Sugar

Dinner at the Reid’s

Third Person PoV

Lucia watched as Tiffany and her father seemed to be in deep conversation about something. Tiffany smiled at Lucia when she noticed that Lucia was trying to listen to their conversation.

“You are more than welcome to join us, Lucia.” Lucia smiled at her father and Tiffany before excusing herself.

“I’m sorry about that, miss Iscariot.“ Tiffany waved her hand off while reaching for the cup of water.

“Miss Iscariot, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for paying off my debt with the loan shark. I don’t know how to repay your kindness.” Tiffany smiled at Mr. Reid.

“Your daughter is doing her best in paying it off. Don’t worry about that.” Mr. Reid seems a little uneasy.

“Miss Iscariot, I hope you won’t feel offended by my words, but I love and care for my daughter. I only wish for the best for her and her future. But I don’t think her future is set if she continues to be your escort. What sort of benefits will she have as someone close to you?” Tiffany raised an eyebrow.

“I see this dinner has other meaning for me. So you’re worried that I might destroy your daughter's future? Isn’t that a little rude of you to assume, sir?” Mr. Reid wanted to apologize, but Tiffany raised her hand.

“Don’t apologize, Mr. Reid. You have a valid reason to think so. Mr. Reid, I own several different businesses, and I’m sure Lucia will be able to find her place easily with my recommendation letter. I know you’re worried about her future, but I am not like most people. I know what I should do to Lucia, and trust me, I will use her talent for my gain.” Mr. Reid has mixed feelings after hearing Tiffany’s words.

“I don’t know if I should be thankful or wary of your words, miss Iscariot.” Tiffany smiled.

“You should be thankful, Mr. Reid.”

Lucia came into the living again and told her father that dinner was ready. She then went to Tiffany's side and asked if her father had said something he didn’t mean to.

“Your father was a gentleman. Even though he’s not happy with you being my sugar baby, he didn’t show it but told me his wishes for you. I think I know what I should do next.” Lucia seems wary of Tiffany’s words.

“What do you mean by that, Miss Tiffany?” Tiffany shrugged her shoulder.

“I wonder about it myself. Anyway, what’s for dinner?” Tiffany seems more excited about food than anything else.

“My mother made sure to do her best, so if it doesn’t taste good, don’t say anything. That woman is a little bit sensitive nowadays.” Tiffany waved her hand.

“Nonsense- there’s no way your mother’s cooking is worse than my mother's. My mother doesn’t know how to make a sandwich.” Lucia wanted to laugh, but he decided not to.

“It’s okay to laugh. Even I knew how to make a sandwich. But of course, my mother never went into boarding school and survived all on her own. There’s always a butler by her side, who also works as her spy, ears, and hands. That reminds me, are you ready to meet her this weekend?” Lucia shakes her head no.

“You should be. My mother is looking forward to it.”

LATER THAT NIGHT

Tiffany looked through Lucia’s childhood album while Lucia watched her like a hawk.

“You know, Lucia- you’ll pierce into my body if you continue to stare like that,” Tiffany said without looking at Lucia. Lucia sighed before sitting next to Tiffany.

“Miss Tiffany, you don’t have to do this. My mother was being a mother. That’s why she let you see the album.” Tiffany smiled.

“I like seeing pictures of you when you were a child. I don’t think I have any memories of my childhood.” Lucia doesn’t think that’s right.

“Really? Don’t you have any pictures of yourself when you were a child? I’m sure your parents took some.” Tiffany shrugged her shoulder.

“I don’t know. I was in a coma when I was twelve. So whatever that happened before I was twelve, I can’t remember anything about it. There are pictures, but it doesn’t mean anything to me.” Lucia was surprised.

“You look surprised. Those reaction doesn’t get old.” Tiffany chuckled.

“Oh, look- a picture of someone buck naked.” Lucia took the album away before apologizing to Tiffany. Tiffany smiled as she watched Lucia keep the album away.

“Where are your parents? I want to say my goodbyes.”

“They’re outside.” Tiffany stood up from her seat and went outside to see a group of people she believed to be the neighbors talking to the Reid couple.

“What’s going on?” Tiffany asked.

“They’re probably asking my parents the owner of your car. It’s rare for everyone to see the car that you gave me, and now they saw yours, they’re curious.” Tiffany hummed as she made her way toward Lucia’s parents.

“I never expected that a teacher like you would let your daughter be like that. We respect you for your contribution, but how could you sell your daughter like that?” Mr. Reid was about to say something when he noticed Tiffany making her way toward them.

“Miss Iscariot, I’m sorry that you have to hear this.” Tiffany waved her hand before facing the nosy neighbors.

“Who said anything about selling their daughters? Does it look like Lucia is selling herself to me?” Tiffany glared at the people who assumed that she was a pimp.

“Do I look like someone who’ll buy people’s life? Money can’t be used to buy everything. Humans are priceless. Even if you have all the money in the world, you can’t possibly put a price on a person’s dignity. That is wrong!” Lucia grabbed hold of Tiffany’s hand.

“I wonder how often I have to deal with people who can’t seem to keep their thoughts to themselves.” Tiffany sighed.

“Thank you for dinner. I will surely return this favor. Lucia, if you don’t mind-“ Tiffany offer her hand for Lucia to take.

“Do you need anything?” Lucia asked as she took Tiffany’s hand.

“I can find a home for your family to live in and move away from this neighborhood.” Lucia was surprised.

“That’s not necessary. And I’m sure my parents wouldn’t like that. We’ll get used to this. Don’t worry about it.” Tiffany sighed.

“Fine. Anyway, a driver will pick you up tomorrow evening. Get ready and pack some clothes. See you tomorrow. And before I forget, keep an eye on your sister.” Tiffany smiled before getting into her car and driving away.

THE NEXT DAY,

Lia walked into Tiffany’s room while bringing a fresh set of bathing robes and towels when she noticed her mistress was sitting on her couch, watching tv.

“I didn’t expect you to be up this early, Miss.” Tiffany smiled.

“I had a dream where Amanda is back, and it’s a nightmare for me. I’ve been up since five in the morning.” Lia chuckled.

“Where were you last night, miss?”

“I was invited to have dinner at the Reid’s.” Lia was surprised.

“Are you telling the truth, miss?” Tiffany nodded.

“Mrs. Reid is such a great cook. It was my first time having dinner at someone else’s house that wasn’t a Michelin chef. I wish I could bring home some for you to taste. Also, did you know that Lucia also can cook? Her dishes were not presentable, but the taste was exquisite. Lucia was so embarrassed that the plating was bad.” Tiffany laughed it off before showing Lia a picture of the food that Lucia had prepared.

“It seems you’re having fun with Lucia's family, miss. I heard that you went to the mountain yesterday too. What happened? Did you do something again?” Tiffany waved her hand no.

“Karina, Lucia’s little sister, suddenly texted me asking for help. I thought I would entertain her by coming, and it was my best idea to do so.” Lia raised an eyebrow.

“Why, what’s wrong?” Tiffany begins to explain the mistreatment and how suffering it was for Karina as a student at a place where underprivileged students are condemned because of the amount of money. Lia shakes her head no.

“And here I thought as the world continues to grow, people’s mindset should be different too. But I was wrong.” Tiffany hummed.

“Anyway, I’ll be going to Japan next week. Prepare my accommodations and transport. Also, make a letter and send it to the university dean that Lucia will be taking an online class since she will be going with me.” Lia nodded.

“Have you told Miss Lucia?” Tiffany shakes her head no.

“I’m planning to do so tonight when she arrives.” Lia sighed.

“Miss, do you think Lucia will agree to it?” Tiffany smiled.

“Lucia has no choice but to follow what I told her to do. At least I gave her the chance to continue with her classes online. What’s so hard about that? Even I did it when I had to travel abroad when I was a student.” Lia smiled.

“I guess so, miss. Is there anything else?” Tiffany shakes her head no.

“I don’t think I need you to do anything when I need to visit my mother. Oh! You may take the weekend off. I’m sure you’ve wanted to visit your family. Since Lucia will be here with me for the weekend, I guess it’s alright for you to go home.” Lia smiled.

“That has to be the best news for me this morning. I’ll be preparing breakfast now.” Tiffany nodded while Lia excused herself.

Tiffany continue to watched the television before she went to the bathroom and prepare herself for the day. After getting herself ready she decided to give Lucia a text to reminded her of today’s agenda.

“Hey Lia, did you find out anything about Lucia’s past relationship?” Lia nodded.

“I thought I included that information in the file I gave you. Perhaps you missed it?” Tiffany shrugged her shoulder.

“Miss Lucia ever dated one boy, and his name is Cody. Cody decided to end everything after finding someone who knows how to wear make-up and dress to impress. Miss Lucia was devastated, but she managed to leave the thoughts behind and be happier because of it too.“ Tiffany hummed.

“And where is a Cody now?” Lia smiled.

“He is a father to a little girl while working two jobs to get by. The woman he chooses to be with constantly nags him for his shortcomings. I say life is good for him.” Tiffany laughed.

“You’re enjoying yourself too much, Lia.” Lia shrugged before she went back to the kitchen.

“What about her family? About her older brother and parents- is there anything that I should be wary about?” Lia came back from the kitchen with a platter.

“I don’t think there’s anything alarming about the Reid’s. They may be struggling with money but that doesn’t mean they’re that desperate. The Reid’s help each other and they wouldn’t do anything that will harm themselves. It was miss Luciams grandfather than cause geh blunder before. Not Mr Reid himself.” Tiffany nodding his head.

“That is true. Well, I’m sure my mother wouldn’t do anything embarrassing to me in front of Lucia. I guess.”