Page 31 of Tiger's Voyage

“What happened?”

I shifted nervously in my seat. “They didn’t do anything, really. It’s just that Ren and I argued about his amnesia. It was a really intense fight, and Kishan heard at least part of it. Phet said they were both pillows, which is true, but that doesn’t make it easier.”

Mr. Kadam drummed his fingers on his thigh. He should have been “ frustrated with my vague babblings, but he picked through my disjointed thoughts and asked, “What did Phet mean? How are they both pillows?”

“Basically, he said they were both pillows in a world of rocks, which I think means they are both good guys, and I would be happy no matter which one I choose.”

“I see. It’s been obvious to me that Kishan has developed feelings for you. Is this what you were fighting with Ren about?”

“No. Kishan was just … a convenient target. I was mad at Ren for blocking me out. For forgetting me.”

“We still don’t know why that happened.”

“I know.” I picked at the hem of my sleeve and sighed. “But my old insecurities surfaced, and I just got mad. He pushed the right buttons, which he seems to have a knack for, memory loss or not. He makes me so angry sometimes that I could just shake him.”

“If he stirs that much emotion in you, then it should be obvious which one you should pick.”

“Right.” I sighed. “That means I should pick Kishan. I’d have a much more peaceful life with him.”

Mr. Kadam leaned forward. “That’s not what I meant, but that decision I will leave entirely up to you. Phet seems to believe that you cannot make a wrong choice?”

I nodded glumly.

“Hmm. That’s interesting. A stress-filled visit indeed. If I might be so bold, I would encourage you to try to set aside your differences and learn to trust both of them. It will be much easier to focus on the task ahead if we all work in harmony. We are already halfway to breaking the curse. Finding Durga’s third gift will be our biggest challenge yet.”

I sighed and put my head in my hands. “You’re right. I’ll apologize to both of them for my outburst, but I’m waiting until tomorrow. That will give me time to cool off.”

“Good. Now what would you like to have for dinner?”

“How does humble porcupine pie sound?”

He laughed. “Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know. Shall we check the cupboards for porcupine then, Miss Kelsey?”

I laughed. “I wonder what spices go well with quill soup. I get to grind this time.”

“It’s a deal.”

The next morning, I found Kishan doing chin-ups in the gym, which was his favorite place to be other than in the kitchen or on my veranda. I watched him through the window, covertly admired his muscles, and considered what Phet had told me.

Could I really learn to love Kishan? It wouldn’t be too difficult. Whatwould be difficult would be forgetting about Ren. Maybe I never would. Myparents only dated each other. Do you ever forget your first love? How dopeople do that anyway? Could I look at Kishan with the same affection I feltfor Ren?

I guess lots of people do. People all over the world can move on from onelove to another. I just never figured I’d be one of them. I thought once I’d foundRen, I’d never have to look at another guy again. Phet seems to feel a choiceis looming in the near future.I bit my bottom lip.There’s still hope that Renwill somehow remember me. But what if he doesn’t? What if he can’t ever touchme again without pain? Do I just give up and say, “Thanks for the memories”?How can I be with one when the other is still around?

I heard a grunt from Kishan, and my eyes drifted back to him.

What’s my problem? Poor me. Having to pick between two of the bestlooking guys on the planet. Good, sweet, honest men who both truly care forme. Both handsome princes. Kishan would be good to me. Would love me. Agirl could do worse. Much worse. I should remember that.

I opened the sliding glass door and sat on a chair. Kishan let go of the pull-up bar and dropped to the ground. I was amazed that he could land without making a sound, as large as he was.

“Hi,” I said lamely.

He pulled up a chair across from me and sat, assessing me with his pirate-gold eyes. “Hi, yourself.”

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry for yelling at you earlier. I … well, there’s no excuse, and I apologize.”

“You don’t have to apologize. You were just frustrated. It’s an emotion I’ve become very familiar with in the past few weeks.”

“I want all of us to focus on breaking the curse. If there are unresolved issues, we’ll be distracted and someone could get hurt.”