Page 1 of The Hat Trick

1

“Should I get bangs?”

“No. No, you shouldn’t.”

“What about dyeing my hair something fun like bright blue?” I try instead.

My best friend and roommate, Audrey, sighs. “No.”

“Piercing?”

“No.”

“Tattoo?”

“No! You’re having a crisis, don’t alter yourself in some way because of it.”

“That’s how I get through any crisis, though,” I huff.

“Let’s find a better way.”

I groan. I don’t want to find a better way. I want to do something, or four somethings, to make myself feel better. Consequences be damned.

“What if we find something to do? Something different?” Audrey suggests.

“Like what?” I ask, surveying our current alcohol supply in the freezer for something to put in my coffee. I’m at least going to drink through my misery.

“I have to go, but give me a few, I’ll figure it out. Don’t do anything drastic while you wait.”

I make a face as I silently mock her.

“Chandler!”

“Yes, what, fine. I won’t do anything drastic.” I roll my eyes, the smell of coffee brewing hitting my nostrils.

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

“I’ll be back in a little bit,” she says, giving me a pointed look.

I hum in agreement as my coffee finishes and she leaves. As soon as the front door is closed I dump in way more alcohol than necessary before adding my peppermint mocha creamer.

Forget what she says, I’m going to get bangs.

* * *

“You’re a pain in the ass,”Audrey says sarcastically as she approaches me in the living room.

“You don’t like them?” I flip my hair around as if that does anything to show off my brand-new haircut, including…bangs.

Audrey just laughs while shaking her head in disbelief. “I bought more booze.”

We settle in the kitchen of our townhome as she pours our drinks. She holds up the scissors I left on the counter that were the weapon of choice in my impulsive decision. I just shrug before taking them from her and putting them away.

“So, what are we going to do to help me forget about the fact that my ex is engaged to the woman he cheated on me with?” I ask with a big gulp of the strong mixed drink.

“I came up with a list.”

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