Novels by Phil Conner

The next morning, Suhaira woke up with a surge of happiness written all-over her face, she couldn't resist the urge to tell Zafira the whole story. She picked her phone and dialed Zafira’s number. She was impatient on hearing the phone rang, “Hello” a deep voice answer, she briefly gazed at the number whether she dialed it wrong, “Heyy, Suhaira” a voice in excitement spoke. She could recognize her friend's voice, Zafira “who picked the phone” Suhaira asked. “It's my husband, Ahmed. He's finally home and wouldn't leave again” couldn't hide the excitement in her voice. “I’m happy for you” Suhaira said The two ladies continued talking over the phone expressing their feeling and narrating what happened when they're away. THE END

That night, the heat was particularly oppressive in her airless room. So when there was a knock at her door at around midnight, she was still wide awake.“Who is it?” she called out.“It’s Zahir.”She belatedly recognized his voice, “What do you want?”“The boss wants to see you?”Beth had told her she was to be on call at all hours, but this was ridiculous! She scrambled out of bed and groped for the switch of the single overhead bulb.“He is waiting for you in the show apartment,” Zahir said, as Suhaira came out after hastily putting on some clothes.As she walked to the apartment, she wondered what was going on. What on earth did Chief Al need at this time? The front door was open and she could hear the sound of voices coming from the balcon

The next few weeks passed blissfully. She loved showing clients the property. The time spent waiting between appointments for clients was tediously boring but she passed the hours as best as she could. She had already worked her way through the ‘library’ of romance novels that had been left behind by guests. Suhaira thought it was such a pity that she wasn’t allowed to use the facilities at the resort, as those privileges were reserved for management only. Although she hadn’t swum since school, she would have loved to take a dip in the sparkling pool in the evenings. Suhaira made a mental note to wait a while and pluck up the courage to ask Chief Al for permission. After I make a few more sales, maybe.Early one morning, the phone in her unit woke her with its incessant ringing. It was Kabir the manager. “It’s the boss, Suhaira. He is flying down with some guests today.”She tried to blink away

A few hours later, she found herself sitting across a huge desk from Chief Al. Framed pictures of fancy buildings and houses covered the walls. “So I need someone to do the sales and marketing for Coral Palms at the actual site,” he said, “Do you think you are up to it?”“Would that mean that I would have to stay at the coast?” she asked. She felt a pang of uncertainty, what would her mother say?Chief Al’s belly wobbled as he chuckled, “Well it would be a very long commute to travel back to Dodoma every evening.”Suhaira could have kicked herself for coming up with such an asinine comment. This was a God sent opportunity, she’d better not mess it up. She squared her shoulders. “I would love to do it and I am sure you will be very happy with me.”“Good,” Chief Al shook her hand, “You can start tomorrow.”“Tomorrow?” “Yes of course. Didn’t you say that you were available immediately?She nodded mutely, her stomach clenching at the thought of things moving so swiftly. Oblivious to her

Thank goodness today is a Saturday!This was Suhaira’s first thought as she woke up the next morning. She could not face her lying boss and colleague so soon. Would Mr Vance expect her to leave immediately or would he wait until the end of the month to fire her? Knowing him, he would choose the most painful, humiliating way of sacking her.Suhaira pondered the situation. Amidst the detritus, one thing was clear: She needed to start earning an income soon! But first, she needed to talk. Taking a deep breath, she picked up Grace’s phone and dialled the only person that she knew she could trust;“I need you to come over,” she said.“I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” Zafeera replied.“So,” Zafeera said, putting her hands on her hips and glaring at Suhaira when she had told her the whole story, once they wer

The crowd in the ballroom had increased substantially in the short time that she had been away. The room was now filled to capacity and strains of music enhanced the lively atmosphere. Suhaira spotted David as soon as she walked in; he stood head and shoulders above most of the crowd and his rich laughter rang out across the room.There was a tall, skinny as a stick insect woman standing at his side as he held court with a group of well-dressed people. Just when I thought that this night can’t get worse, Suhaira thought as she took another deep breath, ready to face her old nemesis. Cecilia, David’s sister. A woman who hated her simply because she thought that Suhaira was not wealthy enough and therefore not worthy enough to associate with her and her ilk. Suhaira remembered how instrumental Cecilia had been in her break up with David three years ago.Before she could change direction, David turned around and looked at her.