The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Monica had Jackson sit down and do the math-just how much had he spent on Kristine altogether?

For someone usually so sharp with numbers, Jackson couldn't remember a thing.

"Sis, whatever I spent on her, it's gone," he said with a shrug. "I'm not about to go chasing her for it." He even managed a gentlemanly air. "Didn't you used to say you never bothered asking for money back either?"

Monica smacked the back of his head. "Are you seriously bringing up my past right now? And by the way, I give you almost a grand every month for living expenses. Where'd you get all that extra cash for those pricey gifts?"

Jackson grinned. "Tutoring money I saved up, plus scholarships, and the pocket money you and Mom gave me. I don't really spend much, so it just added up."

Monica rolled her eyes. "So you don't spend money, but you still hustle to make more. What's the point?"

Anastasia laughed. "Monica, go easy. We're surrounded by other students here."

Most of the tables in the place were filled with college kids from nearby schools. Monica finally let it drop, but then shot Jackson a look. "So, what was it about Kristine that caught your eye? She's the campus queen, after all."

Jackson shook his head. "Honestly, she chased me. She wanted help with math, so I tutored her-figured we're classmates, why not? Then she confessed and I just agreed."

Monica and Anastasia just stared at him.

Monica sized him up. "Didn't think you were that easy. Who knew?"

Jackson shrugged. "Everyone else seemed to have a girlfriend already, so I thought, why not? It's not like I really liked her that much. I just didn't know how to say no. She's hardworking, though."

Monica gave him a thumbs-up. “Alright, eat up and get yourself back to campus.” Jackson finished his meal and, as he got up to go, asked, "Hey, sis, that fancy car outside-that's Anastasia's, right? No offense, but I doubt you could afford something like that. You don't have to put on a show for me."

Monica was speechless. She looked like she was about to throw something.

"If you don't keep your brother in check while he's young, you'll never get a handle on him," she grumbled as Jackson left. He was already taller than her now-out of reach for a smack.noveldrama

After he walked out, Monica muttered, "That little punk. I'm the one helping him and he's out here lecturing me. Who says I can't afford a Benz?"

Truth is, she could-she just didn't see the point. She already owned two condos, after all. What's a car?

Back at school, Jackson barely walked in before his classmates surrounded him, full of gossip.

"Dude, Jackson, you've been hiding your rich-kid status all this time! And you still let me pick up the tab?"

"Yeah, man, you totally got Kristine. Girls like that, only care about flashy stuff, need a wake-up call."

"Be honest, Jackson-what does your family actually do?"

Jackson was straightforward as always. "Not hiding anything. My parents are retired college professors. Dad got bored and started a recycling business. My sister runs five beauty salons."

"Recycling?" His classmates' eyes went wide. "That's a goldmine! Your family must be loaded."

Jackson shook his head. “That's just

the start. My sister's salons pull in more than that. Dad's business is doing well, too. We do alright."

Silence fell for a moment.

"Jackson, you're buying dinner tonight, big shot! You acted broke so we'd treat

you-how'd you eat our food with a straight face?"

"Yeah, I want lobster tonight. And don't skimp on the butter!"

"I'm ordering king crab and fries!"

Jackson thought for a second. "Let me call my sister and see if she'll advance me some allowance. Kristine wiped out my savings."

Once Jackson's drama was out of the way, Anastasia turned to Monica with a

grin. "So... you and Jason. Did you two hook up?”

They were both grown women—no need for beating around the bush.

Monica blushed, glanced around, and whispered, "Ana, could you maybe be a little more subtle?"

Anastasia just laughed. "Girl, I've three kids. 'Subtle' isn't in my

vocabulary. Don't pretend-yol. ne

"

dying to tell me all the details