Page 93 of What Happens in Dubai

That evening, after the last client had left, I swept and mopped the clinic, anticipating Raj’s arrival the following day, hoping he’d give the new look his seal of approval. When the place was thoroughly Hinch’d, we closed the shutters, poured three glasses of champagne and scattered into the clinic rooms to get ready.

Ashley followed me into mine and we chatted about the day’s clients while I compressed myself into two pairs of Spanx, ready to slip on my new House of CB black bodycon dress. Although I could hardly breathe, there wasn’t a lump or bump in sight. I left my hair down with a slight wave, applied some more make-up to my face, slipped my painted toes into a pair of Valentino’s, and threw a black blazer jacket around my shoulders. Ashley had changed into a pink shorts and jacket combo with lipstick to match. Her icy blonde hair was poker-straight, and her make-up was full. She looked incredible. As we put the finishing touches to our looks, her mouth was going like the clappers, but I was finding it hard to listen, preoccupied by the knowledge that it was Tom’s last night.

‘OK, you ready?’ she asked, finally turning in my direction.

I nodded.

‘Oh my god, you look amazing, Zara, so hour-glassy.’

‘It’s these, not me.’ I lifted my dress, exposing the tight wetsuit I was contained by.

Ashley put her hand over her mouth, stifling a laugh. ‘That’s going to be a fucker to piss in.’

‘Aw shit, I didn’t think of that.’

‘Come on,’ she giggled, opening the door and walking out to the clinic floor.

Tom was already standing by the desk, pouring his second glass of champagne. He looked up at us and smiled.

‘Ooh la la, ladies. You both look wonderful!’

I felt myself blush. The effort I’d made was obvious.

‘Aye, you’re a lucky man tonight, Thomas!’ Ashley said as she sat down to adjust the band on her fluffy pink stiletto.

There was a sudden loud bang at the door, and we all jumped.

‘Did you book a taxi, Zara?’ Ashley questioned.

‘No.’

Tom set his glass down and marched up to the door. I could see him simper as he turned the key, greeting the visitor.

‘Dave, hello, come in.’

Dave?! I looked on in confusion as he wandered into the clinic, holding a bouquet of pink roses. Ashley’s mouth fell open.

‘Hey,’ he said.

‘Hey,’ she responded. Her bottom lip began to tremble.

‘Are you going somewhere?’ he asked. He didn’t approach her quite yet, and they stood staring at each other across the room.

‘Yeah, well, kind of.’ Ashley glanced at me while I watched on eagerly, almost wishing for some popcorn. He kept his eyes glued to her; he looked smitten.

‘Zara,’ Tom said, ‘why don’t we head out just now, and Ashley can catch up? If she likes. Give these two some privacy?’

I gave Ashley a look, checking whether she was OK being left alone with Dave, or if she needed some moral support. She nodded at us to go.

‘OK, if you’re sure. See you later, Ash.’ I grabbed my bag and walked towards the door where Tom was waiting. ‘Good to see you, Dave!’ I added, touching his shoulder as I passed by.

He smiled briefly, still admiring Ashley from a distance.

‘You too, Zara.’

I left the clinic with Tom a second behind me.

‘I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a date for two tonight,’ Tom murmured into my ear.

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