Page 63 of Baran
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 takesome 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.”
Baran hesitated, his gaze drifting to the dance floor. “I’ve always wanted to see Hawaii.”
“Anywhere is good with me, as long as it’s with you,” Daddy Darien teased, winking.
Baran rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “You’re impossible.”
Daddy Darien stood abruptly, extending a hand. “Come on, Mr. Impossible. Time to dance.”
Baran hesitated, but eventually let Daddy Darien pull him to his feet. The music seemed louder now; the beat was undeniable as they found a spot amidst the throng of dancers. Daddy Darien moved effortlessly, his confidence infectious, while Baran tried to keep up, his movements stiff at first but gradually loosening.
“See? You’re a natural,” Daddy Darien said, leaning close as they danced.
Baran laughed, shaking his head. “A natural disaster, maybe.”
“You’re doing great,” Daddy Darien assured him, his voice warm and encouraging. “Just feel the music.”
Baran closed his eyes for a moment, letting the rhythm guide him. When he opened them, Daddy Darien was smiling at him, his expression full of pride.
“Better,” Daddy Darien said, spinning him suddenly, earning a surprised laugh from Baran. He stole a few kisses while they danced.
As the night went on, they danced and talked, their conversation weaving through the beats of the music. The music was loud and festive, and the dancers on the stage were wearing red and green elf outfits that sparkled under the spotlights. The club was packed with people enjoying the show, cheering and clapping along. The server noticed Daddy Darien waving him over and took their order of two Cokes. They sat and waited, absorbing the warmth and excitement of the club. The server returned with their drinks, then they turned their attention to the stage, where the dancers were doing a remix of “Jingle Bell Rock.”
“I come here every year to see their Christmas show,” Daddy Darien said.
A man, his eyes twinkling with mischief, approached the table with a confident stride. “It’s good to see you, Darien.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. This is my boy, Baran.”
“Hi, Baran. I’m Andrei Baranov. My husband, who is my boy too, is dancing on stage.”
“Nice to meet you,” Baran said.
“Sit down for a bit with us?” Daddy Darien asked.
When the stage show ended, a young dancer came to the table.
“I’m Daniel Baranov.”
Andrei introduced him to Daniel.
“Baran will be attending New York University during the spring semester,” Daddy Darien said.
“I go there too. Give me your number, and we can get together,” Daniel said to Baran.
They exchanged numbers, then Daniel had to leave to change his outfit.
