Page 23 of A New Life in Amsterdam

The hours fly by before Debbie’s arrival, and I finish getting everything ready for her with only half an hour to spare before the taxi is due.

There is no time to even think about Abe and what is going on between us, as I can’t wait to see my best friend, who is my priority for as long as she is staying.

Even though I’ve not stopped organising things and ensuring everything is perfect, I double-check I have a chilled bottle of wine in the fridge, along with some lovely local cheese.

I’m going to make sure Debbie has the best holiday ever.

I can’t wait to give her a big hug and make everything better for her.

How I have missed her being able to pop round on a Saturday morning.

I am so excited for her arrival that I can’t sit down, and find myself fiddling around with the kettle, then the sink drainer. I must play around with them four times before I am happy that everything is lined up straight.

At the time Debbie is due, I put my jacket on and pop outside to see if I can spot any taxis, but there is no sign of her.

I sit down on my deckchair to look out for her.

It’s getting chillier every day now that the nights are drawing in.

I wrap my fleece jacket around me tightly to ward off the cold air.

I can see the lights of Aquaholic and wonder what Abe and Ted are doing.

I picture Ted curled up beside Abe as he reads one of the literary books from his disorganised bookcase.

Finally, I take my eyes off Abe’s cosy houseboat as I see the lights of a taxi approaching.

I spot Debbie in the back, waving and smiling.

It is so good to see a smile on her face again.

I run down to the roadside and give her the biggest hug while the taxi driver struggles with her suitcase.

She was right about not travelling light, and for a moment I wonder if she is considering moving in.

‘Oh, Debbie, it’s so lovely to see you.’

‘I’m so happy to be here. I honestly couldn’t do another night with that man. Anyway, I’ll tell you more of that later but, wow, look at this! What a place you’ve got. This is just so cute. What a beautiful spot you’re in.’

‘Yeah, that’s part of the reason I had to move so fast. Finding something like this is hard. I had no choice but to take the risk and snap it up.’

‘Looks like it was worth it. Look at you. You look so relaxed and rested. I’m sure it’s taken years off you.’

‘Oh, I don’t know about that after all the hard graft I had to put in turning this place into some sort of home, but now I can take a bit more time off and enjoy the place. Anyway, come on in. It’s so cold out here.’

‘It is. I’m sure it’s colder than back home.’

‘Yeah, it’s definitely a few degrees lower. You soon get used to the Dutch climate though, believe it or not.’

Debbie is full of enthusiasm as I show her around the houseboat. I am so proud of my work as she admires what I have done.

‘Look at the wheelhouse, and all the lights from the street shining through. Oh, Sandy, this place is just magical. No wonder you’re so happy.’

‘I am. You know, sometimes a stork lands on there and blocks the sunlight. It’s amazing the things you see on the canal.’

‘I can imagine. Oh, it’s so lovely to be here. I am so chuffed for what you’ve achieved.’

‘I’ve missed you, Debbie. Come on, I’ll show you your room and then we’ll open a bottle of wine.’

After offering my room to Debbie, who politely insists the camp bed is fine, we settle down with the wine along with some cheese and biscuits.

‘So, tell me. What’s happening with Nigel?’

‘I’ve been sleeping in the spare room for the past week.

Joanne and Michael, the new neighbours three doors up, have got a new conservatory and now Nigel thinks we need an even bigger one.

He wants one of those with a retractable roof.

Have you seen the price on them? I said we need to save for retirement next year.

We’re not getting any younger. Nigel’s dad had a stroke before he was sixty.

Who cares about a fancy conservatory when that happens?

I’d rather open a bloody ISA than the roof of a conservatory.

Anyway, he’s going ballistic. He’s telling me that it is his money, and he’ll do what the heck he wants with it, and now he’s in a sulk and the atmosphere at home is just awful. ’

‘Aww, I’m sorry. I suppose it’s a lot of peer pressure.

That’s what I love about it here. Nobody cares what anyone’s got.

They just want to enjoy their lives. I went to a party the other night with the other houseboat owners and, okay, I may not have spoken Dutch, and felt a little out of place, but what I noticed was how carefree everyone was.

It was all about having fun and not who had the best houseboat. ’

‘I think I need a houseboat, sounds bliss.’

‘It is. Well, so far. Although Gerrit, you know, the agent who sold me this place, said something about leaks in the winter, so I’m a bit concerned. Everything seems far too – pardon the pun – smooth sailing so far.’

‘No, I’m sure it’ll be fine. I guess there’s a reason people downsize and live out the rest of their days as they want. It doesn’t get better than this. It’s perfect for you,’ says Debbie, looking around.

‘Yeah. I made the right decision. I hadn’t even been into half the rooms back at the cottage for months before I did the clear-out. Such a waste of space. Hopefully someone will come along soon and enjoy it there as much as we did.’

‘Oh, that reminds me. Someone was there with the estate agent the other day. Fancy car, they had. Some electric vehicle, Nigel said. They seemed all smiles when they came out, and then Nigel said he spotted the car coming back in the evening. I think they were the type that want to check what it’s like in the evening, in case there’s any antisocial behaviour and stuff. ’

‘Well, the good thing about Maes Clos is that everyone behaves themselves.’

‘In front of people’s faces, perhaps. You know that Adrian got five years for swindling the cricket club.

That’s the end of them both on the street.

No sign of either of them. Well, I suppose there wouldn’t be any sign of Adrian when he’s been banged up.

But the house is for sale now. Although, don’t worry, it won’t be any competition to yours. You’ve a much nicer back garden.’

‘I must admit, I do hope it sells soon. It’ll feel like closure. I really don’t think I’ll ever be going back to the UK. I want to stay here for the rest of my life.’

‘I hate to hear that, but I’m glad you’re so settled.

It’s good to see you like this. So independent and happy.

It’s like you’ve got a new lease of life.

I’m still so jealous. Not in a mean way – I just wish I could have your life.

It’s amazing,’ says Debbie as she finishes off the rest of the wine.

‘Thank you again for having me to stay, I feel so much better already. Just getting out from under the same roof as Nigel is a relief.’

‘Oh, I’m sure you’ll both make it up soon. You know what you two are like.’

‘I don’t know this time. I really don’t.’

‘Well, how about we do the sights of Amsterdam tomorrow to take your mind off him? I was thinking we could check out a couple of the museums, art galleries, shops and stuff.’

‘That’s brilliant. I’d love to do that. See, I told Nigel there was so much more to Amsterdam than the Red Light District and cannabis. You tried to tell him, and I did. He’s so set in his ways.’

‘Forget about Nigel for a bit. It’s time for us to enjoy ourselves. Who needs guys, hey?’

‘Definitely. We’re so much better off without them,’ says Debbie.

I decide that perhaps now isn’t the best time to bring up the subject of my gorgeous next-door neighbour.

However, nobody does a hot chocolate or a stroopwafel quite like Abe, and so the next morning I decide we should start the day off with breakfast in his coffee shop.

I wonder what Debbie’s opinion of him will be.

Will she think he is as charming as I do?

She is quite a good judge of character, and I always value her opinion.

Abe is behind the counter when we walk in and gives us a huge welcoming smile.

‘Hey, Sandy. So, is this your friend who’s visiting?’

‘Yes, Abe, meet Debbie. She’s my best friend from home.’

‘How lovely to meet you, Debbie. It must be great to catch up. What can I get you both? It’s on the house.’

‘Thanks, Abe. That’s so kind of you.’

‘Ah, just being neighbourly.’

I smile at Abe and Debbie eyes me suspiciously.

‘Um, is there something you want to tell me?’ she whispers as we sit down.

‘No, not at all.’

‘Go on, I’m not that daft. I can see there’s a spark between the two of you. Look at that chemistry.’

‘Really? You think?’

‘You can see it a mile off. It’s like bonfire night looking at all the sparks between you two. I don’t blame you, though – he is utterly gorgeous.’

I look over at Abe, who is putting the drinks on a tray to bring over to us.

‘Yeah, he is. He’s so nice, as well.’

‘He certainly is, but if I were you, I wouldn’t rush into anything.

Have fun and enjoy a bit of a fling perhaps.

You’re literally living your best life right now.

You have no idea how lucky you are to have nobody to answer to, and do what you want when you wake up.

I mean, you can do your felting, go shopping…

Forget that, maybe try and stay away from the shops, but you know what I mean, you can do anything you please.

You don’t have anyone to rush home for. Quite honestly, that sounds like bliss. ’

I know Debbie has sworn off men and marriage right now but she does have a point. Under no circumstances do I want to give up any of my independence.