Page 22 of A New Life in Amsterdam

It’s not exactly a beautiful new beginning when I wake up bleary-eyed the next morning, but I still have a smile on my face and nothing is going to take that away, despite the fact that I could stay in bed and cwtch in all morning.

I force myself to get up and put the kettle on in case I am tempted to stay in bed.

I switch on my phone as I wait for the kettle to boil and am surprised that it starts ringing immediately.

My first concern is that something has happened to Hannah.

Is it an emergency? I calm myself down by reminding myself that Paul is there with her in Melbourne, but still, the anxiety is unbearable until I realise that it is Debbie.

‘Hi, everything okay? It’s early.’

‘You must have slept in. It’s nine thirty a.m. here already.’

‘Oh, gosh, yes. I have. Had a bit of a wild night last night. Who’d have thought I’d be having wild nights out in Amsterdam at this stage in my life, hey?’

‘I’m so glad for you, but…’ Debbie starts crying.

‘Oh, Debbie. I’m sorry. I’m going on about myself. Are you okay?’

‘No, I’m not. I’ve had the biggest row with Nigel. Can I come and stay?’ Debbie sobs down the phone and I wonder what can be so bad between them that has got her into such a state.

I can’t bear to hear her so sad. The one thing I don’t miss about being married is an upsetting argument with your other half.

‘What on earth’s happened?’

‘He’s being a jerk. You know what he can be like.

He’s giving me the silent treatment and the atmosphere is awful.

He’s slamming things down and being horrible.

I can’t live with him any longer, honestly.

I know you’ve only just moved there, but please can I come and stay for a week or two? I need some time to think.’

‘Of course you can. I told you that you’re always welcome here. Tell Nigel to stop being so childish. Do you want me to sort him out? Shall I speak to him?’

‘Ha, no. It’s okay, I think we need a bit of a break away from each other. We’re around each other too much and getting on each other’s nerves. A break will do me the world of good. Thank you, Sandy. You’re the best friend ever.’

‘Don’t be silly. Look at the times I was upset when Hannah moved over to Australia. I was always bursting into tears because I missed her so much. That’s what friends are for. Through thick and thin, we are. So, when did you want to come over?’

‘Tomorrow? Is that okay? There’s a flight leaving Cardiff around five and there were a couple of seats left when I last checked. Is it okay if I get that one?’

‘Yes, of course it is. It’ll be amazing to see you. Goodness, tomorrow. I can’t wait to show you around.’ I should be starting my Dutch lessons tomorrow, but I guess it can wait a week.

‘I know. It’ll be brilliant. I get to see my best friend and escape Nigel’s bad mood. You truly are a superstar, thank you. All being well, I’ll be in Schiphol early evening and will get a train into Amsterdam. I already looked it up and it seems quite easy.’

‘Yeah, it’s very easy. I’d pick you up if I had a car, but the only thing I plan on getting here is a bicycle and I don’t think you’d want a lift on my handlebars.’

‘Now that would be hilarious, going along the canals of Amsterdam with me riding shotgun. But no, it’s more than enough that I can stay with you. You’ve already cheered me up no end. Please, don’t think about organising anything special. I’ll get a taxi to your place. I’ve got the address.’

‘I’m happy to meet you at the station. It’s not that far, just a twenty-minute walk.’

‘No, it’s fine. You know how much luggage I travel with. I always overpack. I’ll grab a taxi and be with you by evening. Can’t wait to see you. Oh, and do you need any creature comforts from here? Anything you miss from home?’

‘Ooh, what have I missed since I’ve been here? Let me think.’ I’ve been enjoying the Dutch food so much that there isn’t anything I have missed particularly.

‘Perhaps custard creams. I’ve not seen any in the supermarket yet. Although maybe I haven’t looked hard enough, but a packet of custard creams and some of those fancy sea salt crisps I like would be amazing, thank you.’

‘Brilliant. I shall see you tomorrow then, with your goodies.’

‘I can’t wait.’

By the time Debbie has put the phone down she is sounding a lot happier.

It will be so nice to see her, although, as I look around, I realise I have a few things to sort out first. The spare room, for a start.

Until now, I’ve used it to dump my suitcase and anything that didn’t quite fit in my bedroom.

It’s going to be a busy time getting everything ready for Debbie’s arrival.

I panic as I realise there’s not even a bed in there.

I haven’t had much to do with Gerrit recently, but I pick the phone up to ask him where he thinks I could find a camp bed at such short notice.

‘Hey, how are you settling in?’

‘Oh, brilliant. Everything’s perfect.’

‘I’m so happy to hear that. It’s a different way of life living on a houseboat. I guess it’s not for everyone, but if you can be chilled and okay dealing with the occasional leak, then you’ll be fine.’

‘Leak?’ He never mentioned anything about those when he sold me this place.

‘I guess it’s been quite dry this year, so you’ve been lucky there’s no leaks so far.’

‘Okay, let’s hope there aren’t any in the future. Anyhow, do you know where I can find a folding bed?’

‘Yes, of course. IKEA. There’s a big one here. Have you been there to look?’

‘Nope, but that’s a great idea. I’ll go online now and check it out. Thank you, Gerrit. Don’t know why I didn’t think of that – you’re always so helpful.’

‘No problem. Oh, and while you’re on the phone, did you get the surprise I left for you?’

‘Surprise?’

‘The pumpkins?’

‘It was you who left them for me? Ah, thank you so much. They add a splash of colour to my front door here. I wondered where they had appeared from.’

‘Sorry, I should have sent you a message. I hope it didn’t alarm you.’

‘No, not at all. I wasn’t alarmed, only curious.’

‘It’s just my wife and I took the kids to a pumpkin patch, and they got a little carried away.

They couldn’t decide which pumpkins they wanted, so we took far more than we needed.

The kids carved the ones they wanted, and we had two left over, so I thought, since you’re such a great customer, that I’d drop them over to you. Call it a housewarming present.’

‘Well, that’s very kind, and thank you for finally solving the mystery.’

As soon as I finish chatting to Gerrit, I order some bits from IKEA, including a camp bed, sheets and a single duvet, along with a print of a sailing boat for the room.

It’s not quite a houseboat, but hopefully it will make Debbie feel at home.

Although as I look at the room in its current state, I can see that it is going to be a big job to sort things out in time for tomorrow.

I sigh as I look at all the mess. Why did I think it would be a good idea to use the spare room as a storage area?

There’s some cupboard space still left in the wheelhouse, and I find myself stuffing books and photographs inside.

By early afternoon, I have made enough space for the bed to go in.

By the end of the afternoon, the room is practically empty, although if Debbie opens the cupboard in the wheelhouse, everything is going to come flying out.

Perhaps I should have been even more conservative with all the stuff I brought over.

I dust and polish and wonder if I have enough time to run to the flower market for some fresh tulips.

It would be nice for Debbie to arrive to tulips in her room to make it even more authentic.

Since I don’t want to risk missing the IKEA delivery tomorrow, I pop my coat on and head over to the flower market before it closes. As I am passing Aquaholic, I see Abe outside.

‘Hey.’ He waves over to me as Ted comes running down off his houseboat to greet me.

‘Hello, Ted.’

‘Sandy, I was hoping I’d see you today. How’s the head?’

‘Yeah, it’s not too bad. It was a lovely evening. Hope you didn’t have a sore head this morning.’

‘No, I didn’t have too much last night.’

‘Me neither.’

‘That’s good, I’m glad. Hey, you know, I was wondering if you wanted to get a bite to eat tomorrow night? I know a great cosy traditional place I think you’d love.’

‘Ah, I can’t do tomorrow night. My friend is arriving. In fact, I’m just on my way to the flower market to get some tulips to brighten up the place for her.’

‘That’s a shame. Maybe after she’s gone, perhaps we could go then?’

‘Yes, that would be lovely. In the meantime, I’m sure you’ll get to meet her while she’s here.

In fact, I was thinking of having a party, if she’s up to it.

I’m officially renaming the boat New Beginnings, and I was thinking I might have a naming ceremony party.

Although I won’t be smashing anything against the deck, of course. ’

‘That’s a great idea. I love the name. It suits you and the boat.’

‘Yeah, I guess it does.’

‘Anyway, I’d better catch the flower market. I’m going to have to run.’

‘Of course. I’ll look forward to seeing you soon.’

‘Yeah, me too.’

As I walk away from Abe and Ted, I smile to myself.

In fact, I am still grinning by the time I reach the flower market and choose two bunches of perky-looking tulips.

The colourful market is so vibrant, and I realise that life can’t possibly get any better than this.

I am in a city I love, my best friend is arriving tomorrow, and my next-door neighbour is utterly gorgeous and we kissed last night.

There is nothing more I could possibly ask for.