The Bound Between Us

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.

him too. So now, there they were, slow- dancing, both looking happier than they'd

the side on a bench, glaring at

up like teenagers.

pulling Salma out of Adam's arms. "Knock it off. Have you

music sputtered out. Heads turned.

blinked. "Salma,

Salma like you're twenty

out of here. You're the only one making

hugging and carrying on—what will people think?

is my business, not yours." She turned to Adam, explaining, "This is my

ex-husband-just

offered a patient smile. "Buddy, we're all adults here. No need

"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

was you.

stormed off, Adam close behind, but Tavon blocked

me about you. Guys like you give the rest

a firm shove and

pushing 160 years old, and still, here they were caught up in a

mortified, which is why