Part 2

I played a little more, letting the music, the feeling under my thumbs, and the guitar's sound drift me into a special place of calmness.

"Hey P'," Santa said quietly when he entered the music room; he didn't want to startle me. He looked tired, but there was another emotion on his face even though he tried to act normal.

"Hey baby," I said and lifted a little so I could kiss him in greeting.

"You are late. Everything all right?" I asked casually.

"Mhm," he murmured and avoided looking me in the eyes.

"Did you have a long practice?" I asked calmly; I didn't want to push him.

He sighed and nervously rubbed his hands. I stopped playing, put down the guitar, and looked at him.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I... we finished dance practice around eight, and when I was about to leave the building I met P'Win," he answered quietly, full of guilt.

A ball of anger rose inside me, but I stayed calm. "And..." I said, wanting him to go on.

"He invited me for a drink, and I didn't know how to say no..." he explained.

I looked at the time on my phone screen, calculated how long it would take him to drive home, and said, "You were with him for two hours?"

"Yes. Perth, forgive me. I know I should... I know you don't like him..." he started to apologize.

I stood up and said, "I'm going to bed. You should shower. Good night."