Chapter 127

Madison

Jackson spotted us and smiled, that same crooked smile that used to appear when he’d finally solved a difficult math problem. He weaved between tables toward us.

“Madison! Hazel!” He spread his arms wide. “You both look amazing!”

Hazel, who had been ready to verbally destroy him moments ago, stood up and accepted his hug like they were long-lost relatives. “Jackson! What a surprise! We were just saying how it’s been forever!”

I caught her eye over his shoulder and mouthed, “Traitor.” She responded with a subtle shrug that clearly meant, “But he’s hot now.”

Jackson turned to hug me next, and I caught a whiff of expensive cologne. “Mads, so good to see you in person. Thanks for meeting me.”

“Sure thing,” I replied, patting his back awkwardly before pulling away. “It’s been a while.”

“Three years, two months, and approximately sixteen days,” Hazel said sweetly, then added, “Not that I was counting.”

We all sat down, and an