Free Sugar Baby by Erin Pim Page B

restaurant’s worth of food in a day and a half. My goal is to order absolutely nothing pre-made. He’s a faster learner like I anticipated, and has no problem keeping up with the new recipes. I vow to let him have creative reign, once he hones the basics. And it’s good to be in a space where I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. It’s even easier having Jeremy there over a new chef, who already knows that I’m a hard worker.
    â€œI think I resented you a bit,” I admit.
    â€œMe?? Why?”
    â€œI know! It’s stupid. I was intimidated by you, I guess?”
    â€œBy me? Wow. That is stupid,” he laughs.
    â€œWell, anyway. I’m sorry. I’m a jerk.”
    â€œNo, you’re not. Don’t worry about it.”
    â€œNow, get to work, minion!!” I grumble in the deepest voice I can muster, whipping him with a dish towel.
    â€œAhh! I take it all back!!”
    With the grand opening on the horizon, there’s also something else coming up. The end of Stephen and my contract. But, I can’t even think about it right now.
    Along with the end of the month, comes another sugar convention at the Gentlemen’s Club. It falls on the eve of my opening, but Stephen says we’ll be quick. I step into the Hummer in another new dress, greeted by another glass of champagne.
    â€œI suppose these are becoming old hat, now!” Stephen chuckles.
    â€œOh no, Stephen! I’m sorry if I seem preoccupied.”
    â€œNot at all! I understand completely. Your cafe should be the priority! Especially now!”
    â€œWell, let’s try not think about that,” I say, planting a kiss on him, and smiling. “I need a break, anyway. For now, I just want to think about you.”
    Unfortunately, with these things, I rarely interact with Stephen. He gives me his wallet to hold in my purse, and moves towards a group of his SD friends. Immediately, an unattractive man greets me and engages me in conversation.
    â€œHey there, gorgeous. You looking?”
    â€œUhh, no. Thanks.”
    â€œI’ll treat you right, baby. I’ll put you up in a condo, give you a car, the whole works.”
    â€œNot interested. Sorry,” I say uncomfortably, trying to move around him.
    â€œHey. You whores think you have golden fucking pussies, or something?” He says, hissing into my ear, and grabbing my arm. I pull it away quickly, before anyone manages to see. I look around for Stephen, but when I turn back, the man is gone. Feeling a little shaken, I get myself a drink. Out of a need for the familiar, I approach Dawn, forever flanked by her lackeys. “Hi Dawn.”
    â€œKat! Hey,” she says, turning around and planting a kiss on either side of my cheek.
    â€œHey guys,” I greet, gesturing to Kelly and Christine. Kelly smiles.
    â€œYou okay? How’s SB life treating you?”
    â€œGood... it’s been kind of a crazy month. Lots of parties, and stuff.”
    â€œYeah? Good for you! And he’s paying you on time? No drama?”
    â€œMm hm,” I say, nodding. “It’s going surprisingly well.”
    â€œHis wife isn’t bothering you?” Christine butts in.
    â€œUhh. He doesn’t have a wife.”
    â€œOh. I thought he did,” she insists.
    â€œNope.”
    â€œOkay, but...”
    â€œAnyway,” Dawn continues. “Just as long as he’s paying you. It can be real awkward to have to ask all the time.” I see Stephen wave me over from across the room.
    â€œYeah, I can imagine. Well, I’ll see you guys next time,” I say, making an exit.
    â€œBye!” Kelly manages to say. I weave through suits and tight, glitzy dresses towards Stephen. I keep on guard for the man that grabbed me, but I don’t see him anymore. I just want to be held.
    â€œThere you are, Lady Kat! I was just telling my good friend Adamo about you.”
    â€œNice to meet you,” he nods. An