Here’s to 2017!

Kit: C’mon in, girlfriend. Happy New Year! Have a glass of champagne.

Val: Thank you. And the same to you. So what did Larry buy you for Christmas?

Kit: My darling husband gave me a Pasquini Espresso Machine.

Val: Wow, that certainly sounds like something you’d want.

Kit: Yeah, it was when I told him to buy it three weeks ago. But I already returned it and bought two pairs of Manolos instead. What about you?

Val: My mom renewed the subscription she gave me last year for Reader’s Digest—

Kit: Just in time. I’m sure they’ll tell you how to keep your New Year’s resolutions.

Val: As if. But I’m not finished; she also gave me a flashlight developed by NASA for the space station, which means I can apparently see the space station when I turn it on.

Kit: Should come in handy in Downers Grove. What about Tom?

Val: Tom?

Kit: Yes, Tom, your boss, remember him? Did he give you a gift?

Val: Yes. He was very generous.

Kit: Let me guess. Two lumps of coal, instead of the usual one.

Val: Actually, you are very close. He gave me a beautiful diamond cross on a silver chain.

Kit: So Billie chose it.

Val: Probably. But I love it.

Kit: Okay, so goodbye, 2016. Here’s to 2017.

Val: Yes. And our trip to England. I can’t wait. All the reservations are in place.

Kit: I better not be charged for excess luggage.

Val: I’m sure your steamer trunk will fit in the overhead.

Kit: And they better have good coffee over there. I’m not into tea, ya know.

Val: I’m sure you’ll find a decent cup of coffee. Maybe we should get your Pasquini thingy back.

Kit: No. I’ll wing it. You know I’m not picky.

Val: Riiight. So, here’s to 2017 and our trip. And I hope England is ready.

Read all about our girls’ trip to England in

No. 6 of The Val & Kit Mystery Series

—FOREIGN RELATIONS—

coming soon!