Time escapes us as we wander around and then realise our slot is almost up.
‘Time to let someone else enjoy it,’ I say.
‘Yeah. Thank you for bringing me here. I love museums but I never get a chance because Nigel hates them. I’m having the best time.’
‘Good, I’m so happy you are.’
‘Oh, talk of the devil and he’s sure to appear. It’s Nigel. I’ve told him I’m at the museum with you. He’s asked if it’s the sex museum.’
Debbie rolls her eyes and even though she is still furious with him, she can’t help but laugh.
‘Ha, well, that might be a museum you could entice him to. Maybe you should bring him out with you next time.’
‘No, thanks. I’m relishing my bestie time and besides, I wouldn’t want him getting ideas. God forbid, he might want… sex!’
Once again, we giggle through the streets before we decide to stop for a glass of wine at a canal-side cafe. One of the many things I love about this city is that there are so many places to choose from.
Over our wine we talk about how Hannah is settling in in Australia and if I hear anything much of Paul.
‘You know, I don’t really. We’re leading such different lives now with him back home in Oz and me here, there’s not much to say. At least things aren’t awkward between us. I’d hate to be one of those couples who would have to sit miles apart at their daughter’s wedding one day. No matter what has happened, we had a beautiful daughter together. We just drifted apart as we got older. Nothing is going to change the good times we had.’
‘Sounds like a sensible outlook. Life’s too short to bear grudges, except when it comes to me and Nigel, of course. But seriously, it’s not nice when the kids get caught in the middle of two adults separating. I know she’s grown up, but you’ve done Hannah proud the way you both behaved.’
‘That means a lot, thank you. So, yeah, it’s fine. We’re all friends, but there just isn’t much to say to each other. That part of our lives is over. I know if he was concerned about Hannah, he’d let me know, and she seems happy over there. I have to leave them to it, really. I miss Hannah though.’
‘I bet you do. Maybe she can come over and visit you here?’
‘One day, perhaps. For now, she’s too busy settling into Melbourne life, living the dream. I’m glad she’s found her feet. She always felt like an outsider. By the way, Hannah told me Paul’s met someone. It was inevitable, I guess.’
‘Really? I wonder what she’s like?’
‘Well, Hannah seems to get on well with her; I guess that’s the main thing.’
‘So, you’re okay with that?’
‘Yeah. I suppose I never expected him to stay single for the rest of his life.’
‘I would. If Nigel and I got divorced I’d want him single forever. Ha! But I wouldn’t bother again, I’m pretty sure of it.’
‘Yeah, I absolutely get the bit about not bothering again. It’s different when you’re young and want children, marriage, the whole nine yards. I feel as though I’ve had my family. I’m too long in the tooth for nonsense from anyone now. Besides, I don’t want the pain and having to find my feet after a break-up ever again, even though I know it was probably for the best for Paul and I.’
‘Totally. That’s why it’s much better to stay single. You’re so lucky,’ says Debbie.
I think of Abe and how tempting he is. Am I lucky? I guess I am. I don’t even know that I could live with someone again now that I’ve become so used to my own space.
‘Anyway, we’d better drink up. We’re not far from the Anne Frank House.’
I lead Debbie through the narrow streets and past the beautiful buildings of the Jordaan District, where we pass antiques shops and art galleries.
When we finally reach the house, I get that déjà vu moment as we stand outside the black doors. This is where Nicky and I came on our weekend trip. I will always remember coming here the first time round. How could you ever forget this place? It will always be emotional, eerie and utterly devastating.
‘Are you sure you want to go in? It’s quite upsetting,’ I warn Debbie.
‘Yeah. I want to pay my respects. Such a terribly sad story. She was just fifteen or so when she was killed, wasn’t she? Why do people have to go to war?’
‘I don’t know. As a complete pacifist, I absolutely can’t bear it.’
‘So sad. It makes you think, doesn’t it? Here I am, moaning about Nigel. He’s moaning about wanting to spend money and it puts everything into perspective. I think I’m going to give him a ring once we’re out of here.’
