Page 79 of What Happens in Dubai

‘I’d better get set up. My client will be here any second,’ Tom said, walking away while Ashley walked towards her desk to prepare for the day.

Andy took a small sigh as we both began to talk at the same time. We laughed and I nodded for him to speak first. ‘Sorry for bombarding you this morning. I hope I’ve not, like, overstepped the mark or whatever.’

‘No, no. I’m so glad you did. That’s the first time I think anyone has taken any of my ideas seriously. I am a bit speechless, to be honest.’ I looked down to the floor.

‘Why? They are amazing. Honestly, you could be stealing my job next!’ He lifted my chin from the ground and smiled. ‘Listen, I don’t know what happened last night. It’s none of my business. But one thing I have learned is everyone needs to work as a team in a small business like this. Especially with so much riding on a whole new concept. So, I’m hoping any beef with Tom is done and I hope that wee prick he punched for you is the only baggage you have. You’ll need one hundred per cent focus if you want this to work, and then you’ll have this in the bag.’

I agreed with his advice, feeling slightly vulnerable reminiscing about last night.

‘I got this. No skeletons in my closet! Tom and I are honestly good now,’ I grinned, trying to stay upbeat.

‘Ha, I’m glad! Wish I could say the same. My ex-wife is enough skeletons for both of us, man. Right, I’ll be in touch then. Good luck!’ Andy winked and turned his back, leaving the clinic and waving to Ashley.

Tom returned from switching into his scrubs.

‘Weet wheel!’ Ashley called out.

Tom raised an eyebrow and sniggered at her.

‘It’s like I was never gone, eh, girls! Dream team’s back.’ His white teeth shone towards us.

I rolled my eyes jokingly.

‘And we all know what happened then.’

Tom grinned. ‘Yes, we do, Zara!’

At that point, the door opened and Tom’s first client walked through.

‘Ah, morning! You must be Sylvia! I’ll take you through to the treatment room for your consultation,’ Tom greeted his client effortlessly.

I smiled at Ashley at his charm and we both laughed loudly as they left the shop floor.

‘So, I feel like I’m totally out of the loop. What the fuck are the new plans? Explain it all to me, Zara. And not in medical lingo.’ She batted her false eyelashes.

‘OK, so I was looking at our sales figures recently, since Botox Boxx opened, and that is unquestionably the more appealing salon. Their social media is insane. They have influencers on their client list, and cool, trendy, Instagrammable décor. Yes?’

She hastily nodded.

‘But we are better at aesthetics; there’s no doubt when you see the results. I was looking at their treatment menu, and they actually have social media influencing packages, so you pay to look like your favourite influencer. That’s insane on so many levels! Why do they all want to look the same? It’s a terrible message for young women – and men. So, anyway, I’ve been researching facial balancing for a while now, and I think we should promote it, like big style. Go back to measurements. Use small, subtle injections to slightly adjust the client’s face but keep them individualised. Each client doesn’t walk in like they do just now, and say I want one mil of filler. Instead, we measure their lips, measure the nose to the chin and advise an area that would help enhance their own facial structure, rather than them getting their lips done because everyone on Instagram has their lips done. We could redecorate with positive body images all over the walls, stretch marks, real client portraits. Makeeveryonefeel beautiful. Make everyone look like the best versions ofthemselves. You could head the campaign, of course!’

Ashley’s eyes were glistening while listening intently.

‘OK, so you’re Individualising Individualise. But can we afford it? The way Raj was talking, this place sounded heavy skint,’ Ashley replied.

I sighed. ‘Well, if Tom has already trained in facial balancing, like he’s said, then he could teach me, and in fact, we’d be using less product than usual. I can use my savings for the makeover. It might be a stupid idea, but if Andy liked it and—’

‘Zara,’ Ashley interrupted, ‘I think it’s fuckin’ brilliant. Honestly.’

I gasped, clutching my hands excitedly. ‘Shut up!’ I screamed.

‘I think it’s clever, it’s current and, let’s face it, it’s promoting better body positivity for younger clients. It’s a win-win.’

My body bounced about the floor, feeling triumphant.

‘But initially I’d keep it a secret from Raj,’ I continued.

Ashley attempted an eyebrow raise. ‘Surely he needs to know?’

---