Sugar Baby by Erin Pim Read Free Book Online Page A

Stephen in his usual spot at the bar. My breath catches for a moment, feeling the flutter of butterflies. What a nice surprise! I take a quick look at myself in the reflection of a pot. He’s usually much more discreet than this, having never come in to Rigatoni’s since we’ve been seeing each other, so I consider it a special treat.
    â€œUhh, I’ve got to go to the washroom. Watch my station?”
    I scurry over to the front of the restaurant, pretending to get myself a pop from the bar fountain.
    â€œWhy hello, Miss Chef!”
    â€œHello, sir! Lovely day we’re having,” I wink.
    â€œI couldn’t resist your cannoli. I hope you don’t mind,” he says, in a near whisper.
    â€œNot at all, sir! Besides,” I continue sotto voice, “I wanted to thank you for the other night.”
    â€œMy pleasure, as always.”
    â€œMaybe I can bring you some pastries, next time,” I smile. He looks so handsome in his day suit. The colour really compliments him. Suddenly, I notice Jeremy eyeing me from the kitchen, and my face drops. I hope he didn’t see the way I was looking at Stephen just then.
    â€œEverything alright, my dear?”
    â€œHmm? Yes! Fine! I should get back, though. Good evening sir!!” I manage to joke one final time, despite the panic. I also feel bad giving him the slip, as I speed walk back through the doors. “Sorry! I wanted to grab a drink!”
    â€œThat’s fine. Who was that?”
    â€œWho? At the bar? A regular, I guess. He likes my cannoli.”
    â€œOh yeah?” Jeremy replies offhandedly, already back on the line, chopping some basil for the finishing touch on an order of lamb bolognese pasta.
    â€œYeah! Just wanted to tell me so. Anyway, I’m going to get to these orders! ‘Scuse me!”
    A regular? I hope that never gets back to Stephen. It would hurt him. I hate that I had to lie like that to Jeremy. But, what am I supposed to do? I could’ve said Stephen was a friend of mine, but that doesn’t look right, either. A friend of the family, I guess? Just a different lie. If only Jeremy wasn’t interested in me, he would never notice in a million years. Or care, even if he did notice. He’s a stoner, after all! And Stephen knows I’m at work. He’s a reasonable man. He knows I can’t pay him the attention he deserves if he just pops in like that without telling me. I take a deep breath. It’s fine. It’s all fine.
    With the night off, and anxiety to burn, I decide to look over my updated business plan. Fresh out of the shower with my wet hair in a towel, I spread out the files onto the table. I recalculate my projected initial investment, and if my addition is correct, my current part time salary, along with the $20,000 from Stephen, should top up my original savings nicely. I can’t believe that it’s finally in my grasp.
    Now, for the fun part. I rip out a new page and jot down a rough menu. Breads, buns, bagels, muffins, pies, pastries, cookies, cupcakes. Sandwiches, salads, soups? Yes, a small menu. Espresso coffee, loose leaf tea, specialty hot chocolates. I write out ingredients lists, and combine the like items for a rough initial food order. I look online for storefronts in my budget, and bookmark the ones in the areas I’m considering. I’m only planning on a cosmetic renovation, so existing restaurants only. Two or three stand out. Do I call? No, it’s too early. But, what’s the harm in starting to look? Besides, it’s after five. I’ll just leave a message, and they’ll get it tomorrow, anyway...
    â€œHello?”
    â€œOh! Uh, hi! I’m interesting in booking a viewing?”
    The first space I see is in a nice area. The kitchen is spacious, and the dining area has a nice reno, but is overshadowed but the fact that it’s so achingly small. The second appointment is in a great area of town, but isn’t in fact,