Precious Gift (Part 1 of 2)
Title: Precious Gift, Part 1
Verse: Addi Baba
Rating: PG
Pairing: adam/kris
Summary: AU: Two years ago, Kris Allen left his life behind in the States to follow the intriguing Sheikh Addi Baba (Adam) and work for his foundation. This year, Addi and Kris invite Kris’ family to spend the holiday at their home in Dubai. It promises to be a magical gathering on many levels.
The group’s first Christmas together can be found here - Making It Up http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/88865.html
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone involved. Entirely a figment of my imagination. Not intended to offend any group.
Kris sat calmly at the kitchen table, sipping a coffee and trying to stay out of the way.
“Do I need my swimsuit?”
“If you want to swim.”
“How about a party dress?”
“Probably a good idea but you can always buy a new one.”
“Why by a new one when I have a perfectly good one?”
“Okay Mama, whatever you say.”
His Mama disappeared back up the stairs and then a new line of questioning started from the front hall.
“Do I need a coat?”
“A light one. The temps at night can land in the 60s.”
“So my skiing jacket is out,” his Daddy laughed.
“Might not be a bad idea to bring it.”
“I don’t ski on the sand.”
“Who said anything about skiing on the sand?”
“Then why …?”
“Daddy, just bring clothing to cover all temperatures and you’ll be fine.”
Kim came back out.
“We’re not paying extra baggage fees Kristopher so tell us just what we need.”
Kris got up and kissed his Mama’s cheek.
“You don’t have to worry about baggage limits; we’re on a private jet remember?”
“Right!”
Kris went to refill his coffee when his phone rang. It was Lindy, his sister-in-law.
“Is it okay to bring toys with us? For the kids?”
“Of course.”
“Will Jimmy and Maggie have room to play on the flight?”
“Plenty and we’ve got a bed they use if they need a nap.”
“On the plane?!”
“Addi and I often travel long distances. It comes in handy.”
“Wow Kris … just … damn, the kids are fighting again. We’ll see you at the airport.”
“Right … and don’t worry if you forget anything. We do have stores, you know.”
As the noise of feet scurried across the floor above him Kris took out his phone to see check messages. There were several from his contacts in Los Angeles where he’d spent the last month, others from the home office about decisions he had to make and future projects, and a couple from Raja asking about activities he was helping Kris arrange for his family’s visit.
Mixed in amongst the business was some pleasure. He and Addi didn’t text each other often - they preferred phone calls or Skype where they hear each other’s voice - but when they did text, the words put a secret smile on his face. Looking up he spotted a picture of him and his parents and Addi taken last Christmas when they visited.
And what a visit it had been.
Last year, Addi had suggested they go skiing for Christmas. Kris had really been excited about it, even picked out the resort and booked the rooms. You can imagine how surprised his was when he stepped off their plane and found himself on the tarmac in Conway, Arkansas instead of Stockholm, Sweden. Addi had planned this all along, thinking Kris was homesick. Kris had been thinking about his family a lot around that time, after all Christmas was a big deal in his family and he was literally half a world away, but to suddenly find himself there terrified him. You see, he’d been kind of lying to his family. They knew about his relationship with Addi and the company he was working for but he’d failed to tell them Addi was Sheikh Addi Baba, billionaire, and his boss. Kris had also forgotten to tell Addi about his fib. Suddenly, he was talking circles around his Mama and Addi trying to stop the truth from coming out. When Addi learned the truth he was angry and hurt. Kris didn’t blame him and he decided he’d fess up in the morning. Morning came and Addi was gone. At the time Kris didn’t know his boyfriend had gone with his Daddy to help out with a plumbing emergency at his brother’s home. In utter distress, Kris confessed to his parents and surprisingly they didn’t think less of him. The men made up and their relationship had never been stronger.
“Finally ready go,” Neil declared, bringing downstairs the last of their luggage. “You’d think your Mama was packing for a month away not two weeks. So, how long is this flight again?”
Kris got up and rinsed out his cup, “Anywhere between 17 and 20 hours.”
Neil whistled. “I don’t know how you do it son. It’ll be a miracle if I’m sane after that flight, especially with my grandchildren on board.”
Kris laughed, “Well, they can take a nap for a good chunk of it and they’ve got their toys. Plus, there’s a big entertainment unit onboard to keep them occupied.
”
“What about dinner?” Kim asked, joining two of her favorite men.
“I ordered take out from your favorite restaurant. We’ve got a kitchen on board and can heat it up.”
“Good ol’ Cracker Barrel,” Dad beamed, “can’t beat their food … oh, except your cooking sweetheart,” he directed to his wife.
“I should say.”
“Great. Daddy, can you take your luggage out to the van. I’ll text Danny and Lindy that we’re leaving and be with you in a minute.”
As he parents headed outside, he did as he said then he texted Addi that they were getting ready to leave. It was 10am in Conway and 7pm in Dubai. When he didn’t get a response within a couple of minutes, he put his phone away and started to leave. Addi was probably still hard at work. He’d promised to be as free as possible during the family’s visit so he was cramming until they arrived.
Just as he was about to lock up the house, he realized he forgot something. Making sure his parents didn’t see him, he ran into the office, shuffled through the desk, found out he was looking for and hid it in his jacket.
Mission accomplished.
Getting on that plane was like walking into a fun house for the Allen family. After they picked their jaws up off the floor, they settled in. Most of their luggage was loaded in back but a few carry-ons made it into the cabin. Before take-off, Kris gave them a quick tour. He took them up to the cockpit and introduced the pilot, co-pilot and flight attendant, and then showed them the galley, bedroom and the absolute hit of the tour, the washroom complete with tub (big enough for two) and a stand-alone shower (also big enough for two).
“I wanna shower … I wanna shower!” Jimmy shouted
“You never wanna shower. That’s why you stink all the time,” Maggie replied.
While Lindy scolded them, Kris shared a knowing glance with Daniel; the apple certainly doesn’t fall far from the tree.
“But when can I shower in a plane?!” the six-year-old whined.
“Well, you can always try it in your swimsuit … if your mom says its okay,” Daniel suggested, “oh … as long as Uncle Kris says it’s okay too.”
Lindy looked at Kris and he nodded. He remembered how excited he was his first time on Addi’s plane and he saw the shower. Lindy said if they behaved themselves, they could … later once the plane was on its way.
Before the plane took off, everybody had dug out their swimsuits from the cargo hold.
The plane took off on time and once they reached cruising altitude, the Allen families settled in. The kids spread out their toys in the bedroom and played while the adults got comfortable and talked about the trip. Neil mentioned he’d looked up YouTube videos of Dubai to see what the city looked like and he still found it hard to believe he wasn’t looking at some sci-fi movie. It looked to him like something imagined, not real. Kris told them about some of the places they could visit and things they could do likw skiing inside at Ski Dubai, hence the ski jackets. Lindy asked him about his recent trip to Los Angeles. Because he was fundraising, he’d been to several Hollywood parties and she wanted to know who he met and what they were like. When the questions dried up, everyone entertained themselves with movies or TV shows on the multiple small screens, enough for each person to see whatever they wanted. There was also a computer console and Daniel challenged his brother to a vintage game of Super Mario Brothers. Between all the entertaining, Maggie had written up a shower schedule.
Snacks had been laid out for munching since they entered the plane but six hours into the flight, the food from Cracker Barrel was re-heated and set out with china plates, silver cutlery and crystal drinking glasses. Kris had ordered his parents favorites. There were restaurants in Dubai that served American fare but more on the fancy side, if you don’t count the fast food places. Bet his brother had never had a McArabia Chicken sandwich.
Ten hours into the flight the kids were napping in the bedroom, Neil and Danny were snoring in the reclining chairs, and Kim and Lindy were nestled together on the couch wearing headphones and watching some marathon on Netflixs.
Kris took the opportunity to finish up his business from his work trip so he could dedicate his time to his family. It was now 8pm Conway time and 6am Dubai time. Because of the company’s business contacts around the world, there was always someone in the office to handle business from that end. Just as he was wrapped up the loose ends there was a chime on his computer to tell him he was being contacted.
“Good morning Kristopher.”
Kris beamed at the video image of his lover smiling at him. Addi’s black hair was messed up and his robe was wide open at the neck, revealing a tasty sprinkling of freckles.
“Addi! How did you know …?”
“Carmine sent a message that he’d have your report on my desk by eight a.m. I took a chance that we could get in touch. How are you? How is your family?”
“They love the shower.”
“Pardon me?”
“They lined up to take a shower in the sky.”
“Hmmm,” Addi purred, “I remember the first time we took a shower in the sky together. My hand fit so nicely in ….”
“Is that Addi?!”
The naughty flashback was interrupted by Kim anxious to talk with the Sheikh. Thankfully her excited exclamation covered up the end of that sentence. Stepping aside, Kris let his mother ambush his boyfriend and take on the slew of questions she had.
Seeing Dubai in person was still unbelievable. Kris had been living there for three years and he still had to pinch himself sometimes, especially when he looked at the view from his office in the Burj Khalifa. When he and Addi first got together, he moved into Addi’s apartment in the world’s tallest building. The Sheikh owned another home, a mansion really, on the outskirts of the city which wasn’t used that often, only for state and business gatherings. It was convenient living and working in the same building but work creeped into their private time more than they liked so they bought another place for the weekends within the city limits for easy commuting. Addi suggested Kris be in charge, find something more along his design tastes. Kris didn’t think he had “design tastes” but he knew the ostentatiousness of the mansion and the elaborate interiors of the Burj apartment weren’t his first choice. They decided on a house in the Palm Jumieriah, a series of man-made islands resembling a palm tree - and was big enough to see from space.
This was where everyone would spend the next two weeks.
Pulling up to the two story house, it looked like many homes found along the Florida coast and throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean in style with columns, balconies and a coral hue but inside it sprawled with light, airy rooms accented with dark wood full of comfy furniture and a beautiful little shade garden alongside a pool. There were five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a huge kitchen, dining room, formal living room, family room, game room, exercise room, utility room, entrance hall and expansive patio. Even though it was a weekend getaway it had to fit with the status of a Sheikh and have enough room for guests. Since the two had bought the house, the Allen’s were the first to take them up on their hospitality for an extended period of time.
The moment the vans shut off their engines, the front door opened and out stepped Raja, Addi’s personal secretary and a good friend of Kris’. Raja had been getting things ready for Kris while he was out of the country. Kris hurried over and gave Raja Claus a big hug.
“Everything is in order … as requested,” the tall man commented softly.
“You’re a lifesaver. Thank you.”
“Anything for you Kristopher.”
Kris brought Raja over to introduce him to the family. Jimmy almost fell backwards bending his neck to see the elegantly attired man. Before Raja left them, Kris opened his briefcase on the back seat and took out the document he’d “borrowed” from his parents’ desk. Without a word, Raja tucked it inside his jacket and nodded before taking his leave.
With the drivers help, the luggage was unloaded and brought into the entrance hall with its marble tiling and double staircase sweeping up each side of the space to an open area on the second floor.
“Heaven’s above son, this place is magnificent. You really live here?”
“On weekends Daddy, and the odd day we need an escape.”
“It looks like a hotel,” Maggie added.
“It does but there aren’t any staff to answer to your beck and call.”
“What about cleaning,” his Mama asked, cringing at the thought of having to dust such a place.
“That’s taken care of when Addi and I are staying at our apartment.”
“Do we get to see your apartment?”
“Yes Maggie May but let’s get everyone settled in first. Jetlag is gonna catch up soon, trust me.”
As they walked through the mansion, Kris took in the subtle Christmas decorations he’d ordered. His family didn’t comment on them, more than likely still trying to observe the luxury their boy from Arkansas was living in. Neil and Kim, and Danny and Lindy, each had bedroom suites overlooking the city core. Lindy expressed concern on the children’s rooms being down the hall, especially since they were only six and nine, so Jimmy moved in with Dad and Mom moved in with Maggie. The kids didn’t seem to care one way or the other. For sacrificing their private time, Kris vowed to take the kids off their hands at some point so they could be alone.
Once they dropped their things off, they gathered in the kitchen and had a light meal. Their biological clocks were set at 6 am so they felt like they’d been up all night. Kris had hoped Addi would be there to meet them but ….
A chime sounded, signaling the gate at the entrance to the driveway was opening.
“Addi’s home!”
The group ran outside, meeting the car as it pulled up and the driver got out. Using all their restraint, Kris and Addi hugged and kissed conservatively. The ladies, including Maggie, rushed up to be next in line for a little affection while the Allen guys (Jimmy, Danny and Neil) rushed up to check out the silver Maserati now residing in the driveway.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to meet you. My meeting lasted longer than expected.”
“That’s fine Addi, you’re here now,” Kim assured him.
“You are home, right?”
Addi wrapped an arm around his man’s shoulder and kissed his temple. “Yes Kristopher, I am. Unless a dire situation arises needing my attention, my two week vacation begins as of now.”
“I think nap time is beginning right now too.”
Danny appeared with a sleeping boy in his arms. Hearing Jimmy’s soft snore started a chain reaction of yawns.
“Catching … up can … wait … oh, sorry,” Neil uttered out through nods.
“Of course. Get some sleep and we shall gather together this evening,” Addi assured.
Back inside, all ascended the double staircase, the guests heading to the rooms on the right and the hosts heading to the left and their wing. The door closed behind Addi and Kris locked it.
“Afraid your family will barge in?” Addi joked.
“Yes,” Kris replied bluntly. He took off his jacket, then his shirt. Bare chested he melted against his boyfriend and planted a hungry kiss on those freckled lips.
After dinner, Addi suggested they adjourn to the family room. The rest of the house had been elegantly decorated inside for Christmas with evergreens, poinsettias, candles and white lights. Even the patio had white lights and glistening snowflakes on the palm trees. When they arrived in the other room, it was bare of decorations - but not for long. In the corner was a trussed up pine tree and boxes were piled up on the sofas. Inside was everything needed for an old-fashioned American-style Christmas. There was even a table-top nativity scene that Kris had bought his first year in Dubai. The entire group joined in decorating and sharing holiday memories. Though Addi’s personal Christmas memories were few - he wasn’t Christian after all - he could share what he’d experienced in other cultures around the world this time of year.
As Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” played quietly in the background, Kris started yawning … and yawning … and yawning.
“Uncle Kris, didn’t you have a nap?” Maggie asked, voice filled with concern.
“I had a nap honey,” he replied before yawning yet again, “just not a long one.”
Addi smirked, the other adults gave knowing glances, and the kids remained oblivious. Kris turned as red as a cranberry.
The group had formed teams, each taking on a different task. Addi and Jimmy had been given the task of putting hooks on the ornaments.
“Addi?”
“Yes Jimmy.”
“Daddy say’s you’re a shrek?”
Danny burst out laughing.
“I said a ‘sheikh’ son, not shrek?”
“Oh,” the boy replied, disappointment lacing his word.
“What is a shrek?”
“A green ogre that has a grumpy disposition and smells,” Kris shared.
Addi raised an eyebrow, “I am certainly not a shrek.”
“Then what’s a … a … ‘sheet’?”
“A sheikh.”
“Sheikh.”
“Throughout history, it was a title given to a man of noble birth ….”
“You’re a king?!”
“No, no … it is mainly honorary, bestowed on me as a successful businessman. My father holds the title as did my father’s father, and his father, and most of the patriarchs that came before me.”
“So, you could be a prince?” Maggie asked.
“There is a chance, I suppose … far removed. The only prince in my life right now is your uncle.”
Neil and Danny rolled their eyes, the ladies swooned, the kids were oblivious and Kris turned as red as a cranberry … again.
Midnight was nearing and although the travelers didn’t feel tired, they all needed to retire to bed and try to sleep. The sooner their sleep patterns adjusted to local time the better. As they headed off to bed, Jimmy asked Uncle Kris if he could see his crown. Kris replied he’d love to show him as soon as Addi gave him one.
Verse: Addi Baba
Rating: PG
Pairing: adam/kris
Summary: AU: Two years ago, Kris Allen left his life behind in the States to follow the intriguing Sheikh Addi Baba (Adam) and work for his foundation. This year, Addi and Kris invite Kris’ family to spend the holiday at their home in Dubai. It promises to be a magical gathering on many levels.
The group’s first Christmas together can be found here - Making It Up http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/88865.html
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone involved. Entirely a figment of my imagination. Not intended to offend any group.
Kris sat calmly at the kitchen table, sipping a coffee and trying to stay out of the way.
“Do I need my swimsuit?”
“If you want to swim.”
“How about a party dress?”
“Probably a good idea but you can always buy a new one.”
“Why by a new one when I have a perfectly good one?”
“Okay Mama, whatever you say.”
His Mama disappeared back up the stairs and then a new line of questioning started from the front hall.
“Do I need a coat?”
“A light one. The temps at night can land in the 60s.”
“So my skiing jacket is out,” his Daddy laughed.
“Might not be a bad idea to bring it.”
“I don’t ski on the sand.”
“Who said anything about skiing on the sand?”
“Then why …?”
“Daddy, just bring clothing to cover all temperatures and you’ll be fine.”
Kim came back out.
“We’re not paying extra baggage fees Kristopher so tell us just what we need.”
Kris got up and kissed his Mama’s cheek.
“You don’t have to worry about baggage limits; we’re on a private jet remember?”
“Right!”
Kris went to refill his coffee when his phone rang. It was Lindy, his sister-in-law.
“Is it okay to bring toys with us? For the kids?”
“Of course.”
“Will Jimmy and Maggie have room to play on the flight?”
“Plenty and we’ve got a bed they use if they need a nap.”
“On the plane?!”
“Addi and I often travel long distances. It comes in handy.”
“Wow Kris … just … damn, the kids are fighting again. We’ll see you at the airport.”
“Right … and don’t worry if you forget anything. We do have stores, you know.”
As the noise of feet scurried across the floor above him Kris took out his phone to see check messages. There were several from his contacts in Los Angeles where he’d spent the last month, others from the home office about decisions he had to make and future projects, and a couple from Raja asking about activities he was helping Kris arrange for his family’s visit.
Mixed in amongst the business was some pleasure. He and Addi didn’t text each other often - they preferred phone calls or Skype where they hear each other’s voice - but when they did text, the words put a secret smile on his face. Looking up he spotted a picture of him and his parents and Addi taken last Christmas when they visited.
And what a visit it had been.
Last year, Addi had suggested they go skiing for Christmas. Kris had really been excited about it, even picked out the resort and booked the rooms. You can imagine how surprised his was when he stepped off their plane and found himself on the tarmac in Conway, Arkansas instead of Stockholm, Sweden. Addi had planned this all along, thinking Kris was homesick. Kris had been thinking about his family a lot around that time, after all Christmas was a big deal in his family and he was literally half a world away, but to suddenly find himself there terrified him. You see, he’d been kind of lying to his family. They knew about his relationship with Addi and the company he was working for but he’d failed to tell them Addi was Sheikh Addi Baba, billionaire, and his boss. Kris had also forgotten to tell Addi about his fib. Suddenly, he was talking circles around his Mama and Addi trying to stop the truth from coming out. When Addi learned the truth he was angry and hurt. Kris didn’t blame him and he decided he’d fess up in the morning. Morning came and Addi was gone. At the time Kris didn’t know his boyfriend had gone with his Daddy to help out with a plumbing emergency at his brother’s home. In utter distress, Kris confessed to his parents and surprisingly they didn’t think less of him. The men made up and their relationship had never been stronger.
“Finally ready go,” Neil declared, bringing downstairs the last of their luggage. “You’d think your Mama was packing for a month away not two weeks. So, how long is this flight again?”
Kris got up and rinsed out his cup, “Anywhere between 17 and 20 hours.”
Neil whistled. “I don’t know how you do it son. It’ll be a miracle if I’m sane after that flight, especially with my grandchildren on board.”
Kris laughed, “Well, they can take a nap for a good chunk of it and they’ve got their toys. Plus, there’s a big entertainment unit onboard to keep them occupied.
”
“What about dinner?” Kim asked, joining two of her favorite men.
“I ordered take out from your favorite restaurant. We’ve got a kitchen on board and can heat it up.”
“Good ol’ Cracker Barrel,” Dad beamed, “can’t beat their food … oh, except your cooking sweetheart,” he directed to his wife.
“I should say.”
“Great. Daddy, can you take your luggage out to the van. I’ll text Danny and Lindy that we’re leaving and be with you in a minute.”
As he parents headed outside, he did as he said then he texted Addi that they were getting ready to leave. It was 10am in Conway and 7pm in Dubai. When he didn’t get a response within a couple of minutes, he put his phone away and started to leave. Addi was probably still hard at work. He’d promised to be as free as possible during the family’s visit so he was cramming until they arrived.
Just as he was about to lock up the house, he realized he forgot something. Making sure his parents didn’t see him, he ran into the office, shuffled through the desk, found out he was looking for and hid it in his jacket.
Mission accomplished.
Getting on that plane was like walking into a fun house for the Allen family. After they picked their jaws up off the floor, they settled in. Most of their luggage was loaded in back but a few carry-ons made it into the cabin. Before take-off, Kris gave them a quick tour. He took them up to the cockpit and introduced the pilot, co-pilot and flight attendant, and then showed them the galley, bedroom and the absolute hit of the tour, the washroom complete with tub (big enough for two) and a stand-alone shower (also big enough for two).
“I wanna shower … I wanna shower!” Jimmy shouted
“You never wanna shower. That’s why you stink all the time,” Maggie replied.
While Lindy scolded them, Kris shared a knowing glance with Daniel; the apple certainly doesn’t fall far from the tree.
“But when can I shower in a plane?!” the six-year-old whined.
“Well, you can always try it in your swimsuit … if your mom says its okay,” Daniel suggested, “oh … as long as Uncle Kris says it’s okay too.”
Lindy looked at Kris and he nodded. He remembered how excited he was his first time on Addi’s plane and he saw the shower. Lindy said if they behaved themselves, they could … later once the plane was on its way.
Before the plane took off, everybody had dug out their swimsuits from the cargo hold.
The plane took off on time and once they reached cruising altitude, the Allen families settled in. The kids spread out their toys in the bedroom and played while the adults got comfortable and talked about the trip. Neil mentioned he’d looked up YouTube videos of Dubai to see what the city looked like and he still found it hard to believe he wasn’t looking at some sci-fi movie. It looked to him like something imagined, not real. Kris told them about some of the places they could visit and things they could do likw skiing inside at Ski Dubai, hence the ski jackets. Lindy asked him about his recent trip to Los Angeles. Because he was fundraising, he’d been to several Hollywood parties and she wanted to know who he met and what they were like. When the questions dried up, everyone entertained themselves with movies or TV shows on the multiple small screens, enough for each person to see whatever they wanted. There was also a computer console and Daniel challenged his brother to a vintage game of Super Mario Brothers. Between all the entertaining, Maggie had written up a shower schedule.
Snacks had been laid out for munching since they entered the plane but six hours into the flight, the food from Cracker Barrel was re-heated and set out with china plates, silver cutlery and crystal drinking glasses. Kris had ordered his parents favorites. There were restaurants in Dubai that served American fare but more on the fancy side, if you don’t count the fast food places. Bet his brother had never had a McArabia Chicken sandwich.
Ten hours into the flight the kids were napping in the bedroom, Neil and Danny were snoring in the reclining chairs, and Kim and Lindy were nestled together on the couch wearing headphones and watching some marathon on Netflixs.
Kris took the opportunity to finish up his business from his work trip so he could dedicate his time to his family. It was now 8pm Conway time and 6am Dubai time. Because of the company’s business contacts around the world, there was always someone in the office to handle business from that end. Just as he was wrapped up the loose ends there was a chime on his computer to tell him he was being contacted.
“Good morning Kristopher.”
Kris beamed at the video image of his lover smiling at him. Addi’s black hair was messed up and his robe was wide open at the neck, revealing a tasty sprinkling of freckles.
“Addi! How did you know …?”
“Carmine sent a message that he’d have your report on my desk by eight a.m. I took a chance that we could get in touch. How are you? How is your family?”
“They love the shower.”
“Pardon me?”
“They lined up to take a shower in the sky.”
“Hmmm,” Addi purred, “I remember the first time we took a shower in the sky together. My hand fit so nicely in ….”
“Is that Addi?!”
The naughty flashback was interrupted by Kim anxious to talk with the Sheikh. Thankfully her excited exclamation covered up the end of that sentence. Stepping aside, Kris let his mother ambush his boyfriend and take on the slew of questions she had.
Seeing Dubai in person was still unbelievable. Kris had been living there for three years and he still had to pinch himself sometimes, especially when he looked at the view from his office in the Burj Khalifa. When he and Addi first got together, he moved into Addi’s apartment in the world’s tallest building. The Sheikh owned another home, a mansion really, on the outskirts of the city which wasn’t used that often, only for state and business gatherings. It was convenient living and working in the same building but work creeped into their private time more than they liked so they bought another place for the weekends within the city limits for easy commuting. Addi suggested Kris be in charge, find something more along his design tastes. Kris didn’t think he had “design tastes” but he knew the ostentatiousness of the mansion and the elaborate interiors of the Burj apartment weren’t his first choice. They decided on a house in the Palm Jumieriah, a series of man-made islands resembling a palm tree - and was big enough to see from space.
This was where everyone would spend the next two weeks.
Pulling up to the two story house, it looked like many homes found along the Florida coast and throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean in style with columns, balconies and a coral hue but inside it sprawled with light, airy rooms accented with dark wood full of comfy furniture and a beautiful little shade garden alongside a pool. There were five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a huge kitchen, dining room, formal living room, family room, game room, exercise room, utility room, entrance hall and expansive patio. Even though it was a weekend getaway it had to fit with the status of a Sheikh and have enough room for guests. Since the two had bought the house, the Allen’s were the first to take them up on their hospitality for an extended period of time.
The moment the vans shut off their engines, the front door opened and out stepped Raja, Addi’s personal secretary and a good friend of Kris’. Raja had been getting things ready for Kris while he was out of the country. Kris hurried over and gave Raja Claus a big hug.
“Everything is in order … as requested,” the tall man commented softly.
“You’re a lifesaver. Thank you.”
“Anything for you Kristopher.”
Kris brought Raja over to introduce him to the family. Jimmy almost fell backwards bending his neck to see the elegantly attired man. Before Raja left them, Kris opened his briefcase on the back seat and took out the document he’d “borrowed” from his parents’ desk. Without a word, Raja tucked it inside his jacket and nodded before taking his leave.
With the drivers help, the luggage was unloaded and brought into the entrance hall with its marble tiling and double staircase sweeping up each side of the space to an open area on the second floor.
“Heaven’s above son, this place is magnificent. You really live here?”
“On weekends Daddy, and the odd day we need an escape.”
“It looks like a hotel,” Maggie added.
“It does but there aren’t any staff to answer to your beck and call.”
“What about cleaning,” his Mama asked, cringing at the thought of having to dust such a place.
“That’s taken care of when Addi and I are staying at our apartment.”
“Do we get to see your apartment?”
“Yes Maggie May but let’s get everyone settled in first. Jetlag is gonna catch up soon, trust me.”
As they walked through the mansion, Kris took in the subtle Christmas decorations he’d ordered. His family didn’t comment on them, more than likely still trying to observe the luxury their boy from Arkansas was living in. Neil and Kim, and Danny and Lindy, each had bedroom suites overlooking the city core. Lindy expressed concern on the children’s rooms being down the hall, especially since they were only six and nine, so Jimmy moved in with Dad and Mom moved in with Maggie. The kids didn’t seem to care one way or the other. For sacrificing their private time, Kris vowed to take the kids off their hands at some point so they could be alone.
Once they dropped their things off, they gathered in the kitchen and had a light meal. Their biological clocks were set at 6 am so they felt like they’d been up all night. Kris had hoped Addi would be there to meet them but ….
A chime sounded, signaling the gate at the entrance to the driveway was opening.
“Addi’s home!”
The group ran outside, meeting the car as it pulled up and the driver got out. Using all their restraint, Kris and Addi hugged and kissed conservatively. The ladies, including Maggie, rushed up to be next in line for a little affection while the Allen guys (Jimmy, Danny and Neil) rushed up to check out the silver Maserati now residing in the driveway.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to meet you. My meeting lasted longer than expected.”
“That’s fine Addi, you’re here now,” Kim assured him.
“You are home, right?”
Addi wrapped an arm around his man’s shoulder and kissed his temple. “Yes Kristopher, I am. Unless a dire situation arises needing my attention, my two week vacation begins as of now.”
“I think nap time is beginning right now too.”
Danny appeared with a sleeping boy in his arms. Hearing Jimmy’s soft snore started a chain reaction of yawns.
“Catching … up can … wait … oh, sorry,” Neil uttered out through nods.
“Of course. Get some sleep and we shall gather together this evening,” Addi assured.
Back inside, all ascended the double staircase, the guests heading to the rooms on the right and the hosts heading to the left and their wing. The door closed behind Addi and Kris locked it.
“Afraid your family will barge in?” Addi joked.
“Yes,” Kris replied bluntly. He took off his jacket, then his shirt. Bare chested he melted against his boyfriend and planted a hungry kiss on those freckled lips.
After dinner, Addi suggested they adjourn to the family room. The rest of the house had been elegantly decorated inside for Christmas with evergreens, poinsettias, candles and white lights. Even the patio had white lights and glistening snowflakes on the palm trees. When they arrived in the other room, it was bare of decorations - but not for long. In the corner was a trussed up pine tree and boxes were piled up on the sofas. Inside was everything needed for an old-fashioned American-style Christmas. There was even a table-top nativity scene that Kris had bought his first year in Dubai. The entire group joined in decorating and sharing holiday memories. Though Addi’s personal Christmas memories were few - he wasn’t Christian after all - he could share what he’d experienced in other cultures around the world this time of year.
As Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” played quietly in the background, Kris started yawning … and yawning … and yawning.
“Uncle Kris, didn’t you have a nap?” Maggie asked, voice filled with concern.
“I had a nap honey,” he replied before yawning yet again, “just not a long one.”
Addi smirked, the other adults gave knowing glances, and the kids remained oblivious. Kris turned as red as a cranberry.
The group had formed teams, each taking on a different task. Addi and Jimmy had been given the task of putting hooks on the ornaments.
“Addi?”
“Yes Jimmy.”
“Daddy say’s you’re a shrek?”
Danny burst out laughing.
“I said a ‘sheikh’ son, not shrek?”
“Oh,” the boy replied, disappointment lacing his word.
“What is a shrek?”
“A green ogre that has a grumpy disposition and smells,” Kris shared.
Addi raised an eyebrow, “I am certainly not a shrek.”
“Then what’s a … a … ‘sheet’?”
“A sheikh.”
“Sheikh.”
“Throughout history, it was a title given to a man of noble birth ….”
“You’re a king?!”
“No, no … it is mainly honorary, bestowed on me as a successful businessman. My father holds the title as did my father’s father, and his father, and most of the patriarchs that came before me.”
“So, you could be a prince?” Maggie asked.
“There is a chance, I suppose … far removed. The only prince in my life right now is your uncle.”
Neil and Danny rolled their eyes, the ladies swooned, the kids were oblivious and Kris turned as red as a cranberry … again.
Midnight was nearing and although the travelers didn’t feel tired, they all needed to retire to bed and try to sleep. The sooner their sleep patterns adjusted to local time the better. As they headed off to bed, Jimmy asked Uncle Kris if he could see his crown. Kris replied he’d love to show him as soon as Addi gave him one.