Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1187

Walter wasn’t the type to make things difficult, especially among friends. “Sure, you can come with us,” he said.

“Thanks!” Iris replied, grinning as she hurried to open the front passenger door. Audrey, who had been just about to take that seat, paused mid-step.

Iris buckled herself in, then suddenly turned around with a bright smile. “My stomach’s a little off tonight. I hope you don’t mind if I sit up front, Ms. Williams?”

Audrey could see right through her, but she didn’t let it show. She just smiled back, calm and gentle. “No problem at all.” Then she looked at Walter. “Why don’t you sit in the back with me?”

Iris’s smile faltered at that, and she glanced at Walter, her expression tight.

Audrey explained, “He had a bit to drink at dinner, so he can’t drive.”

Walter nodded. “Yeah, no driving for me tonight.”

The exchange left Iris feeling sour, but she had no choice but to go along. She was the one who insisted on the front seat, so backing out now would just make things awkward.

Walter opened the back door for Audrey, waited for her to get in, then slid in from the other side. The car started moving, heading toward the card club.

Audrey’s phone buzzed with a message from Camila, checking in and asking, “Did you meet him yet?”

Audrey quickly typed back, giving her a little update. “Yes, I’ve met him. He’s been taking good care of me. He took me out for Harrisburg’s local specialties for dinner. Super tasty. Now we’re heading out to see more of the city.” As she finished, she raised her phone and managed to snap a sneaky photo of Walter.

He noticed the movement right away and turned to her, confused. “Why are you taking pictures of me?”

She sent the photo off, then tucked her phone away with a laugh. “Jordan and Camila wanted proof I’m doing fine here. I told them, but they wouldn’t believe me without evidence. They also said that if you don’t treat me well, they’ll come to Harrisburg and straighten you out themselves.”

There were nuts, fruit, and drinks on the table. She peeled an orange while she watched the others play. She ate a few slices, then remembered Walter. During a lull, she offered him a couple of orange segments.

He didn’t think twice, just leaned over and ate them from her hand. When the round finished, Audrey turned to him with a curious smile. “Was it sweet?”

“Yeah, sweet,” Walter answered without thinking.

Audrey grinned and popped the rest of the orange into her own mouth. Then she peeled another one, handed him the first piece, and after he ate it, asked, “How about this one?”

Walter made a face. “A little sour, but not bad.”

Audrey laughed and fed him the rest of the pieces, then reached for another orange. Walter caught on, looked down at her, and shook his head with a smile. “Are you using me as your taste tester?” Sweet ones for herself, sour ones for him.