EXTRACT FOR
New Year's Sizzle
(Giselle Renarde)

"It's just one night," Lori said.  "What's the worst that could happen?"



"You really want to drive all the way to the city for New Year's Eve?" Trish asked.  "Have you listened to the weather report?"



"Yeah, not a snowflake in sight.  Perfect time to drive."



Trish didn't even want to think about it. She'd just microwaved a big bowl of popcorn and nestled in on the couch.  Sure it was only two in the afternoon, but what better time for a snooze in front of the TV?



"It's supposed to be cold."  Trish shivered just thinking about it, and the phone slid from her shoulder into the buttery bowl.  Once she'd fished it out, she pressed the speaker button and set the greasy cordless beside her.  "You really want to go out in that blustery wilds of winter?"



"Who cares what it's like outside?" Lori said.  "We'll be indoors the whole time."



"Indoors?"  Trish had envisioned them bundled up in a crowd somewhere, ringing in the new year at a family-friendly event.  What a stupid thought.  Lori would never take them anywhere that didn't provide unhealthy doses of alcohol.  "Where exactly are you planning to go?"



"You'll see when we get there."