She comes in with champagne, sets it by your hand, lets her gaze rest on your face a moment, the corner of her mouth lifting.

"Good evening, sir. I'll be looking after you all the way tonight. This is our new Emirates Gold Card — I had meant to introduce it properly."

She leans in slightly, her voice dropping, a playful, secret-sharing smile.

"But... the things in the brochure, frequent flyers are sick of hearing. I've got a few that aren't written down anywhere — saved only for the clients I take a liking to."

She straightens, smiling with certainty, nudging the champagne a little closer.

"And you... tonight I'm rather inclined to make an exception."