We tried the snorkel gear, but Paco asked us not to go too far from the boat since Evan had taken the tender, and if we got into trouble by the rocks, he wouldn’t be able to get to us as the main boat was so large. Still, being able to float along the surface of the crystal-clear water at a depth of what I assumed to be about thirty to forty feet was mesmerizing. It was incredible to see the sandy and rocky bottom and the small silver fish with yellow tails that darted about here and there. Sadly, we also saw several pieces of half-buried glass, aluminum, and plastic trash. Dauphine saw it first, and motioned to me, before pointing and then making a crying action at her mask with balled up fists. I loved that this bothered her. It bothered me. I made a heart symbol with my thumbs and forefingers and pointed at her.

Eventually our hungry bellies called us back to the boat, and we lay on the swim deck to dry off in the bright sun.

I hadn’t had such carefree fun in quite some time. My skin was dusty and tight with salt, I was thirsty, and my eyes stung slightly, but I felt so at peace. I let out a long sigh and turned my face to Dauphine. “Thank you,” I said sincerely.

“Pourquoi?”

How to explain in a way she’d understand. “It’s been a long time since I enjoyed swimming so much,” I told her, but it didn’t come close to expressing the joy and relief in my chest.

She grinned, clearly pleased with my gratitude.

“Lunch is ready,” Andrea called from above us.

Dauphine leapt up.

Shading my eyes, I sat up and squinted to see Andrea. “Be right there. Are we eating outside or should we change first?”

“Outside. We’ll eat on the lower back deck since Mister P is off the boat.”

I stood and followed Dauphine, climbing the short built-in step ladder.

Andrea handed us fluffy navy and white towels.

Paco sat at the head of the table on the back deck and Chef at the end. Rod, Andrea, Dauphine, and I filled in. There were a couple of large baguettes, hams, and salami, cheeses, and a large Salade Niçoise with green beans, boiled eggs, olives, and tuna over luscious green leaves. Chef pointed at the large bowl. “No anchovies for the little princess.”

“Merci,” Dauphine told him and stood, leaning over and giving him a big smacking kiss on the cheek.

Chef looked so taken aback that we all burst out laughing.

He grinned ruefully.

Andrea poured everybody some sparkling San Pellegrino water. “So,” she said, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “We've all been wondering what you said to Mr. P to make him laugh so hard last night.”