Chapter 10
Tour bus bathrooms aren’t great. They’re small, the facilities aren’t up to much, and it’s pretty much a universal rule that you don’t actually use them for anything beyond peeing, washing your hands or brushing your teeth. I don’t suppose there is any reason why you couldn’t use them for other things , or use the small shower, but I guess some things (especially the former) are just considered anti-social. Still, I think we’ll all make exceptions tonight, don’t you?
After scrubbing off my make-up in the mirror – getting through pretty much an entire packet of face wipes – and putting on a vest top and some trackies, my plan is to get in my bunk, get cosy and see if I can fall asleep.
The chances that I’ll be able to sleep, in these weird circumstances, seem slim though. Well, some nights I get into my comfortable bed, in my nice bedroom, in my safe home, with the doors locked, and absolutely nothing to worry about… and I still can’t sleep. I really don’t fancy my chances here.
‘Oh my God,’ I say, jumping out of my skin as I open the door to find Dylan standing there.
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you jump,’ he says with a laugh. ‘But I have a surprise for you.’
‘A good surprise?’ I say. ‘Or a weird one, like you’re taking me to a random house, where I’ll be tortured by a strange girl?’
‘Ah, come on, that was one time,’ he jokes. ‘It’s a good surprise, I promise. Close your eyes and follow me.’
I smile.
‘Go on then,’ I tell him.
I do as I’m told, closing my eyes, allowing Dylan to lead me through the bus.
‘Okay, get in this bunk here,’ he tells me.
I know these bunks like the back of my hand, so it isn’t hard to crawl into one without knocking myself out. I feel Dylan climb in next to me. Then I hear him pull the curtain closed.
‘Okay, open your eyes,’ he tells me.
I do as I’m told and my jaw drops. I’m speechless.
‘Happy Valentine’s Day,’ he says proudly.
‘I… I didn’t even know it was Valentine’s Day,’ I reply. ‘And this is… wow. Dylan this is… yeah… wow.’
I’m in Dylan’s bunk with him and, at the end of the bed there are two laptops. One with our favourite Tom Green movie on, paused at the start and ready to play, and the other with a looping video of a roaring fire. Then, in front of us, there is a plate of various biscuits and chocolates, a couple of cans of pop, and…
‘Are these rose petals?’ I ask.
‘They’re supposed to be,’ he tells me. ‘But obviously I don’t have access to actual rose petals so I just ripped up some red paper. You’ll have to use your imagination.’
‘Dylan, this is just so sweet,’ I tell him.
‘Ahh, it’s nothing,’ he insists. ‘We’re going to watch this movie, eat everything on the plate, and then I’m going to sing you a song, and I’m going to stroke your tummy, and you’re going to fall asleep. I know you, you’re probably already worrying about not being able to sleep on the bus but, I’ve got your back. It will be okay.’
I smile as I sit back, making myself comfortable.
The truth is that, when I told Kitty all that stuff about me loving Dylan, I meant it. I do love him. He’s my best friend and, sure, he has his flaws, but he might just be my favourite person on this entire planet.
‘There is no one I would rather spend Valentine’s Day with,’ he tells me with a smile. ‘You are the love of my life, after all.’
‘Back at you,’ I tell him. ‘It’s a shame you’re a man-child, who won’t settle down, because you would make someone one hell of a boyfriend one day.’
‘I know,’ he jokes modestly. ‘Maybe when that day does come, I’ll give you a call.’
‘What if I’m married?’ I ask him. ‘What then?’
‘Then you’d better hope you’ve found yourself one hell of a husband,’ he replies. ‘Because you know me, when I want something, I don’t stop until I get it. Now, come on, don’t ruin Valentine’s Day by talking about relationships. Let’s play the film.’
I laugh.
‘Okay, okay, fine,’ I say as I snuggle into his arm.
It’s hard to imagine a future where Dylan and I aren’t best friends. Whatever happens with us, with our lives, with our futures… I know that we’ll always come back together.
But right here, right now, I’m exactly where I should be.
On tour – and I believe this now more than ever – you really don’t ever know what tomorrow will bring.