The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

The next day.

News was out: the Salstrom family was planning a big birthday party for Pattie. Her actual birthday wasn't until June 6th-there were still two months to go.

But for her eldest granddaughter, Katelyn was all in. As soon as she heard Herman's decision, she called up Anastasia. "Ana, let me handle Pattie's birthday party, okay? I promise it'll be fabulous-totally grand! Pattie's going to be the prettiest little princess. And of course, we'll need to get her a custom dress..."

Katelyn was so excited, she barely let Anastasia get a word in. Honestly, from how things were shaping up, Pattie herself wouldn't have much say, either.

Salma, always the practical one, saw right through Katelyn's intentions. She pulled Anastasia aside and said gently, "Ana, if your mother-in-law wants to plan the birthday, just let her. Don't get into it with her. It's just a birthday. We can find our own way to show Pattie how much we love her."

Salma had spent enough time around Katelyn to know her well.

Katelyn wasn't a bad person. She was just a little intense, a bit impressionable, and cared way too much about appearances and family ties. But to her credit, she was never stingy with Anastasia or the kids. The problem was, if anyone got in her ear, she'd fold easily and change her mind.

Overall, Katelyn meant well-she just acted on impulse and didn't always think about how others might feel. She'd been soft on Julie back in the day and nearly got taken advantage of. Then she adored Sandy for being clever and sweet-until she discovered Sandy had her own agenda.

Anastasia understood where Salma was coming from. She smiled. "Don't worry, Mom. I'm not going to compete with her over this. There's no need. In fact, she's probably the best person for the job. After the way she acted toward Pattie at Emmie and Nancy's baby shower, everyone could tell she didn't like Pattie. Now, she'll have to show with her actions how much she cares. That way, no one will dare look down on Pattie."

If the Salstroms truly valued Pattie, everyone else would, too. And if Katelyn threw her a big, impressive party, people would notice. They'd see that Pattie mattered, and no one would dare gossip.

Salma nodded, smiling. "That's exactly it."

Anastasia noticed Salma was dressed up in a bright red blouse and teased, "Mom, are you going on a date with Dad?"

Tavon had settled right in since coming to Riverdale, staying at Southridge Estates. But Anastasia hadn't seen him yet that morning.noveldrama

Salma adjusted her scarf and laughed. "A date with your dad? Please. He's got his own wife and kids. He's just your father-nothing more to me. Gotta be clear about that. I'm meeting Adam at the park to dance."

Anastasia perked up, sensing some gossip. "Adam? Who's Adam? You never told me! When do I get to meet him?"

Truthfully, Anastasia was happy at the idea of her mom finding someone, Salma had worked hard her whole life-she was just in her late fifties, not even sixty. There was no reason for her to spend the next twenty years alone.

Even though Salma lived at Southridge Estates, she still picked

up odd jobs; refusing to touch the t

pocket money Anastasia gave

her-she just put it away. She only stayed because she loved her daughter and grandkids. Otherwise, she might have moved out long ago.

And despite everything, Salma never bragged about being the CEO of Elysian Technologies. She kept a low profile, especially since Katelyn had once looked down on Pattie. Salma's pride wouldn't let her take anything from the Salstroms.

She was a single mom-tough and fiercely independent. Anastasia had learned her resilience from her.

How else can you stand tall in this world?

At the mention of Adam, Salma smiled. "You'll meet him some other time-today, I'm running late."

Anastasia grinned. "Mom, when Pattie's birthday comes around, you should invite Adam too!"

"We'll see," Salma replied, a little shy. "Adam doesn't know I'm the CEO at Elysian we met while working part-time at a hotel."

Not wanting to make her late, Anastasia said, "Alright, Mom, go ahead. We'll talk more later. Want me to call you a driver?"

"I'll take the bus," Salma said. "Wouldn't make sense for someone working hotel gigs to show up in a fancy car."

As soon as Salma left, Tavon slipped out after her, trying to be sneaky.

Anastasia caught him. "Dad, where are you going?"

He grinned. "I'm going to keep an eye on your mom. Can't let some old scoundrel

pull a fast one on her."