Nini's Birthday Present.

I gathered my nightie around me. 'Well, how do I look?'
He sucked his breath in.
'You look damn sexy, Nini.'

I chuckled. 'I'll take that as a compliment.'
'No, it's true. And, one of these days, guys will be all over you, sweetheart.'
He winked in a way that made me swoon.

Butterflies in my belly.

'In that case...', I said.
'What?'
'Tell me about Dad's letter.'

He was serious now. 'Which part?'
'Baby, why doesn't Dad want Mum to know about my dancing?'

Zaire became distant, like he was far away. 'I can't tell you, love.'
I laughed, expecting him to laugh too. 'You are joking, aren't you?'

He was still serious.
I poked him. 'Hey, I'm waiting.'
'It's a secret.'
'But, it's my letter, not yours. I deserve to know.'
'I'm trying to protect you, sweetheart.'

I staggered backwards. Protect me, he said. From what? Whom? Why?