‘Ah. Okay. Now it makes sense. I came home the other night and Ted was ahead of me. When I reached him, he had shredded tissue everywhere. He must have eaten it!’
‘Oh, naughty Ted. How funny. Thank goodness I hadn’t put any chocolate topping on. I should have thought. I’m so sorry.’
‘No, it’s fine. Thank you, I am pretty sure Ted appreciated it.’
We have just stopped laughing about Ted and how naughty he can be when we reach my houseboat. I am nervous of what Abe will expect. I hope he doesn’t want to come in.
‘Umm, so I guess I’d better get to bed,’ I say. I hope he doesn’t think I mean with him joining me!
‘Yes, of course. It’s late and I’m in the cafe early tomorrow.’
‘Well then, thank you for walking me home.’
‘Thank you for allowing me to.’
Abe reaches towards me and kisses me goodnight. It is all very polite and, thankfully, he is the perfect gentleman. I practically skip inside and lean against the door as I think about how lovely he is. As I grin to myself, I know exactly what name I am going to call my lovely houseboat. It is going to be calledNew Beginningsand I couldn’t think of anything more appropriate.
Chapter Eighteen
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 andcwtchin 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?’
