Chapter Twenty-Five

Kaleb

K aleb went to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. Adam and Emery were sitting drinking hot chocolate.

“Have you heard from the boys?” Kaleb asked.

“Not yet.”

“They’ve been gone for a long time.” Kaleb worried Jasha might decide to leave him for good or report him to the police. He didn’t want to go there in his thoughts. Jasha didn’t show any signs he would do a surprise run. Where would he go?

“Hey, Kaleb? Don’t worry about them. They’re shopping and there with tons of other people shopping.”

“I know, but he said he’d call to check in with me.” Kaleb got his phone out and called Jasha. His phone went to voicemail.

“What’s wrong?” Adam asked.

“His phone went to voicemail.”

Arlo entered the kitchen and stated, “I can’t get hold of Frankie because he didn’t take his phone.”

“I just tried Jasha, and he doesn’t answer.”

“Do you want me to go look for them?” Adam asked.

“It’s been over three hours.” What the hell does he think I’ll do?

“I’ll go with you.”

“Did they look like they were up to something?” Kaleb asked Adam.

“Nope. They were talking about buying presents for you guys.”

Adam and Kaleb left the house and got into the limo, Kaleb tapping his fingers nervously on his knee as he sat next to Adam. Jasha had promised to check in so Kaleb wouldn’t worry, but now his mind was racing with worst-case scenarios.

“Adam, can you drive faster?” Kaleb asked, his voice tight with anxiety.

Adam glanced at him, his expression calm. “We’ll get there soon, Kaleb. I’m sure they’re fine. Maybe they just got caught up in the holiday rush.”

Kaleb shook his head, his thoughts spiraling. “What if something happened to them? What if Jasha decided to leave and flew back to New York without telling me?”

Adam’s eyes softened with understanding. “Kaleb, I know you’re worried, but let’s not jump to conclusions. Jasha wouldn’t just leave without saying anything. He cares about you.”

Kaleb sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know, but I can’t help thinking the worst. I just… I can’t lose him.”

Adam nodded, keeping his focus on the road. “I get it. But let’s take it one step at a time. We’ll find them, and everything will be okay.”

They arrived at the bustling marketplace, the festive decorations and twinkling lights doing little to ease Kaleb’s anxiety. He and Adam began searching through the various stores, calling out Jasha’s and Frankie’s names.

In a toy store, Kaleb scanned the aisles, his heart pounding. “Jasha? Frankie?” he called, but there was no response.

Adam placed a reassuring hand on Kaleb’s shoulder. “Let’s try the next store. They can’t be far.”

They moved on to a clothing boutique, then a bookstore, and finally a café, but there was still no sign of Jasha or Frankie. Kaleb’s worry grew with each passing minute.

“Adam, what if we don’t find them?” Kaleb’s voice trembled.

“We will,” Adam said firmly. “Let’s keep looking. They might just be in a store we haven’t checked yet.”

As they continued their search, Kaleb couldn’t shake the fear that something had gone terribly wrong. But Adam’s steady presence and calm reassurances gave him a glimmer of hope that they would find Jasha and Frankie safe.

They must have been in every single store, and no one had seen them.

“Let’s go have a drink at the pub so you can relax. We’ll wait in there for their call.”

The pub was warm and inviting, with dark wooden beams and a roaring fireplace that cast an inviting glow over the room. The scent of hearty food and the sound of cheerful chatter filled the air. Kaleb scanned the room, looking for an empty booth where they could sit and wait.

As his eyes roamed the pub, he spotted Jasha and Frankie in a corner booth, laughing and enjoying a beer. They were surrounded by bags of wrapped gifts, evidence of a successful shopping trip. Relief washed over Kaleb as he nudged Adam and pointed them out.

“There they are,” Kaleb said, a smile breaking across his face.

Adam grinned. “See? I told you they’d be fine.”

They made their way over to the booth, weaving through the crowded pub. When they reached Jasha and Frankie, Kaleb couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and frustration.

“Hey, you two,” Kaleb said, sliding into the booth next to Jasha. “Why didn’t you call or check in? I was worried sick.”

Jasha looked up, his expression apologetic. “I’m so sorry, Daddy Kaleb. My phone died, and Frankie didn’t bring his.”

Frankie nodded, looking sheepish. “Yeah, we didn’t realize until we were already out.”

Kaleb sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing. “I was imagining all sorts of terrible things. I’m just glad you’re both okay.”

Jasha reached out and squeezed Kaleb’s hand. “We’re fine, I promise. We just got caught up in the shopping and lost track of time.”

Adam chuckled, taking a seat next to Frankie. “Well, at least you got all your shopping done.”

Kaleb smiled, feeling the last of his worry melt away. “Yeah, and it looks like you got quite a haul.”

Jasha grinned, gesturing to the bags. “We did. I think we found something for everyone.”

As he settled into the booth, Kaleb felt relieved Jasha hadn’t left him. Despite the scare, everything was alright. They were together, and that was all that mattered.

Kaleb bought everyone another round of beer.

“What did you buy?” he asked Jasha.

“Surprises for everyone. We had so much fun. I’m so glad I met Frankie.”

“And I’m glad to have met you. I’ve never had someone who accepted me the way you do,” Frankie replied.

“I’m glad you guys hit it off. I hope you continue your friendship in New York,” Kaleb said.

“Oh, we will. We have classes on the same days, so we’ll probably go together,” Frankie said.

“Emery said he was in some of your classes,” Adam mentioned to Jasha.

Jasha nodded.

“What days do you go to school?” Kaleb asked.

“Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.”

“So, you’re home on Tuesday and Thursday?”

“I have a job.”

“Let’s table this discussion for later and head home.”

When they arrived home, Kaleb took Jasha to his upstairs reading room. It was a room down the hallway from their bedroom. Shelves lined the walls, filled with an impressive collection of books, their spines creating a mosaic of colors and textures. In the center of the room, plush chairs and a luxurious sofa were arranged in a half circle.

The air was filled with the faint scent of old paper and polished wood, creating an atmosphere of timeless tranquility.

Every detail, from the ornate rugs to the delicate lamps, spoke of wealth and taste, making the reading room a perfect retreat for anyone seeking a moment of peace and reflection.

Kaleb sat across from Jasha in one of the padded chairs.

“Jasha, I’ve been thinking about your job at Brighton Beach,” Kaleb began, his voice steady but concerned. “I don’t want you to go back there.”

Jasha looked surprised. “Why not? I love my job, Daddy Kaleb. The people there need me.”

Kaleb sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know you do, but it’s not safe. That neighborhood…it’s not the best place for you anymore. You’ve moved on from there, and I want you to focus on your studies.”

Jasha began top out. “But I can handle it. I’ve been doing this for a while now. Plus, those people rely on me. They need someone who understands them.”

“I understand that.” Kaleb tried to soften his tone. “But you have classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You need to use your days off to study, not commute to Brighton Beach.”

Jasha shook his head, frustration clear in his voice. “Studying is important, but so is my job. I can balance both. I’ve done it before.”

Kaleb leaned forward, his eyes pleading. “Jasha, it’s not just about balancing. It’s about your safety and well-being. I don’t want you in that old neighborhood. It’s too risky.”

Jasha’s expression hardened. “You can’t just decide this for me, Daddy Kaleb. I know the risks, and I’m willing to take them. Those people need me.”

Kaleb felt a pang of guilt but remained firm. “I’m not trying to control you, Jasha. I’m just worried. I want you to be safe and to succeed in your studies. Can’t you find a job closer to home?”

Jasha’s shoulders slumped, the tension easing slightly. “It’s not that easy. The people at the bank trust me. They need someone who speaks their language, who understands their struggles.”

Kaleb reached out, taking Jasha’s hand in his. “I get that, I really do. But maybe there’s another way you can help them without putting yourself at risk. Maybe you can find a remote job or something closer.”

Jasha looked down at their joined hands, his resolve wavering. “I’ll think about it, Daddy Kaleb. But it’s not an easy decision.”

Kaleb squeezed his hand gently. “That’s all I’m asking. Just think about it. I want what’s best for you.”

Jasha nodded slowly, the conflict still lingering but softened by Kaleb’s concern. “I’ll think about it.”