Sugar

8 - Lunch Date

  Tiffany's PoV
 
  Tonight has been fruitful. I convinced Lucia Reid to be my escort, but I also managed to get myself one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. No woman I've met before could even compare to Alicia's beauty. Even Amanda, who works as a model, can't compete with Lucia.
 
  I was smiling from ear to ear while flipping through a couple of documents that I had brought when Lia came into the room with refreshment.
 
  "Oh- you're back already? How was your trip to Lucia's home?" Lia smiled as she placed the tray on the table.
 
  "Her parents were surprised when they saw someone had sent their daughter home. They beg me to let their child go because they thought I was threatening Miss Lucia." Oh-
 
  "Really? Have Kevin found those bastards?" Lia shakes her head no.
 
  "We need to give him some time since I only informed him a couple of hours ago. But, miss Tiffany, are you sure about this? I mean- it seems Miss Lucia has a lot of things she's worried about other than the debt. She is different than the women you've taken before. First, she's not part of any important family. You can't take advantage of her family for your gain." I smiled at Lia.
 
  "Who told you that Lucia doesn't have anything to offer to me?" Lucia shrugged her shoulder.
 
  "Lucia passed the exam into the university with one of the best scores the country has ever seen. Yes, I did my research then I made my own decision. Did you think I would spend my money on someone dumb but beautiful?" Lia raised an eyebrow.
 
  "That woman is bound to have a successful future. And I'm planning to exploit her to the fullest. It's nothing, but an investment got a better future for Iscariot." Lia shakes her head.
 
  "I never knew you would be this cunning, miss Tiffany."
 
  "What do you expect from me? I am a businesswoman known for her innovative tactics to make herself richer and more influential. Now, I've sent you an email with a list of things you should buy for Lucia. Deliver them all to her house in two days. Use this card to make the purchase." I handed one of my black cards to Lia.
 
  "Consider it done, miss Tiffany." I like it when Lia does whatever I tell her to do without asking too many questions.
 
  "May I be honest, miss?" I waved my hand.
 
  "Miss Lucia might be better than all of your escorts before. That woman is too polite for her good, and That's why I'm afraid others might take that as their cue to bully her. To prevent that, do you want to hire professionals to keep an eye on her?" Oh- did Lia herself suggest that? It seems she likes Lucia more than I do.
 
  "I don't see why not." Lia smiled.
 
  "I'll see what I can do."
 
 
 
  THE NEXT DAY,
 
  "Your parents look worried for no reason. Should I speak to them?" Lucia placed her hand on mine, which only lasted seconds, before apologizing for her action.
 
  "They know, and they're not happy. But I don't mind if they don't have to worry about the debt. Thank you for fulfilling your promise. The loan sharks came to our house and told us that the debt was no longer our concern. They even treat my father with respect, and I know it has something to do with you, miss Tiffany." I smiled while driving toward the university.
 
  "What do you mean? I only paid for the debt. Nothing more, nothing less." I guess Lia told Kevin to do something to those guys. I'll ask that maid of mind once I'm home. As we waited for the traffic to turn green, I turned to Lucia and asked,
 
  "Do you prefer to wear jeans or a dress?" Lucia shrugged.
 
  "I preferred jeans since it's easier for me to walk around. A dress only for formal occasions, I guess. Why?" I shake my head no.
 
  "I'm just wondering. Anyway, I'll pick you up at noon to have lunch together. A new restaurant just opened in the city, and I'm curious about their cuisine." Lucia nodded.
 
  "There's no dress code, right?" I shake my head no.
 
  "Do you know how to drive?" Lucia nodded.
 
  "What about a passport?"
 
  "I don't see the need for me to have one." I chuckled.
 
  "You'll be going to need it now. I'll ask Lia to take care of that." Lucia suddenly turned her face to me.
 
  "What sort of country are you frequently visiting?" I shrugged.
 
  "I've traveled the world many times for my work. I've been to Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. The only place I didn't get to go is North Sentinel Island." Lucia seems a bit surprised.
 
  "What are you doing in Antarctica?"
 
  "I made some donations for the researchers to continue their amazing work. Then one day, I was curious about it and went there. It was fun until I'm stuck for a couple of weeks because of the harsh weather." Since I was driving, I couldn't look at Lucia's reaction.
 
  "You thought it would be fun to go to Antarctica?" I nodded.
 
  "Why? Do you want to experience the never-ending cold?" I smiled when I turned to Lucia while waiting for the car in front of us to drive.
 
  "No, that's all right. I rather go to the Middle East and enjoy the sun."
 
  When we finally arrived at the university, Lucia asked me to drop her off outside the main entrance, but I didn't think that was a good idea.
 
  "Wait- why didn't you stop at the outside entrance, Miss?" I ignored her plea and stopped in front of the main entrance where most students were.
 
  "This is for you." I handed one of my credit cards for her to use.
 
  "It's unlimited. Do what you want with it." At first, she didn't want to take the card, but I shoved it in her hand.
 
  "I never said you could decline whatever gifts I bestow upon you. Take it and get out." Lucia sighed before thanking me and getting out of the car.
 
  "Remember, I'll be picking you up at noon. Don't be late. I don't like waiting for others." I didn't wait for her to say anything when I drove away.
 
 
 
  LATER THAT DAY,
 
 
 
  "What's with the long faces?" I asked Lucia while looking at the menu.
 
  "Miss, you said there's no dress code. Look at what I'm wearing versus what others are wearing. I am out of place. How am I supposed to enjoy my lunch if everyone keeps on staring at me?" I smiled before putting the menu down and calling for the host.
 
  "Are you ready to order now, miss Iscariot?" I shake my head no.
 
  "It seems our presence here isn't needed. My date here doesn't feel quite comfortable since everyone stares at her. Would you mind doing something about that? I heard many good things about this restaurant- but it seems I was wrong." The host immediately went to the owner and arranged for a private room for us. I'm glad they're smart enough to act as soon as possible.
 
  I guess the owner heard about my reputation.
 
  "Do tell us if you need anything, miss Iscariot. Once you're ready, ring this bell. Our servers will come immediately." I nodded and waited for them to leave the room.
 
  "Are you comfortable now?" Lucia nodded. I'm pretty sure she's nervous since many things happened at once.
 
  "How is your morning?" I asked as we looked through the menu.
 
  "Everything went well. I was sure that someone would confront me when they saw the Miss and me this morning, but no one did. I'm glad since I have no idea how to handle that. But of course, my dear friend Nicole couldn't keep her mouth shut, but she has the right to know." I placed the menu down once I decided what to have.
 
  "I see- so Miss Day knows you're my escort?" Lucia nodded.
 
  "How do you pronounce this? And what is it?" I looked at the menu and said,
 
  "Boeuf Bourguignon? It's beef. I was going to order this dish. Would you like to have the same as mine?" Lucia nodded.
 
  "I am quite hungry, and it's been a while since I have beef." I smiled before calling for the server and ordering our food. While we waited, I decided to discuss something with Lucia.
 
  "Are you free this weekend?" I asked.
 
  "I am free on Sunday. I have work on Saturday." Huh? Work?
 
  "Why do you need to have a part-time job now that you have me? Entertaining me is your part-time job." Lucia was taken aback by my words.
 
  "It would be weird for me to quit my job suddenly. Besides, I like working at the cafe." huh? Why would it be weird for her to quit her job suddenly?
 
  "So you're not going to quit your job?" Lucia shakes her head no. I don't think I can convince her to quit her job. Well, I know if she's busy, she is working at the cafe.
 
  "Alright, fine. But do not forget that every weekend you have to stay overnight at my house. From Friday night through Monday morning. Also, here is a key to your new car." Lucia looks at the keys on the table before shaking her head no.
 
  "How could I possibly use your car?! My neighbor would question its origin, and they will make up stories that would embarrass my parents." I sighed since I had never seen such a hard-to-please woman in my life.
 
  "I can find you an apartment. That way, your neighbors wouldn't know that you're an escort. If it's hard for you to explain to your parents, let me talk to them and ask if you could move out of your home." Lucia shakes her head no.
 
  "I'll take the car." Good. I guess she doesn't want to leave her family home.
 
  "Do I have to drive it later?" I shake my head no.
 
  "The car is probably at your home now." I find it amusing to see her reaction.
 
  "What are you worried about? I thought you said your parents know about us." Lucia sighed.
 
  "They do, but I didn't say they like the idea of me having a sugar dad- I mean sugar mommy." The door opens and comes to the server from before with our food and drinks. Once the server left, I reached out for my phone and texted Lia.
 
  "I'll find you an apartment that is near my house. You may bring your family or friends with you. I don't mind as long as you're comfortable." I know Lucia will try to decline, but I gave her a look that shows how annoyed I am with the way she's rejecting my gifts.
 
  "Please remember that it's going to be a normal occurrence for me to come and pick you up from your home, give you gifts and force you to come with me to any event that requires you to be my plus one. I don't expect you to decline everything I say because you're worried about your parents' reputation. If you think it's too much for you to be an escort- wait, no. Let me rephrase that. If you think it's too much for you to be a sugar baby, pay my money back with triple the interest. Can you afford that?" Lucia shakes her head no.
 
  "Then shut up, eat your food, and do as I say." Is it a mistake to take this nineteen-year-old into my care? She is beautiful, but this woman is too kind for her good. No wonder Lia seems worried about her.
 
  "Lia will be picking you up after your class end today. You have to go somewhere with her. I'll ask Lia to inform your parents of your whereabouts. So please, have fun." I smiled before looking at the time.
 
  "Are you in a rush?"  I shake my head no.
 
  "I am the boss. They should be waiting for me. If they want to make a good business deal, they have to work for it instead of hoping that I would agree just because of their background." Lucia hummed.
 
  "What sort of business do you do?"
 
  "All sort of things. Iscariot doesn't stick to one- we love to venture into many things." Is this woman even enjoying her meal? She seems to be wary of her food.
 
  "What's wrong with your food?" I asked.
 
  "I don't think we should eat this. You see, I work at a cafe. And servers often do something to a customer food that is rude to them. If this goes viral, the customer would be blamed by the public since you were a bit rude just then." When did I ever be rude to the servers?
 
  "What's wrong with our food?" Lucia showed hers.
 
  "The server spit on mine." Disgusting. Now that Lucia pointed it out, I do see it.
 
  "Take a picture with my phone." I handed my phone.
 
  "What are you going to do with this picture?" I smiled.
 
  "What else? I'm going to tell the owner."