Chapter Seventeen

Jasha

J asha enjoyed his day with Daddy Kaleb, but in the back of his mind, he worried about why his father had moved to Russia without telling him. It wasn’t like him to do that. Daddy Kaleb had to make a few phone calls, so he rushed to the kitchen to find Miss Nadia. She was alone, drinking a cup of coffee.

“Can I talk to you?” Jasha asked.

“Of course you can.” Miss Nadia put her coffee on the island. “Sit down.”

Jasha sat on a worn wooden stool facing her. “Do you know why my father moved to Russia?”

Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in his words. “No, sweetie. I didn’t know he’d left. I’m so sorry. I know this must hurt.” She got up from her stool and hugged him. She poured him a glass of milk and put two Christmas cookies on a plate for him. “Have some milk and cookies to make yourself feel better.”

“Thank you.” Jasha fought back his tears, refusing to let them fall. “Kaleb doesn’t know either, but he’s looking into it.”

“If he’s looking into it, then he’ll find out where he is and why he left. He wants to make you happy. He has a very special place in his heart for you.”

Jasha sipped his milk and bit into a sugar cookie, then he nodded with a smile. His heart ached for someone who would lovingly call him “his boy” and to be claimed by Daddy Kaleb.

“Oh, he talked about you in New Haven. I didn’t approve of how he got you here with us, and I told him so too. Kaleb isn’t perfect, but he always corrects his mistakes. I think everything will turn out.”

“I hope so. I’ve never been kidnapped before. I wasn’t really kidnapped, but sometimes I wonder how I got here.”

“Please don’t use the word kidnap around anyone, especially Kaleb. It’s going to turn into a Christmas miracle. I think you like Kaleb. I see the way you look at him.”

“I liked him before I really knew him. Then the situation scared me. He’s like two different people.”

“He’s a loving person in his private life. I can’t speak about his business life. Remember now, you’re in his private life. He already sees you as family.”

“I hope he stays loving.”

“He will.”

Daddy Kaleb walked into the kitchen. “Are you two talking about me?”

“I was telling Jasha about what a good man you are,” she said.

“I see.” His brow furrowed in deep thought. “Are you ready to go upstairs and watch a movie?”

“A Christmas one?” Jasha asked.

“Of course. Bring your cookies and milk with you.”

“Don’t forget after breakfast tomorrow you and Frankie are going to help the girls and me bake cookies,” Miss Nadia said.

“We won’t forget. I’m so excited about it. I’ve never baked before.”

As they climbed the stairs together, Jasha admired the lighted handrail. His father had a small tree in their apartment for Christmas, and that was the extent of their decorating.

“Remember, I’m going to give you a bubble bath.”

“I can’t wait.” Daddy Kaleb did not know just how much Jasha longed for a relaxing bubble bath. Jasha hoped he would join him.

As soon as they entered the bedroom, Jasha made his way to the window and peered out at the lake. It was so different here than it was in Brighton Beach. He adored the beach area, but this place had a serene tranquility that was unmatched.

“Is something wrong?”

“We need to talk.”

“Let’s sit.” He pulled two waters from the mini refrigerator in his room and handed one to Jasha.

“Thanks.”

They took their seats in the emerald velvet chairs, positioning themselves to face one another. The combination of their beauty and comfort made them truly delightful.

“I want to talk about my father,” Jasha announced with a slight tremble in his voice.

“Do you need another punishment?”

“Why would you say that?”

“I told you we will not discuss your father.”

“I don’t think you were my Daddy Kaleb when you said that. I think as my daddy, you need to know, I’m not okay about him moving without telling me.” Jasha finished his cookies and milk and set the plate and glass on a small table beside the window.

“I’m working on it as fast as I can. Do you know why your father owes so much money?”

“I figured you charged him illegal rates of interest.”

“I did, but why did he need money in the first place?”

“He told me he had to pay off a loan when we moved to America.”

“How old were you when you left Russia?”

“Eleven.”

“How old are you now?”

“Twenty-one.”

“That’s ten years to pay off a relocation loan?”

“That’s what he told me.”

“Did he pay your tuition?”

“No. I took out loans and used my savings from working.”

“I didn’t know you had a job. What did you do?” Daddy Kaleb pulled Jasha from his chair into his lap and kissed the top of his head.

“I was a Russian translator at the bank in Brighton Beach. I made good money and had worked there since I was sixteen, saving my paychecks for college.”

“I’m impressed. Getting back to your father. I’m going to tell you something about him.”

“Something I don’t know?”

“Were you aware your father gambled a lot?”

“I knew he used to play cards with his friends at some Russian club. He’d come home late, then get up early and teach.”

“Your father gambled with the big players, not his Russian friends at a small club. He owes me and others a lot of money. I have a feeling he ran away to Russia to avoid his debts.”

“Without me?” Jasha formed a small pout with his lips.

“You weren’t there. You were here with me. When loan sharks make death threats, you believe it and leave town. There’s no time to wait for anyone or anything.”

“Why would he leave after I left? I mean, if he was in that much trouble, he should have moved sooner, right?”

“I don’t know, but I’m trying to find out.”

“Then what?”

“Then I’m going to see if I can help him, so you still have a father. I know you won’t be happy if he’s gone. Things are different because I’m your daddy and my job is to take care of you.”

“So, if you weren’t my daddy, then you wouldn’t look for him?”

“I don’t know, Jasha. I don’t know. What I know is I want you as my boy, but I don’t want you upset. I promise I’ll try to find your father and help him.”

Jasha embraced Daddy Kaleb tightly, resting his head against his chest.

“Thank you.”

“Does my precious prince want his bubble bath?”

“Yes.” Jasha had had suspicions about his father being a heavy gambler. He stayed out so late, and some nights he came home beaten up. He’d always tell Jasha he’d had too much vodka. He drank a lot more than he should have. He wasn’t the best father, but he was all Jasha had.

“Undress and come to the bathroom. I’m going to get your bath ready.” Daddy Kaleb left him alone.