state of the band, she thought there was no damage in accepting to a meeting and requested Mac to set up a table that would be hidden in the balcony’s corner.
Forrest’s presentation offered Kirby a lot to ponder, highlighting the well-known musicians in his roster and emphasising how solo artists may concentrate on what matters most without the backroom politics and squabbling that accompany being in a band. After taking his card, Kirby ran into him again in the city.
As the PR campaign went on, a prospective producer soon questioned James Stewart’s character, Kirby’s band manager Justin, about the reason behind Kirby’s meeting with Forrest Duke. Justin and Remi (Adam Rowland) agreed that it was a reasonable question, and they both told Eden (Stephanie Panozzo) that Forrest exclusively represents solo artists.
When Kirby sees Theo outside next week, he apologises for his words towards her and tells her that they have an appointment with the band at Salt. Is it too little, too late? Theo informs her that she aced the interview and that they’re fortunate to have her.
Remi approaches Kirby upstairs and informs her that she has been having meetings with Forrest. Though unappreciative of the ambush, Kirby does not refute it; instead, she lists all the other things she has done recently for which she has received little gratitude, such as participating in band interviews when no one else wanted to and working long hours at the diner to pay the rent.
Instead of answering a flurry of enquiries, Kirby departs. Eden trails behind and remarks that it’s unusual for her to go behind their backs, but Kirby reassures her that Forrest gave her a sense of worth. She feels cheated that Eden isn’t even mildly thrilled about her, as she has been presented with an enormous chance.
The following morning, Kirby tells Justin that Forrest has extended an offer for a three-album deal, and Justin apologises and congratulates her. Even though he doesn’t want to see her go, Justin acknowledges that it would be difficult to turn down this incredible chance.
Later, believing they are at the start of something significant, Remi suggests to Kirby that she give them a full year to demonstrate to her that Lyrik is worth waiting for. Kirby, however, asserts that they have always taken chances and that regret is the one thing she cannot bear.
Remi, Justin, and Theo are worried as Forrest keeps luring Kirby with artwork mockups and a sizable hamper. They’ve run out of ways to persuade Kirby to stay, so they have to accept the likelihood that she will leave now.
Kirby is still struggling with the choice, though, and she sobs as she tells Mac that she feels like she would be betraying her friends.
Kirby is prepared for a serve when Theo later runs into her on the beach, but he chooses to strike up a conversation instead. Setting aside their past animosity, Theo advises her to pursue her dream of going solo if she is truly interested in doing so. Even though Lyrik is about to experience great things, it won’t matter if she isn’t content.
Kirby is overcome with emotion as she approaches Justin and thanks him for everything, but he already knows what’s going to happen.
Remi is getting ready for an old-school movie night with pizza and tequila when Kirby gets home, thinking it will serve as a reminder of how far they’ve all gone from their little beginnings.
However, it’s too late; Kirby is crying as she says she must follow her own instincts and go it alone. Remi is saddened, but he comprehends.
Eden, meantime, informs Bree (Juliet Godwin) that she is too anxious to contact Remi and Kirby to check out their outcome even though she is aware that they are arranging a conversation.
What will she do when she learns that one of her closest friends is about to leave Lyrik?
In another scene in Summer Bay, Bree is praised by Alf (Ray Meagher) for her quick work in getting the hospital to expeditiously schedule testing for him after he started having hearing problems.
Before Alf accepted the truth that he required assistance, it had taken a lot of convincing and a lot of flamin’ Alf’s blowoffs towards people like John (Shane Withington), Marilyn (Emily Symons), and Justin.
After he rushed out to the city in a huff, Marilyn has not seen him since. She apologises if she offended him. While he wasn’t ready to acknowledge it at the moment, Alf assures her that she has his best interests at heart and that he is relieved that things are finally being resolved. We wonder if he will say the same thing to John.
Fortunately, Alf is able to continue eschewing the standard hospital procedures and simply contact Head of Emergency Bree for information. Bree makes a commitment to follow up on the findings of Alf’s blood tests.
Bree informs him later that he has been cleared of any underlying problems and that, coincidentally, he has an appointment with the hearing specialist that afternoon to discuss getting some hearing aids.
Now, though, Alf is reluctant to go, acting as though he is far too busy to bother with more fittings and tests.
Again, it’s up to Marilyn and Bree to persuade Alf to assist himself and not allow arrogance stand in the way. Are they going to succeed?
