Sugar Mentor, Scene #01
Valeria Atreides, who works with Penny Barber at an LGBTQ+ community center, pays her a visit. Valeria expresses her gratitude to Penny for all of her efforts on behalf of the community, particularly for queer individuals such as herself and even more so for transgender individuals like Valeria. Feeling affected, Penny tries to dismiss the praises with grace, pointing out that Valeria has accomplished a great deal as well. It has been a lifesaver to work with a younger person like Valeria who came in with a plethora of experience and knowledge in other areas of their profession. Valeria emphasizes that Penny HERSELF has literally saved her life by assisting her in obtaining the gender-affirming medical care she required. Today marks the anniversary of a significant turning point in Penny's shift, and Valeria's love, respect, and— dare she say it— adoration for Penny have only increased. Valeria wants to give Penny her entire self because she values Penny so much more than just being her mentor or coworker. Penny asks Valeria what she means by giving ALL of herself, and she is both deeply moved and a bit perplexed. Penny maintains, "You already give me your everything with all the hard work you do. " Valeria gathers her courage and takes a flirtatious step closer. I believe you understand what I mean. Valeria remarks, "I can't be the only one who's experienced it. " After being startled, Penny appears to be agitated and tempted. After a moment of hesitation, she states that she wants it to be absolutely obvious that she assisted with Valeria's care purely out of kindness and that she had no expectation of anything in return. Penny asserts, "If people thought I was just your SUGAR-MAMA or something, they might look at you a certain way. " Valeria Ultimately, all she wants to do is tell Penny how much she loves and appreciates her.