dialogue: Franklin: Happy birthday you old fart! How does 40 feel?
  Vic: Hi bro! Not too bad, thanks for the gift card, by the way.
  Franklin: Well, treat yourself mate, you deserve it. Got anything planned?
  Vic: Yeah, going out with Manda and few mates. Sorry you can't come too. 
  Franklin: Well, Chicago is a bit of a trek from Basingstoke! 
  Vic: You mean the Centre of the Universe, don't you?
  Franklin: Its a happening place, that's for sure! What did Manda get you?
  Vic: An Experience Day voucher, think I'll do a Brands Hatch test drive in the spring! When you coming home, then? Can you make it at Christmas?
  Franklin: Fraid not, US office hours are crazy, only have 2 days off, not like you lazy teachers!
  Vic: I'm not even going to lower myself to respond to that one! Any interesting (and desperate!)  American women around? 
  Franklin: One or two. There's one in particular, Ellie, works in the same section as me, we've had a couple of dates, nothing serious. I mean, the Basingstoke accent is such a turn on, isn't  it?!
  Vic: Not that I've noticed. Well hope it all goes well with you and Ellie. Keep in touch, man! 
summary: Vic is going out with Manda and a few friends for his 40th birthday. Vic will use his Experience Voucher to do a Brands Hatch test drive in spring. Franklin will not be coming home for Christmas because he only has 2 days off. Franklin has a particular interest in Ellie.