Vicki liked to consider herself a hard woman.  Her career left little room for clemency or allowances for sentimentality, and this stoic, professional veneer had extended itself increasingly over her personal life as well.  There was no talk of politics or intimacies, no room for affection or emotion.  Even "friends" were scheduled, added, cut, and snubbed with all the feeling most would have for filing income taxes.  As she heard Freddie's heartfelt story, her own husband's impassioned defense, and Beth's own extension of aid, Vicki felt her heart warm.  Her grip on Fredrick's leg tightened as Beth's offer was laid before him.  It exactly what she had wanted, what she had hoped for him, what she had hoped for them.<br/><br/>A delighted smile bloomed over her entire face as she encircled Fredrick in a full hug.  Playfully, she gave his cheek a cartoonishly loud kiss before lifting her glass again triumphantly.  "Oh, congratulations, Freddie!  Cheers, all!"