“Why don’t we have an early lunch? Do you like Vietnamese food?”
I smiled. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never tried it.”
“Then I’ll take you to one of my favourite places. It’s local, cheap and cheerful, but the food is great. You can unpack later.”
When we reached street level, I got a better look at my surroundings as we strolled up Maaßenstraße. “There are more trees than I expected.” A loud rumble obliterated the chirping of the birds, and I gazed ahead. A dome constructed of grey struts and arches sat atop what looked like a train station.
Karl followed my gaze. “That’s Nollendorfplatz.” He grinned. “It’s prettier at night.” Then he pointed to the corner. “This is the place. Sao Mai.” Tables sat out front, with a red marquee-type covering further back. “We’ll eat in there.”
We stepped through the gap in the awning. Four long wooden tables stood, benches between them, and Karl claimed the first available space. We sat, and moments later a small man appeared, carrying menus. I asked for water, then perused the food choices.
“What do you recommend?” I asked Karl.
“The soup is good, and if you like duck, they do a superb dish with noodles and vegetables, with a peanut sauce.”
Part of me apparently liked that idea and had no problem communicating it with a loud rumble.
He laughed. “Well, that was easy.” He gave our order to the waiter, then leaned forwards once we were alone. “Now… suppose you tell me why you suddenly decided to visit Berlin. I don’t flatter myself that you came all this way to seeme.”
My stomach clenched. “It’s a long story.”
Karl clasped his hands. “We have time. Start at the beginning.”
I took a deep breath and began with the meeting with Dr. Williams and HR. His face clouded over as he listened, his brow furrowing. He didn’t interrupt, but now and then he made small noises of irritation. I knew they weren’t directed at me.
Then I told him about me and Diana, our split, and my new life that somehow hadn’t materialised the way I’d thought it would. I expected some reaction to the news that I wasn’t straight, but none was forthcoming. When I was done, he drank some of his water, then sighed.
“Poor Kieran. You’ve been through a lot.”
Our food arrived, and for about ten minutes there was no conversation as we ate. When the edge of my hunger had been dulled, I ate more slowly.
Karl finished first and pushed his plate aside. “Well, you’re in the right city for exploration.” He peered at me. “Thatiswhy you’re here, isn’t it?”
I nodded as I twirled noodles around my fork.
“Then you can stay as long as you like.”
I stared at him. “I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“You won’t be doing that, I assure you.” He cocked his head. “How is your German?”
I snorted. “Rusting away in a box in my head labelled High School.”
He smiled. “I can help you with that.” He removed his phone from his pocket and scrolled. A moment later, he spoke in rapid German. When he was done, he put his phone away. “Sorted, as you English say.”
“What was that all about?”
His eyes twinkled. “That was me arranging a tutor for you.”
I gaped at him. “You’re kidding. That’s great.”
“And you start tomorrow. His name is Hans, and he’ll meet you in the morning for coffee at a café not far from here. It’s calledRomeo und Romeo.”
I grinned. “Seriously?”
Karl smiled. “Schöneberg is the heart of the gay community in Berlin. You’ll see rainbow flags everywhere. The café was his suggestion, by the way.”
“That explains it,” I murmured.