What A Girl Wants by Liz Maverick

hour in.”
    â€œRight. Well. Yeah, okay. Let’s just say that I discovered what I’ll refer to as the Drooling Horndog Theory.”
    â€œDrooling horndogs?” Diane hooted with laughter. “I’m definitely glad I wasn’t there. What’s the gist?”
    â€œThe bottom line of this theory is that men don’t have to call as many shots as we seem to think they’re entitled to. I think it’s a fear thing.”
    â€œThat’s an interesting observation,” Diane said. “As they say, ‘Man has the advantage of choice, woman only the power of refusal’?”
    â€œExactly! Men just aren’t as scary as we seem to think they are. We let them have this power over us and we shouldn’t. They’re all pretty much the same, with the same instincts and the same reflexes and the same tendencies. Even the good-looking ones.”
    Everyone digested that bit of news, Suz nodding in wizened agreement.
    Finally, Audra begrudgingly said, “Well, that’s more reasonablethan I expected.” But then she coughed, blew her nose, and scratched her neck vigorously.
    â€œJesus, Audra, are those turning into hives now? You’re not getting hives just because of me, are you?”
    Audra’s eyes widened and she pulled a gold compact with a larger mirror out of her purse and moved it around. “Oh, God, you’re right. The blotches are becoming hives. This is too much.” She chewed on her lower lip and added, “I want you to see Bruno. Please, Hay. I really want to contribute.”
    â€œWho’s Bruno again?” Hayley asked.
    â€œBruno Maffri. He’s Audra’s personal coach,” Diane explained. “A specialist in success-visualization technique. He’s quite good. Helped me pass the GMAT. It was actually much cheaper than taking a month’s worth of study prep courses.”
    Suz rested her chin on her palm and watched Audra fuss with the hives. “You just can’t stand it that I might have more to offer than you.”
    Audra glanced up at Suz, gave an exasperated squeak, and tossed the compact back into her purse in a gesture of surrender. She spread a napkin on the tabletop, then laid her head on top of her crossed arms. In a muffled voice she said, “I’m sorry, Suzy. I’m just jealous. You know I hate to lose.”
    â€œThis isn’t a competition, people.” Hayley looked from one girl to the other. “This is my life. Look, Aud, you know I appreciate that you want to help me, but it looks like I’m getting things under control.”
    Audra blew her nose loudly in response.
    Hayley cringed at the sound and said, “Maybe you should keep that appointment for yourself.”
    â€œI don’t think Bruno’s equipped to handle this. I need to see somebody else. Somebody who specializes in nervous tension. Please take the appointment.”
    But Hayley was feeling cocky this morning. She’d had a day to recover from her hangover and now she was fully able to appreciate Friday night’s success. “Thanks, but I think I’ll pass.”
    This triggered a rather alarming coughing fit. “Please take it, Hay. Consider it reinforcement. And even if you’ve got the personal part under control, you’re going to need a new job.”
    Hayley shook her head and tossed her crumpled napkin on the table. “Thanks, but I’m going down to the Tech Job Fair at the Exploratorium. I’m sure I’ll find something. Besides, to be totally honest, psychology mumbo jumbo really isn’t my thing.”
    â€œNo, but this is different. He’s not a licensed psychologist,” Diane explained.
    â€œOh, well, that makes me feel so much better.” Hayley pushed her empty latte mug away. “Thanks—really, thanks—but no, thanks.”
    Suz slapped the table gleefully. “Sorry, Audra, but that settles it. Hayley’s doing fine