A bellman opened her door. “Welcome to Al Zari hotel,” he said presenting his hand to help her out. Another lifted her suitcase from the trunk. She followed Sayeed up carpeted steps, through heavy glass doors, past marble columns, across thick carpets to the mezzanine. The air was so suddenly cool it gave her goosebumps. It smelled faintly of roses though she couldn’t find any, just tall date palms fed by light from a glass ceiling so high she had to crane her neck to see it. A beautiful Indian woman at the front desk handed a card to Sayeed. “The room is ready,” she told him, like this was a very exciting bit of news. Her eyes creased when she smiled at Rachel. “Welcome to the Al Zari,” she said softly. “I hope you enjoy your stay with us.” Sayeed led her across a marble and black onyx floor so beautiful it felt wrong to walk on. When they had reached the elevator he said, “Your suite is on the 19th floor.” Suite? She pressed her lips together to suppress another smile.
