NovelFameChapter 516
Jason and Anastasia had really hit it off lately, and Monica couldn't help but notice. Jason was the classic tall,
dark, and handstype, with a sense of justice that made you feel safe just being around him. Monica, ever
the matchmaker, couldn't resist the urge to play Cupid. Anastasia, fully aware of Monica's intentions, laughed.
"Don't start playing matchmaker, Mon. Jason and | are just friends."
"All couples start off as friends," Monica said with a tic flair, looking around at the unsold items at
Anastasia's garage sale. "Ana, think about it. Look at the guy! Those muscles, that strength in his arms-he's like
a walking safety net!"
"Why don't you go for him if you like him so much? | could set you two up," Anastasia teased, half-seriously
considering Monica's praises. "Seriously, Mon, he's way more reliable than your exes. You're not getting any
younger, and here | am, already divorced, and you're still single."
"Whoa, pump the brakes!" Monica retorted with a playful nudge. "He's not my type-too stoic, like a block of
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtwood. Remember when he used to wear those bright red boxers? | still crack up thinking about it."
"I wouldn't know," Anastasia replied, her face a mix of amusement and embarrassment. "You'll have to ask him
yourself."
Monica knew Anastasia too well to let it go. "Oh con, | can't just ask him about his underwear!"
As they chatted, Monica glanced over the unsold items and sighed, "Tough day for sales, huh? Missing your little
lucky charm?"
Monica was referring to Pattie, Anastasia's daughter, whose presence often seemed to boost sales.
"Pattie's still a kid; she can't be here every day. My mom's off today, so she took her to the amusement park.
Other kids go there all the time, or they go on little trips when school's out. I feel bad | can't do the same,"
Anastasia said, the guilt of a working parent evident in her voice.
"Hey, let's plan a picnic for next weekend. We can take Pattie out," Monica suggested, then her curiosity piqued.
"Speaking of family, | haven't seen your cousin at my shop for over a month. What's up with her?"
Anastasia's tone cooled. "I wouldn't know. We don't talk anymore."
Monica sensed the tension. "What happened? You two had a falling out?"
"Yeah," was all Anastasia offered.
"What went down? It was all good last t| checked," Monica pushed, knowing there must be more to the story.
After a hesitant pause, Anastasia admitted, "She confessed to having feelings for Herman."
Monica let out a curse, shocked. "That's just low. Are all the men in the world extinct? How could she set her
sights on Herman? You don't mess with your cousin's ex-what was she thinking?" Anastasia had been unable to
accept that her cousin Gianna could be interested in Herman. If it were just simple affection, she might have
understood. But Gianna had crossed a line.
"She got close towith an agenda. Now, | can't tell which of her words were ever sincere-if any-or if it was all
just to get to Herman."
What was unforgivable, though, was Gianna's dangerous intentions towards her.
"Let's not dredge up the past. I'd rather not talk about her," Anastasia said, eager to change the subject.
"Speople just aren't worth your time. It's like inviting a thief into your home," Monica said dismissively.
Anastasia wanted to leave Gianna in the past, but fate had other plans. As they sat there, Gianna suddenly
appeared before Anastasia's stall.
"Anastasia, | need to talk to you," Gianna pleaded, her voice betraying the inner turmoil she had been wrestling
with.
"Have sshame. You've got snerve showing up here," Monica snapped defensively.
Gianna's eyes were fixed on Anastasia. "Can we talk somewhere else?"
The coldness in Anastasia's gaze was palpable. Just looking at Gianna reminded her of the betrayal, of the
moment Gianna had deliberately delayed helping her when she needed it most. "Gianna," Anastasia's voice was
laced with barely contained fury, "just leave. Don't makeslap you right here in front of everyone."
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