‘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 boatNew 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.
Chapter Nineteen
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 ofAquaholicand 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.
