It all started when you were a barista at the coffee shop I visited every morning. We would make casual, typical customer service/customer small talk, I would tip well, and then sit in the corner with my laptop plugged into the wall for a hour or two. It wasn't that I hadn't noticed you as a woman, I certainly had, but that isn't why either of us were there. I wanted coffee and exchanged money for you providing me coffee. Our relationship worked well.

One day I over hear you telling a coworker that you would take a mistake that was made for a customer rather than throw it out. I picked up that you were struggling with covering all your bills and food was the last thing on the list. A little while later, while you were wiping down the table next to me I lean over and offer to take you out to lunch for a proper meal on your break. It wasn't a date, just wanting to help you out.

We ended up really getting along as we talked our way through lunch at the little place across the street from the coffee shop. It turns out we had a lot in common. Within a few months you were basically living with me. Now, you still had your own place, I know because I was paying for it, just like your car. We had even flown across the country to the beach for the weekend, just for fun, because we could and why not? We both know that the only reason you are here is because I am basically
paying for your life. It isn't much different than our original relationship. I wanted a girlfriend and was willing to exchange money while you provided the illusion of being a girlfriend.

One day I send you a text. I tell you that I have already prepaid for an afternoon at your favorite spa, including a wax job. I also tell you to meet me at a new restaurant we had wanted to try that evening. When your Uber pulls up I meet you outside and give you a quick kiss. We duck inside and end up at the bar to wait for a table. We order drinks and the talk about our respective days. I hesitate after a few minutes of chit chat, "I have something to ask of you. Do you remember my friend Jacob? He has really been having a hard time in life lately, he lost his job, his kids hate him, and now his wife is leaving him. Anyway, I was wondering if you would spend some time with him this evening, keep him
company for a bit?" I pull out a hotel key card and lay it down on the bar in front of you. "He is right upstairs, will you do this for me?"