Chapter 323

Madison

Hazel’s apartment smelled like cinnamon and vanilla. I sank deeper into her couch, thankful for the mindless background noise of some reality TV show about people renovating houses on impossible budgets.

“You look like hell,” Hazel called from her kitchen, the coffee machine gurgling behind her.

“Thanks. Just what every girl wants to hear.”

“Hey, I’m just being honest.” She appeared with two steaming mugs, handing me one before curling up at the opposite end of the couch. “That’s what best friends are for.”

I wrapped my hands around the warm ceramic, inhaling the rich aroma. “Then, as my best friend, you should’ve lied and told me I look fabulous.”

“Fine. You look fabulous. For someone who got hit by a truck and then dragged through a hedge backward.” She nudged my leg with her foot. “Better?”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Much.”

Hazel studied me over the rim of her mug. “So, did you talk to Alexander about Katherine?”