Page 18 of Surviving Love

Clenching his jaw, Jack said, “We also need to gather plenty of firewood to feed the fire all night.”

“I can gather firewood,” Julia volunteered. “After we eat.”

“I’ll help.” Sherry smiled.

It wasn’t lost on me that none of the others volunteered to help with the shelter or the cover for the fire. What was wrong with these people? Was the other tribe full of so many unmotivated contestants?

“I’ll work on the shelter,” I addressed Jack stiffly. “I’m no expert, so just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

Jack nodded. “Okay.”

Harold watched our interaction. “I can help with the cover for the fire. I feel guilty about letting it go out yesterday.”

“Today’s a new day.” I smiled at him.

“Yeah, a new day where you better not let the fire go out,” Jack rumbled.

Harold laughed uneasily. “I’ll do my best.”

Luciano shrugged. “I’ll help with the shelter. I actually got some sleep, so I’m in a better place today.”

“Sounds good.” Jack nodded. “The more people who help, the better.”

“I think the rice is ready.” Sherry peered into the bubbling pot. “God, I’d kill for some butter and salt.”

“And a pork chop.” Luciano sighed. “Maybe some gravy.”

Rob groaned. “Please don’t talk about food.”

Jack watched them. “If we can learn to work as a team at the challenges, we’ll win food rewards.”

Sherry nodded. “Jack is right. But we need to gel more as a team before we’ll be successful at winning the challenges.”

“How do we gel?” Lydia asked. “We’re all pretty different.”

“Even so, we have things in common.” Jack shot me a glance. “For example, Mason and I are really different people. But we both believe in working our ass off to get things done.”

I winced a bit as the others turned their gazes on me. I was glad Jack appreciated my work ethic but didn’t want anyone resenting me. “I’m not better than anyone else. I just worked hard yesterday because I didn’t want to get drenched by the rain.”

“I’m sure the others didn’t want that either, but they didn’t pitch in like you,” Jack said.

Luciano studied me with his dark gaze. “When did you two become besties?”

“Besties?” I frowned.

“Yeah, I thought you two hated each other, but suddenly you’re buddies.” Luciano shrugged.

I laughed. “Hardly.”

Jack’s gaze flickered. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t trust Mason as far as I can throw him. Frankly, I don’t trust anyone yet. I’m simply saying we can all find things in common, if we try hard enough.”

I cleared my throat. “We don’t all have to be besties to work as a team. But we should remember that our enemy is not each other, it’s the Karangalan tribe.”

“Exactly.” Jack leaned down and picked up a machete. “And on that note, I’m going to go chop some bamboo. I’ll eat when I get back.”

I frowned. “Why don’t you eat first?”

“I’d rather get something done and then eat.”