He waved a hand. “Yep. I’m the sad sack who’s still in love with his ex-wife. Sue me. Anyway, I’d go for ginger tea and a bracelet over the anti-nausea meds because the meds will knock you right out. And from what I understand you have … a date, tonight?” He gave me a look with an eyebrow raised.

“Can’t keep a secret on a boat,” I mumbled. Clearly word had spread fast. Thanks, Andrea. “Is it weird? I mean is everyone okay with this … development?” What did I call it? A two-day booty call with their boss?

“It shouldn’t matter to you what we think.” He rummaged around in the vegetable basket, pulling out some ginger.

I lifted a shoulder. “But—”

“We’re happy for him. Trust me. Just … be careful.”

“Careful?” It was sweet of Chef to worry about me getting hurt. The boat leaned and my stomach complained. I pulled a bracelet off the card display backing and put it on. Better than nothing.

“He’s been hurt,” Chef went on. “He’s closed off. I know it because I … well, I recognize it. If he opens up to you, please take it for the gift it is and don’t take advantage.”

My eyebrows pressed together. “Of course.” I swallowed, feeling silly now I’d thought his concern was for me. And almost guilty, even though I’d done nothing wrong.

Chef sliced the ginger root. “You know that song ‘Graceland?’ By Paul Simon?”

“Vaguely.’’

He turned on the fancy coffee maker and set out a mug to fill with hot water.

He held up a bottle and inspected the label. “Honey?”

“Uh. Sure. Thank you.”

“Lavender honey.”

“Oh, I love that. I thought we were out.”

“I hid some. It’s from the farm next to Pascale’s estate. The place is famous for lavender. You should see it all in bloom. Bloody gorgeous. Anyway, you ever listened to the lyrics?” He dumped the chopped ginger and a generous spoonful of honey into a mug.

“To ‘Graceland’?”

“Yeah. It’s about this dad, a single dad, and his kid. On a road trip. And he says …” He looked up in thought. “Hmm. I’ll butcher it. Hot water’s ready.” He put the mug under the hot water spout and filled it. Then he gave it a stir, took out the spoon and put a saucer over the top. “Needs to steep. It says something like when you’ve lost love, it’s like everyone can see inside your heart and see that you’re blown apart.”

I swallowed, my throat thick.

“Anyway, it’s true,” Chef went on. “It feels like everyone can see your damage, so you brick that hole closed in whatever way you can, with whatever you can. And it’s not always a sound structure, if you know what I mean.”

“I—”