The bar is small. A balcony overlooks the surrounding streets, although the view is made up of neighbouring hotels since the Asia Palace is only eight storeys high. The river can be seen in the distance between buildings. Justin’s in the hot tub chatting away to a young couple, the girl with strands of long, adorable braids in her hair and the fella buffed up like a rugby player. The three of them sip massive cocktails, no other punters around.

‘This is my friend, Chloe,’ Justin says and waves me over. ‘She’s a Scouse.’

‘Scouser,’ I correct him and turn to the young couple. ‘From Liverpool.’

‘Cool,’ they sing.

They’re Jojo and Lachlan, who quit their bar jobs in Perth, Australia, six months ago to go travelling and have no plans to go back anytime soon. I feel ancient next to them, with their sparkling smiles and melodious vibe. They’re also super cute, tucked into one another like koala bears. The shared love they’re feeling on their journey of discovery is so apparent they might as well get it tattooed all over their beautiful, youthful skin. Justin, beside them, could be twice their age, although that’s not to say he doesn’t glow, too. I must look like Casper the (trying-to-be) Friendly Ghost as I order a mai tai and slip into the hot tub beside them all.

‘So where did you guys meet?’ Lachlan asks, looking between Justin and me.

Justin smiles, throwing the opportunity at me to answer.

‘Shopping,’ I say. ‘It was quite embarrassing, really.’

‘Oh, no. Why?’ Jojo asks, her concern quite convincing.

‘Because I’d just tripped up, right over on me ankle,’ I lie.

‘No way!’ Jojo squeals. ‘Oh, you poor thing.’

‘Tragic,’ Lachlan says, and Jojo agrees.

If only they knew.

‘Justin helped me get back here,’ I say. ‘What a gent, eh?’

Lachlan raises his hand and fist bumps Justin. Jojo gives a little round of applause.

‘It’s kind of romantic.’ She sways beneath the bubbles as Justin and I both say something about it not being anything of the sort. ‘Hey it is! You know, like Cinderella.’

‘How so?’ Lachlan teases, splashing her face affectionately.

‘Because Cinderella was probably scrubbing the floor and the prince had to help her up to try on the glass slipper. And today, Chloe fell over and Justin had to help her up. He’s like her prince.’

We all laugh and poor Jojo keeps protesting, trying to explain her notion further, digging herself into a deeper hole. She’s talking about knights in shining armour now and being rescued from towers.

‘I think society’s moved on,’ I say gently, not to sound too cynical.

‘No way, Chloe. Girls still love to be swept off their feet,’ Jojo states. ‘Fact.’

‘Or a boy might love to be swept off his feet,’ I contest. ‘Right, Lachlan?’

‘Erm … Let’s ask Justin? What do you think, man?’