Page 55 of What Happens in Dubai

Morning! Oh no, what’s up? I can’t talk but I can text! Can’t wait to see you too xx

I rested my phone on my knee and attempted to concentrate on the analysis Andy had prepared for us all. I was nodding, agreeing with his advice but taking absolutely nothing in, too busy refreshing my screen every spare second that I could. The others cut me a few glances as I fidgeted. I was beginning to sweat.What if he’s still married? Or perhaps he’s changed his mind about me?My legs started bouncing around nervously. I couldn’t stand the heat. I stood up and peeled my blazer off my perspiring pits.

Ping.

Fucking finally!All I could hope was that my fantasy hadn’t fallen apart.

OK! Well, I didn’t go to Turkey for a holiday – I had a small procedure! I might look a wee bit different for you ? xx

I let out an almighty sigh. The group turned to me, and I wafted myself with my notebook.

‘Sorry, guys, I’m just warm,’ I mumbled, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief. When their focus returned to Andy, I picked up my phone again.

I kind of thought you did! Well, Ashley did! Haha she said no one goes to Istanbul for anything else. You will look hot regardless, but I didn’t think you needed them done! Just at a meeting, will call you afterwards xxx

I raised my head, finally able to concentrate and incorporate my figures, when Andy peered over.

‘What do you think about that, Zara?’

Shit.I had no idea what I was supposed to be thinking about but noticed Ashley nodding eagerly behind him trying to give me a sign.

‘I think, eh … I think it’s a great idea!’ I tried my hardest to sound convincing.

‘Amazing! Just when you said your boyfriend lived out there, then I thought why not, eh? So it would be four weeks to begin with, great pay, stunnin’ hotel, and you’re only talking five- or six-hour workdays. Piece a’ piss. Great coverage for your social media and things!’ Andy looked excited.

‘Wait. What? Sorry, I’m lost. You want us all to go back to Dubai? To work?’

‘No, just you. For the four weeks initially, which will probably continue, as of next Friday.’

My heart hammered in my chest.

‘Four weeks is an awfully long time. It’s like—’

‘It’s like … an amazing opportunity, Zara,’ Raj interrupted. ‘You would represent us, the first recognised clinic to collaborate with Juju independently. They won’t just be selling us product anymore, you’d be over there with Juju, working as their brand ambassador. Individualise will be part of huge marketing campaigns. Fuck, they make over ninety per cent of all filler worldwide. This is a really big deal. Andy’s pulled it out of the bag for us.’ He looked up at Andy gratefully, as if he had just handed him a golden fucking vagina.

How would I cope for so long away from everyone? Fuck, the heat over there did not agree with my peely wally skin tone. I felt like my friends had made this massive decision for me and hadn’t given me a second to decide for myself.

‘Zara, Juju have over two million followers, plus you have Cameron out there. You could make a real go of it,’ Ashley said, but the whole moving away thing still had me taken aback.

‘But what about all my clients here? You work in the hospital some days, Raj, and we can’t cancel them. We don’t want to lose real customers while gaining social media followers in Dubai.’

I could see the cogs turn in his head.

‘You’re right – absolutely. I’ll just have to get a temp, someone who can fill in for a few weeks. It’s too good an opportunity to miss.’

‘You mean Tom, don’t you? You’ll ask Tom?’ I replied.

Raj looked uneasy. ‘Well, I’m not sure. Realistically it does make sense – he knows the clients, how we operate, and it would only be for four weeks, well initally. I’m sure he’d help us out, and it’s not as if you’ll have to see him.’

‘Thank fuck for that,’ I snapped back immaturely.

The room fell silent, and Andy cleared his throat.

‘So, are you up for this, Zara?’

I laughed, uncertain of what I thought of it all. The fact Raj had picked Tom out as my replacement all in a matter of seconds hurt. Maybe he wanted me out, and this was an easy option. After all, the clinic was busier when Tom was here. The only plus side for me was Cameron, but I hadn’t even consulted him about this life-changing decision. I glanced up and Raj was nodding his head eagerly. Then Ashley, who appeared captivated by their plan.

‘Well, it looks like I’m going to Dubai! Woo!’ I tried my hardest to sound pleased, raising my fist in the air, but my heart plummeted inside; maybe Cameron wouldn’t want me there. It was a massive step, and he’d probably think I’m nuts following him to his country of residence like a love-struck immature teenager. I had a sudden flashback of starting my placement on Tom’s ward last year, and how it ultimately ruined our relationship. Fuck, I didn’t even know if I enjoyed Dubai. I struggled with the heat for a weekend over there, never mind four weeks. I looked at Raj, who was clapping his hands happily, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

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