Page 56 of What Happens in Dubai

‘Does anyone have any other suggestions or plans they want to discuss?’ He scanned the room. ‘Zara, what were you working on?’

‘Nope, I’m all good. It’s honestly nothing,’ I replied, keeping my notebook firmly shut over.

There was no way I could reveal my research now. What was the point? I’d be injecting famous influencers in Dubai while Raj and Tom profited from more clients back in Glasgow. My plan was much less extravagant than that.

The meeting carried on longer than planned as Andy explained the technical information on working with aesthetics in Dubai. He outlined a list of colleagues from Juju who would be supporting me throughout my visit and where I’d be living. When the meeting finally finished, my head was bursting and I felt defeated. Andy collected his folder, and we waved him out the door.

‘I’m so excited for you, Zara!’ Ashley whizzed over to me, wrapping her arms around me tightly.

I attempted to look happy and hugged her back.

‘You’re really helping us out, Zara. I’m so grateful. Do you know that?’ Raj added.

My eyes filled up, and I took deep breaths, trying to conceal my emotions.

‘Hey, what’s up?’ Ashley asked.

‘What’s up? Are you OK?’ Raj marched over and kneeled to my level.

I was wiping away the stray tears carefully, not wanting to ruin my make-up but feeling embarrassed at my outburst.

‘I’m OK. I do want to try things with Cameron, but I just feel a bit pushed out. I don’t know what I’ll do without you guys for god knows how long. And what if … well, what if you prefer Tom working here rather than me when I get back, and what if I lose my job?’ I sobbed loudly, no longer able to hold back the tears.

Raj laughed and pulled me into his shoulder.

‘Tom couldn’t lace your boots, kid. You have nothing to be worried about. Listen, if you don’t want to go, we’ll think up another plan. I don’t want you to be upset. We just thought with your almost-boyfriend being over there that it was a win-win situation.’

‘You think it’ll really help the clinic?’ I bubbled.

Raj shut his eyes briefly and kissed the top of my head. ‘I really do.’

I tried hard to grin. ‘I’ll do it. But I want daily FaceTime and constant reminders of how much you want me back.’

‘Done.’ Raj giggled and Ashley sniffled, struggling to hold back the tears.

‘Don’t you fucking start now!’ he huffed.

The reality of leaving my friends, my home and my job to move halfway across the world was slowly sinking in. I didn’t have a time frame on this new venture and part of me felt disappointed that I hadn’t shared my pitching idea. Everyone seemed so pleased about Andy’s elaborate plan. We sat there chatting about the endless possibilities that collaborating with Juju could mean for Individualise. When we had finished, I picked up my phone.

One new message from Cameron.

Getting on the plane. See you soon beautiful!!!!! xxx

My heart began fluttering once more. If Cameron could fly halfway across the world to see me, perhaps I should return the favour. I smiled as I allowed some of the positives to swell in my head. Maybe this was the universe’s way of bringing me closer to him as well as helping the clinic at the same time. I was undeniably apprehensive but, for the moment, enthusiastic about what the future might hold. Maybe Ashley was right, and if Cameron was the one for me, living in the same city under the sun would be a pretty perfect way to begin our journey.

Chapter Nineteen

Before I knew it, it was 5 p.m. and I was pacing the arrivals hall of the packed Glasgow International Airport, scanning the screens as updates flashed up. Cameron’s flight UAE113 had landed at 4.20 p.m. so he would be here any minute. My mouth felt dry, and my breathing was rapid. Why the fuck did I think this was a rational decision? Ashley was demanding updates, but I couldn’t concentrate. I was beginning to forget what the hot cunt looked like, wondering how much more handsome he could possibly get with his new set of gnashers. Every person that strutted out of that arrivals hall made my stomach drop and arsehole twinge with nerves, and as soon as I realised it wasn’t him, I’d let out an enormous sigh of relief. I wasn’t ready for this. What would I say to him? The questions and self-doubt began to flood my mind.

Hey, Cameron, how are you?Nope too basic.Hey, Cammy, how was the trip?No, too casual.Hey, sexy, I’ve missed you! My ideas were getting worse the more I panicked, and I eventually reached for my phone, hoping for a last-minute pep talk from Ashley.

‘Zara? How are you?’

I looked up to see a tall bald man standing in front of me. Everything about his face seemed swollen and completely distorted, and he had the most enormous head I had ever seen. His eyes were so puffy and bloodshot he looked like he’d gone ten rounds with Ricky Burns.

‘Hi,’ I replied politely, trying my best to recollect him in my fuzzy, distracted brain while watching over his shoulder, still keeping an eye out for Cameron.

He continued to grin down at me, and the expression seemed to cause him pain as his face grew tighter. I couldn’t think of how I knew him at all. God, his face was humungous. I gasped as I wondered if the poor cunt was perhaps in full-blown anaphylaxis, and I was just standing there observing.

---