Page 4 of The Hat Trick

Walking this way.

I look around quickly for an escape route, or somewhere to hide. Anything to get me out of this inevitable situation I’ve now found myself in.

But it’s too late. Jay’s eyes lock on mine, and he has a small smile on his face as they approach. I, on the other hand, probably look like a deer in headlights.

“Chandler, how are you doing?” Jay’s voice makes me realize they are now standing right in front of me, and I haven’t moved.

“Uh, oh, I’m great. Yeah, seriouslyso great. How, uh, how are you and…um?”

“Lola,” she introduces herself with a smile.

“Right, right.” I look around to see if Audrey is looking for me and can possibly help me out of this mess.

“We are great, actually just came from the courthouse. We just got married.” They hold up their rings, and I feel my vision tunnel.

“Married?” I squeak out. “Today?”

“Yeah, you know, we were engaged recently, and decided we didn’t want to wait and figured, why not”

“Why not get married…today…that’s…that’s just so…”

“Hey babe,” a deep voice says behind me. It’s so close, but I assume they are talking to someone else and I’m clearly about to be surrounded by couples because the universe wants to really shove it in my face.

Then, a large, heavy arm drapes itself over my shoulders and I’m surrounded by a delicious smelling woodsy cologne. I look up and meet the blue eyes of the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen in my life. His light brown hair is slightly curly on top and has the perfect “messy” look while the sides being shaved in a fade show it’s intentional. His lips are shaped perfectly, full and soft looking.

“I told you I would help carry this stuff.” He takes the drinks and food from my hands that I was barely holding onto and is effortless as he balances everything with one hand. “So independent, this one. Who’s this?” he nods toward Jay and Lola.

“Uh, this is, uh—”

“I’m Jay, Chandler and I used to date, and this is my wife, Lola.”

The beautiful man tightens his arm that’s still around my shoulders slightly, and I’m in too much shock to question what is actually happening right now. Or to do anything about it.

“I’m Vince, and I gotta say, man, you lost out with this one. But thank you for that,” the handsome stranger says, and he’s so smooth about it I find myself leaning slightly against him.

“Yeah, this is Vince my, uh, my boyfriend, who I’m here with. And this is Jay, my ex with his new fiancée.’

“Wife,” she corrects with a smile.

“Wife,” I cough out.

“Hey, wait, aren’t you Vince Dumont with the Denver Dragons?”

I chuckle and start to shake my head, the Dragons are the professional hockey team around here, and that would be ridiculous.

“One and the same,” Vince answers easily, and my body stiffens.

“That’s so awesome, damn, I wish I had something for you to sign for me,” Jay actually sounds excited, and I am a combination of confused and mortified.

“Maybe another time, I’m going to steal my girl back, but you two enjoy the rest of your day.” Vince pulls me away from them, and I go willingly because I don’t have much of a choice.

Once we are out of ear shot, I finally say something.

“What just happened?” I stand in front of Vince, and he’s smiling at me, amusement evident in his bright eyes while he still holds the hot chocolate, which I’m sure is no longer hot.

“Sorry, you looked like you needed some help, I hope that wasn’t too much.”

“No, no, well yes, I did need some help. No, it wasn’t too much. Thank you, here I’ll take those back.” I put my hands out to grab my items, but he doesn’t hand them over.

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