Page 67 of What Happens in Dubai
Laura’s face lit up. ‘No way! That’s fantastic, Zara! I love Dubai! Where are you staying and have you been before? Sorry, I’m just so jealous! It’s my favourite place ever.’
Her enthusiasm and relaxed vibe made me almost forget about Tom outside. I applied her numbing cream and pulled my stool to the edge of the bed to have a chat while it developed.
‘So, it’s a bit of a crazy story,’ I boasted. ‘Basically, I was out there a few weeks ago for work, then I met an amazing guy on the plane who stays in Dubai but he’s from Scotland, so we planned to chat and meet up when we could. But then the opportunity came up to live out there for a bit to promote the clinic.’
Laura’s eyes were filling up with awe. ‘OK, so this is like a bloody fairy tale! You’re joking, right? It’s totally meant to be!’
I shook my head, unable to stop grinning.
‘I’m so happy for you,’ she gushed. ‘So, if I need an appointment, I need to get my ass to Dubai, that’s what you’re telling me!’
I laughed, gently clearing the cream off her numb lips. ‘That’s right!’
I took the small syringe and gently got to work on her top lip, injecting slowly in and out while we continued to chat.
‘What about your love life, actually? The last time I saw you, I think you were dating the guy from the army?’
Laura eyes became heavy, and I gave her a break to chat.
‘Yes, I still am! He’s the sweetest, most amazing man in the universe! But he’s in Baghdad at the minute. Ah, so annoying. He’s due back home to the Highlands in four weeks, three days and about two hours … Not that I’m counting!’
I couldn’t help but feel our soppy, romantic energy bounce around the room.
‘That’s so weird. My man is originally from the north too. I keep joking to Ashley it must be where all the good ones are hiding!’
Laura’s bright green eyes were agreeing with every statement I said. ‘Yes, yes, yes! I mean, Cameron is unlike any man I’ve ever met. He’s funny, sexy, caring and honestly so masculine. He’s just unlike any other man,’ she said.
My mind froze at the coincidence.
‘Yes, mine is too!’ I said, dispelling the weird feeling. ‘I’ve never met anyone so thoughtful. So, do you get a chance to phone him and stuff if he’s in Baghdad? How does that work?’
Laura let out a slight puff. ‘We can only text just now. He’s been on an assignment for two weeks so I’ve not been able to FaceTime him, but we WhatsApp during the day and things.’
My heart beat stronger in my chest.
‘Have you got a picture? I need a swatch, Laura!’
‘Of course. He’s my screensaver! I know, I’m such a saddo!’ she said, radiating pure joy. She turned her phone screen around, and everything froze.
I stared, hoping the image would change.How can this be?
It wasmyCameron.
Myboyfriend.
Mylove.
But there he was lying in bed with this stunning woman, staring into her eyes with pure lust. He didn’t look at me this way. This is what I’ve craved. From the second I met him. But he was doing it with her.
Still, I couldn’t comprehend it.
Why did she have his photo stored on her phone?
I stood entirely still, feeling my eyes begin to water.
‘He’s hot, right? Superhot!’ She beamed.
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Then I cleared my throat and said, ‘Wow,yes! Super-duper hot!’
