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They were crossing the desert because believe it or not, it was faster than the road. And another advantage of crossing the desert was that there was a bigger chance for some private life in the night for two men in love. When it became dark they made camp behind a dune. Yusuf got a small fire going, while Nicolò took care of the horses.
"You know," Nicolò said when he sat down next to Yusuf. "I missed looking at the stars."
"Well, I see the stars every day and everywhere," Yusuf replied. "I just have to look into your eyes."
"Incurable romantic," Nicolò said before kissing Yusuf. "What's for dinner?"
"We got the rest of the flatbread and the tomato sauce you love," Yusuf replied as he handed Nicolò one of the flatbreads. "We need to get new supplies in the next town."
"That's a problem for tomorrow," Nicolò replied as he leaned into Yusuf. "Right now, I just want to sit here with you and watch the stars."
"I like that idea," Yusuf replied. "Very much."
They ate their dinner in silence, just looking at the stars and sharing a kiss or two.
"Do you remember the last Eid?" Yusuf wanted to know.
"Yes, I do," Nicolò replied. "That was a fun day."
"It was yes," Yusuf replied. "And just as you gave me a gift, I want to give you a Christmas gift."
"You shouldn't, Yusuf," Nicolò said. "I told you that Christmas is about being together and sharing a meal. Just like Eid is."
"I know that," Yusuf replied as he handed Nicolò a gift. "But let's make it a tradition. You give me a gift at Eid, and I'll give you a Christmas gift at Christmas."
"I like that idea," Nicolò replied as he took his gift. "Thanks, Love."
Nicolò kissed Yusuf before opening the Christmas gift. Nicolò looked intrigued at the box.
"It's a puzzle box," Yusuf said. "Get all the pieces in place, and it will show you Genova. Plus there's a secret compartment."
"I love it," Nicolò said as he hugged Yusuf before kissing him. "Thank you, Yusuf. I really love it."
"So let me get this right," Nile said as she looked at the puzzle box. "I just spent an entire week trying to get into that puzzle box and all I found was a toy tarantula? Which btw scared the life out of me when it jumped at me. Why did Nicky use your Christmas gift for a prank?"
"Oh, the prank you can thank Booker for," Joe replied laughing. "Booker has always been terribly nosy and can't keep his fingers to himself. Of course, Booker tried to hide that he was trying to get into the puzzle box, but Nicky knew what Booker was doing because of the picture of Genova. So, Nicky placed the toy tarantula in the puzzle box, put it back in place, and waited his time. One morning, the waiting paid off when we all woke to the sound of Booker screaming."
Nile started to laugh together with Joe.
"But to your credit, it only took you a week to get into the puzzle box," Joe said. "While Booker used the better of..." Joe looked at Booker. "Was it 75 years you used?"
"82 years," Booker replied. "And I still don't find it funny at all. Scaring the life out of people like that."
"As I always say, as you sow, so shall you reap," Nicky said with a smile. "So it was your own fault."
"And Andy?" Nile asked. "Has she tried to get into the puzzle box?"
"No, she hasn't," Nicky replied. "In fact, she helped me get the spring mechanism into the puzzle box because she thought it was a brilliant idea."
"Thanks, Nicky," Andy said with a smile. "For recognizing my brilliance."
"Says the one who also is terribly nosy," Booker said. "Has Joe ever told you, Nile, about that time Andy almost ended up almost being executed by a firing squad by the Pope back in the middle ages, because she wanted to know if it was true that the Pope...."
"We don't talk about that, or else you all are in trouble," Andy warned. "Got it?"
They all promised Andy that. 2 seconds after Andy has left the kitchen.
"Do you want to hear that story, Nile?" Joe wanted to know.
"Hell yes," Nile replied. "Please tell."