Debbie rolls her eyes, and it is just like being back in Wales with the two of them. Nothing has changed since we were last together.
Abe and I take Debbie and Nigel inside the houseboat and show them around. The decorations have been revamped slightly since Debbie was last here, as I have moved the furniture around a bit. This time she can stay in my room as I’ll be onAquaholicwith Abe.
Nigel has a good look around the living room and kitchen area as he brings in the luggage.
‘I have to say, this isn’t quite what I expected. It’s much better and, fair play, it doesn’t even smell of damp.’
‘Nigel!’ scolds Debbie.
‘Well, I’m just saying it as it is. I’m being nice. You’ve done a lovely job, Sandy. Much better than I expected. Ooh, yes. Now, I could live somewhere like this.’
‘Could you?’ Debbie and I look at each other hopefully.
‘Oh, definitely. It would be a bloody lovely way to live now I’m retired.’
I wonder when Debbie is going to tell Nigel thatAquaholicnext door is for sale. I suspect she will take him on the Heineken Experience and ply him with samples there first.
‘Can you go out on the roof there?’ asks Nigel inquisitively.
‘Oh, yes. Go and have a look.’ When he sees the rocking chair and the scenery, Nigel is going to be sold.
Debbie is about to whisper something to me when Nigel comes back down.
‘Debs, have you seen it up there? Brilliant view over the canal.’
‘Yes, I know. I saw it the last time I was here.’
‘Imagine smoking a pipe up there in your dressing gown, rocking back and forth,’ says Nigel.
‘Oh, for goodness’ sake, you can’t stand pipe smoke.’
‘No, true. But what I mean is, it’s very relaxing up there.’
Debbie winks at me, delighted that Nigel is already falling in love with the place. I hadn’t expected him to be this easy to win over but, then again,New Beginningshas that effect on people.
‘Right then. We’d better leave you to settle in for a while. I’m sure you want to unpack and freshen up before tonight. Anyway, I have an important appointment to attend with Abe now. We’ll have to rush, or we’ll be late.’
Abe looks at Debbie curiously.
‘Do you know where she wants to take me? She’s been planning this for ages and won’t give anything away,’ says Abe.
‘Nope. Sorry, only just arrived, I’ve no idea.’
Abe shakes his head.
‘We’ll be back at seven p.m. to collect you for dinner. I thought we could go to a fabulous Chinese restaurant on the water tonight. It’s not too far from here. Is that okay with you, Nigel?’
‘Oh, yes. I do like a chow mein.’
‘Great. They have robot waiters and everything. It’s so much fun there.’
‘Oh, I don’t know about robots. They’re putting people out of work, aren’t they?’
‘It’s okay. There are still lots of staff there. Don’t worry. I promise you’ll like it.’
I shake my head at Nigel; he is so set in his ways. I do hope Debbie can talk him into moving next door like she believes she can.
‘Maybe we should have let them stay onAquaholicso they could get a feel for it. See if they like it,’ I say to Abe, as we head to the appointment I have made for us.
