The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1005

Monica was way too proud to just tag along—no way was she going to give in that easily.

Trying to sound all cool and unaffected, Monica said, “What’s so great about Phoenix anyway? And even if I wanted to travel, it definitely wouldn’t be with a certain someone.” As she spoke, she practically hid behind her hand.

She hadn’t put on any makeup today, and a breakout had decided to make an appearance. Then Jason showed up out of nowhere—could it get any worse? Social disaster, level max.

Anastasia shot Jason a look, basically begging him to say something—throw Monica a lifeline, please.

But nope, both of them just kept being stubborn. At this rate, how were they ever going to make up?

Jason, not exactly Mr. Comfort, just turned to Anastasia and kept the small talk going. “It’s been, what, over a month? You look good.”

Anastasia was speechless. Seriously? That’s what you’re going with?

Was that supposed to help? No wonder he was still single.

Trying to keep things moving, Anastasia forced a smile. “I’m okay. It’s all about the mood—good mood, good skin. Anyway, did Alisa’s case get settled?”

“Yeah,” Jason replied. “Caught the guy last week, back in Alisa’s hometown.”

“Well, that’s one less thing to worry about.” Anastasia glanced at the other two, who were both deep in their own silent sulking, and felt awkward enough to want to crawl under the table.

She couldn’t take it anymore. “Come on, you two—say something!”

Monica kept her head down, Jason stared out the window like he was in a music video.

Anastasia looked between them. “Okay, whatever. Herman just texted—he’s on his way. I’m heading out for dinner. Business stuff.”

The second Monica realized Anastasia was about to leave, she grabbed her arm and whispered frantically, “Ana, don’t go! What do I do if you leave?”

Anastasia just grinned. “Either leave with Jason, or go solo.”

Monica shot Jason a dirty look. “Like I’d ever leave with him. He’s got nothing to do with me.”

Jason stood up. “Anastasia, I’ve got somewhere to be too. Just saw you here and thought I’d say hi. Time for me to go.”

What the actual heck?

A deep, familiar voice spoke behind her. “Came out to pick me up?”

Herman just smiled and took her phone gently. “Relax. Monica’s totally under Jason’s spell. Sure, they’ll fight, but trust me, it’s a good thing.”

Anastasia processed that. “So Jason’s pushing her buttons on purpose?”

“Mhm.” Herman smiled softly and took her hand. “Come on, let’s get going. Jarod’s treating us to dinner, and Mr. Walker will be there too.”

At the mention of Mr. Walker, Anastasia remembered something. “Your mom said today that Autumn might be pregnant. She called her, but it sounded like it might be a misunderstanding.”

“Pregnant?” Herman’s lips curled into a little smile. “I’d say that’s pretty likely. Nelson went to the hospital today for a prescription and ran into Autumn there.”

“Autumn went to the hospital? But she told your mom she didn’t, so she lied—she must be pregnant!” Anastasia’s eyes lit up. “Babe, who do you think the father is?”