Page 27 of A New Life in Amsterdam

Debbie has always loved entertaining. She is forever doing a Macmillan coffee morning and when her son, Ollie, was younger, she would be in her element having the school mums over and arranging bake sales.

So, I am not surprised to see that she is up at the crack of dawn the next morning and, by the time I get up, she already has the oven on ready to bake for our party.

I hope she realises that my teeny oven is going to be nowhere near as effective as her top-of-the-range Rayburn at home.

‘I popped out early to the supermarket. I hope you don’t mind. Thought I’d bake one of my Victoria sponges. We can show your Dutch friends that we have good food in the UK too.’

‘Fantastic… And if nobody comes then I can eat it all myself.’

‘Silly, of course people will come. I bet they’re looking forward to seeing you again.’

‘I don’t know. I really should have put an RSVP on the invites. At least then I’d have some idea. I just didn’t want to stress everyone out since it was so last-minute that I decided to throw this thing.’

I haven’t spoken to Abe about it and he hasn’t popped over to say he is coming either.

I am still so embarrassed by the fact that he caught me ogling him on the canal.

Why do I always make such a buffoon of myself when it comes to him?

I have never felt so clumsy and silly around a man.

I always seem to be mortified about something I have done.

‘I was thinking I could make some cucumber sandwiches, what do you reckon?’ asks Debbie.

‘Do the Dutch like cucumber sandwiches?’

‘I’ve no idea, but I thought we could put on a British night. Of course, it’s your party. But how about jugs of Pimm’s and cans of apple cider?’

‘Sounds great, although they might think they’re at Wimbledon and not at an autumn houseboat-naming celebration.’

‘You’ve a good point. Okay, let’s rethink this. How about pumpkin soup, apple and blackberry crumble, as well as my speciality Victoria sponge, pumpkin spice lattes and mulled cider?’

‘Now that sounds amazing. Shall I give you a hand with the cooking?’

‘No, you know what I’m like. I’m in my element. Leave it to me. You organise the decorations and I’ll carry on with what I do best.’

‘Fabulous. I’ll pop to the shops in that case, and pick up what I can to decorate.’

I rush out, not having brushed my hair properly as I am in such a hurry to get organised with the decorations.

As soon as I leave my front door, I see Abe locking up.

Oh no, do we have to exit our homes at the exact same time?

I quickly pull my hood up and try to pass incognito, even though I realise I look like one of the guys down the Red Light District.

I don’t manage my disguise though, and Abe shouts over to me.

‘Hey, Sandy.’

‘Oh, hello, Abe. Didn’t see you there.’

‘You all set for your party later?’

‘Yeah. I’m just off to get some bits to brighten the place up. Are you coming over tonight?’

‘Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss it. I’m really looking forward to it.’

My heart skips a beat at the thought of him joining us.

‘Ah, good. I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to make it.’

‘Oh, I wouldn’t miss my favourite neighbour’s party.’

I giggle nervously and consider his words. Did he really say favourite neighbour? Mind you, I still don’t know who Abe has living on the other side of him, so perhaps that is someone totally miserable, and anyone would be an improvement.

‘Anyway, I’d better get going. I’ve left Debbie in charge of the oven, and it can be a bit temperamental. I don’t want to leave her for too long.’

‘Yeah, I heard terrible things about that oven from Henrik. You must be careful not to let it overheat.’

Oh. I guess a new oven should be next on my never-ending list of home improvements then. I think of Nigel’s words about the cost of boats. I am beginning to think he wasn’t just being a killjoy.

I bid goodbye to Abe and set off to the shops. I want to get back as soon as possible so that I can make sure everything is absolutely perfect for tonight; especially now I know that Abe will be coming.

By seven p.m. I have tied Dutch and Welsh flags all around the houseboat and we are ready to expect the unexpected. I might have no idea who will show up tonight, but at least I know Abe will be here, and Gerrit is coming along with his wife.

Debbie has arranged a mouthwatering display of autumn dishes and the smell of pumpkin soup is wafting through the air. With the mulled cider simmering away, you could almost bottle the smell in here and sell it as an autumn cologne down the market.

We put on some Nat King Cole in the background and wait for everyone to arrive.

The one thing I have learnt about people here is that everyone is quite casual and, while back home I would have probably put on a nice dress whenever I was throwing a party, tonight I am wearing jeans and a jewel-coloured plum jumper that sweeps down at the neck, revealing a thin silver chain.

I take one last look in the mirror and get ready to welcome Abe and the rest of my neighbours.

The first people to arrive are Pieter and Lotte, whom I met at the Halloween party.

‘Hey, you made it. Good to see you.’

‘We never miss a party. Smells gorgeous in here. Like cinnamon and spices,’ says Lotte.

‘Ah, that’s all down to my friend Debbie here, she’s amazing at catering for parties. Please do try one of her mulled ciders,’ I say, handing her and Pieter a cup each.

I leave them chatting to Debbie as I open the door to more arrivals.

Six strangers, who I don’t remember from the party, turn up and introduce themselves as neighbours from further down on my side of the canal.

They say their names quickly, but I am unable to remember or pronounce them, so I point to Debbie and tell them she will get them drinks.

Let’s hope Debbie doesn’t ask me to introduce them to her.

Next, Gerrit appears with his wife, who I have heard so much about.

Annika is just as he described. Gerrit told me that she plays a lot of basketball and it’s clear by her athletic build.

I feel quite unfit just looking at her. She is every bit as friendly and pleasant as Gerrit, and I excitedly introduce Debbie to them, leaving them chatting as I have to welcome another couple who I think I recognise from the previous party.

They tell me how much they love what I’ve done with the houseboat.

I thank them and then lead them over to Debbie, Gerrit and Annika for their choice of cider or pumpkin latte and rush back to the door to open it to yet more neighbours.

As I am about to close the door, I spot Camilla making her way towards me.

Ah, I wonder which houseboat she lives in.

I bet it is the perfect one with the cutesy pink roses all around the door. I smile at her as she walks towards me.

‘Hi.’ I try to welcome her, but she still seems a little hostile.

‘Hello. Is Abe here yet?’

I am taken aback by her forthrightness.

‘Um, no, I’m sure he won’t be long though.’

‘Good.’ She walks in, almost barging past me.

I look over to Debbie, trying to warn her that Camilla is more foe than friend.

Other than Camilla, it is wonderful seeing how many strangers have turned up to my party.

I never expected so many to show up, although there is one guest that I have been anticipating all evening, and so has Camilla.

Eventually, I open the door to Abe and Beatrix, who are holding gifts.

Beatrix has a single orchid in a pot for me and Abe has a bottle of the wine we picked up that day at the flea market.

‘Oh, you two. This is so thoughtful. Thank you.’ I lead them inside and put the plant pot in one of the windows so that people will see it when they walk past. It is far too pretty to be hidden away.

‘Can I interest you in the wine you brought, or would you like some of Debbie’s speciality cider?’ I ask them.

‘Cider would be nice, smells lovely. Thank you. The wine is for you, anyhow. You don’t need to share it. I remember how you liked it. Please save it for yourself,’ says Abe. He smiles kindly at me, sending my pulse racing.

‘Great, well, I think that must be everyone here. Let me get you those drinks.’ I watch Camilla make a beeline for Abe as they move in to mingle with the crowds.

I hand Abe and Beatrix their drinks as Camilla approaches them and head over to speak with Pieter and Lotte. At least they are friendly faces.

Once the final guests arrive, an older couple called Danique and Eddie that I haven’t met before, I get everyone’s attention and start my speech.

‘I haven’t met everyone here yet, but to those I have, I wanted to say thank you.

You’ve all been so kind to me. You have made this Welsh woman feel so at home and welcome in your country, and I appreciate that so much.

I’ve also got to make a special mention to Gerrit for finding me my dream home and not trying to dissuade me from buying a houseboat that I had never seen.

He must have thought I was really dotty! ’

‘Ach, you’re welcome. I knew you’d love it in the end,’ shouts Gerrit.

Then I tell them all how I am renaming the houseboat and that it will now be called New Beginnings.

We raise a toast to the new name, which all the neighbours seem to agree is the perfect fit, except for Camilla, who stares at me emotionless.

Once I finish the speech, I notice her make her way out the door, without even a goodbye.

I don’t know what her problem is, but the atmosphere feels much nicer once she has left.