Chapter Twenty-Four

Jasha

B efore Jasha went downstairs to meet Frankie, Daddy Kaleb sat him down on the bed. A somber expression settled on his face, giving him an air of seriousness. The mere thought of Daddy Kaleb assigning Adam as their babysitter while he and Frankie went Christmas shopping sent a shiver down his spine, filling him with apprehension. He thought Daddy Kaleb trusted him to return home as he told him he would.

“I’m going to trust that you will do as you say.”

“Frankie and I are going shopping, and Adam is taking us. Neither of us drive, but we don’t need Adam or anyone following us. We’re adults and know how to shop.”

“Jasha, that’s not what I’m talking about. Ever since I took you from your father, I haven’t let you go anywhere without me. I want our relationship to work and realize it won’t work holding you as a prisoner. You need to feel free and know I trust you.”

“First of all, I could have left. I was never your prisoner. You don’t know me well enough. I know how to leave any place I don’t want to be. After a few days with you, I knew you wouldn’t kill my father because you know how important he is to me. I’m not running away. Don’t you know by now I want to be here?”

“I do. I have one thing to ask.” Daddy Kaleb’s skeptical expression revealed his doubt about what Jasha had said.

“Yes? What?” The lingering suspicion that Daddy Kaleb didn’t have faith in giving him his independence without him running away weighed heavily on Jasha’s mind. How would he deal with him attending college without him?

“Call me to let me know how it’s going. Adam will return home after he drops you two off. You’re to call him when you’re done shopping. No one will be following you. I trust you.” He took Jasha into his arms.

“I promise to call and let you know how we’re doing.”

“It’s hard for me to let go, but it’s unhealthy not to. Have fun shopping.” He handed Jasha an envelope with money in it. “This is for you.”

“I don’t need it. I have my own money.”

“Take it anyway. I’ll feel better if you do.”

Jasha leaned in and pressed his lips against Daddy Kaleb’s in a tender kiss. “Thanks.”

Jasha left the bedroom and descended the stairs. He and Frankie put on their jackets and boots, then left. Jasha felt the crisp morning breeze on his face but thankfully, Adam graciously held the door to the limo open, allowing them to swiftly slip inside. The ride to town was a quick one, the scenery passing by in a blur.

It was a dreadful change to wake up to a snow-free morning for the first time since their arrival. Jasha wanted it to snow every day, hoping it would delay their return to New York. Thoughts like that were foolish to entertain when he was about to go back to school, butLake Tahoe held a special place in his heart, with its serene beauty and breathtaking views. Daddy Kaleb and the people in his home showered him with love, making him feel like a cherished family member. His family consisted solely of his father, who had raised him single-handedly. Despite his deep love for Jasha, his father kept his emotions hidden.

Adam dropped them off in the shopping area. Jasha and Frankie walked side by side, their breath visible in the crisp winter air as they made their way to the store. The streets were adorned with festive lights, and the sound of holiday music filled the air. Despite the cheerful surroundings, both young men were lost in their thoughts.

Jasha glanced at Frankie, noticing the furrowed brow and the way he kept biting his lip. “You seem worried,” Jasha said, breaking the silence. “What’s on your mind?”

Frankie sighed, his shoulders slumping. “It’s Daddy Arlo. I’m scared he might break up with me after Christmas. He’s been distant lately, and I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong.”

Jasha nodded, understanding the anxiety that came with uncertainty in relationships. “I get it. It’s tough not knowing what’s going on in someone’s head. Have you tried talking to him about it?”

Frankie shook his head. “I don’t want to ruin the holidays by bringing up something that might not even be an issue. But it’s eating me up inside.”

Jasha placed a comforting hand on Frankie’s shoulder. “Maybe he’s just stressed about something else. Sometimes we overthink things, especially when we care so much.”

Frankie managed a half smile. “Thanks, Jasha. What about you? You seem a bit off too.”

Jasha took a deep breath, his thoughts turning to Daddy Kaleb and the upcoming school year. “I’m worried about going to school and living with Daddy Kaleb. It’s a big change, and I don’t know if I’ll fit in or if things will work out between us.”

Frankie nodded sympathetically. “Change is always scary, but you’ve got Daddy Kaleb and his family. They care about you, and they’ll support you through it.”

Jasha smiled, feeling a bit lighter. “You’re right. I just need to take it one step at a time.”

They walked in silence for a few moments, each lost in their thoughts. Then Frankie spoke up, trying to shift the conversation to something more positive. “So, what are you thinking of getting Daddy Kaleb for Christmas?”

Jasha chuckled. “I was thinking of getting him something meaningful, like a custom piece of jewelry. What about you? Any ideas for Daddy Arlo?”

Frankie grinned. “Daddy Arlo loves music, so I was thinking of getting him a vinyl record of his favorite band, or maybe a new set of headphones.”

Jasha nodded approvingly. “I’m sure he’ll love it.”

As they continued their walk, the weight of their worries seemed to lift a little. They knew they had each other’s support, and that made all the difference.

The air was thick with the scent of pine needles and cinnamon, and the festive decorations cast a warm glow over everything. They were shopping for their daddies, and the anticipation of their loved ones’ reactions made their hearts race.

“Let’s start at the jeweler,” Frankie suggested, his eyes sparkling. “I think engraved silver bracelets would be perfect.”

Jasha nodded in agreement. He had been eyeing a particular pair of bracelets online, and he couldn’t wait to see them in person. As they entered the store, they were greeted by a friendly saleswoman, who guided them to the silver section.

“These are beautiful,” Jasha exclaimed, picking up a pair of sleek silver bracelets. He turned them over in his hands, admiring the intricate engraving. “I think Daddy Kaleb will love them.”

Jasha instructed the clerk to engrave on the bracelet, To Daddy Kaleb, Love Jasha . His face warmed into a blush because he said, Daddy Kaleb. He had no idea what the clerk thought, but he wanted his Daddy Kaleb to be happy with his gift.

Frankie smiled. “I found the perfect one for Daddy Arlo too,” he said, holding up a bracelet with a more rustic charm. “They match his style perfectly.” Frankie also asked another clerk to engrave his jewelry.

“I thought you were getting him records.”

“I will get him those too.”

After purchasing the bracelets, Jasha and Frankie headed to a nearby men’s store. They browsed through the racks of clothing, selecting the perfect leather vests, slacks, and a shirt and tie for their daddies. Jasha chose a classic black vest for Daddy Kaleb, while Frankie opted for a brown one with intricate stitching for Arlo.

As they stood in line to buy their gifts, Jasha couldn’t help but feel happy he could give something back to the man he loved. He couldn’t wait to see the joy on Daddy Kaleb’s face when he opened his gifts.

At the record shop, Frankie eagerly grabbed the vinyl record of Arlo’s favorite band and a pair of headphones. As they walked out of the store, Frankie couldn’t contain his excitement.

“I can’t wait to see their faces when they open these gifts,” he exclaimed.

Jasha smiled. He already imagined the look of surprise and joy on Daddy Kaleb’s face. The bracelets and clothes were more than just gifts; they were a testament to their love.

“Let’s get a fun coffee,” Jasha suggested.

“Good idea.”

The more time Jasha spent with Frankie, the more he liked him. He’d never had a friend who had a daddy like he did.

They walked along the sidewalk and stopped at café. They stood in line and ordered their drinks before sitting down at a small table beside the fireplace.

“Was it easy for Daddy Kaleb to let you go somewhere without him?” Frankie asked.

“I don’t think he was comfortable with it, but he said it wasn’t healthy not to. I’m so into him. Everything seems so perfect except I miss my father, and I’m worried about him.”

“Daddy Kaleb told Daddy Arlo to find him. I think he’s in Canada on his way to Russia.”

“What is Daddy Arlo going to do if he finds him?”

“Report to Daddy Kaleb. He wants to talk to him to see why he left.”

“I’d like to know that, too. Why would he go back to Russia? Makes no sense.”

“He can speak Russian, so maybe that’s why,” Frankie suggested.

“He’s running away from creditors. He doesn’t like Russia, either. I don’t get it. How could he leave me?” Jasha was curious about his father’s precise location and the thoughts running through his mind when he moved without telling him.

“I don’t know, but if the situation can be fixed, Daddy Kaleb will fix it for you.”

“I believe that too. He’s trying so hard to make up for what he did. I just don’t know why my father owed so much money.”

“Did you get your schedule for school yet?”

“Yes. I go Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from eight until three. I’m completely off on Tuesday and Thursday to work.”

“Me too. Where do you work?”

“I worked in Brighton Beach, translating. I haven’t talked to Daddy Kaleb about commuting to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

“I wonder what time it is,” Frankie said.

Jasha pulled his phone out to check. “Shit! My phone died.”

“I didn’t bring mine. I left it charging since I forgot to charge it.”

“Adam told us to call when we were done,” Jasha said.

“He went back home. Let’s do more shopping. Then we’ll see if we can find a place to call or ask someone.”

“I told Daddy Kaleb I’d call him. He’s going to think I ran away.”

“Oh shit! I hope not. He’ll have all his friends looking for us. Not funny.”

“No, it’s not. What can we do though? Let’s go to that shop down the street. I saw mugs there.”