When Xavier left the boat for in person meetings, I’d encourage Dauphine to stay out of the sun and we’d watch movies, play board games, or cards before dinner with the crew. In the evenings, we’d compete to see who could wish on the first star. It was blissful in so many ways. But it was also clear that whatever fragile camaraderie Xavier and I had built up after our rocky start, it had shattered the night on the deck. And I wished I knew why. He wasn’t rude, but he wasn’t exactly friendly either. And he definitely avoided being alone with me.

I missed Charleston, my mom, Meredith, and Tabs, in theory—even elements of my job, of course—but I’d grown so attached to the crew, the rhythms of boat life, and obviously, Dauphine. My best friend in the world right now was a ten-year-old girl. And Andrea, of course. She was fun too, and she and I had grown closer over the last week, chatting after Dauphine went to bed.

Finally on French time, I’d actually woken up earlier than usual this morning. So before leaving my cabin, I spent some time emailing my resume to the few architectural firms I knew of in Charleston. And then, biting my tongue, I’d applied to some farther afield. I didn’t want to leave Charleston, but I was slowly starting to realize I might not have a choice if I wanted a job in the field I’d spent eight years training for. It would be a step down in prestige, and many of the firms were responsible for some outright monstrosities. But beggars weren’t exactly choosers. And as gorgeous as this little sojourn on the Mediterranean was, I was well aware I needed to get back to reality at some point. I quickly read through the requirements and submitted for a senior position at a firm called Kendrick & Rutledge in Columbia, saying a quiet prayer of forgiveness for going over to the dark side of office park and strip mall architecture, and then closed out the connection.

After another delicious breakfast, I laid my hands on my belly at the table in the galley, wondering how long until the carb fest would catch up.

Andrea noticed and chuckled. “I was going to offer you this last piece of baguette, but I’m guessing not.”

I groaned. “Back home, yoga and spin kept me toned while at my desk job.”

“At least you’re swimming a lot,” she said.

“True. But perhaps Dauphine and I should step up the yoga too.” I’d found a YouTube yoga class on Dauphine’s iPad that was a perfect mix of beginner and advanced.