The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 857

Tavon was on edge.

Salma had put extra effort into her outfit that morning—hair done, makeup perfect, floral dress swishing as she left for her date with that older guy. Tavon was practically fuming.

Anastasia barely got a word out before Tavon stormed out.

As soon as he left, Herman wandered downstairs, glancing around the unusually quiet living room. “Why’s it so dead in here? Where’s your mom and dad?”

“My mom’s out on a date. Dad’s off playing detective, probably tailing her,” Anastasia said, grinning. “Honestly, it’s about time Mom got to have some fun for once.”

She’d never hoped her parents would get back together—never even wanted it. Having a mom who was finally happy and clear-headed? That was enough for her.

Herman came up behind Anastasia and gave her shoulders a quick squeeze. “You’re not worried they’ll get into it?”

“They’re both getting up there. I mean, surely they wouldn’t make a scene at their age… right?” Anastasia replied, though her confidence wavered.

Out at the park, a bunch of retirees—led by old George—were dancing under a big oak tree to some crackly jazz from a Bluetooth speaker. These guys had nothing but time now, so they’d meet up, dance, chat, and swap stories to keep the loneliness at bay.

Salma had been taking good care of herself lately, dropping by Monica’s Beauty Bar every so often. All that pampering showed—she looked bright and confident, and today she was positively glowing.

Adam, sixty and retired from the auto plant, was a widower with two grown kids who were always busy. He mostly kept to himself, picking up odd jobs and, lately, learning to dance. He was on the shorter side, a little round in the middle, with a warm, easygoing face and a knack for making people laugh.

He and Salma had gotten close over the last few months. When Adam finally told her how he felt, Salma realized she liked him too. So now, there they were, slow-dancing, both looking happier than they’d been in ages. The whole group of retirees was pretty stylish, too.

Tavon sat off to the side on a bench, glaring at the scene. The more he watched, the more annoyed he got.

He muttered, “Look at them, hugging up like teenagers. Honestly. This is ridiculous…”

Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore. He got up and marched over, pulling Salma out of Adam’s arms. “Knock it off. Have you no shame? You’re not kids anymore.”

The music sputtered out. Heads turned. All eyes were on them.

Adam blinked. “Salma, who’s this?”

Before Salma could answer, Tavon cut in. “Calling her Salma like you’re twenty years old. Don’t you feel silly?”

Salma’s patience snapped. “Tavon, get out of here. You’re the only one making a scene.”

“You’re coming home with me,” Tavon insisted, scowling. “This hugging and carrying on—what will people think? I’m still around, you know.”

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