Chapter 124
Chapter 128
Madison
We spent the next hour catching up. Jackson told us about London–the tiny apartment he’d shared with four other guys, the constant rain, and the surprising quality of British fast food. He’d worked for a small financial firm that had been acquired by a larger company, which led to his transfer back to New York.
“What about you, Madison?” Jackson asked. “What’s it like working for Alexander Knight? He’s practically a celebrity p>
I shifted in my seat, suddenly uncomfortable. “It’s just a job. Busy, demanding. You know how it is p>
“She’s being modest,” Hazel interjected. “I already told you that she just got promoted to project manager for some fancy new building development. While still being his assistant p>
“Seriously?” Jackson looked impressed. “That’s a lot of responsibility. I thought promotions usually meant moving up, not piling on more work. Juggling both jobs is going to be tough, isn’t it p>
“It’s fine,” I said, waving my hand dismissively. “I like staying busy p>
“That’s an understatement,” Hazel muttered into her coffee.
Jackson checked his watch and grimaced. “I hate to cut this short, but I’ve got to run. Meeting my cousin in thirty minutes p>
“No worries,” I said, feeling oddly relieved.
“We should do this again,” he suggested, standing up. “Maybe dinner next week? My treat – to make up for three years of radio silence p>
“I’d like that,” I said.
Jackson paid for our drinks despite our protests, then hugged us both goodbye. I watched him weave through the tables and disappear out the door.
“Well,” Hazel said, leaning back in her chair with a smug expression. “Isn’t that interesting p>
“What’s interesting p>
“The fact that our formerly nerdy friend has transformed into a walking GQ cover.” She fanned herself dramatically. “Did you see those shoulders? And that jawline? London did that man a favor p>
“I guess he cleaned up nicely p>
“Clean up nice? Madison, that man went from ‘help me with my calculus‘ to ‘help me take off these
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designer clothes‘.” Hazel wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “You know, you should consider dating him.” 1
“Dating him p>
“Yes. You’re single, he’s single…” She trailed off with a meaningful look.
I snorted. “Weren’t you the one who brought a butter knife to potentially stab him? And now you’re trying to set us up p>
“That was before I saw what puberty’s final form did to him.” She waved her hand dismissively.” Besides, the knife was mostly symbolic p>
“Mostly symbolic? You literally threatened to stab him p>
“Stop changing the subject.” Hazel pointed an accusing finger at me. “We’re talking about the fact that Jackson is too hot to ignore now p>
“What subject am I changing p>
“The fact that you could totally date him!” She leaned forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially.” He’s handsome, successful, and clearly still into you. And you, my friend, are very much single p>
I fidgeted with my napkin, tearing off tiny pieces. “I’m also very much busy. In case you forgot, I’m Mr. Knight’s PA and now project manager for a major development. Plus, I’m taking care of my mom. Dating is the last thing on my priority list right now p>
“I’m not saying marry the guy.” Hazel stirred her coffee with exaggerated patience. “I’m just suggesting that some stress–relieving sex with a hot former nerd might do wonders for your blood pressure p>
My cheeks flamed. “Hazel p>
“What? Sex is scientifically proven to reduce stress. It’s practically medicinal at this point.” She took a sip of her coffee. “And judging by those dark circles under your eyes, you could use some medicine.” [
“I don’t need medicinal sex, thank you very much.” I crossed my arms defensively. “What I need is eight hours of sleep and maybe a vacation p>
“Sex can be like a mini–vacation,” she persisted. “A little trip to O–town, if you will p>
“Oh my god, stop!” I buried my face in my hands but couldn’t help laughing. “You’re impossible p>
“I’m practical. There’s a difference.” She pointed her spoon at me. “Look, all I’m saying is that Jackson clearly still has a thing for you. He called you after three years, not me or anyone else from our group p>
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“That doesn’t mean anything p>
“It means everything! The man memorized your phone number for three years. That’s not normal friend behavior, Madison p>
I sipped my coffee, considering her words. “Even if you’re right–which you’re not–I don’t have time for dating right now. Between work and my mom, I’m barely keeping my head above water p>
“You don’t have to date date him. Just, you know, have some fun.” She wiggled her eyebrows again. ” Remember fun? That thing normal twenty–somethings have occasionally p>
“I have fun p>
“Spreadsheets don’t count as fun, Madison p>
“I do other things besides spreadsheets,” I protested weakly.
“Name one fun thing you’ve done in the past month that wasn’t work–related or visiting your mom p>
I opened my mouth, then closed it again. Technically, I had done plenty of “fun” things with Alexander, but that wasn’t something I could share with Hazel.
“That’s what I thought,” she said triumphantly. “You need to live a little. And by live a little, I mean climb Jackson like a tree p>
I nearly choked on my coffee. “Hazel p>
“What? I’m just saying what we’re both thinking p>
“We are definitely not both thinking that p>
“Fine, what I’m thinking and what you should be thinking.” She leaned back, studying me. Seriously, Madison. When was the last time you went on a date p>
I shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t know. A while ago p>
“A while ago, as in last month, or a while ago, as in the Obama administration p>
“It hasn’t been that long,” I muttered, though it had been close.
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“All I’m saying is, don’t dismiss the possibility just because you’re busy. Jackson clearly went to a lot
of trouble to track you down. Maybe give him a chance p>
I sighed, tracing the rim of my coffee cup. “I’ll think about it p>
“That’s all I ask.” Hazel looked smug.
I rolled my eyes and finished the last of my latte.
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Despite Hazel’s enthusiastic matchmaking, I couldn’t see Jackson as anything more than a friend. Sure, he’d undergone a dramatic transformation; those shoulders hadn’t existed in college, and that jawline could probably cut glass now. Still, I felt absolutely zero flutter when he smiled at me. No quickening pulse, no warmth spreading through my body, nothing. Just the comfortable familiarity of reconnecting with an old friend.
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.