The Favor

"What am I doing?" Alanna whispered silently under her breath. She couldn't believe that she actually was actually preparing for a sugar baby date. How did she end up in this situation again..oh yeah Debra. Debra was her very special friend who always knew where to find a buck and a party sometimes in the same place. She was also the same person that always needed a favor. Alanna stared deeply at her own reflection in the mirror at 28 she didn't look a day over 22 and carried herself well. She looked at her waistline and admired her curves some would have considered her overweight, but she was proportionate for her height and would not change a thing.

Debra often told her she would make a killing if she really ever wanted to get in the "game". Alanna had no plans to ever get in the "game" things were going well for her she had a job she loved in marketing, a great place that she worked hard to save for, a decent little car, and Michael sweet Michael. She was satisfied with her simple life and like her body, she wouldn't change it for anything. Alanna let out a sharp exhale "I can do this... I can do this..it's just a simple date with a slightly older man. I CAN DO THIS!" From the bedroom door, Debra stood smiling "Oh honey of course you can" she motioned Alanna over to the closet to assist in picking out an outfit. "Debra..." Debra kept her head in the closet sliding one hanger after the other to the other side. "Yeah?" Alanna sat down on the bed staring at Debra's back. How did she end up here dating for money? "Debra I'm not sure this is for me I mean... I really do want to help you out and maybe there is something else I can do I just don't know if I can do this." Debra spins around and slowly smiles. Alanna can tell she is about to go into mommy mode "Alanna you are not only doing me a favor which I greatly appreciate, but you are also helping yourself. I mean let's be honest honey this is helping you a little more than it is helping me. Also, I only need the favor for one date surely you can smile, look pretty and enjoy a free meal cant you? OH! don't forget you are getting paid and you will make enough to cover some of the past due problems you have run into." Alanna threw her head back in despair yes it was one night, yes it would help to catch up on her bills and yes it this date would help her immensely.

"Argh! fine, Yes you are right. I need this and I can do this, but I just want you to know that if my life hadn't fallen apart I wouldn't need to do this."

Debra's sweet mommy voice became more direct and intense "Look Alanna I really do...again appreciate you doing this. Believe me, I know you would never in your perfect little life reduce yourself to this, but guess what your perfect little job eliminated your position. The simple little home you had to leave it. Your car? Almost repossessed. Oh and Michael-"

"DON'T!" Alanna interrupted. She didn't want to hear anymore.

"Don't what? I think you need to hear this. Your sweet Michael left you high and dry. He lied to you and he cheated. When you had nowhere to turn because Michael would not let you in where did you go? You came to me and I let you in because we are friends and I love you girl. But, let's get something straight you will not turn your nose up or look down on how I secure my bag ok?" Debra was direct..no doubt about it. With a quick flip of her hair, Debra returned to the closet and soon let out a shriek of approval.

"Yes! Girl yes this is the one. 12 is going to like you in this tonight and I think this is just your style too." She pulled out a White spaghetti strap side split dress with a low back zipper. It was indeed beautiful, but will it fit?

"Girl put it on!" Debra urged "Yes this looks good on you like it was made only for you. 12 is going to go bananas." she shrieked again. Debra began flittering about the room grabbing various accessories, earrings, and charms. When she was done Alanna could barely recognize herself.

Debra sat on the bed and admired her work. Alanna was not bad looking and she had a sweet little figure, but now it was time to talk business.

"You look beautiful, but let talk about tonight. First stop calling it sugar baby that's not what this is, second your name is Six." Alanna looked at Debra with sheer confusion.

"Why Six? if this isn't a sugar baby thing then why can't I just use my name or some other kind of alias? Oh my God, Debra are you a hooker? AM I A HOOKER???"

Debra could not restrain herself from laughing "Oh my goodness Alanna no we are not hookers. Jesus is that what you think of me? No. Look what I do and what you will do is provide an evening of entertainment for a lonely gentleman. You do not have to do anything freaky or anything you do not want to do ok?" Alanna nodded still feeling that the whole situation was hooker or escort-ish. Debra reached over and grabbed a small black book from a parcel on the nightstand.

"Ok, let's find out some information on your guy tonight." Debra popped the band off the small black book that was stamped with the number 12. "Ok ok he seems interesting...ooh nice...very nice...really? Ok .. very nice" Alanna stared impatiently in the mirror waiting for Debra to finish. "You know you read that thing like you don't know this guy already." Debra popped her head up from the book and replied "I don't, but damn I'm kinda mad now. Wish I had this guy tonight, but I can't cancel on my momma Pebbles ain't having that. " Debra continued flipping the pages until she came to the end of the book and with a devilish smile, she looked at Alanna "Honey you are going to have a great time. This small black book is something like a dossier on the client. It provides information for you to prepare for your date such as likes, dislikes, etc. Your gentleman is will be addressed as 12. 12 is 38 years old and he is an entrepreneur, he is not married and has no children. He is just looking for company and requested an intelligent woman between 20-40 years of age.. that's you, babe. A car will pick you up and return you home. You will be having dinner at his place and will be required to entertain until midnight. At midnight and this is the most important part you will be paid $20,000.00."

Alanna sat frozen there was no way a man was going to pay $20,000.00 for 6 hours. "Show me." Alanna asked. "Show you what? Debra asked perplexed.

"Show me where it says I will get twenty grand for talking and nothing else"

Debra opened the book back to the finances page and handed it to Alanna "Here you and you may wanna read through the talking points the car will be here shortly" Debra stood and headed for the bedroom door she turned and snapped her fingers as if she forgot something "Oh yeah try and have a good time." Alanna was left cradling the small black notebook which held all the information she needed about 12. She opened the book to the first page and as she read she realized they had many things in common. Alanna was deep into her thoughts when she heard Debra calling about a car. "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING ?" she screamed. Alanna could hear Debra running up the stairs " Your car is here. Better get going." Alanna tossed the black book onto the bed and hurried down the stairs to the front door. Waiting for her was the biggest Cadillac Escalade she had ever seen. A tall man opened the rear passenger door and motioned for Alanna to enter.

"Can I quit now?" she said nervously reaching for Debra's hand. "Alanna you got this. Go, and have fun. I will be waiting for you when you get home and we can talk all about it ok. " With a quick hug goodbye, Alanna was whisked away for an evening with 12.

The car pulled up to a very large house in a secluded area of a gated community. Upon entering Alanna was shown the dining room and seated at the end of an intimate table. Suddenly staff rushed in carrying wines and plates and other various trays setting up small stations on the opposite side of the room. Alanna was so focused on what they were doing that she did not see that someone had joined her at the table. Once the man sat the staff halted to a stop and Alanna realized she was no longer alone at the table. She slowly turned and looking back at her was the most beautiful brown eyes she had seen. They were soft and inviting and when he smiled they crinkled just a bit. Alanna thought that he was cute, not drop-dead sexy but, but cute. Alanna cleared her throat and began to introduce herself "Good evening 12 I am-" Who was she again? Oh no she had forgotten. What was she? 3 no, 9 no what a stupid system why couldn't they just use names. 12 chuckled and took a sip of his wine " You are 6, and it is very nice to meet you. By the way, I like your dress. It is indeed very lovely." 12 took another sip of wine and offered a glass to Alanna. she took the glass thanking him. Although she was embarrassed she forgot her own number he made her feel at ease.

"Try to have fun tonight" She remembered Debra's words as she sipped the delicious wine. Several members of staff began to serve and the evening began. 12 started off the conversation light speaking of games he liked to play as a child and some he still plays as an adult. Alanna agreed and also spoke about music, art, and other hobbies that interest her. The two seem to talk into the night about everything from movies to play, favorite dishes to least favorite. Alanna was having a great time until a loud gong went off in the house. The sound startled her and she jumped into the arms of 12. He smiled and stood up offering her his hand. "It looks like our time is up. I want to thank you for a wonderful evening. I don't think I have laughed this genuinely in years." Taking her hand they walked to the front of the manor was the same car waiting to take her home. 12 took both of Alanna's hands into his and pulled her close. Alanna's heart began to race she wasn't expecting anything intimate tonight how was she going to get out of this?

12 leaned in and kissed Alanna on the forehead and bid her goodnight. With that, he put her in the car and returned to the house. Inside the car was a small envelope filled with crisp $100 bills. Alanna clutched the money to her chest, but something made her turn and look back at the house. She did indeed have a very good time with 12 he was kind, funny and somehow as the night went on it felt like she was on a real date. Alanna shook the thought from her head as the car pulled up to Debra's house. The driver opened up her door and escorted her up the stairs as she turned the key to enter the house the car pulled away and soon it was just tail lights on a dark street.

When she entered, the house was still and quiet. Faint snoring came from the direction of Debra's bedroom. Alanna quietly headed to her bedroom where she tucked the money away and dressed for bed.

She laid in bed wondering before she fell asleep if she should see 12 again.

She hoped she would.