Page 77 of What Happens in Dubai

Tom made the call while I got changed into pyjamas, awaiting her return. I sat on the edge of my bed feeling bewildered. I wanted to close my eyes and for all of this to be over, but it wouldn’t go away. I relived every second the entire night.

Chapter Twenty-Five

The following day, I woke to a smiley Ashley holding a mug of tea at my bedside. Tom had left at just past eleven, and I went to bed immediately after. He helped to explain everything to Ashley about what had happened. I felt sick, at myself and the situation. I dreaded what could have occurred if Tom hadn’t come along when he did.

‘Morning! How are you feeling?’ Ashley asked.

‘Ermm … morning. OK, I think,’ I yawned back at her.

‘Why don’t you take a duvet day?’ she suggested, looking down at me kindly.

I stretched out and checked the time: 8 a.m.

‘It’s my first day running the clinic,’ I replied, still adjusting to the light.

‘I know, but I think after what happened, you should take a day off to recuperate! Or chill, or something. Get your head straight and come into the clinic ready to take it on.’

I shook my head, seizing the tea from her after sitting up a little. ‘No way. I need to go in. I’ll be fine. Besides, I kind of don’t want to stay here by myself.’

Ashley sat down on the edge of the bed, seeming concerned.

‘Are you sure you’re OK? Just, with Cameron and now Luke. Everything’s gone a bit tits up. I need to know if you’re really all right.’

I puffed out a large gust of air, briefly letting myself feel the stress of the last few days.

‘Yeah, I’m honestly feeling a bit shitty, but I know I’ll be back to normal soon. And anyway, Dave has Instagram! That’s the real fucking crisis here!’ I didn’t have the energy to think about the night before. I was too ripe right now.

Ashley shrieked and lunged for her phone, forgetting she hadn’t checked his followers since boiling the kettle.

‘Well, come on then, boss lady. Get ready!’ she said, dragging my covers down the foot of the bed before leaving me to it.

My tired eyes stared across the room at nothing. I was zoning out, pondering about what Ashley had said.Boss lady.Shit, I was going to be in charge for the next few weeks, and suddenly I felt a surge of pressure. What if I made a blunder with the orders? Or if all Raj’s clients went elsewhere? Shit. This was going to be challenging.

Luckily, I hadn’t scheduled any clients today for myself, and only a couple were booked into the morning slots with Tom. My plan was to get familiarised with the paperwork and stick thoroughly to Raj’s instructions. I lifted my work bag and rummaged around it to glance over my notes.Shit!My notebook was missing. My hands were hitting the sides of the bag as I desperately rummaged through it. Then I remembered – it must have fallen out last night in all of the commotion. I suddenly felt sick. I’m going to let everyone down. I began sobbing frustratedly.

‘What’s up?’ Ashley ran towards me and put her arm around me.

‘I’ve lost my holy grail of how to run a clinic! I’ve fucked up already!’

‘Calm the fuck down. You know how to do this, Zara. Raj is a phone call away. You’ve got this!’

I gulped down the remaining tea Ashley had made me, got ready and then the two of us walked across the square, heading for the clinic. Inside the shop, the lights were already on and Tom’s car was parked out front. I felt as if I had been hit by a bus. Tired, sad, violated.

‘He’s no shy, is he? Opening up on his first day and everything! Watch your job, hen,’ Ashley said, giggling.

‘It’s not as if it’s his first day, though. He’s probably just keen to get started,’ I said.

‘Aw fuck, you’re sticking up for him already! Round two, ding ding!’ Ashley nudged my shoulder jokingly as we walked through the door.

My eyes popped out my head, hoping Tom hadn’t heard. Fortunately, Tom seemed entirely preoccupied, standing with his shirt sleeves rolled up, chatting away to Andy.

Ashley flashed him a smile. ‘Morning! Well, well, well, this is a nice surprise.’

I looked at both of them cautiously. What the hell was going on? Shit, please don’t delve into a safety intervention about my horrible experience last night.

‘Morning. How’s your hand, Tom?’ I asked, taking a seat, noticing him rubbing his knuckles.

‘Eh? Oh, it’s fine, a little bruised but it’s fine. Gives me more character, I think.’

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