Page 51 of Jasha
“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 filledthe 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.”
