Kasper's Prince Charming

Chapter 23 - Sheikh Shack

He held me until I calmed against his chest. He kept rubbing my back and whispering encouraging things in my ear, "I got you baby, I'm here. I'm so sorry you're in pain. I wish I could take it for you... You're safe with me... I want you." Amir talked to me as I went from quiet sobbing to silently numb.

I'd never understand why he cared so deeply. I was a mess.

I cried it out and then felt a deep embarrassment. We were cuddled together in the food court booth. I heard the din of students as they filed in for lunch. Amir didn't appear to care though.

"We should go," I sniffled and raised my head off his chest. He looked down at me and pushed back a few loose strands of my hair that had escaped in the breakdown. "People are coming in for lunch. They're seeing us."

He reached for his work bag and pulled out a plastic pouch of wet wipes. He cleaned my face.

"Let them look. Are you worried they'll be jealous and want a beautiful, sweet boy of their own?" Amir asked with a smile as he rubbed his thumb over my cheek.

"I don't think any of them are in the market for a whining snot-soaked boy who causes a scene," I smirked.

"You'd be surprised what people are into, my sweetness. They'd line up to hold you if they could. You'd have to get one of those little velvet ropes to form a queue," Amir chuckled.

"They can wait. I've already got all the muscle boy I can handle," I kissed his chest and earned his approving smile. This conversation was turning into a cheesy mess.

"You still want that shake before we go? I'll buy you one. I'll buy you the chain if it helps you feel better. I bet we already own this franchise. We should try to make it healthier." Amir sat up with me. I shook my head.

Busy Burger was from another life; a life I needed to let go of. I didn't want to remember California right now, my family, my shame, my rejection. I had to move forward.

"Ok Kasper, I'll get you a different shake on the way home. There's a great place that does these organic, milk-free plum protein shakes that are so killer. It'll help you feel better than this fast good stuff. You're going to love it!" Amir assured.

I wasn't sure about that, but I'd try something he liked. I'd try whatever he wanted to show me.

He collected my wallet and cards. None of that stuff mattered anymore. I told him he could throw it all away, but he just shoved it in his bag and grabbed my hand.

He called his father on the car phone. Mr Hamad greeted me in English but seamlessly switched to Arabic when Amir did.

They spoke quickly in rapid fire Arabic and finished by the time we got to the healthy shake place. I'm sure Amir was telling him what a mess I was. He kept his hand on me as he drove.

Sheikh Shack was on the corner of a large shopping mall that reminded me of Century City back home.

The neon sign had a cartoon Arabian guy with a wicked smile and long, traditional robes. He was dancing and shaking a cup of purple stuff. His oversized black eyes held flecks of glitter that caught the relentless desert sun. It was so over the top and stereotypical, but it cheered me up.

Amir pointed out his favorite things on their menu and explained what all the add-ins did. There was one for pre-workout, one to soothe muscles, one for hangovers, and one for mental focus. He went on through the menu until I interrupted him.

"What's the one for sad, needy boys?" I asked with a laugh, making a joke about my breakdown at the food court.

He frowned for a minute. He didn't like me joking about it, but then he shifted into a smile. It was mine to deal with as I wanted.