Page 9 of Baran
“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 himselfas 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?”
