Page 8 of Surviving Love

Still in shock at Jack’s decision, I blinked at Larry, feeling muddled. “Uh… yeah… sure.”

Larry stumbled through the sand toward the tribe he was on by default. I stayed where I was, still trying to figure out what Jack’s motive could be for picking me instead of Larry. Had he just accidentally said the wrong name or something? Had the producers urged him to choose me so we could have more drama?

I glanced over at Shep, but he seemed immersed in a conversation with one of the camera guys. The crew and the producers weren’t supposed to interact with us very much, and influencing any of our decisions was definitely frowned upon. I shifted my suspicious gaze back to Jack.

What is he up to?

Shep cleared his throat. “Um, feel free to mosey on over to your new tribe, Mason.”

Everyone burst out laughing, and my face warmed. “Uh, right.” I strode toward my group, and as I reached them, Jack turned his back on me. Judging from his cold-shoulder treatment, picking me hadn’t been any sort of olive branch. So then why bring me onto his team?

Luckily, the other members of my tribe were friendly. They shook my hand and slapped my back. Most importantly, I was on the same tribe as Harold now.

“You made the cut, kid.” Harold grinned.

“No idea how,” I mumbled.

Jack turned to me suddenly, holding out a green bandana. “Welcome to the Matapang tribe.”

“Thanks,” I said curtly, taking the band from him.

Shep handed each team leader a map. “This will lead you to your campsite. The rice and water will be waiting for you, but you have to build your shelter yourselves.” He glanced up at the darkening sky. “And the sooner, the better, I’d say.”

“The problems with the camera held us up,” Rosa complained. “Now we’ll be lucky if our shelters are built by nightfall.”

“Hey, this isDevious Island.” Shep shrugged. “This is what you signed up for.”

Jack turned to us. “Let’s get moving.” He strode off, looking at his map, and we trailed along behind him, accompanied by three cameramen.

Harold leaned closer to me. “This is some good luck, pal.”

“Yeah. Surprising too.”

“I thought for sure Jack was gonna pick Larry.” Harold stumbled in the sand slightly. “I couldn’t believe it when he said your name.”

“You and me both.” I tied my green band on my head, staring at Jack’s muscular back. I was in an awkward position by being on Jack’s team. It was never good to be at odds with the tribal leader. Obviously, it would have been in my best interests to try and ingratiate myself to Jack, but I just couldn’t imagine sucking up to him. That would be pure torture.

“Do you think the audience will like Jack?” I whispered to Harold.

Shrugging, Harold said, “Some will. Some won’t.”

“The women will love him,” I grumbled.

“Yeah.” Harold chuckled. “And the men will want to be him.”

“Personally, I can’t wait till he’s gone.”

Harold sighed. “Yeah, you two are like vinegar and oil.”

After about a ten-minute walk, we found the spot where we were supposed to build our camp. There was a big bag of rice, one pot, a frying pan, and instructions on where to find potable water provided by the show. There were also three machetes that we could use to cut materials to use for our shelter.

“Anybody here know how to make fire without flint?” Jack asked, studying the group.

Harold held up his hand. “I do. I’ve been practicing for months.”

“Good. You’re on fire duty, then.” Jack glanced at Sherry. “Once Harold has a fire going, why don’t you go get some water from the well and start the rice? We’re going to be hungry after we finish building the shelter.”

“Sure.” Sherry smiled agreeably. If it annoyed her to be placed on cooking duty, she didn’t show it.