Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 638

Later that evening, Dennis Williams arrived at the restaurant he’d reserved in advance, with Camila and little Lillian in tow.

Larry Adams was already there when they walked in.

What caught Camila Davis off guard, though, was seeing Sarah Brown at the table too.

She blinked in surprise and asked, “Sarah? What are you doing here?”

Sarah grinned and replied, “Mr. Adams invited me!”

Larry just laughed warmly. “The more, the merrier, right? Dinner’s always better with a crowd.”

He stepped forward, scooping Lillian up with a big uncle-bear hug. “Lillian, you remember me, don’t you?”

Lillian nodded her little head. “Hello, Mr. Adams.”

Dennis, standing by, gave her a gentle nudge. “He’s not your teacher anymore. You can call him Uncle Larry now.”

Larry agreed, ruffling Lillian’s hair. “That’s right! I’d much rather be Uncle Larry. Has a better ring to it.”

Lillian blinked, not entirely sure what the difference was, but obediently nodded and said, “Uncle Larry.”

Larry lit up like he’d won the lottery. “That’s my girl!”

He set her down and led her to her seat, already reaching for the menu to order.

Camila and Dennis sat opposite them, exchanging a quick glance. Larry seemed so different from how he’d acted at the gala the other night—gone was the cool, intimidating edge. Here, with friends, he was back to his old warm, laid-back self.

Camila guessed it was because everyone at the gala had seemed out for blood. In that crowd, Larry had to show his teeth just to keep from being eaten alive. Here, though, he could finally drop the act.

She liked this version of him.

She’d dealt with her fair share of hostility, and she knew all too well how comforting it was to be among people who had your back.

She was lost in thought until Larry’s voice snapped her back: “I ordered a few of the house specialties, but Camila, take a look—if there’s anything you want, just add it!”

Camila laughed at his casual tone. “You call me Camila so much, I still haven’t gotten used to it.”

She took the menu anyway, adding a few dishes she knew Dennis, Sarah, and Lillian would love—like mac and cheese for Lillian, some chicken tenders, and a big Caesar salad for the table.

Camila almost wanted to correct her use of “family,” but the two were already toasting again, so she could only smile helplessly.

Dennis, meanwhile, perked up at the mention of a project. “What are you two working on?”

Sarah and Larry wasted no time filling him in, explaining the details of their new venture. By the time the food arrived—plates of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and a couple of pizzas for the table—Dennis had already offered a handful of practical ideas.

They ate, they laughed, they swapped stories. Before they knew it, dinner was over and everyone was heading out.

As they left the restaurant, Sarah tossed Camila a wink and waved. “We’re off for a drink or two—don’t want to third-wheel your little family night!”

Camila just rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. “Just don’t overdo it, okay? You’re still a girl, you know.”

Larry jumped in, grinning, “Don’t worry, Camila. I’ll look after her. Not a chance I’ll let anything happen to her on my watch!”

Camila trusted Larry, so she just smiled and waved them off.

Once they’d gone, she followed Dennis home, feeling a warm sense of belonging settle over her.

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