As soon as I got to the main living area, I took a moment to look outside the window. We were cutting through the water, land to our right. The morning sun sparkled off the blue waves. I wanted to appreciate it more, but my need for caffeine outweighed the gorgeous view. I had yet to see where the chef worked, so I looked around for where the kitchen might be. Wait, was it even called a kitchen? A galley?
The sound of masculine laughter came from the bridge.
I headed that way to say good morning and perhaps be pointed in the right direction for caffeine.
Dauphine sat in the captain’s chair, her hands on the large wheel, and Captain Paco stood behind her, pointing into the distance. A breeze blew through the open windows and the scent of salted air was a welcome jolt to my tired brain.
“Good morning,” I greeted.
“Look! I drive the boat,” Dauphine gushed when she saw me.
I chuckled. “I can see that, no wonder it’s such a smooth ride. You must be doing a great job.”
She flushed with pride.
“I was wondering where I might find some breakfast leftovers and some coffee.”
Dauphine abandoned post, sliding off the high wooden chair. “I will bring you.” She was in tiny white shorts and a blue t-shirt. Her hair needed a brush.
Paco patted her head.
“Sorry you have to lose your co-captain,” I told him, setting my feet farther apart to allow for the motion of the boat.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked, sticking an unlit skinny cigar in his mouth.
“Not enough. I’m still on American time.”
He nodded. “It will take a few days.”
Dauphine tugged on my hand. “Come.”
I raised my other in a goodbye wave and allowed myself to be led back down to the main living area and through a doorway on the opposite side of the stairwell I used to go downstairs to my cabin. The galley was long and narrow with high end appliances. The counters were stainless steel and spotless. It looked as though it could be the kitchen of some sleek, New York City loft. Chef was nowhere to be seen, but next to an expensive looking coffee machine, which still had a glowing red light, there was a plate, a linen napkin-wrapped set of utensils, a bowl of fresh cut fruit, and a basket of bread and pastries including a croissant wrapped in a linen napkin. Croissants. My weakness. Also nestled in the basket was a small ramekin of soft yellow butter and a tiny jar of red preserves with a checkered lid.
First things first, I made myself some steaming fragrant coffee and added cream from a small metal jug left out. Then I plopped a croissant on the plate, as well as butter and preserves, and sat at the small banquette along the wall. Dauphine found another plate and helped herself to some of the fruit and joined me.
“So, what’s the plan today?” I asked her, tearing an end off of a croissant and smearing it with butter and strawberry jam. I closed my eyes as I began to chew and let out a moan of appreciation.
“You love food so much.” Dauphine observed with a giggle.
“I don’t think you understand. In America we think we know how to make baguettes and croissants, but I can tell you for sure we do not. I’m planning on putting on some weight while I am here.” I patted my belly.
She laughed with delight. “But they make good hamburgers in America, no?”
“Perhaps. I’ll let you know after I have one here. So, you never answered. What’s the plan today?”
“We go to Antibes. We will anchor in the bay. Papa has a meeting.” She rolled her eyes. “We will stay on the boat today. Paco said there might be treasure. You’ll swim with me?”
I nodded.
“I am only allowed if someone comes in the water with me.”
“As long as it’s okay with your father and Paco. I’ll need to borrow sunscreen, I forgot to bring some.”
“We have much. I will show you.”
I finished off breakfast, draining my cup of coffee, and located the dishwasher. Like everything else in Chef’s kitchen, it was clean and empty, breakfast having already been cleaned up and put away. I loaded our plates and utensils and wiped the crumbs from the counter and the table.
Then Dauphine led me through another short hallway and to a door. She rapped sharply and opened it. “Papa?”