Page 74 of What Happens in Dubai

‘And you’re half cut already!’ He rolled his eyes.

‘We were drowning our sorrows that our rock is leaving us!’ Ashley leaned over and hugged Raj tightly.

‘You’ll have Zara! She has it all in order, don’t you, kiddo?’ Raj winked over and I grinned warmly to my friend.

I nodded back. ‘I have my full “To do” list written down in my book. Don’t worry about it! Plus, you’re only a phone call away!’ I tried to sound upbeat but my heart ached at the thought of Raj leaving.

‘Exactly!’ he laughed.

‘C’mon, we’ll get a drink!’ Ashley was tugging my arm towards the bar.

‘You two enjoy. I’m going to mingle,’ Raj replied, heading towards his guests.

‘Zara!’ I turned around, surprised to see Sarah, my hairdresser and regular client.

‘Hey! You look amazing!’ I replied, admiring her golden floor-length dress.

‘You two do as well! But what the hell, I thought you were going to Dubai? Now it’s Raj? What happened there?’ Sarah asked and I felt myself freeze on the spot with embarrassment.

‘Erm, she changed her mind, Sarah! Nothing major happened! Oh, Zara, we’d better move – the queue is getting bigger! We’ll catch up soon.’ Ashley hauled me away and I felt my anxiety rip through the roof.

‘Thanks,’ I whispered, feeling my hands shake with nerves. ‘I’ll get these! What do you want?’ I asked her, diving for my purse in my bag, feeling my chest pulsate.

‘A large white wine! What do you fancy?’

I was still rummaging through my bag, stumbling to the side.

‘Shit, I’ve brought my fucking work bag!’ I hissed.

‘Aw, fuck’s sake, Zara.’

‘Allow me, ladies.’

Immediately, goosebumps travelled up my arm as I heard Tom’s deep voice from behind us.

I turned around, feeling flustered as he stood there calmly in a full tuxedo.

‘What would you like, Zara? Ashley?’

My eyes continued to stare through him.

‘Em, nothing. We’re good. Ash, I’ll walk home and grab my other bag.’

Tom huffed. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I can pay for your drinks, Zara.’

I raised my eyebrows at Ashley, who looked uncomfortable.

‘Don’t call me ridiculous, Tom. I can pay my way. I’ve just lifted the wrong bag, OK?’ I spouted back.

Tom shook his head. ‘Whatever you say.’

I turned back to face him. ‘Why are you even here? Everywhere I go now, you’re there! Work, drinks, fucking Dubai!’ I could hear myself getting louder. ‘I’m sick of seeing you.’

Ashley cleared her throat and muttered, ‘Zara, stop! People are watching.’

But I couldn’t, I was on a roll. ‘Nah, seriously, Ash, is it just me or is he everywhere? I swear there must be five of the cunt! Everywhere I fucking go!’

Tom leaned forward and smirked, keeping his voice low. ‘You know we’re going to be working closely, Zara. You’re going to have to be civil at some point.’

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