I didn’t know what to say to that. Maybe she thought I’d feel above her or something. I wasn’t sure how to fix that. I’d just have to work hard to make sure she knew she called the shots and try not to second guess her like I had at dinner the first night about the wine. “Do you have anything you’d like help with. I’d like to be of use if I can.”

She looked around, and I could tell our easy camaraderie might have taken a blow. But I was sure we’d get it back.

“Not really. You guys should go and enjoy the market. She handed me a small flip phone. “Been meaning to set you up with this. Mister P seems to trust you already,” she went on, and I inwardly cheered. “Which I have to say I’m relieved about. I don’t know what I’d do if we hadn’t found someone. I have my own work to do, you know? Although Dauphine seems more laid back this year than she has been before. But anyway, Mr. Pascale needs us to stay put near Antibes a few days. Things have come up.” Her mouth turned down.

“Oh?” I asked, not liking the expression on her face. I took the phone and slipped it into the pocket of my shorts.

Her eyes cut nervously sideways and she gave another nervous laugh, her finger running around the lip of her coffee cup. “Antibes is where Mrs. P’s family lives. It’s, well … for a while after Mrs. P died, there was a lot of denial and blame by all parties. Things have always been tense. But more so after.” She took a sip while I wondered what this had to do with me. “Anyway, when we come to Antibes, it’s usually because Mr. Pascale has to go and see things regarding his wife’s estate, and in particular regarding her stepbrother, Michello.” Andrea shuddered. “I never liked that guy. But he’s in prison for drugs right now, so that’s a relief at least. I shouldn’t be telling you all this, but I guess it’s good you have the lay of the land.” She shook her head. “Anyway, I wanted to talk to you because you’re being thrown in at the deep end, there might not be a day off this week, and I need to make sure you’re okay with it.”

“I’m not sure I have a choice. I wanted to quit the first day because he accused me of being attracted to him, and I couldn’t stand his arrogance. But then I got to know Dauphine, and …” I lifted a shoulder.

“Are you?”

My eyebrows pinched. “Am I what?”

“Attracted to him?”