It was fair to say that life for the Platts was never quiet at the best of times, but recently things had been even crazier than usual. It was no wonder really that Gail had decided to leave Weatherfield behind.
Even before that, David had got involved in dodgy dealings and Bethany had ended up fighting for her life in a Turkish hospital. Now she found herself single again after discovering that fiance Daniel Osborne had cheated on her.
After everything, Bethany and her mum Sarah were more than happy to take the opportunity to have a relaxing evening. Sarah had bought a couple of bottles of wine which they would no doubt polish off in not too long.
As they relaxed onto the sofa, Bethany said: "I'm really glad we could do this mum, I think it's fair to say we both need it with everything that has been going on. Even by this family's standards it's been crazy."
Sarah smiled and replied: "Oh definitely. This is exactly what I need right now, just forget everything for the night and relax with my favourite person."
Their eyes met and they shared a warm smile. Sarah was a couple of years off 40 now but still very much had her youthful looks. Her beauty was something that had definitely been noticed by her daughter.
Bethany was now in her mid twenties, and considering Sarah was only 14 when she gave birth to her, it was perhaps no surprise that sometimes people thought they looked more like sisters than mother and daughter.
As they began to work their way through the wine, Bethany said: "Well it hasn't been the best start to the year, but at least I found out what Daniel was like before I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life and married him."
Sarah placed a soothing hand on Bethany and said: "I'm not trying to say I told you so, but I always knew he didn't deserve you. I have no idea why he would look at someone else when he had someone as beautiful as you."
They both suddenly became aware of the closeness between them, but neither made an attempt to move away. Instead, they both seemed content to stay as close as they were together.
Sarah added, with a slightly ironic laugh: "Not that I've really got any room to comment. Considering my track record with men it's probably for the best that I've been single for a while."
With a cheeky smile, Bethany replied: "Well I can't really argue with that, I think it's probably best if we both swear off men for a while. Of course that doesn't mean we have to stay single, there is always an alternative."
It took a moment for Sarah to process what she had just heard. Looking at her daughter, she said: "I could be hearing things but for a moment there it sounded like you were suggesting we give women a try."
Meeting Sarah's eyes, Bethany said: "Why not? It wouldn't actually be a first for me either. While I was in London I kissed a couple of girls. I also had a one night stand with a girl I worked with at the magazine. It was a lot of fun. Never gone there yourself?"
Noticing Sarah taking on a more nervous demeanour, Bethany said, her voice teasing: "Well, well mummy, is there something you haven't told me?"
Knowing she was never going to let this drop, Sarah replied: "OK fine. I've never gone all the way with a woman but when we were teenagers, me and Maria kissed a couple of times. You know, the usual mates messing around kind of thing."
A mischievous smile crept across Bethany's face. Sarah tried to protest but the younger woman cut her off, saying: "Hey, no judgement here. To be honest I don't blame you, Maria is gorgeous. I bet you two looked hot together."
As embarrassing as it was being teased by her daughter about this, Sarah had to admit she also saw the funny side, and it was nice to be able to have a laugh and relax like they were doing right now.
Bethany poured another glass of wine and said: "So, you two never tempted to 'reform the band' as it were? I mean, you're still close friends and to be honest I'm sure you wouldn't be short of offers if you did give women a try, you're still stunning."
Sarah was not sure what surprised her more, the fact her own daughter seemed to be flirting with her, or the fact she was actually enjoying the attention. Of course she knew Bethany was a beautiful young woman, but forbidden didn't quite cover it.
Keeping the mood light, she replied: "Well flattery will get you everywhere. Besides, if I still have my looks then I definitely passed them down to you."
The earlier closeness between them was there again, but as their eyes met their emotions were written all over their faces, teetering on the edge of something neither of them should be thinking about, let alone actually doing.