I'm unable to sleep, and as I cast yet another look at my phone, I read that it's 2:38 am. Sighing and turning over again, I realise that my attempts at getting comfortable are bound to be fruitless. Whenever I wake up at this time, it's my habit to get up and go downstairs for a cup of tea. This always seems to help, even if only slightly.
I head over to my door, then make a mental note to tip toe the rest of the way, as Dhani was sleeping in the spare room. I still have butterflies in my stomach from earlier, and they haven't dissipated in the slightest, which my be half the cause of my insomnia tonight.
Flicking the kitchen light on, I head to the sink and fill the kettle. Clicking it on, I rest my hands on the sink and sigh. I can't get over Dad, and everytime I lie awake, the only thing I can think about is how much I miss him.
Just as I feel the emotions begin to flood back, I'm startled by a voice behind me.
"Still up?"
"Jesus!" I spin around and place my hand on my heart to steady it when I see that it's only Dhani, bed head irresistibly intact.
"Sorry." He chuckles, stepping into the kitchen.
"It's okay." I giggle, eyes moving to the kettle as it clicks and simmers down.
"Do you want one?" I ask, pointing to my mug. He nods, and I set him out a cup.
"You okay?" Dhani asks, moving behind me as I lift the kettle of the stand.
"Yeah, I just couldn't sleep."
"Same."
He places his hands on my shoulders and massages them, as if we've known each other for years. It feels like we've known each other for years.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I knew the bed wasn't comfortable, I shouldn't have dragged you here." I cringe, running my hands through my hair, which was tangled from all the tossing and turning.
"Zoë, Zoë! The bed is comfier than my own at home, and I'm so glad you did invite me back." He turns me round slightly, so I'm facing him, though I don't make eye contact. If I look him in the eyes again, I know I'll just cry again.
Dhani lowers his face and places a delicate, caring kiss on my lips, that makes the butterflies in my stomach spasm like hell.
"It's just...I find it hard to sleep in unfamiliar places."
I nod understandingly and smile, turning back to my tea.
"I think I'll sleep better when I'm more familiar with the place." Dhani comments, looking expectantly into my eyes.
For the first time, I look up and into his eyes.
"You...you want to stay?"
"Either that or you'll come with me."
My mouth drops and Dhani shifts so he's leaning on his elbow on the counter.
"Just think about it Zoë, come on the road with me. Do what you always wanted to do, which is perform with me."
Unable to comprehend, my eyes flick around areas in my kitchen.
"We can make our dad's proud, Zoë." He whispers, grasping my forearm gently.
I look up, eyes bright and gleaming.
"I'd love nothing more." I squeal, starting to jump up and down on the spot, until Dhani stops me by pulling me into a tight bear hug.
After a minute embracing and squealing with excitement, Dhani pulls back and leans in again, kissing me firmly but passionately.
After our smooch is over, I reach behind me and retrieve our mugs of tea, handing him his.
"Here's to making dad proud." I smile, as we knock our mugs together, celebrating the beginning of our journey together.
