Chapter Twenty-Two

Jasha

J asha wanted to lug his bags upstairs to their bedroom, but Daddy Kaleb wouldn’t hear of it. With a gesture, Daddy Kaleb instructed Adam to carry them to up. Jasha couldn’t contain his excitement about his new clothes. He’d told Daddy Kaleb not to spend money on him, but he was delighted and surprised how much time and attention Daddy Kaleb paid to him, like no other person had. Not even his father.

Jasha led the way to the stairs; climbing to the second floor, they made their way to the bedroom. Daddy Kaleb had stopped to have a conversation with Arlo in the entryway. As their conversation escalated, Frankie quietly slipped away and headed towards the kitchen. Jasha didn’t blame him for walking away from the bickering cousins, their raised voices echoing in his ears frightened Jasha. He was glad he was on the way upstairs. After walking down the long hallway, they entered the bedroom and were immediately hit by the scent of lavender and freshly washed sheets. Jasha wondered who changed the sheets. Miss Nadia was busy in the kitchen, so it was possible the girls had changed them.

“Where do you want these bags?” Adam asked, his nose wrinkled as he stood in the bedroom.

“Just put them on the bed. Thanks,” Jasha said.

“It smells like lavender flowers in here,” Adam said.

“It does. It usually smells like pine.”

“I bet the girls were in charge, and they didn’t know Kaleb doesn’t want to smell like a flower in the morning.” The sound of Adam’s laughter echoed through the air.

Jasha giggled when he thought of Daddy Kaleb smelling like a lavender garden. He could only imagine what he would say when he walked in.

“I think Kaleb is going to keep you. I’ve never seen him this happy before. He’s a changed man.”

“Do you know anything about our history?”

“Yes. He kidnapped you from your father because he didn’t pay up.”

“Yes, that’s what happened, but don’t call it kidnapping.” Jasha didn’t want to hear that word. It wasn’t really what happened. According to the law, however, it very well could be considered that in his situation.

“Why did you go with him?”

“It’s complicated and I don’t know if he told you everything that went on in the apartment.”

“He did. He put a gun to your father’s head. That’s more than I ever wanted to know about.” Adam’s tense posture and clenched fists revealed his stress.

Jasha closed his eyes, visualizing that moment he thought Daddy Kaleb would kill his father. “Yes, that’s all true.” The image he created in his mind left him feeling queasy, his stomach flipping upside down.

“Let me tell you something about Kaleb. He can be ruthless and has been. I know you saw that side of him in your apartment, but since you’ve been here, he’s not the same man. You’ve changed him. I don’t know what you did to him, but it’s clear he loves you and would do anything to make you happy.”

“He has been so good to me, always showing kindness and love. He’s got my back when I need him. I never expected any of this from him.”

“Let me ask you something. If Kaleb said you were free to leave him, would you leave?”

“Kaleb threatened me if I left him, but I don’t feel that threat anymore. I could have left. He didn’t handcuff me to a chair. But the truth is, I never wanted to. I love being with him.”

“I could tell you were into him as much as he is into you because at any point if you had wanted to leave, I would have helped you. The first day I had some doubts you guys would work out, but when you two were together after that first day, I could see everything was going to be okay.”

“It was tough sitting next to him on the plane for so long. I was in shock, not knowing what to do. I was so upset I couldn’t think. Then the next day he made me feel so welcome in his home. Everyone in the house treated me like family.”

“I know Miss Nadia loves you and doesn’t want you to leave us.”

“Did he tell you what he wanted to do with me when he took me away from my father?”

“Every time I drove him to your apartment, he talked about you. He said he wanted you to be his boy. So, I knew he was looking for an excuse to make that happen. He was hoping to win you over.”

“I used to dream about him after he showed up to collect money.”

“He’s a hot guy!”

Jasha nodded. “Can I ask you something personal?”

“Ask me anything?”

“I have a couple of questions.” Jasha laughed. “First, you look like Kaleb. Are you guys related in any way?”

“Yes, we’re distant cousins. We were always close as kids, and when my family heard I was gay, they kicked me out. Kaleb took me in. He wanted me to work with him and Arlo, but I can’t do what they do. So, he offered me the position of his limo driver and other side jobs. It’s worked out for us.”

“He was kind to help you.”

“Don’t tell Kaleb what I’m going to tell you. Promise?”

“Yes, I won’t tell him.”

“I was ready to walk after he took you. I didn’t enjoy being a part of that scene. I’m sorry I was.”

“It really had nothing to do with you. It was Kaleb’s decision.”

“I know, but as you know studying law, the driver for any crime is an accomplice. I was in some iffy territory with him that day. I knew what he planned to do. He told me he was going to take you if your father refused to pay. That’s called kidnapping. I should have said no.”

“I didn’t have to go, and he didn’t physically prevent me from leaving.”

“He used threats to take you, then used them to keep you. It stinks either way but thank God everything is turning out okay. I mean it feels like a Christmas miracle.”

“I saw the two sides of him, and I love this side in Lake Tahoe.”

“It’s true he and Arlo are changing how they do business. I told them I would leave if they didn’t stop. Mr. Wells and Miss Nadia also told him that. And you’ve got to know they basically raised him and love him like a son. So, he got the message.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“I heard Arlo was upset he took you too.”

“It’s all over now.”

“It’s not all over for your father. He could file a complaint with the police and cause shit for all of us aiding in your abduction.”

“He’s gone. He won’t do anything. He got away with not paying Kaleb a lot of money,” Jasha said. “Thanks for having my back.”

“If Kaleb hurts you in any way and you need out, call me. I’ll help you.”

“Thanks. I don’t think he’ll hurt me. He’s too busy loving me to death.”

The door creaked open, with Daddy Kaleb standing there. “What’s taking you so long up here?” Daddy Kaleb asked Adam.

“We were just shooting the breeze,” Adam said.

“Frankie and Jasha want to go shopping tomorrow morning,” Daddy Kaleb said.

“No problem. Is that all?”

“That’s it.” Daddy Kaleb was curt with Adam.

Daddy Kaleb embraced Jasha tightly, his arms wrapped protectively around him as he gazed down into his face. “I’m so happy you’re here with me.”

“I’m happy too.”

“You were busy putting everything away.”

“I love all my new clothes. Thank you so much.”

“Are you excited about our surprise evening?”

“Yes. What should I wear?”

“Before we go, you’re going to get a present and you can wear it. Let’s go down for dinner first.”

Jasha watched as Kaleb invited Miss Nadia, her two nieces, Adam, and Mr. Wells to join them for dinner. The guests added a lively energy to the already bustling dining room.

Food platters covered the table as dinner was served. Miss Nadia had outdone herself with perfectly roasted beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and tender green beans. A basket of warm French bread sat in the center, inviting everyone to help themselves. Jasha loved all these home-cooked meals. After living with his father, who cooked little, Jasha was overwhelmed by all the food on the table.

“This looks absolutely delicious, Miss Nadia!” Arlo exclaimed.

“Thank you, dear,” she replied, beaming. “I hope you all enjoy it.”

Frankie scanned the festive decorations adorning the dining room. “Wow, the table looks so pretty!”

“Thank you, Miss Nadia.” Jasha felt emotional when he thought about all the fast-food meals he’d had with his father. He had missed a lot by not having a mother.

“I wanted to create a special atmosphere for Christmas Eve,” Kaleb explained. “We’ll be going Christmas caroling in the neighborhood.”

Adam’s eyes lit up. “That sounds like so much fun!” he exclaimed.

“And after that, we’ll have a big family dinner,” Kaleb continued, “then we’ll open presents.”

Jasha couldn’t help but smile. The thought of spending Christmas Eve with everyone at this table filled him with warmth and joy.