His Sugar Baby

“Careful, dear, he’s not easy to catch and keep.” Her words are kind, not spiteful.

Yet tears sting my eyes. What the fuck is the matter with me? “I know.”

“Although, he does look the happiest I’ve seen him in ages. I’ve also never seen a single flower in this home.” She smiles at the small bowl of white peonies on the eat-in kitchen table.

I touch a velvet-smooth petal, still astonished at the way he filled his home at my tossed away words. No man has ever bought me peonies, it’s always been roses, and the real reason I don’t like roses. No man has ever asked me what I liked, just made an assumption, handing me roses as if I should be grateful.

“He’s also never once told me it was important to make a woman happy. He told them they ate what I made for them or they could order up their own food.”

Wiping my eyes, I smile apologetically. “I am sorry about that. Although I do like bacon and red meat.”

“It’s no problem at all dear. I’m just concerned for his health, as he refuses to do anything besides a squash game once a week with his friend, and his weight lifting. He spends all his hours at his desk, from the time he’s up in the morning until he goes to bed. His hours are also atrocious. Sometimes he doesn’t go to bed until the early hours of the morning but he’s still up early the next day.

“His diet was planned by a nutritionist based on his preferences. I can order in more of the organic grass-fed beef she recommended on his days for eating meat. There’s also plenty of bacon, I keep it in the freezer. It’s low sodium though, also organic and uncured. Grant noticed the change, but only to say it tastes better.”

“Thank you. I’m not against healthy. I’m against being told I have to eat quinoa and kale. I am very against kale.”

Alice laughs. “I would be happy to call the nutritionist and ask her to come in to talk with you. Your meals are based on your preferences. If you don’t like quinoa you don’t have to eat quinoa. Grant hates kale, too, and as often as I’ve tried to sneak it past him I haven’t succeeded. Per his order there is never a leaf of kale in the house.

“Also, just because she comes doesn’t mean you have to say yes to anything she suggests. What she will do is put together menus with recipes based on your preferences, mainly for me. I pull them out and plan the weekly grocery ordering based on them.”

She’s grinding the beans and the room is filled with the fragrant smell of coffee. “I would be happy to. I know I should eat better. I’m not much of a cook and have become frozen-dinner-and-eating-out dependent.

“I also hate to work out, too. But I love yoga and do it daily. I also like to walk. This is the best city for walking in. I’ve been out every day for the last week, exploring the city. The art museum was so wonderful I was in there for hours yesterday.”

“This city is a wonderful place for exploring, but you have to be careful. Being pretty and alone isn’t safe for you.” She stops as she whisks the eggs in a bowl to warn me.

“I’m careful. I always carry pepper spray. I try to stay with the crowds and I make sure to leave time to get home before dark.” I defend myself. Refusing to admit the close call I had with a group of teenagers on the El when I was coming back from Lincoln Park Zoo.

“I don’t think that’s enough. You’ll need to tell Grant every time you intend to go out wandering around.”

“Bothering Grant is silly. This city is filled with women who walk the streets every day and are just fine. I don’t need to tell Grant every time.”

“Tell Grant what?” He’s behind me, having walked into the kitchen through the dining room. His eyes are intent and suspicious.

“It’s nothing.” I mumble faltering under his stare.

Alice bangs down the pan on the burner. Shaking her hand at me like I’m a naughty child. “It’s not nothing. She likes roaming around the city, taking in the sites all on her own.”

Grant frowns, “Yeah, that sure as hell is not nothing. What are you thinking? Especially if you are more focused on the sites then watching out for yourself.”

“I’ve done it before in other big cities, like Boston and all over New England.”

“I don’t care what you did then, this is now. You aren’t roaming the city alone. I’ll go see if I can find a security company.” He leaves without a word, head down, going through his phone.

I feel sold out by Alice. “Why did you have to say it like that? I don’t need security.”

“Young lady, I have lived in this city my entire life. I’ve been raped once, sexually fondled, grabbed more times than I can count, and robbed six times. I will not let the same thing happen to you and neither will Grant. Now, sit down and eat your food.” She says, as she places my plate at the table of the eat in kitchen.

Shocked at how she listed her rape and harassment like it was a grocery list I don’t argue and do as she says. She sets the coffee carafe, cup, and creamer beside my plate. I eat in stunned silence while Alice hums as she chops vegetables. Finished, I take my plate to the sink and wash it off.

“Leave it, dear. I’ll take care of it. Lunch today for Grant will be salmon with lemon and dill, with a side of orzo pasta salad. I’m sneaking in shredded broccoli with feta, olives, cucumber, and tomatoes in balsamic vinaigrette. Will that suit you?”

“It sounds delicious thank you.”

The doorbell rings. Alice’s eyebrows go up in surprise. “Grant rarely has visitors.”

“I’ve got it Alice.” There is an intercom somewhere in the room. Grant’s voice comes through clearly. “Anne, when you’re finished, come into my office.”