The Hat Trick

THE HAT TRICK MADI DANIELLE Copyright © 2023 by Madi Danielle All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental. Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book. Cover Design: Aliyah with Kylah Cover Design. Editing: Kay with KMorton Editing Services. Created with Vellum CONTENTS Playlist Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Chapter 41 Chapter 42 Chapter 43 Chapter 44 Chapter 45 Epilogue Second Epilogue What’s Next? Also by Madi Danielle Acknowledgments About the Author PLAYLIST good 4 you - Olivia Rodrigo Lola - Morgan St. Jean Escapism - RAYE & 070 Shake That Girl - Emei My Oh My - Camila Cabello Best I Ever Had - Drake Sex To Me - Charlotte Cardin Miss My Ex - Arcaeus & Rain Paris Teeth - 5 Seconds of Summer Only You - Zara Larsson Karma Sutra - Jason Derulo Don’t Blame Me - Holocene F**K ABOUT IT - Waterparks Until Forever - Eva Under Fire The Motto - Drake Champion - Neon & burnboy To those of you who want more than one hockey man in your lives. These guys are for you. 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.” Audrey enjoys her lists. She likes organization, planning, and structure. Which is why we couldn’t be more opposite. I am impulsive, off the cuff, and as disorganized as it comes. “Read me the list, oh great one,” I taunt. “We plan a trip to Vail.” I snort. “And do what?” “I don’t know, take skiing lessons or something,” she shrugs. “Pass. Next.” “Fine. We go on one of those bar or restaurant tours.” I grimace. “Alcohol at home is so much cheaper.” I’m not a frugal person, but the visual I have of a bar tour doesn’t sound appealing. I picture an actual tour guide directing us from place to place with a bunch of old people carrying cameras around their neck trying to capture proof of the elusive drunk person. She rolls her eyes at me. “We join a club or something.” “A club? Audrey, where did you get these ideas?” She waves me off. “It doesn’t matter.” I groan as I slide out of the chair I’m in and make my way to the living room before dramatically throwing myself on the couch. “Just forget it. I don’t want to do anything anyway; I’ll just stay at home and rot away in this very spot until I’m nothing but a lump of nothing.” “I don’t think it’s possible to be a lump of nothing.” “Whatever, you know