“I’ll bring it upstairs later for you unless you want to go upstairs now.”
“No, I’m doing some serious cooking eating.” Baran lifted his plate to Darien. “Try some. There’s plenty more where these came from.”
Darien took two from his plate and took a bite of one. “These are perfect!”
“I’m glad you lads like them.”
“Let’s go upstairs and talk about Hawk,” Darien said.
Baran nodded and followed Darien upstairs to the guest room. There were two chairs, so Darien moved the desk chair in front of the armchair, facing each other. Darien sat in the desk chair, leaving Baran in the comfortable one.
“Am I in trouble?” Baran asked.
“No. We’re going to discuss Hawk.”
“Did he say something horrible about me?”
“He tried to defend himself with bullshit. Hawk has been with us for a year, so it wasn’t easy telling him he had to leave. I’m very disappointed in him for attacking you and for stealing your suitcase.”
“He could have stayed.”
“No, he couldn’t. He defended his hate, which told me he wasn’t sorry about it. The shelter has no room for hate, any kind of hate.”
“He thinks I’m a practicing Muslim. That’s why he hates me.”
“I know he thinks that, but it’s not true and if it were, so what?”
“I didn’t want him to get kicked out because of me.”
“He’s kicked out because of his hate, which led to violence. When you go through your case, let me know if anything is missing and I’ll replace it.”
“Thanks.”
“Hey, it’s not your fault, and yes, I’m upset about the situation, but I’m glad you’re here with me. Are you sure you don’t mind celebrating Christmas with me?”
“Can’t you tell I enjoy being with you? I’d love to spend Christmas with you.”
In the morning, Baran woke to the smell of fresh coffee and a knock on his door. He sat up in bed and said, “Come in.”
When the door opened, Darien stood there dressed in jeans and a white shirt and navy tie, carrying two coffees. Whatever he wore, he looked stunning.
“Morning, I brought you coffee.” Darien handed one to Baran and kept the other for himself.
“Thanks. Morning to you.” Baran took a sip of coffee. “This is Turkish coffee!”
“Miss Charlotte went out last night and got this for you.”
“That was kind of her. You can sit on the bed.”
Darien found a spot on the bed and drank his coffee with Baran. He told him he planned to take him out for breakfast, a gesture that warmed Baran’s heart. He took a shower and met Darien downstairs. He peeked into the kitchen and thanked Miss Charlotte for picking up the Turkish coffee.
They left the house and walked to a quaint café nestled on a quiet street nearby. The cozy café was filled with the aroma of fresh baked goods. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and soft music played in the background. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the wooden tables and mismatched chairs. They found a corner table and settled in.
Baran glanced at the menu, then at Darien. “This place is wonderful. I love all these books. Thanks for bringing me here.”
Darien smiled, his eyes softening. “I thought you’d like it. Plus, it’s a place for us to talk.”
As they waited for their food, Darien leaned forward slightly, his expression thoughtful. “I’ve been thinking about us, Baran. About what happened yesterday and how much I’m coming to care about you.”
