Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1189

As Iris’s best friend, Amy couldn’t just sit and watch. She shot the group a look, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm. “Wow, you all are unbelievable. The second a new girl turns up, you just forget about us. Would it kill you to share a little attention with your old friends?”

Harden glanced at their table, unfazed. “Don’t you already have Thalia and the others hanging out with you? That crowd is big enough. Besides, Audrey’s the first person Walter’s ever brought along. Of course she’s getting the VIP treatment tonight.”

Iris’s smile looked a little forced, but she jumped in to ease the tension. “Harden’s right. Audrey is a friend now, so we should take care of her.” Iris slipped over and looped her arm through Audrey’s, her voice turning warm and friendly. “Audrey, honestly, these guys are hopeless when it comes to being thoughtful. If you ever want to go shopping or grab an afternoon tea while you’re in Harrisburg, just text us. Here, let’s swap numbers.”

“Yeah, add us too,” Harden said, grinning. “We’ll invite you next time we play poker.”

“Sounds good!” Audrey smiled, not overthinking Iris’s motives. She just took out her phone and started adding everyone, one by one.

When they’d all accepted her request, Walter glanced at his watch. “It’s getting late,” he said. “You guys keep hanging out. I’ll take her home.”

Harden looked surprised. “Already? Not even staying for snacks?” Normally, after poker, the group would grab food and maybe continue the night elsewhere. As far as Harden could remember, Walter had never left this early before.

Audrey started to answer, but Walter beat her to it. “She’s got to head home early. Needs to stick to her bedtime.”

The second Harden realized it was because of Audrey, he teased, “Wow, you’re really strict, huh? Alright, alright, go on then. We won’t keep you.”

Walter just looked over at Audrey. “Ready?”

“Yep.” Audrey couldn’t have been happier to have him all to herself. She smiled at the others, waving goodbye. “We’ll head out now. Have fun, everyone. Let’s do this again soon!”

“See you!”

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