I cut him off from the usual barrage of kangaroo and koala questions with a vague gesture toward the pool. ‘Are any of your friends teachers?’ I’m eager to explore this avenue some more, and I’m nothing if not persistent.Some would say like a dog with a bone.
‘Nope, don’t think so. IT and engineering, maybe HR?’
‘Oh.’ My shoulders deflate. ‘I’d hoped some of the teachers from my school would be living here. I haven’t had a chance to meet many of the staff yet.’
‘I can ask.’ He accompanies this with a shrug, turning his gaze to the far side of the pool. Two fingers hooked into his mouth, his resulting whistle is ear-splittingly loud. All eyes turn toward us, one massively muscled guy climbing from the ladder at the edge. As the newcomer draws near, Matt tips his chin to the building behind. ‘Any teachers live here?’
‘Why? You finally admit you need special-ed?’ The taunting newcomer’s teeth gleam against his deep tan.
‘Funny,’ Matt deadpans. ‘Rob, this is Niamh’s friend, Kate. She’s looking for teachers from her school. What was the name of it again?’
The newcomer smile widens, staring down at me as I answer.
‘Teachers? I think there’s a couple from ASD.’ Rob frowns in deep thought or from stressing his brain cells. It’s hard to tell. Call me cynical, but men with builds like his are usually overcompensating for something. ‘You coming to brunch tomorrow? You could ask around.’
I nod a small response, my mind returning to Kai. I’m listening, kind of, while noticing—in a purely abstract way, you understand—the effects of gravity against the rivulets of water on Rob’s dark and toned abs. What was it Niamh said; fit and dumb? Definitely plenty of the former, the latter is a bit harder to tell. Wonder what Kai’s torso looks like; skin like caramel, a smattering of hair by way of a treasure trail? Aware now of a lull in conversation, I look up realising my companions are silent, smiling down at my off tangent stare-fest.
Yep, that’d be me.D-U-M, not even deserving of the final B.
‘B—brunch, yeah. Niamh mentioned something about it,’ I stammer as I begin to gather my things.
‘The weekend starts here!’ Rob says quite suddenly, sliding a hand through his hair. ‘Cool accent, B-T-dubs.’Ugh, a man who speaks in acronyms. Definitely dumb.‘I love Australians, if you were any more relaxed you’d be horizontal!’Hah! You wish, mate. ‘Hey, tell me, do you guys reallyride kangaroos?’
‘It’s a national past-time,’ I answer, meeting his tone. ‘Roo’s are a doddle, getting them to carry your groceries is a bit tough, though.’
Talk turns to my homeland and its weird and wonderful creatures, and how to order a beer in an Australian pub: do you ask for a pot, a middie, a schooner? It’s very important to know. The atmosphere between us is relaxed and our conversation verytongue-in-cheek as I learn that for Dubai singles, the weekend is potentially one big party. I’m beginning to realise this place may not be the oasis of seclusion I’d imagined. Apparently, Friday brunch can be a bit of a raucous affair amongst the expat community. Fine foods and wine flowing, even dancing in some hotels. I like the idea of food and wine, but the thought of dancing in public is likely to bring me out in hives. I am looking forward to tomorrow, though. It all sounds very luxurious and a bit over the top.
Excusing myself from the offer of sundowners, I promise to see the pair at brunch.
Back in my new home, the setting sun has washed the blandness out of the room, christening it in a golden haze. As themuezzinin a nearby mosque begins calling the faithful to prayer, I close my eyes, absorbing his melodic tenor. My chest fills with warmth and I exhale my loneliness away.
Dubai. Not as I’d imagined, but it’s going to be interesting, I can tell.
