Page 11 of Jasha
They continued to skate together, Mr. Bronson’s initial hesitation melting away as he followed Jasha’s lead. The two of them laughed and talked, the bond between them growing stronger with each glide across the ice.
As they skated, Jasha couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. Lake Tahoe in winter was the absolute perfect spot for him during his confinement. This place could help him escape the world and lose himself in the rhythm of the ice. The mountains, cloaked in snow, provided a breathtaking backdrop to their skating adventure.
Jasha’s heart swelled with pride. He showed Mr. Bronson some of his favorite moves. He executed a perfect spin, the world blurring around him, then transitioned into a series of intricate footwork patterns. Each move was a testament to his love for the sport and the countless hours he had spent perfecting his technique. His father had taken him to the rink at Rockefeller Center often. One of his cherished winter traditions was skating with his father. This year, they wouldn’t be lacing up their skatesor exchanging gifts around the Christmas tree. The tightness in his stomach intensified as waves of homesickness washed over him.
Jasha skated back to Mr. Bronson. “I really enjoy skating. And I love it here,” Jasha said, his voice filled with wonder. “The air, the mountains, the lake…it’s perfect.”
Mr. Bronson nodded, but his gaze was fixed on the stunning scenery. “It is pretty special here and sharing it with you is too.”
“Thank you for taking me skating.”
For Jasha, this moment was perfect. He felt a deep sense of contentment, knowing he could share his passion with someone who appreciated it. The beauty of Lake Tahoe, the joy of skating, and the unfamiliar warmth of Mr. Bronson’s company made this day one he would always cherish.
Chapter Seven
Kaleb
Skating with Jasha meant a lot to Kaleb. It brought back memories of skating here every Christmas as a child. The family traveled to Lake Tahoe from North Haven, New York. They walked back to the house, each carrying their skates in one hand.
Kaleb pointed to a pair of slippers, shiny and untouched, sitting next to his own as they removed their jackets and shoes.
“Did you buy them for me?” Jasha asked. “Thank you. I’ve never worn slippers before.”
Knowing Jasha appreciated a gift as simple as a pair of warm soft slippers felt soothing. He wanted to make sure Jasha didn’t feel like an outsider.
Kaleb nodded. “Always wear your slippers inside,” he said as he put his on his own while Jasha slipped into his.
“How come?”
“I don’t allow wearing shoes inside my home. Follow me. We’re going to go to my upstairs living room.” He led Jasha upstairs to his private suite overlooking the lake. They sat side by side in plush armchairs facing the breathtaking scenery. “I’m glad you had fun skating. We can skate anytime you want.”
“Why are you spending time with me? Don’t you have a life?”
“I like you, Jasha.”
“How do you like me?”
“I told you I’ve been watching you at the clubs. I’d like to be your Daddy Kaleb some day when you trust me.”
“How can I trust you? You had a gun to my father’s head. How will time erase that?”
“Your father’s situation was strictly business.” Kaleb knew his explanation wouldn’t satisfy Jasha’s questions. It was a lame ass excuse. Gaining his trust was no simple task; he had his work cut out for him. He would do all he could until Jasha’s uncertainty evaporated, and Kaleb earned his trust with a good energy between them. His ambitious goal was to earn Jasha’s love and become his Daddy Kaleb within a month.
“My father is my business, Mr. Bronson. My father. My life. All gone, thanks to you.”
“Did I force you to leave with me?”
“Indirectly you did. It was either you’d blow my father’s brains out in front of me, or I go with you.”
“Do you understand your father owes me a lot of money? He hasn’t paid one cent of it back in two years.”
“Does that give you the right to take me from him?”
“It was a business transaction. A deal. You could have said no. Tell me why you left with me.”
“I told you why.”
Kaleb decided to change direction. He pulled out a lollipop and handed it to Jasha. “Suck on this.”
