“I have money.”
“I’ll still give you some.”
“You don’t need to buy me. I’m here because I want to be. If you were poor in a run-down apartment, I’d still want to be with you. It’s not about money. It’s all about how you treat me and how I feel about you.”
“Please don’t do anything stupid tomorrow.”
“Like what?”
Avoiding the question, he said, “I’m going to miss you while you’re gone. I have some business to take care of with Arlo. But when you come home, I want to cuddle in bed and watch Christmas movies.”
“You really don’t seem like the kind of guy who would like Christmas movies.”
“Every day you’ll discover good things about me. I’m not just a rotten loan shark. Arlo and I are shifting our focus to real estate without loaning money.”
“Why the sudden change?” Jasha’s facial expression displayed a mix of bewilderment and disbelief.
“I didn’t like what happened with your father, nor did I like all the money we lost. Arlo and I have made significant adjustments in our business, completely reshaping how we engage with others.”
“Do many people not pay up?”
“No, they pay up. Your father is the only one who ignored all my warnings.”
“He paid you some money. I saw him set it aside in an envelope each month with your name on it.”
“He didn’t pay what he had agreed upon during the loan process. He lied about his assets.”
“I suspected he might be gambling his paychecks. He never had enough money.”
“It’s an illness. How’s your headache?”
“Getting better, but I need to rest a little more.”
“I have to meet Arlo for a quick meeting. Then, if you’re feeling better, we’ll go shopping for your new clothes.”
“I hate you spending money on me.”
“Don’t worry. Look at it this way. You didn’t have enough time to pack and now you don’t have what you need. I want to do this.”
Kaleb’s phone rang.
“What’s going on?”
“I came in contact with some people who know where Valentin is going. I’m waiting for a call back. No need to meet. The real estate deal in New York is on hold until after New Year’s. So, everything is wonderful.”
“Good.”
“I’m taking Frankie to the movies today.”
“I’m taking Jasha shopping.”
Kaleb enjoyed taking Jasha shopping for clothes, knowing how much he needed both casual and dress clothes for college. As they walked through the store, their playful banter filled the air.
“I really don’t need you to buy me anything,” Jasha insisted, holding up a pair of slacks.
Kaleb laughed, shaking his head. “Come on, Jasha. You need these, and I want to do this for you.”
Jasha sighed, a small smile playing on his lips. “You’re too generous, you know that?”
