Beyond Obsession

Dubai, Dream Vacation

Chapter 1

He finally arrived in his dream vacation location; Dubai city was beautifully lit that night. Taylor Morgan finally cleared with the airport's authority and headed to the exit. It had been quite a long and tiring flight, even for him, a person about town. He traveled from one city to another, one country to another, all for his business. All the years if his hard work had finally paid off. It was going to be an amazing holiday for him, he hoped. His cab awaited him right at the exit of the arrivals terminal. He wanted to make this his time without having to worry about his job. 

As they headed for the La Mada Hotel, Taylor wondered what it was like to live in this hot city. He was so excited that he was smiling at himself. The streets were well lit and decorated, after all, Dubai people seemed to know only so much about life. He was going to experience too, he thought to himself as the cab pulled over in front of the hotel. There was staff to help him with his luggage and he walked over to the reception desk. 

“Hello, my name is Taylor, I have a reservation here.” He said to the smiling receptionist behind the desk. 

“Hello, Sir, just a minute,” The professional receptionist said as she reached to check his reservation. 

The smile on her face faded. “I don’t think you do sir, are you sure you reserved a room? We are full.” She continued. 

What a disappointment? Taylor had flown over the oceans to come to this place and now he didn’t have a place to sleep. 

“What do you mean? Check again!” Taylor said authoritatively. He could not believe that the first night in Dubai was going to be this terrible. 

“Sir, I am sure. We do not have that record.” The receptionist said even after seeing his frowned face. 

“So what am I supposed to do now?” Taylor asked, looking at the lady sternly. “I want to speak to your manager!” Taylor said. He was somehow angry but he knew how to control his anger. After all, there is always a chance when you seek high powers, he thought.

“What’s going on here?” A voice came from the waiting lounge. Taylor looked behind him only to see a short blond woman. 

“Are you the manager?” Taylor asked. He wanted to rest, he had spent months anticipating for this trip and he did not want it ruined. 

“I am not but I am sure I can help.” Said the woman. “My name is Natalie and I am a community manager.” She said, putting her hand out to him. He was a gentleman, and also quite professional. So, Taylor opted to listen to what Natalie had to say. 

“I made a reservation with you guys like a month ago. How is it now that you do not have my room even after sending me a confirmation mail?” Taylor asked. He did not want to sound rude. He knew he would eventually come up with a solution.

“I apologize for all this Mr..?” Natalie said, offering him an opportunity to introduce himself.

“Taylor, Taylor Morgan.” He responded, feeling somehow awkward that he hadn’t told her the name.

“You can go ahead, Joss,” Natalie said to the receptionist who was eager to get away from the situation.

“I understand that this is really disappointing and we do take full fault in this,” Natalie said after having Taylor calm down at the lounge. There were not as many people other than the guests who were getting in and out of the hotel.

“Yes it is your fault,” Said Taylor. “Now what do I do because I am not about to stay in another place. I mean, I chose this hotel you know.” He continued.

“I am going to make you an offer. You will get 20% off the initial amount but you will love it!” Natalie offered. Her goal was to serve the client to the bet she could. And because she was a community manager, both online and direct relationships were her forte.

“Okay, shoot! I like a good negotiator.” Taylor said. He was a really good businessman.

“I know someplace but I want to take you there first before you can decide. Can we?” Natalie said, standing up to lead the way out. She signaled one of the concierge officers to help load Taylor’s luggage in the car, her car.

“Oh, we’re using your car. Great!” Taylor said out loudly. He wondered why Natalie had offered to help him. She was not even responsible for the mix-up but he went on with the plan anyway. “You work and live here?” He asked Natalie as he adjusted his safety belt.

“I have been here for the last decade,” Natalie said, as they exited the hotel.

“Ten years? I have never been here, what I o special about this place though?” Taylor asked. He genuinely wondered why she had moved to Dubai.

“Well, it is hard to explain what is so good about this place. But you will see, give it a few days.” Natalie said. She was convinced that Taylor would love Dubai.

“Should I be worried? So I am in a strange woman’s car and a strange country.” Taylor said, jokingly.

“Don’t you think it is too late to turn back? I mean we are in the freeway in the middle of a desert, what are you going to do Taylor, or do they call you Ty?” Natalie aid, in a straight face. Taylor was a little bit scared.

“What are you going to do to me?” He asked, trying to sound confident, hoping that they were only joking.

“Well, let us see how this goes when I take this exit!” Natalie as she took the exit. A few hundred meters from the exit, Natalie took another turn and this time off the highway. She proceeded and pulled over in front of the wooden cabin-like resort. It was not as lit as the city had been.

“Welcome to the Jefferson Holiday Home!” Natalie announced as she opened the door and hopped out. Taylor was a little bit scared now.

He got out of the vehicle and there stood a magnificent bungalow. Jefferson Holiday home was well lit, and Taylor was eager what they had to offer. From the door emerged a lady, about 5’7” accompanied by a male counterpart. Taylor hoped that the service was going to be great, he was not ready for more unpleasant surprises.