Chapter Five

Darien

Darien and Baran descended the narrow outside staircase into the dimly lit space of Napoli Pizza Palace, one of the hidden gems of the East Village culinary scene. The restaurant was tucked away in an upscale neighborhood, its entrance marked by an elegant, understated sign. Inside, the restaurant exuded sophistication, a far cry from the usual pizza joints scattered throughout the city. In the open kitchen, a wood-fired oven stood as the centerpiece, its flames visible to the diners. The scent of freshly baked dough, rich tomato sauce, and melting cheese filled the air.

The walls were lined with shelves of aged wine bottles and framed photographs of celebrities who had dined there. Baran eyed the bottles of wine as they were led to a cozy corner booth with crisp white linens and flickering candlelight.

“Baran, I’d order us wine or beer with our meal, but in the state of New York, the legal drinking age is twenty-one. Did you know that?”

“No. It’s eighteen in Turkey and not all places enforce it. I drank at sixteen, but it’s very expensive.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“It smells so good in here.”

Darien nodded. “What kind of pizza toppings do you like?”

“Pepperoni and green peppers,” Baran said.

“Thin or thick crust?”

“Thin.”

The server took their order. “What do you want to drink?”

“Diet Coke,” Darien said.

“I’ll have the same.”

After they ordered, Darien decided it was time to broach the subject that had been on his mind since he met Baran’s father.

“Baran, there’s something I need to tell you,” Darien began, choosing his words carefully. “I met with your father yesterday after talking to you. He’s actually one of our major donors at Rainbow Haven.”

Baran’s eyes widened. “What? I don’t understand. My father disowned me for being gay, yet he donates money to a shelter for homeless gay men?”

Darien nodded, sensing the confusion and hurt in Baran’s voice. “I know, it doesn’t make much sense. Your father has also been hiding the fact that he’s a Muslim. He portrays himself as Catholic to fit in and to make more money. It’s all about maintaining appearances for him.”

Baran leaned back, squinted his eyes as he processed the revelation. “So, he’s a con man, and living a fake life in New York City. He’s balancing two lives, and I didn’t fit into either.”

Darien reached across the table, his hand finding Baran’s. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way. But I wanted you to know I met with him, Baran. You have a place here, and people who care about you. I care about you.”

Baran nodded, taking a moment to compose himself. “Thank you, Darien. It means a lot to hear that.”

“It’s important we establish trust between us—you need to trust me.”

“I trust you with my life. I wouldn’t have one without your help.”

Darien squeezed his hand gently. “Tell me about your mother. What is she like?”

Baran’s eyes softened at the thought of his mother. “She is Hindu but didn’t practice her religion after marrying my father. I don’t think she bought into any religion before or now. She’s a brilliant chemist, works for a big company in Istanbul. She’s not like most women in Turkey. She’s all science and secular. She told me that once I graduate, she’s moving to Italy. It’s her dream.”

Darien smiled, sensing the warmth in Baran’s words. “It sounds like she’s a strong woman. You’ve got good roots, Baran.”

“She is. She’s my rock.”

“Have you called her?”

“No. I figured my father updated her. I can’t deal with her sadness right now.”

“Do you want to move to Italy with her?”

“No. I want to live here.”

“That’s good. We’re going to work on making that happen. Just be patient.”

“Thanks. When you visited my father, did you see him in his office?”

“No, his home. When I invite donors to the Christmas Dinner Charity Gala, I usually visit them at home if they live nearby. The others we mail invitations to.”

“I’ve never gotten as far as his home. This is my first visit to New York City and I had to go to his office.”

“I can drive you there.”

“Maybe another time. Right now, I’m too messed up to see how he lives without us.”

The restaurant buzzed with life around them, but in their little corner, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

The server delivered their piping hot pizza, placing steaming slices onto their plates. They both thanked her as she set their drinks in front of them.

“Do you have any questions?”

“I’d like to know what I’m supposed to do all day.”

“It’s Christmas week here and I need you to help shop and decorate Rainbow Haven. We can work together. Do you mind celebrating Christmas?”

“I’d love to. It will be my first one.”

“I have some ideas for us.”

“I really love your blue eyes and ginger hair.” Baran covered his mouth instantly. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound like I’m coming onto you. It feels like we’re on a date.” Baran looked down at his plate.

“Thank you. We are sort of on a date. I never date the guys at the shelter, but you’re different.”

“OK so a date without calling it a date?”

“Yes. You’ve only just arrived but I want to get to know you. After breakfast tomorrow, we’ll meet in the community room and begin our work. At the same time, we’ll get to know each other more.”

Later, as they made their way back up the stairs, Darien felt a deep sense of connection. His gut told him they were building something exceptional, a bond.

They walked to where Darien had parked the car and climbed in. “I had a fantastic day with you,” Darien said.

“I did too, thank you.” Baran leaned toward Darien.

Darien hesitated then asked, “Can I kiss you?”

Baran nodded. “I’ve waited all day for this.”

Their lips met in a tender kiss and the surrounding air filled with electric energy. Darien wanted more than a kiss, but he didn’t want to scare Baran. For now, he had to get him settled and them get to know each other.

“I’ll meet you tomorrow after breakfast.”

“Okay.”

They went their separate ways; Baran toward his room, and Darien to his office, where he found Miss Archer.

“You’re finally back. Only two declined the invitation, but will send checks for the gala,” she said.

“Thank you.”

“So, how is it going with Baran? This entire shelter is buzzing about it.”

“What? Damn, you can’t do anything around here. Just like living with family, I suppose. I took him skating. I wanted to find out what direction he wants to go.”

“And does he want to stay?” she asked.

“He does. I need you to email the Immigration Service and get an application for him. Send it to my email address. We’ll get that going, then I’ll have him apply to the local community college for his student visa.”

“Got it. I have to talk to the guys in room five. I’ll be back and get it started,” she said and left.

When Darien finished with his paperwork, he went home to plan the next day with Baran.