Giovanni: Hello?

Briona: Hey, Giovanni. It’s Bri.

Giovanni: Hey.

Briona: You know, Dad’s birthday is coming up in four days . . .

Giovanni: Oh man, I almost forgot! It really sneaked up on me this year.

Briona: Yeah, I thought it might have slipped your mind. So, I was wondering—do you wanna go in on a gift for him with me?

Giovanni: Yeah, sure . . . but I don’t have a clue what we should get him.

Briona: Me neither. I was thinking we could go to the mall and look around. Maybe something will turn up.

Giovanni: When do you want to go?

Briona: Friday good?

Giovanni: Sounds like a plan. See ya then.

Briona: What about a new grill?

Giovanni: Bri, I’m not a rich guy. I can’t afford to break the bank with this gift.

Briona: Okay, how about a gift certificate to a bookstore? Dad loves to read. He’s a real bookworm.

Giovanni: Yeah, we already thought of that, and Aunt Linda is on the case.

Briona: Fine. Neckties?

Giovanni: Can you get any more run-of-the-mill?

Briona: Well, then WHAT?! Every suggestion I make, you tear to pieces. At least throw me a bone here! It’s not helpful for you to just shoot down my ideas!

Giovanni: Well, I don’t know what to get him either. What do you buy for the man who has everything?

Briona: Oh, you’re a great help! Your optimism is beginning to get on my nerves. I’m beat. Maybe we should just call it a day.

Giovanni: No, wait . . . All right, Bri, you want my two cents?

Briona: Finally! Yes! What do you think?

Giovanni: It’s his 50th birthday, so we should get him something good. . . .

Briona: Like . . . ?

Giovanni: I don’t know . . . Something that really knocks his socks off!

Briona: Big help you are! You know, you could at least . . . Hey! That’s it! Didn’t Dad say he wanted to start exercising, because he feels like he’s not in shape?

Giovanni: Yeah . . .

Briona: Well . . . we could get him a pair of running shoes, and a membership to a club!

Giovanni: Hmmm . . . That’s not bad. But how much will I have to shell out?

Briona: Don’t worry . . . Pay what you can; I’ll pay the rest.

Giovanni: This is hands down the best idea I’ve heard all day.

Briona: What a weight off my shoulders!

Giovanni: Mine too! And since I inspired it, you should treat me to lunch.

Briona: Don’t push your luck!