Page 60 of Tiger's Voyage

“I agree with Ren. He’s up to something.”

“Will you two relax? Come on, let’s swim.”

Ren looked me up and down. “I don’t like that swimsuit anymore. I think we should go back and get one that covers more of you.”

I poked his chest. “I like this one. Stop being jealous. Both of you.”

The brothers folded their arms across their chests in identical stances and stared me down.

“Fine. Suit yourselves. I’m going to swim.”

I dove into the pool and swam to the other end. I didn’t need to look back to know that Kishan and Ren had followed.

At dinner, we were joined by our new diving instructor, who made himself comfortable next to me despite the threatening looks Ren and Kishan sent him. Wes continued his Southern drawl and told lots of cowboy and Texas jokes that went completely over Ren’s and Kishan’s heads. Mr. Kadam excused himself, saying he needed to speak with the captain about getting under way, but the boys sat stubbornly watching Wes talk to me, while contributing nothing. We talked about Texas and Oregon and what kinds of food we missed and what we liked to eat in India. I asked for another joke.

“Alrighty. What do a Texas tornado and an Alabama divorce have in common?”

“I don’t know. What do they have in common?” I asked.

“Either way … somebody’s gonna lose a trailer.”

I laughed, and Wes snuck an arm around my shoulder. I heard a soft growl. I couldn’t tell which tiger was responsible, but it meant if I wanted Wes to live until tomorrow, I’d better move away.

“Thanks for all the jokes, Wes. I’d betterhit the hayif I’m going to get up early in the morning.”

“Right you are. And I’m expectin’ ta see ya bright-eyed and bushytailed come dawn.”

I laughed and quipped, “How about I’ll be bright-eyed and the boys will be bushy-tailed?”

Ren narrowed his eyes at me.

“Goodnight, everyone.” I stood to leave.

“Wait, Kelsey.” Kishan jumped to his feet. “Let me walk you back.”

“I’llwalk her back,” Ren said.

I rolled my eyes and heard Wes give a long whistle. “I’d say there’s a few too many bulls in the pasture. Best see to it a pretty little heifer like yourself doesn’t get trampled.”

“The heifer can take care of herself. And I’ll seemyselfback. Goodnight, pardners.”

Ren and Kishan both frowned unhappily while Wes laughed and took off in a different direction.

9

Diving Lessons

There was a hollow in the pillow next to me when I awoke. I rolled over and inhaled the scent of sandalwood and waterfalls. When I grabbed the pillow to hug it, my hand touched a piece of paper.

Moon And Sea

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

You are the moon, dear love, and I the sea:

The tide of hope swells high within my breast,

And hides the rough dark rocks of life’s unrest