Beth leaned forward, and kissed his cheek lightly, "Oh yes, I have grown up, couldn't help it," she laughed, "I'm not the grubby tomboy who was jealous you got the sit and ride anymore."<br/><br/>She looked at him, her head tilting to one side slightly, he'd aged well, dam well, and smelt delicious. Incredible that he was Vicki's husband, he of all people. It was a strange world.  "Dad's fine, retired now, he  and his new partner are in Europe at the moment and having a ball."<br/><br/>She remembered vividly the last time they met, and wondered if he had any idea just how much he hurt her feelings at the time.  At least he wasn't treating her like wallpaper tonight..... she felt a small tug of resentment, and was surprised that after all this time he had that ability.  He'd always stirred up very conflicting feelings, but she thought she'd put most of them well and truly to bed.<br/><br/>"So, are you going to let me in then?" she teased, "I promise I'm house trained."<br/><br/>If those feelings were going to rear their head she'd have to keep them well under control, it was all a long time ago, and it wouldn't be fair to Vicki to let them come to the surface.  Maybe, if they spent time together in a convivial atmosphere and started afresh the pain and longing caused by him, and her Father's attitude when she was younger, would be fully healed at last.<br/><br/>It made sense, and she'd learned to be sensible, learned rather a lot since then.....a different person entirely some would say, only she knew just how much those insecurities lingered under the polished exterior.  If  it didn't work, and the past couldn't be put to bed, then she'd make sure she kept herself in check, and leave early.  She hoped that wouldn't have to happen, if George and her couldn't find the basis for a new adult relationship she could kiss the idea of a deeper friendship with Vicki goodbye.