Page 35 of Jasha
“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.
Chapter Eighteen
Jasha
Jasha playfully discarded his clothes and skipped towards the bathroom. Daddy Kaleb was a good person on his way to becoming a better one. As Frankie had mentioned, Daddy Kaleb and Arlo were involved in the risky business of lending money to Russian immigrants. As he approached the tub, he was greeted by a mountain of bubbles forming fluffy white peaks, and a small fleet of yellow rubber duckies bobbinghappily. When Jasha saw the tub, he couldn’t contain his excitement and let out a loud squeal.
“You can get in there now.” Gently, Daddy Kaleb guided Jasha into the luxurious bubble bath, filled with fragrant oils.
There was a scratch at the bedroom door and a loud meow. “That’s Daisy. She wants in.”
“I’ll get her.” Daddy Kaleb left Jasha and returned carrying Daisy. She jumped onto the counter and purred while watching Jasha playing with the duckies in the tub.
