Page 60 of Baran
Chapter Twenty-eight Baran
Baran and Daddy Darien stepped into the cozy warmth of Miss Charlotte’s kitchen, the savory aroma of roasted chicken and herbs wrapping around him like a welcoming hug. She stoodby the stove, her gray hair trimmed short, humming a tune he didn’t recognize.
“Sit down, boys,” she said, motioning to the small round table already set with a red Christmas tablecloth and a flickering candle. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
Daddy Darien and Baran slid into their usual chairs, both stretching their legs beneath the table, then playing footsie.
“You didn’t have to go all out, Miss Charlotte,” Daddy Darien said.
“Oh, nonsense. Growing boys like you two need a proper meal. And I know you’ve got plans tonight. You’ll need your energy,” she teased, turning with a smile and setting the steaming platter in front of them.
Baran fiddled with the edge of his napkin. “Darien’s just taking me out dancing.”
“Mm-hmm,” Miss Charlotte replied, settling into her chair across from Daddy Darien. “You two deserve a night of fun. Working at the shelter all day—you’re both too young to be this serious.”
“It’s not so bad,” Baran said, scooping a bite of buttery mashed potatoes onto his fork. “Besides, it’s nice knowing we’re helping people. I want to be just like Darien.”
“Miss Archer called and asked me if I would talk to you about hiring her back. She’s really sorry.”
“I can’t take her back. She was meddling in my business and mistreated Baran, so there’s no way. I’d already been thinking about it before Baran was involved anyway.”
“I figured you would say that and you’re right, she was all over your personal life.”
“It’s too bad because she did her job well,” Darien added.
“You didn’t have to fire on my account,” Baran interjected.
“She was a problem before you,” Daddy Darien said.
Miss Charlotte nodded in agreement with Daddy Darien, her gaze softening. “A little dancing might do wonders for both of you.”
“This will be our first dance,” Daddy Darien said.
Baran chuckled, shaking his head. “I can’t wait.”
“Then I want you two to have a special evening.”
Daddy Darian grinned, cheeks warm from her words and the cozy atmosphere. “We will.”
After they finished the delicious dinner, they showered together and changed into fresh clothes.
“You look so hot tonight,” Daddy Darien said.
“So do you.” Baran felt his face warming.
They each gave Miss Charlotte a goodnight kiss, and then headed out into the vibrant city, ready for a night of dancing and revelry at the gay club. Daddy Darien had planned to order his driver so he could have alcohol. Then he seemed to remember Baran couldn’t drink, so he drove his own car. When they got there, Daddy Darien parked the car and led Baran to the entrance, his hand firm on Baran’s shoulder as they navigated through the crowd. A bouncer stood by the door and made Baran show his ID, which was a Turkish one.
“I can’t read it, so you’re not drinking.” The bouncer put a red band around his wrist to indicate no alcohol.
The Glitter Box Club was a sensory explosion. They were greeted by a dazzling display of Christmas lights framing the stage and the walls. Neon lights pulsed to the rhythm of the music, casting vibrant hues of pink, blue, and green across the dance floor. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, cologne, and something faintly sweet—maybe spilled drinks or haze from the smoke machine. People moved like a collective heartbeat, the energy electric and contagious.
“Let’s grab a table first,” Daddy Darien shouted over the music, pointing to a small, high-top table near the edge of the dance floor.
Baran perched on one of the stools, taking in the scene. The bass reverberated through his chest, and the flashing lights made everything feel surreal. Daddy Darien slid into the seat across from him, leaning close to be heard. “I want us to take some time off before you start school. What would you like to see? Somewhere with a beach, maybe?”
Baran laughed, resting his elbows on the table. “Beach without snow?”
Daddy Darien shrugged, grinning. “We can fly to Hawaii for a week. Besides, you can’t work at the shelter forever without a break. It’s not healthy.”
