The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

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.noveldrama

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."

Salma shook him off, glaring. "Who I spend time with is my business, not yours." She turned to Adam, explaining, "This is my daughter's father. My ex."

Not even her ex-husband-just her ex, really.

Adam caught on and offered a patient smile. "Buddy, we're all adults here. No need for drama. You're not Salma's keeper. She can have friends if she wants."

Tavon, still bitter, sneered, "You think I don't see what you're up to? Shifty eyes, always looking around. I've been watching you. Salma, I'm just trying to make sure you don't get played. With your history, I'm not sure you'd spot a scammer..."

Salma's cheeks turned red. "Tavon, if anyone wasted my time, it was you. You cost me over twenty years. Who are you to judge?"

She stormed off, Adam close behind, but Tavon blocked his path. "Stay away from Salma."

Adam didn't back down. "Maybe you should be the one to back off. She told me about you. Guys like you give the rest of us a bad name. Leave her alone."

He gave Tavon a firm shove and followed after Salma.

The three of them together had to be pushing 160 years old, and still, here they were caught up in a love triangle straight out of a daytime soap. The whole park had a front-row seat.

Salma was mortified, which is why she ran off.

Tavon, left standing alone, was clearly unwelcome. And back in Willowbrook, Ashley was still hoping he'd come home, her heart twisting with worry every day. Sandy watched her sister's anxiety with a mix of annoyance and helplessness, but honestly, she had her own problems.

Elysian Technologies was turning the screws on Morton Group, and Sandy was feeling the pressure.

She was hungry for more-running a small company wasn't enough for her. She stormed around the office, snapping at the staff. Sean, her brother, tried to calm her down.

"Sis, we're doing fine. We've got more than enough. Herman's just flexing his muscles—give it time, he'll lay off Morton Group."

"That's too passive," Sandy shot back. "Herman's only pushing because Morton Group is catching up to Elysian Technologies. If he's nervous, that means I'm getting somewhere. I'll take that as a win."

Her eyes lit up. "I just saw-Salstrom family is throwing a birthday party for their

quiet kid. I'm heading to Riverdale. That could be our opportunity."

Sean frowned. "Sandy, don't go stirring up trouble."

She smirked. "There's always someone who doesn't want the Salstroms to live in peace."

"Who?" Sean asked.

Sandy just smiled, keeping her secrets.