Page 19 of What Happens in Dubai

‘Checking in?’ a voice from the reception desk called out, and we headed over to a smiling gentleman behind the desk. Raj pulled out the documents and started to fill out the forms for our stay.

‘Zara, this is the most incredible place ever. I can’t believe this!’ Ashley screeched excitedly.

‘I know, I’m seriously speechless. Look over there! Oh, and there.’ I began pointing out the features of the hotel I loved. Best of all was the huge pool area, which led out onto a sandy white beach. Beyond that, the sea glittered and stretched out to touch the sky.

‘Girls, I need one of you over to sign the papers!’ Raj interrupted our excitement. ‘You need to sign here.’

‘Yes, sorry, of course.’ I retreated to the desk. The receptionist was staring at me.

‘Where do I sign then?’ I asked, trying to break up the awkwardness.

‘Here.’ He pointed to the page in the front. ‘And, lady, please read this.’ He turned to a laminated sign on the desk and began tapping it sassily with his ballpoint pen.

‘All guests should dress appropriately or will be asked to vacate the premises.’

‘Ahh, okey dokey.’ I scrunched up my eyes, reading his name tag. ‘Adam. Well, I promise to keep them covered up!’ I placed my hands over my chest, jiggling my breasts gently for a joke to break the tension, when Raj kicked my foot under the desk.

Adam’s face fell with surprise. ‘Please do.’

I was stunned. I had no idea why he would think I was planning to wear something disrespectful. I mean, my jeans and T-shirt were not my favourite combo but they were hardly offensive.

‘Yes, she’ll be mindful of it, Adam. Thank you.’ Raj turned to me. ‘Zara, just sign the thing and we can get to our room!’

I did what I was told and dropped Adam’s pen back in his hand with a slight thud.

‘Thank you, sir, madam. Your luggage will be delivered to your rooms shortly.’

We retrieved Ashley, who was in search of the best lighting for her selfies, and headed to the lift.

‘I can’t fucking believe the cheek of him!’ I shouted as soon as the lift door was shut.

‘What? What did I miss?’ Ashley darted her head up from her phone.

‘Adam basically warned me about the clothing policy! Why would he think I’m going to dress badly!’ I spouted.

‘He probably smells you from last night and was giving you a heads-up.’ Ashley started to laugh hysterically with Raj while I stood, arms folded, allowing them to giggle at my expense.

‘Aye, very funny. Haha.’ I rolled my eyes at the pair of them.

‘Seriously, though. Your jeans are looking a little crusty,’ she continued, but fortunately I didn’t have to answer as we had arrived at level five and the doors opened.

Ashley burst out the lift like a five-year-old, desperate to find our room. She skipped down the corridor, carefully examining each door’s number.

‘Zara, Zara! This is us!’ she screamed, and I followed her excitedly up the hallway.

‘And … this is me. Right across the hallway!’ Raj rolled his eyes, mocking our excitement before popping his key card in. ‘When are we meeting for dinner? About an hour? It’s five o’clock Dubai time and I’m starving.’

Ashley and I began to giggle.

‘Make it at least two hours – remember, Raj, you’re on a girls’ holiday now. See ya!’

She snapped the key card out of my hand and opened our room door to the most magnificent suite.

‘WOW!’ My jaw fell to the thick luxurious carpet.

The room opened directly into a lounge, which had a large double balcony overlooking the sea. There were doors at either end of this space, leading to mine and Ashley’s separate rooms, each with our own en suite. This place was heaven! I lay my tired, achy, well-travelled body on top of my bed like a starfish, feeling incredibly grateful.

‘Zara, I’m gutted we aren’t sharing a room – I was looking forward to our drunken chats!’

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