Sugar Mentor

Penny Barber is visited by Valeria Atreides, who works with her at an LGBTQ community center. Valeria tells Penny that she wants to thank her for the help she has given to the LGBTQ community and in particular to gay people like herself, but also to transgender people like Valeria. Penny is touched and tries to politely dismiss the compliments, saying that Valeria has done a lot too. Valeria points out that Penny SHE literally saved her life, because she helped Valeria get the gender-appropriate care she needed. Valeria has gained love, admiration and respect for Penny as she celebrates an important milestone in her transition. Valeria is very grateful to Penny for being more than a colleague or mentor. She wants to give Penny everything she has.Penny, who is confused and overwhelmed but also a little confused by Valeria's answer to her question about what it means for Valeria to give herself EVERYTHING she has. Penny replies, "You give me everything you have with the work you do" Valeria moves closer and flirts. "I'm sure you know what I mean.... I can't be the ONLY one who's felt it," Valeria says. Penny is shocked, then obviously confused and tempted. She hesitates for a moment, insisting that she's only doing this out of love and doesn't expect anything in return. People might look at you a certain way if they thought I was just your SUGAR-MAMA or something... insists Penny. Valeria is categorical: Penny has never been a sugar-mama. She doesn't really care what other people think. She just wants Penny to know how much she loves and appreciates her.