The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1004

Nine out of ten women suffer the same post-breakup blues.

You want to see your ex, but pride just won’t let you.

Anastasia could tell Monica needed to let it all out. She nudged her, “Go on, have a good cry. You’ll feel better. Like you always say, ‘Men are everywhere—there’s no shortage. We’re not about to run out of options!’”

Monica sniffled, “Where are all these men, though? Two-legged ones? That’s just eunuchs. I want a three-legged man—and the third leg better be the thickest, the biggest.”

Anastasia stared at her, momentarily at a loss. Was this really what heartbreak looked like?

She glanced around the café—thank goodness, hardly anyone was there to overhear Monica’s wild rant.

“Anastasia, you’re coming with me tonight. We’re going man-hunting,” Monica demanded, clinging to her hand. “He has to be hot, and good in bed. Jason? Please. All he had going for him was stamina, thick legs, and a killer body—big deal...”

Anastasia gaped, unsure if Monica was bragging or complaining. Was this heartbreak, or a humblebrag?

She couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, I get it. Your Jason—lasts forever, thick legs, great in bed, perfect body. No wonder you’re so upset. Losing a gem like that is rough!”

“Gem, my ass,” Monica huffed, lapsing into her hometown slang.

Anastasia grinned. “Monica, you’re drinking coffee, not tequila. Are you sure you’re not drunk?”

Monica pouted, looking like a kicked puppy. “Ana, my heart is aching, okay?”

“I’d be miserable too,” Anastasia teased. “Who wouldn’t feel awful losing a ‘gem’?”

“Come drinking with me,” Monica declared dramatically. “Tonight, we don’t go home till we’re wasted.”

“I’m down, but let me get a hall pass from Herman,” Anastasia joked, grabbing her phone. “We’ll go out, and I’ll have Herman pick us up after.”

“Who’s the boss in your relationship, huh? You need permission to have a drink?” Monica scoffed. “Ana, you get yourself a man and forget your girls. You’ll get tipsy, go home to Herman for your little nightly workout, and what about me? I’m left alone and cold. Are we even friends?”

Anastasia paused mid-text, cracking up. She looked at Monica. “Want me to call a guy for you too?”

Monica shook her head, suddenly deflated. “Nope.”

Jason was already heading their way, so Monica had no choice but to sit up and face the music.

He slid into the seat next to her, cool as ever. But instead of talking to Monica, he greeted Anastasia. “Hey, what a coincidence. I was just passing by and saw your car.”

“Yeah, what are the odds?” Anastasia couldn’t help smirking. Her car was parked in the underground garage—no way Jason saw it. He was totally bluffing.

Monica’s car, though, was parked right outside.

As Jason settled in, Monica felt surrounded by his familiar presence. Her nerves rattled, she scooted further away and stared out the window, pretending he didn’t exist.

Jason glanced at Monica, sipping her coffee and feigning interest in the scenery, then turned to Anastasia. “I heard Pattie’s surgery was a success—she can talk again now.”

“Yeah, she’s doing great. We even found her a new school,” Anastasia replied, keeping the chat going. She knew Monica was dying to ask questions, so she did it for her. “So, Jason, what have you been up to? Haven’t seen you in forever.”

“Been on a business trip, working a case out of state. Just got back two days ago,” Jason answered, obviously for Monica’s benefit too. “Now that it’s done, my boss gave me some time off. I’m just out for a walk, grabbing a coffee, thinking about heading to Phoenix for a bit.”

Anastasia jumped right in. “Phoenix, huh? That’s a great place. Monica, didn’t you say you wanted to check out Phoenix? Perfect chance for you two to go together.”