Page 52 of Jasha
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 themwithout putting yourself at risk. Maybe you can find a remote job or something closer.”
